Thoughts from a Guard

Playing basketball for Norman Carter was an awesome experience. We all had the great desire to please him each time we hit the hardwoods. He had the ability to motivate us all to do our best.

He trained us well so that we would know what to do in each situation.

I remember practicing over and over with the clock set at 2 minutes left. We would be ahead by 2 points or behind by 2. We knew when to foul, when not to foul, and who to foul in every situation.

Speaking of practice, I think we should address it. Girls practice was always 4th period and right before lunch every day so that we could have that extra time if needed. Mrs. Moore's lunches were so good after a hard practice.


Basketball practice was the foundation for our winning seasons. It was tough!

I was just wondering if anyone remembered taking a shower after practice? I don't think the showers actually worked in that old locker room. Also I don't remember taking my gym clothes home very often to wash them. They were so stiff that they stood up in my locker after a week or so.

Now I realize why the rest of the students avoided the girls basketball players after lunch every day.

I also want to thank Jane Carter for her care and concern for the players. She was wonderful. She would allow the Guards to stay at her house before the tournament games to rest and focus before the games. The forwards would go to the Riley home. I think Coach Carter wanted us to all stay in town before the games.

After basketball season my Senior year Jane Carter took Karon, Denease McAbee and me to the Medical Center of Central GA School of Nursing to look at the school. She knew we were all considering attending Nursing School. She contacted Martha Clark who was a student there to show us around. Karon and I decided to attend the school. Thank you, Jane.