By Gene Galin
Bear Creek, NC – Asheebo Rojas of the Chatham News & Record and I had coach Aedrin Albright of the Chatham Central girls’ basketball team join us on this week’s ChathamNC Sports Roundup livestream. She shared a comprehensive look into the current season, shedding light on the challenges and aspirations of her squad. Chatham Central’s girls’ basketball team, currently ranked fourth in their conference, is steadily improving despite facing strong competition. Coach Albright stressed the importance of competing in such a tough conference, believing that the experience gained through these games will better prepare his team for future challenges. The Chatham Central Lady Bears are proving that grit, teamwork, and a love for the game can overcome challenges like size disadvantages and tough competition.
A Season of Growth and Grit
The Chatham Central Lady Bears are currently navigating a challenging season, sitting at 8-6 overall and 4-5 in conference play. Despite being the smallest school in their conference with just 320 students, the Lady Bears have held their own against powerhouse teams like Seaforth, Southeast Alamance, and Northwood.
Coach Albright, a Chatham Central alumna and former NCHSAA Female Athlete of the Year, is no stranger to adversity. “We’d love to be one step ahead of fourth place,” she admits. “But I’m proud of how my girls never give up. From the first time we played Seaforth and Southeast Alamance to the second, we’ve made huge improvements.”
The team’s focus on reducing turnovers and improving fundamentals has paid off. Against Seaforth, turnovers dropped from 30 in the first game to 18 in the second—a significant improvement that reflects the team’s commitment to growth.
Rising Stars on the Court
One of the Lady Bears’ greatest assets is their senior leadership. With players like Karaleigh Dodson, Landry Allen, Mattie Underwood, Chloe Scott, and Carlee Callahan, the team benefits from a wealth of experience and maturity.
One standout player has been senior Karaleigh Dodson, whose performance both on and off the court has earned her a reputation as a leader. As a senior, she has not only contributed significantly to the team’s performance but also served as a mentor to her younger teammates. Karaleigh’s basketball IQ and versatility have been instrumental in the team’s progress, making her an essential presence during practices.
“It’s all about keeping things positive and maintaining that drama-free environment,” Karaleigh shared during the livestream. “We know what we need to do to win, and it’s all about putting in the work every day.”
Her leadership extends beyond just the game—she embodies the team’s work ethic, exemplifying academic excellence and an outstanding athletic spirit. As she nears 1,000 career points, Karaleigh’s milestone has become a focal point for fans and coaches alike. With her impressive blend of skills, Karaleigh is a player to watch as Chatham Central continues its climb in the standings.
The Power of Senior Leadership
One of the Lady Bears’ greatest assets is their senior leadership. With players like Carol Lee Dawson, Landry, Maddie Underwood, Chloe, and Carly Callahan, the team benefits from a wealth of experience and maturity.
“Carol Lee is a phenomenal athlete,” says Coach Albright. “She listens, works hard, and has a high basketball IQ. She’s nearly averaging a double-double with 14 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. But more than that, she’s a leader who sets the tone for the team.”
The seniors have embraced their roles as mentors, fostering a positive team culture. “They’ve really taken the younger players under their wings,” Albright notes. “They joke around, but they also provide constructive criticism and encouragement. There’s no drama on this team, and that’s a testament to our seniors.”
Rising Stars: The Next Generation
While the seniors provide stability, the underclassmen bring energy and potential. Freshman Addison Goldston has made an immediate impact, despite basketball not being her primary sport. Addison is a tremendous athlete who has improved so much since tryouts and has become a key contributor down low.
Sophomores like Belle Douglas, Addison Overman, and Lizzy Murray are also stepping up. “They’re small but they’re spunky. They’ve come a long way,” Albright says with a smile. “Addison Overman has gone from being one of the last that I take off the bench to one of the first.”
Juniors Sydney Sellers and Kaelyn Mallard round out the team’s core, with Sydney earning a starting position thanks to her high basketball IQ.
A Style of Play That Defies the Odds
With a roster that includes several players under 5’1”, the Lady Bears have had to adapt their style of play to compensate for their lack of height. The team relies on man-to-man and their quickness.
