Lauren Whitehurst Dominating Opponents on the Court
For the past few seasons, Indian River High School's standout center, Lauren Whitehurst, has been dominating Southeastern District opponents on the basketball court. Next season, she will be taking her game to the collegiate level and the legendary Atlantic Coast Conference.
The 17-year-old senior has committed to playing at Boston College next year and as excited as she is to play basketball on the next level, she is intent on helping the Braves maintain their recent district dominance and making one more state championship run in this, her last high school season.
"It's definitely a relief but it doesn't take the pressure off," Whitehurst says about already having signed with Boston College. "Each game brings me pressure."
Whitehurst certainly overcame any pressure she felt last season as she averaged more than 11 points per game, played dominating defense and earned a spot on the All-District 1st Team.
Behind her play, the Braves finished 2005 a perfect 16-0 in the district and 25-2 overall and are widely considered to be the favorites in 2006. They will face some stiff competition in the Southeastern District from stronger Deep Creek and King's Fork squads (among others) but Whitehurst is looking forward to the challenge and knows the Braves have what it takes.
"Chemistry," she says simply, "It's going to be all of us working together."
Indian River head basketball coach, Gavin Harris will rely on Whitehurst's scoring output and defense to help guide the team once again but he will also expect her to continue being the floor general that she has become.
"She's like a coach on the floor," Coach Harris says, "She gets everyone involved." He continues, "She listens; she conveys what is being said in the huddle to the other players throughout the game."
At 6'1", Whitehurst can play both the power forward and center positions for Harris. Even with her size, she still credits her quick feet and agility as critical keys to her success but knows that she will have to continue adding some weight and muscle in order to compete in the ACC next season.
"I have to get stronger and keep expanding my game to play on the next level," she says, "I'll probably be in the gym most of the summer."
As Whitehurst looks to put the finishing touches on a superb high school career and begin preparations for a collegiate one, she know what got her this far and what will ultimately carry her through.
"It's rewarding when you work really hard for a long time and you just want to see something at the end of the tunnel," she says, "You just have to thank God and I'm blessed to even imagine something like this."
