Defense Sets the Tone for U-High’s Kennedy Aldridge
by Robin Fambrough // GeauxPreps.com Contributor
Kennedy Aldridge made quite an impression during University High’s march to the LHSAA Division II select girls basketball title three months ago.
Aldridge was voted the Outstanding Player in that title game and was the MVP of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 3A All-State team.
She averaged 23.2 points a game, 7 rebounds, 5.3 steals, and 3.1 assists per game as a junior.
The numbers don’t reveal the whole picture about the 5-foot-8 Aldridge.
“Kennedy’s an elite-level defender who can go out and handle any player in the one, two, or three (guard) positions,” said coach Tim Bush, coach of Texas-based Cy Fair Elite. “If you can defend like that and also knock down shots when you’re asked to, then you’re a problem for other teams.”
Those qualities make Aldridge a rising recruit in the class of 2027 with double-digit scholarship offers. She has visits to Kansas State and Tulane planned this summer. Just as important is her role as a senior leader for the Cubs in 2026-27.
Aldridge’s seamless slip into the leadership role was evident during a recent U-High summer workout. She helped lead drills with a confident smile and encouraged teammates.
“I definitely have grown as a leader,” Aldridge said. “For a long time, I was a younger girl looking up to the older girls. Now I feel like it is my job to teach the younger girls what I was taught.
“When we won it (LHSAA title), it was like a weight was lifted off. And now this is a different group. I am excited to see how good we can be. Last year showed us what is possible.”
Division II final is not the only basketball inflection point for Aldridge so far in 2026. Last month, in a Nike EYBL circuit game for Cy Fair, Aldridge came off the bench and held one of the nation’s top five 2027 recruits to zero points.
“I’ve noticed a big change in Kennedy over the last year,” U-High coach Bonita Johnson said. “She is so confident as a player now … we saw that during the season.
“Now she is also that vocal leader. She will pull the team together to make sure we’re doing all the things we need to accomplish in practice or a game. She is so focused.”
Aldridge admits her role as a team leader and rising recruit is not something she dreamed of when she fell in love with basketball.
“When I was growing up, I never really thought about recruiting or what other people thought,” Aldridge said. “I always played the game because I loved it. And I still do.
“You know … I just kept working, and when I started getting recognition, I worked even harder. My family and my teammates have been there with me every step of the way.”
Aldridge has been a “gym rat” most of her life. She started playing basketball in kindergarten. Also playing soccer and running track provided diversity that lingers today.
Case in point – Aldridge helped the Cubs place third in the LHSAA’s Class 3A outdoor track meet with a second-place finish in the 400 meters with a time of 56.48, a mark ranked ninth overall in Louisiana.
Her father, Tensley Sr., played high school basketball at Scotlandville, while her older brother, Tensley Jr., played at Catholic High and Loyola of New Orleans. Mom Keisha is her biggest cheerleader.
In his own way, Cy Fair’s Bush is a cheerleader for Aldridge.
“Not all high players adjust to coming off the bench for an AAU team like ours,” Bush said. “We have multiple players ranked among the nation’s best. She fills her role.”
Aldridge played her Cy Fair role for two straight seasons. As nice as scoring points is, she offers a notable parting shot, so to speak.
“Defense is another way to attack the court,” Aldridge said. “You get points that way without scoring. That’s the main reason I get in the game, and I know that. I want to win.”