Editor’s note: The following is part of a series shining a spotlight on standout DeKalb players and coaches at this point in the season.

Kelsey Carrier is shouldering quite a load for her Marist varsity girls’ hoops team these days.

To hear her coaches tell it, the sophomore guard wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Kelsey is the rock of this basketball team,” said Lady War Eagles coach Kim Hixon. “Her extremely competitive demeanor and work ethic set the tone for our team in and out of season and on and off the court.”

Behind that baby face lurks an intense competitor, whose skill set and seemingly natural leadership qualities are helping to shape her team’s identity.

“She is committed to excellence in everything she does and brings a toughness to this team that is second to none,” Hixon added. “She is one of our leading scorers at the point position along with commanding our offenses and defenses up and down the floor!”

Marist carried a respectable 3-3 record into the holiday break. The Lady War Eagles ran off consecutive victories over Paulding County, Therrell and Grady … Hixon’s squad also fell to Hillgrove and Redan as well as coming out on the short end of last week’s contest with North Gwinnett.

Hovering around .500 for the remainder of the season does not appear likely. The scrappy Lady War Eagles could be poised for a breakout second half of the season.

A big reason for that, of course, is Carrier’s presence on the floor and her infectious set of intangibles.

“She truly amazes me each year how much heart and hustle she brings to the team and her never give up attitude,” said Hixon of Carrier.

Things certainly won’t get any easier for Carrier and company, though. The teams currently at the top of the Region 6-AAAA pecking order at present — Chamblee (9-0); Redan (5-0); and Columbia (4-1) — all boast rosters featuring their own versions of Kelsey Carrier.

Needless to say, things are sure to get interesting for the Lady War Eagles.

Marist returns to the court to host Etowah Friday at 6 p.m.