Student Athlete of the Week: Sarah Catherine Garvin of Hamilton HS Girls Basketball

HAMILTON, Miss. (WCBI) — She’s third in her class, been part of a national summer championship, and at 6 foot three, she’s becoming a force on the basketball court. This week’s Student Athlete of the Week shows on of the area senior’s biggest improvement may be her leadership on and off the court.

Hamilton High’s Sarah Catherine Garvin has been around basketball all her life, first as the daughter of a coach and then as a pee wee player since the third grade. She spent last summer at the South’s top camps. That included being a key member of the state’s Junior National team that won the national title at the International Sports Festival in Ohio.

“I’ve actually got a shot this year like range and then I’ve improved on post moves as well,” said Sarah Catherine Garvin.

Assistant Coach Steven Sims has seen the progress, too.

“This summer she has went to several camps. She has played in various games and all star games and she has come in and taken the work-ethic to another level,” said Steven Sims.

Her summer work included the MSU women’s basketball camp where she caught the eye of Head Coach Vic Schaefer. He invited her to scrimmage with what is now the unbeaten women’s team and gave her a few pointers.

Her father, Drew Garvin, is the Hamilton boys’ coach. He played college basketball and his daughter hopes to follow suit. Her summer progress has prompted calls from colleges in at least 8 states.

“I keep my options open for anybody and willing to go anywhere,” said Garvin.

While she could easily put the focus on her, the Lady Lions’ only senior is focusing on the team.

“We’re focused on taking over our division this year. We’re actually working as a team,” said Garvin.

And her teammates and coaches are taking note.

She’s encouraging and steps up to help people to do better,” said Dessheyonna Danner.

“She’s been determined even when she was that player on the bench not getting that much playing time. she was determined that when she got her opportunity, she was going to make the most of it,” said Head Coach Sue Verner.

The Lady lions return to the court January 5th against Heritage Academy and then start division play January 9th against Vardaman.