Dunn Dunn Dunn!: Look into the basketball superstar’s mind

By KYRA DE LA BARRERA 

The Tower 

Manteca’s Jaesha Dunn ‘locks in’ before the game against Vista del Lago on Feb. 21, 2024. 

MANTECA – The gym echoes with the sound of basketballs, but all eyes are on four-year varsity basketball player Jaesha Dunn.  

She has made it to many different places throughout her career so far. Her team made it to the 2024 Sac-San Joaquin Section Championships held at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.  

At 5-foot-9 and about 160 pounds, Dunn plays both forward and guard positions for Manteca High School’s girls basketball team. She is a steady and reliable presence for the team. With about 7.0 rebounds per game and about 2.1 steals per game, Dunn ranks among the top in her division III for boards according to Max Preps.  

During her sophomore year, she grabbed 180 rebounds, putting her in the team's top rebounders. She also posted a 38 percent field goal percentage, which is not elite, but it shows that when she shoots, she looks for high-probability opportunities. 

“My job as her coach is to put her in the right position for her to play at the next level,” girls’ varsity basketball coach Oscar Calix said. “We want to make the first team all-league this year and you know, get to the playoffs with her.” 

For Dunn, basketball is about more than just points and stats. As she heads into her final season, she says her biggest goal is to build team chemistry and be a mentor for the younger players.  

“My new hopes for this season are definitely being a family on the team and coming together,” Dunn said. “Just having that chemistry, especially with having younger girls on the team. Being able to teach them and upbring them and not bring anyone down this season.” 

Over her four years on varsity, Dunn has seen a lot of growth—not only in herself but also in her coach and teammates. She explained how watching her coach develop with different kinds of teams has given her a new perspective.  

“From having a basic all-star team to people who don’t really have the skill, just seeing him being able to work with all types of players shows how much he’s grown,” Dunn said. 

When she’s off the court, Dunn says she’s not that different from the player people see in games. She describes herself as someone who still likes to joke around, even while being more serious when it’s time to compete. One of her favorite memories came during her freshman year when the team shared a “Friendsgiving,” filled with laughter and bonding. 

Family, friends, and her coach have all played major roles in pushing her to improve. She admits that doubts from others have also been a driving force. 

 “There’s been people who have said stuff about me and said I’m not that good and I use that to prove them wrong,” Dunn said. 

As for pressure in big games, Dunn takes a calm but positive approach. 

 “It’s a big game but you’re just going out there to play basketball with your family,” she said. “I just go, ‘Hey this is another basketball game. Don’t be too loose but still have fun.’” 

Game days for her usually include music and food to fuel up before tipoff. Dunn says she likes to keep things light with her teammates but gets quiet and focused right before the game begins. 

Her most unforgettable experience so far has been playing in Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center for the section championships. 

 “It was definitely a surreal experience,” Dunn said. “To do it with the team that I did it with, oh my God. I would want to experience that a thousand times over again.”