RAYMOND — Simmons High School girls basketball Coach Bernita Alexander and her Devilettes (18-10) were disappointed on Thursday night after they fell 57-44 to Lumberton (24-6) in the MHSAA Class 1A quarterfinals at Raymond.
“We definitely took one on the chin,” Coach Alexander said. “We felt like we were capable of winning the game.”
But, despite the loss, Coach Alexander and her players still have a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to. Not many programs can say they are one of eight remaining in the state.
The Devilettes have so much to look forward since only two of their players are seniors this year in Jamia Ford and Aaliyah Esco.
A key returner for next year’s team will be junior star Akiah Prince who led her team with 18 points on Thursday. Prince averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds a game this season. Junior Vontasia Rush, who finished the year averaging 11.4 points will also be back. Players like junior Shytavia Crawford, sophomore Moesha Hoskins are also returnees.
Eighth graders Sa’riyah Alexander, Kristen Johnson and Karmen Marshall also received great experience this year for Simmons.
“I really wanted the younger kids to experience what it would have been like to go to Jackson. We know we learned a lot this year, and hopefully we can take what we learned this summer and come back next season even stronger,” Coach Alexander said.
Simmons’ game against the Lumberton Panthers on Thursday in the state quarterfinals was characterized by a number of runs by both teams. The Devilettes led 15-10 after the end of the first quarter, but the Panthers took control of the game in the third quarter when they outscored Simmons 17-10.
“We made an early run, but they were able to get the momentum on their side. We had some costly turnovers and they did a good job of out rebounding us,” Coach Alexander said.
