Pender Academy - Phizzog Yearbook (Rocky Point, NC)

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Betha Knight makes a leaping effort to block the ball. Erica Talbert pours on the defense. Cheri Bailey sprints to complete a play. 1985-86 Lady Raiders: Wendy Fletcher, Betha Knight, Julian Marshburn, Selena Perez, and Tami Lea. Second Row: Kris- ten Brown, Barbara Casey, Kit Stephens, Sandy Shingieton, Erica Talbert, Cheri Bailey. Back row: Lisa Perez, Pam Clem- mons, Coach Whrens Willie Williams, Jennifer Hudson, and Tina Turner. Cheri Bailey blocks a shot to prevent a fast break. 78 VARSlTY GIRLS BASKETBALL

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LADY FRAIDERS DGIVIINATE CGNFERENCE Those associated with Lady Raid- ers basketball knew this year could be something special when twenty- eight girls showed up for practice the first day. This was in contrast to past years when usually there were not even enough girls to have two teams for practice. After three weeks of practice they had a varsity team consisting of fourteen players and a junior high team consisiting of seventh, eighth, and ninth graders. The Varsity approached their first games of the season with anxiety, but after a week of activity the Lady Raiders had defeated four teams by a total of 62 points and were leading the Southeastern Conference with a 2-O mark. The winning ways continued as a group of never-say-die Ladys con- itinued playing great basketball post of the time and when a great night wasn't around, there was al- ways enough excitement to keep spectators happy, The Lady Raid- ers were involved in ten games that were decided by 6 points or less and in four of these games they trailed most of the game, only to display some last second heroics to pull out victories. Using seven players most of the time iSeniors Jennifer Hudson and ....... . E . Fr A Betha Knightg Junior Pam Clem- monsg Sophomore Cheri Bailey, Erica Talbert, and Wendy Fletcher, and Freshman Kit Stephensl the team concept saw all seven players score in double figures at some time during the season, and six of those seven had the honor of leading the scoring for at least one game. When the smoke had cleared the Lady Raiders were going to the States with a 17-4 record 19-1 in the con- ferencei with some great team and individual honors. The team placed three players on the All-Conference Team as Wendy Fletcher and Betha Knight joined S.E,l.C. Player-of-the-Year Jennifer Hudson on this select team. Coach Whrens Williams was named the girls Coach-of-the-Year at the con- clusion of an exciting come-from- behind victory over Harrells in the Conference Tournament. Jennifer Hudson joined Tournament MVP Betha Knight on the All-Tournament team. There were many First Times during the year as the following events are cited: First Conference Champions ithey were Co-Champs in 82-83l: First time Tournament Championg First time three players on the All-Tournament teamg First , p M time Pender Academy Tournament MVP, First time defeated Cape Fear every timeg First time they defeated Cape Fear at their home courtg First time they wore grey jerseys and made them home and away uni- forms. All great things come to an end sometime and the Gold Dream ended in Rocky Mount as they lost to eventual State Champion Enfield Academy. We look back over the three years that our two great Sen- iors led us to a 47-27 record and we were proud. We will miss the leader- ship of Jennifer Hudson and Betha Knight but we want to thank them for two trips in three years to the State Playoffs. Their careers are over here but they showed us how to win and share our fortunes to- gether. Somewhere there is gold in them hills and the Lady Raiders of the future will bring it home. lf you don't believe this, just ask Pam or Cheri or Wendy or Erica or Kristen or Lisa or Kit or Tami or Tina or Barbara or Sandy or Selena. These proud Lady Raiders display their first ever Conference Tournament Championship trophy, which they received at Wallace O'N- eal, during the awards ceremony. ' of was PN

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1 I l W 3 yi WQ Ww i anmmax .. , ,,,,:,, ,,,, K by ,. V wi, 5 :,,,,,M A' 435 ' M1 I WL if l i 33 murmur it f 41: im ,Q ,,,,, - iv , L , A,: L , in i i, 'z ' rank Y I y y L Coach Willie cuts down the net toitowing the Raiders vicio- ry over Harreiis in the final game of the S.Ei.C. tourna- ment Pam Ciemmons attempts a free throw to gain the iead over Harrekts. The Lady Raiders raise their spirits before every game with a team huddie on the court. an ve- Q' i' ...' .0 ii . A I Jennifer Hudson controis the jump ball that began the Lady Raiders last home game against Cape Fear Christian. Jennifer Hudson tosses one up for a tout shot. VARS1TY GIRLS BASKETBALL 79