For Lady Sharks sophomore point guard Ashante Doby, defense is a top priority.
During an 84-68 victory against Broward College on Jan.7, Doby showed just how defensive minded she is, getting five of the teams 21 steals against the Lady Seahawks.
“I love defense,” said Doby, a Royal Palm native.
Doby, a former Palm Beach Central standout, started on the varsity team all four years during high school. She was voted defensive MVP every year.
Lady Sharks Head Coach Susan Summons was tipped off about Doby by Lady Sharks guard Kenshadra Smith, who played with Doby in high school and at Equestrian Trails Elementary in Wellington, Florida.
Smith has played with Doby since elementary school.
“It makes a big difference because we have so much chemistry from years back,” Smith said. “We know each other a lot more than our teammates; we know where to pass the ball at the right time and spot.”
Smith was confident Doby would fit into Summons’ system. However, for Doby—a natural shooting guard—to start alongside Smith, she had to switch to point guard.
“I’ve played shooting guard most of my basketball career,” Doby said. “Just three weeks ago I started playing point guard but I’m getting used to it.”
Doby, 5-foot 9 inch point guard, has adjusted just fine to her new position. Through 18 games this season, Doby is averaging 7.4 points and 3.6 assists per game.
And it seems that maybe Doby was always geared toward being a floor general.
“I want to be a coach to give back to the community and inspire kids to have dreams like myself,” Doby said.
She is using her leadership skills to help the team navigate through a tough 6-13 start
“We’re all new here,” Doby said. “ We all have different talents and backgrounds, so we have to learn how to play together because we are unstoppable when we play together.”
The Lady Sharks next home game is versus Broward College on Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Theodore R. Gibson Health Center, 11011 S.W.104 St. Admission to all games is free.
