Darton’s Hilary Williams signs with Alabama A&M

ALBANY — When Hilary Williams first stepped onto the court at Darton State College, the point guard from Pelham was a quiet, soft-spoken point guard who shied away from the spotlight.

After two years of tutelage from Darton coach Lea Henry, Williams will head to Alabama A&M to continue her basketball career as a confident player not afraid to be vocal.

After signing with the Lady Bulldogs Tuesday afternoon in the foyer of Cavalier Arena at Darton State College, Williams even took time to talk with the media.

“It’s going to be very exciting,” Williams said of Alabama A&M, which competes in the SWAC conference. “I don’t think things are going to be very different. The coaching styles are very similar. I’m just going to continue to grow.”

The former Pelham High standout originally signed with Longwood University. But after not feeling comfortable, she transferred to Darton and became eligible to play during the second half of the season in 2014-15.

This year, she took over at point guard and never looked back. She credits her relationship with Henry for helping mold her into the player she is.

Alabama A&M is coached by former Tennessee standout Semeka Randall, whose coaching styles are very similar to Henry’s.

“When I talked to the assistant coach at Alabama A&M, he reminded me of coach (Courtney) Pritchett,” Williams said of former Darton assistant Courtney Pritchett, now the head coach at Andrew College.

“Then when I got connected with the head coach, it was like another coach Henry. It will be like continuing to play under coach Henry.”

Henry said the sophomore is a true point guard.

“She understands and plays the game very well,” Henry said. “I was a point guard, so we bonded very well. She understood that I demanded a lot from her, and I expected her best. We expected her to be a leader and to be vocal, which was one thing we worked on. We’re definitely proud of her growth.”