DaLita Scott may be soft-spoken off the court, but her actions on the basketball court speak volumes.

The John A. Logan College sophomore forward was the lone returning starter from last year’s team. The Great Rivers Athletic Conference and All-Region 24 performer averaged 12 points and five rebounds per game as a freshman.

And true to form this season, Scott is averaging 12 points per game through the Lady Vols’ first three contests.

A Hammond, Ind., product, the 5-foot-10 Scott is the model of consistency for head coach Marty Hawkins.

“DaLita’s my steady Eddie,” he said. “She shows up for practice every day and works hard. She sets a very good example for her teammates. Just a very solid all-around player.”

Hawkins said Scott is quick enough and athletic enough to find ways to score inside the paint against much bigger post players and is also a good enough shooter from the outside to make her a double threat against opposing defenses.

“Whoever DaLita ends up playing for next season is going to get a rock-solid player and outstanding citizen,” Hawkins said. “She can definitely help a four-year school. I have no doubt that her game will only improve because she is such a hard worker.”

The 19-year-old Scott, who is one of four children, said her grandmother, Christine, worked at an elementary school in Hammond and first got her interested in the game of basketball. Later, the junior high coach recognized her height and potential and encouraged her to play. She hasn’t stopped playing since.

Scott’s high school team advanced past the first round of the postseason playoffs her sophomore through senior years. DaLita was named both All-Conference and All-Area. She was also selected “Athlete of the Year” at her school as a senior.

Not heavily recruited out of high school, Scott competed in a showcase event in Indianapolis in July of 2008 and impressed Vols’ assistant coach Amanda Buldtman enough that a scholarship offer was forthcoming.

Scott repaid JALC’s leap of faith with a sensational freshman season.

“Last year was kind of rough. We had some key injuries early and didn’t win as much as we expected,” Scott said. “We all got along pretty well off the court, but we just never clicked very well on the court. This year, we have a lot of new players and the team chemistry is much better. I think we’re going to have a very successful season.”

Scott said she is not the vocal type, but won’t hesitate to pull a teammate aside and offer some advice or encouragement if needed.

“I think that’s what I should do. Taking a leadership role is not something that stresses me out. I want to help out, particularly with the freshmen.”

Scott said she doesn’t set any numbers goals for herself.

“I just want to play my best and help the team out,” she said. “It doesn’t matter to me whether I am the one who scores or if I can make that extra pass so that a teammate scores. All I want to do is win.”

With plans to major in computer engineering, Scott said making the decision to come to Logan was a good one for her.

“It’s been such a good experience here for me,” she said. “Everyone is so friendly here and helpful. It’s not too big of a school and not too small. It’s been the right fit for me. Now, I’m hoping to continue my career beyond Logan. I want to take basketball as far as I can.”

Hawkins said Scott will make the right decision when picking a four-year school.

“Absolutely. She will make a good choice,” he said.

DaLita is the daughter of David Scott and Lita McClendon.