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Kirby signs with Austin Peay

PHS senior to play college basketball

Photo by Joe Albright Parkersburg High forward Shay-Lee Kirby signs her National Letter of Intent to play for NCAA Division I Austin Peay University’s women’s basketball team Thursday night inside the Fieldhouse.

PARKERSBURG — PHS forward Shay-Lee Kirby adds to her state championship accomplishment in the opening month of the 2018-19 season. The Big Reds’ senior emotional leader will net her 1,000th career-point in a red and white uniform during the opening games, she’s currently scored 940 points, barring an injury.

Her 1,000-marker achievement marks the second time this school year she has eclipsed the 1,000 something mark in a sport. Kirby, the volleyball player, recorded her 1,000th kill at the Fall Brawl this past October.

Either one of the patented back-breaking 3-pointers she’s been known to hit during her four-year stay at The School of Champions or a layup off a turnover generated by her lengthy arms and defensive prowess likely the reason for her induction into the exclusive club.

Her name joining the first eight girls to achieve the accomplishment on the banner inside PHS Memorial Fieldhouse. Brooke Kurucz was the last 1,000-point scorer during the 2016 season.

She’s also achieved greatness in some of the biggest moments of her high-school career. Her two converted free-throws in the closing seconds of the 2017-18 Class AAA state championship game against Buckhannon-Upshur clinched the program’s first title since 1996. Of course, a game-winning shot against crosstown rival Parkersburg South must be included in the highlights. Kirby connected on a 3 off a steal with 47 seconds left against the Patriots during her junior season.

Kirby’s scoring ability, awareness, clutch shooting and the willingness to handle the dirty work on the defensive side of the ball drew attention from Austin Peay University head coach David Midlick.

The Governor’s head man first watched her play during an American Amateur Union tournament over the past summer when she played for the West Virginia Thunder 2019 team. He was missing an energetic, defensive bulldog on his squad and thought Kirby could fill the role.

A visit to the campus for a camp left her with few questions in mind. She could see herself at home at the Clarksville, Tenn. school. Her choice became official after she signed her National Letter of Intent Thursday inside the PHS Memorial Fieldhouse.

West Virginia University, Stetson University, Indiana State and Eastern Kentucky all contacted her with interest. Kirby now stands as the only West Virginia player on the Governor’s roster.

“I always thought it would be basketball,” said Kirby when asked if she saw herself going Division I in basketball or volleyball. “I thought about maybe doing both but I just think going with basketball is the plan.”

Her major is undetermined, but she knows it is going to be in the realm of sports.

PHS coach Scott Cozzens is excited to see what is in store for one of his few seniors.

“She was a priority for them,” said Cozzens. “I think it is a diamond in the rough. I think a lot of coaches who looked at her but didn’t offer the last few years are going to look back and say ‘Wow. We should have pulled trigger.

“Shay’s best basketball is definitely ahead of her. She has come so far since she was a freshman. Her leap from her sophomore to junior year was big and we are looking for the same stuff this season. In practice you can just tell the difference between her and the juniors who are pretty good. Shay just has a confidence about her.”

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