The Collegian

Issue date: 3/18/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Karyn Gilbert Jennifer Layton shows off her shotting style before head off to practice.

If there was anything positive that came out of the decidedly mediocre "Love and Basketball" motion picture, it was the budding athletic career of Jennifer Layton.

While others may have walked away from the movie muttering the word "refund," Layton, a freshman and a starting forward for the Lady Mustangs, stepped away from the movie with a sense of purpose.

"I was in 8th grade when I saw the movie 'Love and Basketball,' and it really inspired me."

Whether it is due to the movie or not, Layton's work ethic is on full display as she juggles studies and work at the Delta cafeteria, with her basketball career of serving opposing forwards.

Added Layton, "The lead female character in the movie learned a work ethic. Hopefully I can build my life the way she did."

Due to an influx of experience-challenged freshman players, this was supposed to be a year of adjustment for the Lady Mustangs. The players didn't subscribe to the notion of a season-long adjustment period by fighting through some early season growing pains.

"In the beginning everyone thought we would be average, but we expected more from ourselves," said Layton.

Although not a vocal leader, Layton guided her team through the performance by becoming an offensive and defensive tour-de-force. Layton led the team in shot-blocking and rebounding, on top of a 15 ppg scoring average.

It is that drive that has grabbed the attention of several college recruiters, to which Layton says perceptively, "I am in the best position of my life right now."

Layton seemingly has a conflicting interest with the field of Fire Science, considering that her torching of college basketball nets was the fuel behind the Mustangs surge towards a state tournament appearance.

As the Mustangs were making their late-season playoff push, Layton averaged well over 20 points a game --- stats which not only propelled her team, but landed the freshman on the All-State 2nd team for forwards.

"Not only is Jennifer stable emotionally, but she has been our foundation both defensively and offensively," said coach Gina Johnson. "This has been a big learning year, which is a compliment to her."

With Delta serving as an academic pit stop, Layton's course could take her overseas as a professional basketball player.

"The game is taken more seriously internationally than in the WNBA, plus there is more money involved," said Layton.

Or her journey could lead to a more community-enriching role as a firefighter, where her athleticism and determination would really come into play.

What an interesting dilemma --- firefighter or professional basketball player. Should her future career be defined by starting fires or putting them out?

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