It is official.
Morgan County girls’ basketball senior Jaden Young has signed with Emmanuel College to continue her hoops career. She signed with the Lady Lions last week during a ceremony at the school.
Young considered several schools before deciding on Emmanuel College, located in Franklin Springs.
Young said signing with the Lions was a dream come true because she has always wanted to play at the next level.
“Signing with Emmanuel College means everything to me because of all the years of hard work and dedication that I put into this sport,” Young told the Lake Oconee News.
Young has been integral to Morgan County’s basketball success over the past few years. Last year, she helped lead the Lady Dogs to a berth in the Elite Eight as their leading scorer, at 12.3 points per game.
Young earned All-Region first-team honors last season and second-team honors as a sophomore. She also made the All-Region honorable mention list as a freshman three years ago.
This season, Young leads Morgan County in rebounds (3.9 per game), assists (3.3), and blocks (0.2). This year, the 5-foot-8 senior guard is averaging a team’s second-best 11.8 points per game this year.
Milfred Franklin has coached the Lady Dogs and Young for three seasons. He is proud of Young for signing with Emmanuel College and looks forward to coaching her for the rest of her senior year.
“A phenomenal basketball player, a remarkable leader, and a young lady of exceptional character, Jaden has made an undeniable impact on the Morgan County girls’ basketball program through her athleticism, dedication, integrity, and discipline,” Frankin told the Lake Oconee News. “First and foremost, Jaden is a force on the basketball court. With an incredible combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ, she stands out as one of the players on her team.”
Franklin named Young a team captain and has relied on her leadership skills for the past two years.
“Jaden’s impact extends far beyond her athletic prowess. As a team captain, she embodies the qualities of a true leader,” Franklin said. “She doesn’t just lead with her skills but with her character. Her teammates trust her, not only because of her ability to perform under pressure but also because of her humility, respect, and the genuine care she shows for everyone around her.
"Whether encouraging a teammate after a tough play or stepping up when the team needs direction, Jaden’s leadership creates a positive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.”
She thanked her teammates and coaches at the ceremony, saying she couldn’t have done it without them.
“Playing basketball at Emmanuel College wouldn’t be possible without my amazing teammates, family, and coaches, who instilled confidence in me to think about playing at the next level,” Young said. “Morgan County basketball has brought me so many opportunities, and playing college basketball is the most prominent one.”