As the final buzzer sounded at Mercer University, the Georgia Christian Lady Generals did something that they had never done in the 100-year history of their school. They stood at midcourt and hoisted a trophy that signified all of the hard work and dedication that had gone into their season.
The trophy read “2014-15 GISA Class AA State Champions.”
After trailing Monsignor Donovan by as many as 22 points, they were able to put together one of the most impressive second halves in title game history.
The final result: a 42-39 victory, and the first-ever state championship for the Lady Generals to mark the 100th anniversary of Georgia Christian School.
“Our girls never quit,” Coach Copeland said. “They realized things were going bad, and they fixed their mistakes. They knew our plan would work.”
The road to the championship was tough one, but the Lady Generals met and overcame any and every possible barrier that stood in their way.
“Our turning point was probably the Deerfield (Windsor School) game,” Coach Sykes said. “We went on the road and beat a (Class) AAA team that has been a force for years. I think that’s when our girls saw what they were truly capable of.”
Immediately following the win, the girls were able to relish in their tremendous accomplishment. But the best part of the celebration was yet to come.
“We were escorted back into town by one of the State Troopers,” Coach Copeland said. “And when we got to the school, we had fans waiting on us. That just cemented how big of a moment it was.”
The celebration extended well beyond the limits of the campus in Dasher, Ga. Former students from the 1980s, 1970s, and even the 1960s contacted the coaches and players during their journey to the top.
“We were getting texts, calls, and emails from all over the United States,” Coach Sykes said. “We have alumni all around the country; it was an awesome feeling getting well wishes from all the way in California.”
The championship win holds even more special meaning for both Coach Copeland and Coach Sykes: Each of them has two daughters that are members of the team.
“It’s rare that a coach has their child on their team, at any level,” Coach Sykes said. “What’s even more rare; when we’re at home, it’s ‘Dad’. As soon as we hit that gym, it’s ‘Coach’. They have no problem separating the two, and you don’t see that often.”
The 2014-15 Lady Generals have made history. Next year, they look forward to continuing what has become a winning way of life.
“Two of our leading scorers (Erin Copeland and Haley Garrett) will be back,” Coach Copeland said. “And once you taste success, you never want to let that go. You’re willing to work as hard as it takes to get it again.”
South Georgia/May 2015
Special Feature
Lady Generals State Championship
Georgia Christian School
Dasher, Ga.
Lady Generals Make History
By James Washington{source}
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