The New Manchester girls’ basketball team won their first region game of the season against North Paulding, 39-27, on Nov. 27.

With the first win coming in game five last year, the team has gotten off to a better start and an “integral part” of the team’s victory and strength as they traveled to North Paulding was Alysia Harris.

At 5-foot-11, Harris is a power forward for the Jaguars as well as the leading rebounder and point scorer.

Harris has averaged 10 points a night and collected 14 against the Lady Wolfpack.

“She has great character and works hard in games and practices,” said head coach Josh Martin.

With New Manchester opening just last school year, Harris was a starter on the inaugural girls’ basketball team for the Jaguars. As the tallest player on the team, Harris played at power forward and center.

This year Harris is the only returning starter. She is currently the only active senior as the other senior, Katelen Griffin, is out due to a knee injury.

Harris was also selected as a team captain.

Martin said Harris leads by example, but she is learning to be more of a vocal leader through basketball and her participation in other school sports.

“She is a standout player in volleyball as well and is realizing that more people look up to her so she’s becoming more vocal,” said Martin.