As a junior, Madison Seeley is averaging around 20 points a game for the Alma Panthers, and she has obviously made a name for herself as one of the area’s top players.
It’s Seeley’s third year on the team. As a freshman, she averaged around nine points, and she upped that to 14 points last season. Her improvements going into her sophomore season were very significant.
“It wasn’t so much leading the team [as a sophomore], because there were some seniors,” she said. “I think I’ve improved a lot.”
Seeley was happy playing for the varsity as a freshman and sophomore and felt she handled herself okay.
“For a few games I was a little intimidated, but I got through it quick,” she said. “Then I saw my role.”
Second-year Alma coach Jennie IntVeld appreciates contributions that Seeley has made to the team. “Maddy came in last year after having a pretty solid freshman season,” she said. “She entered her sophomore year on a team with six seniors and a lot of leadership, but not a lot of scoring ability. So she really had to step into a leadership role at a really young age. She does a wonderful job of evolving into that position.
“She also plays year-round and is constantly working on her game. She makes good choices when it comes to knowing when to take it to the hole and taking the shot or set up the teammates and get her open. She’s also an incredible vocal leader. That was one thing last year that was a tough position for her. Ability-wise, she was the best kid on the floor.”
Seeley is a point guard this season.
“I think I’m taking more control of the offense and just getting to the hoop when I can, and making my passes when I can, and doing my thing when I can,” she said. “I think I’ve gotten more confident and am confident in taking the drive or the three and getting stronger and quicker.”
IntVeld said Seeley has a quick release and a quick shot. “If she has a step from a defender on the perimeter, she knows how to get her body set and shoot a quick shot. She doesn’t rush. She knows when to shoot, and she knows when to take it off the dribble. She recognizes situations well, because she’s played a lot of basketball.”
Seeley acknowledges her leadership abilities this season. “I think my strengths include getting to the hoop and being a team player when I can and knowing when I should take the shot,” she said.
In a game against Ithaca, Alma won and Seeley scored 27 points. She netted 28 points against Bullock Creek in a loss.
She’s especially been able to score on the drive. “In our last game against Bullock Creek, I think I had one or two outside shots, and the rest were from drives and free throws,” Seeley said. “I’m still working on my shot and to be a strong passer and control the ball as well as I can.”
The Panthers are young, are getting better, and are around .500, Seeley noted.
“Our current team goals are to get stronger with the ball and to beat teams we’ve beaten before again, do the best we can, and be mentally and physically tough,” she said.
Seeley plays volleyball in the fall, but basketball is her best sport. She plays on a travel team during the spring. “I’ve been on the travel team from Mount Pleasant since I was in the fourth grade,” she said.