Maner on the mend

Before Shareka Maner could officially get her college career underway, she has hit a major bump in the road.

Last season's Hernando Today Girls Basketball Player of the Year graduated from Nature Coast this past spring as the school's all-time leading scorer, rebounder and shot blocker.

She also became the first player in the program to sign a Division I scholarship when she inked with the University of Maine.

But the 19-year-old Maner hasn't played a minute for the Black Bears and that won't change for a while.

She had surgery on Monday to repair a torn labrum in her right shoulder, an injury she suspects she initially suffered during her last prep season and aggravated in a workout a week before her first game at Maine.

As a result, the 6-foot-1 forward must sit out the entire season, receiving a medical redshirt while she recovers that will maintain her four years of eligibility.

"Overall it (stinks) not playing," Maner said. "But knowing I'll get another chance next year to come back stronger and better, I'll know the system. I'll be OK. Everyone is helping me through it."

Focus on the classroom

Maner started at center all four years of her tenure at Nature Coast after two years starring at Fox Chapel Middle School.

She amassed 1,197 points, 862 rebounds and 228 blocked shots, helping the Lady Sharks to four regional berths, three district championships and two Sweet 16 appearances.

As a senior she averaged 14.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and 2.0 steals per game, earning her fourth straight All-County nod.

"Shareka is a great athlete with great energy and spirit about her, and it rubs off on her teammates," said Maine Head Coach Cindy Blodgett in the team's media guide. "She will continue to grow and improve on a daily basis now that she is only playing one sport.

"Playing in the post at the Division I level is tough physically, so she will have to work on preparing herself mentally for the challenge."

Though forced to play primarily in the paint at Nature Coast due to her size, Maner figured to better use her athleticism and shooting touch at the forward spot in college.

Now instead of honing her craft on the court, she'll shift her attention to a very important area: the classroom.

"I'll focus on my grades and stuff," Maner said. "I've got to stay to get my undergraduate (degree) since I'll get an extra year. I'll focus on my major, load up on classes."

Maner is majoring in kinesiology and physical education, looking to become a teacher and a coach.

Sticking with the team

Still, Maner remains with the team. On Tuesday, a day after surgery, she attended the Black Bears' home game versus Delaware.

For now, she'll be limited to watching from the bench. She'll wear a sling for six weeks and can't participate in any games for at least five months.

She plans to use the rehab time to not only study the plays and grow accustomed to the atmosphere of college hoops, but to hit the weight room.

The support of her coaches and teammates has helped her stay positive, making an unfortunate situation feel a little less difficult.

"It's hard," Maner said. "Especially in games you know you could contribute so much and help the team so much. It really (stinks). But everyone says my time is next year."