By Jamie Wachter / Sports Editor
The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN —
Tramekia Walker is a special talent, an All-Star talent.
According to Newton coach Crandal Porter, the Tigers' versatile star has the talent that separates her from many of her peers. Walker will have the opportunity to put those skills on display Saturday in the Mississippi Association of Coaches/Mississippi Sports Medicine All-Star game at A.E. Wood Coliseum on the Mississippi College campus in Clinton. The 46th annual girls' event tips at 1 p.m.
"In high school, you seldom find kids who can handle the ball and score but Tramekia can do both so well that we can play her at the 1 or the 2," Porter said of his rising senior standout.
Still, those are talents that Walker is still trying to hone. Even after leading the Class 2A state champion Tigers with 14.7 points per game, and connecting on the second-most 3-pointers (32) and most free throws (109). Walker also led Newton with 2.5 steals per game.
"I've been working on my ball-handling and getting in my shots," Walker said, who added that "I'm just ready to play."
Added Porter: "Defensively, she is one of the best in the state. She moves her feet very well. And offensively, she can put it on the floor or shoot the jumper.
"I'd say her versatility is what will really show."
What also will be shown is the talent in the Newton program as rising senior center Ashley Hardy is also on the South All-Star roster. Her presence is a welcomed sight for Walker.
"It's great," Walker said of playing with a familiar face. "I didn't want to go by myself, so it was great for Ashley to go too.
"It says a lot about our program that we're such a small school yet have two girls going."
Said Porter: "Our program is pretty much all about our kids and we really are excited for them to get the chance to go and showcase their talent."
