To say it hasn’t always been easy for the Apalachee High School Lady Wildcats would be an understatement.
The team has never been to the state tournament in program history and its 13-12 record a season ago is also a program best. However, things may be beginning to turn in 2011-2012. The Lady Wildcats were 3-0 going into this week and despite some early-season injuries he’s had to deal with on his team, coach Michael Parks has the team playing well.
Parks is not the only coach in program history but he’s spent several seasons now building a foundation. With the majority of his roster back this season, it appears all those seasons of struggling may be about to pay dividends.
“It’s the first time we’ve been 3-0,” Parks said. “It has been a little difficult with the injuries. Friday night (against Loganville) we had everyone in the lineup but then Saboyce (Shelton) got in foul trouble and that hurt our rotation.”
Friday’s 45-40 win at Loganville was big for this year’s AHS team and the Lady Wildcat program in general. The Lady Red Devils have always seemed to be a thorn in the side of AHS but this time the Lady Cats found the winning combination.
“We had a great student section at the game,” Parks said. “Loganville is always a quality team and for our students to turn out like they did means a lot for our girls.”
Ryan Burke, who missed the season opener due to injury, was able to return to the lineup against LHS Friday. She had an immediate impact with nine rebounds and four blocks.
“Ryan’s just a force in the middle,” Parks said. “When we have her and Aliyah (Taylor) in there, it really helps our inside game. Overall, we have good basketball players. We have two quality point guards and our post play is strong In some ways we are still learning as we go. Hopefully, we can continue to enjoy the success we’ve been having. It’s a long season but it’s exciting for us to start off in such a positive way with three wins.”
It’s not easy building a successful high school basketball program. It’s certainly not as easy as some people who sit in the bleachers may think. There have been some bumps in the road for the Lady Wildcats but it appears the potential is there for something special this season.
Games still have to be played. Games still have to be fun. Committment has to be made from all involved. However, one can sense the players understand they can be a part of something special this season. They can be a part of something which can go down in the school record book.
Quality players are certainly needed for quality athletic programs. However, credit Parks for what he has been able to do.
He’s weathered many storms and helped build the AHS program into a program on the verge of winning like it has never done before.
The season will certainly be fun to watch for all involved.
Chris Bridges is sports editor of the Barrow Journal. You can send comments about this column to cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
