The Elmore County Panthers girls basketball team celebrated its Senior Night with a huge victory over Gaylesville, 47-20.
The Panthers honored the seniors before tip-off last Friday night and coach Kyle Caldwell gave each of his 12th-graders valuable minutes in the game.
“I’m just super proud of our seniors and the leadership they've shown not just this year, but throughout their career,” Caldwell said. “Their growth and their progress, the way that they lead the young girls, and I hope my daughter would eventually be able to learn from some of the leadership skills that they possess.”
Despite not being the leading scorers for ECHS, seniors Robbie Grace Bolton and Kayden Edwards got involved on the offense, finishing with six points apiece. Avery Hull provided production at the rim with six rebounds.
Being on a long break due to the inclement weather last week had both its advantages and disadvantages for the Panthers.
“It's been almost a full week since we played a game, and so you can practice as much as you want to, but there's nothing like those game reps,” Caldwell said.
However, the Panthers looked well-rested and motivated out of the gate, going on a 12-0 run before Gaylesville got its first basket. Addie Stephonson and Addison Hicks played big roles to get the momentum going. Stephenson shot the ball very well as she was 3-for-6 from behind the arc. Hicks finished with 12 points and two rebounds shy of a double-double.
“We're proud of (our seniors) and excited for their futures,” Caldwell said. “They're going to do great things and their life, and so celebrating them tonight, getting them lots of minutes, but some younger girls stepped up as well, and made a couple shots here and there, and got the bench fired up, so just celebrating each other is the main thing.”
