After back-to-back state championship appearances, including a title win two years ago, the Lake Oconee Academy girls’ basketball team is facing a tough reality in the first half of its season this year.
So far, the Lady Titans (6-3, 1-0 Region 8 Class A Division II) have a winning record, but also several losses, which hasn’t happened much in the past few years. They’ve played a tough schedule, and coach Savannah Soles is using these losses as a learning experience for her team.
Lake Oconee Academy graduated four seniors last year – Hannah Heinen, Kensi Stevens, Jada Williams, and Ava Johnson – who each played a huge role in the program’s past success.
Now, the Lady Titans are relying mainly on veterans Georgia Bosart and Jane Monachello, while also hoping a few younger players can step up to fill the roles of those who graduated last May.
“I think we’re where we want to be right now. I’m very proud of the girls because we have a lot of youth playing for us this year,” Soles said. “Those younger girls are stepping into varsity roles. I have a freshman starting, but also a sophomore and junior that haven’t played many varsity minutes.”
LOA’s players are learning to play together and develop a rapport with each other in the first part of the season. The Lady Titans also need to find a rhythm before region play heats up next month.
Players such as Ansleigh Padgett, Mary Claire McCommons, and Elizabeth Moore have stepped up, Soles said. Each has already contributed to the total team effort in different ways this year.
“I’ve also got two more that have come off the bench and are fighting for the fourth and fifth starting spots every week, Beth Harris and Brianna Glave,” Soles added. “Beth has stepped up the past couple of games by shooting the ball well and playing sound defense … Bri is also rebounding the ball well for us in the last few games. I like what we have right now and am excited to see the girls grow. Georgia and Jane’s leadership has been awesome as well.”
After a 3-0 start with wins over Elite Scholars Academy, Alcovy, and East Jackson, Lamar County defeated LOA 54-46, with senior Shakira Foster scoring a game-high 27 points in the win.
The Lady Titans have gone 3-2 since, with their losses coming to Oglethorpe County. The Lady Patriots went 20-9 last year and made a trip to the quarterfinal round in Class A Division I state playoffs.
Since the loss to Lamar County, Lake Oconee Academy has posted wins over Loganville Christian Academy, Westminster Christian Academy, and region opponent Lincoln County in the last three weeks.
Soles acknowledged she made the schedule tough for a reason, which was for her team to get better.
“We want to be battle-tested once the playoffs come around. At that point, we should have already played in tough games,” Soles said. “That’s why I scheduled Lamar and Oglethorpe early in the year.”
LOA’s schedule doesn’t get any easier, either. The Lady Titans are traveling to Panama City Beach, Fla., to play in a Christmas tournament against out-of-state competition this week. The Lady Titans will face Graceville (Fla.), Robertsdale (Ala.), and North Bay Haven Academy (Fla.).
Soles highlighted this will allow her team to grow more together while also playing in a fun setting.
“It’s going to be a fun trip. It will give us a chance to relax but also play some more basketball before region play heats up,” Soles said. “We’re going to embrace this."