Best of 2019

Top stories of 2019: Lady Eagles bring home State Championship

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The Scott’s Branch varsity girls have brought home a championship win for the school. After a hard-fought season, the Lady Eagles ended the season at 24-3 and won the 1A state championship. 

Last year, the girls won their region, finishing their region undefeated. They made it to the lower state championship, ultimately losing to East Clarendon. 

When this season began, the 11-member team set a goal to win the state championship and would accept nothing less. Losing only to Manning High School twice and to Camden High School once, the team plowed through their season, pushing hard toward their end goal.

“They’ve played together a long time, but this year, they grew up a lot,” said Coach Linda Stukes. “They genuinely want to see each other succeed.”

The team kept faith the entire season, refusing to allow doubt to creep in. 

“Faith was a major part of what we do. We do nothing without prayer. God was in the midst of everything we did,” said Stukes, who taught them faith without works was dead. She encouraged them to have faith, but also to work hard to show God they really wanted it. 

“I’m just glad our coaching staff and our kids made sure we got there,” said Stukes.

The team will lose five seniors this year, three of whom were starters. However, Stukes states the team held a meeting and set a goal to win the championship again next year. 

“I totally expect us to win again next year. I know it’s going to be a rebuilding process, but that does not say we can’t set those goals,” said Stukes. 

On top of the championship, five girls made the All-Region Team: Chaniya Monroe, 12th grade; Tonia Lawson, 12th grade; Mary Wimberly, 12th grade; Teja Madison, 11th grade; and Cambria Parker, 10th grade. 

In addition, Wimberly made the All-State Team and was chosen to play in the North-South All Star game on March 16 in Lexington. Parker was chosen as Region Player of the Year and Class 1 A Player of the Year. She, too, made the All-State Team.