Player Spotlight: Antonio Ledbetter
Devin Gildner | November 24, 2021
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Antonio Ledbetter during basketball practice.
After a very successful six-game men’s basketball season last year, which culminated by winning the New South Athletic Conference (NSAC), Warren Wilson College (WWC) is looking to win more since that hard fought victory against Mid-Atlantic Christian University. With key players graduating like Brent Davis, who scored 14 points in the NSAC championship game, there are Owls looking to step up. Antonio Ledbetter, sophomore, is one of the players looking to do so. Listed as a six-foot-two guard, Ledbetter averaged 14 points a game and shot 60 percent from the field as a freshman in the shortened season due to COVID-19.
“We ended the season as NSAC champs and on a three-game win streak,” Ledbetter said. “I have learned a lot about college basketball in a short period of time. It was a season to remember and be grateful for because other teams didn’t get to play last season. We were fortunate.”
Although Ledbetter was one of the leading scorers last season, it is his defensive game that he is most confident in and wants to get even better at.
“I’m looking to be our defensive guy and bring that energy every day,” Ledbetter said. “I feel I have taken my defensive game up another notch this offseason and I cannot wait to use it on opponents this year.”
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Jacob Jackson shooting a basketball.
Ledbetter’s defensive qualities show on the court as well as his mental fortitude. When asked about his teammate, Jacob Jackson spoke on Ledbetter’s grit and stick-to-itiveness.
“Antonio is a hustle player on the court and a very good defensive player,” said Jackson, a sophomore guard. “He doesn't let things bother him or get in his head. Off the court he is a fun guy to be around and just a good person in general.”
While the shortened season was a successful one, Ledbetter and the Owls are looking to build off of it and improve in weaker areas. According to Jackson, the team knows they can score, but they are trying to improve their defensive strategy and technique. Ledbetter also had some insight into how the team plans to progress.
“We’re looking to be more disciplined on defense and build chemistry with one another as the season goes on,” Ledbetter said.
When asked about this year's common goal, another teammate and good friend of Ledbetter, Chris Hartbarger, echoed a similar sentiment to Ledbetter.
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Chris Hartbarger at basketball practice.
“We are looking to get closer as a team,” said Hartbarger. “We want to trust and push each other to get better. We want to build on the success of last season and win the EMAC conference championship this year.”
The theme for the men’s basketball team has been to work on their defensive game and to build off their success from last year. Overall their record is 1-3 and their next game is on November 23th at North Carolina Central. For results see here.
Outside of the basketball court, Ledbetter enjoys watching movies with his friends and spending time with his teammates. In the classroom, Ledbetter is studying business and plans on pursuing his basketball career overseas or starting his own sports training facility.
Come out and support the men's basketball team at the next home game on December 7 against Brevard.
