Sports
Massengale Already Prepped To Take It To Another Level
Bolingbrook point guard Ariel Massengale already has her eyes set on making a difference at the University of Tennessee. And she's not alone.
Pat Summitt, the University of Tennessee Hall of Fame women's basketball coach, isn't the only person looking forward to seeing Ariel Massengale put on the orange jersey at Tennessee.
Her future teammates already are excited to player with her, too.
"Ariel is a great point guard," said Cierra Burdick, who will be Massengale's teammate for the third time once the two reunite on the University of Tennessee campus this fall. "She's always pushing the ball and always looking to get other people the rock. She's awesome."
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The two were also teammates last week at the McDonald's All-American girls game and previously on the USA national team.
"I'm definitely looking forward to playing with her," Budrick said. "I loved playing with her on Team USA and I'm looking forward to playing with her at Tennessee."
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Massengale averaged 16 points, seven assists and four steals per game last season for the Bolingbrook Lady Raiders as she helped spark the team to its third consecutive state championship.
After an early ouster, Tennessee hopes Massengale can be a key cog in another potential deep run in March because of what she brings to the hardwood.
So what will Massengale bring to Knoxville, Tenn., this winter?
"That point guard leadership, being the coach on the floor and doing what (Coach Summitt) wants me to do in leading her team," Massengale said.
The leader of the Lady Raiders brings a rather impressive resume to Tennessee.
On the floor, she brings the remarkable ability to create for herself by finishing strong at the rim and for her teammates with precision passing in finding open teammates.
Massengale also comes from a winning pedigree, having appeared in four state championship games and coming home with three state titles.
Her hunger to compete at the next level drives her, so much so that she seems ready to clear the slate and show what she can do for one of the nation's most demanding coaches.
"At the next level, what I did in high school doesn't matter," Massengale explained. "I'm starting a new chapter in my life and now it's time to make new things happen for my career."
