It may have taken a while, but the Leland High School girls basketball team is starting to come together just in time to make a strong run in the postseason.
The Lady Cubs have now won four straight games after defeating Simmons 43-27 in Hollandale Saturday.
Leland head coach Patansy Miller-Hampton said her team has been playing so well recently because the players have learned to accept their roles on the team.
Senior guard Camariyah Butler, for example, is the unquestioned leader on this year’s team.
In previous seasons, Butler was an understudy to stars like Shomaria Overton and Corianna Wheatley. Now, Butler has taken what she learned from them and used it to make her team better.
“Camariyah is playing so well on both sides of the ball for us,” Coach Miller-Hampton said. “Her defense has really been outstanding. She is hands down the leader of this team.”
Senior post player Imani Campbell, meanwhile, has also stepped up her game for the Lady Cubs in the rebounding department.
“Imani started a little slow, but she has really found her groove now,” Coach Miller-Hampton said.
Another player on the Lady Cubs who has found her role for Leland is Janilyia McAdory. McAdory has come off the bench and given her team a much needed spark.
Leland junior Brianna Watson is also helping the Lady Cub cause, her coach, said, by not only being an excellent passer but also by being the most vocal voice on the team.
Finally, Leland freshman Madison Bush has learned to fit in nicely with her upperclassmen teammates. Bush’s defense is so solid, in fact, that her coach usually has her guard the opposing team’s best offensive player.
“Anytime a team has come together like this team is you want to ride the train as long as you can,” Coach Miller-Hampton said.
The Lady Cubs’ next game is scheduled for Tuesday at home against O’Bannon.
