Student Athlete of the Week: Aniyah Marshall, Itawamba AHS Girls Basketball

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FULTON, Miss. (WCBI) — She won a state title last year as a key role player. now she’s shooting for another one as starter. This week’s student athlete of the week introduces us to shooter who is short in stature but tall in leadership.

Aniyah Marshall has been playing basketball since the seventh grade. Last year, she was part of the Itawamba Agriculture High School team that won its first title since 1952. As a senior point guard, she wants a shot at going back to back. While she’s averaging 10 points a game, her teammates say her biggest asset may be leadership.

“She’s a very hard working player and that without her we probably wouldn’t be as successful as we are today. She makes very smart decisions, ” said teammate Tori Mallory.

“She’s been a big part of the team. She does what she’s suppose to do and does what coach hill tells her to do and we depend on her a lot,” said teammate Bree Stewart.

Basketball is in her blood. Her mother, Leslie, was a post player for Itawamba and also played at Itawamba Community College. Her father, Ron, was a shooting guard for the Amory Panthers. A Math whiz, Aniyah would play college ball if given the chance, but she really wants to major in exercise science at Ole Miss.

“I broke my leg my Sophomore year and I went through a lot of physical therapy and that’s what I really want to be is a physical therapist,” said Aniyah Marshall.

“I’m still trying to convince her that basketball is what she needs to do. She’s still a little bit undecided about that. She’s a really good academic student and so if she decides not to play, she’s going to be fine in the classroom,” said Head Coach Devin Hill.

That determination and leadership shows up off the basketball court, too. She’s president of the student council and several other school groups. Head basketball coach Devin Hill has seen it for four years.

“I kid with her all the time and I tell her you need to be more of a tom boy, but she’s always going to be dressed up. She’s always going to carry herself as she’s looking for success in life. I think that’s going to take her a long way,” said Hill.

The Itawamba Lady Indians will return to action Friday with a key division road game to take on the undefeated Pontotoc Lady Warriors.