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How dance helped Judge Memorial sophomore Teya Sidberry become an elite basketball player

Teya Sidberry takes shot after shot from all over the court. It’s Wednesday afternoon at Judge Memorial High School, about 15 minutes before practice starts for the girl’s basketball team.

Sidberry, a 16-year-old sophomore, lands with her feet in a unique position on each jump stop. Her right foot is well in front of her left. Both heels float inches off the floor as she balances her 5-foot-11 frame on her tip-toes.

Other players might find themselves wobbly with that kind of footwork. But not Sidberry. She’s been a dancer longer than she’s been a hooper, performing at a high level in jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, ballet and others since the age of 3.