Selma High girls basketball standout enjoyed busy summer

Published 12:41 pm Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Selma High guard Rodericka Parker put herself on the college basketball recruiting map this summer.

Parker played in the North-South All-Star Girls basketball game as well as play on the AAU hoops circuit during her summer vacation.

The 5-foot-6 Parker scored only three points in the contest, but she said the time in Montgomery was a wonderful experience. She was named The Selma Times-Journal’s girls basketball player of the year.

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“It was great being in the All-Star game, I had fun,” Parker said. “It was my first time being in that kind of environment.”

For Parker, experience is a good teacher and she gained valuable knowledge.

“I learned plays from different coaches and staying in a dormitory by myself,” Parker said.

Parker made a name for herself last year as the Lady Saints marched all the way to the Class 6A Regional Semifinals.

All Parker did was MVP at the Dallas County Schools Tournament and made the Area 3, Class 6A All-Tournament team. She averaged 17 points a game and made crucial shots when the Lady Saints needed one.

Former Selma High basketball coach Anthony Harris praised Parker for her dedication and talent.

“Parker’s a gym rat,” Parker said. “She’s one of the top guards in the state. Parker took a lot of heat from me and did an outstanding job. I have a lot of confidence in her. She can play either shooting guard or point guard and be productive.”

Parker will be the key player for Selma High next year as most of the Lady Saints starters have graduated.

“The summer will help me a lot,” Parker said. “I wanted to work on my vocal skills and ball handling skills.”

Parker, who also plays AAU ball for TNA Heat, also said she wants to play college basketball after graduating from Selma High. She’s a B student, but needs a qualifying ACT score.

Parker said some schools have contracted new Selma High girls basketball coach, but she didn’t know any of the schools.