Candice Bone has experienced highs and lows during her career in the Athens basketball program.

During her eighth grade season, Bone was on a team that did not win a single game.

Fast forward four years, and Bone led the Eaglettes to a 24-6 record and missed the playoffs by only one game.

“When I first started playing, I thought it was a piece of cake,” Bone said. “When I got to high school, coach (Eddie Murphree) helped me develop.”

Under Murphree’s guidance, Bone has developed into a team leader and became the first Athens girls basketball player to sign an athletic scholarship in four years. She signed with Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia.

“Her best days are ahead of her in basketball,” Murphree said. “It’s going to be difficult (to replace her). It is what she did as far as running our ball club.”

The Athens girls basketball team won several state titles, but has not competed on a championship level in recent years.

Murphree said last season was a rebuilding year and Bone made it her personal mission to make sure it was not a flop. He said she averaged around eight points, seven assists and five rebounds per game.

Bone accepted the roll of team leader and thrived with the responsibility.

“I enjoyed playing point guard because I felt more comfortable,” Bone said. “I was able to lead the team and be a good floor general for them.”

She said she will miss her teammates and enjoyed bonding with them and acting as a big sister.

By signing, Bone will follow in her mother’s footsteps as a collegiate basketball player. Her mother, Gwendolyn Humphrey, played basketball at Mississippi State.

“It was a strong influence,” Bone said. “By playing, she gave me good guidance in what to do and how to get better.”

Though Athens will be without Bone next season, she feels the team is heading in the right direction and should have a good season next year.

“I think they will be fine,” Bone said. “I tried to bring them close so they know how to be a family. The juniors can step up and take my spot.”