Hoop dreams for Hedgepath

WEST NORRITON » Briana Hedgepeth began her sports career as a softball catcher. But that didn’t last long. Soon she was drawn to basketball, and when she boards an airplane on Sunday, it might be the beginning of a professional career on the hardwood.

The Norristown High graduate and soon-to-be Cheyney University alum will be boarding a plane in New York Sunday and heading for Madrid, Spain where she will have a 10-day audition for Beyond Basketball, a professional team that will put her through her paces with the possibility of her becoming a play-for-pay participant.

“I was shocked,” said Hedgepeth, who was notified by e-mail about the trial. “I don’t know how they found out about me. I just got an e-mail one day about going to Spain to play.”

Since, Hedgepeth has been working out religiously, five days a week, in preparation for her audition.

“When I get there I’m supposed to meet a tour guide who will take me where I’m supposed to go.

“I always wanted to go overseas and play basketball, and now I have that chance.”

Hedgepeth has been worthy of her chance. The 5-foor-8 senior has led the Lady Wolves in scoring in each of the last three seasons.

But Hedgepeth said she doesn’t know how or who scouted her.

But at this point she’s just glad she has an opportunity.

Meanwhile, her proud grandfather, Norristown High head coach Rich Fisher, is just as excited as his talented granddaughter.

“This is something she needs to do on her own,” said Fisher, who will not accompany Hedgepeth overseas. “This has always been one of her goals.

“I started training her when she was in seventh grade, and we’ve continued to work on her game.”

And now Hedgepeth is possibly on the verge of becoming a professional basketball