Prep School women’s basketball team completes perfect season

U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School women’s basketball team cadet candidates gather around coach Ke’Sha Blanton during a time out in a game to discuss an upcoming play during the 2024-25 season. The Huskies had an undefeated 2024-25 season (21-0). (Courtesy photo provided by Ke’Sha Blanton)

By Randy Roughton
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School women’s basketball team demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience and teamwork during their undefeated 2024-25 season (21-0). Their accomplishment reflects the Academy and Prep School’s commitment to leverage a variety of experiences such as sports to develop leaders who can overcome complex challenges.

The Prep School’s rigorous 10-month program prepares cadet candidates for the Academy through academic improvement, leadership development and enhanced physical fitness. While an appointment isn’t guaranteed, the program boosts admission chances with about 80 percent of each class receiving appointments for the 2024-25 academic year.

Players demonstrate qualities from their Prep School training

Early in the season, the team faced a setback when leading scorer Kori Rainwater suffered a knee injury. In response, Cadet Candidates Eva Love and A. J. Mannering stepped up and increased their offensive contributions.

“Kori was and is a big part of our team, but we knew we had to come together and support each other,” Love said. “Everyone had to contribute a little more than what we did before. We all put in more work to compensate for her absence.”

Cadet Candidate A. J. Mannering sets up a shot during the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School women’s basketball team’s 61-52 victory over Lamar Community College Dec. 2, 2023, at the Base Fitness and Sports Center. The Huskies had an undefeated 2024-25 season (21-0). (Courtesy photo provided by Ke’Sha Blanton)

Leaders on and off the court

Their leadership extended beyond their game performances. When practices weren’t productive, Love and Mannering called meetings to refocus the team’s efforts.

“We have a limited time to practice because of our priority on academics and military training, so we needed to get as much work in as possible in our practices,” Mannering said. “We had to be dedicated and intentional about everything we did to get the results we wanted. I hope to take that same mindset through the remainder of Prep School and my cadet training.”

The U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School women’s basketball team is pictured during a trip to Phoenix, Arizona, for a season-ending tournament Jan. 26, 2025. The Huskies had an undefeated 2024-25 season (21-0). (Courtesy photo provided by Ke’Sha Blanton)

Leaders on the court

Love and Mannering each had performances that highlighted their leadership qualities. Late in a close game against Northwest Community College in mid-November, the Huskies needed to score to tie or win. Love was set to take a potential game-winning shot, but she saw a teammate was more open. Her decision to pass led to a three-point shot that won the game 58-57. Later in the season, Mannering exemplified perseverance. She hit a shot against Trinidad State College that put the game into overtime despite missing her previous eight shots.

Aside from game performances, both players demonstrated leadership and ensured the team maintained their focus. When practices were not productive, Love and Mannering called meetings to get back on track and reenergized.

“We have limited time to practice because of our priority on academics and military training, so our practices needed to be efficient,” Mannering said. “We had to be dedicated and intentional about everything we did to get the results we wanted. I’m proud of this team and our undefeated season.”

Mannering attributes the team’s success to their shared goal of winning each game.

“Our drive and tenacity illustrate our commitment to being excellent in everything we do,” Mannering said. “I hope to take that same mindset through the remainder of my time at the Prep School.”

Winning through discipline and leadership

Coach Ke’Sha Blanton attributed the undefeated season to the cadet candidates’ discipline, leadership and resilience.

“It is no easy plight to go undefeated in anything,” head coach Ke’Sha Blanton said. “We had to show discipline and leadership to go into those games and win. When things didn’t go our way, the players had to step up and show that resiliency. I hope they take those qualities with them as they continue their U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force journey.”