TURNER — Courtney Anderson admits she doesn’t fit the look of a Division I college prospect, but the Leavitt senior is hoping to be judged on the size of her game rather than her 5-foot-5 stature.

Anderson has verbally committed to attend the University of Maine next year and walk on without a scholarship. She’s excited about the challenge and opportunity to prove herself at that level.

“Most people wouldn’t look at me and say that I’m a Division I basketball player,” Anderson said. “So it’s definitely a big step, but I’m ready to work hard to get there.”

Anderson decided on Maine late in the summer. She had initially vowed that she would play college hoops out of state, but after three visits — two unofficial and one official — Anderson was convinced that Maine was the right place for her.

She grew up following the Black Bears and watching Cindy Blodgett play. She also followed along as Gavin Kane’s Dirigo team’s dominated the high school scene during his tenure.

Blodgett is Maine’s head coach, and Kane is one of the Black Bears’ assistant coaches.

“I like the school and I wanted to play for my state,” Anderson said. “That’s a big deal. Coach Blodgett is amazing, and coach Kane, I love their whole coaching staff. Coach Blodgett and coach Kane are legends in the state.”

NCAA rules prohibit the Maine coaching staff from commenting on Anderson’s decision.

Anderson has been part of a Leavitt team that has risen from the ashes to become one of the top teams in Class B. She was the KVAC Class B Player of the Year last winter when Leavitt went 17-1 and claimed the conference title. Anderson averaged 18.7 points per game.

Leavitt is expected to match last season if not top it this year. Anderson, who is closing in on the 1,000-point milestone, scored 23 to lead the Hornets to a resounding win over Lincoln Academy in the season opener Friday.

“She could go see a lot more minutes in Division III, but she decided that’s not what she’s about,” said Tammy Anderson, Leavitt’s coach and Courtney’s mother. “She wanted to go to the big school that has football and everything else. I think it will be a challenge, but I’ll be very surprised if she’s not happy with her decision no matter how it goes.”

Maine is in the stages of rebuilding its women’s basketball program. Anderson could provide them a ballhandler, outside shooter and an attitude that never quits.

“I know one thing about Courtney and that is she’s going to give it everything she’s got,” said Tammy Anderson. “Her attitude and her work ethic are great.”

Valley’s Kristin Baker decided to attend Maine after a stellar career in Class D. She earned a spot and was a regular contributor for the Black Bears.

Anderson has been Leavitt’s point guard and a great outside shooting threat during her career with the Hornets. She’s also been a very driven and dedicated player who has played an integral part in the program’s resilience.

“What they want out of her is her attitude,” said Tammy Anderson. “She’s the type of kid that brings up the attitude all around her. She keeps everybody happy as a friend and as a  player.”

Anderson will join teammates of hers from the New England Crusaders. McAuley’s Becca Knight and Oyster River’s Danielle Walczak will also be part of that incoming class.

Anderson is excited to already know some of her teammates and has been assured that she’ll have every opportunity to prove herself at that level.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for me personally, both educationally and athletically,” said Courtney Anderson, who wants to become a teacher and coach at the college level.

kmills@sunjournal.com

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