A rising junior for the CHS Lady Dark Horses, Ashlyn Williams will look to be a key player again for the Horses this year, as she’ll be one of the leaders they look to in the upcoming season as they attempt a repeat 2A title run.

Williams has been a huge asset to her team since she began playing power forward and center for CHS putting up numbers that helped her team on its playoff stretch last season. Over the course of 61 games, she has averaged 8.6 points per game, along with 5.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.5 blocks

Unlike some who play their entire lives, Williams didn’t start playing basketball until several years ago.

“I didn’t start playing basketball until middle school. Then that summer I starting playing with some of my future teammates and that following year of my freshman year is when I really started falling in love with basketball,” said Williams.

Just two years into her high school career, Williams has already earned All-County and All-Conference honors.

“I just try to learn from other players, and just always understand how to play my role,” said Williams. “It’s kind of funny — people always asks me if I’m a senior and which college I’m thinking about going to, even though I’m just a junior.” “Honestly, all I do is just step up and always play like I’m older.”

Williams already has her sights set on the next level, and has a school in mind.

“As you know, colleges can’t really talk to me much until after my junior year, but if I could go anywhere to play basketball I’d definitely want to go to ECU,” remarked Williams.

Not only does Williams have a potential college she knows she’d like to attend, she also already knows what she wants to major in and do with the degree she earns.

“I want to go to medical school and become a doctor, I’ve always wanted to help kids, especially after my little cousin had cancer,” said Williams. “I hated having to watch him go through that and ever since then I’ve wanted to be a pediatrician.”

Williams has a few years left at CHS before she can start preparing for college, but her upcoming season will require just as much preparation as all eyes and targets will be on the backs of the 2A defending champs. It is a distraction that Williams isn’t worried too much about, as she’s quite confident in her team being able to repeat this coming season.

“I’m pretty confident that we can win it all again. We’re like a family on this team and if we continue to play together like we always do, then I think we can make something happen,” Williams said confidently. “Just as importantly, we have to remember that it’s also about trying to be humble and making sure we do everything we can to repeat what we did from last year.”

Playing beyond her years
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_2-Ashlyn-Williams.jpgPlaying beyond her years

Clinton’s Ashlyn Williams goes up for contested layup during last year’s championship run.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_Ashlyn-2.jpgClinton’s Ashlyn Williams goes up for contested layup during last year’s championship run.

Williams attempts to score over defender in last seasons 2A state championship
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_Ashlyn.jpgWilliams attempts to score over defender in last seasons 2A state championship
CHS rising junior expresses optimism about a 2A title repeat

By Michael Hardison

[email protected]

Reach Sports Editor Michael Hardison at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SampsonInd.