by By Dan Ninham
The Hartshorne HS Miners played in the past three Oklahoma state girls’ basketball tournaments. There were several stars on the team and one of them will be continuing her career at the college level.
Jaylee Moore, 17, is a senior at Hartshorne HS in OK. She is a 5-10 strong forward.
“I’m an enrolled member of the Pawnee Nation of OK,” said Jaylee. “Both my parents are Pawnee, dad is Kitkehaki band and my mom is Skidi band. I am also Otoe-Missouria, Oneida and Wyandotte.”
“I grew up around the game of basketball,” said Jaylee. “My dad played college basketball. I was born at the end of his freshman season, so I was going to basketball games at an early age. He was a high school coach through my freshman year of high school so I grew up in the gym. I’ve also played volleyball, softball and track.”
“My main athletic accomplishment would be making it to the state tournament three years in a row,” said Jaylee.
“As a student athlete, I have always tried to be respectful and carry myself in a respectful way,” said Jaylee. “My culture has always been important to me and my parents have always used cultural teachings to help me grow as an individual.”
“My mom and dad have been my mentors and they have helped me with a lot of things in life and I wouldn’t be where I am in life without them,” said Jaylee.
“Jaylee has been playing ball for a long time,” said mom Jamie Moore. “I knew she was going to become a great player at a young age. She was always in the gym, either watching a game or at her dad’s high school practices when he was coaching. She grew up in the gym so that’s all she knew, she even learned to walk with a basketball.”
“Jaylee has always wanted to play college basketball, that’s all she ever talked about growing up. She looked up to young native female athletes, like Lakota Beatty and her little sister. I’m really proud of her on and off the court. She’s a great big sister and she will continue to do great things in life. I’m proud of all her accomplishments as a young lady,” added Jamie.
“My dad has always helped me with anything that I needed help with,” added Jaylee.
Patrick Moore, Superintendent, Jones Academy, Choctaw Nation of OK, talked about his oldest daughter in school and basketball: “Jaylee has always been around the game, she grew up in the gym. She tried a lot of different sports early but just gravitated to basketball as she got older. She developed a passion for playing and a work ethic that helped her to improve. She’s an outstanding shooter with great range. That was developed by putting in the time and effort it takes to be good.”
“Jaylee’s had good coaching over the years in school ball and summer ball. All of them have helped push her and developed her into the player that she has become. Her drive to empower others just comes from the type of person she is. She has an outgoing personality and she genuinely cares about how people around her are doing. Her personality helps her be a good teammate because she looks out for everyone on the team. She transitioned from a good teammate to a leader this last season and that’s very important for here to continue to have athletic and personal success. Her drive comes from just simply wanting to do a good job and represent her team, school, and family in a positive way.”
“My family has been my biggest supporters throughout life,” said Jaylee. “My little sister has had a huge impact also, she’s been my workout partner, and go-to for anything.”
“My school coaches have had a big impact throughout my high school career,” said Jaylee. “They have pushed me to be a better player and I’m very thankful to have the both of them.”
Mark Woolard was the head coach last season. Shane Hackler was the assistant coach last season and was recently named the head coach.
“Jaylee Moore has been a three year starter for us and averaged double figures each year,” said Coach Mark Woolard. “All three years we made it to the state tournament. Jaylee averaged 16 points per game this year. She was named Black Diamond all conference three years and made two All-State Teams including the OK Native Association and Oklahoma Girls Coaches Association All-State teams.”
“Jaylee has put in many hours working on her game. She has been to individual camps, team camps, and countless hours on her on. Jaylee has signed to play at Eastern Oklahoma State College,” added Mark.
“Jaylee has been a great player for Hartshorne the last three years,” said Shane Hackler. “She was one of the hardest workers, and motivated the underclassman. She spends many hours in the gym working on her shot. Jaylee will be a great addition to the Eastern Mountaineers.”
“Since basketball season has been over I have been focusing on working out in the weight room and getting stronger physically,” said Jaylee. “I know I need to prepare for the college level next year.”
“My mom’s a personal trainer so she is able to write the workouts for me and my sister Jayda on a regular base,” added Jaylee.
“Mainly right now I am focused on finishing out my senior year with good grades and preparing for summer school,” said Jaylee. “I started a job working at a supplement shop and sports training facility, so I’ve been staying busy with work and school.”
“I enjoy going to church and spending time in the outdoors,” said Jaylee. “I feel those things keep a mental and spiritual balance.”
“I have always went to Native American schools since the fourth grade,” said Jaylee. “I attended Riverside Indian School from the fourth to eighth grade. My freshman year of high school I was at Meskawki Settlement School in Tama, IA. For the last three years of high school I lived at Jones Academy in Hartshorne, OK.”
“Throughout those years I’ve been able to meet a lot of people and have a lot of friends from all over Indian country,” said Jaylee. “I have been able to learn about different cultures and languages through my high school career.”
