UA women land Jaguars’ Ericka Russell

TUSCALOOSA | Ericka Russell, a Northridge High School senior, received her reward for perseverance.

Russell overcame reconstructive knee surgery to earn a college scholarship. The 5-foot-8 guard signed on Wednesday to play for the University of Alabama women’s basketball team.

“I’m just blessed for the opportunity,” Russsell said. “After my setback, I knew I had to work harder and give 100 percent every day.

“The thing that kept me going was knowing I could prove people wrong. I wanted to continue to play throughout college.”

Russell tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during her sophomore season. Since months after the initial operation she underwent arthroscopic surgery to clean up torn cartilage.

She rebounded to average 17.1 points as a junior. She also had 6.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 4.5 steals per game. She scored 33 points against Auburn and 30 against Homewood.

Russell is the first Northridge player to score more than 1,000 career points and the first to score more than 500 in a single season.

“I think it is very big for her and for our program to have produced a future Division I athlete,” said Northridge coach Lytrice Washington. “It just sums up the hard work she put into her game. I feel very proud of her. I expect her to have a very good senior season here and much success as she goes on to the University of Alabama.”

Russell gained a starting role as a freshman.

“She was so athletic and had a lot of work ethic from the beginning,” Washington said. “She had to fight through a lot to get back to 100 percent. She rehabbed more than she was required to do, but she was willing to work through the pain. It made her more determined as an athlete and made her the player that she is.”

Washington, who favors an up-tempo style of play, said Russell could play any position, even center.

“She’ll be at the No. 2 guard in our offense, but when we run the ball she could set up anywhere on the court,” Washington said. “She’s a very versatile player.

“Obviously, she’s one of our leaders. I feel she’s going to do a tremendous job this year along with her teammates. They’ve set some tremendous goals for themselves, and I think Ericka will do the things she needs to do to accomplish them.”

Russell started her senior year with 20 points in a win over Aliceville.

“It is a relief, just knowing I already have my full scholarship,” she said of the early signing. “Now I can just focus on the season here and going to the 6A state tournament.

“I feel like I’m an all-around basketball player. I’ll try to lead people, push people or encourage people. Whether I’m getting double-doubles or only playing defense I want to get the job done.”

Alabama went 10-20 last season, but Russell said she wants to revitalize the program.

“I chose Alabama because I’m from here and because I feel I can actually help the program be a success,” she said. “I liked the players and the coaches. Everybody made me feel very comfortable.

“I just want to thank everybody who supported me from day one. My teachers, coaches, teammates, my athletic trainer and family and friends gave me advice and encouraging words to keep me motivated to play basketball.”

Russell said she hopes to major in business administration and sports management.

Reach Andrew Carroll at andrew.carroll@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0223.