Ex-Lady Bear to play basketball for Shorter U.

Even in the middle of summer, the county’s high school coaches work to see that their recently graduated seniors can get a spot on somebody’s college roster in the upcoming school year.

Such was the case with John Roddie, Houston County High girls basketball coach. On Thursday, he announced that his former point guard, Brittany Greene, had an offer to play for Shorter University in Rome.

Roddie, during the signing ceremony at the school, said Greene was one of those players who would not impress anyone with her statistics or her size. But if you watch Greene in action, he said you can’t help but walk away very impressed.

“She can score, but she can also pass,” said Roddie. “And she’s a coach on the floor.”

Roddie said often Greene would go to him on the sidelines and point out things she sees from the opposing defense. The most important trait he feels Greene possesses, though, is high character.

Everything about Greene’s connection with Shorter literally happened within the past week. She said she was sending out video to colleges, not sure of where she wanted to attend school or if she would get to play any sports. Her AAU coach then set up the workout in Rome.

“When I worked out, they said they were really impressed,” said Greene. “They called me the next day to see if I wanted to join the team. It was a one-on-one workout, like dribbling drills and shooting drills.

“I think the team is really together. I think I’ll fit in. (The coaches) were really welcoming. It’s just like they cared. I’m glad I found Shorter.

“I’m just really glad it happened … big relief. Hopefully my shot and my quickness will really help the team.”

As for the competition within the Lady Hawks for guard play, Greene said they only had two seniors in the backcourt last season.

Basketball wasn’t the only game on which Greene put out the feelers looking for a college opportunity. Born in Hawaii the daughter of Georgia natives Joseph and Beverly Greene, she became hooked to the state’s top sport, soccer. When the family relocated to Georgia when Brittany was 12, she became more serious about basketball while still competing on the pitch.

Yes, she lived in Hawaii as a young child. When they moved, she said it was “mixed emotions” because coming to Georgia meant a “new beginning.”

“It was fun as far as I remember,” said Greene. “It wasn’t like I lived two seconds from the beach, but it was nice to be able to ride there in 10 minutes instead of hours to Florida.”

Now, Greene sees Georgia and Houston County High in particular as where her athletic career really sprouted. She also joined the Columbus Lady Blazers AAU program when she was in ninth grade. On her team were former high school teammates Alexia Williams, Justice Wright and Unique Tuberville.

“It’s bigger, better competition,” said Greene. “We went to Atlanta, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida.”

She loves soccer as much as basketball and was a vital striker and passer for Sid Baxley’s Lady Bears.

“It didn’t matter which one I played,” said Greene about her collegiate search. “If I had a soccer offer, I probably would have taken that.”

Greene added it would probably be difficult to play both sports at Shorter as soccer is a fall sport. She wants to see how things go academically before even considering it. Greene plans to major in criminal justice with the goal of becoming a lawyer.

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