In less than 24 hours, Ashton Hulme, a senior at the University School of Jackson, was named the TSSAA Division II-A Miss Basketball, before signing scholarship papers to continue her education – and playing career – at Bethel University.

Ashton, one of 10 players presented in five classifications to the best girls and boys basketball players in the state during a ceremony at Middle Tennessee State University, Tuesday, signed with Bethel University in the USJ Theater, Wednesday.

“I’m so excited,” Ashton said. “I’m just ready to start out my college journey. I’ve gone to Bethel (basketball) camps for four years … when Coach (Chris) Nelson put the offer on the table, it just seemed so fitting for me.”

“Winning Miss Basketball (Tuesday) night was an honor … it’s just nice to see all my hard work pay off.”

Ashton averaged 18.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 65 percent from the floor, and 82 percent from the free throw line.

She averaged hitting 30 percent of her attempts from behind the 3-point line, and averaged 2.1 steals per game.

“Were really proud of Ashton,” said Tony Shutes, USJ’s girls head basketball coach. “To have a Miss Basketball player from your school, and from your program, says a lot about your program, but most of all it says says a lot about her – the time, and the dedication, and all the hard work she put in.”

Chris Nelson, head women’s basketball coach at Bethel, said he knows what type of player he is getting with Ashton.

“Were fortunate to land Ashton, proud of Ashton how she has transformed her body, Nelson said. “We were on her when she was a junior, and a lot of schools were (recruiting) her this year.

“She has a chance to come in and start right away … she just adds stability to our program.”

(PHOTO: Ashton Hulme, center, is pictured with USJ head coach Tony Shutes, left, and Chris Nelson, women’s head basketball coach at Bethel University)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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