VESTAL, New York — Tiana-Jo Carter admits that she gets schooled just about every day on the basketball court.
The lessons come during practice, where she often goes up against three-time America East Player of the Year Shereesha Richards.
“It’s usually a good fight,” the sophomore from Naples said after the University at Albany’s 95-43 rout of Vermont in Saturday’s quarterfinals at Binghamton University’s Events Center.
“We go against each other a little bit. ‘Reese’ is always making me stronger and it’s a good a good feeling when you get to get in the block with Reese,” Carter said, with a big smile.
Carter, who helped Lake Region High School win the 2014 Maine Class B state championship, continues to develop her game. She has been one of the key contributors who have helped top-seeded Albany earn a share of the conference regular-season title and the No. 1 seed for the America East tournament.
“She was a little off [Saturday], but she has a huge role for us,” Albany coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson said. “She’s obviously a sophomore and is just going to continue to keep getting better and better and better.”
Carter, a 6-foot-2 post player, finished with five points, four rebounds, an assist and a steal in 25 minutes on Saturday night.
Abrahamson-Henderson said one of the important elements for Carter is believing in her abilities.
“It’s that confidence thing,” said the coach, who has seen Carter’s potential. “You’re just kind of like, ‘OK, have a good game T-Jo,’ and she goes out there and she’s like a beast.”
Carter admitted she isn’t always able to get into beast mode.
“If I miss something or I mess up, I usually get down on myself,” she explained, “so I’m definitely working on it and I’m getting better but I’ve got a ways to go.”
Carter is Albany’s fourth-leading scorer this season at 8.2 points per game and she is second in rebounding, with 4.2 rebounds per game. She is shooting 54 percent from the field and has notched 1.3 blocked shots per contest in 22.6 minutes per game.
Carter credits her continued growth, both on and off the court, to her teammates. None has been more influential than Richards.
“She’s just a phenomenal player all around,” Carter said. “She’s definitely taught me about leadership and just being a great teammate. I learn and watch her every day in the post and I see her moves and how she just takes her time and focuses and finishes.”
Carter registered more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds at Lake Region, where she was a two-time BDN All-Maine first-team selection.
Carter said it is fun being part of such a successful program.
“We were ready to come out this year and we’re staying on top,” she said.
That occurred again on Sunday when Albany beat No. 5 Binghamton 79-43 in the semifinal round to advance to Friday’s league final against Maine in Albany. Carter recorded 11 points and six rebounds in Sunday’s win.