Journey to a champion: The road less traveled

Great teams consistently remain in the “improvement” phase. At the conclusion of the 2022-2023 Basketball season, our SMS Lady Tigers were upset in the 1st round of the MGMSAA Girls Basketball Region Championship. The team entered the tournament as the #1 seed but exited the tournament finishing as the last place team. Understandably, the 2023-2024 season began with the SMS Lady Tigers wearing a “chip” on their shoulders. The desire to revive the #1 spirit began with a commitment and dedication to the goal of winning the MGMSAA Girls Basketball Region Championship. Beginning the season by defeating the Dublin Irish by double digits set a winning tone for the crusade. Preparation and prowess presented purpose every time our young ladies stepped on the floor. The intensity and the approach of how our Lady Tigers handled business, reflected true “Tiger” fashion, with double-digit point spread victories. As a coach, the amazing, rewarding takeaway from each win was the desire to improve further. For a moment, it is very fulfilling to have players ask the day after a big win, “Coach, how can we get better?”. Proud is an absolute understatement. Fast forward through the 2023-2024 season, entering the MGMSAA Girls Basketball Region Championship Playoffs as the #1 seed for a second consecutive year. A different, unique approach was clearly evident. The 1st rd. of the playoffs witnessed the Lady Dublin Irish visit SMS Tiger Gymnasium. Our #1 Lady Tigers defending “The Den” vs. #4 Lady Dublin Irish. The final score concluded with our Lady Tigers defeating the Lady Irish 42 to 24, once again in Tiger fashion. The leading scorers are Kimiya Freeman (20 pts.), Kali Brown (19 pts.), and McKinley Walden (3 pts). The champion journey for our Lady Tigers welcomed the #2 seeded team, East Laurens Lady Falcons, to the SMS Tiger Den for the MGMSAA Girls Basketball Region Championship. The Lady Falcons, a well-coached, disciplined team, competed at the highest level vs. our SMS Lady Tigers. Each team battling with intense effort, competing at the highest level. However, in the end, our SMS Lady Tigers capped an amazing season, defeating the Lady Falcons 26 to 22. The leading scorers are Kimiya Freeman (17 pts.) and McKinley Walden (9 pts). Our young ladies exemplified great character and sportsmanship, exhibiting the discipline to be coached. Oftentimes unnoticed, the greatest teams experience success, winning “off the court” prior to winning “on the court.” In any championship run, the “ball” has time to bounce your way. For our “Lady Tiger” program, our young athletes must win off the court before setting foot on the court. Our Lady Tigers must maintain:

• A proficient Grade Point Average

• Zero percent discipline referrals

• Perfect attendance

“Our Lady Tigers are student-athletes says Coach Ikera Devouil. “The key word being ‘student’ first.” She says that the “Education” & “Do Right” will always serve as the foundation of their program. “We preach the motto of our program, “we are a family”. This is about more than just basketball. To our 8th-grade student-athletes; effort, hard work, and commitment will carry you as you transition to competing in the Georgia High School Association at Swainsboro High School under the tutelage of Coach Walden. To our 6th and 7th graders; the 2024-2025 season has already begun. Hats off to a great 2023-2024 season! I love each and every one of you!” says Coach Devouil.