Athletes Of The Week: Ty’Lisha Maye

Before basketball season started, Southern Wayne’s Ty’Lisha Maye knew she had to work as hard as possible to make sure she made the most of his last year with the Saints.

Maye, who joined the varsity team as a freshman, hoped that the hard work would allow her and her teammates to have a successful season. A few months later, it is clear that extra effort paid dividends, as Maye has emerged as one of the Saints’ most reliable and dynamic players.

“Playing at Southern Wayne has been a great experience,” Maye said. “I love my team, and there’s nothing like playing with them each and every game.”

Maye is one of two seniors on the Saints this season, and on a young team, she has blossomed into a leader alongside fellow senior Aleesha Boyette.

Some highlights for the shooting guard include a key layup against Eastern Wayne, and she has established herself as someone her coaches can always trust to make a play or communicate with her teammates.

Part of Maye’s work ethic stems from her passion for basketball. Maye started playing at a young age, and her skills kept improving as she learned how to play basketball.

“My favorite sport is basketball,” Maye said. “I’ve been playing basketball since I was little. My mom and brother played basketball, but I wanted to play basketball because I love the game.”

As a freshman on the varsity team, Maye improved by learning from the upperclassmen whenever she could. Maye showed flashes on the team once she got to high school, but she knew she was capable of more.

Maye helped guide the Saints to a 16-11 overall record during her junior season, which was their first winning season since 2013. The Saints also made the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

“Between school and basketball, it’s a lot to keep up,” Maye said.

This season has been difficult due to COVID-19 restrictions, yet Maye has had her best season in a Saints’ jersey.

She is averaging a career-high 13 points per game to along with 3.1 assists and 5.9 steals. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this season has been difficult. However, Maye is thankful that she and her teammates get to play this season.

“This season has definitely been a rollercoaster ride,” Maye said. “Not knowing if we’re playing because a team has to quarantine.

“I’m happy to be playing, but I also want to play the best that I can each game because it could be my last game.”Maye prides herself on making the right decision on both ends of the court the puck. So, getting a key basket or a steal, Maye will always try to deliver in crucial moments of the game.

As a senior, Maye has also embraced a leadership role. The Saints have many juniors and sophomores in key roles, and Maye has taken it upon herself to lead by example and serve as mentors.

Whether that is giving concrete advice at games or simply checking in with a text message, it is a role she has embraced.

As the Saints attempt to peak at the right time and make it to the playoffs again, Maye is a major factor in everything the Saints are trying to accomplish this season.