There have been several accomplishments by the Apalachee High School Lady Wildcats this season.
The team has set a record for number of wins in a season. The team finished as a No. 3 seed for the region tournament, its highest ever in program history. Top 10 programs have been defeated by the Lady Wildcats in 2010-2011.
Perhaps more importantly for coach Michael Parks and his players is the fact they are one win away from their first ever state tournament appearance.
AHS is scheduled to face Rockdale County Wednesday (today) at 4 p.m. The winner is assured a spot in the state tournament.
“Rockdale is big,” Parks said. “They shoot the ball and then run in and go for the rebound. We have to keep them off the boards. Rebounding is not our strength. It will all depend on how aggressive we come out.”
The Lady Wildcats enter the Region 8-AAAA tournament at 13-11 overall and 5-5 in Region 8-AAAA North, good enough for the No. 3 seed. Rockdale County is the No. 2 seed from 8-AAAA South.
“We may not ever be in this position again,” Parks said. “Nothing is guaranteed. We have to take advantage of this opportunity. Hopefully they will be ready. If you aren’t aggressive in this situation then you aren’t a player.”
One key for AHS will be to take care of the basketball. Parks said Aliyah Ballard, who is the team’s point guard, will be key to his team’s success.
“Nine times out of 10 if she plays well then we play well,” the coach said.
The Lady Wildcats will have to compete without Lacresha Mayweather, who is no longer with the team. Freshman Tamaica Morrow, who has already seen extensive playing time, will move into that spot.
“She is full of energy and will do a good job for us,” Parks said of the freshman.
AHS fell to Madison County in the regular season finale Saturday in Danielsville. It was the first game without Mayweather and Parks said his team was trying to find chemistry without her.
“We played well enough to win,” the coach said.
The Lady Wildcats defeated Flowery Branch 54-38 last Friday.
Parks told his team before the game with a win he would take the players out for a meal the following Monday. The players delivered and so did Parks.
