McKinney to extend basketball career at UALR

For senior Ville Platte High basketball player Deja McKinney, the chance to play on the next level has always been something that she has worked for since she could remember. Now, after signing with the University of Arkansas-Little Rock on Wednesday, her hard work has paid off. After this, her last high school season, McKinney will take her talents north to play for the Lady Trojans.
McKinney has been one of the main reasons the Ville Platte Lady Bulldogs have had so much success since she first donned a Ville Platte uniform as a sophomore. In her sophomore year, McKinney and the Lady Bulldogs made it to the quarterfinals and last year were state runners-up in class 3A. Both years, Ville Platte reigned as district champs.
McKinney started her high school career at Dobson High School in Arizona. Moving to Ville Platte as a sophomore, she was able to team up with Indian River College basketball player and former Lady Bulldog, Breonna O’Conner. Since coming to Ville Platte, McKinney has proven she is a player to contend with. In two years, McKinney has amassed 1,251 total points along with 266 assists, 215 steals and 198 rebounds. She has also recorded 73 blocks.
McKinney has also earned several player awards. She was selected as first team all-district and first team all-parish for her performance in 2012-2013. Last year, her junior year, McKinney was selected as first team all-state, first team all-district and first team all-parish. She was also named the district’s most valuable player.
“It is a relief to have signed,” said McKinney. “I am glad to know that after high school, I will be able to continue my career. Now it gives me a chance to focus on the upcoming year and getting back to the state championship. The process was hard, but I felt like family when I went for my official visit. The coaches not only showed me around campus, but also around the city. I met the team and felt at home. I know it is going to be hard, and I will have to work to have a chance to play.”
McKinney is planning on majoring in Human and Health Exercise Science.
“I am so proud of Deja,” stated Ville Platte Head Basketball Coach Dot Doulet. “She is a person who works hard on and off the court. Her leadership is one of the reasons why we have been successful the last two years. She truly deserves the chance to continue playing basketball at the next level.”
McKinney and the Lady Bulldogs will start the season on November 17, at New Iberia. Another shot at the state championship is the only focus for McKinney right now. However, when the season does end, McKinney knows a new chapter in her life will begin, and with that new challenges to face.