Coach Jonathon Edwards and the Lumberton Lady Panthers are off to a good start with a 3-1 record this year.
Lumberton has the potential to have a successful year with a roster that is very experienced and is filled with game-minute players. Losing only one player from last year puts the Panthers in a position to build off a 17-13 season.
Losing a couple of other starters will have the Lady Panthers searching for some players to step up and assume starting roles.
“A couple of girls that were key parts of this team are no longer with us this season,” Edwards said. “That really hurt us. But we had to move forward and move some girls up. We are hoping that they can step into those positions needed.”
Great shooters and an aggressive style of play will be the strategy used by the Lady Panthers this season.
Makia Willis is a player that can do it all. The lefty can shoot from the perimeter as well as drive to the bucket. Her high basketball IQ will be key for the Lady Panthers to have a successful season.
“We have a great group of guards this year,” Edwards said. “We trust Kristen, Jemeya, and Makia with the ball at any point of the game. Having those three on the court at the same time really gives us some advantages on the offensive side.”
The key players that coach Edwards is looking to step up are Kristen Joseph, Jemeya Johnson. Both are guards that can handle the ball really well as well as knock down key shots from outside.
“I am really expecting Joseph, and Johnson to mature into more of a role on offense as the season continues,” Edwards said. “They have really shown great improvement from a season ago and I have high hopes for them.”
The key to Lumberton having success will fall on them starting strong out the gate. Finding themselves down early and having to fight back will be a struggle the Lady Panthers will have to overcome. If they can start the game like they finish, there is no doubt that this will be a successful season for the Lady Panthers.
