WS Chronicle

Chrisalyn Boston began her high school career playing for the Phoenix of Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy.  After winning the state championship with the Phoenix her junior year, she decided to transfer over to Reynolds to finish out her high school career. 

Following a stellar high school campaign, she has decided to play collegiate basketball for the Columbus State University Cougars in Georgia.

Boston, by all accounts is a hardworking young lady with a strong desire to get better and better.  Johnathan Gainey, Reynolds girls basketball head coach, says when Chrisalyn came over to Reynolds from Prep she fit right in with her new teammates.

“She really has a winning mentality and very easy to get along with,” said Gainey.  “She has a smile that is very contagious and she came over and fit in very well.  She worked very hard to fit in as far as the X’s and O’s but also with her teammates as well.”

Chrisalyn says this year has been full of ups and downs.  She said to complete the year by being offered a scholarship to play at Columbus State was the perfect ending.  Columbus State wound up being her choice because she wanted to play away from home and the coaching staff was so committed to her.

“It was really a nice place to visit and I thought I could fit in with the team and the school,” Boston said of her decision to attend Columbus State.  “I want to always continue to grow and mature each year and do what is asked of me.  I have always had good grades so I want to definitely make sure that I do the same there.”

For Chrisalyn’s mother, Erika Johnson, the road to get to this point has been a long one.  She says she is very proud of her daughter for achieving this accomplishment. From playing at the recreation center as a child to growing up in the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) circuit, the final destination has been reached with the scholarship. 

“She knew what she wanted to do as far as playing basketball in college, and she has done it and I am very proud of her,” Johnson said.  “On the court, I expect to see something better from her.  Every year I expect her to get better.  I also expect her to continue to do well in the classroom.”

Boston says she thinks she excels at rebounding, playing solid defense and running the floor.  She thinks she needs to work on her jump shot and getting into better shape.  Coach Gainey says Boston is an excellent defender, has good footwork and is a tremendous shot blocker.  Going forward he says she needs to continue to work on her offensive game as far as her back to the basket.

On the next level Gainey says he expects Boston to continue to be a hard worker and do everything that got her to this point. 

“It was just a joy for me to be able to coach her this year,” said Gainey.  “I think she will continue to grow and become a better player.  I think the sky is the limit for her and I think she will go there and do well.  Going to the next level is challenging because everyone can play but I think she will be able to contribute early.”

Once she gets to college she said she would love to major in business.  She said outside of playing basketball she would love to own a sports complex.  Her mother says Chrisalyn can do anything she puts her mind to and said “if she wants to own and sports complex, trust me she will have a sports complex.”