Plenty of attention for WCU’s Heggins

DAVIDSON — Western Carolina sophomore Janetta Heggins looks forward to her annual basketball game at Davidson College, because it’s less than 30 miles from her China Grove home.

And that means plenty of family in attendance.

But when Heggins, a starting small forward for the Catamounts, scanned the less-than-packed stands as she warmed up for last night’s Southern Conference game, one of the two most important faces in her world wasn’t visible.

There was no sign of her dad, Arthur.

At least Janetta did spot her mom, Vanessa, pen and open scorebook in hand like any good school teacher. Vanessa was eager and ready to track her daughter’s night. And there was no way to overlook her. Not with that Catamount-purple sweater she was sporting.

Unfortunately, Vanessa could only shake her head as she watched a first-half disaster unfold. The Catamounts had legs of lead after a nearly three-hour busride from Cullowhee. Davidson, which lost the first meeting of the teams in Cullowhee by 27, doubled up Western 44-22 in the first 20 minutes, sewing up the game.

Fortunately, the night wasn’t a total loss for Janetta, because just as the second half was cranking up, Arthur sheepishly strolled in with his red-jacketed South Rowan jayvee basketball team and varsity star Sade Jordan marching along behind him.

Arthur and his Raider jayvees missed the tardy bell, because they had just worked overtime to claim a victory over rival A.L. Brown in a rare Monday makeup game. After hasty showers, the Raiders raced to Belk Arena to support Janetta.

“I was so happy when I saw them come in,” said Janetta. “I was like, ‘All right. They’re here.’ I’m so glad they came.”

They wouldn’t have missed it for the world, because Janetta is clearly a hero to Raider basketball players.

They look up to her in part because was county basketball player of the year and county athlete of the year in 1998. She scored 1,700 points in high school, third highest total in county history. The last 1,337 of her points came in a Raider uniform after she played her freshman season at North Rowan.

The young Raiders also look up to Janetta because she hasn’t developed an inflated ego over her success. She volunteers to work South Rowan’s summer camp each year and when she’s home for the holidays she supports the Raiders from the stands.

“I’ve always do what I can,” said Heggins. “I try to watch their games and motivate them for basketball. But especially, I try to motivate them to get with the books. I tell them that if I can make it, they can too.”

Of course, not everyone has Heggins’ talent. She’s good.

Since she arrived at Western, she’s been struck with a frightening list of ailments. A shoulder injury forced her to red-shirt her freshman season. Since then there have been a steady stream of nagging injuries to her ankles and a serious one to the S.I. joint that connects the pelvis and spine. Two weeks ago, she caught the flu. She and her ever-present inhaler are forced to combat asthma on a regular basis.

“I always seem to have injuries,” sighed Heggins, “but I try to keep battling through them. Everyone at Western is positive, and I try to be the same way.”

Miraculously, Heggins has still been productive. Her numbers this season — 6.6 points a game and 3.6 rebounds a game — are down slightly from last season, but that’s explained by her transition from a post position to a wing. She’s moved outside because Western (12-7) has gotten bigger and better.

“Going from a back-to-the-basket player to facing the basket is not an easy transition,” said Western coach Beth Dunkenberger. “But Janetta’s been outstanding. The move has really helped us, because she can do so many more things outside.”

Heggins’ field-goal shooting percentage has dropped (from 44 to 38), as she’s launched more 16-foot jumpers, but she’s more than made up for it in other areas. She had six assists last night, leading the Catamounts for the fifth time this season and for the third game in a row.

“Looking for my teammates is something I learned in high school, and it’s just carrying over,” said Heggins.

Heggins is also second on the team in steals, including six in a game against Wofford. In the game prior to Davidson, she had a team-high seven rebounds and five assists against UNCGreensboro.

“As far as speed and strength, Janetta’s probably our best athlete,” said Dunkenberger. “Her biggest asset is defense. She’s become much more of a defensive leader this year. She’s a real force on D.”

Heggins had a tough night on defense last night, as did her teammates. Davidson drilled 12 of 20 3-point shots, including 6-for-7 shooting by star guard Janna Magette, who was often Heggins’ responsibility.

“We were playing her for penetration and she was jacking them up,” said a wide-eyed Heggins. “I looked at Coach and said, ‘She’s making them from halfcourt. What can I do.’ ”

Last night? Not much.

But the future looks quite bright for the Catamounts, who have only three players who aren’t sophs or freshmen. Last week, they beat heated rival Furman for the first time in nearly a decade.

“We’re building a championship program,” said a confident Dunkenberger. “And Janetta’s a key part of it.”

Heggins settled for 10 points and four boards in last night’s ugly 83-59 loss, but showed the heart that makes her special. She rolled her ankle when she stepped on a Wildcat foot with five minutes to go, but was right back on the floor two minutes later even though there was faint hope of a comeback.

“I knew she’d be back out there hurting or not,” smiled her late-arriving dad. “She’s a champ. She just gets down and plays. Janetta doesn’t let anything bother her.”

Contact Mike London at 704-797-4259 or mlondon@salisburypost.com .