Lady Jets sign Lowndes Co. High player | Events

LOWNDES COUNTY, GA - News release from South Georgia Technical College

Courtne Washington of Lowndes County High School in Valdosta, Georgia, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball for South Georgia Technical College for the 2012 – 2013 season, announced South Georgia Technical College Lady Jets head coach Brandan Harrell.

Washington, a 6’ 1” forward, is looking forward to moving to the next level and playing basketball for South Georgia Technical College. “This is a big step, but I am very excited,” said Washington.

“Courtne is a uniquely gifted athlete with a ton of upside,” said Lady Jets head basketball coach Brandan Harrell. “She has soft hands, is a great leaper and has a nose to block or alter shots on the defensive end.” Harrell added that Courtne needs to increase her offensive skill sets over the summer, but that she should be a factor on the court for South Georgia Tech next year as a freshman.

South Georgia Technical College is only about two hours from Washington’s home town of Valdosta and she is excited that her future college is close enough to her home that her family will be able to drive to Americus to watch her play, especially her dad, who is her biggest fan.

The 6-foot-tall Washington was a key player for Lowndes last year. She was the Vikettes’ tallest player, their second-leading rebounder and she played a big role at both ends of the court. She was also second on the team in field goal percentage, and made both of her three-point attempts.

“Her upside is unbelievable. We still haven’t seen her best basketball,” said Lowndes head coach Shan Garner. “They just don’t build kids that size that can do those kinds of things.”

When asked about her new adventure, Washington said, “South Georgia Technical College has a nice campus. It’s close to home. The coaches are very nice, and I respect them. The coaches like my size and believe they can work with me to make me better, in school and in basketball.”

South Georgia Technical College is a two-year residential college located in Americus. The school has approximately 4,500 students. The school’s women’s basketball team competes in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA). They were the GCAA regular season champions in 2011 – 2012 as well as the GCAA tournament runners-up. The Lady Jets posted their first ever undefeated regular season conference record last year with 18 consecutive wins. They finished the season 24 – 9 overall.

Lowndes won at least 21 games and made the postseason all three years that Washington played for the varsity team. Last season, the Vikettes went 25-4 and won the Region 1-AAAAA regular season and tournament championships, and made it to the second round of the state playoffs. During the three years that Washington played on the varsity team, the Vikettes went 68-19.

“It was awesome,” Washington said. “It was the best four years of my life. My team is my family. We got along. They picked you up when you needed picking up. I enjoy playing basketball. It’s my escape. I can do whatever I want to. It’s just my way to express myself,” she said. “I’ve played since I was six years old.”

Washington is one of five Vikettes who have signed with colleges. Point guard Danyelle Jones is going to Georgia Southwestern, guard Natalia Adams and forward Kenya Durden are heading to Brewton-Parker and guard Ziyadah Rashadeen is going to Albany Technical College.

“It’s awesome,” Coach Garner said. “That’s what it’s about, giving these kids a chance to start their future. ... I’m happy. This group had 25 wins this season. I knew they had a chance to be special at the beginning of the year.”