Allison Ames was an All-Southeast Conference selection this season for the Keokuk High School girls basketball team.
Ames, the Daily Gate City Athlete of the Week, was one of four Chiefs to make the SEC All-Academic team. She was one of two Chiefs to make the Southeast District All-Academic team.
Ames and Chiefs teammate Irelynn Seay were Academic All-State athletes.
Ames started every game for the Chiefs during her senior year.
She had a specific role for the Chiefs as the long-range bomber.
“Allison Ames hit some big shots when we needed them the most,” Keokuk head coach Matt McGhghy said.
After all-state pick Kendra Boatman, Ames attempted the most 3-pointers on the team.
In fact she only took seven 2-point shots. She made 33 3-pointers.
None of her threes were more crucial than the one she hoisted as overtime began in a win over a ranked Waverly-Shell Rock team at Coe College.
She was named the best teammate by the Chiefs.
When she was getting As in her schoolwork or practicing shooting the Gate City caught up with Ames to learn a little more about her.
What is your favorite sport besides basketball?
Cross Country
What is something you learned from a coach, any coach, that you will never forget?
I learned from my coach, Nate Ames (my dad), that you get what you earn.
What is your best memory from the sport?
My favorite memories from basketball are the team meals because everyone is together and having a good time.
What is your worst moment in the sport?
My most embarrassing moment in basketball was when I shot back-to-back airballs.
What do you think is important about practice?
I think the most important part of practice is team offense because executing plays is a crucial part of the game of basketball.
Do you have any pregame or postgame rituals?
My pregame ritual is listening to music with my team and my postgame ritual is getting something good to eat.
Who is your biggest role model in sports?
My biggest role model in sports is my former teammate Abby Wolter. She demonstrated every aspect of what a student-athlete should be and was a great leader.
Who is your biggest role model in life?
One of the biggest role models in my life is my grandpa, Doug Horner. He is a hard worker, generous, and has a good sense of humor.
What is something on your bucket list?
Get a tattoo because I am scared of needles and need to get over it.
If you had free concert tickets, who would you see?
I would see Zach Bryan because I have seen him perform before and it was really fun.
My favorite meal is ...
A good cheeseburger and fries.
My favorite TV show is ...
Young Sheldon.
My favorite class in school is...
Anything to do with reading or writing.
My biggest pet peeve is ...
People who chew loudly.
My favorite athlete is ...
Caitlin Clark.
My favorite team is ...
The 1996 Chicago Bulls.
One movie I could watch over and over is ...
Tangled.
If you won the lottery, what would your first purchase be?
I don’t know what I would do with all that money. I would probably ask my dad what I should do.
If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be?
Jesus, because he seems pretty cool.
If you could have one super power what would it be?
I would be invisible so I could eavesdrop on people.
What is your favorite motivational slogan or quote?
“What you’re not changing, you’re choosing”
In 25 years I see myself ...
Being a radiographer and having a family.
What is something about yourself that would surprise people?
I like to read.
