There is a lot of work and time that goes into a high school student-athlete reaching their potential. They have to practice, as well as be mentally and physically prepared. Carmella Jefferson knows that it takes work in order to be her best. “I have had to do a lot in order to get where I am today,” she said. “Along with practice, I spend time in the gym getting myself ready and keeping myself in shape.” Jefferson is a junior at Clinton High School. She plays point guard for the Lady Reds. She played her first basketball game as a student at Nance Elementary but Jefferson says that her love for the game has grown over the years.  While there have been a variety of people that have had an influence on Jefferson’s life, she say there’s one person that has made the biggest impact.  “My dad is my biggest role model,” she said. “He motivates me to get better at basketball and to make good choices in life.” Clinton girls head basketball coach Brent Caldwell confirms that Carmella is the type of student and athlete that every coach wants to have on the team.  “Carmella is the type of kid we as coaches get once or twice in our career,” he said. “She is a gym rat, always in the gym, encouraging towards all of her other teammates, and works hard in the classroom. She is the type of kid I would want my kid to grow up to be like.” There are also a couple of other people that have been a part of Carmella’s life and helped her get to where she is today.  “I am thankful for Mr. and Mrs. Radford,” she said. “They honestly feel like family to me. I would not be where I am today without their influence on my life.” There have been many exciting memories during her athletic career but Jefferson says there is one game where she reached personal milestone that stands out.  “The highlight of my career would have to be when I scored thirty points in one game,” she said. “I was having a great shooting night and it felt great when I saw my total points after the game.”