I’m expecting great things this season,” Lady Panthers Head Coach Carolyn Kelly said. “I’m especially expecting a lot from my only two returning seniors.”
Her expectations that may scare or unnerve most players, but for seniors Metra Walthour and LaQuananisha Adams it’s just another motivating factor to keep them pushing forward.
As juniors, many colleges, such as Florida State, Virginia Tech, University of Florida and Georgia Tech, recruited the two. Last week, the senior Ladies signed with the Yellow Jackets.
Kelly said while she always anticipates making it to state, it was hard last year because she had a very young team.
“We knew that when we made it to the state playoffs last year that our lack of experience would come into play,” she said. “Experience does play a role when you make it to that next level.
“I was proud of what we accomplished last year and the kids were getting better and better as they kept playing. But when you make it to the next level it’s more than just about talent, experience plays a big role,” she said.
Having only two seniors and one junior player returning this season doesn’t stop Kelly’s ambitious outlook.
“Those younger players from last season are back and they have more experience under their belt,” she said. “We had many spend the summer at different camps in Atlanta, so this season we can’t fault lack of experience or being young. They should be ready.
Asked who her toughest opponent may be this season, Kelly was quick to respond.
“Hephzibah no doubt about it. They are always going to come with a very strong team. They have a lot of experience and depth,” she said.
The Lady Panthers hit the courts at the Joe Greene Tip-off tournament on Nov 20, with a game against Savannah something Kelly said she was looking forward to.
“Savannah has a lot of speed and a quick defense and they will be a challenge for us to open the season with,” she noted.
Her expectations that may scare or unnerve most players, but for seniors Metra Walthour and LaQuananisha Adams it’s just another motivating factor to keep them pushing forward.
As juniors, many colleges, such as Florida State, Virginia Tech, University of Florida and Georgia Tech, recruited the two. Last week, the senior Ladies signed with the Yellow Jackets.
Kelly said while she always anticipates making it to state, it was hard last year because she had a very young team.
“We knew that when we made it to the state playoffs last year that our lack of experience would come into play,” she said. “Experience does play a role when you make it to that next level.
“I was proud of what we accomplished last year and the kids were getting better and better as they kept playing. But when you make it to the next level it’s more than just about talent, experience plays a big role,” she said.
Having only two seniors and one junior player returning this season doesn’t stop Kelly’s ambitious outlook.
“Those younger players from last season are back and they have more experience under their belt,” she said. “We had many spend the summer at different camps in Atlanta, so this season we can’t fault lack of experience or being young. They should be ready.
Asked who her toughest opponent may be this season, Kelly was quick to respond.
“Hephzibah no doubt about it. They are always going to come with a very strong team. They have a lot of experience and depth,” she said.
The Lady Panthers hit the courts at the Joe Greene Tip-off tournament on Nov 20, with a game against Savannah something Kelly said she was looking forward to.
“Savannah has a lot of speed and a quick defense and they will be a challenge for us to open the season with,” she noted.