By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Amari Bonds lets her game do the talking.
The soft-spoken Union City High School basketball standout has been heard loud and clear statewide.
Bonds was one of 13 players named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class 2A All-State Team today. She joined district rivals and Miss Basketball finalists Jada Harrison of state champion Westview and Gibson County’s Madison Hart on the squad and is the first UCHS girls’ all-stater since 2012.
Bonds was one of seven juniors and 11 underclassmen chosen for the squad.
A 5-8 junior swingman and three-year starter, she is unquestionably deserving of the accolade.
She averaged 21.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 steals during her 2021-22 campaign. Silky smooth from both the perimeter and when attacking the basket, Amari totaled 565 points during her junior season. She has just over 1,500 markers for her career.
Bonds accounted for 49 percent of UC’s offense this past season. She scored 20 or more points in a game 16 times, had 30 or more four times, and scored a career-best 34 in one outing against Haywood. She shot 45 percent from 2-point range and 79 percent from the free-throw line.
The focal point of every opponent’s defense, Bonds remains largely expressionless in an era where demonstrative actions seemingly rule the sport.
“It’s just who I am,” she grinned. “I let my game speak for me.
“Honestly, it is how I’ve been raised. I’ve always been taught to be humble. And I plan on staying that way.”
Amari credited her parents, Ronica Bobo-Smith and Ray Smith, and Jeremy Bonds, along with her grandparents, Darlene and Carl Minor and the late George Bonds, with her work ethic and “never letting me get content.”
Bonds will continue to work on her craft this summer, playing travel ball with the Tennessee Blazers out of Jackson.
She insisted she has her eye on the “next level,” with UT Martin, Murray State and Memphis among her favorites.
Right now, though, she’ll quietly continue to do big things for the Purple and Gold.
TSWA
CLASS 2A
ALL STATE TEAM
Jada Harrison, Westview, Jr.
Madison Hart, Gibson County, Sr.
Karly Weathers, Loretto, Sr.
Amari Bonds, Union City, Jr.
Karli Haworth, Alcoa, Jr.
Molly Masingale, McMinn Central, So.
Crysti’anna Whitehead, Memphis Business Academy, Jr.
Gabby Beaty, York Institute, Jr.
Reese Beaty, York Institute, Jr.
M.J. Simmons, Community, Jr.
Micah Hart, Gibson County, So.
Jaslynn Walter, East Nashville, So.