Parklane Academy senior Zoe Alford officially announced her commitment to further her basketball career at D-III East Texas Baptist University on Sunday.
"I have always wanted to play college basketball and find a place that fit me as a player and person," Alford said of her choice. "East Texas was one of the first colleges that offered me and I have been there many times. I've developed a great relationship with the coaches and players, and I know that is where God is leading me to be."
The Lady Pioneers' star guard will join the Tigers after having racked up over 1,000 points in her career to go along with claiming multiple All-State honors and winning the MAIS Overall State Championship last season. She has helped guide the current Lady Pioneers to a 13-2 overall record in her final go-round thus far.
"Playing basketball at Parklane has been one of the best experiences of my life. I've gained friendships and made memories that will last a lifetime," Alford said. "I am looking forward to continuing my career at the next level, but most importantly I am looking forward to seeing what the rest of my high school career brings and finishing it the right way."
"A memory that I will always look back upon fondly is winning the Overall Championship for my school alongside my best friends," Alford added. "It will be something I will always remember and hold onto. Hopefully we will create more winning memories this year!"
Alford joins an East Texas Baptist program that is fresh off a 23-5 campaign where it won its second-ever Southwest Conference Tournament Championship. The 2025-2026 Lady Tigers currently own an 11-2 overall mark for their season, and the program has appeared in the NCAA D-III Tournament on two occasions (2022, 2025).
"I am very excited to compete at a high level every game and practice while continuing to take my individual game to the next level," Alford said.
East Texas head coach Blake Arbogast has been with the program since 2020 and claims a 103-32 career record.
The school is located in Marshall, Texas, which is just under an hour's drive from the border of Louisiana.
