The instructions from Alba-Golden girls head basketball coach Troy Wallace were clear and concise. It was simply, “Attack!” with a few “Stay in your boxes,” interspersed.

The Lady Panthers were listening and took a 57-32 win over the visiting Harmony Lady Eagles last Tuesday.  

The Alba-Golden girls attacked the basket by exploiting the slightest seam in the Harmony defense. There was often no transition between defense and offense for Alba-Golden. They began attacking once they secured a defensive rebound. 

Their relentless attack put Harmony in a tailspin and left the visitors chasing the game from start to finish. If the Lady Panthers wanted to defeat Harmony, they knew they had to attack. Harmony’s inside game was good, so the Lady Panthers had to put the visitors under pressure from the initial tip. 

Averi Stevenson won the opening tip, and the home side was underway.  

When not slicing to the basket, the Lady Panthers were ranged in from outside. Sadie Wright had a big day from downtown, pouring in 17 points, most of them from the baseline corner. Jayla Sitar contributed 18 in a mix of drives and jump-shots. Joecey Lewers was also in double figures, while Stevenson, Faith Graham and Peyton Clark also etched the scorebook.   

Defensively, the Lady Panthers were a full step ahead of the visitors and plagued the Lady Eagles ball-handlers. Alba-Golden’s anticipation and ability to stop the ball forced many traveling violations and errant passes. More importantly, it demoralized the Harmony team, which cemented the win.   

The Lady Panthers will undoubtedly have plenty to correct – such as not giving up the short baseline jumpers – but the progress made thus far in the young season is remarkable. If the team is able to continue improving, there will be no limit to what the season may hold.