Clinton standout and champion basketball player Alex Canady signed her letter of intent at the high school on Tuesday to play collegiate basketball. She made the decision to attend the University of South Carolina Aiken, her time as a Dark Horse earning her a spot at the next level.

As a combo guard who can even play some small forward, Canady has built up quite the resume while wearing the black and gold uniform. Playing many of games for Clinton head coach Chris Owens, her numbers are a testament to why she got her college offer.

Over the course of 67 games, Canady averaged an impressive 17.7 points per game. That is accompanied by 6.4 rebounds per game, 4.3 steals, 2.7 assists and 0.4 blocks. Those numbers were reached despite Canady missing the majority of her senior season due to injury. She was also part of the 2A State Champion team of 2016-17 and was nominated for the McDonald’s All-American team.

Not only is Canady set to play basketball, but she is taking one more step forward in her academics. She wants to pursue nursing to become a Nurse Anesthetist, her personal experience giving her interest in the field.

“I knew that I wanted to be a Nurse Anesthetist when I got my wisdom teeth pulled — it was the best feeling in the world,” Canady said. “Since then, that’s what I’ve wanted to do — put people to sleep.”

Canady had tons of support during her signing from family, old and current coaches and even the principal of the school, all of them with nothing but positive and hopeful words to share about Canady and her future.

“The one thing I can say for sure about her is that she’s all in,” Clinton Principal Dr. Steve Miller said. “She plays hard, has great heart and will do well and continue to do well as a student-athlete. Things a coach will never have to worry with Alex are her heart, dedication and effort.”

Canady’s former AAU coach Steve Moss praised her ability as a player.

“She is one of the hardest-nosed and toughest players that I have ever coached,” Moss said, “Her competitiveness being just the same and she can’t stand to lose.”

Her proud parents, father Scott Canady and mother Gaynor Hammond, also expressed their excitement.

“I’m very excited for her. She’s worked hard, both in the season and during the off-season, to get to this point,” Scott Canady said. “Also, thanks to all those who helped her along the way. They were a huge part in helping her develop as a student-athlete.”

“I’m really looking forward to seeing her play at the next level,” Hammond said. “The campus is beautiful, plus she likes the campus and the coaching staff. On top of that, Aiken is a medical school which is what she wants to pursue, so I’m really happy with her decision and again just looking forward to seeing her play.”

Canady said she is prepared for the next step.

“I’m just ready to go,” she said. “I’m excited and ready — that’s about all my emotions in one about everything. I do want to thank Coach Owens, Clinton High, Team Carolina and everyone who helped push me to get me where I am now.”

Alex Canady signing her letter of intent to USC Aiken during a ceremony Tuesday in the Clinton High School media center. Pictured, from left, are: front row — Mark Hammond, Aaynor Hammond, Alex Canady and Scott Canady; and back row — Chris Owens, Sharnee White, Steve Moss and Dr. Steve Miller.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_ACsign-1.jpgAlex Canady signing her letter of intent to USC Aiken during a ceremony Tuesday in the Clinton High School media center. Pictured, from left, are: front row — Mark Hammond, Aaynor Hammond, Alex Canady and Scott Canady; and back row — Chris Owens, Sharnee White, Steve Moss and Dr. Steve Miller.

Clinton’s Alex Canady goes up for two during one her many games as a Dark Horse. She averaged over 17 points a game for her career.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_Alex-1.jpgClinton’s Alex Canady goes up for two during one her many games as a Dark Horse. She averaged over 17 points a game for her career.

Alex Canady plays lockdown defense during the game that won them the 2016-17 state championship, Canady’s junior year.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/web1_ac-1.jpgAlex Canady plays lockdown defense during the game that won them the 2016-17 state championship, Canady’s junior year.
CHS basketball standout, member of state champs, ‘excited and ready’

By Michael Hardison

Sports Editor

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