Junior Faith White has been integral in the success of the Mount Gilead girls’ basketball team this season, as she has played out of position most of the season after the team lost its starting point guard to injury. Most recently, she has led the Indians to a pair of upset wins in the playoffs and helped Mount Gilead secure their second straight Sectional title.
White’s work on and off the floor has been impeccable, and for this reason she is the Mount Vernon News Athlete of the Week.
“Faith’s work ethic is second to none,” said Assistant Coach Danielle Bault. “She is one of the first kids in the gym and usually one of the last people to leave. She stays to get up extra shots, she is constantly watching film and asking questions! She rarely misses a summer workout, she is always trying to learn more about the game. She is one of the most coachable kids. She is okay being held accountable and being coached hard.”
During the upset wins over No. 3 Madison Christian and No. 4 Wellington School, White averaged 16 points, 5.5 boards, four steals and three assists. In the same week, she was aslso named first team All-KMAC and first team All-District.
In the Sectional finals, White had a game high 17 points with a pair of threes. She had seven of the team’s nine points to open the game. White also tallied seven rebounds and four steals in the win.
In the opening round of the tournament against Madison Christian, White put up 15 points, four rebounds and four steals.
“She’s the type of kid you want in your program and it’s been awesome to see her come out and have such a good start to the tournament,” Bault said. “These two upset wins have been possible because of her play and leadership.”
Bault said that White isn’t just a good player, but also a leader for the team. This is something that she has been challenged to do this year. Bault said she is the definition of a “we before me” player, which she noted is rare especially coming from an All-Ohio player. White is the type of player who is a model for the culture wanted and needed in the Mount Gilead basketball program. During the winter when they don’t have games, she can often be found mentoring youth players by helping with practices and attending their games.
“Faith is the first one to hype her teammates up or run over and give them a word of encouragement,” Bault said. “She has embraced stepping out of her comfort zone this year to do what’s best for the team.”
Congratulations to Faith White and good luck the rest of the playoffs!
