WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Nykia Carter is a starter on the Warner Robins girls basketball team. She’s a leader on the floor, but in her own special way.
“I'm not really much of a talker,” explains Carter. “I just try to lead by example and do the right thing because I know the younger players are looking at me to be a good example, so I always want to be doing something right.”
Nykia averages 8 points along with 8 rebounds per contest, but earlier this season against Bainbridge, the junior stepped up and had 17 points and 7 rebounds. She also made the game-winning basket against Northside with a career high of 21 rebounds. Coach Cherie White says she can always count on Nykia to get the job done.
“She's a hustler,” says White. “When you think somebody else is going to get the loose ball, she's going to get it. That rebound you don't think we're going to get, she's going to go up and grab it. She gives you 110% per game for 32 minutes. She never gives up -- even when she makes a mistake, she goes and gets it back.”
And as much as the team captain loves the game, she loves the classroom even more, to the tune of a 3.7 GPA.
“Grades are very important to me,” Carter echoes. “My mom always stressed to me you can't get too far in life without an education. She tries to make that the number one priority for me, to put school first, then basketball, because I'm a student-athlete.”
Nykia and the Demonettes are on the road Friday with Thomas County Central for a region showdown, then return home for a big time rivalry hosting Northside on Saturday.
RELATED: Athlete of the Week: Ryland Pereda
RELATED: Athlete of the Week: JaQues Evans
RELATED: Athlete of the Week: Wes Allen
RELATED: Athlete of the Week: Deondre Duehart
STAY ALERT | Download our FREE app now to receive breaking news and weather alerts. You can find the app on the Apple Store and Google Play.
STAY UPDATED | Click here to subscribe to our Midday Minute newsletter and receive the latest headlines and information in your inbox every day.
Have a news tip? Email news@13wmaz.com, or visit our Facebook page.