South Shore’s Emmeri Archer feels she has something to prove — and it’s more than just living up to her Division-I scholarship.
The Viking senior, who missed most of last season with a broken fibula, committed to play women’s basketball at Texas A&M University– orpus Christi next year. She did so after missing a chance to showcase her talents to the city last season.
Archer was injured last December against Murry Bergtraum. In her absence, South Shore went back to Madison Square Garden for the Public School Athletic League title game, but narrowly lost to Bergtraum. Archer felt she could have made a difference.
“I was very upset that I got hurt,” the 5-foot-7 guard said. “I felt like I could have helped them win. They had a good run, but I felt sad.”
South Shore coach Anwar Gladden considers her a valuable component of the squad. Archer can play any guard spot, and even power forward if need be. Her jump shot has improved. She rebounds well and wants to be known for her defense. Gladden believed people around the city know she is a talented player, but not just how many things she’s talented at. He’s seen her desire to perform throughout the offseason.
“She’s trying to make a huge statement,” Gladden said. “She still has that fire in her after sitting out most of last season.”
Archer said Texas A&M–Corpus Christi recruited her because of her versatility. Islanders coach Royce Chawick, who recruited Archer when he was a Marshall, sees her as an energetic combo guard who can defend and make the hustle plays. Archer said her injury hurt her recruiting, but the Islanders showed a genuine interest.
“I felt like I was at home,” Archer said. “They made me feel very comfortable when I went down.”
Gladden believes she is a mature enough to handle going so far away for school. Archer is also excited to be a part of Texas A&M–Corpus Christi’s medical and nursing program, another thing that attracted her to the school.
But before she leaves for college, Archer would love to add a city title to her list of high school accomplishments, and she’s excited to be back in a Vikings uniform.
“I’m hungry,” Archer said. “I just can’t wait for this season.”
