When the Laurel Spartans and Parkdale Panthers faced each other on Jan. 7, both teams were eager for a victory.  As a result of this eagerness, the game began at a frenetic pace. 

Every shot was contested, and ball handlers were swarmed by defenders.  Players who did get open put a little too much on their shots, and the play would shift back to the other end of the court. 

One player who was not caught up in the frenzy was senior point guard Asia Giles.  Laurel coach Tommy Harrison held Giles out of the game early so that she could get a feel for the game.  This turned out to be a very wise move.  When she came into the game at the mid-point of the first quarter, the Laurel offense picked up. 

During roughly a five minute stretch Laurel scored seven straight points to take a 12-4 lead.  Just when it looked like Laurel would pull away, Parkdale responded with a six points to make the score 12-10 with 5:45 left in the second quarter. 

The second quarter featured some very crisp passing from Laurel junior point guard Alex Barber.

Barber commented after the game that she is proud of her passing ability.

Laurel sophomore guard Shayla Jenkins was also impressive during the second quarter. 

Jenkins would continue to perform on such a high level throughout game that she was ultimately named Spartan Player of the Game by Coach Harrison.

Sophomore guard/forward Eboni Staples, who missed last season because of an injury, was also a significant scoring contributor.  

Laurel closed out the second quarter with another scoring run to take an 18-12 halftime lead. 

Parkdale came tantalizingly close to making the score 18-15 had their half court shot at the buzzer scored.  It was enough to buoy their confidence for the second half.      

The Panthers kept their enthusiasm in the second half, but could not get any momentum.

The Spartans led 26-16 midway into the third quarter.

This lead was produced by the tireless rebounding efforts of freshman Megan Brown and the continued leadership of Jenkins and Giles. 

Parkdale never gave up, though.

All through the second half, they would narrow the margin every time Laurel put together a double digit lead. 

In the final minutes, Parkdale coach Selina Smith finally let out some exasperation over the Panthers inability to close the scoring gap. 

In the end, Laurel triumphed with a 44-37 win.

Junior Alexcia Aka felt that the intensity the Spartans had from the start of the game, and their consistent play, were the keys to victory.

Even if the Lady Spartans do not finish with a winning record for the season, these young ladies will be winners off the court. 

Coach Harrison places an emphasis on academics.  His players know that the county's 2.0 minimum GPA requirement is not Coach Harrison's requirement. He requires his players to exceed a 2.5 GPA to be allowed to play. 

When you talk to the players, you know that they are all striving to get honor roll status. 

This drive to achieve is reinforced at all grade levels.  Brown is an honor student in Laurel's International Baccalaureate program. Barber hopes to attend Tennessee State.  Junior Candace Williams is an honor roll and AP student. She hopes to attend Morgan State University.  

Giles is benefiting from this academic drive.  She has already been accepted at Clark Atlanta University and North Carolina A & T State University.  Continuing her basketball career on an athletic scholarship will be a true reward for her efforts at Laurel.

Most importantly, these ladies are receiving support from their parents and guardians who take pride in their achievements.