Sterling College head women’s basketball coach KC Bassett stated three characteristics she looked for in her recruits: a good basketball player, good academics and most importantly a good person.
Central Christian senior Aly Lambert exhibited all those qualities as the multi-sport athlete signed her national letter of intent Thursday to play basketball at Sterling College.
Lambert was an all-Heart of the Plains player this past season with Central Christian as the Lady Cougars finished fourth at the Class 1A Division II state tournament.
“I’m so excited,” Lambert said. “I’m really thankful that I have an opportunity to play in college, and I’m really excited.”
Lambert’s college decision came down to Tabor College and Sterling College. Ultimately, she chose to sign with Sterling College because it was close to her church. Of course, she also liked the basketball program. She said both schools showed interest and attended her games.
It was during her sophomore year of high school when she realized she could play at the next level.
“I played for a long time, since third grade,” Lambert said. “I wasn’t very good. Then high school hit, and we started really working, and I loved doing it because it’s hard work but rewarding.”
DJ Kauffman, the girls head basketball coach at Central Christian who also coached in the mid-Kansas all-star game at the Hutchinson Sports Arena, said he had been hoping Lambert would get to the point of wanting to play college ball. He was happy she did.
“She has the ability,” Kauffman said, “and I think her best years of basketball are actually ahead of her. Coach Bassett said she’s a great teammate. Just a great kid to have on your team, and I think she will do very well.” well there. “
Aly’s older brother, Caleb, also attends Sterling College and plays football there.
She said she was grateful to have played sports at Central Christian and has enjoyed the support and friendships she has had.
“All the girls are so nice, and I’ve just had so many good relationships through the sports,” Lambert said. “The coaches here are leaders and help us with our lives and our faith and help us grow closer to the Lord and to each other.”
Central Christian went 20-5 this past year and split the league championship with Pretty Prairie. Lambert will join Pretty Prairie’s Jorah Harbaugh, who also committed to play basketball at Sterling.
“I’m just really proud and happy that she’s going to go on and play,” Kauffman said.
Billy Watson is the sports reporter for The Hutchinson News and has been in Kansas since March 2021. To reach out about story ideas, you can send an email to wwatson@gannett.com or send a direct message on Twitter utchhutchsports or illy billywatson4l.