By Staff
ECHS guard Courtney English leads 2008 Advance girls team
By Adam Prestridge
Most would agree that Escambia County High School’s Courtney English isn’t your typical point guard.
It’s not too often a point guard finishes a season averaging 14 rebounds per game. English did just that, averaging a double-double last season with 14.1 boards and 14.8 points per game.
Of the 22 games English played in this year, she had 15 double-double games and added 1.5 rebounds per game.
For her performance on the hard court, English leads the Atmore Advance’s 2008 All-Star Girls Basketball Team as this year’s Player of the Year.
Although English, 17, had an exceptional year, ECHS head coach Ray Greer said her stats are deceiving.
Greer said he sat English down just before Christmas in hopes of giving her some advise that would get her into the groove. It worked.
From that game on, English became the force Greer knew she was capable of being.
English, a 5-foot-11 junior mainstay on the Lady Blue Devils’ roster, has been on the varsity team for four years. But don’t let her size deceive you.
But English said snagging rebounds is not an easy task.
English agreed with Greer, but added that the entire team was “off” prior to Christmas.
The star guard not only excels on the basketball court, but also in the classroom. She currently sports a 3.6 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society, which could help her secure a scholarship.
Greer believe English’s dedication both on the hard court and in the classroom will be ingredients she will need to continue her career at the collegiate level.
English, who also plays volleyball and softball, said basketball is her passion. She hopes to add to her totals next season in hopes of catching the eyes of Division 1A coaches.
The Lady Blue Devils have already made their goal for next year and it’s a lofty one.
Greer doesn’t believe that goal is too farfetched.
He believes having players with the dedication and leadership English possesses will also help the team go a long way next season.