By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Shelton State Community College women’s basketball coach Madonna Thompson said she always looks for three qualities while scouting high school talent: Ability to play the game, academic focus and social skills.

“Without a doubt, she has all three of those qualities,” Thompson said of Thompson High School senior basketball player Jordan Lenoir. “So she is a complete package. I know she’s going to be successful, and we can’t wait to get her on campus.”

Lenoir is looking to transfer the success she has seen at THS to Shelton State next year, where she will join one of the strongest collegiate basketball programs in the state.

During an April 11 signing ceremony, dozens of Lenoir’s family members, teammates, coaches and friends surrounded her as she signed her scholarship with Shelton State.

“First, I want to thank God for this opportunity. I want to thank my parents. I want to thank my coaches and teammates,” Lenoir said. “This really means a lot that y’all came to my signing and that y’all came and supported us on the road and here (at THS).”

Last season, the Shelton State Buccaneers finished with a 34-2 record, and made an appearance in the Final Four in the national tournament.

“This is a big day for Jordan. But not only that, this is a big day for our program,” said THS girls’ basketball coach Josh Golden. “Shelton State is, without a doubt, the best junior college not only in terms of a great basketball program, but a great school. The coaching staff does a great job there, and this is a big honor for us.

“Jordan had a great career for us that culminated with a first-team All-County, multiple All-State awards and she has worked extremely hard and deserves everything that’s coming to her,” Golden added. “We can’t wait to watch her progress at Shelton.”

Lenoir was the latest in a long string of THS athletes who have signed to play at the next level this school year.

“We’re extremely proud of you and what you’ve been able to do, and for the things you’ve been able to do for Thompson High School and the girls’ basketball program and obviously for yourself,” said THS Principal Dr. Wesley Hester. “Hard work does pay off.”