The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedi.net

ALTHOUGH she has been switched from the back court to the front court at Coker University, Bahamian Valicia Demeritte is still trying to manoeuvre her way in the line-up for the Cobras women’s basketball team.

As a transfer from Florida State College at Jacksonville last year, Demeritte has played eight games so far this season, averaging 3.0 points per game, shooting 47.1 percent from the field, 75 percent from the three-point line and 71.4 percent from the free throw line.

And with an average of 1.5 rebounds per game to her ledger, the 5-foot, 9-inch Demeritte said she’s working on getting into the rotation of their new coach Melissa DeVore.

“So far, it’s been pretty good. We have a new coach, so we’re working on our rotation and stuff like that,” Demeritte said.

“We are bonding well with her. It’s been going pretty good.”

DeVore, who was named the new head women’s basketball coach at Coker University on October 6, 2020 after she came from her alma mater, fellow South Atlantic Conference institution Limestone University an assistant coach since 2006, said Demeritte embodies all of the qualities she expects from her players.

“Valicia has been out for a little bit dealing with personal stuff, but since her being back she’s been an active part of the rotation and brings great energy off the bench,” she stressed.

“Her versatility allows her to play multiple positions for me in our dribble drive offence. She continues to show up everyday and work hard. I’m excited to watch her continue to grow and be more of a threat offensively.”

DeVore noted that Demeritte is a great asset to the team.

“She’s got great instincts on defence and really has done a good job in our three defence,” she concluded.

COVID-19 has put a snag into their season as a couple of their games were either cancelled or postponed, including their last game at home in Hartsville, South Carolina, on Saturday against Lenoir-Rhyne.

But the Cobras got some great news on Monday when they were informed that they will get a chance to play in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Tournament, regardless of their record in the COVID-19 environment. Under normal circumstances, a team would have to win at least 10 games in the regular season to advance to the tournament in March.

Coker, according to Demeritte, is looking forward to the rest of the season and she’s just as eager to be a part of it.

“It’s been a pretty good experience,” said Demeritte of playing in the new system implemented by DeVore. “I can’t complain.”

As for her individual play, Demeritte said she has to get adjusted to playing from the small forward to centre, whichever position coach DeVore calls on her to perform.

“She expects me to know all three positions, which is kind of tough on me,” Demeritte said. “So it’s been a little difficult, but I’m trying to adjust to it. Hopefully moving forward, I can get it together.”

As a junior, Demeritte said she’s working closely with DeVore so that she can understand the system completely and eventually play a more significant role in her senior year next year.

“I don’t have a big role on this team, but I’m trying to play the role that she has given to me,” she said. “When I’m on the bench, I’m the loudest and when I’m in the game, I try to figure things out.

“So it’s been a lot of fun. I’m not complaining. I like this team we have. Whatever coach needs me to do, I’m open to it. I want to do what’s best for the team.”

With the assurance of getting a chance to play in the postseason, Demeritte said they’re even more motivated because they are now one step closer to winning it all.

“I think what motivates our team is that we are so close to where she wants us to be, so we are even more motivated and dedicated to doing the things we need to do in practice,” she stated.

“Of course, having an automatic bid to the tournament is motivation, but we were motivated before, so this only adds fuel to the fire.”

As they go through the remainder of the season, Demeritte said they are looking forward to doing the little things like talking and playing defence and paying attention to details.

“I think if we follow those instructions from our coach, we will do pretty good,” Demeritte said. “I really like our team and when we put our minds together and everybody plays together, we do amazing things.”

Demeritte missed about two games back-to-back because of COVID-19 protocols after travelling. But she got the negative test and was allowed to rejoin the team without having to quarantine for any significant time.

Now all she wants to do is try and help Coker go to the SAC Tournament and hopefully win the title.

Demeritte, a member of the Bahamas junior national basketball team under coach Varel Davis and Deven Johnson as well as being tutored by Randy Cunningham and the late Sherman Smith, is the daughter of Valerie Watson and Andretti Demeritte.

The 20-year-old former player for the Kingsway Academy Saints left the Bahamas in grade nine in 2015 to enrol at the Potters House Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida, before she went to FSC and now Coker.