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But, in a move to conserve her energy as much as possible, Elk Rapids girls basketball coach Rick Sayer didn't start the 6-foot junior in last Thursday's game at Traverse City St. Francis.

Sayer gave her frequent rests on the bench throughout the game as well, figuring the Elks would need her presence in the paint in the latter stages of the contest.

Unfortunately, the Elks got off to another ragged start against the Gladiators, scoring only 1 point in the first quarter and trailing 28-7 at the half en route to a 49-37 loss.

Despite her reduced playing time, Anderson still managed to score her season's average of 15 points and to haul down 11 rebounds, one over her average of 10 per game.

The Elks have been hit hard by injury and illness, which has eroded the chemistry they had built early in the season.

"Our team wants it really bad," Anderson said as the team headed for the bus last Thursday. "It's going to take a while to click.

"We're almost there. We're all starting to try to play as a team, and we're understanding that we need to be better."

Elk Rapids has displayed a warrior's mentality, managing to regroup during the halftime and make a run in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter.

That ability to shake off poor starts has led to some amazing comebacks, including the first meeting with St. Francis at Elk Rapids when the Elks were shut out in the first period yet came back to win.

"Our fourth quarters have always been our great quarters," Anderson said with a slightly raspy voice.

"During off-season conditioning, we're always saying ÔFourth quarter. Push it, push it.' But we need to start saying ÔFirst quarter. Push it, push it.'

"We always seem to come out slow. We just need to get into it, and get pumped (early), and find a way to do that."

Anderson provides a good example of not letting any offensive troubles affect the other facets of her game.

She manages that by keeping her focus on the job in hand.

"I try to just focus everything in the moment, and not really dwell too hard on anything," Anderson said.

"Like, if I make a horrible turnover, I just try to forget (it), sprint back and play good defense, or get a board.

"ÔMess up, make up.' That's what our coach always tells us to do."

Anderson, a team captain, is the Elks' acknowledged team leader on offense. She is the primary post player, yet she is shooting 34 percent from 3-point range.

Sayer has also put her in the point guard position, unusal for a girl with her height, and she's proven an adroit ball handler.

In baseball parlance, Anderson is a five-tool player ... she can score in the paint, rebound, handle the ball, play great defense and rip apart a zone with her outside shooting.

"Kacey is dedicated, and works extremely hard in the off-season," Sayer says of his team leader.

"She doesn't miss conditioning, and she is is usually first to arrive and last to leave. She attends many camps and clinics, and volunteers with the young girls' program.

"She helps with our 3-on-3 tournament in the summer, and is a great example for the younger girls in our program."

Anderson is just as dedicated in the classroom, helping the Elks attain a 3.5 grade point average as a team.

"We stress to the girls that we want academic athletes, not the other way around," Sayer said. "We want the girls to set a great example in the classroom and hallways, and then on the court. We are very proud of our girls."

The team's spirit has been upbeat despite their struggles.

Everyone is focusing on the positive, and eager to prove themselves in the district tournament.

"We are upset after a loss," Anderson said. "But, then we try to look forward to the next game, and try to get pumped for that."

Anderson does her part to keep the team looking ahead, and not dwelling on the past.