In the fall, Northampton’s Aja Blount plans to try out for the school’s volleyball team. Like she has with her other sports, Blount believes she can make a rather smooth transition to the sport.

If at first she doesn’t, Blount will make a strong effort to achieve her goal.

“I’d like to try and play volleyball,” said Blount, who will be an incoming senior at Northampton. Playing sports is a big part of me. I really enjoy being as competitive as I can be.”

Her strong competitive drive on the court and the field this past athletic year is one of the major reasons Blount was chosen as the recipient of the Northampton Press Female Athlete of the Year.

During the winter, Blount not only helped her team to one of their more successful seasons, but she also scored her 1,000th career point on the hardwoods, a noteworthy achievement for a junior. In the spring, she recorded a seventh-place finish in the discus competition at the PIAA state championships after a stellar showing at both the league and district meets.

It was a banner year for Blount, who recognized the support behind her.

“I couldn’t have accomplished anything without my teammates,” said Blount. “My coaches and my family also have greatly supported me throughout the years. I have to thank them for all of the goals that I have reached.

“It is a great feeling that all of the hard work that I have out into my athletics has paid off. It really is an awesome feeling.”

On the court, Blount became the ninth 1,000-point scorer in school history and also tied a school record with a 37-point performance in a single game.

Blount had 23 points in her team’s final game of the season in the District 11 AAAA consolation game in a 56-47 defeat that ended the Konkrete Kids season with an overall 18-10 record. She averaged nearly 19 points per game this season.

As expected, defeat isn’t an easy outcome for her.

“It was kinda tough that way the season ended,” said Blount. “But it was good that we got as far as we did. We really came together as team during the season and we have some good chemistry here.”

Scoring 1,000 career points isn’t something new in the Blount household. Her brother, Al Blount Jr. scored his 1,000th career point seven years ago with her career split between Emmaus and Bethlehem Catholic high schools. Her father, Al Sr., also was a 1,000-point career scorer and had a legendary career at Dieruff High School.

“I always wanted to follow in my brother’s footsteps,” said Aja. “Ever since I was young, I have tried to live up to what he and my father have done and also taught me. My family has been very supportive and have been a big part of what I have been able to accomplish. They have been a true inspiration to me and I am proud of this milestone for them.”

Head coach Jeff Jacksits understands that Blount is one a fast track. He also sees Blount continuing to develop as a player.

“It is remarkable that she was able to score her 1,000th-point in her junior year,” he said. “She (Blount) is a great scorer and works for all of her points, but people don’t realize how great of a rebounder she is.

“She has very soft hands for a big girl and controls the ball. She has a lot of inside moves and has become better and better each year. (Blount) is very tenacious at the rim and can be dominant inside.

“Aja worked hard to become more of a team leader. She will look to take on more of that role next year.”

Blount innocently began her track career three years ago when she took the advice of some of the basketball coaches and tried throwing the discus in her freshman year.

Three years later, Blount has accumulated her share of league and district gold. He set her personal best of 119-10 at the district meet this spring.