In three years as part of the Vanoss Lady Wolves basketball team, Alexus Belcher has helped Vanoss compile a 77-9 record that includes three trips to Oklahoma City and the state tournament while averaging 15 points a game last year. And as an off-and-on starter, she’s played a big part in the success of the Lady Wolves according to her coach John Hurt.

“She’s been with us all during this run when we’ve been ranked number one in the state, and she’s been a big part of our success. She always plays hard and always does the right things on and off the court,” said Hurt.

Now a senior leader for Vanoss, Alexus has some serious thoughts on being a leader and what it takes for a team to make the state tournament.

“I think I lead more by example and showing the younger kids how a senior leader should act so that they’ll know when they’re seniors. It’s awesome to be a part of a program that has good coaches and a winning tradition. Getting to state starts on day one of practice and going hard. You don’t start off bad and work your way to state. You’ve got to start off with a good work ethic from the beginning.”

Belcher says she didn’t have to look far to find role models as she gave a nod to three former Wolves.

“Emrie Ellis, Lizzy Simpson and Emily Wilson are all girls I’ve admired for different reasons. Emrie was an all-around good leader. She pushed us everyday in practice. I looked up to her and wanted to be like her when I was a senior. Emily was a really good shooter and Lizzy I admired because of the physical way she played the game,” said Alexus who is also in student council and FCA. 

Belcher credits her grandparents with being motivating forces in her life.

“Without them I’m not sure I would be as involved as I am now, and I really want to do well for them.”

With the loss of five players off last year’s 26-1 team, Hurt says that Alexus and her teammates will need to step up in order to make a fourth straight trip to the state tournament but is confident they’ll get there.