By Erica Henry
Darton College women’s basketball coach Laura Blackwell has announced the signing of Amber McKenzie and Jomanda Smalls to National Letters of Intent.
McKenzie, a 5-8 guard, played high school basketball at Tift County and is a native of Ty Ty. She was a dual-sport athlete in basketball and in track and field. McKenzie averaged 17 points and six rebounds a game for the Blue Devils.
“Amber is a tremendous penetrating guard who will be an impact player on our team,” Darton College coach Laura Blackwell said. “She has proven herself as a scorer, a great defender and as a player with a big heart.”
McKenzie was a four-year letter winner in basketball. She served as the captain her junior and senior years and was also named the team’s most valuable player her senior season.
She was also voted most athletic by her peers. In the Valdosta senior All-Star game, McKenzie earned MVP honors.
In track and field, McKenzie also shined. She earned consecutive Region 1-AAAA championships in the discus in 2009 and 2010. In the shotput, she placed second in the region and qualified for state, taking home a fourth-place finish in 2010. In 2010 she placed third in the region championship.
Smalls, a 5-11 post player, is a native of Hardeeville, S.C. She led the Hardeeville High School Hurricanes. She led the Hurricanes to back-to-back region titles and lower state championships, and state runners-up.
“Jomanda is a very gifted and talented athlete with leaping ability that’s out of this world,” stated Coach Blackwell. “She has the work ethic that we want and need for our program to succeed.”
Smalls was selected twice as Class A Region 6 player of the year. She finished her career as the all-time leading scorer (1,078) and rebounder. Both her junior and senior years, she was selected by the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Associations All-State Team and to the North-South All-Star game.
The Lady Cavaliers have a total of 12 signees.
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