By Sanyah Taylor
In a game that showcased teamwork and dominance, Anastasia Sinclair led her squad to an outstanding 67-39 victory over Mt.Olive. A seasoned basketball player with years of experience, Sinclair has become a leader on and off the court. As her team heads into the postseason, she reflects on her journey, the importance of confidence, and what it takes to inspire others.
For Sinclair, basketball has always been more than just a game, it’s a lifelong passion.
“It feels like I’ve been playing basketball my entire life,” she said. Starting in a recreational league at just four years old, she later joined a competitive AAU team at 10, and she has never looked back. The sport has shaped her life, providing joy and purpose.
“It feels really good to get a dominant win like that,” Sinclair said, proud of her team’s collective 67-39. “It’s great to have a team win like that because I know we’re all capable of doing great things.” She attributes the win to the team’s rigorous practice and preparation, emphasizing that these types of victories are the result of their hard work.
However, basketball is unpredictable. Sinclair admitted that at the beginning of some games, doubt can creep in, especially when the opposing team scores the first few points.
“It’s easy to get lost in that feeling of thinking, ‘Oh no, are we going to lose?’” she said. But as the game progresses, she and her teammates settle into their rhythm, finding confidence and control. “After that, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that we’re going to come out with the win.”
Even in a decisive victory, Sinclair acknowledges room for improvement. Reflecting on her performance in a previous game against Mount Olive, she noted moments when she should have been more assertive.
“There were a few times when I should have been more confident—either taking it all the way to the basket or making a pass that would have put my teammate in a better position to score,” she said. However, she sees these moments as learning opportunities. “That’s what practice is for—fixing those mistakes so we can make better decisions in the next game.”
As a team leader, Sinclair believes in uplifting her teammates, and ensuring morale stays high. Her leadership approach is built on encouragement and resilience.
“I’m a big fan of the ‘next play’ mentality. If someone makes a mistake or misses a shot, I tell them, ‘Hey, next play! You got it!’” Sinclair explained. “It’s important to keep confidence up and not dwell on mistakes.”
She applies the same philosophy to herself. Before every game, she reminds herself to be confident. “Basketball is something I know how to do. I do get pre-game nerves, but I channel that energy into excitement and gratitude. I remind myself that I’m lucky to have this opportunity, and I don’t want to waste it.”
Beyond basketball, Sinclair has other passions. Before fully dedicating herself to sport, she was a dancer from the age of four through her senior year of high school. Dancing served as a stress relief and an escape, much like basketball does now.
Her ability to read the game and sense momentum shifts is part of what makes her a great player and leader. She recalls a pivotal moment in the third quarter of their recent game when her team took full control.
“We had a nine-point lead at halftime, but we went on a run in the third quarter and stretched it to about 15 or 16 points,” she said. “At that moment, we were hitting shots, moving the ball well, and our chemistry was clicking. I knew then we had the game in our hands.”
Looking ahead, Sinclair hopes to carry the same energy and intensity into the next game. With the tournament season approaching, she knows maintaining high energy is key. “Everyone is tired and exhausted at this point in the season, but we have to push through. Keeping up that energy makes us unstoppable.”
For young girls who may be hesitant to join a team, Sinclair has simple but powerful advice: “The worst they can say is no.”
“If you love the game and are willing to put in the effort, don’t be afraid. The most important thing a coach or teacher looks for is effort. If you have the willingness, time, and energy, you’ll see the results you want,” she said.
Sinclair’s journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and leadership. As she and her team head into the postseason, they do so with confidence, knowing that with the right mindset, they are capable of achieving great things.
On March 6, the Conference Carolinas named Sinclair, Stella Mollica and Zaria Clark to the third team Women’s Basketball All-Conference Team.