With only two district losses – both to the Wheatley Wildcats – the Jack Yates Lady Lions basketball team sits in second place in 4A Region III District 20, thanks to the remarkable efforts of junior forward Taniyah Cooper and freshman point guard Karneshia Smith.
The duo has emerged as the driving force behind the team’s success, blending experience, talent and determination to dominate on the court.
Taniyah Cooper and Karneshia Smith bring passion, a great work ethic, and a determination to become better each day…Both are very competitive and that spirit feeds onto the other players on the team.
Damien Wyre-Hunter, Yates Girls Basketball Head Coach
For Cooper, basketball has been a journey of growth and perseverance. Inspired by the sport’s sisterhood and competitive spirit, she took up the sport and quickly learned that success would require hard work.
“The sisterhood is genuine. It’s about building a bond with teammates and supporting each other both on and off the court. This really helped me physically, mentally and emotionally to become a better version of myself,” said Cooper.
Earlier in her basketball journey, Cooper faced challenges and was often remembered for her airballs. However, she turned that adversity into motivation. With time, she improved her shooting and dedicated herself to improving her footwork, rebounding and overall game awareness.
Now in her second year on varsity, Cooper has become a cornerstone for the Lady Lions. Shooting 50% from the floor and leading the team with 39 blocks this season, she’s averaging 2.5 blocks per game and anchoring the defense. Her coach describes her as the glue of the team, citing her leadership and competitive edge as key traits that set her apart from her peers.
“Taniyah Cooper distinguishes herself from other post players through her exceptional defensive prowess and consistent offensive contributions,” said Wyre-Hunter. “Her ability to protect the rim and control the boards makes her a formidable presence in the paint. These attributes collectively pose significant matchup challenges for opponents, as they must account for her defensive impact and her ability to contribute offensively. Her dual-threat capability requires opposing teams to strategize carefully, often necessitating adjustments in their game plans to mitigate her influence on both ends of the court.”
Although Cooper excels at rebounding, defense and leadership, she knows she must continue to improve her ball-handling to prepare for the collegiate level, where she dreams of playing at LSU or the University of South Carolina. She studies the game of former LSU standout and now Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese to enhance her skills and emulate the dominance she hopes to bring to the next level.
“Angel Reese is more than an athlete; she stays true to herself both on and off the court. She faced injuries along the way but overcame them with hard work and determination. Even after everyone doubted her, she still overcame those challenges. She is the role model for the next generation of basketball players,” said Cooper.
While Cooper provides the experience and stability, Smith delivers energy and spark. The freshman point guard has taken the varsity level by storm, leading the Lady Lions in scoring with 294 points, 91 assists and 124 steals this season.
Averaging 16.3 points, 5.1 assists and 6.9 steals per game, Smith’s relentless hustle and ability to attack the rim make her a nightmare for opposing teams.
“Karneshia Smith is our freshman point and shooting guard who has both heart and hustle,” said Wyre-Hunter. “Her defensive acumen, particularly her ability to anticipate passes and disrupt offensive plays, is key to our defense. This knack for creating turnovers not only halts opponents’ scoring opportunities but also generates fast-break chances for the team.”
Basketball has been a part of Smith’s life since she was four years old, inspired by her father’s legacy as a player.
“My dad was a three-sport athlete while at Yates High School. He played on both ends of the court and that inspired me to play and carry on the Smith’s legacy while playing basketball at Yates,” said Smith.
Her passion for the game shines through her play, and her coach praises her for her unmatched work ethic and fiery presence on the court. Smith’s ambition matches her talent—she aims to lead the Lady Lions to a deep playoff run, excel in college basketball, and one day make it to the WNBA.
“It feels great to be able to lead my team and do whatever is needed on the court. I just want to contribute in as many ways as possible,” said Smith.
To improve, she studies players like LSU guard Flau’Jae Johnson and Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale, as she focuses on refining her mid-range game and mastering the pressures of running a team from the point guard position.
“I love the way they play the game on both ends and they always leave it all on the court,” said Smith.
Together, Cooper and Smith form a dynamic duo that has transformed the Lady Lions into a formidable team. Their chemistry on the court is undeniable, with Smith’s playmaking perfectly complementing Cooper’s dominance in the paint. Both players are alumni of the Texas Southern Flames AAU program, a shared background that has only strengthened their bond.
As the season unfolds, the Lady Lions are setting their sights on a deep playoff run, and with Cooper and Smith leading the charge, the future looks bright. Yates fans can’t help but feel excited about the potential of these two stars, who are not only shaping the present but also paving the way for an even more promising future.
About Taniyah Cooper:
Class: 2026
IG: @taniiyahh_
Position: Forward
Height & weight: 5-feet-11, 190 pounds
Favorite artist: Hunxho
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: Math
Shout-outs: Coaches, Karneshia Smith, Dillynn Johnson and my teammates
About Karneshia Smith:
Class: 2028
IG: @d1_.kk3
Twitter: @d1_kk3
Position: Point guard
Height & weight: 5-feet-5, 130 pounds
Favorite artist: Rod Wave
Status: Uncommitted
Favorite subject: Math
Shout-outs: Dad, mom, brother (Lamar Jr. & Kevin), sister (Rineshia) TSF Coaches
