Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Jadah Townsend is making her mark in the Alabama Independent School Association as just a 6th grader playing for the Edgewood Academy girls’ basketball team. As of last week, through the first 19 games of the season, Townsend had made 86 3-point shots and was averaging 29.2 points per game. She’s not just a scorer. She also averages 6.8 steals, 6.6 assists, and 3.2 blocks. Per Max Preps, Townsend is in the top 10 in Alabama and the top 100 nationally, in each of those categories. She’s also averaging 4.5 rebounds per game.
“I enjoy that I get an opportunity to start playing varsity as a 6th grader, and my teammates are fun to be around,” said Townsend. “My first game was fun. I didn’t know what to expect. It was exciting and we won by one point.
The 6th grader was also recognized recently for scoring her 500th point of the season, and her career.
“I wasn’t really keeping up with my points. It just shows my hard work is paying off,” said Townsend.
The 6th grader has some individual and team goals in mind for the remainder of the season.
“I want to continue to lead my team and close out tight games by making smart plays.”
Townsend was able to do that. In their most recent game on Tuesday night against Chambers, the Wildcats won 46-45 and Townsend had 28 points, 7 assists, 5 steals, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks. The win is the 5th in a row for the Wildcats, who are peaking at the right time of year with just two games left in the regular season. Townsend hopes to lead the Wildcats deep into the playoffs.
“Our team goal is to win the championship. A lot of people might not expect it, but we are going to fight every game to try to make some noise in the playoffs.”
Edgewood Academy Coach Joseph Townsend, Jadah’s father, discussed what has made the 6th grader successful at such an early age. “I think her toughness and drive to compete makes her successful,” said Coach Townsend. “Her travel team is Team EGO composed of very talented kids from Alabama as well as surrounding states with kids that have the same goals and aspiration
