Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
LUCASVILLE — Earlier this year, Valley senior Bre Call became the first Indian to score her 1,000th career point since 2015.
Now, she’s the next in line to play college basketball.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
On May 1, Call made her intentions known to play at Miami University-Hamilton.
“I was keeping my options open at first because I had many schools that contacted me,” Call said. “It was very overwhelming. [MU-H] Coach [Ross] Tonyan reached out to [Valley] coach [Mark] Merritt and he had mentioned that he would like to come to one of my games. He came to my first tournament game and he talked to me afterwards. He told me that he would like to get me on campus.”
When Call arrived, her heart was instantly captured.
“I went that next week and I absolutely loved it. It’s around the size of Shawnee State, maybe a little bigger, but I fell in love with it as soon as I stepped foot on campus,” Call said. “Mom was worried about me being away but coach Tonyan told us that I would be in good hands and, if there was anything I needed, that he would be there. He really made us feel comfortable.”
As you can infer, Call’s family played a big part in the decision.
“My family, friends, and coaches have all been really supportive during this process,” Call said. “They have helped me weigh out the pros and cons and I am thankful for them during that time.”
Call averaged 11.8 points per game during her senior year, and did so while being double-teamed and face-guarded for a good part of the action.
On Jan. 20, she scored her 1,000th career point before becoming an all-conference selection and third-team all-district honoree.
“I’m looking forward to stepping up my game,” Call said. “The speed of the game is a lot faster and I think that will be something I will have to adjust to. But I have confidence that I will do just fine. I’m also excited to play with my new teammates as well.”
This past winter, the Harriers finished 12-15 but won the Ohio Regional Campus Conference State Championship, beating Miami Middletown by a 90-77 final.
Call will now join a roster that boasts of talent from established programs, including Lakota East, Winton Woods and Mt. Healthy.
Tonyan’s coaching career includes a stint at Lakota East, where he posted a .704 winning percentage.
Call is excited to join that group.
“To me, being a college athlete means becoming a better athlete than what you were before,” Call said. “It takes full dedication on the court as well as, most importantly, being in the classroom. To say that I have finally reached my goal of playing the sport I love at the next level is the best feeling in the world. Now, It’s time to work even harder.”