The Chapel Hill girls’ basketball team is 16-3 with only a few games left and they are looking good for the postseason.

One player providing a strong leadership force to this team, according to head coach Christopher Long, is senior Ashley Chestnut.

A 5-foot-5-inch point guard, Chestnut has been a part of the Panthers basketball program since her freshman year and has played on the varsity team since her sophomore year.

Chestnut currently averages 12 points, 2.3 steals and 3.4 rebounds a night. She is also shooting 70 percent from the free throw line and beyond the arc.

Chestnut’s best game was in the 49-47 loss against Central-Carroll on Jan. 12.

“She scored 22 points in a losing effort but showed her toughness when things got tough,” said Long.

Long describes Chestnut as a born leader and a clutch player.

When it comes to the team, she’s known as the “general of the floor” as she “leads the team and does the little things asked of the guards.”

Chestnut, according to Long, has a “never say die” attitude, strong work ethic and a competitive spirit.

“She’s the one you can call on when you need that extra push, but she can also settle the team down when they get flustered,” said Long.

As a senior, Chestnut is interested in playing ball at the next level, but is currently uncommitted.