FWB's Lewis headed to Alabama State

By ADAM PRUIETT

adamp@nwfdailynews.com

FORT WALTON BEACH - Ever since middle school, LeEra Lewis and Tandria Milton had talked about one day playing basketball together at the same college.

That dream became a reality when Lewis signed her letter-of-intent to join fellow Fort Walton Beach standout Milton at Division-I Alabama State University.

"We've played together ever since I started playing basketball," Lewis said. "That was a plus."

Alabama State scouts visited Fort Walton Beach to observe Milton because they were searching for a point guard, but Lewis made sure they got more than they came for.

"They saw me and that was a blessing," she said.

Lewis was clearly a blessing to work with for Fort Walton Beach coach Holly McDaniel. A three-year varsity member and two-year starter, Lewis was a first-team All-Area selection this past season after averaging eight points, seven rebounds and three steals.

But McDaniel valued Lewis for her intangibles more than anything.

"I think LeEra was the heart of the team. Just the amount of energy and heart and soul she put on the floor was amazing," McDaniel said.

Fort Walton Beach enjoyed plenty of success during Lewis' varsity tenure. The Vikings captured three district championships and advanced to the state semifinals, the regional semifinals and the regional finals from her sophomore to senior year.

"She's the hardest working kid I've been around," McDaniel said. "Everything she does, she does 110 percent."

Lewis, who played for the victorious West team in the 2008 Freedom All-Star Classic, will look to help Alabama State improve on last season's 10-17 mark, including 6-10 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

"There's no doubt in my mind with her work ethic that she's ready for that level," said McDaniel, who noted that Lewis would spend lunch periods in the gym polishing her game. "I think her best basketball is to come."