McDowell’s Washington shines for Blue girls

McDowell’s Washington shines for Blue girls
by Andrew Pearson
published March 21, 2008 12:41 am


SKYLAND – Kelsea Greene’s first impulse was unquestionably the correct one, time and time again Thursday at Roberson High.

Anytime the McDowell point guard spied Kurie Washington flashing to the basket under the yellowish glow of Baldwin Gym’s lighting, Greene hit her Titans teammate with a pass.

The backcourt connection responsible for getting McDowell to the 4-A state semifinals earlier this month was just as crisp in the Blue-White All-Star game. Washington exploded for 33 points to lead the Blue girls to a leisurely 95-64 win.

Mitchell forward Samantha Blevins added 14 points, and a third McDowell player, forward Ebonique Hamilton, scored 12.

“I’ve enjoyed being with (Greene and Hamilton) for so long, it’s going to be sad to say goodbye,” Washington said. “I’m going to miss them a whole lot. But this whole experience was exciting, too. It was great to meet the new girls and have them on my team.”

Lenoir-Rhyne coach Todd Starkey, whose Division II program is recruiting Washington, sat next to McDowell’s coaches for the majority of the night.

The White girls fell behind 50-35 at halftime and could never make up any ground despite solid performances from Enka’s Rachel Olivo (15 points) and Asheville High’s Shermia Forney (14). Franklin’s Jena Cabe and Blue Ridge’s Stephanie Nichols scored nine apiece.

“I’ve watched a lot of high school basketball. (Washington) is the one of the best finishers I’ve seen,” said East Rutherford’s Larry Ross, who coached the Blue girls Thursday. “I know she’s going to go on and have a great collegiate career. I can’t wait to read about it.”

 

I hope after this game that any thoughts people may have about if Kurie was the right choice for POY are put to rest. Not to mention she's a heck of a track star too.She's been a joy to watch and here's wishing her and the rest of the senior Lady Titans all the best in the future.