10 Feb 2016 ‘Selfless’ Summons leading the way for Maumelle
by Levi Gilbert
The Maumelle girls’ basketball team is currently on the outside looking in for the 5A state playoffs, but with six games left on the 5A West schedule, the Lady Hornets control their fate.
Senior guard Kamri Summons relishes the opportunity before her and her teammates — a chance to play their way into the 5A playoffs.
“We have unfinished business,” Summons said. “Our team goal is to make it to state.”
The top four teams from the 5A West will make it into the state playoffs. Currently, Summons and the Lady Hornets sit seventh place with a 3-6 5A West record. But they are only two games out from the fourth and final playoff seed. With six games left on the schedule, the opportunity for movement up the standings is prime for the taking.
Summons was selected to this year’s 501 Basketball Team — 35 players representing the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the court. She was nominated by her head coach, William Rountree.
“Kamri is a player that takes direction well and applies all that she learns in game situations,” Rountree wrote in his nomination. “She is hardworking, approachable and giving. Last season she was a leading scorer, and regardless of the situation she kept a positive attitude as she continued to work hard.
“This season, we have expected her to be a leader and push herself until she reaches high expectations she has set for herself, as well as the expectations set from her coaches.”
Summons has been playing the game of basketball since she was 8 and fell in love with the game by playing with her brothers. “We’d always play outside,” she said.
Summons has worked hard in her senior season to deepen her shooting range. On the court, she often faces adversity in the form of extra attention.
“I’m always getting double teamed,” Summons said. “I have to overcome having opponents try and shut me down.”
Off the court, Summons faces the tough choices that many teens her age face.
“I’m focused on bettering myself as a person and not being influenced by the wrong people doing wrong things,” Summons said.
Summons also runs track for Maumelle. She’s a member of DECA, art club and science club.
“I was born and raised in the 501 and my favorite thing about it has to be all the inspiring people I’ve met here who have made me who I am today,” Summons said. “When I’m not playing sports, I’m normally hanging with friends and family and enjoying them because I’m almost always occupied.”
As the Lady Hornets turn their eyes on the close of the season, Rountree will look to his senior guard to lead the way to the playoffs.
“She is selfless and has a way of keeping her teammates motivated with her positive energy,” Rountree said. “She leads by example making sure she is respectful to her peers and her elders, lending a helping hand when needed to the student body.
“This player is one that has never expected to receive praise for the things she has done. She continues to push forward and try to pull those up along. The drive and passion that she has pours out and and is contagious when she is around.”
Summons and Maumelle travel to Morrilton this Friday at 6 p.m.
