Newton County High School’s Kaylin McCree, center front, signed Thursday morning to continue her basketball career at East Central Community College. She was joined by her parents, front row, from left, Janet McCree and Michael McCree; and her coaches, back row, Cory Cleveland (head coach) and Patsy Barnett (assistant coach).

As soon as she started playing basketball at a young age, Newton County High School’s Kaylin McCree said she knew it was something she wanted to do past high school.

Thursday morning, that dream became reality when the Lady Cougars standout signed a letter of intent to continue her career at East Central community college.

“I’ve been really waiting on this moment since I started playing basketball,” McCree said. “I’m just ready to experience something different.”

With her parents and coaches on hand, McCree solidified her plans for the next two years of her life at a school just right down the road from where she’s been playing the last four seasons. For her mother, Janet McCree, it was a special moment.

“It means a lot,” Janet McCree said. “She’s worked very hard to get to this point. Even in junior high, she knew she wanted to play at the next level, so we started playing AAU ball to prepare her. She works so hard even through the summer, and it’s paid off.”

In an injury-shortened senior season, Kaylin McCree averaged 14 points and nine rebounds per game and was also 70 percent from the free throw line. Over her career, she averaged 13 points and seven rebounds per game and was 71 percent in foul shooting.

Newton County girls basketball coach Cory Cleveland said he was happy to see Kaylin McCree fulfill one of her dreams and said he will miss her abilities on the court.

“It’s always a great feeling to see good things happen to young people who have worked hard to accomplish their goals,” Cleveland said. “Kaylin has dedicated the past four years of her life to get to this moment. I’m very proud and happy for her.”

Coach Crandal Porter’s ECCC women’s team saw great success this past season capturing the MACJC title, and Janet McCree said she’s grateful for her daughter to have a chance to play for a strong squad.

“We’re very impressed that Coach Porter wanted her to be a part of his program,” Janet McCree said. “I feel like he’s a really good coach and can help her move farther into the next level. She wants to play Division I, so I think by her playing JuCo for him that he’ll help her (reach that level).”

Said Kaylin McCree, “His system fits the way I play, and I just really like the people there. They’re very welcoming. I chose East Central before they won a championship because I liked the way the system was, so I guess I’ll have some big shoes to fill, but I can accept that challenge.”

Cleveland said ECCC is getting a good offensive player who can score whenever she gets the ball.

“She can make things happen,” Cleveland said. “She’ll be able to keep the intensity for them. She was one of our go-to players until she got hurt in the middle of the season, but she’s gone through rehab and recovered, so they’re getting an all-around good player.”

Not only is ECCC a strong program, but it’s also a program close by so her family can watch, Janet McCree said.

“As a parent, I’m very excited,” she said. “If she needs something, I’m right here; plus, I’m (close enough) to go to a lot of games.”

Kaylin McCree is also the daughter of Michael McCree.