Eagles Athlete Of The Week: Julie Williams

Hauppauge sophomore Julie Williams has emerged on the courts as one of the top underclassmen in New York State this season, bringing the Lady Eagles basketball game to new levels. 

“Julie started as a freshman last season and she was an All-League player, but this season she’s really become the young gun on the team and she’s hit some of our biggest shots when its’ really counted," coach Jamie Edson said. 

Williams  is averaging 16.1 points per game this season in what is widely believed to be one of the most competitive high school girls’ basketball leagues on Long Island, is among the top-10 in scoring average as well as three-point shots made.

Only fellow sophomore Shannon Burke of Stony Brook is averaging more points per game (17.9) among underclassmen although considering she plays in League VIII, the stats Williams has been able to generate are far more impressive.

“To do what she’s been able to do, in the league that we’re, which I believe from top to bottom is the best in Suffolk County, is pretty incredible,” Edson said. “Julie’s our shooter and she’s fearless. She’s had some games where she’s missed some shots but she just keeps on shooting until her shots start falling and she’s made at least one three-pointer in every game we’ve played this season. Julie is the kind of player that needs to be accounted for when teams play zone, because she can really shoot the ball.”

Williams, who also plays on elite level travel AAU and summer league basketball teams, had one of her best games this season against Comsewogue. She scored a season-high 25 points to help Hauppauge to a 53-46 win while making four clutch three-pointers along the way. She’s scored at least 18 points in nine of the Eagles games.

 Perhaps the most important number Williams has contributed to is 14. It has been 14 years since a Hauppauge girls varsity basketball team has qualified for the playoffs.