WARNER ROBINS -- A key ingredient for Northside High School’s Region 1-AAAA boys basketball championship team, Denard Williams hopes to work his way into the mix for playing time at the next level. The recent graduate accepted a scholarship offer to play basketball and continue his education at Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tenn., during a May 17 ceremony.

The oldest of three children born to Denard and Genene, Williams expects to play more wing in college. While at Northside, Williams stayed mostly in the lane.

“We needed him to play forward,” Northside High head coach Ken Price said.

“I can adjust,” Williams said.

Over four years at Northside High, Williams worked on his game and developed his body. As a senior, he earned region player of the year and all-state honors.

Williams said he “felt comfortable” with the Walters State environment. He plans to study business and culinary arts. He said he is a big fan of the Food Network and “just like(s) to cook.”

His specialty? “Whatever I find in the cabinets I just put in there,” he said.

Fields to play on at East Georgia

KATHLEEN -- Involved in athletics for more than a decade, Carmen Fields has suffered her share of injuries. As a result, she has learned the benefits of physical therapy. Now, thanks in part to the former, she’ll be able to study the latter.

The recent Veterans High School graduate accepted a scholarship offer to play softball and continue her education at East Georgia College in Swainsboro during a May 17 ceremony. She’ll enter a field of study toward her ultimate goal of becoming a physical therapist. She served as a student volunteer with Core Physical Therapy in Warner Robins.

“Seeing how they are able to get patients back to full potential, especially for athletes,” Fields said. “I know it’s not fun to be injured.”

The daughter of Ernie and Teresa, Fields has been playing softball since age 4. She began her high school career at Warner Robins High School before being rezoned to Veterans High.

“Once you’re on a team, it becomes a family,” she said of her love for the sport, “especially this family.”

As a senior, Fields helped Veterans High to the Elite Eight of the Class AAA playoffs. She batted .340 and led the team with three home runs. As a pitcher, Fields won six games and recorded an ERA of 2.26 in 68 innings.

Veterans High volleyball camp

Veterans High School is scheduled to host a volleyball skills camp June 25-27. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to noon and is open to girls ages 6 to 14. The camp fee is $40 ($35 for each additional family member). Every camper gets a T-shirt. Contact nicole.miranda@hcbe.net for a registration form.

-- Compiled by Chris Deighan.