January 11, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
A DeKalb County High School Lady Tiger basketball star was honored at halftime of the boys game against Watertown in Smithville Tuesday night.
Junior Ella VanVranken, newest member of the 1,000 point club, was presented a 1,000 career point game ball. Ella was joined during the recognition by her fellow players, coaches and family.
The Lady Tigers defeated Watertown Tuesday night 60 to 51 but the Tigers lost to the Purple Tigers 68 to 64.
“I was very excited to achieve this goal. Its been a goal of mine since I was a freshman so I am happy,” said Ella. The last Lady Tiger to join the 1,000th point club was former player Kadee Ferrell, who was a mentor and teammate of VanVranken. Ella said she learned a lot from Ferrell.
“The main thing I learned from her was that it is very important to be a good teammate offensively and defensively and to contribute to both sides. It was great playing with Kadee during her time here and now getting to be up there with her in this 1,000 point club,” said VanVranken.
Ella, daughter of Zach and Kristen VanVranken, scored her 1,000th career point on December 21,2022 in a holiday tournament between the Lady Tigers and Ezell Harding at Wilson County High School in Lebanon leading the team in scoring with 26 points that day in a 56 to 51 victory for DeKalb County.
To date, VanVranken has scored 1,170 points for her high school career with 348 rebounds, 150 assists, and 166 steals.
During her freshman year, Ella scored 367 points, had 123 rebounds, 33 assists, and 60 steals and received Freshman of the Year and 3rd Team All District honors.
As a sophomore, VanVranken scored 427 points, had 158 rebounds, 67 assists, and 70 steals and earned 2nd Team All District, a DTC award, and was voted on by her team as the Offensive Most Valuable Player.
Now, in her junior year, Ella has scored to date 376 points, had 67 rebounds, 50 assists, and 36 steals. During the Kerry Malone Christmas Tournament, where she scored her 1,000th point, Ella received player of the game honors in both games of the tournament in which the Lady Tigers competed.
DCHS Lady Tiger Coach Brandy Alley said Ella has been a joy to coach.
“Every time she suits up, she gives 100%. Ella leads by example and does her best to take over when the team needs her. Ella has stepped up to every challenge we have given her. I am very excited to see what her future holds,” said Coach Alley.
“Ella is an amazing player who is always willing to do whatever it takes to win. Over the past three years, I have seen her grow both on and off the court. In every role she has been asked to take on she has exceeded expectations. I believe she will succeed in anything she chooses to do with her life,” added Assistant Lady Tiger Coach Madison Parsley.
Among her teammates is her younger sister Chloe, a freshman.