Camara going from Matador to Mastodon

By David Dickens
Updated: April 14, 2018

CAM DOUGLAS will attend Fort Wayne on a full-ride scholarship. / photo Fort Wayne Athletics

2018 EAST COUNTY PREP BASKETBALL

By Dave Dickens

EastCountySports.com

SPRING VALLEY (4-13- 2018) – One of the biggest signings of the season in prep basketball, was, to put it mildly, very rewarding in so many ways.

After seeing some of the most talented young ladies in the county of San Diego this past season, it should come as no surprise that one of coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL’s biggest standouts, senior CAMARA DOUGLAS, has committed to Fort Wayne (Ind.).

The 5-foot-11 forward is coming off a spectacular senior season at Mount Miguel where she averaged 17.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game.

Douglas was named both the Grossmont Hills League and All-East County Sports Player of the Year.

CAM DOUGLAS holds her MVP Trophy with Bishop’s head coach MARLON WELLS Friday night. / Haseen Williams photo

Douglas capped off her final season being named to All-CIF First Team.

She was also named to the San Diego County Hoops Report first team and was honored as Most Valuable Player of the county senior all-star game on Friday night.

“Cam brings explosive speed and athleticism to our roster, “ Fort Wayne head coach Niecee Nelson said. “She is a gritty player and a pure competitor. Her ability to defend will allow us to implement a variety of different defensive options.”

As a junior for the Matadors, Douglas earned first-time honors on both the All-Grossmont Hills League, San Diego Hoops Report and All-East County team.

During her sophomore year, Douglas was named to the All-Grossmont Hills League second team and third team All-East County.

When asked about her reaction to the offer from Fort Wayne.

“It wasn’t much of a surprise actually,” Douglas said. “I liked the attention from the farther-away schools, although, I
never thought I’d have to make the decision to go out there, but when it came a reality, I became really excited about making a big move and change.

Douglas during the tip off Friday night. / Haseen Williams photo

“I mean the fact that they are a Purdue (University) school and division 1, is simply a blessing.

“I will be attending a great school from an academic standpoint and be able to experience Division 1 basketball was the goal ultimately.

“I did have a few other choices, Anchorage, Alaska, was very interested, we almost spoke daily. They offered a full-ride and I had an official visit set-up. Cal State Dominguez Hills was also looking to offer me a full ride, as well, but literally called the day I verbally committed to IPFW, who did offer me a full ride.”

Douglas is a very good student, but her knowledge of Mastodons, the school’s mascot, needed a brush-up.

“I never knew that there was anything named a Mastodon or of it being an elephant of some kind, but it made the choice that much more interesting,” said Douglas.

It will be a big change in the winning culture, going from a Matador to a Mastodon, as Fort Wayne’s record recently has been opposite of what is experienced at the Matadome.

“I’m gonna miss my teammates and Coach Rob the most,” stated an emotional Douglas.

Editor’s note:

All too often the East County athletes are overlooked by D1 and other top-level colleges. This has been the case for many years especially with women’s athletics.Local entities, like our publication want the east county portion of

Local entities, like our publication, want the East County portion of San Diego athletics to be recognized.

A goal my late father, Bill Dickens, was to see that all these athletes were acknowledged for their accomplishments at any collegiate level.

This was passed onto me and my staff.

Please contact us with any collegiate announcements so that we may highlight these outstanding achievements.

Thank you,

Dave Dickens