CCHS’ Meo Knight signs with Alabama

During the past four years, Central Catholic High School basketball standout Meo Knight has helped bring the Lady Eagles’ basketball program to new heights in Class 1A.
With her senior season still ahead of her but the future clearly in view, Knight hopes she can help do the same thing on the collegiate level as she makes a huge jump to the Southeastern Conference and the University of Alabama.
Knight recently signed to continue her playing career with Alabama and held a ceremony at Central Catholic Wednesday to commemorate the occasion.
The Central Catholic senior said she chose Alabama from a list of four finalists that also included Arkansas-Little Rock, Tulane and Ole Miss.
While she said it was hard to narrow the offers, which totaled about 20, down, she said Alabama was the “perfect fit” because of the family-like atmosphere.
“They say that you don’t find the perfect fit, but it’s close to it,” she said.
Knight, who is a multi-year Class 1A All-State selection, has led the Lady Eagles to the playoffs every year since her eighth-grade season, including a quarterfinal appearance as a sophomore and last year, the school’s first appearance in the semifinals in modern history.
Knight finished her junior season averaging a double-double with per-game averages of 18.9 points and 11 rebounds as well as 5.3 steals and three assists.
While Alabama has had its share of struggles and is currently 0-3 to begin this season, Knight said that she hopes she can help them turn things around.
In choosing a college, she said she wanted a team where she could play soon.
Knight said her offers included every state school except LSU, although she said the Lady Tigers showed interest early.
Central Catholic coach Jamarr Garrett said that Alabama is getting a steal.
“She can do it all,” he said. “She brings so much intensity and just adds so much more to the game, especially for us. She can change a game in a matter of seconds, whether it’s from a rebound, whether it’s just making a big play at a crucial time in a game. (They are) getting a big-time game changer.”
Central Catholic assistant coach Joe Jones, who has coached Knight since her days as a Biddy basketball player competing against boys, said he thought that Knight could play college ball anywhere.
“She doesn’t get rattled,” he said. “You can do whatever you want to her She’s not going to show emotion, and she’s a great player. She’s really a good ball player. … I think if she’s patient, I think really good things will happen with Meo.”
Jones said that Knight always is trying to improve her game, which is something that college coaches would want in a player.
Garrett also noted Knight’s intelligence in the classroom.
“I think the future’s very bright for her as a student and as an athlete,” he said.