PEAK PERFORMERS: Lofty goal for Ms. Versatility

Just a junior, Janeesa "Chucky" Jeffery boasts a versatile, well-rounded game that carried an inexperienced Sierra girls basketball team to the state quarterfinals, where the Stallions (22-4) suffered a two-point loss.

Sierra has won consecutive 4A Metro championships. Jeffery has been a starter since early in her freshman season.

The do-everything Jeffery, who is 5-foot-10, averaged 19.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.6 steals, 3.8 assists and 1.8 blocks. She had 18 doubledoubles (points and rebounds) and one triple-double (20-10-10 steals). Jeffery's consistent performances - despite defenses designed to stop her - make the Sierra star The Gazette's Big Schools Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

How did you get your nickname, "Chucky?"

When I was born, I was supposed to be a boy and I was going to be named after my grandpa, Charles. So everybody called me "Chucky" ever since I was little. Most of my teachers and everyone around school calls me "Chucky."

What are your long-range goals?

I definitely want to go to college. I want to be an accountant. I'm good at numbers and, of course, it's dealing with money so that's good.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life?

My mom, because she's always taught me right from wrong. She's a strong person. I'm just trying to do good for her and take care of school.

Were you surprised how far your team was able to go this season?

Not really. We went to the Great Eight last year but we lost most of our rotating seven (players), so I knew it would be tough. Once we got on a roll, I knew we'd go deep.

What was the key to Sierra's success?

Our defense won our games. We were small but we were quick.

Is there a player you try to model your game after?

Candace Parker (Tennessee junior who won the 2007 Wooden Award as college basketball's best female player). She kind of plays everywhere like I do. But she dunks.

Do you think you'll ever be able to dunk?

That's what I'm hoping to do. I'm working on my vertical (leap). I'm an inch under being able to grab the rim.

What's the hardest thing about being a female athlete?

People don't think it's as exciting to watch as the guys.

What's one thing you want people to know about you?

I wish people knew I didn't just end up like this. I've worked really hard to get where I'm at. I work just like everybody else.

What's the best thing about your game?

I think I'm good at creating for my teammates. I have good vision. I think I do unexpected things for a girl. I always played with boys growing up - my cousins and brothers - and watched what was going on and then I'd practice it and try to make it part of my game.

What part of your game do you need to work on most?

My shooting isn't where I want it to be. I need more consistency, especially from the outside.

Who are three people, living or dead, that you'd like to invite to dinner?

Michael Jordan, Candace Parker and Allen Iverson.

What other sports have you played?

I played football through the eighth grade and I run track now.

What position did you play in football and why did you like it?

I played quarterback, running back, middle linebacker and cornerback. I like the aggressiveness. Defense was my favorite part; I like tackling.

What events do you do in track?

I do the 100-meter hurdles and the 300 hurdles. Maybe I'll do the 4x100 and medley relays this year. I like the hurdles best because, to me, it's the most challenging. I like challenges.

What's the best thing about your coach, Nate Hansen?

He's intense. He wants everything done just right. He can be kind of laid-back, too. But he's the one that gives us our push.

How much better can you be next year?

I think I can be a lot better. I'll work on my shooting, my jumping, my defense. I need to quit making ticky-tack fouls.

How tall were you last year and do you think you'll grow any more?

I was 5-8 so I've grown about 22 inches. I hope I grow some more.

How did you improve after last season?

I had more leadership this year. I was one of the older players. I had to grow out of that attitude and learn to keep my composure. I was better at distributing the ball to my teammates. That's what I really like to do.