Monday morning members of the Lady Panther basketball team had the distinct opportunity to pick up their state championship rings, which is every high school player’s ultimate dream.
For the first time ever in Panther basketball history, the Lady Panthers won the 4A State Championship against Florence Thursday night 58 – 48 to claim the State Championship title.
Head Basketball Coach Gina Skelton said she is excited and especially proud of her girls. “This senior group of girls was my first group to coach,” Skelton said. “They were in the ninth grade when I came to Quitman and they were my first group to coach. They are truly my babies and those coming up behind them are my babies also. I am so proud of them.”
When Skelton first met the senior girls in the ninth grade she came to them and was wearing all her previous championship rings that she earned as a head basketball coach from previous schools.
“I wore all my rings that day and I talked to the girls and I said if you are willing to do what it takes, make the commitment to me now, then I will take off all the rings and never put them back on until you win a championship.”
On Monday morning, Coach Skelton put the rings back on and wore them to school so proud of her girls and their accomplishment. “They committed to me and were willing to do what it took,” Skelton said.
The Lady Panthers made it to the championship game after defeating Byhalia 60 – 52 in overtime during the quarterfinals and then beating McComb 43 – 42 in the semi – finals.
The Lady Panthers ended the season 27 – 6.
