Maty Bamba
School: Granger
Grade: Junior
Sports: Track, basketball
Maty Bamba is breathing easy and running free now.
During basketball season, the 5-foot-5 junior may have felt out of position when she was sometimes forced to play in the post.
Now out on the track, Bamba is enjoying the space to run more than ever.
She won both the 100- and 200-meter races at the Granite Invitational at the end of March. It was a moment of individual glory for Bamba, who only participated in relays at the state meet last year.
”No, I surprised myself,” said Bamba of her sterling day. “I think those races were some of my best. I just try to keep calm and try to think of a positive outcome.”
Bamba said she’s looking forward to running in individual events at state, though she isn’t sure who the top competition will come from at the Class 4A level.
A victory at state would help erase some disappointment earlier this year. Bamba and the Lancers won only one basketball game, and she says the season was “tough.”
On the track now, Bamba is calm and ready.
“I just like to breathe and relax before the start,” she said.
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