SPRINGDALE -- There was a time when Marleeya Montgomery appeared in jeopardy of even making it through high school.
Now, she's headed to college with a chance to continue her basketball career.
Montgomery turned a solid senior season into an offer of a full scholarship (tuition and books) from North Arkansas College, a two-year school in Harrison. She signed Wednesday in front of family and friends at Springdale Har-Ber, where she averaged seven points and five rebounds as a senior.
Montgomery came back strong on the court and academically after she was ineligible because of grades beginning the second semester of her sophomore year. She regained her eligibility as a junior and flourished as a senior, including her final game when she led Har-Ber with 22 points in a loss to Little Rock Central at the Class 7A state tournament in Conway.
Montgomery, a 5-foot-11 center, shot 42 percent from the field for the season.
"Marleeya has had a unique career," Har-Ber coach Sandy Wright said of Montgomery, who will be the first in her family to graduate from high school. "She had some issues with eligibility; then she tore her ACL last spring. She's had to overcome a lot, and it's been a remarkable situation with her.
"We're all happy she'll earn her high school diploma and further her basketball career in college."
North Arkansas coach Stacie Klott said Montgomery could play right away for the Lady Pioneers, who finished 15-10 last season. North Arkansas advanced to the national tournament in 2005 and 2009.
"(Montgomery) is strong and physical inside, and she can finish around the basket," Klott said. "She comes from a very strong program and very good coach, Sandy Wright. The league that Har-Ber plays in will increase Marleeya's opportunities to make an impact right away."
Sports on 04/22/2014