Bland tops 1,000 points in school career

Posted

GOLDSTON — Going into the Chatham County Middle School tournament finals, Te’Keyah Bland had already surpassed the 1,000 point goal than most players only dream of.

The rest was gravy.

In the minutes leading up to Friday night’s game at J.S. Waters School, the high scorer reflected on that achievement, and how the teamwork made the difference.

“My team helps out a lot,” Bland said. “They’re what keep me going, sportsmanship, their encouragement on and off the court. They really help a lot.”

Coming into Friday’s game, Bland had scored 1,030 points in her middle school career. In this final contest of the season, and her middle school career, she scored 21 points, making a final total of 1,051.

Bland is coached by her mother, Wanda, and, as tough as it may be to experience the sometimes difficult instruction by her mother, the young athlete knows that it’s for the best.

“She pushes me a lot during practice, during games, but it’s not really hard, cause I know I have somebody who won’t steer me wrong,” Bland said. ”She always wants me to do good, so she definitely pushes me, but in a good way.”

In her final game for Horton, Bland played the role of center during the game, helping other girls get shots, and scoring the 21 points of her own as well.

“I play all positions, so, if we run a play, and I run point guard, I’ll look for my teammates or even a shot,” Bland said. “Sometimes I’ll play post, you know, wherever I’m needed.”

With her middle school basketball career at an end, Bland plans to play for Coach Cameron Vernon at Northwood High School next year.

“I plan to play the role Coach Vernon wants me to play,” Bland said. “I plan to help out with the team, no matter where I’m needed, and just do great.”

Even though college is years away, Bland has ideas for that as well. She hasn’t picked a school, but she does have a few favorites.

“I’m a really big Duke fan, but I’m kind of pulling toward like wanting to go to State, you know, I like that better options like as far as education wise for me,” she said. ”I definitely want to get a scholarship to play in any school, you know, no matter where I go, whatever letters I get. I do plan on attending college.”