Chris Whitaker
AMERICUS — Ashley Harrison left her mark on the defensive end of the floor her two seasons at South Georgia Tech.
Harrison leaves the Lady Jets program as the single-game, single-season and career record holder in blocked shots. Her new coach — Phillip Wallace at Miles College — can’t wait for her to bring that same defensive presence to the SIAC school located in Birmingham.
“We need the shot-blocking and the rebounding,” he said. “We need to get better defensively. One of our weaknesses was giving up second-chance points. Ashley can come in and alter shots and get some key rebounds and make some points.”
The Golden Bears finished the season 14-14 overall and 10-10 in conference play, losing in the second round of the SIAC Tournament. They are losing their top scorer and rebounder in Sade Odutola, the team’s only senior.
Harrison said she chose Miles over West Virginia Tech, and she’s excited about making an impact on the defensive end.
“I’m better at defense, and I like playing it better,” she said. “I have to improve my endurance and ability to jump higher to get more rebounds and be better on the boards.”
Harrison averaged 8.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and two blocks this season for the Lady Jets. Her best game came in a 71-65 loss to Darton at home when she scored 22 points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked five shots.
She blocked a school-record seven shots in her freshman season against North Florida Community College, blocked 66 total in her freshman year, and she finished with 125 for her career.
“I think Ashley made a lot of progress as a player, and certainly as a person in her two years here,” said Lady Jets coach Brandan Harrell. “She came in athletic, but her basketball was very raw and not very skilled. She really put a lot of time and effort into making her game better, and she turned into a pretty good player. I think she will be successful at the next level.”
Wallace said he has a lot of expectations for Harrison.
“She wasn’t as much of an offensive factor, and we want to make her a well-rounded basketball player,” he said. “We want her to bring the offense up to where her defense is. The finished product should make us a better ball club. I expect a double-double out of her.”
Harrison’s response?
“I know I just have to get better and do whatever he wants me to,” she said. “I expect to have those kind of games. I have to play hard and remain focused.”
