During a poignant senior night on January 20, 2026, at Neuqua Valley, senior center Michayla Stone experienced a wave of emotions. Celebrated alongside teammates Nalia Clifford, Taylor Dobry, Alexis May, and Lorraine Wieshuber, Stone reflected on her journey as the Wildcats faced the visiting Geneva team. With her senior night marking a significant milestone, she described the experience as “super bittersweet.”
Stone, a key player for the Wildcats, has had an extraordinary season, averaging 8.0 points and 7.0 rebounds. For the first time, she has been able to play pain-free, a remarkable turnaround for the athlete who faced numerous challenges throughout her high school career.
Overcoming Injury and Embracing Opportunity
Throughout her first two seasons, Stone played behind standout players Tia Poulakidas and Kylee Norkus. Last year, she battled through the pain of a torn labrum in her right shoulder, which required significant rehabilitation after an MRI confirmed the injury. “In seventh grade, I fully dislocated my shoulder, so I had to do a lot of PT and rehab,” Stone explained. After postponing surgery until April 2025 to finish the season, she underwent a successful operation followed by over six months of recovery.
Stone expressed her gratitude for the support she received during her rehabilitation. “It’s 1000% pain-free,” she said, crediting her orthopedic surgeon and physical therapy team for their encouragement. The hard work paid off, as she returned to the court just before the season commenced.
As the season progressed, Stone’s determination inspired her teammates. Clifford noted, “Even if she couldn’t do everything, I would still watch her before and after practice… Michayla just wants to be on the court. She just loves basketball and loves to compete.” This unwavering commitment has motivated the Wildcats to elevate their own efforts on the court.
Contributing on the Court and in the Community
In the game against Geneva, Stone showcased her skills by scoring 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds, despite the Wildcats’ 50-42 loss. A standout moment came when she hit a three-pointer from the left corner just as time expired, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure.
Her coach, Mike Williams, praised Stone’s work ethic and leadership. “She’s grown into a pretty steady player,” he remarked. “She always took her time and learned from the other kids, and now she’s doing a great job.” Stone’s influence extends beyond her performance; she has embraced a mentoring role, helping younger players develop their skills during summer camps.
As Stone prepares for her collegiate career at North Central College, she follows in the footsteps of her family’s athletic legacy. Her father, Tom Stone, played football at Drake University, and her sister, Maya, excelled in soccer and track at Carthage College. “I had a dream ever since I was a little kid to go play college basketball,” Stone shared, reflecting on her aspirations.
For Michayla Stone, senior night was not just a celebration of her high school career but a testament to her resilience and passion for the game. With her pain-free status and commitment to improvement, she stands ready to embrace the next chapter of her basketball journey.
