Eddings provides spark

The Blinn College women’s basketball team can count on Keaundra Eddings to be a spark when one is needed.

The freshman reserve out of Navasota High School energizes the team when she enters games.

“She’s the most athletic player we have,” Blinn head women’s basketball coach Jeff Jenkins said. “When she has the ball in her hands and she’s going full speed, our team is so excited. The crowd gets so into it.”

He said those watching from the stands actually make sounds like a jet when the guard is racing downcourt with the ball. “We have a lot of fast players,” he said, “and then there’s Keaundra. She’s twice as fast. She is really fun to watch.”

After redshirting last year, Eddings played the first 21 games and logged 12.9 minutes per game. She averaged 5.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.0 assists. “I just make the best of it the times that I’m in,” she said.

Her role is simple. “He (the coach) wants me to have a sense of urgency,” she said. “Be aggressive and strong to get rebounds.”

She reached double figures in points three times, with a high of 17 during a win over Northeast Lakeview. She also had a season-high six steals that game. Twice she had a season high of six rebounds.

“I know the stuff he wants me to do will contribute to the team,” she said. “It makes me feel like I’ve been blessed with a talent.”

She said she has improved her passing and had an assist in six consecutive games, a season high, heading into Saturday’s play. Her midrange jump shot--from 15 feet--has improved significantly, according to the coach.

“We’re trying to make her more aggressive,” he said, “trying to get her to really concentrate and really compete every possession.”

Men’s basketball

Kae’ron Baker led Louisiana College with 17 points and three steals in a loss to LeTourneau. The Navasota graduate had three assists and two rebounds.

Previously at Iola High, Clarks Summit University senior Trice High had one assist against Bryn Athyn.

Send updates about area athletes to Barbara Boxleitner at jdanddoc@gmail.com.