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Hernando Today

Waddy Reunites With Former Coach

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: May 3, 2008

 When the decision came for Cherikhan Waddy on where to continue her basketball career, she turned to a familiar face.
The Nature Coast senior guard, a four-year varsity player and the school's first 1,000-point scorer, recently signed with Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tenn.
At Volunteer State she'll have the opportunity to play for Jason Montgomery, the same man that coached her for three years at Nature Coast.
"I know he's capable of getting me where I want to go and he's willing to help me out on school work when I get there," Waddy said. "I know he's there to help me. I'm familiar with a lot of things (he does). I won't have to go to a new start."
 
Distinguished career
 
Waddy recently completed an outstanding run with the Lady Sharks, helping them to four county championships, three district crowns and four regional appearances.
Coming out of Powell Middle School, the 17-year-old Spring Hill resident never saw a minute of junior varsity action at Nature Coast, immediately making the varsity squad as a freshman.
By midseason an injury to junior Erin Cagan opened up the shooting guard spot in the starting line-up. Waddy played alongside four seniors, Cara Cagan, Mallory Freeman, Olivia Murray and Rachel Ryman, averaging 4.1 points per game for a team that finished 26-3 and advanced to the regional semifinals.
The following season left her as the only returning starter, and she evolved into the Lady Sharks' primary scorer, defender and at times ball-handler on the wing.
She averaged 11.6 points per game over the next three seasons, ending her prep career with 1,051 points.
"All four years have been fun," Waddy said. "I'm glad I made the decision to go there. If not I'd be at Springstead and probably wouldn't be as happy. It was a decision I made, nobody else made it for me."
A pair of 20-point performances in two regional games last year exemplified her value, and cemented her as the choice for Hernando Today Player of the Year.
"She's improved every year," said Nature Coast Head Coach Travis Lamle, who became an assistant under Montgomery in Waddy's freshman year. "When we've needed a big basket, she's the one you go for."
According to Waddy, Warner Southern College showed interest in signing her, but "didn't really catch my eye."
Volunteer State became an obvious destination thanks to the familiarity with Montgomery's style, but also for how he can assist her off the court.
"It's a situation academically where she's going to need to go that (community college) route," Montgomery said. "From a player standpoint, I've seen her in all-star situations before. With better talent around, she gets better and better.
"I think (playing for him previously) will make the transition a little easier for her. She's used to my delivery. She'll be able to pick up on things a little quicker. The team is built to press and run. I think that style fits her game pretty well. I've always gotten along real well with her."
Volunteer State struggled in Montgomery's first season, but he spoke highly of an incoming recruiting class that will include a point guard who should allow Waddy to play on the wing.
"I think she has the God-given tools to do it," Montgomery said of Waddy's ability to succeed in college. "The key for her is the work ethic and how she'll do with the speed of the game when there are five kids around her as quick and athletic as she is.
"I think if she gets her feet under her, gets it together academically, I think she can get herself in a position to play at the D-I level. I think she has the tools for that."
Waddy mentioned the University of Central Florida or St. Leo University as potential destinations once she earns her associate degree.
"I want to major in sports medicine," Waddy said. "I want to try my best to make it to the WNBA. That's been my dream since I was a little kid, watching my Uncle Dominic play basketball.
"He played Hoop-It-Up and he'd be there all the time. He's pretty much my hero. He taught me everything I know. He's like a fatherly figure to me.
"If I don't make it in the WNBA I'd still want to be involved with sports."
 
BY THE NUMBERS: NCT's CHERIKHAN WADDY
- Compiled by CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Year GP FG 3PT FTA FTM PCT TP PPG
04-05 29 43 06 61 28 46% 120 4.14
05-06 27 129 08 119 57 48% 323 12.0
06-07 29 126 09 92 52 57% 313 10.8
07-08 24 123 01 84 48 57% 295 12.3
TOTAL 109 421 24 356 185 52% 1051 9.64

Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at (352) 544-5288 or online at cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com

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