DRANEVILLE — Jennifer Whittaker filled up a stat sheet for David Wells and the Marion County girls’ basketball team.

She averaged a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, and she blocked five shots and made five steals a game.

Whittaker will take her skills to the next level and play for Darton College in Albany.

“Hopefully I will get a good education and a good start to my basketball career,” said Whittaker, who played mostly center for the Lady Eagles.

Whittaker, who is 5-foot-10, said entering her senior season that she knew improving her shooting and dribbling skills would benefit her a lot.

Wells said she was able to do just that.

“She has so much potential to really improve her game because she is such a hard worker for one, and two, she has the ability to become a versatile player,” he said. “This year she proved she could hit the 3-point shot fairly consistently. She jumps well, has long arms and is extremely fast. She’s proved she can play on that level.”

Whittaker has also been a leader on the track team. Wells said he’s proud of her accomplishments.

“She has exemplified the true spirit of a team player and a winner,” he said. “Her hard work has paid off as she moves on to bigger things. We wish Jennifer the best with her education and athletics.”

Marion County was 17-13 in 2007-08 and reached the first round of the Class AA state tournament. Whittaker’s career-high for scoring is 23 points, and she’s had one triple-double in her career.

Whittaker will play either of the two forward positions and maybe even center for the Lady Cavaliers, which are a part of the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association. However, Whittaker said her success came with some help.

“If it wasn’t for coach Wells helping me and getting on to me like he did and my mom (Gwen) and Uncle Albert (Gresham) fussing at me when they didn’t have to, I wouldn’t be here.”

Darton coach Laura Blackwell can’t wait to get Whittaker on the floor.

“We are so glad to have Jennifer,” she said. “She is a quality athlete and person. Now she will have the opportunity for a fresh start in college.”