Deweyville Lady Pirates Article

[KFDM COOP]

Seniors Brown, Gibson power Lady Pirates

Van Wade

The Orange Leader

DEWEYVILLE — Right in the thick of the District 24-2A hoop race, the Deweyville Lady Pirates and head coach Kristi Henderson are leaning on two seniors to lead the way.

One thing for sure, point guard Teresa Brown and forward Tera Gibson have fit the bill as far as being strong leaders on and off the court.

Gibson is a gifted shooter inside and outside and has been a starter for four seasons while Brown has matured as the floor general and is a two-year starter.

“Those two kids, they’re treasures to coach,†said Henderson. “They’ve developed into great leaders and all the kids look up to them. There quite a tandem. They always seem to know what each other is thinking at all times.â€

Gibson has always been a solid outside shooter, but it’s her inside game that has improved the most.

“My freshman year, I mainly stayed outside, but I later got moved inside and I had to develop my game even more,†said Gibson. “I always feel like I can get better inside but by improving in that area, it’s helped my outside game too.â€

“The thing I’ve noticed the most about Tera is her intensity this season,†said Henderson. “She’s always been a tremendous competitor but this year she’s turned it up to an even higher level. With her and Teresa being the only seniors, they both knew they had to step it up more this season.â€

Brown has fit in comfortably at the point this year after having a little “learning curve†as a junior.

“Teresa is a true point guard, that’s for sure,†said Henderson. “She’s pretty vocal at times and sometimes she can communicate well without even saying a word. She’s made the biggest improvement, though, on the defensive side.†“I’m making smarter decisions this year with the ball,†Brown said. “My shot has improved a lot and I’ve been able to help the team more this year by scoring a little more.â€

The two’s uncanny ability of knowing where each other is at came to the forefront on Jan. 9 when the Lady Pirates stunned the Kountze Lionettes 62-61 on the road in 24-2A play.

Trailing 61-59 with four seconds remaining, Gibson inbounded the ball to Brown, who was able to break free after a nice screen by teammate Krista Goleman, and Brown drained a three-point bomb as time expired.

“Maybe we were more lucky than good that night, but we’ll certainly take it,†said Brown. “Tera just found me and I did what I had to do and there wasn’t much thought in it, I had to put it up and it fell, I couldn’t feel my legs after that even though I think I completely jumped over Coach Henderson after it went in.â€

Gibson loves the role her and Brown play with this year’s team.

“There is something unique about this team, it has a feeling it can win when things get tough and that’s been a difference this year,†Gibson said. “We’ve been able to win some close games. Our younger teammates, we love them to death. Whatever we say, they just eat it up.â€

The Lady Pirates (12-12, 6-4) are in the heart of the 24-2A race.

The Hardin Lady Hornets have ran away with the district, sporting a 10-0 loop record. East Chambers and Kountze both stand 6-3 while the Lady Pirates are breathing down their necks.

The Lady Pirates will head to Buna Tuesday and if they can pull that road win at they’re looking at a crucial home date with Kountze Friday that will help tell the tale.

“We want to finish the season up strong, that’s for sure,†said Gibson. “We’re looking forward to playing Kountze on Friday but that won’t mean anything if we don’t win against Buna.â€

“Hardin is certainly a team all by itself, they’re so strong both inside and outside,†said Henderson. “Everyone else is so eqaul in talent, it’s just a matter who steps up on any given night and that’s the team that’s going to win. I like the way the kids have responded lately, especially in tight situations.â€

[fredh]

Finally got a standing for most of 24!!!!!

[CRUSHCOACH]

Congratulations Lady Pirates and keep up the good work ! Hope you make the playoffs this year !

[DP#1FAN]

Good Luck Ladies!