Wiseman Signs to Play Basketball with Montreat College

Avery Lady Vikings senior center Sara Wiseman, coming off a stellar season that saw her average a double-double in points and rebounds, as well as lead the team in blocked shots, has signed to play basketball for the Lady Cavaliers of Montreat College this fall.

Wiseman put pen to paper in a ceremony last week at Avery High School, joined by her parents Jack and Elizabeth, as well as Avery Lady Vikings head basketball coach Missy Lyons and Montreat College Lady Cavaliers head coach Craig Jackson.

“She’s got good size. Sara rebounds the ball really well, she shoots the ball well inside, and I believe she’s only going to get better,” Coach Jackson said of his newest recruit at last week’s signing. “We need some size and big players. It’s a good time to bring in some local freshmen to recruit.”

Wiseman was a perfect fit for a Lady Cavaliers program that prides itself in recruiting local student-athletes and developing them for the college game. “It’s great to see our local kids developing, especially as more and more schools recruit outside the state,” the coach stated.

Coach Jackson envisions Wiseman fitting in nicely as a Lady Cavalier competing in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

“She will fit in fine. She’ll have to get a little more skilled and in a little better shape, but she can be an excellent player,” the coach stated.

Sara’s parents were excited to share the proud day with their daughter.

“She’s worked really hard and we’re really proud of her. She’s had a lot of really good coaches who have worked with her through the years,” Sara’s mother Elizabeth said. “Sara is very active in the church, and the fact that Montreat is a Christian college is going to be very important to her, leaving Avery County going out into the world. I think being surrounded by Christians will help her make the adjustment.”

“She’s dedicated herself to basketball for years and years and had had a passion to play since second grade. She’s had some good coaches and done well. She just loves it, and that’s the important thing,” Sara’s father Jack stated at the signing. “We’re proud that she able to continue with playing and also to get an education while playing.”

Playing close to home will also serve as a plus for the Wiseman family.

“Knowing it has made seeing her last games in high school a lot easier. She had her last YBOA games a couple of weeks ago, and I don’t think I shed as many tears knowing that I’ll still be able to watch her play in college in the near future,” Elizabeth Wiseman said.

“It is nice to not have to travel so far to be able to watch Sara’s games. We’ve gone to some far places to watch games, so it’s good that a lot of the games will be nearby,” Jack Wiseman added.

Congratulations to Sara as she begins her collegiate career with the Lady Cavaliers.