Leadership doesn’t always come from height or age—sometimes it comes from someone who sets the tone with effort, focus, and consistency. McAlester junior point guard Kambree Zummer steps into that role naturally, pushing herself and her teammates with a simple, season-long mission: “To have a winning season.”
She feels the Lady Buffs are heading in the right direction early. “Good—we all have the drive to go a long way this year,” Kambree says, confident in the group’s mentality and how competitive they’ve already shown themselves to be. A big part of their growth comes from players evolving into new roles. “People stepping up and out of their comfort zone,” she says, has become one of the biggest differences from last year.
For Kambree, winning is built on joy as much as discipline. “To win and have fun, we show up even when we don’t want to,” she explains. Her biggest individual strength on the floor reflects her position: “court awareness.” As the team’s point guard, she is constantly reading the defense and reacting in real time. “Seeing if it’s a zone or man defense to be able to run offense” is one of her key responsibilities each game.
Preparation is another area she takes seriously. “Watch film on the opponent team,” she says, making sure she understands matchups before stepping onto the court. But no matter who they face, her mindset remains steady: “To do all I can at the best of my ability.”
Kambree hopes her teammates and coaches remember her impact long after the season ends. “I was a good teammate and player all around,” she says—an identity she works to uphold every practice. She believes this McAlester team has something special brewing. “We are willing to do what it takes to be great this year.”
And while game nights bring excitement, it’s the small moments that stay with her the most. Her favorite memories are simple: “The bus rides.”
Kambree Zummer is a junior and already planning her future beyond the hardwood. She says, “I plan on going to college and getting my master’s degree in sonography.”
