Rosewood's Mercer earns All-State accolades for 3rd straight year

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on April 7, 2016 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

RALEIGH -- Before her freshman year at Rosewood, senior Lexi Mercer set numerous goals she wanted to accomplish during her basketball career.

She achieved another milestone Wednesday afternoon.

Mercer, for the third straight year, earned a spot on the 2016 Associated Press All-State women's basketball team. The Elon University signee is the first-ever three-time All-State pick in school history.

"It's truly an honor to be voted for AP All-State for the third year in a row," said Mercer, who averaged a double-double -- 25 points, 10.6 rebounds a game this past season and signed with Elon University.

"I would haven't been able to do this without Coach G and the rest of my team. All the hours in the gym sure have paid off."

Rosewood logged 25 wins and advanced to the elite eight of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-A state playoffs this season. The Eagles' journey ended with a heart-breaking loss to Roxboro Person in the east regional semifinals.

Mercer concluded her career with 2,561 points -- a school record and 12th-best all-time in North Carolina history. The 5-foot-9 shooting forward set numerous single-season program records and received all-state accolades from the N.C. Basketball Coaches Association.

"Lexi has been the leader of our program for four years and to be recognized by the AP voters for the third straight year is an incredible accomplishment," third-year RHS head coach Rick Grantham said. "She has set the standard for all current and future players at Rosewood to strive for. She also has been the best teammate and a joy to coach."