Demopolis alum Moore signs with Sam Houston State
After two years at Shelton State, Demopolis High alum Shadijah Moore will continue her playing career in Huntsville, Texas at Sam Houston State University.
“They were an academic school first and basketball came second. And they had a very family-oriented atmosphere,” Moore said of what drew her to Sam Houston State, a Division I program that competes as a member of the Southland Conference.
“They are getting a kid who wants to win! Everyone is looking for a post player who hustles and is aggressive and Shadijah fits this description. She likes contact! They are getting a solid player with great size. Plus, Shadijah has a high I.Q. for the game of basketball. She pays attention and understands what is happening on the floor,” Shelton State coach Madonna Thompson said. “This knowledge will only help her at the next level. Her potential to improve is really good. Shadijah is a low maintenance type person who handles her business well. “
After earning a spot in the North-South All-Star Game following her junior year, Moore missed her senior season at Demopolis with a knee injury.
“As far as basketball goes, she has made significant improvement. In fact, she won our ‘Most Improved Award’ last year at the banquet,” Thompson said. “Her balance and coordination were of utmost concern when she first got here. Through our weight room workouts and individual skill work on the basketball floor, she has become a solid basketball player. Shadijah has always been a hustler who is aggressive. But, we had to work on her body control.”
“The process was more stressful, but also fun because my game has grown so much and it is just more big schools and better competition then when I came out of high school. I’m back to 100 percent also,” Moore said of her two years at Shelton State. “I have grown so much at Shelton. My coach really put in my head that I could be great and continue to get better and it has paid off.”
With an eye on her new role at Sam Houston State, Moore recognizes facets of her game that could stand improvement as she looks to play more a stretch four position.
“I will really start to use my perimeter game more and not just my ability to have my back to the basket because on the next level I would be a four guard,” Moore said. “I can continue to get stronger, finish my shots and work on my guard skills.”
“There is no doubt Shadijah has room to improve. She needs to continue working on her footwork and shooting skills,” Thompson said. “Everything will be more precise at the D1 level and she must be willing to make change. I have no concerns for her academically. Her academic side has always been strong. She is a quiet person, but she definitely takes care of her business when it comes to schoolwork. She has made solid progress through each semester and is scheduled to graduate in May. “
Moore hopes to go into education and will allow basketball to fund the remainder of her education.
“This opportunity means a lot educationally,” Moore said. “I want to be a teacher and this school is really an educational school and one of the top schools in Texas. Basketball wise, I can continue to grow and bring a winning atmosphere to the team.”
Moore has averaged 5.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game for Shelton State while playing just over 17 minutes per contest during her sophomore year.