PCA Lady Patriots named GISA 2AAA State Runner-up

By: Senior, Abigail Tucker and PCA Journalism Staff

Pinewood Christian Academy’s Lady Patriots began their quest for the state championship in the final four as they played Heritage in Americus.  The girls began strong taking the lead with a half-time score of 16 – 9.  Their momentum never wavered as they continued to dominate the court with their talents and determination landing them the win with a final score of 34 – 20.  The victory secured their place in the state championship game for the second year in a row.  Megan Boatright led in scoring with 14 points followed by Abi Oates with 12, Sydney Jernigan with 4, Jordan Jernigan 2, and Ansley Howard 2.

“This year has been the most challenging and rewarding year of my coaching career.  After losing 7 seniors with 4 of them starting, I was not sure what type of season we would have.  We were going to focus on working hard and doing the little things.  We were going to love and support each other along the way.  I am extremely proud of how well our girls responded to every challenge thrown at them.  After being doubted the entire season, we won region for the 4^th year in a row and are state runner-ups!  Every single girl had an important role on this team, and they did everything we asked of them.  God has blessed me with an amazing coaching staff and a special group of girls.  I am extremely grateful for being a part of this Pinewood family,” commented Coach Elizabeth Tatum.

Saturday night, Pinewood Christian Academy’s Lady Patriots traveled to Americus to Georgia Southwestern where they fulfilled a goal they had set for themselves last summer – play for the State Championship and defend their title.  “In the beginning, no one would have thought we would have made it as far as we did,” PCA senior Jordan Jernigan said, “We proved everyone wrong and made it to the championship.  Even though we did not come out with a win, I will always be proud of my team and the season we had.”  While they came up short to seize the win against Atlanta’s Holy Spirit Prep, they played a hard fought battle in a close contest landing them ahead at half time 24 to 21.  Both teams returned to the court determined to take home the win and had a tied ballgame by the end of the 3^rd quarter, 32-32.  As the 4^th quarter came to an end, the Lady Patriots came up short in points 38-47, but not short on spirit.  A. Oates led scoring with 21 points followed by J. Jernigan with 9, Boatright with 6, and Howard with 2.  This team and their Coaches Elizabeth Tatum, Jamie Oates, and Kim Tarver defied the odds all season as they bound together amidst their team slogan, “We, not me.”

Coach Kim Tarver shared, “It was a privilege to coach these young ladies.  They brought light to every practice and worked hard.  I would like to recognize the girls that did not take the court every game. Even though they knew they were not going to play, their positive attitudes encouraged to the starters to be their best.  They kept the encouragement and energy up all season!  It’s neat that not only do the players have their roles, we coaches have our different roles as well that we bring to practices.  I think the Lord uses all our strengths and weaknesses to bring Him glory!”

The Lady Patriots finished their 2018-19 season with an impressive record of 26-6.  Senior Meghan Boatright shared, “As a senior, it is very sad for me to leave the game of basketball as a Lady Patriot, but I am so blessed to be able to depart on a good note.  I have never been a part of a harder working team than ours this year.  We knew from the very beginning that we had to prove people wrong and at least win some games, and that we did.  We knew that our effort in practice and during the games could beat out the talent of our opponents.  Our coaches put so much dedication into our season and prepared each of us for every game.  I know our preparation was a key point in how far we made it.  I am so proud of our team this year because we truly played as a team utilizing every player.  It is heartbreaking that I have to move on from something that I love so much, but I will definitely be back to cheer on the girls next year! I may not have a life ahead of me dribbling a basketball, but my life was made and has been changed dribbling a basketball with the friendships, coaches, family, and fans who have cheered and been there for me along the way.  I cannot express how grateful I am for the ability that God has given me to play and love this game.  Once a patriot, always a patriot. To God be all the honor and glory!”