Russell learning to lead
The Fayetteville Christian senior is taking her game up a notch for the Warriors
By Rodd Baxley
Staff writer FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER
Noni Russell, Fayetteville Christian’s leading scorer, is learning to lead in other ways as a senior captain.
After averaging 17.2 points and 8.1 assists per game as a junior for the Warriors, who swept the NCISAA Sandhills Conference titles and earned a runner-up finish in the 3-A playoffs to finish with a 28-2 record, Russell knows she has to take it up a notch in her final prep season.
When she isn’t showing off her bucket-getting ability, the all-state performer is diving on the floor for loose balls and being the loudest supporter from the bench.
Russell did all three on Tuesday night in Fayetteville Christian’s 58-18 win against Raleigh Grace Christian. She has helped the Warriors (5-0) win four games by an average of 42 points.
“Noni’s one of the people that works hard when everybody else is not in the gym,” said Fayetteville Christian coach Don Gardner.
“She’s getting shots up outside of her home or going to gyms with her dad. She comes with a very hungry, aggressive attitude. She’s doing very well and she’s matured as a leader.
Gardner said he’s most impressed with Russell’s improved leadership, especially with all-state performer Claire Burke choosing not to play this season.
“She’s taken it and hasn’t looked back,” Gardner said of Russell.
“She got off to a slow start, but she looks like she’s getting her swagger back.”
One of only two seniors on the roster, Russell gives a lot of credit to her teammates for helping her transition into the increased leadership role.
“It takes a lot … but they believe in me,” she said. “I’m stepping up even more than last year, being more confident and trusting my teammates.”
Russell, who “loves everything” about basketball, said her focus is on making sure the team is
“being precise and trusting each other” throughout the year.
The Warriors couldn’t have asked for a better start. As the unquestioned floor general, Russell hopes she can lead the way into February.
“I’m not finished,” she said with a smile. “We’re not finished either.”
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver. com or 910-486-3519
The Fayetteville Christian senior is taking her game up a notch for the Warriors
By Rodd Baxley
Staff writer FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER
Noni Russell, Fayetteville Christian’s leading scorer, is learning to lead in other ways as a senior captain.
After averaging 17.2 points and 8.1 assists per game as a junior for the Warriors, who swept the NCISAA Sandhills Conference titles and earned a runner-up finish in the 3-A playoffs to finish with a 28-2 record, Russell knows she has to take it up a notch in her final prep season.
When she isn’t showing off her bucket-getting ability, the all-state performer is diving on the floor for loose balls and being the loudest supporter from the bench.
Russell did all three on Tuesday night in Fayetteville Christian’s 58-18 win against Raleigh Grace Christian. She has helped the Warriors (5-0) win four games by an average of 42 points.
“Noni’s one of the people that works hard when everybody else is not in the gym,” said Fayetteville Christian coach Don Gardner.
“She’s getting shots up outside of her home or going to gyms with her dad. She comes with a very hungry, aggressive attitude. She’s doing very well and she’s matured as a leader.
Gardner said he’s most impressed with Russell’s improved leadership, especially with all-state performer Claire Burke choosing not to play this season.
“She’s taken it and hasn’t looked back,” Gardner said of Russell.
“She got off to a slow start, but she looks like she’s getting her swagger back.”
One of only two seniors on the roster, Russell gives a lot of credit to her teammates for helping her transition into the increased leadership role.
“It takes a lot … but they believe in me,” she said. “I’m stepping up even more than last year, being more confident and trusting my teammates.”
Russell, who “loves everything” about basketball, said her focus is on making sure the team is
“being precise and trusting each other” throughout the year.
The Warriors couldn’t have asked for a better start. As the unquestioned floor general, Russell hopes she can lead the way into February.
“I’m not finished,” she said with a smile. “We’re not finished either.”
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver. com or 910-486-3519
