Published: 06:55 PM, Mon Feb 18, 2013
Westover's Williams has enjoyed special career
By Junious Smith III
Correspondent
Considering the storied history of Westover High School girls' basketball, it is difficult for any player to carve out a special place in the legacy.
Wolverines' head coach Colin Arrington believes room needs to be made for his standout guard, Airico Williams.
"I put her in the category of the best females that have come out of this program," Colin Arrington said. "She's kept us in games that we shouldn't have even been in. You can't find too many players like her."
That lofty status doesn't seem too farfetched considering what Williams has done the past two years. Last season, despite the Wolverine's 7-17 record, Williams averaged a triple-double with 17 points, 15.7 rebounds and 10.6 steals.
This season, Williams continued the torrid pace. Through the end of the regular season, she is the county leader in points (17.1), rebounds (13.8), assists (4.3) and steals (6.9). Westover also had a winning record entering Monday's Cape Fear Valley 3-A Conference tourmament opener.
"It was long season for us last year," assistant coach Michael Ferguson said. "This year has been better, but not where we're usually at. Airico has been a bright spot with rebounding, steals and hustle plays. She gets it done no matter what."
Opposing coaches have taken note, especially Douglas Byrd's Towanna Hicks. Williams led Westover to three wins over the Eagles and scored 30 in the third meeting.
"She's a swift player and uses her skills very well to attack the defense," Hicks said. "She successfully follows shots and is great at keeping her teammates involved."
Williams has been immersed in the Westover program since the sixth grade, practicing with the varsity teams throughout the years. She also had the opportunity to travel with the 2008 state champions, which helped light her competitive fire.
"My motivation came from some of the older girls," Williams said. "They inspired me to work hard and had me wanting to play like them when I grew up."
Williams has done that and more in her career. Along with playing basketball for four years, she has also spent four years on the volleyball team, and was a dancer the past two years on the Mid-South Powerhouse High-Stepping Marching Band. As a freshman, Williams competed in the 300 meter hurdles, long jump and 4 x 400 relay.
On the court, Williams has given 100 percent, something that hasn't gone unnoticed by assistant coach Jae Johnson.
"She wants to lead by example," Johnson said. "If she asks a teammate to do something in practice, you can bet she's done it at least three or four times herself."
That leadership has been beneficial, as the team has shown cohesion throughout the season.
"After last season, I know we had to build our chemistry," Williams said. "I've never had a bond this strong with a team. When you have that, you push more and achieve."
The Wolverines saw a three-game winning streak snapped in their regular-season finale. Williams only scored six points in the 48-42 loss to Union Pines, but she had 12 rebounds, 10 steals and four steals.
Afterwards, Williams was somber about the loss in her final home game, but kept her mind focused on tournament play.
"I'm going to work harder in practice, push my teammates and deliver words of encouragement," Williams said. "I feel like we can do big things."