Teamwork: It’s the key element behind the success of the Ware County girls basketball team this season. This group of young ladies put together an unblemished record through more than half of the season. Coach Mandy Lingenfelter led Ware County to a perfect 17-0 record through mid-January that included wins against Statesboro, New Hampstead, and South Effingham.
“We’re doing well,” Lingenfelter said at the 15-0 mark. “They’ve just been getting after it and playing together as a team. We don’t have any selfish individuals on this year’s team. I think that holds a lot of ground right there, just playing together.”
The streak came to an end against the Wayne County Lady Yellow Jackets, who managed a one-point victory in the final seconds to defeat Ware County and put them at 17-1. A few days later, the Glynn Academy Lady Terrors got revenge on the Lady Gators 40-34 to put them at 18-2 on the season.
The Lady Gators played a few close games including a five-point victory over Swainsboro in the preseason tournament. They also defeated bigger schools like Glynn Academy, Houston County, Lowndes, Tattnall, Vidalia, and Coffee County during their unbeaten run.
“These two teams are very athletic and quick and gave us a good run for our money there,” Lingenfelter said.
Ware County is led by four seniors this year, including point guard Kennedy Sanders.
“You’ve got to have a director out on the court,” Lingenfelter said. “Kennedy has matured and stepped up and taken over that role. She’s getting it done at the top of the key running the show.”
Another senior leader is Chyna Bacon.
“She is our ‘go to’ on defense,” Lingenfelter said. “If you’re reading the paper, you don’t see her name, but she does a phenomenal job on defense for us.”
Bacon and junior Kelsey Davis share major defensive responsibilities. Davis also has director responsibilities at the point. The other seniors are Rodniqua Davis and Lizzie Shubert, who has added points from the bench.
The team’s leading scorer this season has been junior center Shondell Vickers.
“She’s averaging a double-double each game and compliments that with at least two blocks per game,” Lingenfelter said.
Juniors Waynisha Coleman, Arviniece McDonald, and Markeah Green also play in the post and help bring down priceless rebounds. Another offensive threat comes from sophomore Mataea Boyd, who averages 10 points and three steals per game.
Guards Shaqaila Davis and Latreona Holmes also come off the bench and contribute to the total team.
“It’s spread out,” Lingenfelter said. “Everyone has a role, and everybody is contributing, so it’s fun to watch.”
Coach Lingenfelter looks for Statesboro and Wayne County to be strong this season as they entered region play in January. The team is confident in their chances at making the playoffs this season.
“The team concept; It starts with character,” Coach Lingenfelter said. “I have a great group of girls who have high character. Legendary UCLA Coach John Wooden once said, ‘If you do enough small things right, big things can happen.’“
SE-SF-0217-Ware Girls BB
Ware County Girls Basketball
Written by: Rob Asbell
Lady Gators Going Strong This Season
