The Huddle: LMS ladies score current undefeated season
{The Lexington Middle School girls’ basketball team in action. Submitted photo}
Usually middle school basketball teams don't get much recognition. But there is one team in Davidson County that is setting new records.
At the time of this writing, the girls’ basketball team at Lexington Middle School is undefeated for the season. The coach for this young Yellow Jackets team is four-year veteran Vernard Williams.
Coach Vernard Williams Submitted photo
“The team is off to a great start, they are currently 10-0,” Williams stated. “I'm not 100 percent sure about this, but I believe they are on pace to be the first girls basketball team at Lexington to have an undefeated season. The girls play so well together with an up-tempo pace. They are always looking for each other to take the best shot available each possession.”
Along with Williams, there are three phenomenal assistant coaches, Taylor Cole, Angela Pittman, and Alexis “Shay” Fowler. They were all born and raised in Lexington and Williams says, “We truly bleed orange and blue,” the school colors.
“Makayla Bobo is the player who sets the tone for this team,” explained Williams. “This season, so far, she is leading in points, rebounds, and assists. She also played AAU basketball against older kids last off season, which has really helped our team.” Williams added, “Joining her is standout Angela Fosso who brings great energy to our team. She does a great job defensively in passing lanes and rebounding and the ability to finish. She is currently our second leading scorer and rebounder. Our floor general is Isabella Henderson and is considered one of our leaders. She is the definition of a “pass first” point guard. She is the one who controls our game.”
When interviewing Williams, it was obvious how proud he was of these young stars. He accredited many others on his team and sang their praises, saying Eu'Niyaha Huling-Holt, Aaliyah Hopkins, Kynlei Pearson, Zoey Henderson, Sydney Afflick, Avrielle Paulk, and Mia Threadgill, all have contributed greatly to the success of this team.
“The public should know what hard work the girls have put in to get to this point in the season,” said Williams. “They attended two overnight team camps this summer, where they were able to build chemistry, improve their confidence and skill level. This is a player led team, they do a great job of motivating and holding each other accountable. Also, they have formed a true sisterhood with the high school team, which is beautiful to see.”
“The success of this program would not be possible without the high school girl's basketball coaches, Robert Hairston, Tyrone Terry, and Maury Holt. I can't emphasize enough how important they are to the growth of this middle school program,” explained Williams.
“My hope is that the girls continue to be mature and intelligent young ladies who love to play the game of basketball. Lexington Senior High School girl's basketball has never won a conference or state title. I hope before they graduate they can be the first to do it,” stated Williams.
Michael Jordan said, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." Watch out for these young stars over the next few years, because these young ladies and future stars have the drive and determination to make it happen.
