Kennedy's Alicia Hall Commits to Rider Univ.
Hall averaged 15.1 points per game, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists as she led the Cavaliers to the playoffs this year.
Photo by: Cory Hoffman / GamedayMD.com
Hall plans to major in both business and communications next year at Rider.
Photo by: Cory Hoffman / GamedayMD.com
SILVER SPRING, MD - The Kennedy girls' basketball team had a successful season under Coach Kevin Thompson. The Cavaliers finished 14-8 overall and 8-2 in their division, only behind Blake. Kennedy's playoff run was cut short, though, when they lost a heartbreaker to Watkins Mill, 40-37, in the first round of the playoffs.
Much of the team's success was due large in part too senior Alicia Hall. Hall followed up a strong junior campaign with an even stronger senior campaign by averaging over 15 points a game and nearly 7 rebounds a game. On Monday, Alicia solidified her college choice by signing her letter of intent to play basketball next season at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ.
When asked how she decided on Rider University, Alicia said when she visited the school she really enjoyed the general atmosphere. She also said she related well to the players and coaches that she met upon her visit and that being surrounded by good people at the next level made it an easy decision for her.
Alicia felt that the biggest thing that she was able to improve on this past season was her attitude. "Coach Thompson and I worked a lot on my attitude this year. Last season I would miss a shot, get down on myself and my teammates, and I would walk down the court. Coach (Thompson) has really helped me to stay positive through these same situations this season."
This summer Hall plans on refining her skills as well as spending a lot of time in the weight room. "(This summer) I plan on lifting weights. I have to get stronger, bigger and faster. Also, I have to work on my ball handling and developing a more consistent jump shot. Right now, I am a streaky shooter and really want to improve on this over the summer."
Coach Thompson commented that he was happy with the way Alicia has matured during her years at Kennedy. "I am proud of the way Alicia has developed over her three years. From her sophomore year to her junior year, Alicia really matured as a person and as a player. Her game really improved and her work ethic got a lot better."
Coach Thompson, who played his college ball at Canisius College, had the following advice for Alicia: "College is different because all the players are Alicia Halls. Meaning, every player was the best player on her high school team. You can't take plays off, you have to keep your level of intensity high and your level of concentration has to be a lot better."
Mr. and Mrs. Hall were thankful for the support and exposure that Gameday Maryland gave to Alicia this season. Both parents agreed to that the profile article Gameday wrote back in December was an excellent recruiting tool and helped make colleges aware of Alicia and her game.
Alicia plans to major in both business and communications next year at Rider University. She is looking forward to playing at the Division 1 level, mainly for the increase in competition. She also hopes she will get to play in a few NCAA tournaments along the way.
If you would like Gameday Maryland to cover your school's signing day, please email Cory Hoffman at gamedaymd@gmail.com.
