NAPLES - In more than a decade coaching girls basketball at Immokalee, John Thomas has seen more talented players, but rarely has he seen anyone work harder than Ernisha Freeman.

Months after wrapping up her four-year varsity career, Freeman’s hard work paid off last week. By accepting a scholarship to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, she became the first Immokalee girls basketball player to join an NCAA Division I team.

“One of the first things I said to the (Cajuns’) coach is, ‘You’re not going to get anyone more dedicated in the gym than her,’” Thomas said. “She’s just determined to be a really good college basketball player. She’ll put in the extra work.”

Freeman averaged 11 points and 10 rebounds a game as a senior. She made the Daily News All-Area team and played in the Southwest Florida Association of Basketball Coaches all-star game, as well as the Collier County all-star game.

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By ADAM FISHER