Alexis Carter: A Constant Threat

On Tuesday night, Osbourn Park Varsity Girls Basketball Guard Alexis Carter went into her game against Forest Park nine points shy of reaching 1,000 career points.

“Throughout the season, I knew I was within reach of this goal, but I wanted to allow it to come without becoming solely focused on reaching that goal,” Carter said.

With three minutes and 20 seconds left in the second quarter, the opportunity came and Carter shot for three from the right wing.

Everyone celebrated her 1000th point, while Carter, so focused on the game, failed to realize she had reached the milestone.

“To score that 1000th point was very special, but it was not until I reached the bench that I realized that I had done it,” Carter said with a laugh.

Following the play, the Lady Jackets called a timeout as Carter was engulfed by her teammates and received a bouquet of flowers and the game ball—all to the standing ovation from the crowd.

“Overall, it was a great feeling and it was great to see my family extremely proud and happy for my accomplishment,” Carter said.

Sadly, the team fell to Forest Park 54 to 42.  The loss to the Bruins is their third straight. The Yellow Jackets also lost to the Lady Raiders of Stonewall Jackson.

“Results haven’t gone our way, but with practice I believe we can work to fix our mistakes,” Carter said.

Having already committed to Hofstra out of a slew of schools including James Madison, Virginia Tech, George Washington, and Georgia Tech, Carter hopes for a trophy-laden postseason in her final high school season.

“Personally, I hope to win both—a district and regional championship. In addition to that, I hope to make a run at the state title,” Carter said.

Knowing the hard work and dedication required for such an endeavor, the 2011 Cardinal District Player of Year has spent countless late nights and early mornings improving her skill set.

Carter said she is determined to become a better player for herself and her team no matter what it takes, including 6 a.m. practices and extra time in the weight room.

"I am determined to becoming a better player, and most importantly, leader for my team,” she said.

Carter has been called to be a steady anchor for a young crop of faces and has done well averaging 19.4 points per game.

“Despite being a young team, we are extremely talented. This season has also called upon me to step into the leadership role and I've done my best there,” Carter said.

Heading towards the post season and college basketball looming in the shadow, Carter still expresses profound love for the game of basketball.

“Basketball has always been my favorite sport," Carter said. "I did try soccer when I was seven, it didn’t work out and I've stuck with basketball ever since."

From her success so far, she made the right choice.