Three Lady Devils will play basketball at college level

Copetta Elam signs a letter of intent to play basketball for the Lady Tigers of Benedict College. Also pictured are: (seated, l-r) Major Elam; Amy Elam; (standing) Dr. Roderick Hilton, girls basketball coach at LCHS; Yolanda Jackson, assistant coach; Johnetta Elam; Leverta Elam; and Dr. Becky Barden, school principal.

Three LCHS Lady Devils will be playing basketball at the college level next year.

Coppetta Elam, Tanisha "Shay" Norman, and Crystal Moore were recently recognized at a special ceremony held in the media center at LCHS in the presence of coaches, family members, and friends.

During the ceremony, Elam, who is the recipient of a Presidential Academic Scholarship, signed a letter of intent to play for the Lady Tigers at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.

As a senior, the 5'6" guard averaged 22 points and seven rebounds per game. She was named the team's MVP for the third consecutive year and "Most Valuable Offensive Player" and was a member of the Class A All-State Team (Honorable Mention) and the All-Area Second Team.

Tanisha Norman is shown signing a letter of intent to play basketball for Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia. Pictured with Norman are: (seated, l-r) Jackie Hearst, Ernie Norman, (standing) Coach Hilton, Coach Jackson, and Dr. Barden.

"I'm very excited about playing at the next level for four years," stated Elam. "I think Benedict is the perfect place for me. The coaching staff made me feel so welcome. I look forward to playing college ball."

In other remarks, the scholarship recipient thanked God, her family, and coaches for all of their help.

Elam plans to major in early childhood education while at Benedict.

Fellow teammate Shay Norman also signed a letter of intent to play for the Lady Tigers at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia.

In her comments, Norman said, "I feel like I will fit in very well at Andrew College. I was always told I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Still, I will miss my teammates a great deal and wish them the best of luck."

She went on to thank the Lord, her family, and coaches for their support.

Lady Devil Crystal Moore (seated, center) will be a walk-on next season at South Georgia Technical College in Americus. Also pictured are: (seated, l-r) Marcus Ramsey, Leila Ramsey, (standing) Dr. Barden, Coach Hilton, and Coach Jackson.

Norman will major in physical therapy at Andrew College.

During her senior year at LCHS, the 5'6" wing/forward averaged four rebounds a game, was the recipient of the team's Leadership Award, and was a member of the All-Area Team (Honorable Mention). As a junior, she served as the team captain.

The third Lady Devil honored at the ceremony was Crystal Moore, who will be a walk-on next season for the Jets at South Georgia Technical College in Americus.

"I'm very excited about going to college and playing basketball at the next level," said Moore. "South Georgia Tech has a small campus so I will be able to get to know the professors better. The school is known for giving students a chance to learn at their own rate."

In other remarks, she thanked her sister, Grace, for encouraging her to play ball and her mother, Leila Ramsey, and coach, Roderick Hilton, for pushing her to do her best.

Moore plans to be a pediatric nurse.

As a senior at LCHS, the 5'5" guard averaged 10 points, four steals, and three assists per game. She was also designated as the team's "Most Valuable Defensive Player" and was a member of the All-Area Team (Honorable Mention). In addition, she was presented with the team's "Leadership Award" her junior year.

In his comments, Coach Hilton, head girls basketball coach at LCHS, said, "First, I have to give God all the glory and thank him for these young ladies. I am so proud of these athletes and thank God for them and the team. I would also like to thank the school administrators and the community for their support of the team."

According to the coach, "These girls worked very hard, and the team played hard this year. We hope this recognition ceremony will be the start of a trend for our girls. It's all about helping young people achieve their goals and dreams - this shows what hard work, discipline, and dedication can do."