Randallstown basketball court dedicated to LSU star Angel Reese: 'Her roots are here'
BALTIMORE -- A newly renovated basketball court in Randallstown is being dedicated to Angel Reese, the star forward who led LSU to its first national championship with a win over Iowa.
Reese, who is from Randallstown, made headlines when she became the first player with 25 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks in an NCAA Women's Tournament game since 2000, among other accomplishments.
"I go to LSU, but Baltimore, Randallstown, is always home for me," Reese said.
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and other local and state leaders joined Reese Monday morning at the Scotts Branch Recreation Activity Center's newly-renovated basketball court, now named "Angel Reese Court."
"Her roots are here, Liberty Road, playing Little League, Edereco, Liberty Road," said Evers Burns, recreation activity center coordinator. "Her roots are here. What better place?"
Reese was the star player of LSU's National Championship team and was named the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
She was also a unanimous First-Team All-American after averaging 23 points and 15 rebounds per game for the Tigers after transferring from Maryland.
But, back home in Baltimore, this newly-renovated basketball court is named after a hometown hero.
"I just want to thank everybody for coming and to give hope to kids in the crowd that one day this can be you," Reese said.
The children in Baltimore are already feeling inspired by Reese's accomplishments.
"It's really good to see the excitement of every last face that wanted to meet Angel Reese," Burns said. "When they walk through this gate and they know they met Angel Reese, and they see her name on that court, now it's, give it your best."
That's not the only public appearance Reese will make in the Baltimore area.
DTLR hosted a meet and greet with Reese at the Northwood shopping center from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday afternoon to celebrate a new partnership with the lifestyle retailer.
Attendees got to meet Reese and buy "Bayou Barbie" t-shirts, the proceeds of which will go towards Reese's foundation to support women's basketball at her local alma mater, St. Francis High School.
