Peaches is the
leader of the pack

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

The inspiration is there, but these days, Peaches Nesmith has to look really far to find it.
Almost across the world.
Because that is where her brother, Maurice, has been serving in the Navy for two years.
"He is in Japan now," said Nesmith. "But we still keep in touch. I usually get to talk to him once a week."
And they sure have plenty to talk about.
The 5-foot-7 combination guard at Northeast High School has been quite an asset to the Vikings this season, averaging close to 10 points a game.
She scored 12 points in the Vikings’ victory over University City on Feb. 28, a win that catapulted Northeast High School into the No. 3 seed out of the District 12 Class AAAA Southern Division.
But if you ask Nesmith, she’ll credit most of her talents to her big brother.
"He taught me how to play," she said. "I always try to remember everything he taught me. I want to follow in his footsteps."
Maurice, who is three years older than his little sis, has been stationed overseas for two years. It’s difficult for the siblings to stay close with more than 10,000 miles separating them, a hardship that Nesmith uses as motivation.
"When I’m missing him, I take it out on the court," she said.
It looks like her strategy is working.
The Vikings are currently 14-9, after an impressive comeback from a 2-8 start. They’ve won 12 of the last 13 games they’ve played, including a 13-3 record against Public League foes.
"We’ve been playing hard," said Nesmith, who stepped up this year as team captain.
With an individuality that is unmistakable, the Northeast junior is a natural-born leader.
"I love being captain," said Nesmith. "The team is great. Everyone listens. And I like being the one who takes control and solves problems. The girls are great, and I like helping them."
Nesmith and fellow captain Georgette Elmes usually run the first 45 minutes of practice, getting the team prepared through warm-ups and drills.
"She has good leadership," said Vikings coach Rich Kirk, who has guided Northeast to the state playoffs in each of his three seasons with the squad. "The team follows her as a captain. She is a great leader and the girls respect her and really listen to her."
But Nesmith will explain that it’s easy being a leader when you’re dealing with girls who are not only teammates but also your good friends.
"There’s a lot of things I like about playing for Northeast," said Nesmith. "But the best part is being a part of that team. We all get along. We’re like a family."
Nesmith is no stranger to teamwork.
She has always been an athlete, playing basketball as well as track, softball and volleyball.
"I’ve been playing sports my entire life," said Nesmith. "It’s a way for me to stay active and in shape. And the other sports prepare me for basketball season."
Although Nesmith is a well-rounded athlete, basketball has always been her passion.
"I’ve been playing since I was a kid," said Nesmith. "I love everything about basketball."
The Oxford Circle resident is excited about helping Northeast go as far as possible in the upcoming tournament.
She’s also excited about her long-term plans.
"Right now I’m just playing ball and preparing for college," said Nesmith. "I definitely want to go to college and get a degree. I want to study sports management, and continue to play basketball.
"I am an athlete," she said. "And I want to keep playing sports." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com