Patterson honored by conference

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Andrea Patterson brings the ball downcourt against Florida Southern in this photo, provided by the Eckerd College athletic department.

McMinnville resident and former Motlow Sate Community College basketball player Andrea Patterson was named to the All-Sunshine State Conference first team for her performance this season.

Patterson, a senior at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla., had an outstanding year for the Tritons. She is the daughter of Butch and Debbie Patterson of McMinnville.

Over her senior season, Patterson ranked among the finest in the conference. In addition to being named to the All-SSC team, she finished second in the SSC in scoring, averaging 17.1 points per game, first in 3-point field goals averaging 2.25 per game, first in free-throw percentage .876, second three-point field goal percentage (.414), fifth in steals (2.11 per game), 10th in rebounding (7 per game), ninth in assists (3.14 per game) and eight in defensive rebounds with 5.29 per game.

In her Two years at Eckerd College, Patterson has joined the ranks as one of Eckerd’s best players. She leads the Tritons squad with a .830 free-throw percentage and a .374 percentage from behind the arc in her career. In her 2002-03 season Patterson moved into first place in Eckerd’s record books for a season with a .876 free-throw percentage, .414 3-point percentage and 63 three-pointers made.

“I wish we had her for two more years,” said head coach Brian Shultes.

“Patterson is one of the best players on and off the court to step through Eckerd College. We will have Patterson for at least one more year. She will assist the coaching staff as a student assistant coach during the 2003-04 season.”