As Ferriday High School’s Shanique Hillard comes out of the locker room before every basketball game, there is one thing she always does.

Once Hillard takes the court, she makes it a point to lock eyes with her mother, Cherry, and then flashes a big smile.

“My mom is my biggest influence,” Hillard said. “I admire her and love her to death.”

It was Hillard’s parents who first got her involved in basketball in the third grade, and since then have only missed one game during her high school career.

“My parents push me hard,” Hillard said. “They always make sure I run and tell me it will pay off on the court. It means a lot that they are always there.”

So far during her final year, Hillard has led the Lady Trojans to a 17-9 record as one of two seniors. And although she said basketball is now her favorite, Hillard said that at first, she didn’t particularly like the sport.

“I was young, and I didn’t know any better,” she said. “My momma and daddy said I should play because I was tall, but I didn’t like (basketball) until I started to score. I remember my coach used to give me high-fives. I liked that, and it motivated me to be better at basketball.”

Through the years, Hillard has progressed into a versatile player.

Hillard was used to playing as a center, but in the past few games, Ferriday coach Lisa Abron has moved her out from under the basket to start at the small forward position.

“It was a challenge for her at first,” Abron said. “Once she started to see that it was a better fit, it has been helpful for her game, and she is scoring a lot more. She has adjusted really well.”

Hillard is currently averaging 10 points per contest, with a career-high of 22. She is also coming down with an average of 12 rebounds a game.

Not only is her presence known in the gym, but Abron also said Hillard is an all-around bright individual.

When she is not playing basketball for the Lady Trojans, she also runs track and is a baton twirler in the band.

“She would do anything for anybody,” Abron said. “That’s all you can ask for as a coach. She tries hard and does her best, and the best thing is that she is having fun. That’s what it is all about. I’m going to miss her when she’s gone.”

Hillard said her favorite part of playing for Ferriday has been the crowd’s involvement, including that of her parents.

“If we are down, they are always hyped up,” she said. “It’s awesome that everyone comes to show the boys and girls that they care.”

Ferriday will host a playoff game Thursday in the first round of the LHSAA tournament against an opponent to be determined.