Community support was a key factor in the success of the Choctaw County girls basketball team this season, according to coach Cory Guyton.
“I was proud of the ladies for coming together,” he said “There were a a lot of influences that went into it to help us turn it around. The community for one. That was probably the number one thing that helped the young ladies, the community getting behind us win or lose.”
That support was on display when the Lady Chargers were defeated by Jefferson Davis County 41-34 in the MHSAA 3A quarterfinals. A large contingent of supporters sat behind the Choctaw County bench at Jackson State and made a lot of noise when the Lady Chargers rallied within four points in the fourth quarter.
The Lady Chargers finished 23-11 with playoff wins over North Pontotoc and Ruleville Central before the loss to Jefferson Davis County.
Choctaw County was led by senior Brysa Maxwell, who paced the team in scoring at 17.1 points per game and steals (3.3). She also had 7.9 rebounds per contest.“Brysa is going to be tough to replace,” Guyton said. “She is one of those special athletes.”
Maxwell has had some offers, but has not made a decision about college.
Senior Lakyshia Mitchell and La'Genesis Johnson gave Choctaw County a big three. Mitchell averaged 10 points and was the team leader in assists with 2? per game. Johnson, a 6-1 sophomore, averaged 12.9 points and was the team leader in rebounds (9.2) and blocks (2.2).
“The senior leadership we had this season was uncanny. It's going to be hard to replace,” Guyton said. Another senior who will be missed is Laiana Cork, a three-sport athlete in basketball, volleyball and softball.
Guyton said “The future is bright. A lot of the ladies will be picking up starting roles replacing the seniors. We have a good core. We have La'Genesis Johnson coming back. She's a force in the middle. We have all of our guards coming back except for Lakyshia Mitchell.”
