By By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sports Editor
Davey Ann Burbage ended her summer in a shiny, scenic way.
Burbage, a former three-sport star at Washington High School, participated in the Down Under Sports basketball tournament in July. Not only did Burbage come home with a medal, but she also returned with great memories after visiting Australia and Hawaii.
“Our team was very successful,” said Burbage, currently a freshman at Pitt Community College. “I think I did well. I scored in every game.”
Burbage’s team went 6-0 during play on a Saturday and 3-2 in action on Sunday, allowing her team to play for the championship. While her team lost to an Australian club for the championship, Burbage and her teammates earned a silver medal.
Burbage, named to the WDN All-Area Second Team after her solid play as a senior at Washington, said playing multiple positions for the Lady Pam Pack helped prepare her for the tournament.
“We ran several plays that were similar to ones we ran on the Lady Pack team,” said Burbage, who also excelled in tennis, track and softball during her high school career. “It was easier to learn the plays because it was a faster learning pace.”
Burbage wasn’t confined to a basketball court. She and her teammates were able to visit several places and experience new things while overseas.
Burbage said her favorite trip was to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where she saw kangaroos, dingoes, koala's, crocodiles, colorful birds and Tasmanian Devils, among other animals.
“I did a zipline at the wildlife place across the crocodiles and it definitely kicked my butt,” Burbage noted with a laugh. “It told me I was not ready for those 11 basketball games that I was about to play.”
Burbage also went to an amusement park and spent time at the top two beaches while on a cruise in Australia.
While in Hawaii, Burbage visited Pearl Harbor, went to Hanauma Bay, which was created by a volcano, went snorkeling and participated in a luau.
“I saw some awesome looking fish (while snorkeling),” Burbage said. “The luau was pretty awesome. I tried to take in all the hula steps, but I was not successful.”
Burbage said besides enjoying the games and the scenery, meeting players from other parts of the country was a highlight.
“I started out playing with girls from New Mexico and Texas before the two Texas girls and I volunteered to play for a team of girls from Illinois and Kansas because they only had six girls,” Burbage said. “It was the best choice we ever made, winning the silver.
“I keep in touch with several of the teammates. My favorite teammate was from Chicago. She was my age and is going to Harvard to play basketball. We became very close while we were there and I learned so much from her. I plan to go visit her at Harvard and watch her play. I talk to her at least once a week.”
Burbage, who is studying to become a pharmacist, was able to make the trip thanks to donations from family, friends and others.
“I want to thank everyone who contributed to my fund in order for me to go,” Burbage said. “It was such an amazing experience and I am so glad I was able to go before heading off to college. It was a perfect way to end my summer before college.”