Early commits

‘Ace,’ Lady Ads hoops standout, tabs W. Virginia

A totally virtual college basketball commitment has come from a talented Farragut Lady Admirals basketball star.

Proving herself to be one of the Knox County area’s top inside-outside scorers, junior guard Avery “Ace” Strickland announced her commitment to West Virginia (Big XII Conference) Wednesday, Dec. 23.

“She does have a lot of natural athletic ability, but the No. 1 thing is how she works at it,” FHS head coach Jason Mayfield said. “She’s always willing to work to achieve whatever she wants to achieve.”

Choosing the Mountaineers among suitors that included Iowa State, Texas Tech and Cincinnati, the versatile 6-foot-1 wing has yet to take an in-person visit to the Morgantown campus due to COVID-19. Instead, WVU coaches reportedly gave Strickland (21.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists per game) a virtual tour.

Strickland is averaging 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists per game through seven games for the undefeated Lady Ads while shooting 62 percent from the field.