It took her just a little while to get going, but sophomore Mattie Arrington, the Planters Bank Player of the Week, has become an indispensable player on the Deer Creek School girls basketball team.
“Mattie is someone that I need on the court as much as possible. It hurts us when she is out,” Deer Creek coach Sierra Roberson said. “She was a little nervous out there at first, but she is much more comfortable now. She is really good at getting baskets by beating people off the dribble.”
Arrington has been playing some of her best basketball in recent weeks. In the last three games, she has scored 34 points and also grabbed 18 rebounds.
Arrington’s play has also inspired her teammates to be their best, Coach Roberson said. Combined with the leadership of fellow seniors Marlee Furr, Karson Sides, Hailey Gilbert, Ashlee Sluder and Katelyn Trotter, the Lady Warriors look to be a tough out when playoff times runs about.
Arrington also plays alongside her identical twin sister, Myles, on the Deer Creek squad. Mattie is a right handed player, while Myles plays left handed.
“Sometimes during a heated moment in the game, I will not be able to tell who is Mattie and who is Myles. I will have to look at their numbers to tell them apart,” Coach Roberson said. “They are identical twins, but they play the game differently. Myles is a guard, and Mattie plays mainly in the post.”
Coach Roberson is in her first year at the helm of the Lady Warriors. She said her goal for the season is to be competitive in every game and then try and “bust out” in the playoffs.
“This team has really come around, and we are all getting more comfortable out there,” Coach Roberson said.
The Lady Warriors’ next game is scheduled for Thursday night at Manchester.
