Fifth-year head coach Donnell Ford said he has never had one of his Magnolia Lady Panther teams start 3-0 in conference play.
“I will take it and we are glad to be in this position,” said Ford.
Getting that fourth league win will be difficult tonight when the Lady Panthers travel to Star City to face defending state champion Lady Bulldogs. A 6 p.m tip-off is set against the team that went unbeaten last season and has a perfect mark so far this year.
“They (Lady Bulldogs) are still in rare form and expected to have another great year. They are talented and well-coached. We have to be up for the challenge,” stated Ford, adding his Lady Panthers are capable of playing with Star City defensively, but worries if his team is able to score with them.
“If we can score some points, I feel good about our chances,” he added.
In action against Warren Wednesday night, Magnolia led 8-6 after one quarter and was up 23-10 at halftime following back-to-back 3-pointers by Kelcy Lamkin. The Lady Panthers held the Lady ‘Jacks scoreless in the third period and were ahead 31-10.
In the final quarter, Magnolia knocked down four 3-pointers to claim a 44-13 victory. Beaunca Willis hit three long-range jumpers, while Reese Dare added the other one.
In scoring, junior guard Janayi Baker led with 15 points and Willis finished with nine. Lamkin and Keshunti Brantley had eight apiece.
“Like I’ve always said, your point guard is your quarterback. She did a good job and starting to learn her roll. However, we are still working on those free throws,” said Ford. “We’ve got to figure that out because she’s going to be the one who is fouled during a close game.”