Meramec Basketball alum take on assistant coaching positions for Meramec
By: SPENCER GLEASON
Editor in Chief
As members of the 2010-2011 Lady Magic basketball team, Point Guards Lemetrius Jackson and Janey Milligan, were a part of what they deemed a family of players. Now, they have joined the family of Lady Archers’ as coaches.
The accomplishments of their 2010-11 team never subsided — going undefeated at home, winning the Region XVI Championship and making a NJCAA Tournament appearance — one of only 16 teams in the country to do so.
The communication never faded between that coaching staff and the ones that don the green and gold. And Ethridge, who still sends “Merry Christmas” texts to her former players, was open to the idea of former Magic player, Jackson, becoming part of the STLCC Lady Archers’ coaching staff, last season.
Since then, the trio of Ethridge, Marcy and Jackson, has become a foursome — adding Jackson’s former teammate and former Magic player, Milligan.
“They’re extremely valuable. We wouldn’t be the team that we are without these guys,” Ethridge said. “They have a different perspective from what Coach Mel and I have because they’ve played more recently than we have and they can relate with the kids a little bit better.”
‘THE NEXT STEP’
The two roads that Jackson and Milligan traveled led them both back to STLCC. This time as coaches.
Jackson, who left to play basketball in Kentucky, returned to St. Louis before her senior year. She had injured her knee and shoulder while playing in Kentucky and contacted Ethridge to let her know she was coming back to town.
“I decided I didn’t want to go back out there my senior year. So, I got in touch with [Ethridge] and told her, ‘I’m coming back in town. Could I help out with coaching?’” Jackson said. “I’m getting so much into coaching. This is what I’ve fallen in love with. This is the way I play basketball—through the players.”
For Milligan, after her days as a Magic basketball player, she played for the Lady Lynx at Lindenwood-Belleville. When her senior season was finished, Milligan received a text message from her former coach asking if she would be interested in joining the coaching staff.
“It was late summer because I remember that I was still taking classes at Lindenwood-Belleville and I had to rearrange my schedule, so that I could be at practice at Forest Park at 2 p.m.,” Milligan said. “I told her, ‘I don’t know if I can get it to work.’ She said, ‘Make it work.’ I said, ‘Yes ma’am.’”
Since Jackson and Milligan’s playing days have ended, the coaching avenue has only opened up more possibilities.
“That’s the next step. I can’t go anywhere else and play, so it’s always been something that I wanted to do, even when I was younger,” Milligan said. “I figured I would play until my eligibility runs out and then coach. I love the game and always wanted to stay around the game.”
‘WE’RE LIKE A FAMILY’
The two have brought the point guard perspective that Ethridge was looking for, to help the team. But with that perspective, also came the reminiscing of the Magic days.
“What it all comes down to is that we’ve been to where they’re trying to get to. We’ve been to the National Tournament as players. And I’ve been to the National Tournament as a coach, as well,” Jackson said. “Our experience is what’s going to be coming at them.”
Aside from sharing what lies ahead with the 2013-14 Lady Archers, Jackson and Milligan also help with scouting reports, watching film with players and recruitment.
Their attitude also reflects on the team and keeps the mood loose, according to Ethridge.
“The thing, especially with our group, is we’re so goofy. We really talk smack to each other nonstop, all the time. It doesn’t matter who you are, you’re going to get picked on,” Milligan said. “But [Jackson] and I really trash talk each other a lot. It’s all in fun. We’re like a family. [Jackson] and I are like the little sisters who just constantly bicker, but love each other at the same time.”
The light mood is something that Ethridge appreciates.
“It’s a lot of fun. I need these guys to keep me upbeat because there are games that are fairly disappointing,” Ethridge said. “These guys can always bring up our spirits. They have been so helpful for both of us in so many different facets. It’s been great having them.”
