Burke County star is Charlotte Observer girls basketball player of the week

Freedom High School’s Blaikley Crooks is the Charlotte Observer girls basketball player of the week.

Crooks won nearly 45 percent of the vote, to win over East Lincoln’s Brianna Tadlock and Charlotte Country Day’s Laila Hankerson.

A 5-foot-10 senior guard, Crooks averaged 17 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in three wins last week, helping the Patriots (11-0) win their Freedom Christmas Tournament.

Crooks scored 18 points and had 12 rebounds in an 82-46 victory over R.S. Central Dec. 26.

The next day, Crooks had 19 points and nine rebounds in a 76-73 win over Enka in the tournament semifinals.

Crooks had another double-double, with 16 points and 11 rebounds to help Freedom beat Forbush 61-51 in the championship game, while earning the tournament’s most valuable player honors.

Crooks, a Lenoir Rhyne University signee, is averaging 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals per game for Freedom this season.

** Information published today includes statistics through December 30.

Want to nominate an athlete?: Athletes of the week highlights high school players with outstanding performances. The goal is to recognize all athletes in all sports, both the most accomplished and the underrated or underappreciated players. If you want to suggest someone to be included in the Athletes of the week column, send email to Jay Edwards at edwardswork23@gmail.com. Please include the athletes’ name, school, class and applicable game performance statistics. Coaches must be willing to verify information.

This story was originally published January 2, 2020 at 6:49 PM.