NATCHEZ — Just like a point guard in basketball should be in a breakaway to the basket, Tory Laird is adaptable on the playing surface, thriving in transition.

Fittingly, Laird is a point guard at heart, and though basketball is her first love, softball is the sport Laird will play when she transitions to the next level with Hinds Community College. Make no mistakes about it — she would play basketball if given the opportunity.

“I just like the challenge that basketball provides,” Laird said. “It feels more me.”

Adams County Christian School softball head coach Forrest Foster said it was Laird’s ability on the basketball court that made her such a great player in softball, and he used Laird’s athleticism all over the field.

Though she would have liked to continue her basketball career, Laird knew she had a better chance to play college softball instead of basketball. Her recruitment to play at Hinds came late in the process.

“After they saw me play in the (MAIS South AA) All-Star Game, they wanted me to tryout,” Laird said.

The tryout couldn’t have gone better for Laird. Because Laird played catcher, shortstop, second base and centerfield in her high school career at ACCS, she was well versed on the softball field.

Foster, who accompanied Laird at the tryout, said Hinds head coach Mike Grzanich coveted her presence as a utility player.

“That just shows you how versatile she was,” Foster said. “In fact, after (Grzanich) tried her at second base, he said, ‘that’s where I’m going to play her because of her range.’”

Grzanich offered Laird to come and play for Hinds softball next season, but receiving a scholarship would depend on previous commitments Grzanich made with three other softball players.

“If one of the three girls choose not to play, I will get a scholarship.” Laird said.

And if she doesn’t, it’s only going to add fuel to Laird’s competitive engine.

Laird, who described her game as loose, has what Foster called another gear once the game commences. Laird said she’s ready to prove she’s worthy of a scholarship and earn one eventually in time.

“It would make me work even harder,” Laird said. “I would open eyes.”

Foster said his philosophy on basketball players is proven through Laird. Foster believes a coach can take a point guard in basketball and get them to be successful in any sport, and he feels that’s what Laird’s done at ACCS.

Laird’s MAIS District 5-AA All-District First Team Selection and all-star appearance can define her success as a softball player.

That next gear Foster referenced is what Laird will rely on when she steps onto Hinds’ campus.

“When I step out on the field, I will give you 100 percent,” Laird said.