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East Bladen High celebrated the outstanding career of Lacey Suggs Monday with a celebration to honor her commitment to UNC-Wilmington as a preferred walk-on.
Preferred walk-on status means that the Division 1 Lady Seahawks were out of scholarships, but Suggs will join their basketball roster, will not have to try-out and will begin off-season work-outs in June. She is expected to receive a scholarship next season when one becomes available.
“This is a great opportunity for her to play at a Division 1 school,” said East Bladen Coach Patty Evers. “Lacey is one of the best student-athletes ever at East Bladen – probably one of the best ever from Bladen County.”
Suggs had interest and offers from a number of schools, but felt more comfortable at UNC-W. “I am excited,” she said. “It’s not that far away, and I felt comfortable there.”
In committing to UNC-W, Lacey is continuing a family tradition as her dad, Mike, and one of her brothers went there. “Being that close to home will be great for us,” said Mike Suggs. “They play most of their home games on Friday nights at 7 and Sunday afternoons at 2, so we can get there after work and after church.”
Suggs finishes her career as the No. 3 scorer in East Bladen history with 2,139 points. She also totaled over 800 rebounds and 600 steals in her career. During her senior season, Suggs averaged 22.4 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals and 4.4 assists per game.
Her list of awards for her senior season include: Associated Press All-State Team, NC Basketball Coaches Association All-State Team and District 4 Player of the Year, NC Preps Class 2A All-State, Cape Fear Region Player of the Year by the Fayetteville Observer, Wilmington Star-News All-Area Player of the Year, and Four County Conference Player of the Year. It was her third consecutive Four County Player of the Year award.
East Bladen posted a 102-11 during Lacey’s career and was 87-4 over the last 3 years with two Eastern Regional appearances and one Eastern Final.
“I first saw Lacey play volleyball, and she was really good,” said East Bladen Principal Jason Wray. “Then I saw her play basketball, and she was even better at basketball. Next I saw her on the soccer field, and I don’t know how anyone can move their feet that fast. The Lord has blessed her with tremendous athletic ability. In the classroom she is a model student who follows all the rules.”
“She is a great student-athlete,” said Coach Evers. “I am so happy she is playing basketball. I am very proud of her.”
On hand for the ceremony in the school’s media center besides Lacey’s family were her teammates, coaches and school administrators.
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