Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week: Lee Academy's Price sparks the Lady Cavalier offense

Lee Academy's Savanna Price has been a big part of the Lady Cavaliers' early success this year. She's been among the team's leading scorers in every game as the Lady Cavs have gotten out to a 4-1 start to the season. Last week, she continued her offensive flash, leading Lee to two wins. Her performance was also enough to earn the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week.

"I'm so thankful to have so many friends and family that support me," Price said of winning the vote this week.

Price stepped into a larger role this season after the graduation of 1,000-point scorer Caleigh Barrett in the spring. While she's certainly stepped up this season, she was quick to credit her teammates in Lee's hot start.

"It's not just me who has had to take on a heavier load this season. We have all stepped up as a team," Price said. "But I knew from the beginning of the season that I'd have to step up my game.

Lee started the week with a 44-39 win over Carolina Academy on Tuesday. Price fell a rebound shy of a double-double, finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds and five steals in the victory. While Price was happy to get the win, she hopes the rematch isn't quite as tight.

"It means that we're going to have to work harder for the next time we play them," Price said.

Price took her game to the next level against Williamsburg on Friday. She scored 27 points to go along with six steals, four rebounds and an assist. While she had a big game, her focus going into the matchup wasn't finding the basket.

"Honestly, what was going through by mind was to not foul out," Price said. "I noticed it was going to be my game when I was getting fouled a lot and making my shots.

Price also takes a lot of pride in playing gritty defense and working the glass. She's not the tallest player on the team, but she still finds a way to get her fair share of rebounds.

"I'm short, so getting rebounds is a little tricky, but I'm not afraid of being aggressive," Price said. "Defensively, I really just watch how well the other team can handle the ball to tell if I can take it."

Lee has a young team this season, as Barrett wasn't the only senior that graduated in the spring. Price is proud of the way her young teammates have battled early in the season.

"It means a lot to me," Price said of getting out to a hot start this winter. "We have a young team because of losing so many seniors last year."