On hand to watch LaFayette senior Sprite Dyer (seated, center) sign on to play basketball for Georgia Northwestern was her brother, Koran Dyer, and her mother, Sheilane Dyer. Also in attendance was former LaFayette High School girls’ basketball coach Tommy Swanson, Georgia Northwestern head coach David Stephenson and Georgia Northwestern assistant coach Marissa Camp.
photo by Georgia Northwestern
Sometimes statistics don’t measure the true worth of a player.
The 2.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals a game that Sprite Dyer averaged per game this past basketball season don’t grab your attention right away.
However, respect is not simply earned by putting up big numbers.
All it took was one look at the enormous gathering of family, teammates and friends that crammed into a small room off the side of the LaFayette High media center to see just exactly how important Dyer is to a lot of people.
“I was fortunate enough to coach her in basketball and seeing all these people in this room is just a tribute to her,” said former Lady Rambler head coach Tommy Swanson. “She’s probably one of the most well-liked students and athletes I’ve ever seen come through LaFayette High School.
“Everyone loves her. We felt the same way during basketball season and I know the (girls’) soccer team feels the same way. She’ll make a positive impact at Georgia Northwestern.”
Dyer said she tries to be a leader for her teammates.
“I play two sports and I try to do best by the girls and help them out as I can,” she explained. “I just hope to bring a good attitude and good leadership (to Georgia Northwestern) and be a good teammate to everyone.”
“Obviously with only three players coming back next season, leadership is something we need,” said Lady Bobcats head coach David Stephenson. “Part of leadership is personality and charisma and she obviously has both of those.
“I know she’s very excited about coming to the school and very excited about getting the chance to keep playing. She’s a hard worker and everyone we talked to about her says she is just fantastic, on the floor and off the floor. It’s another great pick-up for us.”
Dyer was an undersized post off the bench for the Lady Ramblers, but proved that she knew how to rebound against taller competition.
“Taller doesn’t necessarily mean they can jump and bigger doesn’t necessarily mean stronger,” she said. “You just have to put up a fight.”
Stephenson said rebounding was definitely Dyer’s strength.
“She can also defend most people down low and she’s not afraid to get in there and scrap,” he added. “Again, we’re trying to find ball players that just happen to be female instead of finding female ball players. I think she fits right into that mold.”
“She was an excellent rebounder for us and she plays hard all the time,” Swanson added. “She has a tremendous attitude and the folks at Georgia Northwestern can expect the same thing. She’ll work hard, rebound, compete and bring a good person to the team. I’m proud of her and we all wish her luck in the future.”
Dyer, who says she plans to study computer repair, said getting to play basketball in college is a bonus.
“I knew as a sophomore as I was going to go to Georgia Northwestern, even if it wasn’t to play ball,” she said. “It’s close to home, which I love, so I can stay close to my mom. But I’m really happy they recruited me to be part of the team.”