LADY EAGLES ADVANCE TO REGIONALS
Lady Eagles celebrate after defeating Connally Cadets. They will play against Silsbee to fight for a chance to play at State.
Varsity girls will continue their basketball season at the Regional tournament in Huntsville this Friday at 6:15pm. After defeating the Lady Cadets, 68-57 , at the Regional Quarterfinal game, the Lady Eagles will play against Silsbee to fight for a chance to play at State.
Lady Eagles finished District with an 8-0 record. After becoming District Champions, they went on and won the title as Area Champions.
“We set a goal at the beginning of the year to make it to Regionals,” junior Belle Johnson said. “Being District and Area Champions is just the beginning.”
Lady Eagles advanced to round three of playoffs for the first time in four years. After the sound system in the gym malfunctioned, junior Braden Bossier stepped up to sing the National Anthem before the beginning of the game.
“Singing the National Anthem actually calmed my nerves before the game. I loved how the community sang along with me,” junior Braden Bossier said. “Making it to round 3 just proves of how great of a team and coach that we have.”
The two teams ended first quarter tied 11-11, and wrapped up halftime 5 points behind. Lady Eagles and Lady Cadets bounced back and forth with the score until the Lady Eagles ended the game winning by 9 points.
“This team, hands down, has a special bond and hustle about them,” senior Josey Richardson said. “I can not wait to see what the future holds for this team. We have the opportunity to be great.”
Senior Josey Richardson and junior Braden Bossier are the two captains of the Lady Eagles. Richardson is the only senior on the team, which makes this years team a young group.
“Words cannot describe how proud I am of this years group and the amazing Coach Whitaker. The underclassmen and juniors have stepped up and helped our team be great,” senior Josey Richardson said. “ Out of the 4 years I have played for our school, this year made me love basketball the most.”
Parents, classmates and other supporters have followed the Lady Eagles all season. Each game day parents decorate the girls lockers, hang posters and give the girls goody bags. For round three, Officer Barlow and other officers escorted the girls through town.
“Every single one of our fans have contributed to our success,” Coach Whitaker said. “ I am blessed to be given the opportunity to coach a wonderful group of girls and represent a amazing program.”