Defensive stalwart Mattie Underwood exemplifies this approach. “Mattie is a tremendous defensive player,” says Albright. “She’s guarded some of the best players in the conference, including Gabby from Seaforth, who’s going to Virginia to play basketball.” Coach points out that while Mattie may be a foot shorter, she’s quick and relentless.
The team’s scrappy, high-energy style has kept them competitive against taller, more physically imposing opponents. “We like to attack,” Albright says.
The Legacy of Coach Albright
For Coach Albright, leading the Lady Bears is more than just a job—it’s a homecoming. A 1995 graduate of Chatham Central, Albright was a basketball star in her own right, scoring over 1,700 points during her high school career.
“Coming back to Chatham Central has been a dream,” she says. “I want to give back to the school and the community that gave me so much.”
Albright’s coaching philosophy emphasizes fundamentals, teamwork, and a love for the game. “I tell my girls, ‘I want you to like basketball more at the end of the season than you did at the beginning,’” she says.
Her impact extends beyond the court. Albright is planning a free, donation-based program to teach basketball fundamentals to future Lady Bears. “I want to give back to the community and help these young girls develop their skills,” she says.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
As the NCHSAA moves to an eight-classification system next year, Chatham Central will face new challenges. The proposed conference alignment includes a mix of 1A and 2A schools, as well as private and charter schools like Bishop McGuinness.
Albright doesn’t mind 1A-2A conferences. However, she feels that it’s tough when you’re competing against schools with different geographic boundaries and resources. It’s not always a level playing field.
Despite these challenges, Albright remains optimistic that they’ll adapt and keep working hard.
Team Strategy: Defense and Player Development
With a relatively smaller team compared to some of their competitors, Chatham Central has adopted a defensive-focused strategy to overcome their size disadvantages. The team employs a man-to-man defense, aiming to counteract taller opponents who favor zone defenses. Coach Albright emphasized that this defensive strategy has not only helped the team stay competitive but also fostered a sense of resilience within the squad.
Even with their height disadvantages, the team has been able to keep things tight defensively. Albright notes that players like Mattie Underwood have been phenomenal in guarding taller players. She emphasizes that it’s all about working harder and smarter.
This defensive prowess is paired with a focus on developing individual skills. The team’s approach to coaching involves a combination of tough competition and personal growth, aiming to develop players into well-rounded athletes who are ready to take on any challenge. For freshmen and juniors, there has been a particular emphasis on honing shooting techniques and defensive skills to earn their spots in the starting lineup.
Empowering Young Female Athletes
As with many coaching staffs, Coach Albright and her team are not only focused on basketball but also on empowering the next generation of female athletes. One key theme that emerged during the livestream was the emphasis on relationship-building and encouraging girls to surpass their own limits.
Coach believes that their role as coaches isn’t just about teaching basketball. She stresses that it’s about empowering the girls to push past their own records, to believe in themselves, and to take pride in their hard work.
This approach has proven effective, as many players are improving not only in their skills but also in their ability to work together as a cohesive team. The positive atmosphere within the team has helped foster an environment of growth and mutual respect.
The Chatham Central Lady Bears are more than just a basketball team—they’re a family. Under Coach Albright’s leadership, they’ve embraced a culture of hard work, resilience, and mutual respect.
As the season progresses, the Lady Bears will continue to face tough opponents and new challenges. But with their blend of senior leadership, rising talent, and a coach who believes in them, they’re poised to make their mark.
Watch the video on YouTube – ChathamNC Sports Roundup – 1.30.25
Chatham Central Girls Basketball Coach Discusses Season
00:13 Discussion on high school basketball and Coach Albright’s team performance.
- Coach Albright shares insights about the current girls basketball season, highlighting the team’s record of 8 wins and 6 losses.
- The conversation also touches on the team’s conference ranking, currently placed fourth, and aspirations to improve from last year’s performance.
02:11 Chatham’s girls’ team faces strong competition but shows steady improvement.
- Competing in a tough conference with notable teams like Seaforth and Southeast Alamance, the squad shows resilience.
- Improving turnover rates during games highlights the team’s progress, aiming for better performance against future opponents.
06:38 Chatham Central team emphasizes tough competition and player development.
- The team prefers staying in a challenging conference for better preparation and rivalry.
- Player Karaleigh Dodson shows significant improvement, averaging nearly a double-double and demonstrating excellent athleticism.
