Hometown Prep Ready For The Next Step
11/16/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ?? It has surrounded her for her entire life. The aura of Alabama women’s basketball has engulfed Ericka Russell since birth. The Tuscaloosa teen, brought up in an era of championship basketball, resides just a stone throw away. Now the Northridge High School standout will become a part of the tradition. Russell signed to play with the Tide, starting in the 2008-09 season.
“I feel I can help the program be successful and be a leader,” Russell said. “The atmosphere as a whole is great, I am at home.”
The 5-foot-8 guard has excelled in Alabama’s backyard. In just her freshman season at Northridge, Russell averaged in double-figures for points and garnered attention by being named to the Area and Regional All-Tournament teams. On top of the type of game Russell instantly brought to the Jaguar program, it was her leadership that was instantly on display.
“She will bring great leadership to the Alabama program,” Northridge head coach Lytrice Washington said. “She has always led, even in her freshman year.”
After overcoming adversity with reconstructive knee surgery her sophomore season, Russell came back with a vengeance in her junior campaign.
Russell was named the MVP of the Area Tournament and was the Jaguars’ leading scorer and rebounder. Russell averaged just over 17 points per night and had 6.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 4.5 steals per game. Russell became the first Northridge player to etch her name in the 1000-point club. Her 500-plus points her junior year was also a Jaguar record.
“She works hard at her overall game and that is what makes her great,” Washington said. “She is very athletic and is a great offensive player. She has played all the positions and takes pride in her defense as well.”
This package was hard to pass up, especially with Northridge residing in town. Alabama head coach Stephany Smith did not hesitate to secure this homegrown talent from the likes Arkansas, Auburn and Kentucky.
“To have an SEC caliber player in your backyard gives the hometown community an additional reason to rally around our program,” coach Smith said. “Ericka may be most recognizable for her three point shot and playmaking skills, both of which I like, but my favorite aspect of Ericka’s game lies in her ability to defend,”
With just her second season after reconstructive surgery ahead of her for her senior campaign, the local Alabama faithful can watch a star in the making.
“We are just happy to have an athlete of her caliber receive a scholarship,” coach Washington said. “To have an opportunity to play Division I basketball in your hometown with your friends and family and to represent Alabama women’s basketball is a very special thing.”
