Brownsville KY— Brownsville KY is the epitome of “small town USA” with a population of a little over 880 people. Among those 880 is a freshman STAR IN THE MAKING & her name is Cariann Williams. Is it possible for us to use the phrase “slept on” after describing her as a “STAR IN THE MAKING”? Both of those phrases are fitting to the freshman post player. If you were at the GIRLS 3rd Region Tournament at the Owensboro Sportscenter a couple weeks ago, as a casual sports fan, you might have been surprised or WOW’d at the 6’2 Freshman as she posted stellar numbers in her lone game of the tournament, finishing with 19 points, 9 rebounds & 7 blocks. Those who follow 3rd Region Basketball, you were used to seeing big time performances like this from Williams. The 3rd Region Tournament being held at the Sportscenter enables kids who represent schools that might not get as much attention as others, to be seen and give fans an appreciation for the talent that exists in the region. For Cariann Williams, that’s exactly what happened. After her performance, everyone in attendance saw what was to come for the next 3 years. Williams has dressed Varsity for the Lady Wildcats and Head Coach Bart Weaver since 7th Grade. Her contributions really started though, as an 8th Grader where she posted 8 points per game, 7 rebounds per game & blocked 102 shots. Fast forward to this season, her freshman campaign saw her numbers increase from 8 points per game, to 12 points per game, 9 rebounds per game and she blocked a total of 127 shots, which was top 10 in the state. Cariann is on pace to be one of the most prolific shot blockers in state history. Yes, you read that correctly. Williams posted 14 blocked shots in a game VS Green County this season, which is also TOP 10 in the KHSAA Record books. She scored 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in that game as well. What stands out as much, if NOT MORE, about her increase in numbers from an individual stand point, is that her teams performance also improved. The team went from 10-19 to 22-8. Basically, as Cariann Williams goes, so too, does the Lady Wildcats of Edmonson County go. When asked about her teams season, Williams had this to say; “I really feel like our team improved. Everyone got better and every practice was beneficial. Our chemistry grew, and it led to some great outcomes in the end. Beating Butler for the first time in a while was great, but I was really expecting us to go farther in the region. I’d love for us to make a deeper run in the next couple of years.” The Lady Cats are coming off a 12th District Championship behind Williams’ 13 point, 19 rebound showing in front of a JAM PACKED gymnasium at Edmonson County High School. Williams credits her growth on the basketball court to veteran Head Coach, Bart Weaver, stating “having Coach Weaver as your coach is like having your family be your coach. He’s a great coach and can really get after us, but he always finds ways to make games and practices fun. He’s so fun to be around and there’s no other coach I’d rather have won a district title with. As a 7th Grader he really watched out for me and saw something in me. He pushed me to get better and I don’t believe my opportunities would be the same without him pushing me to be where I am today.” Along with Coach Weaver, Williams’ credits her parents & Papaw for always pushing her to be the best she can be. There’s no doubt Williams has made big strides on the hardwood, both from an individual perspective & team perspective, but don’t expect the freshman to be content with where she’s made it thus far. Williams’ is eager to improve in areas of weakness, planning to emphasize ball handling, expanding her range from behind the arch, getting stronger and being in the best shape she can be. Speaking of team success, Williams wants to do her part to win more district championships, but also wants to make a solid run at a regional championship. Cariann feels the “SKY IS THE LIMIT” for the Lady Cats! You’ve heard a lot about her on court success, but Williams’ comes from a very solid family. She’s the oldest of 4 children & has ambitions of being in the medical field as an adult. Cariann credits her parents for where she is today, stating “they encourage me in sports and everything that I do. There has been many games where I had a rough night and was really beating myself up, and they’ve always reminded me that if I never stepped foot on the basketball court again, they are proud of me. They are great role models and work hard for my siblings & I. I am blessed with a great home life and there is no two people I’d rather have leading me than my parents.” Very wise, humble words from the FRESHMAN. Echoing that strong foundation at home, Williams’ is not officially on an AAU team as of now, due to scheduling conflicts that would interfere with priorities at church that outweigh basketball., instead, she will look to improve through workouts with her father, Papaw and Madison Stewart. Williams states “I am very fortunate to have those recourses available to me.” Williams is also a member of Track & Field and Cross Country at ECHS. Cariann Williams is a name you’re going to hear a lot over the next couple seasons. Expect her to make ALL Region teams, & the next time you see Edmonson County & that 6’2 FORCE anchoring the paint, remember, WE TOLD YOU! Williams’ career is JUST GETTING STARTED!