Holy Family Lady Panthers win championship

Holy Family Lady Panthers started the season with one goal in mind, and that was to bring home the championship trophy. The Lady Panthers stood one game from their ultimate goal hosting H.W. Byers Jr. High Lions for the right to be crowned champions at the Northeast Mississippi Jr. High Conference, under the leadership of coach Mesha Cox, from Tupelo.

Cox said the Lady Panthers prepared for this season. The team finished the season 10-0.

“They were committed to their goal,” said Cox. “From the tip-off to the final buzzer, Holy Family dominated both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.”

The Lady Panthers cruised to a 38-13 victory over H.W. Byers Lady Lions, completing their big goal, ending the season number one.

Lady Panther Teyuana Reaves dominated the game finishing with 19 points.

“Hard work pays off,” said Cox. “It feels great to be a champion. They knew what this moment was about and they worked really hard and deserve to be champions.”

Cox said she would like to give special recognition the 8th graders on the team: Gabbi Marion, Tamya Wilson, and Taniya Harden.

She said she wanted the girls to be something special to Holy Family.

“It’s important because girls basketball is so underrated, and they don’t get the attention that they deserve,” she said.

Cox said the fans give the team motivation to stay on top.

“It’s not about me. God has blessed my team with great athletes.

“They have embraced and taught me a lot, and I have learned a lot being the Lady Panthers coach,” Cox said.

She said she doesn’t just teach about winning through the game, but she likes to teach life lessons.

“They learned how to play with each other, and for each other, it’s never about one person, it’s about the entire team,” Cox said. “This team has so much chemistry and loved each other.

They took pride in how they played, which made all the difference. The team was an exceptional team and a joy to work with.”