Summer is finally here, and vacations are just beginning. For rising Meade High School senior and Russett resident Jamie McKeither, playing on the basketball court will be the main focus.
Traveling with her Nike BlueStar teams this summer playing center, forward and guard positions is definitely a grueling schedule but one McKeither is ready to conquer. Her passion and love for the sport can be seen by her many other accomplishments, including playing guard, forward and center positions with the Meade Mustangs, where she plays with another Russett resident, Imani Bailey, who was profiled in my June 16 neighborhood column.
McKeither led her high school team in rebounding in the 2011 season, was second in scoring for her team, voted first team All-County player in 2011 and voted third team All-Metro Team player by The Baltimore Sun. She is also featured on 695Hoops.com as one of the top athletes in this area.
McKeither's first encounter with the sport had a unique start.
In October 2002, the Washington metro area was terrorized by a series of sniper incidents many of us won't soon forget. During that time, McKeither was becoming proficient in soccer, but suddenly, the season was cancelled due to safety concerns.
Indoor activities were the alternative, and for McKeither, basketball seemed to be a good choice.
There weren't many girls basketball teams around, so she started on an all-boys team. She signed up and played with the Catholic Youth Organization, county leagues and other church league teams; and worked with personal trainers to perfect her skills. As time went on, her spirit and passion for the game grew and she was playing basketball year-round with the Amateur Athletic Union, Beltway Lady Cougars, Maryland Lady Lakers and Maryland Shooting Stars.
She first attended Paul VI Catholic High School, in Fairfax, Va., and played on the girls basketball team as a forward and guard before moving to Russett in 2009 and starting at Meade High School in November of that year.
Her future goals include attending college on an athletic scholarship and pursuing a career in criminal law.
A self-determined, passionate young lady, team player and hard worker, McKeither is well on her way to becoming another shining star in the sport of basketball. Good luck and congratulations to Jamie.
Come one, come all to Club Russett's Masquerade Party Sept. 17, from 7 to 11 p.m. Put on your best costume and get ready for some fun, food, music, games and more.
Tickets are on sale now for $10. You must be 21 or older. For more information, please contact Mila at 301-498-3897, ext. 12 or coordinator@russett.org.