Lady Panthers win three consecutive championships

The Holy Family Lady Panthers completed their quest to win three consecutive championships after defeating H.W. Byers Lady Lions, 54-18.

Alex Wells finished with 17 points, Teyuana Reaves with 16, and A’Shaunti Thomas with 12.

The Panthers were also awarded several more trophies. Reaves was awarded conference Player of the Year, along with all-conference honors. Holy Family head coach Mesha Cox was awarded coach of the year for her leadership in guiding the Lady Panthers to an undefeated season.

Cox said the season was a lot different than from the past seasons. “This season seemed a lot different from last season, simply because I had a few players new to basketball. However, they all meshed nicely down the stretch,” Cox said. “They all brought a level of excitement to their game and they made it fun to watch them play and grow through the process.” Cox said that several players returned to guide the new players.

“I had several returning players who were able to guide the newcomers through a successful season – A’Shaunti Thomas, Teyuana Reaves, and Alex Wells. I was thrilled because we had talent throughout the entire team and a championship wouldn’t have been complete without the rest of the players on the team.”

The Lady Panthers team consists of Reaves, Thomas, Wells, Christian Buffington, Aniyah Harvey, Kira Faulkner, JaMirah Williams, Khloe Lewis, Kaliya Brown, Zion Lester and McKynzie Badie.

Cox said the team was quick learners, and they all did well.

“It is my prayer that they all take what they have learned this year and grow. In the off-season, I look forward to taking a short break from basketball and then getting back at it with a fresh mind to see what lies ahead for all of us. Staying active during the offseason allows a team to bond and find their identity. I want to make that possible for the returning players.”

Cox said the team will continue to work hard.

“Assistant coach John West Turner has been a very big part of the teams success,” Cox said. “We will continue to work hard and accomplish goals that we set.”

The Lady Panthers current run will go down as one of the most dominant runs in North Mississippi sports history. This is the fourth championship they have won.