THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 20, 1994 TAG: 9411180143
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ring.
That's the one remaining goal for Kizzy Butler as she put an even more important accomplishment behind her Wednesday. The Churchland High School senior signed a basketball grant with Norfolk State University.
The two-time All-Southeastern District guard decided to do away with the distractions of dealing with recruiters and college visits as she started practices for her senior season.
``Now I can concentrate on my studies and my basketball,'' said Butler.
``The one goal I have is for us to win the state championship. I have no other goals.
``I don't care anything about how many points I score or anything like that. That state championship ring is what I want.
``So I just want to win, win, win.''
Butler said she was hoping to be able to attend a college close to home. Delaware State had been the most serious out-of-state school recruiting her.
``I've gone to Norfolk State games and looked at the team practice,'' said Butler. ``They play my style of basketball, and I think I can fit right in. They play a pressure game and that's what I like.''
The 5-2 guard was a second-team All-Tidewater selection last year in sparking Churchland to 19 victories. She was the most valuable player in the Southeastern District tournament.
Butler carried a 12.5 scoring average last season. She averaged 5.7 assists per game and had a school-record 65 steals.
An excellent perimeter shooter, Butler twice won games in the waning seconds with 3-point shots. She made 14 3-point goals last year.
Butler feels the present Churchland team is the best she has played on. She started as a freshman.
``Nicole Council is going to be very good this year and adding Michele Jarman on the team will help us, too.'' Jarman is a transfer from Great Bridge.
Norfolk State women's basketball coach James Sweat said he expects Butler, who will study physical education, to make an immediate contribution.
``She's got a great attitude,'' he said. ``She wants to work and wants to learn. Kizzy is probably the quickest player I have ever recruited, and I've had some quick ones. So she will fit right in with the up-tempo style we play.''
Added Sweat: ``She reminds me of some of the other great point guards I've had, girls like (former Deep Creek star) Sheila Hillman of Hampton and Lisa Rice, who is the best point guard in Norfolk State history. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
Kizzy Butler says she wants to concentrate on her studies and
winning a championship for Churchland High.
by CNB