Lady Panthers reach Sweet 16, program continues dominance in District Play
When I first joined this program with my daughter as a freshman last season, it was clear from the beginning that they would emphasis them being young ladies first, academically superior second, and if they were not trying to be the best of the best, that this was not the program for them. What coach Rogers and her staff have put together over the last several seasons is a basketball CULTURE that exudes integrity to the game and is founded on leadership and hard work. With Coach Rider setting the leg work with the JV squad, who by the way went undefeated this season, it's been a win win situation every day that we spend as Proud Panther fans. Coach Simmons was the new addition to the staff this year. He brought a multitude of experience and has continued to provide support and direction for not just the freshman girls, but for the entire program. Besides having the coldest SWAG as coaches, all three of them provide a level of FUN for the girls, but also the right level of accountability and respect. They have the ability to give the Act Right parental stare from a distance, but also know when to battle the refs to respect their squad. Coach Rogers talks about the win over Langham Creek and Resilience of the squad HERE!
This year Coach Rogers said she really didn't know what to expect. Coming off a season where their star Ayla McDowell lead the team in every category almost, but the bigger question would be who would fill that void in the middle left by graduating senior Sian Phipps and the defense of Graduating senior PF Zariah Simmons. Well enter transfer Melanie Hodges who spent her freshman year with the Langham Creek Lobos where as a freshman in limited time pulled down 93 rebounds. Only to come on with the Panthers and lead the varsity squad with a total of 244 rebounds. Everyone in the starting line up this season lead in a category. With Ayla McDowell hitting her 1000th point, and still at the top of almost every single category, Evonne Sidney lead in 3pt and FG%, Di'aunestie Henderson lead in steals and was the starter of most fast breaks leading to easy points for the squad, Zamari Reece lead in Assists, and so much support and love from everyone on the bench.
The Panthers have a huge task ahead in this Desoto team. Many have already counted them out. But the difference in this year and last year are the number of rebounds and steals. The Panthers pulled in almost 100 more rebounds and 107 more steals vs last year. They will need to have confidence in their shot, and also utilize both the shooters and players on the bench to keep everyone fresh. Ball movement will be key, as well as, Time of possession. Win or lose this team has accomplished everything we could ask for, but we also know they are craving so much more. I'm so proud to be a Cy Spring's Dad and be a part of such an amazing program!
GO PANTHERS!
DERWIN JORDAN
CY SPRINGS DAD
