LUDOWICI — Long County High School girls basketball standout Brittany Mills signed a full-ride, two-year scholarship Friday to play at South Georgia Technical College.
"Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of playing in the WNBA, I would pray about it every night," Mills said. "Then I started praying for a full-ride, and now it has happened. I’ve been very blessed."
The Tide star propelled this year’s team back into the state play-offs, and led the team on and off the court.
"I told Brittany, before the season, that she had to be the leader on the team, that I wanted her to be more vocal as a leader, even though that went against her personality," coach Ryan Bailey said. "By the mid-season she had done just that, and had accomplished that goal.
"Her work ethic has proven that she can succeed wherever she goes. She will play and start if she continues to push herself."
Mills also impressed previous coaches Julie Daffron, Lady Tide coach in 2007-08, and C-team coach Gilda Tippens.
"No one deserves this more than Brittany. She’s the hardest working kid I ever worked with," Daffron said.
Tippens added, "She is very teachable and always focused, and always gives 110 percent."
SGTC Lady Jets coach Brandan Harrell said, "We’re getting a player with skills and talent, but also the right work ethic and leadership ethic to do whatever it takes to make our program better. We got a steal. We’re very happy."
Two more happy people were Mills’ parents, Shawn and Shandale,
"I’m just so proud," her mother said. "She’s an amazing young lady."
Her father said, "I’m sad that I’m losing my little girl, but I’m proud of what she has accomplished with what the good Lord has given her."
Blue Tide Athletic Director Karen Swindell said, "She’s an all-round athlete, a great person and a high achiever. She always does the right thing, and it has paid off for her now, with her living her dream, playing college basketball."
The Lady Jets had a 13-19 record this season, but surprised everyone by making it to the semi-finals of the GJCAA tournament, before being beaten by Middle Georgia College 57-63.