Athlete of the Week: Ivey Slaughter | News

Ivey Slaughter has been playing basketball since the 6th grade. It was around that time she had a choice to make.

"I quit gymnastics to play basketball", says Slaughter. "I knew I was getting to tall to play so I chose basketball and I really think I made the right decision."

And her head Coach Todd Whetsel is glad she did. The senior is averaging a double double for the Lady Trojans with 22 points and nearly 12 rebounds per game.

"She is a tremendous athlete", echoes Whetsel. "Defensively she makes things happen on the boards. Championship game last week with Arlington she had 26 rebounds. Offensively she is a threat as well inside and out.She brings a lot to the table and a good passer as well. By far the best player I ever coached."

Ivey is working this season in comeback mode. She suffered a knee injury her junior year and had to sit out the majority of the schedule which she says was challenging.

Slaughter explains, "It was hard. It was very hard. I just wanted to get up and play. During therapy I would ask my trainer Jody, can I walk yet? And he would answer no yet yet, you have a couple of weeks. I was just so eager to get back and play."

Ivey is just as intense in the classroom. An Honors student, the senior carries an 88 GPA.

"She's a great leader. Last year more by example, this year she is speaking up like a senior should" , says Whetsel.

"My mom always tells me that if I don't have As or Bs than it doesn't matter how good I am I won't be able to play", says Slaughter. "I know that I have to keep my grades up just to compete in extracurricular activities so grades are my number one priority right so that I can graduate with honors."

In the fall Ivey made her decision to play basketball for Florida State - until then she has a few goals like possibly a state title for Tattnall.