Houston senior jumps to next level

HOUSTON — Savannah Wells didn’t step foot on a basketball court until her sophomore year of high school. But Wells is leaving Houston High School as a basketball standout bound for the next level.

Wells, who graduated Monday

as the valedictorian of Houston High School’s class of 2014, has committed to Centralia College in Centralia, Wash., and will play women’s basketball there for the Trailblazers.

Wells made a quick ascent during her three years with the Houston girls program. She started her career as a C-team player, but was a member of the varsity squad by the end of her sophomore year. Wells was a solid contributer as a junior. As a senior, the guard led the Hawks in every major statistical category and was named third-team all-state by the Alaska Association of Basketball Coaches.

“She is the example we use,” said Pat Egelus, Wells’ coach during her three years with the Hawks. “We tell the kids, put in time, and good things can happen.”

Egelus said Wells not only put in the time, but did the right things to prepare herself and improve her skills.

“She did it all in the offseason. It goes to show what you can do,” Egelus said.

Although she played basketball for just three years, Egelus said he believes Wells has the talent and the skill set to contribute for

Centralia.

“Going to that size of school, she doesn’t have to wait around to see the court. She’ll see the court this year, and she’ll definitely be starting next year,” Egelus said.

Wells averaged 14 points, six rebounds and three steals per game as a senior. Egelus said Wells carried the pressure of taking on a number of vital roles for the Hawks.

“This year we had to put her at point guard a lot of the season. That put a lot of pressure on her,” Egelus said.

Wells said she is excited about the opportunity to play for Centralia.

“It felt like home. There was a family feeling there,” Wells said.

Wells also considered Midland University in Nebraska, and Clark College in Oregon.

Wells said she met the Centralia men’s coach during the Alaska state basketball tournament in March. He recommended that Wells contact the Centralia women’s basketball coach, and a relationship was born. During her visit to Washington, Wells had the opportunity to meet the coaches and players, and play in a scrimmage.

“I thought my skill level fit with them pretty well,” Wells said.

Before transferring to Houston prior to her sophomore year, Wells wasn’t involved in high school sports. But at Houston, Wells was a member of the basketball, volleyball and track teams. Once she arrived at Houston, Wells said she was encouraged to participate.

“I worked up from C to varsity that year, and loved it,” she said. “The hard work paid off.”