Two words and one name encapsulate talent, work ethic and congeniality to the inner circle of Ohio women's basketball: Simone Redd.
Leading the team in scoring as a freshman, No. 23 has been an image of stardom in her inaugural season as a Bobcat.
Her college career has mirrored her days as a high-school hoopster. Having been recruited by the Cleveland area's Regina High School in sixth grade, Redd went there despite disdain from the public school she would have attended. She entered the starting lineup midway through her freshman season.
Ohio coach Lynn Bria took notice of Redd as early as her freshman year of high school.
I first saw her in ninth grade
and she was a great player then too she said.
At Regina, Redd helped her team win the Division III state championships her freshman, sophomore and junior years. Though a fourth title eluded her, a peppering of awards -including Division III Player of the Year and finalist for Ms. Basketball -did not.
Her accomplishments at Regina made her a coveted prospect for colleges, and she received interest from several major universities, including Massachusetts and Penn State. Nevertheless, she ended up a Bobcat.
I kind of messed around and waited too long
she said. After I came from the visit to UMass
Penn State had called me and found another guard
she said.
Redd said she is happy with her decision to come to Ohio.
If I went to an Ohio State or a Penn State
I wouldn't be playing
she said. Basketball has been all I wanted. I came in as a freshman
and I'm getting big minutes.
Redd said she's also happy that she's close to her family. Her sister Faith -one of her three sisters -is a junior at Ohio, and she helped influence Redd's decision.
Once she told me how good of a school it was
I came down here and saw it for myself and liked it
she said. Plus
