Published: May 07, 2008 07:34 pm            

Oriole lands coveted All-Star spot

AVON — Sometimes one person’s misfortune — or bad decision — creates another person’s opportunity, and Avon senior Kaley May is happy to be the beneficiary of such an occurrence.

Northwest’s Larretha Draughon was kicked of the girls’ Indiana All-Star team last week after being arrested on multiple felony charges, which opened up a spot on the state’s most prestigious prep team.

It turns out that May — unknown to her — was the first alternate. May was working out as Avon coach Steve Drabyn frantically tried to call her with the good news, and when she got the message and called Indiana-Kentucky All-Star Game Director Pete Smith, her reaction was joyous.

“First I asked him if he was serious, and of course he was and I was just ecstatic,” May said. “I can’t describe it, just achieving one of your longtime goals. It’s really an honor to be able to say I’m an Indiana All-Star. I was really proud of that moment.”

Drabyn was equally proud of May’s selection.

“This is a great honor to both Avon High School and to Kaley’s hard work and determination,” Drabyn said. “I have no doubt she will represent Avon, Hendricks County, and Indiana very well. Kaley has the ability to score inside or out and to be able to guard a post or a perimeter player and to rebound with the best of them. This makes Kaley a very versatile player by being able to play multiple positions.”

May’s team will play two exhibitions against Indiana’s Junior All-Stars — which she was a part of last summer — before they host the Kentucky All-Stars at Conseco Fieldhouse June 13 and travel to Louisville, Ky for a second meeting two days later.

May’s Junior All-Star experience was a bizarre one. Preparing for the team’s second exhibition at New Castle, she came down with the flu. Dehydrated, she passed out and hit her head in the bleachers and got a concussion.

“I was bummed that I couldn’t play, but I just stuck it out and stayed there to support my teammates,” May said.

Despite missing the second game, May said the experience was invaluable as she worked toward her senior season.

“It really opened my eyes on what I needed to work on,” she said. “Seeing the skills of the different players, the things they can do, it shows you what facets of your game are weak. It was a learning experience.”

May finished her career in style, averaging 14 points and 8.2 rebounds while notching a game-highs of 36 points and 19 rebounds and moving up to seventh place on Avon’s all-time scoring list.

Once the All-Star season ends, May will turn her focus to Butler University, where she committed to play two years ago. She starts summer school June 23.

“I’m really excited,” she said. “It’s a whole different lifestyle and I’m ready to get started. I committed my sophomore year, so it’s been a long time. I’ve had a chance to get used to the idea of Butler and what they look for. I hope I can be everything they want me to be. I really look forward to starting a new aspect of life and getting out on my own a little bit.”

Though she eagerly anticipates her collegiate independence, being close to home played a big part in May deciding to go to Butler in the first place.

“That factored in my decision to go there,” May said. “My family and friends are very close to me. My friends always joke with me about how many people I’ll have coming to my games. It means a lot to me to have a great supporting staff and it was a big part of my decision to let them experience Butler with me.”

brent.glasgow@flyergroup.com

        

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