She played pick-up basketball with older male cousins when she was pretty young, and that’s how Alexis Burns got her first exposure to basketball. Maybe that experience gave her a passion for playing the sport, but it could be argued the Carver High School senior literally inherited her love of the game.
Burns comes from a long line of ballplayers. She said her dad played the sport at Carver back in the day, but interestingly, Burns, who has committed to play basketball at Jacksonville University, is a third generation female basketball player. Her mother, Tamara Burns, played middle school and high school basketball in Columbus. Alexis Burns’ grandmother, Lillie Burns, actually played semi-pro ball at one point in her life. Although the youngest Burns athlete said she hears her mother’s voice the loudest in the stands during a Carver game, she listens to the advice of both women when it comes to basketball.
“We talk about basketball,” Burns said. “They sometimes tell me some things. Mostly, they are just real supportive of me. So is my grandfather and brother.”
Her love for the sport combined with a lot of natural talent and a good work ethic has given Burns a shot at playing basketball for a NCAA Division I team. The Jacksonville University women’s basketball program won out over five or six other serious offers the 17-year-old considered. Burns committed in the fall to play for the Dolphins. The early choice has allowed the 5-foot-8 two-sport athlete the opportunity to play her final seasons of volleyball and basketball with a sense of relief.
“It was a big decision,” Burns said, smiling. “I’m glad it’s over. I am ready to go, to start a new chapter in my life, but now it’s just about playing for fun.”
Last year, Burns averaged 18 points, eight rebounds, and four steals per game. At interview time, the right-handed small forward, who is quick on her feet and makes the most of every opportunity presented to her, was in the middle of her senior season, so stats were unavailable. Her high-scoring game to date netted 23 points for her team, but Burns’ personal best during her high school career is 29 points.
Before arriving at Carver as a freshman, Burns played basketball in middle school and with other organizations. She credits her coach in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) for recognizing her talent and giving her the motivation to strive to attend college on a basketball scholarship.
“Coach Woods was the one,” Burns said. “He told me I could do it. It started with him.”
The Carver standout has been a varsity starter all four years of high school. She said she was told by Carver head girls coach Anson Hundley that if she did the work she was supposed to do, she would have playing time. Burns proved she had what it took to be a member of the team and earned a place on the roster. It wasn’t easy. According to Burns, Hundley was tough, but she got the job done.
At one point in her freshman year, Burns was playing on at least three teams at a time. She was a starter with the varsity, played JV at Carver, and was also continuing her play with the AAU Georgia Jaguars team. Learning to play with so many different athletes and under the direction of various coaches is something Burns hopes has helped prepare her to take her game to the next level.
Burns made her official visit to Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida, last year. She said she liked the staff and everyone she met on the trip almost from the first introduction. She was impressed with the facilities and felt like she was “home.” As far as the women’s basketball program goes, Burns said she likes the idea that the team plays her kind of game.
“They played my type of ball,” Burns said. “It is aggressive and takes it to the hole. I am looking forward to earning a place on the team.”
In the four years Burns has played at Carver, she has seen the program improve. For her senior year as a team captain, she would like to help lead the Tigers to the region championship and then on to a state title. Carver advanced to the first round of the playoffs last season, and Burns believes they have the right team and coaching staff to make it to the winner’s circle.
She has come a long way since she was the little girl playing basketball with her older cousins. Occasionally, she gets in a quick game with the guys. All grown up and a seasoned athlete, does she ever win?
“Oh yeah,” Burns said, laughing.
Columbus Valley/Special feature/March 2016
Third generation athlete
Alexis Burns
Carver High School
Columbus, GA
By Beth Welch
Photos by Jerry Christenson
