Credit to Monica Zacarias

Madelyn Files rides on top of Audrey Grimshaw’s shoulders, represenative of their close bond.

While the transition from middle school to high school is no easy task for freshmen Audrey Grimshaw and Madelyn Files, they were quickly welcomed into the FHN Lady Knights basketball team. These two girls have been playing basketball together for over three years now and have ultimately become more than teammates; they have become best friends. Since the beginning of time, the two have always had a ball in their hand and a hoop in their yard. As they take the next step into this new chapter, they have many supporters sitting in the stands, some there for their whole life, and some who have just found the pleasure of watching.

“Me and Audrey have become really close in the last year,” Files said. “I would say she became like a sister to me.”

Though the two have grown so close together, they aren’t your typical pairing. Standing at 5’11, Grimshaw towers over the 5’0 Files. Files is able to drive in and out through defenders, ready to dish or shoot the three, while Grimshaw will be posted up on the inside or ready for the three-point shot on the outside.

“We make a good duo, I would say,” Grimshaw said. “She passes the ball to me, and I can make a layup or shoot it from deep. But I also know that if I need to pass it out, she will be ready for the pass on the outside to make the three.”

Tracing back to the 2023-2024 basketball season, the two had just begun their seventh grade year, but this time as a duo. When the middle school feeder team had kicked off, the girls slowly started bonding. As time went on, Files’s dad, Jeff, thought Grimshaw could be a great addition to the Missouri Phenom team, the same club team his daughter was on, and Grimshaw eventually joined the team.

“I saw the potential that Audrey has right away and knew she would be a great asset to the Phenom,” Jeff said. “It took about a year for her to come over, but once she did, she really expanded her game. The level of speed at the high AAU level is so much different, and the game is played at a very fast pace, which prepares the ladies for school.”

AAU teams are competitive teams that create great exposure and opportunities to better prepare the players for not only high school season, but post-high school athletics if they choose. Showcases, college events and traveling to play some of the best teams in the country will be used to the girls’ advantage for the tough competition in the GAC high school conference.

“Playing on high-level teams has helped me know what great players look like and how to compete with them,” Grimshaw said. “I know our high school plays in a tough conference, so already being one step ahead, especially as a freshman, will pay off this season.”

Not only are the two excited for their next four years as Knights, but so are the coaches and players.

“The girls have built chemistry on and off the court as teammates and friends,” coach Danille Rampley said. “We are looking forward to them becoming Lady Knights and the experience and leadership they will bring to our program for the next four years.”