St. Mary’s duo plan college careers

Kadajah Bailey and Dajiah Martin of the St. Mary’s varsity girls basketball team have their sights set on furthering their basketball career. 
Bailey, a junior guard, is committed to St. John’s University while Martin, a senior forward is heading to St. Peter’s College.
Bailey said she started playing basketball when she was 10 years old. 
At that point, she said, she felt the love for the game and it came very easy to her.
“One day, I was walking down the street dribbling the basketball,” Bailey said. “Ever since then, every day, I just dribble the ball, and loved the sport. It was easy for me.”
Bailey transferred to St. Mary’s from Long Beach High School a season ago.
In her freshmen year at Long Beach, she averaged 25 points a game. 
The All-League guard is coming off a season where she averaged 18 points a game, along with seven rebounds and six assists in her sophomore year at St. Mary’s. 
When asked about any other college offering, Bailey was quick to label St. John’s as her top choice and has been committed since her freshmen season. 
She said she was interested in their program because she likes the team and coaches.
“St. Johns is my future college,” Bailey said. “It’s a very good school and I think I’ll fit in there.”
Bailey said she is working closely with St. Mary’s head coach Kevin White this season. 
He’s looking to help her get better, work on some things and prepare her for the next level. 
Martin said her basketball career began when she started going to the gym with her father and brothers.
“I got into basketball because my dad and brothers played,” Martin said. “Ever since going to the gym with them, I started loving it.”
Martin transferred from Westbury High School to St. Mary’s a year ago and sat out for the season. 
In her time at Westbury, she garnered All Class, All County and MVP honors. 
Martin said she also had an offer from Wagner but when she visited St. Peter’s, she made her decision official.
“I felt when I went there, immediately it clicked and that’s where I wanted to be,” Martin said. “It felt like home.”
The senior forward said she wants to major in criminal justice and that St. Peters has a good educational program. 
Martin said she fits in perfectly with St. Peter’s basketball style as her play compliment theirs. 
“It’s at my speed and level and I think it’s going to be good for me.” Martin said. “I’m prepared to start the journey.”
Martin said White is doing everything he can to get her ready for collegiate basketball.
“He’s preparing me each day to become a stronger player,” Martin said. “He’s making sure my skills are right and enhancing everything I do to improve my game.”
White said he is hoping these two girls will have a great year and serve as key contributors to the Lady Gaels’ season before they advance to the next chapter in their lives as student athletes. 
“Dajiah protects the basketball very well and is a good defender and a very strong rebounder who expanded her game from the inside,” White said. “Kadajah’s extremely athletic, can touch the basket, pass the ball well and has an unbelievable basketball I.Q. They’re great kids who are working very hard and hopefully they get what they want in college.”