Trinity Epsicopal’s Ja’Mescya Queen may seem all alone to some people, holding her spot as the only senior on this year’s Lady Saints basketball team.

But, Queen doesn’t have any regrets.

“I really felt like I was going to miss out on something if I didn’t play,” she said. “I want to be here.”

However, there was a time Queen hesitated to finish her four-year basketball career.

After Trinity’s D’Asia Mitchell — last season’s The Natchez Democrat’s All-Metro Player of the Year — and electric counterpart Jasmine Ivory graduated, the Lady Saints were left with a lot of uncertainty.

Trinity also welcomed first-year coach Mo Rodriguez to the program this past August.

“At first, I wasn’t going to come back,” Queen said. “I’m so used to us winning from last year.

“All the younger ones look up to me. They know I’ve been here and they come to me with so many questions. I didn’t want to let them down.”

Despite her doubts about returning to a team with a host of young talent, Queen is determined to make the most out of her decision.

“I don’t really find it frustrating because the girls that I have, they listen,” she said. “When I try to help them and show them how to do something, they usually remember. They all have a really good attitude.”

Rodriguez agreed he thinks Queen’s choice to stay was the right one.

“Every day I think she is embracing it more to be a part of the team,” he said. “She knew the team wasn’t going to be as talented as it was last year, but one where she needed to step up and be a leader. She decided she needed to help the younger girls, and she has really been doing a great job.”

Alongside her will to teach, Rodriguez added Queen is an overall good-natured person.

“She is the sweetest girl and always has a smile,” he said.

With a long season in front of her, Queen said she is eager to continue her journey as a leader.

“I know I have to be one,” she said. “I have to encourage others and be responsible. I don’t want them to get frustrated because they are missing a shot.”

While Queen knows there are a lot of players relying on her guidance, her approach is to just take it easy.

“I’m a very laid back person. I don’t want to be that person that runs everything,” she said. “I like to hear other people’s opinions and see what they can bring to the court.”

At the end of the day, Queen is happy in her role. She even thinks the underclassmen can teach her a thing or two.

“It means a lot,” she said. “For them to come to me and ask for advice, it feels amazing. I’m really proud of everyone.

“I know winning isn’t everything. They are teaching me to not take everything so seriously. There’s nothing to be mad about because it’s just a game.”

Queen and the Lady Saints will be back in action Tuesday when they travel to Wilkinson County Christian Academy.

But, Queen doesn’t have any regrets.

“I really felt like I was going to miss out on something if I didn’t play,” she said. “I want to be here.”

However, there was a time Queen hesitated to finish her four-year basketball career.

After Trinity’s D’Asia Mitchell — last season’s The Natchez Democrat’s All-Metro Player of the Year — and electric counterpart Jasmine Ivory graduated, the Lady Saints were left with a lot of uncertainty.

Trinity also welcomed first-year coach Mo Rodriguez to the program this past August.

“At first, I wasn’t going to come back,” Queen said. “I’m so used to us winning from last year.

“All the younger ones look up to me. They know I’ve been here and they come to me with so many questions. I didn’t want to let them down.”

Despite her doubts about returning to a team with a host of young talent, Queen is determined to make the most out of her decision.

“I don’t really find it frustrating because the girls that I have, they listen,” she said. “When I try to help them and show them how to do something, they usually remember. They all have a really good attitude.”

Rodriguez agreed he thinks Queen’s choice to stay was the right one.

“Every day I think she is embracing it more to be a part of the team,” he said. “She knew the team wasn’t going to be as talented as it was last year, but one where she needed to step up and be a leader. She decided she needed to help the younger girls, and she has really been doing a great job.”

Alongside her will to teach, Rodriguez added Queen is an overall good-natured person.

“She is the sweetest girl and always has a smile,” he said.

With a long season in front of her, Queen said she is eager to continue her journey as a leader.

“I know I have to be one,” she said. “I have to encourage others and be responsible. I don’t want them to get frustrated because they are missing a shot.”

While Queen knows there are a lot of players relying on her guidance, her approach is to just take it easy.

“I’m a very laid back person. I don’t want to be that person that runs everything,” she said. “I like to hear other people’s opinions and see what they can bring to the court.”

At the end of the day, Queen is happy in her role. She even thinks the underclassmen can teach her a thing or two.

“It means a lot,” she said. “For them to come to me and ask for advice, it feels amazing. I’m really proud of everyone.

“I know winning isn’t everything. They are teaching me to not take everything so seriously. There’s nothing to be mad about because it’s just a game.”

Queen and the Lady Saints will be back in action Tuesday when they travel to Wilkinson County Christian Academy.