Troup County Basketball Player Alexcia Murphy Voted ITG Next Georgia Female Athlete of the Month
Troup County junior Alexcia Murphy has been voted by readers of the ITG Next Georgia newsletter as our Female Athlete of the Month. Alexcia has been a big part of the Lady Tigers performance in every area so far this season, offensively and defensively. She currently leads the team in points per game (PPG), with a 20.6 PPG average, and leads in rebounds too, with a 12.5 rebounds per game average.
Her coach, Tigers head basketball coach Carla Thornton, said that despite her talent, she is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team.
“Alexcia is one of the most selfless players I’ve ever coached,” said Thornton. “She is willing to do anything to help us win, and she brings forth a great attitude night after night.”
GIRLS FINAL: Troup 78, Jordan 40
Alexcia Murphy with a monster night for Troup with 41 points pic.twitter.com/sx3O8L3tS0— Kevin Eckleberry (@sidelinepass_) January 22, 2022
Thornton said she first saw Alexcia play in middle school, and she could tell then that this was the type of player she wanted on her team.
“I could see then just how good she could be, and she has not disappointed,” she said.
Alexcia plays a variety of positions for Thornton and Troup County, depending on the opponent and how the coach needs her.
Congrats to our 3 All-Region players!!
Aniya Palmer: Region 2-AAAA Player of the Year
Alexcia Murphy: 1st Team All-Region
Samarria Weldon: 2nd Team All-Region pic.twitter.com/kyCLVIeAte
— Troup High Lady Tigers ? (@THSLadyTigers0) March 2, 2021
“We use her as a small forward [and] sometimes as a power forward, but there are times when we put her in a point forward situation, like Lebron,” said Thornton, who adds that she can mix it up, too. “She can bang, if that is what the play calls for.”
For all her great talent and approach on the offensive side of the ball, Thornton lights up talking about Alexcia’s defensive abilities.
“She gets after it unlike any player I’ve ever coached… she is all hustle,” said Thornton. “She steals, blocks shots, jumps up and snags rebounds…she’s really attracted to the ball. Where the ball is, you’ll find Alexcia.”
One look at her defensive stats certainly backs that up: the Lady Tiger junior is averaging 3.5 steals per game, along with 3.2 blocks per game. While those numbers reflect her performance so far this season, Thornton says Alexcia’s contributions in her freshman season was a big reason for Troup County’s 27-2 season, which included a region championship and run to the state title game. Last season, despite just 15 wins, Alexcia helped her team advance to the class 4A final four.
GIRLS FINAL: 65, Lafayette 13 (preseason game)
Alexcia Murphy led Troup with 17 points, Aniya Palmer scored 14 points, and Angie Dowdell had 12 points. Troup opens its season on Monday in the Insider Exposure Thanksgiving Classic in Jacksonville. pic.twitter.com/VidLE5vZXS— Kevin Eckleberry (@sidelinepass_) November 19, 2021
So far this season, injuries have played a big part in Troup County’s .500 season, but, according to Thornton, Alexcia’s play has helped keep the Tigers in the mix.
“Alexcia has helped us weather the storm so far this year,” said Thornton.
Alexcia’s January highlights included a 41-point performance with 16 rebounds in a 70-48 victory against Jordan High School, and a 24 point, 17 rebound night in a 17 point win against Spencer High. Congratulations to Troup County’s Alexcia Murphy, winner of the ITG Next Female Athlete of the Month.
