Stratford’s Francis Getting Back Into The Swing of Things
After sitting out a year due to transfer regulations, Ashlee Francis is back into familiar territory — leading on the basketball court. The talented senior forward is averaging 20ppg midway through the season. Her outstanding play (specifically on the offensive side of the ball) has helped catapult the Stratford’s girls basketball team to the top of the standings. The Eaglettes have a 14–2 record going into the second half of the season and are preparing themselves for postseason play.
Stratford Head Girls Coach, Ed Smith says “Ashlee is a big part of the reason why we are 14–2. She is a phenomenal and efficient offensive player, with a very soft touch. We are excited to have her” when asked about Francis’ importance to the team.
*She transferred to Stratford Academy from Rutland High School following her sophomore season (2012–2013)*
Prior to transferring to Stratford Academy, Francis was well aware that she would be forced to sit out her junior season because of transfer rules. Nevertheless, she and her family ultimately decided that it would be in their best interest to go through with the transfer. During her time off of the court, Francis took full advantage of the opportunity by relentlessly working at improving her basketball skills as well as spending more time focusing on her studies. At the end of the first semester of this school year, she was reported as having a 3.3 GPA. According to Coach Smith “she is a student of high intellect, her academics are second to none. She works very hard in the classroom.”
In Her Own Words:
I aspire to continue to be a great student athlete on the collegiate level. I would like to continue playing basketball as well as graduate with a major in sports medicine and a minor in physical therapy — Ashlee Francis.
*Noteworthy: She has already been academically accepted to Auburn University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, and LSU
Accolades & Awards:
- Sixth Man of The Year: (Freshman)2012–2013 Rutland HS — Macon, Ga. Best Game — Freshman Season: Rutland vs. Northside 12pts & 6rebs December 15, 2012
- Best Offensive Player: AAU Middle Georgia Blaze
- Tattnall Christmas Tournament MVP: 2015 Stratford Academy-Macon, Ga.
Breakout Performance:
On January 8, 2016, Ashlee Francis scored a game high 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals as the Eaglettes beat a then undefeated Tattnall Square Lady Trojans team.
For more, see below video footage for post game interview & highlights: Click Links Below!
#23 ASHLEE FRANCIS
Game Highlights: 30 sec clips — CLICK LINKS BELOW!
FOR MORE HIGHLIGHTS: Click Link → Ashlee Francis highlights
COMPLETE SCHEDULE: Click Link → 2015–2016 Schedule/Results
FOR MORE INFO: Contact
Head Coach: Ed Smith — (478) 477–8073
Email: Ed.Smith@stratford.org
BIO:
Ashlee Simone Francis is the daughter of Chaka Pearson-Hardy and LJ Hardy Jr (stepfather). Her mother is a current employee at GE Capital and her father is the CEO of Hardy Construction Company.
Her family lives by the famous the quote:
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift”
