Holley grad makes long trip back to basketball after injury

Contributed Story Posted 3 November 2015 at 12:00 am

Contributed Photo – Nicole Blackburn

Wednesday, when Holley High graduate Nicole Blackburn takes the floor for the North Country Community College Lady Saints basketball team, it will mark an almost 11 month battle back from the left ACL tear she suffered against Cayuga CC December 9 of last year.

The injury came the day after the Saints had knocked off the Onondaga Lazers at Allyn Arena and propelled the Saints to #2 in the country in the NJCAA Div III polls. The Saints finished their season 23-4 losing in the Regional semi-finals to Mohawk CC.

Blackburn had surgery January 19 at University of Rochester Sports Medicine and completed her recovery on schedule to make this season. Now playing with a brace on her left knee, she has moved from the Center position to a shooting forward, but her strength is still her stifling defense and rebounding.

Blackburn was also named one of three co-captains for this season with teammates Morgan Fountain and Latifa Fletcher, all are returning sophomores.

Last season Blackburn averaged 3.7 points and 3.7rebounds and led the team in free throw percentage at with 58.3%.

Blackburn is a 2014 graduate of Holley where she lead the team with 194 points her senior season and was a named team MVP as well as to the Orleans Hub first team.