Makayla Jackson is leader of the Folsom Bulldogs girls' basketball team

Folsom High's varsity girls' basketball team entered this week a perfect 11-0, and have won three tournaments. Senior point guard Makayla Jackson has been selected as the Most Valuable Player of two of those tournaments and made the all-tournament team in the other. Jackson is averaging 12 points per game and approximately five rebounds, four assists and three steals. She's all over the court for the Bulldogs and is a big reason why the team is undefeated. "Makayla leads our team in scoring and defensive tenacity," Folsom coach Lynn Wolking said. "She never gets tired and her focus and competitiveness is off the charts. She's lethal in transition, and as our point guard she pushes the pace of the game. She's good at finishing at the basket, and she can also hit the three. She's definitely the head of our snake." Folsom Telegraph: What are your plans/hopes for after high school? Makayla Jackson: I plan to attend and play basketball at CSU-Stanislaus next year. FT: Do sports run in your family? MJ: Yes, my mom was a gymnast at University of Washington and my brother, Malik Rose, has played basketball since he was 4 years old. FT: How long have you been playing basketball and how did you get your start in it? MJ: My brother was so heavily into playing AAU basketball and I traveled all over with my mom watching him play. In the fifth grade, my mom encouraged me to start playing basketball as well. I began on a local Sacramento team and fell in love with it. FT: Have you ever been involved in other sports? MJ: Yes, I have played volleyball, soccer, and gymnastics. I played volleyball my freshman and sophomore year in high school. FT: What do you like about basketball? MJ: I admire the challenging nature of the game and the opportunities it gives to bond with teammates. I also like the feeling of overcoming adversity and winning a very competitive game. I am naturally an introvert and basketball is an outlet for me to showcase my personality. FT: What are you strengths as a player? What do you feel you do best? MJ: I feel my strengths are leadership and basketball IQ. I feel like I am best known for my defensive ability. FT: How do you feel you've played so far this season? MJ: I am proud of how I have been performing this season so far. I have received MVP twice and All-Tournament team once. I also feel I have helped build chemistry on a young team. FT: What's it like to be a leader on this team, which is off to an 11-0 start? How much fun has it been? MJ: It has been great playing with such talented girls! Not only are they fun on the court, but they are fun off the court as well, and I wouldn't change a thing about my team. Our 11-0 start showcases how hard we have been working, and I am excited to see how far we will go. FT: What makes your team so good? MJ: Not only our talent as individuals, but also our strong bond and support that we give one another allows our team to be successful. FT: Who is the funniest person on your team and how does she make you laugh? MJ: Kamryn Mafua is the funniest person on my team. She is always putting herself out there and is not afraid of what other people think of her. She is goofy; always cracking jokes, and really enjoys making us all laugh as well as herself. There is never a dull moment with her. FT: What is your favorite class/subject in school? MJ: English is my favorite subject. I enjoy writing, especially about topics I am passionate about. FT: Favorite music and/or artist? MJ: I enjoy R&B music and my favorite artist at the moment is Summer Walker. FT: Favorite book or movie? MJ: The real life Aladdin movie. FT: Favorite Food? MJ: Pasta. FT: Do you have any pets? Tell us about them. MJ: I do not have pets but I do foster kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs at the SPCA, who either have behavioral issues, medical issues, or the need to be socialized. FT: Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time? MJ: Fostering pets, shopping, and hanging out with family and friends are my hobbies. FT: What inspires you in sports? MJ: My brother, Malik Rose, inspires me. I have looked up to him for a long time and have always admired his passion for sports. FT: Is there a particular job or profession you'd like to have someday? MJ: Broadcasting or a NICU nurse.