Athlete of the Week for Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023

Name:     Autumn Fleary

School:   McDonogh School

Year:       Freshman

Sport:      Basketball

Position:  Guard

About Autumn:  

Autumn was at her very best in the fourth quarter of the A Conference championship game Monday night, scoring five points in the final 6.8 seconds to lead the Eagles to a second consecutive title with a 50-47 victory over St. Frances Academy.

Autumn, who averaged 16.4 points, 4.6 assists and 3.5 assists per game this season, controlled the ball with 15 seconds remaining in regulation and her team trailing, 47-45, before taking over the game.

She went the length of the floor for the go-ahead bucket and subsequent free throw.

“I knew it was going in,” Autumn said. “I didn’t even know what happened, it’s just so surreal right now. I just know it went in.”

The move prompted SFA coach Jerome Shelton to heap praise on the rookie guard.

“We needed to get a stop, and Autumn made a big shot,” he said. “As a freshman to take on that level of responsibility says a lot about who she is as a player.”

Likewise, McDonogh coach Brad Rees had nothing but good things to say about Autumn.

“Autumn is a coach’s dream player,” he said. “(She) works hard and makes everyone around her better. She’s a fantastic teammate and an absolute pleasure to coach.”

Congratulations, Autumn!