Around Iredell Sports

2008 Mar-27

Gillespie garners All-State distinction

Statesville point guard Keyrra Gillespie drives to the basket during a game this season against East Rowan. The junior was named to the 2007-08 Associated Press All-State girls basketball team Thursday.

By Brian Meadows
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Keyrra Gillespie consistently dazzled high school basketball fans with her abilities this season. Her combination of skill, energy and flair impressed the media, too.

Statesville’s junior point guard was voted to the 2007-08 Associated Press All-State girls basketball team Thursday.

Gillespie was a first-team selection, receiving 26 of a possible 34 points from a statewide panel of 17 high school beat writers. Only 5-foot-11 guard Christal Caldwell received more points. The West
Charlotte junior, who led her team to a 4A state runner-up finish, garnered 27 points.

“I’m happy, excited,” said Gillespie, who turned 18 on Wednesday. “That’s a good birthday present.”

Joining Gillespie and Caldwell on the first team were guard Kurie Washington (McDowell) and centers Jessica Capers (Gastonia Forestview) and Erinn Thompson (Kernersville Bishop McGuinness).

North Henderson’s Morgan McMinn tallied 21 points to lead the second team, which also included North Carolina signee Candace Wood (Charlotte Victory Christian), Jannetta Robinson (Pender County), Anna Freeman (East Davidson) and Virginia signee Whitney Edwards (Providence Day).

Gillespie became the second Iredell County girls basketball player in as many years to receive first team All-State recognition.

Statesville coach Todd Jones believes Gillespie was worthy of the same honor bestowed upon former South Iredell standout Tiffany Whiting last season.

“If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, I wouldn’t trade Keyrra for anybody,” said Jones, whose floor general has scholarship offers from Clemson, Florida and Charlotte. “I’m glad she got the award, and she’s well deserving of it.”

Averaging 15.5 points, 8.2 assists, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 steals per game this season, Gillespie led Statesville to its first regionals appearance since 1995.

The Greyhounds fell two victories shy of advancing to the program’s first state championship game when they lost 73-65 in the 3A Western Regional semifinals to then-unbeaten Forestview.

Gillespie’s team-high 24 points in that contest matched Capers’ point total, and the 5-foot-6 sparkplug also outrebounded the 6-foot-1 West Virginia-bound post player 13-7.

Statesville stormed back from a 65-50 deficit with just under 5 minutes left to draw within 67-65 at the 2:30 mark, but it was unable to overtake Forestview. Gillespie spearheaded the comeback, scoring eight points during the 15-2 run.

“There were a lot of (sports) writers at that game,” Jones said, noting their exposure to Gillespie’s talents. “That had to help her a lot. … She played well.”

Gillespie also led Statesville to a perfect 21-0 mark in North Piedmont Conference games, a stretch that included the regular-season and tournament titles. She was named NPC player of the year, as well as R&L county player of the year.

Statesville (28-3) finished the season ranked seventh in NCPreps.com 3A state poll. The Greyhounds’ other two losses were to 2A state runner-up Graham and 2A semifinalist Salisbury.

“This is the only accolade Keyrra hasn’t won, except for the state championship game,” Jones said. “Knowing Keyrra like I know her, I’m sure she would trade that first team All-State honor for a state championship win any day.”

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