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Amber Watkins
Forward Amber Watkins is entering her fourth and final season with the Oglethorpe County girls basketball team, which is coming off a Class A Division I Elite Eight appearance in last year’s state playoffs. The Oglethorpe Echo recently sat down with her to discuss the season, her game and her favorite memories.
Comments have been edited for length and clarity.
Q: How has the season been?
A: It’s been good. We had our first loss Saturday, but we are still holding on. We hate losing. That’s not what we do around here.
Q: After four straight wins, the team started out hot. How do you and the team get back to that winning momentum despite the loss to Hart County?
A: That feeling of winning, you always want to have that feeling. So we lose, it’s just like a big tear down that you want to keep fighting, you don’t want to lose anymore.
Q: Moving on to yourself, when it comes to a preference, would you say you prefer playing on the offensive end or the defensive?
A: I actually like playing more defense.
Q: You also play several positions. From small forward, to power forward to even shooting guard, you have to face several different types of players. What’s the key to having to defend different types of defenders?
A: You got to be able to move, gotta be quick to also just be able to read the player defending.
Q: What do you enjoy about being such a versatile player?
A: (It means) a lot to be able to help my team out in every position. Any predicament we’re in, we’re winning or losing, I can help in any kind of way.
Q: You’ve been playing basketball for some time. Now in your senior year, what tradition do you do before every game and why?
A: I listen to gospel every time. Giving thanks to what He gave me. Anytime He can take it away, so I’m always thankful.
Q: You’ve also played with fellow seniors Denim Goddard, Aariana Bell and Abby Jones for several years. What is it like to get to spend time on the court with them?
A: It’s actually a really good feeling to know I grew up with them and I’m going to finish it up with them. It just helps on the court also because we have so much chemistry that we can easily play together. Me and Aariana played with Abby in middle school, so that even helps a little bit, too.
Q: What is your favorite memory of playing with that group?
A: The Rabun game last year. I feel like we all had the correct mindset. We all wanted to win, we all hustled, we all did what we were supposed to do. Even if one of us messed up, we always picked 'em up.
Q: With this being your final season, what would you like to accomplish?
A: Winning all the way. Going all the way, but a personal goal, I want to hit my 1,000 points. I think I’m 300 points away, which isn’t a lot.
Q: Do you check every night to see how close you are?
A: Yes!