KFDM COOP Posted January 26, 2008 Report Posted January 26, 2008 Williams ignites Lady Bears Gabe Pruett The Orange Leader LITTLE CYPRESS — It is obvious the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Lady Bears are not having the season teams dream of when the season starts. At 6-18 on the year and 1-9 in District 22-4A play, the Lady Bears have struggled to find wins. One player Coach Amanda Ellerbee never has to worry about is junior Ellen Williams. Whether up by 15 or down by 20, Williams attitude and effort stays beyond 100-percent in Ellerbee’s eyes. “She is one of those kids you never have to worry about picking up her game,†Ellerbee said. “She gives 100-percent all the time, no matter what. I have never seen a kid go as hard as she does for as long as she does. That is why she is captain of this team.†This is not the first season Ellerbee has noticed William’s tenacity. Williams was a star on the junior varsity squad a season ago and could have easily made the move up to varsity. Ellerbee wanted to keep Williams away for one season to grow as a player and work on her game. “I like just going out there and playing,†Williams said. “I practice every day and even when not at school. I like to go shoot at my church and at home.†Williams is averaging about 15 points a game this season for the Lady Bears. It is not just the scoring Ellerbee has enjoyed this season. “There is really not enough I can say about her,†the second-year coach said. “She is just always giving a constant effort. The best thing about her is if she makes a mistake or misses a shot, she is the kind of player who will just keep shooting. She never lets anything affect her. Also it is a good thing she is just a junior and will be around next year.†Williams has certainly enjoyed playing this season directly under Ellerbee. “I love the way she coaches because not only is she a coach, she is a friend to all of us,†Williams said. “That makes it real easy to want to go out and play for her. I have certainly learned a lot over the last two years. Plus all my teammates are great. We are all friends and have all become real close. We are all juniors and one senior (Nardis McBride). Nardis has really stepped up this year and become a great leader.†The Lady Bears have just three games left on the schedule. They travel to face Nederland Tuesday before playing host to Lumberton on Friday. LC-M finishes the season at Vidor on Feb. 5. “I really just want us to win the remaining games and finish strong,†Williams said. “We want to just do better in the second half of district. That will help carry over to the next year.†A year in which both Ellerbee and Williams are excited about the captain and the team’s future.
Jdad Posted January 26, 2008 Report Posted January 26, 2008 I've cancelled my subscription to the Enterprise and if you will expand to hardin county I'll be your first subscriber. Good article
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