Courtesy of Eric Gullickson, WITN
Original Story
John Paul the Second girls basketball program is having one of its best seasons ever. 22-3 overall and undefeated in their conference. Leading the way is senior Ramsey Cureton who stuck with the Saints through some bad seasons to experience the good. We feature her in our Pepsi Sports Spotlight.
“Growing up my mom had me and my brother in all types of sports. We even tried golf at one point,” says JPII senior Ramsey Cureton, “It didn’t stick but I think basketball is just something that stuck with me.”
Ramsey Cureton has been on the John Paul II girls basketball team since her freshman year.
“We were 7-9,” says Cureton, “It came with a lot of beatings. I think that really fueled me.”
A few tough seasons and multiple coaches made her question staying with it.
“With that came a lot of discouragement,” Ramsey says, “and I stuck with it.”
Leaders are found in the challenges. Ramsey took one on in a big way playing point guard for the Saints despite limited experience.
“Gaining those skills and IQ I gained from being a point guard,” says Ramsey, “I couldn’t have gotten that from any type of training.”
All of it helped her grow into their leader with her guidance…
“If you are in the stands you are going to hear me,” says Cureton, “I’m loud across the court to my team. Hyping them up.”
…and with her play.
“Mid-range to around-the-basket type of player,” says head coach Randall Ham, “Loves to play defense. Get in the passing lanes.”
Ramsey’s growth has helped lead JP2 to a conference championship this season.
“I love my team. I couldn’t ask for a better team honestly,” says Ramsey.
In doing so, Ramsey hit a major milestone. Honored as the school’s first girls basketball player to hit 1,000 points.
“Thinking about my freshman year, where I’ve come from, it is really big. I’m very proud of myself,” says Cureton.
All that growth and development has led to a chance to play in college and she plans to join the Maine Maritime Academy team next year.
“All of this wasn’t for nothing you know,” says Ramsey, “I can feel content with what I did here. I did a job well done.”
Cureton and the Saints picked up win 23 Tuesday night beating Epiphany School 61-21 in their conference tournament.