09:03 Karaleigh exemplifies exceptional athletic and academic qualities among the team’s senior leaders.
- Karaleigh’s strong basketball IQ and versatility make her an essential player and mentor during practices.
- The team’s seniors foster a positive and drama-free environment, enhancing teamwork and camaraderie.
13:38 Female players are improving significantly through focused coaching and skills development.
- A freshman athlete shows determination to enhance her shooting skills and is committed to improvement.
- Juniors have earned their spots through hard work, showcasing improved basketball IQ and gameplay, demonstrating the team’s growth.
15:49 Team strategy focuses on scrappiness and strong defense despite height disadvantages.
- The team employs man-to-man defense to counteract taller opponents’ zone defenses, leveraging speed and agility.
- Key player Mattie Underwood excels defensively, effectively guarding taller players and contributing to the team’s scrappy play style.
19:45 Coaching girls prioritizes relationship-building and empowerment.
- Encouraging girls to surpass records fosters pride and hard work in the team.
- Coaching requires understanding individual challenges while maintaining high expectations.
21:43 Defensive strategies in basketball and evolving shooting techniques are key themes.
- The speaker emphasizes the value of defense in basketball, highlighting personal experiences and the importance of preventing opponents from scoring.
- The discussion on shooting techniques reveals a preference for mid-range shots and penetration over relying solely on three-pointers, showcasing a shift in modern basketball practices.
25:26 Coaching a limited team resulted in an unexpected tournament victory.
- With a mostly guard team and limited players, the coach led the 17U team to win the tournament.
- Strong camaraderie is noted among players and parents, enhancing the overall experience despite some losses.
27:18 Chatham teams excelled in tournaments despite tough competition.
- Chatham’s AAU team achieved an unexpected tournament victory in Alabama against significantly larger competitors.
- The new conference alignment for next year will likely consist of mostly 1A teams, with mixed classifications.
31:10 Discussion on conference structure and fairness in competitive sports.
- Concerns about long travel times for games and competitive balance in conferences.
- Call for separate playoffs for charter and private schools to maintain fairness.
33:07 Karaleigh Dodson is on track to reach a thousand points tonight.
- Karaleigh is aware of her achievement and is supported by her family.
- The coach aims for her to score at home for a special atmosphere.
37:07 Coach expresses frustration over referee behavior and game officiating.
- The coach felt disrespected by a referee’s remarks during the game, leading to visible frustration.
- After receiving a technical foul, the coach acknowledged the challenge of officiating but advocated for more consistent foul calls.
38:50 Coach emphasizes continuous coaching regardless of game score.
- The coach believes every player deserves attention and coaching, regardless of whether the team is winning or losing.
- The coach advocates for respectful communication with referees, acknowledging their mistakes and encouraging accountability.
42:18 Coaches emphasize competition and motivation among players.
- The speaker motivates players to strive to outperform their competitors for starting positions.
- The boys’ power rankings highlight competitive teams like Northwood and Chatham Central.
44:07 Chatham Central’s upcoming game against Northwood highlights team depth and player performance.
- Northwood’s strength lies in their deep roster, allowing for effective substitutions and maintaining performance.
- Chatham Central needs a strong shooting night and has players like Reed and Brennan improving their scoring.
48:03 Coaching is driven by passion and the desire to improve players’ lives.
- The coach emphasizes the importance of developing a love for basketball among players.
- Their competitive nature fuels a commitment to helping players enhance their skills and enjoy the sport.
50:10 Emphasizing community engagement through youth sports coaching.
- The importance of providing coaching support to girls without relying on parents.
- Organizing mini camps to foster personal growth and skills development in young athletes.
53:49 Jordan Matthews celebrates sports achievements and upcoming wrestling playoffs.
- Jordan Matthews hosted a night to honor inductees, including the 2004 state championship team.
- The boys wrestling team secured their third consecutive individual conference title with 10 champions.
55:35 Chatham County athletes excel in wrestling and swimming competitions.
- A wrestler dominated her conference opponents, achieving notable success in her first year.
- Chatham Central and Northwood secured conference swimming titles with outstanding individual performances.
59:28 Wrap-up of the Chatham NC Sports Roundup episode.
- Hosts thank viewers for their continued support and viewership.
- Invitation extended to coaches for potential guest appearances in future episodes.