JonNae Richardson has fallen twice. But she keeps getting back up.
Now a Denver East senior, the 5-foot-9 swing player could be one of the top girls basketball players in the state this season.
“Back and better than ever,” she said.
After a promising freshman season during which she worked her way into the starting lineup, Richardson suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee in a noncontact injury the following summer. She missed her entire sophomore season.
Undaunted, she worked hard at rehabilitating and returned to the court as a junior. She steadily improved and was averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game when she suffered a torn ACL in her right knee against rival Thomas Jefferson last winter. In this case, she banged her knee against a TJ player.
A teenage girl found out the hard way the value of patience.
“On my first ACL, I really wasn’t that concerned,” Richardson said. “I knew I had time. But once my second one happened, I didn’t think I would able to play. My recruiting was down … but some of the (college) coaches have stuck with me.”
East head coach Dwight Berry is confident Richardson is fully recovered and can be a force this season.
“She’s working her strength and conditioning,” Berry said. “She’s just regaining her confidence, and I think she’ll be ready.”
Richardson said jumping hasn’t been a problem, but landing can be. She has been working with a personal trainer to learn how to come down smarter and softer.
“I don’t feel any different,” said Richardson, who has been chosen a team captain. “But I can feel it when it’s colder.”
Richardson is the sister of former East star Ronnie Harrell, who is redshirting this season as a freshman at Creighton. Berry envisions Richardson being able to play the small forward spot in college. In addition to being a top basketball prospect, she has a 3.4 grade-point average.
Whether or not it’s a high-end program, Richardson said she will be ready to play in college.
But first there’s the matter of leading the Angels, who are expected to be among the state title contenders in Class 5A. The season begins this week.
“We’re going to win state this year,” Richardson said.
Girls Basketball
A look at the top returning players in Colorado.
Kendall Bradbury, Valor Christian, Sr.
Cassidy Budge, Rampart, Sr.
Katie Chavez, Holy Family, Jr.
Callie Kaiser, Broomfield, Sr.
Jess Lewis, Regis Jesuit, Sr.
Michaela Onyenwere, Grandview, So.
Brooke Pemberton, Fossil Ridge, Sr.
Alyssa Rader, Horizon, Sr.
Haley Simental, Pueblo West, Sr.
Kylee Shook, Mesa Ridge, Sr.
Courtney Smith, Legacy, Sr.
Jenn Urbaniak, Palmer, Sr.
Kellee Willer, Fossil Ridge, Sr.
