Williams Shines On Court For Lady Sharks

Lady Sharks point guard, Jamaria Williams’, all-around game was on full display this year.

The soft-spoken sophomore known for having a competitive nature averaged 12.4 points, five assists and 3.2 rebounds for the Miami Dade College women’s basketball team this season.  

That output included an explosive 40-point performance on Feb. 22 versus Florida SouthWestern State College.  

“It’s great playing with Jay,” said shooting guard Michelle Wright. “She’s so explosive and a good passer so she keeps you on your toes.”

Williams has been playing basketball since the first grade in Chicago. As a high school senior, she averaged 21 points per game at North Lawndale College Prep High School on the west side of Chicago.

A coach on an opposing team in Illinois suggested she contact Lady Sharks Head Basketball Coach Susan Summons. She did— and the decision worked out well for both parties.

Williams formed a strong duo with 6-foot forward Emporess James, who averaged 15.1 points and 12.8 rebounds for the Sharks this year. 

“They say me and [Emporess] have a connection. We read each other well,” Williams said. “I know she needs me, and I need her to score and for her to rebound.”

Williams is in the process of rebounding from the Lady Sharks’ narrow miss of the State Tournament this season.  

“That’s always my number one goal, to win a title anywhere I go,” Williams said. “For me to not accomplish that put me at a low and it makes me feel like I could’ve done more to help my team.”

Despite the setback, life after MDC seems bright for Williams. She is on track to graduate soon and is currently being sought after by several Division I schools such as Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Jacksonville State University in Alabama.

The criminal justice major hopes to become a crime scene investigator and she aspires to play in the Women’s National Basketball Association.