PASCO, WA — Chiawana High School’s girls basketball team is building on their impressive state run from last season, led by the Maldonado sisters, Baylee and Kailee. The duo has quickly become a force on the court.
Baylee Maldonado, a senior guard, reflected on playing alongside her sister Kailee, saying their bond has been strengthened through years of playing and training together.
“She’s been playing me since she was first grade, so I feel that we’ve been playing together for a while. We train all the time together, work out whatever it is, hang out together. So, we just have been building off of each other throughout our life. And so, it’s been pretty special,” said Baylee.
Kailee, a freshman, shared the advice her sister gave her as she navigated her first high school season.
“She said, just play hard, like always. Like I always known to play hard. And she’s like, I know you’re capable of it. And I was like, yeah. And so just to play hard and just be ready,” said Kailee.
The Maldonado family has basketball in their blood, with their dad Rick serving as an assistant coach. Baylee emphasized the significance of basketball in their household.
“Basketball is honestly one of the number one thing in our household, the way we all play sports our whole life, basketball and most that’s one that we all play. But it’s just really special. I really can’t say much about it. We worked out together. Just I don’t know, it’s just been really fun and like I said, I won’t forget these moments,” said Baylee.
This season promises to be memorable for the Maldonado family and the Chiawana girls basketball team.