BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
ATLANTA — The OnPoint Swish, a freshly organized semi-pro team based out of eastern KY, started their season off with a bang in Atlanta. The Swish put up big numbers in their 83-73 win over the Atlanta Angels in the Women’s American Basketball Association.
Team owner and member Carla Booth led the Swish with 20 points and three rebounds.
“It was a dog fight in there. Those Atlanta girls had no clue what hit them,” Booth exclaimed.
The guard has stayed hungry since her Alice Lloyd College playing days. She has trained basketball players all over Kentucky and the tri-state area with her OnPoint Ballers company.
For Booth, the drive to compete is always looming. “The fire is back. I feel like I’m on the top of my game really,” she said.
Cue the power of social media. Booth was scrolling through Instagram this past winter and came across some WABA content.
The Martin County native thought, “I can build a team as good as these.”
That is what Booth is best at. Where others are not so sure of themselves, she just does it. That go-getter attitude has put her in a position to play with the best talent in the state and compete against top players in the nation.
Former Magoffin County standout Kennedi Stacy showed that she is an all-around player with five rebounds, four steals and six points.
Stacy is making her younger self proud. “I always dreamed of playing basketball at a higher level,” she said. “I was grateful to have ended up at Transylvania University where I had an incredible five-year career.”
The crafty guard won the first National Championship in Transy history in 2023 and reached the Final Four in 2024. All while achieving a remarkable 64-game winning streak, the longest in the nation in any sport.
When she closed the chapter on her college career, she thought it would be her last time playing on an organized team.
“I’m thrilled to continue my journey. I can’t explain the feeling of being able to put on my uniform and shoes again and hit the floor with this group of women. This league has allowed me to swing another door open, providing me an opportunity to keep playing the game I love and to stay connected to the sport that has given me so much,” said Stacy.
“The importance of this league for Eastern Kentucky and for girls in our area cannot be overstated. Basketball is more than just a game; it’s a source of hope and inspiration,” she added.
Stacy speaks to the younger girls who are looking up to her.
“Seeing someone from near their hometown succeed on a larger stage can ignite their own dreams and aspirations. It shows them that no matter where you come from, with hard work and determination, you can achieve great things,” Stacy continued. “That’s always been something I have loved to do: create new paths for the youth and prove to them that the impossible can be done.”
Former WNBA player Makayla Epps showed Atlanta what a pro looks like putting up 19 points in the win.
“It’s an amazing feeling and opportunity to be back playing again. I’m truly grateful for Carla,” said the prior Chicago Sky guard. “I’m coming off two years of retirement. To be back playing and representing Kentucky again means the world to me.”
Epps’ future changed when the WABA came calling.
“It’s another great outlet for women to play high-level ball. It’s not just college or bust, WNBA or bust, overseas or bust.”
She believes her journey can show all girls that there are endless opportunities. “You just have to be ready for yours.”
JaVonna Layfield blew up the stat sheet for the Swish with 19 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, one steal and one assist.
Victoria Dunlap finished with seven points, six rebounds, one steal and one assist.
Dasia Thornton had six points, four rebounds and one block.
Dena Jarrells pitched in with four points, three assists and one steal.
Katie Fuller put two on the board for the away team.
“This shows eastern Kentucky girls that opportunities are still available after they get done with college,” Booth said. “Being a pro isn’t out of the question. We are bringing the professional life to Inez.”
The Swish will host their first home game of the season July 20 at 6 p.m. at Martin County High School.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for school-aged children.
