“You have to be hungry every game,” Atkins said after the Pantherettes win over San Antonio Wagner in the state Semi-finals. “Every game you have to be willing to win. Any given day somebody from nowhere can beat you.”
Atkins, who signed with Texas, joins a prestigious group of past winners that includes Elena Delle Donne (2008), Maya Moore (2007), Tina Charles (2006) and Candace Parker (2004).
Atkins led Duncanville on a 105-game winning streak and to three consecutive state championship games, winning titles in 2012 and 2013. Manvel’s Brianna Turner, whose team knocked off top-ranked Duncanville in this year’s title game, was also a finalist for player of the year honors.
Atkins averaged 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.8 steals and 3.9 assists this season.
Atkins will take the court at Chicago’s United Center on April 2 as part of the McDonald’s All American girls game at 6 p.m.
Follow us for more information and extended feature on Ariel’s selection to the McDonald All American team.
