After ending the 2008-2009 basketball season with great improvements, the Lady Cougars had a drive to get even better. They committed to a basketball camp at Brenau University called the "Number One Basketball Camp." Coach Briggs states, "What made me decide on this camp over others was that it was affordable and included a full day of individual fundamentals before the team games began."
The first day and a half the Lady Cougars re-learned many of the necessary fundamentals they worked on during much of the 2008 pre-season. Once the fundamental drills finished, the team games began.
TCS opened up with a GISA opponent in Heritage Academy and quickly learned how important practicing all year around is to compete on that level. With the loss, the Lady Cougars knew they had to adjust and be more confident if they were to compete the next day. With four games on the schedule on day three and having just seven team members, the Lady Cougars made TCS and coaches Richie Briggs and Hetal Kapadia very proud.
The next day, the Cougars took on four public schools and did the best they could have done. The effort put out was second to none. Despite being clearly overmatched with athleticism and skill level, the Lady Cougars did not back down. They did not show fear. They did not allow the bigger, stronger girls to push them around. They did exactly what mental toughness allows for athletes to do; compete! Yes, the Cougars lost each contest that day, but each loss was only on the scoreboard. These ladies were winners. These ladies showed they did belong. These ladies gave respect, but put out fearless effort, and in return were given respect by many. Some of whom at first laughed at them, were now applauding their efforts. Some, who wondered why they even came to this camp, were now routing for them to play well and even cheered each time the Cougars made a good play defensively and on each goal scored.
On the final morning of camp, the Lady Cougars fell to another public school team, finishing with an 0-6 record. But it was their courage and will to do their best that will not be forgotten by the camp staff, fellow coaches, and even some of the opposing team members. "Hetal and I are very proud to have coached these brave, mature young ladies at camp and look forward to continue teaching them next fall," states Coach Briggs.
The Lady Cougars responsible for this great display of team unity, effort, and pride:
Sam Breininger: She improved in all areas of the game and played a vital role on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball.
Peyton Gomez: Her effort was outstanding as she showed potential for next season.
Roxanna Javid: It seemed like she learned more in four days at camp than she did all of last season. She even said she had fun and cannot wait for next season.
Bre Johnson: She led the Cougars in rebounding and aggressiveness. Proved why she made AAC All-Conference last season.
Lindsey Kandel: Her toughness was second to none and was a force in the paint on both ends of the floor.
Emily Moore: She led the Cougars in scoring and steals. She recorded 7 steals in the final game of camp.
Lauren Wilson: Her will to learn and improve was terrific. The effort given on the court was fantastic.
