Dyersburg’s Jordan enjoying success in senior year

 

Jason Peevyhouse

Editor, JP Productions Sports

When looking back at a senior season of high school, not every player will be able to say they were able to sign to play at the next level before their 12^th grade season began.

Far, far fewer will be able to say they were a finalist for a Miss or Mr. Basketball Award during their final season on a high school court.

Lady Trojan standout Chelby Jordan will be able to say both as she has signed to play with Belmont before a senior season which has seen her earn one of the three TSSAA Class 3A Miss Basketball Finalist honors.

Dyersburg Head Coach Tim Strayhorn, who has been on the bench for all four seasons Jordan has played at DHS, spoke about Jordan and how her senior year has been going.

“Belmont is a really good women’s basketball program,” Strayhorn said of Jordan’s signing in the preseason. “She had a lot of offers.

“I think she had over 20 offers and Belmont is where she decided to go. I think that is going to be a great fit for her. I can tell you, they’re going to get a heck of a person and a heck of a ballplayer.”

This year has been different for Jordan as, after three years of playing with current Cincinnati freshman and 2025 Miss Basketball Finalist Joya Crawford, the Lady Trojans are now being led by Chelby.

“This year, she’s finally getting to lead the team,” Strayhorn said. “She’s leading in the team in just about every stat – scoring, rebounding, assists, deflections.

“She’s just an all-around player and a great person.”

Her performance this season has earned her a Miss Basketball Finalist honor. Having two girls get nominated in consecutive seasons says it’s big for the Lady Trojan program according to Dyersburg’s head coach.

“It tells you how far that we have come in five years to have two Miss Basketball finalists,” Strayhorn explained. “It’s just big for her, big for our school and big for the whole program.”

Looking ahead to the postseason, Strayhorn expects Jordan to be herself.

“And we’re going to be ourselves,” the Dyersburg head coach said. “We are going to try to get out of this slump we’re in and win a couple of games and move forward.”

The future past high school looks bright for Jordan as Strayhorn points out.

“She’s one of the hardest-working kids you’re ever going to be around,” Strayhorn added. “She’s got a great attitude every day.

“She’s going to keep going to get better every year.”

The Lady Trojans’ head coach said her work ethic and attitude has helped the entire program.

“We’re going to miss her so much next year,” Strayhorn admitted. “Not just her scoring and rebounding but her leadership.”

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