Jordan Williams has hoops in her blood. Her dad refereed basketball games and her mom played high school ball. 

The Troy senior strong forward has been playing since fifth grade, and after coming off an all-conference selection her junior year, her experience and scoring ability will be massive for the Lady Trojans.

“It was definitely rough for the past couple years,” Williams said. “Last year was a rebuilding year.”

Williams and her Lady Trojans struggled to win a game all season, coming frustratingly close twice in four-point losses to Ronan. 

Tony Smith, last year’s coach, was instrumental in helping Williams and her teammates develop their skills during the season. 

“I developed a lot more of my ability last year,” she said. “I see the court better than I did.”

Williams has been sharing the court with Michaela Curry, senior post, since they started together in elementary school. 

She said the 5-foot 11-inch Curry will be a big playmaker, and Holli Higgins, another senior, will open up the court and allow Lady Trojans to get into position.

The fact that every starter from last season is returning can only lead to good things.

“I think our communication will be very high,” Williams said. “We won’t have arguments or disagreements, which has been an issue in the past.”

Williams, a die-hard San Antonio Spurs fan, is embracing the leadership role, and is ready to forget the worst parts of last season.

“We lost quite a few really close games,” she said. “We’ve never been able to finish a game. But we just need to shake it off and keep running.

“Expect a lot more enthusiasm this year.”