Bartlesville’s Shaylyn Ishem
By Elizabeth Contreras
Basketball runs deep in Shaylyn Ishem’s family, and what began as admiration for those closest to her has since grown into a lifelong love for the game.
“I’ve been around basketball since before I was born,” she said. “Traveling with my sisters and seeing their passion made me want to do the same. It’s just always been a part of who I am.”
Ishem is now a dedicated member of the Bartlesville girls’ basketball program and has continually worked to carve out her own path. Known for her height, wingspan, and athleticism, she is a force on either end of the court.
“I love being able to impact the game in different ways,” she explained. “Whether it’s rebounding, blocking a shot, or getting a put-back, I just try to use my length and energy to help the team.”
The biggest area of growth, Ishem admits, has been her confidence. With the encouragement of her coach and teammates, she’s learned that self-trust comes from persistence and unremitting effort.
“For a while, I’d get in my head too much,” she said. “But having a coach who pushes me and teammates who always have my back has changed that. They’ve helped me trust my game more and reminded me that confidence comes from putting in the work.”
Faith also plays a powerful role in her preparation for competition. Before each game, Ishem turns to prayer and music to find focus and peace.
“I always ask the Lord to be with me,” she said. “Because I play for Him, not just for myself.”
For Ishem, being an effective leader means staying rooted in encouragement and accountability, traits she says the culture at Bartlesville is built on.
“A leader is someone who pushes you to be better but also supports you no matter what,” she said. “The chemistry here is special. We’re not just teammates… It feels like a family.”
Her primary goal this year is to contribute in ways that elevate the team every time she steps foot on the court.
“I just want to contribute in any way I can, including scoring, rebounding, defending, and have a purpose in every game,” she said.
Ishem plans to continue playing basketball after high school and pursue a degree in healthcare.
“I’m interested in becoming either a NICU nurse or a veterinarian,” she said. “I’m really passionate about both and hope to balance my love for basketball with my academic goals.”
Guided by her faith, Ishem’s journey is a testament to what happens when passion meets belief.
