Amber Scott is motivated by an intangible every coach loves to see.
She plays point guard for the Chavez High School Lobos. Despite an injury to her shooting hand, Scott was focused on helping her team close in on the fourth and final playoff berth in District 18-6A.
With those aspirations hanging by a thread, Chavez took on Sam Houston in the final regular season game at Barnett Fieldhouse, optimistic that good things could still happen.
Scott swished her first shot from the left baseline to break Chavez into the scoring column. The junior, who prides herself on playing stellar defense, would go on to score a game-high 10 points in the Lobos’ 31-15 victory,
“From the time that I first met Amber she’s been a leader both on and off the court,” said Chavez head coach Dote Williams. “Tonight she did what she normally does, and that is impact the game with her passion to compete. That is the most important thing for us.
“We may not be as good as some of the other teams that we face, but we don’t quit,” Williams said. “Amber won’t let us quit. She’s our leader. Her hand has been hurting for three weeks. But she hasn’t missed a practice or a game. She doesn’t complain about it or use it as a crutch or an excuse.”
When Scott was forced to the sideline with her fourth foul late in the contest, Williams received key contributions from his bench.
“We had a sophomore and a junior step up and play some great minutes in relief for Amber,” Williams said. “Myoschi Hazel and Ebony Williams came through in a big way for us.”
A strong supporting cast for Chavez includes Kmyl (pronounced Camille) Pete (six points), Kristie Mejia (four points), Ariana Berry (four points), Sylvia Ramos and Na’Angela Batiste.
Scott said she came into the last game with the same expectations she had coming into the season.
“I just wanted to work hard for my teammates and try to get a victory,” she said. “Defense is my No. 1 thing and I know that if I go hard defensively, the offense will come on later.”
Scott, who also plays volleyball and runs track, began playing YMCA basketball when she was in middle school. She loves the physical part of the game and doesn’t mind leaving her feet in pursuit of a loose ball.
Although she admits to not watching sports on television, outside of doing homework or spending time with her family, playing sports occupies much of her free time.
“I love to compete and along with my coaches and teammates that’s what drives me,” Scott said. “It feels good to end the season with a victory.”
Chavez finished fifth in the district standings.
About Amber Scott
Birth date – Aug. 11, 2000
Birth sign – Leo
Favorite subject – History
Favorite meal – Lasagna
Possible college major – Sports medicine
Role model – Claudia Blair-Scott (her mother)