Two Sign From JSCLA
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
Akeelah Williams and Hailey Robins enter the next stage of their athletic careers academically ready and part of a recruiting class that intends to anchor the next chapter of the Jarvis Christian women’s basketball program.
The two J.S. Clark Leadership Academy frontcourt standouts are becoming part of a large recruiting class that Jarvis Christian women’s basketball coach Dennis Lemelle thinks will help rebuild a team that requires an influx of new talent.
Williams and Robins had their futures spotlighted on Friday afternoon as both signed their scholarships in front of family members, teammates and students.
During the past several years both players formed a formidable frontcourt for Clark, which played for state championships three times in four years.
In addition to graduating from JSCLA next month, both are also scheduled to graduate with associate degrees from Southwest Louisiana Community College before receiving their high school diplomas, said Clark athletic director Keith Washington.
Lemelle said he scouted and hosted workouts for Wiliams and Robins earlier this month and liked their skill sets as well as their approaches to basketball.
“Both are intense, physical players. They are both very tough mentally and physically and I saw a need for that when I have been revamping my program. I think they have the potential to do well and fit into our program,” said Lemelle, whose father Martin Lemelle Sr., played basketball at Sunset High.
Martin Lemelle Jr. the brother of Dennis Lemelle, is the president of Grambling State University.
“This is like coming home for me and it’s great to be signing two quality players from the parish,” said Lemelle, who indicated that he expects to sign five freshmen and four transfers to supplement the program roster of the historically Black university located near Tyler, Tx.
Lemelle said that earlier this week, Jarvis Christian joined the Historically Black University Athletic Conference which also includes Dillard and Southern University-New Orleans.
In an address to those attending, Williams recognized her family members.
“They have been my biggest cheerleaders and have been the ones who have been supportive of me while I have been chasing my dream,” said Williams.
Williams also recognized her coaches, who she said, “have pushed me to grow not only as an athlete but as a person.”
Like Williams, Robins said she is thankful for the experiences that have crafted her high school career.
“Words can’t really express all that I have been through. I’m not done yet. As I look back, all those times in the gym have prepared me in addition to me coaches and teammates who were pushing me so much every day,” Robins said.
