Arcanum’s Gibbons signs to play basketball at IU-East

It’s been a big goal of mine ever since I was a little girl ... Alexis Gibbons

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Arcanum senior Alexis Gibbons signs to play basketball for IU-East Lady Red Wolves. (L-R) Dixie Gibbons (mother), Gibbons, Travis Gibbons (father). (Gaylen Blosser photo)

ARCANUM – Alexis Gibbons, the daughter of Travis and Dixie Gibbons, recently signed to continue her education while playing basketball for Indiana University East Lady Red Wolves.

“It’s been a big goal of mine ever since I was a little girl to play college basketball,” said Gibbons. “When I was younger, I didn’t think this was possible, but thanks to all of my coaches and everybody’s support, I was able to make my dream come true.”

“She’s a great kid both in the classroom and on the floor and a great leader in our locker room,” said Arcanum coach Abbey Moore. “I am extremely excited for her and her future, but I will miss her.”

Head Women’s Basketball coach and IU East athletic director Joe Griffin is pleased to sign talented players close to home and expects big things from Gibbons.

IU-East head women’s head basketball coach Joe Griffin looks over Alexis Gibbons’ official college signing paperwork. (Gaylen Blosser photo)

“You always try to find the best talent close to home you can get,” Griffins stated. “A lot of times, it’s size we need because she is playing more underneath. We’ll probably bring her more away from the basket. A 5’10” guard is a nice size guard for the college level.”

At 5’10, Gibbons can run the floor and drive to the basket while knocking down 3’s from beyond the arc.

“That’s what we look for at the college level; they all should be able to do that to some extent,” Coach Griffins said. “We are always looking for good kids; we’re looking for the kids that will fit in. Not just for good basketball, but for all around, and she is another one coming right into a good group of girls already there.”

“She will probably be more of a wing; a guard is what we are looking at with her length,” Griffins continued. “She works hard; I’ve seen a couple of games. I watched her play, she works hard so that’s the biggest thing – I don’t have to teach that. College is just a bigger, faster, stronger game. She has the ability. She is going to be a really nice player.”

Arcanum senior basketball play Alexis Gibbons and Arcanum coach Abbey Moore share a moment at college signing. (Gaylen Blosser photo)

“She’s a competitor,” said Coach Moore. “The one thing I have seen over the last few years is her competitiveness shine through and carry her through moments of adversity. That comes with experience and leadership, and she’s been able to do that.”

Gibbons has had the opportunity to share some time on the court in open gym with IU East players.

“I played with the girls in open gym, and I loved how they played that fast pace and being able to create plays,” Gibbons noted. “I like the community, the campus, and the girls. They were really nice to me.”

Gibbons plans to major in Business with a minor in Marketing and possibly Accounting.

Gibbons took time to thank the many who helped her reach her goals.

Alexis Gibbons with friends and teammates at IE-East signing. (Gaylen Blosser photo)

“I want to thank my parents for pushing me and all my friends who supported me. I want to thank all my coaches, including Coach Moore, who pushed me the most to get here, and Coach Mel and Coach Baker.”

Alexis’ mom and dad have been with her every step of the way,” Coach Moore concluded. “We saw here today the support from her family, which goes a long way for these student-athletes.”