FERRIDAY — Delta Charter School’s Darby Beach has learned how to take a balanced approach to playing basketball.

Starting the game as a freshman, Beach knows just when the right time is to listen.

“I never really thought about playing basketball until I came here and then Coach (Ronald) Ellis wanted me to play,” Beach said. “I think it is important to listen at times because obviously he is the expert. We are all learning.”

Through the practice and understanding, Beach said she has also learned her role.

“I don’t feel like I know everything about basketball, so if I know you are doing something wrong I will tell you. Most of the time I’m quiet,” she said. “Instead of just letting the younger ones do something wrong, I think it is also important for upperclassmen to help because we have played longer.”

Though she is still taking in new things every day, Beach said she has already realized how much she has appreciated the chance to play basketball.

“At the beginning, I didn’t love it,” she said. “But, I really can’t explain the experience. I would miss so much bonding. The love of my team — we just have so much fun.”

As a softball player, too, Beach said basketball has also made her much more passionate for the Lady Storm.

As still a fairly new athletic program, Beach said she has tried to always do the right thing.

“I wouldn’t want to spend my time any other way than sports,” she said. It’s what I love.

“How we are now is going to set up how it’s going to be for the rest of time. For the most part, I feel like if we start the program bad then it’s going to stay bad.”

For Beach, her impact has come in one specific way.

“I guess I’m the funny one,” she said. “I try to stay high-spirited, and I’m loud. Not necessarily on the court, but I’m always goofing around at practice.”

Though, Beach said the spirit is contagious.

“I’m really going to miss the game, and Coach Ellis,” she said. “I think what’s so good about him is that he knows when there is a time to be serious, but he doesn’t have to be serious all the time. He let’s us have fun.

“He’s the best coach ever. I would have never played basketball if it wasn’t for him.”

The No. 13 Lady Storm will be back in action at 6 p.m. Thursday in the first round of the LHSAA Class 1A playoffs when it hosts No. 20 Homer.