For the Lady Panthers their previous wins and high spirits weren’t enough to beat Thomas County Central in the first round of the state basketball tournament.
“I feel like our spirit was very high. The girls had played several really great games leading up to the state playoffs and played their hearts out,” head coach Shane Ratliff said.
The Feb. 19 game was a crucial one for the Lady Panthers. Their three-point loss to the Lady Yellow Jackets ended their tournement dreams.
Juniors forward Danielle Garcia and point guard Katie Wilson scored almost every point . Garcia put up 13 and Wilson had 12.
“Both Katie and Danielle stepped up greatly from their 10th-grade years,” Ratliff said.
Garcia and Wilson were also the leading scorers for the entire season. Garcia accumulated 86 and Wilson wasn’t far behind with 83 points.
Next season looks to be promising for the Lady Panthers since only three players are graduating.
“The loss of our three seniors will hurt us. The leadership of Alex Pitts, Madison Highland, and Ariana Mendola will be hard to replicate for our upcoming [girls],” Ratliff said.
The Lady Panthers also have several underclassmen who will have a chance to make a name for themselves.
“Both Alli Jones and Carly Pressgrove should give us some great minutes next year,” Ratliff said.