Lady Eagles Shoot for State
Lady Eagles call a time out to plan their strategy for the game. Photo by Cate Scott.
February 27, 2020
Girls’ basketball will play at the regional tournament at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville on Friday against Houston Yates at 6:15 p.m..
“I am looking forward to seeing our girls compete for a spot in the state tournament,” head coach Sally Whitaker said. “We are taking a FEARLESS attitude to the tournament this year.”
There will be two semifinal games Friday night, and the championship Saturday at 1:00 p.m.. The winner of this tournament will advance to the state tournament in San Antonio next weekend.
“It feels unbelievable that we’re back to compete at the regional tournament, almost like a dream, ” sophomore Emori Davis said. “It’s just really fun because we get to do it again and have a second chance.”
Last year, the Lady eagles lost to Hardin Jefferson. This year, they could possibly play them for the championship.
“I am looking forward to hopefully compete against the team who beat us last year,” senior Belle Johnson said. “We’re a new team with a new goal, and we have the team to do it.”
The team has had two goals this year: to win 30 games and to advance to the state tournament. They have accomplished one goal, winning 30 games, after beating Robinson in the second round of playoffs.
“We have gotten this far because we all live and care for each other,” junior Te’Yalla Simpson said. “We have had our ups and downs but as a team we keep each other strong and we all contribute to make the team better.”
This will be the last time the five seniors on the team will be able to make it to the regional tournament.
“The five seniors on this team were freshmen when I started as the head girls basketball coach, so I have really enjoyed watching them mature as people and players,” Whitaker said. “I am proud of the success they have brought to the program.”
Their district record was 7-1. Lady Eagles played three rounds of playoff games. Their overall record is 31-4 as of Feb. 27.
“Every team that I have coached over the past 4 years has been special in its own way,” Whitaker said. “But this team has brought Fairfield Lady Eagle basketball back to an elite level. They enjoy competing and love to win.”
