Post by captaggie on Nov 28, 2010 20:05:08 GMT -5
www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/28/1862502/parker-maturing-into-court-presence.html
By Joe Habina
Special Correspondent
Posted: Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010
As a freshman, Jasmine Parker was so timid and afraid of physical contact that she could barely muster a couple of points a game.
Always one of the taller players on the court, Parker, now a senior, has grown into her 6-foot-2 body and commands a lot more respect. Recently signed with N.C. A&T State University, Parker is one of a group of seniors who have led the Kannapolis Brown girls basketball team's resurgence.
After years of struggles and losing records, the Wonders improved to 15-11 overall last year, 9-7 in the South Piedmont 3A. They finished fourth in the conference and made the state playoffs.
When Parker arrived at A.L. Brown, she had played only a couple of years of organized basketball. With a court sense that was still developing, Parker used to hurry shots and avoided physical play in the post position.
She averaged two points a game in her first varsity season. But fifth-year coach Tosha Robinson said court time and a strong work ethic have paid off for Parker.
"Now she understands that she's one of the biggest players on the floor," Robinson said, "... so she can take her time. She's starting to rebound more. She has improved her shot because she can step outside and shoot as well."
As a junior, Parker averaged 10.8 points, 1.8 blocks and 5.5 rebounds on her way to an all-conference season...
By Joe Habina
Special Correspondent
Posted: Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010
As a freshman, Jasmine Parker was so timid and afraid of physical contact that she could barely muster a couple of points a game.
Always one of the taller players on the court, Parker, now a senior, has grown into her 6-foot-2 body and commands a lot more respect. Recently signed with N.C. A&T State University, Parker is one of a group of seniors who have led the Kannapolis Brown girls basketball team's resurgence.
After years of struggles and losing records, the Wonders improved to 15-11 overall last year, 9-7 in the South Piedmont 3A. They finished fourth in the conference and made the state playoffs.
When Parker arrived at A.L. Brown, she had played only a couple of years of organized basketball. With a court sense that was still developing, Parker used to hurry shots and avoided physical play in the post position.
She averaged two points a game in her first varsity season. But fifth-year coach Tosha Robinson said court time and a strong work ethic have paid off for Parker.
"Now she understands that she's one of the biggest players on the floor," Robinson said, "... so she can take her time. She's starting to rebound more. She has improved her shot because she can step outside and shoot as well."
As a junior, Parker averaged 10.8 points, 1.8 blocks and 5.5 rebounds on her way to an all-conference season...
