Keiarra Martin fights through injury, leads the Lady Raiders to new heights

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

CHINLE – Whitehorse High School’s Keiarra Martin has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court.

The sophomore standout led the Lady Raiders to their first Region 19 championship in 15 years, earned multiple tournament MVP honors, and was named to the 1A All-State First Team—a first for any sophomore in her school’s history. But behind her impressive stats and accolades lies a story of toughness, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her team, even while playing through a painful injury.

Martin’s season was nothing short of extraordinary. She averaged nearly 16 points per game, ranking second in scoring for Utah’s 1A division and leading the state in 3-pointers. Her ability to dominate on both ends of the court—scoring, rebounding, stealing, and defending—made her an indispensable force for the Lady Raiders.

Her standout performances earned her MVP honors at the Antelope Canyon Tournament and the SFE Winter Classic, where she led her team to impressive victories against larger schools.

“We were the underdogs, but we didn’t let that intimidate us,” Martin said. “We just played our game and proved everyone wrong.”

The Lady Raiders’ success didn’t stop there. Under the guidance of coach Joni Dickson, the team clinched the Region 19 championship and secured a fifth-place finish at the state tournament—their best performance since 2019.

“This was a historic season for us,” said coach Dickson. “We’re building a championship program, and Martin is a huge part of that.”

What makes Martin’s accomplishments even more remarkable is the fact that she played the entire season with a broken bone in her back. The injury, which occurred during the summer, went undiagnosed until after the state tournament. Despite the pain, Martin never let it show on the court.

“I just thought it was muscle spasms or overworking myself,” Martin admitted. “I didn’t want to make excuses. Once I step on the court, I mean business.”

Her father, Trevor Martin, who has been her biggest supporter and training partner, was stunned when he learned the extent of her injury.

“I didn’t know how she was playing through it,” he said. “She’s tough as nails, and I’m so proud of her.”

Doctors confirmed that the fracture in her L5 vertebrae will not heal fully, but with strength training and conditioning, Martin can continue to play at a high level.

“She’s capable of being even better,” her father added. “That’s the scary part for other teams.”

Martin’s determination and work ethic have not gone unnoticed. She was named McDonald’s Athlete of the Week by the Utah High School Activities Association and is already setting her sights on bigger goals.

“I want to come back stronger and better,” she said. “I know I have to keep improving because everyone knows how I play now.”

Coach Dickson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Martin’s leadership and potential. “She’s self-motivated and determined to be the best player she can be,” she said. “We’re excited to see her grow not just as a player, but as a leader for this team.”

With two more years of high school basketball ahead of her, Martin is determined to lead the Lady Raiders to their first state championship.

“We’re building something special here,” coach Dickson said. “Martin is a big part of that, and we know she’s going to keep pushing herself and her teammates to new heights.”

For Martin, the journey is just beginning. And if this season is any indication, the best is yet to come.

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