FAIRHOPE, Alabama — Fairhope senior Imani Kirksey signed with Bishop State Community College of Mobile on Thursday. The two-year letterman and junior-senior starter averaged 11 points, 10 rebounds and three steals per game for the Lady Pirates playing most of her career at the shooting-guard position.

The Wildcat womens team will be getting a very intelligent and hard-working student of the game said Fairhope head coach Jessica Webb.

“Imani will be missed, but it is so good to see her move on and continue to play basketball. Bishop State is getting not only a good player, but an excellent student and a young lady of outstanding character. She has been a real leader for us setting an example for the other players with her work ethic and dedication. She never quits, never gives up. She has a great attitude, does not panic, has a very mature approach to the game. We are so proud of her.”

BSCC head coach Derrick Powe said Kirksey was the kind of player his team needed to complete their starting five for next year.

“We pretty much have somebody for just about every key position now with Imani coming in to be our main shooter next year,” he said. “We are also expecting a lot from her on the defensive side and we are always happy to recruit players from coach Webb because she gets them ready to handle pressure and to give pressure. Imani has the basic tool set she’s going to need as a freshmen at the next level. She shows a real good court awareness, too. Understands the importance of how to use the clock when you’re ahead or behind and can score from in”

Kirksey, who was also a state finalist for the Bryant-Jordan Achievement Scholarship this year, plans to major in nursing.

“I’ve always wanted to play at the next level and continue my education,” she said. “I’m excited to get to do that under coach Powe. I like the type of offense he uses a lot and he also is familiar with the way I play. Playing for coach Webb and before that coach (Cassandra) Agee taught me a lot.”

She also lettered and started multiple varsity seasons in volleyball.