Kelsey Hudson steps into her happy spot on the basketball court. The North Creek High senior gets to team up with her friends and feel the excitement of a game in full swing.

The Jaguar 6-foot forward co-captains a squad of solid shooters and defenders that sported a 14-10 overall record at press time and was set to play Newport in the third round of the 4A Wes-King District tournament on Feb. 16.

“It’s been going pretty well. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve been playing really good as a team,” said Hudson on a recent day off from school while glancing at the North Creek High terrain enveloped in snow.

Hudson — who averages 13.5 points per game — captains the team with fellow senior Caitlin Monten, a 6-1 wing.

As a captain, Hudson notes, “I just try to make sure our team stays positive and make sure we’re working together and encourage our players to work hard.”

In her scoring role, she rose to the occasion in the first round of districts by notching 33 points — including five 3-pointers — in an 84-70 victory over Jackson on Feb. 7. That hard-fought victory in the loser-out contest inched the Jaguars one step closer to their goal of qualifying for state at the Tacoma Dome.

The team has pushed itself in KingCo and districts to make it this far and the Jaguars also went head to head with some of the top teams in California at the SoCal Holiday Prep Classic in San Diego. North Creek finished with a 2-2 record.

Hudson, who began her basketball journey eight years ago at the YMCA, has been fielding some college offers and is waiting to take the next step in her hoops career.

The Reporter asked Hudson a series of questions to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her life.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

When I tore my ACL, I got advice saying never give up, push yourself constantly to be great. (The injury happened halfway through her sophomore season at Bothell High.)

What do you appreciate the most in life?

My family.

What’s your main goal in life?

Try to play basketball as long as I can.

What’s your favorite kind of music?

Rap.

What’s your favorite movie of all time?

“Soul Surfer.”

If you could have dinner with one person, who would that be?

LeBron James, I’ve always liked him.

What’s a special skill that you’d like to learn?

How to walk on a tightrope, that would be cool.

What’s your favorite restaurant in the area?

I go to Taco Bell a lot, or Applebee’s.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

When people chew really loud, it makes me mad.

What’s your dream vacation spot?

The Bahamas.

Who’s your idol growing up?

My trainer Kelsey Patrick. She had a big impact in my life and helped me a lot.