The “Lady Blue Devils” from Avondale High School finally reached the pinnacle that people predicted they would when their starting five hit the Avondale Estates campus 3 years ago as freshman by capturing this years Georgia Class 3A State Championship. Leading they way was their 6-3 All-State junior center Nicole Stroud. Like I always do I hit the Street and caught up with the highly touted “Lady Blue Devil” for a little session of “Keeping It Real”.

L.A.:  “Who have been some of the most influential people in your life”?

Nicole: “I would have to say my mom.”

L.A.:  “What has been one of the most memorable moments in your career so far?
Nicole: “Well you know we just won our region championship and during that game I had 21 Rebounds and 22 points!, then we capped that off by winning the State Championship, Oh yeah.” (smiling)

L.A.:  “What moment(s) would you most like to forget?

Nicole: “I would love to forget the day we lost to Johnson-Gainesville. I was so hurt.”

L.A.: What is the strongest part of your game?

Nicole: “The strongest part of my game would have to be my defense ‘cause I love to block shots, it’s like a drug ya know?” (laughing)

L.A.:   “What do you think you need to work on to take your game to the next level?”

Nicole: “I definitely need to work on my speed, my shooting ability, and my ball handling skills because I want to be able to play a three sometimes in college. I wanna be versatile.”

L.A.:  “Once again Avondale is in the State Playoffs and like last year many people considered you all one of the favorites to win the championship, what is different about this years team that is going to help you all avoid being upset in the 1^st round like last year?”

Nicole: “Well we didn’t really get upset in the first round we lost in the Elite Eight. This year though we had the experience and the hunger and we went out and brought home gold.”

L.A.:  “Who has been one of the toughest players you have had to guard and who is the best high school player you personally have ever seen?”

Nicole: “Whitney Randolph from Johnson-Gainesville because she is a versatile player. She has the ability to play the post and step out to shoot the three. Well, the best that I’ve seen is Maya Moore, man.” (laughing)

L.A.:  “Without tipping your hand, give me the names of some colleges that you would like to play for?”

Nicole: “Florida State, UGA, Virginia Tech, Texas, or Arkansas it's others, but I’m really keeping my options open.”

L.A.: “Tell me something about yourself that people wouldn’t know by just looking at you. Before I got a chance to meet you I would of said that you were quiet and shy, but I’m not too sure now (laughing)?

Nicole: (laughing) “My teammates say that I’m dingy, but I don’t think so………..well just a little bit. Oh but a lot of people are intimidated by little ol’ me. What’s up wit’ that? I’m like the nicest person that you could ever meet.” (still laughing)

Stroud caused all kinds of problems in the paint during avondales championship run.

Nicole: “TOOTIE! (laughing) Yep that’s my nickname don’t ask ‘cause I don’t know where it came from. All I know is my aunt gave it to me.”

L.A.: “How does summer ball (AAU) differ from the regular season and which do you prefer?”

Nicole: “Dealing with AAU there is a lot of travelin’ and the games are more competitive because you play girls from different states.“

L.A.: “Most AAU Teams have players that play in their natural position unlike in high school where players usually play out of position. You appear to be a natural post player. Is that where you would like to play at the next level?”

Nicole: “Oh yeah I want to be a post player because that’s what I do best, however; I wouldn’t mind being allowed to step out there and shoot that three from time to time.” (Hand motions of shooting a jumper and laughing)

L.A.: “Are you a Player or a BALLER, now at 4SHOT we think Players just go out on the court and play like every other player on the court. Now a BALLER can take over the game, not in a selfish way but they can dominate at “a whole nother’ level?”

Nicole: “I’ma Baller, most definitely.”

L.A.:  “If you could meet anyone in the world (past or present) who would it be and why?

Nicole: “I would love to meet Bobby and Whitney. (laughing) Naw I’m just playin’, but fa’real I would like to meet Lisa Leslie because she is like the queen of players who play the five position. Plus she is a strong player and I want to be that way.”

L.A.: “If you were not playing basketball what would you be doing now?”
Nicole: “Wow……..ummmm I would probably be cheering ‘cause I did cheer before I became a Baller you know? (laughing) I couldn't see myself not playing ball man.”

L.A.:  “Describe your dream car?”
Nicole: “My dream car is a black on black Lexus XL.”

L.A.: “What is your favorite TV Show and Movie?”
Nicole: “My Wife and Kids” and “Coach Carter”

L.A.: “What type of music do you like and do you have a favorite artist or group?”

Nicole: “I have a thing for R & B and Hip Hop, but my favorite artist is Chris Brown. I like a lot of other artist though.”

L.A.:   “What type of sneakers and cloths do you like to sport?”

Nicole: “Fresh Air Forces and clothes like, well I only can really wear their shirts ‘cause my legs are so long, but they're Southpole, DKNY, Girbaud, and um Rainbow…… Now you know I couldn’t forget my rainbow.” (laughing)

L.A:  “What’s your favorite food?”
Nicole: “All of it.”

L.A.:  “Who’s your favorite player?”
Nicole: “Chauncey Billups. I love his leadership.”

L.A.:  “Who’s your favorite team?”
Nicole: “The Pistons! Detroit all day.” (smiling)

L.A.: “What type of hobbies do you have?”
Nicole: “Talking on the phone, going shoppin’, makin’ people laugh, and hanging out wit’ my crew.”

L.A.: “Nicole, thank you for your time, it has been my pleasure to be able to “Keep It Real” with you.”
Nicole: “Thank you. Anytime.” (smiling)

If you want to “Keep it Real" on Street Talk …holla at me

 This is Larry “L.A.” Williams …PEACE!