Whether it’s shooting a 3-pointer or throwing a shot put – just give them the ball.
For their accomplishments in the classroom and their respective athletic endeavors, St. Mary’s girls basketball standout Juliana Conte and Peabody’s Alex Jackson, a nationally-known track and field star, have been chosen as the Moynihan Lumber Student-Athletes of the Month for March.
The Spartans brought another girls basketball state title back to Lynn, and it’s hard to think that would’ve been the case without Conte, who buried more than 50 threes this year.
“I think shooting is the key when I play,” said Conte, who also became an elite defender, according to Coach Jeff Newhall.
Conte, of Wakefield, began playing basketball in third grade. She especially enjoyed her time with the Evolution AAU growing up.
Fast forward nine years. Conte has committed to studying and playing women’s basketball at Eastern Connecticut State University, where she begins pick-up games and team workouts this summer.
“I was in contact with the coach (Denise Bierly) for a long time,” Conte said. “I was looking at other schools, but she was the one who really wanted me the most. I visited a couple of times, she called me a couple of times, and then that was the decision for me.”
Conte said her priority is to support her future teammates, but that’s not her only goal.
“And do well in classes,” said Conte, a member of National Honor Society who holds a 4.06 GPA. “If I don’t do well in classes, then I won’t be able to play.”
When asked about the balance between athletics and academics, Conte pointed to time management. She utilizes study blocks and takes advantage of after-school hours before practice starts.
“I would do all of my homework or as much as I could,” she said. “That way, when I got home, I wouldn’t have that much.”
Do-it-all Conte plays for St. Mary’s flag football team, works with children in sports camps, and assists first-grade students during the school day.
“Yes, I can be good on the court, but it’s also about what you do off the court,” she said. “Academically, it’s really important to be involved and have really good grades so people know who I am off the court as well.”
Jackson, a senior captain in Peabody with 11 state titles, was undefeated in Massachusetts shot put and weight throw competitions during the indoor season. The double All-America – whose best throws are 66-6 in shot put and 74-0 in weight throw – finished the season No. 3 nationally in shot put and No. 8 in weight throw.
“Alex continues to grow and mature as a competitor, while refining his technical model,” said Peabody throw Coach Jay Smith. “It’s going to be an exciting spring season.”
Jackson has accepted a full scholarship to study and throw at the University of Virginia.
“I’m super excited. It was between a couple of schools, but once you step on campus, there was a certain vibe to the school – it felt like home,” he said. “The people were great and they have a top-10 track team in the country.”
But his success didn’t come overnight. Jackson practices six days a week and could rival a starting pitcher when it comes to balls thrown.
In the classroom, he sports a 3.1 GPA and his favorite class is AP economics.
“School is all day, every day, and it’s important,” Jackson said.
As if his workload wasn’t enough, Jackson volunteers with the City of Peabody Summer Recreation Track Program, Haven for Hunger food drive, and PVMHS Christmas Present Drive.
“It’s really rewarding,” Jackson said of the Moynihan honor. “I feel like it shows a certain level of excellence across all aspects of life – to be selected is special.”
