STARKVILLE — Starkville High girls’ basketball coach Kristie Williams feels her program should send at least one player to the collegiate level on an annual basis.
Friday afternoon, Williams tripled her pleasure.
Senior Tanita Thompson signed with Itawamba Community College, while senior Shannon Tate signed with Meridian Community College in a ceremony held at the school’s basketball gym. Earlier this month, Eryka Williams also signed with Itawamba.
“These young ladies will always have Lady Jacket pride forever,” Williams said. “I look forward to seeing them in the stands for many years to come. As a coach, this is why you have the job. To be able to watch these young ladies grow, mature and develop like this is very humbling. The really elite programs in the state always have players sign. This is big deal for us to have three players signing for the next level.”
Thompson grew up in the SHS program and spent three varsity seasons under Williams. Her knowledge of the game has improved each year, while she has also grown in other areas.
“It has been very rewarding to play here,” Thompson said. “Even though we didn’t reach our final goal, we still had a successful run. It means a lot to have helped the program make it to Jackson in consecutive seasons.
“We learned a lot about hard work and believing in yourself.”
Tate came to Starkville this season after a couple of standout seasons at West Oktibbeha County High School.
“Really I owe it all to (former West Oktibbeha and current West Lowndes) coach (Danny) Crawford and my coaches here,” Tate said. “They have pushed me really hard and helped me get to this point. I love Coach Crawford to death. He taught me the game and he taught me how to become a better person, a leader. Coach Williams took me in and it was like I have been here forever. I feel blessed to have been in both of these situations.”
Starkville advanced to Jackson and the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A state tournament in each of the past two seasons. This season, the Lady Jackets finished 26-3, after falling to Murrah in the semifinal round at the Mississippi Coliseum. Thompson averaged 12.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this season, while Tate averaged 6.3 points and 5.9 rebounds.
“Tanita really became a focal point for our offense this season,” Williams said. “She really grew and matured this season. She was the type of player you could count on during difficult situations. Shannon made immediate contributions even though she was with us for one year. She worked real hard to find her niche with our team.”
Thompson said she knew Itawamba was the right place for her right away.
“The coaches really made an impression with me,” Thompson said. “You could tell they really cared about me and wanted me to be a part of their program. Their commitment to me really stood out.”
Tate is also excited about the opportunities ahead.
“I feel like I haven’t reached my full potential yet,” Tate said. “This will be chance to go there, work hard an make the most of an opportunity.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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