McComb High School seniors Audrekus Dexter and Tacara Garner are proof positive setbacks can’t keep good players down.
The athletic Dexter, who plays every position on the basketball court, and Garner, a shooting guard/post player, suffered injuries in November during the Brookhaven Tournament.
Dexter suffered an ankle sprain, while Garner’s was more serious — a torn ACL.
The two were honored Tuesday night after a win against Pearl. Dexter scored a team-high 18 points while Garner started but was immediately removed because of her knee injury.
Garner hasn’t played since her injury, but McComb coach Angelia Johnson hopes Garner can make her return in the upcoming district tournament that begins in February.
“I just stepped down the wrong way,” said Garner, recalling her injury. “I’ve been in rehab since the injury, and right now I am working on building back my muscle. Next month I hope to be able to start jogging a lot.”
Dexter’s ankle wasn’t as severe, but she said it still isn’t 100 percent. She missed three games after her ankle injury.
“It still bothers me after practice or a game,” she said. “I just have to ice it up after each time I am on it.”
Johnson had to adjust her coaching game plan around the injuries. Despite the injuries, McComb (11-4, 5-1) sits in first place in Region 6-5A play with one game left.
“Both of these girls are all-around players and we missed that, especially with both being out hurt,” Johnson said. “Our team had to go in another direction.”
Johnson is in her seventh season leading the Lady Tigers. McComb moved up from 4A to 5A for the 2009-2010 school year, but that was no intimidation factor, as they finished as district runner-up, South State 5A champion and advanced to Jackson for the 5A Tournament, despite a 13-19 overall record.
“This year has been pretty consistent.” Johnson said. “We have the same mentality this year as we had last year. We always battle with effort and sometimes we struggle with effort, but we are getting better.”
The 5-foot-5 Dexter has given Johnson lineup flexibility with her ability to play all positions.
“I don’t have a preference on playing one position or another,” Dexter said. “I just want to go out and do whatever it takes to win and play wherever I am needed to best help the team. It was a great feeling last year when we won South State. I want to do all I can to help get our team back to the Big House.”
Dexter has been a big contributor this year, averaging 14 points a game.
“Audrekus is a very strong, physical player,” Johnson said. “When she makes her mind up she can be a dangerous player. She takes care of business. I have coached Audrekus the longest of anyone on this team. She started with me in the eighth grade. She is that player that you know whatever you ask her to do, she is capable of doing. “
Dexter plans to continue playing basketball after graduation.
“My dream place to play would be Tennessee,” she said. “I really love watching (Tennessee) coach Pat Summit. I have been talking to Southwest (Mississippi Community College) a lot, and that’s a good possibility for me.”
Dexter said she plans to pursue a career in nursing. Along with basketball, Dexter is the third baseman on McComb’s fastpitch softball team.
The 18-year-old Garner said she felt her shooting ability was her strength prior to her injury, and that her defense was the one area she needed improvement.
“I have really been pushing myself really hard,” Garner said. “I am totally committed to basketball. I started playing basketball when I was 8 years old and hope it continues after leaving McComb.”
Garner hopes to attend Southeastern Louisiana or Jones County Junior College next fall and become a physical therapist.
“I think after having this type of injury, that will make me a good physical therapist,” she said.
Both girls have 3.0 GPAs and agreed that playing for Johnson has been fun and challenging.
“Coach really pushes us all the time to get better,” Garner said. “But she does that because she knows we can always get better.”
It’s all a part of coaching for Johnson.
“It is my place to make sure these players have a place to land after graduation and play,” she said. “It has been a pleasure to coach both of these players. I don’t have to worry about either of them because they are solid academically and on the court.”
