Brandon senior Brittany Stedman will be taking her all-around basketball skills to Northwood University next season.
Stedman, a three-year member of the Blackhawks? varsity, signed a letter of intent to play at the Midland-based school next season during a April 28 ceremony at the Brandon High School media center.
She said she was considering a number of other schools, including Albion, Kalamazoo and Alma Colleges as well as Saginaw Valley State University. In addition, she was recruited by Oakland University, a Division I school.
However, Stedman, who will major in accounting at Northwood, feels that program offers the best combination of academics and athletics.
‘I wanted basketball to be a big part of my life, but not so big that it would take away from my career choice,? she said.
Brandon coach Bryan Ray agreed Northwood was the best option for Stedman.
‘I think was the one she felt most comfortable with and I think they put the most on the table,? he said.
Ray first met Stedman four years ago at his basketball camp, and was immediately impressed with her work ethic. ‘You tell her something and she’d pick it up right away,? he said.
He said Stedman’s ballhandling and shooting abilities, not to mention her academic track record, will be assets for the Northwood program. ‘She’s very versatile,? he said. ‘She can play one of four positions and she’s an excellent all-around student. She’s a better kid than she is a basketball player.?
For her part, Stedman believes she can contribute right off the bat to the Northwood program.
‘At the very least, I see myself being a bigger part of their defensive efforts,? she said. ‘Coach Ray stressed defense above everything else, and I know the coaches there (at Northwood) feel the same.?