Riley Northway, a junior post player for Brewer High School’s girls basketball team has made a verbal commitment to play basketball for Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., following her graduation in May 2014.

The all-state performer said she made the decision on March 18 after being actively recruited by several four-year colleges and receiving firm offers from Lipscomb, South Alabama and UAHuntsville.

“I feel great about my decision,” Northway said, “because I believe it is the right fit for me. I visited there three times last summer and was able to meet and talk with all of the coaches. I also spent some time with the players and got along well with them. They cast a vision for me. They want to build a winning program and want me to be a part of that.

Riley Northway had 25 double-doubles for the Lady Patriots this season. | Courtesy of Jim Northway

“This is a dream come true for me,” Northway said. “I’ve wanted to play ball at the college level since I was a first grader.

“I visited a lot of schools during the recruiting process,” she added. “It was exciting and fun, but I’m glad it’s over. I want to focus on my senior year and helping our team compete for another state championship.”

In addition to possessing outstanding basketball skills, Northway is a member of the National Honor Society and a Brewer Ambassador.

“I have a passion for math,” she said, “and I likely will pursue a major in engineering while in college.”

“Riley (Northway) is a special young lady – a self-made player who has exceeded all expectations with great natural drive and a passion for the game” Brewer coach Ricky Allen said of his 6-1 post player. “She will be a great asset to the Lipscomb basketball program.”

Northway is a finalist for the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Class 5A Player of the Year Award in 2013 after leading the Lady Patriots to the Class 5A semifinals in Birmingham. She averaged 19.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game and had 25 double-doubles as a junior.

She was selected as an all-state player as a sophomore and junior and was an All-State Tournament selection as a freshman.