After making school history this season with a 26-1 record and a trip to the Class 2A girls basketball state championship, Dillon’s Tyshanna Lester and Brianna Lee have both signed on to play basketball for Clinton Junior College next season.

The signing ceremony was held on Friday, April 11, with family and coaches present. Lester and Lee are the only two seniors departing from the team this season.

Tyshanna Lester averaged 20 points and almost six steals per game in her senior year and earned Region 8-2A Player of the Year honors. She was also named All-State.

Lester says she has been paling basketball since early childhood whether through recreation teams or just in the backyard. She plays point guard and shooting guard and her biggest strengths are ball handling, shooting, and driving and defense.

She said she will always remember her experiences as team leader for the Lady Wildcats and the energy that Coach Shawn Johnson brought to the team during practice and games.
And she says she will always remember playing for the state title. “It was not an easy road,” she said. “We worked hard to get there.”

Lester says she chose Clinton because of the Coach’s presentation of the school and plans to study athletics.

Lester cited her family and Coach Johnson as her biggest influences. Her mother, Wendy Lester, and uncles Johnny and Anthony Lester were in attendance for the signing.

“I’m so proud of her,” her mother said. “I watched her grow into a very intelligent young lady…and basketball is her life. I hope and pray that she reaches her goals in life. The stars are the limit.”

“While growing up, she always grabbed a basketball from her house or a neighbors,” her uncle Johnny said. “No matter what she always would grab it and start dribbling and shooting. This is why I say basketball is her life…because no matter rain, sleet, or snow, she always would shoot free throws. There were times we would have to force her to come inside.”

Her uncle Anthony added, “I’m glad for her to have the opportunity to better herself in college, and that she always remembers to take pride and know she can achieve anything in life with God by her side.”

Lester is the daughter of Wendy Lester and Steve Durant.

Brianna Lee was a key player for the Wildcats throughout her high school career and earned All-Region honors in her senior season.

Lee began playing basketball about seven years ago and plays all positions. Her biggest strengths are on shooting and defense. Basketball is the main sport she plays and her biggest hobby.

Lee said her best memory of playing for Dillon is their history-making undefeated run leading up to the state championship. She said the experience taught her that “You can not take everything for granted.”

She said she will also always remember Coach Johnson’s positive attitude and encouragement throughout the season.

Lee says she chose Clinton because it was a good fit. She plans to study criminal justice.
Lee said her parents, Melvin and Sonya Lee, have been her biggest influence.

“We’ve watched Brianna grow from tackle football in middle school, to soccer, to basketball,” her parents said. “She started playing basketball in North Carolina while in the fifth grade. She loves basketball so much that she even sleeps with the basketball.

“As a freshman in Dillon, she adapted to everything as a basketball player. When Coach Johnson took over the program three years ago, she only improved. She’s worked hard while enduring black eyes and concussions. Her senior year was special as Dillon was 26-0 before losing the state game.”

Their coaches had nothing but praise for the two departing Wildcats.

“It was great to coach both kids,” said Coach Shawn Johnson. “I’m proud of both of them. They provided leadership for our very young team.

“Hopefully the signing of these two will encourage our other players to not only excel in basketball but also in the classrooms. This is my third year with Dillon High School and we’ve signed all three players who were eligible. Hopefully God will continue to bless our program and we can continue to get the girls into college.”

“It’s always good to see our athletes advance to the next level,” said Dillon High School Athletic Director Jackie Hayes. “They not only advance on the court but also in the classroom to get to the next level.”

Clinton coach Roderick Woods from Florence said he was referred to the girls by other coaches in this area.

“I had the opportunity to watch both play over the Christmas holidays,” Woods said. “I thought both would be a good fit at our school.

“I enjoy recruiting in this area. When I met Coach Johnson, I now know what he does with his kids help on and off the court,” he continued. “Both kids have good support systems. I’m glad to have them both in my program.”

The Clinton Junior College women’s basketball team has more than 40 years of history with the school. The Lady Bears finished with a 13-17 overall record this season.

Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click the images below to view at full size!