OCC’s Ford commits to Mercer for basketball

Orange Coast College sophomore Courtney Ford, the Orange Empire Conference Player of the Year after leading the Pirates women’s basketball team to the conference title last season, has verbally committed to continue her career at Mercer University in Macon, Ga., OCC Coach Mike Thornton announced Wednesday.

Ford, a 5-foot-7 guard, averaged 20.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.9 assist while leading the Pirates to a 28-4 record, including a 14-0 mark in conference, in 2006-07.

Ford will play for Coach Janell Jones at Mercer, which competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Jones recruited Ford out of Villa Park High, when Jones was coach at UC San Diego.

“[Ford, a first-team all-state honoree last season] has a chance to leave here as one of our best ever,” said Thornton, entering his 19th season at the helm. “She has learned that there is more to the game than scoring. She has worked hard in the offseason to improve the things she doesn’t do as well. Her biggest asset is her refuse-to-lose attitude.”

Ford may sign a national letter of intent to attend Mercer during the signing period from Nov. 12-15.

The Pirates are scheduled to open their season at home Nov. 7 against Palomar.

— From staff reports