Athlete of the Week: Kelsey Key

FRANKTON, Ind. (WISH) - Kelsey Key is one of Indiana’s best. The Frankton senior girls’ basketball player leads the state in scoring, averaging 33 points a game. It also ranks her 11th in the nation.

And while she’s not dominating on the court, she’s giving back on it.  She coaches a team of 5-7-year olds at the Anderson YMCA.

“I actually started here at the YMCA,” said Key.  “I was in the same spot that they’re in. It’s fun to see them grow over the years.”

And it’s easy to see Key’s impact on the young players.

One of her players and her cousin, Emma Key, said Kelsey is a great coach. 

“I like the way she plays basketball,” said the 5-year-old.

“They have so much fun with the game,” said Key.  “I like to coach little kids because I want them to love the game like I do.”

While her focus is on fundamentals, she also wants to instill in them the strong work ethic that’s made her successful.

“There’s always going to be those times where you’re like, ‘eh it’s not fun’, but it pays off,” said Key.  “The running’s not fun, but just keeping working, everything will pay off in the long run.”

And it’s that same work ethic that has earned her a basketball scholarship to play at Northern Kentucky next year.