The Blue Eagles of 5A Division 1 host Clover also benefitted from solid minutes by one of Chambliss’ teammates. Richards, who will call Converse home following this season, contributed 12 points in a valiant Blue Eagles effort against a tough out in Blythewood – defending champions from the same classification. Richards possesses plenty of speed and quickness when she2 has the ball in her hands and can find lanes to attack the rim. She has only improved as a rebounder with the experience she has gained and she can give a team worthwhile minutes from the wing given she can operate as a shooting guard or small forward. 

A few days prior to National Signing Day last month, Richards made her decision on where she would play at the next level. Richards announced that she would be heading to Converse – an in-state school that plays at the Division 2 level. Converse’s coach is Kevin Lyons who previously was an administrative assistant at South Carolina. Richards was offered by Converse in late October. Last season, Richards played in 24 games at 5A Division 1 Clover. As of this writing, Richards’ Blue Eagles are 1-2 – but those two losses have come against two other top-tier 5A squads in Gaffney (Division 2) and Dorman (Division 1). 

Even though Akayla got hurt in the first game, and suffered a sprained ankle, it did not stop her playing in her second game. It was obvious she was in pain and not 100%. She showed you the grit that she always brings to the court, no matter the circumstance. Akayla is a hard-nosed defender with a dawg mentality. She will do anything that is asked of her to compete and win!

If you want a player that will do all of the dirty work and do it well this is your girl. Akayla impressed me in both games by her hard work, intensity and toughness. If there is a loose ball she will be the first one to go get it. She will defend the best player on the court and it doesn’t matter what position they play. Her mentality is I can do it! She also was a great vocal leader on the court and had good basketball knowledge in our team huddles.