Rise of Women’s Basketball popularity also boosts local high school programs

Columbus, Ga. – Women’s basketball is reaching new heights of popularity, especially at the college level. Players like new NCAA All-Time Leading Scorer Iowa guard Caitlin Clark, and LSU’s Angel Reese have become household names alongside icons like South Carolina Women’s Basketball Head Coach Dawn Staley. Over 12 million people watched the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship between LSU and Iowa. That impact is felt around the country and even here in the Chattahoochee Valley.

“The fact that they can see people who love the game who play with passion. Who put their all into it. You know because teenagers these days, they have a lot of options,” said Hardaway Girls Head Coach Kelly Ellison.

“I love it. I’ve been watching basketball since I was younger. So watching it expand and grow. It makes me excited for my future and how far I can go,” said Hardaway junior power forward Akilah Shelton.

Before stars like Clark and Reese get to shine in college they also start in high school. The Women’s Basketball game continue to grow at the high school level here in the Fountain City. The Hardaway Lady Hawks reached the GHSA State Championship for the first time in school history. While the Lady Hawks fell short of their ultimate goal of a State Championship, they’re still proud of their journey and making history.

“I feel like we did a great job going all the way to the championship because we had to fight through a lot of adversity. And all the people that were doubting us we had to fight through all of that,” said Hardaway junior small forward Mikayla Johnson.

At Pacelli, the Lady Vikings rewrote the record books by winning the school’s first Basketball State Championship. Pacelli won the GIAA State Championship by defeating Georgia Walton Academy 47-38. That victory is incredible and the Lady Vikings loved seeing their fans go crazy at Columbus State’s Lumpkin Center when Pacelli won the State Title.

“There was a lot of energy in there. I mean I’m still at a loss for words. Man it’s just been so fun and all the phone calls and text messages it’s been fun,” said Pacelli Girls Basketball Head Coach Bryant Thomas.

“It felt good people being there to support us,” said freshman guard Kimora Jones.

Plenty of other teams in the Valley Area had a tremendous season, like the Glenwood Lady Gators who won the AISA State Championship. While this season is in the books, the key is to keep showing up and supporting these young ladies on the basketball court and in all arenas so they can continue to thrive.

“Girls sports is everything. The girls are talented, high level athletes too. They’re great kids. So it means a lot for them to have this success,” said Pacelli Athletic Director Corry Black.

“We have a lot of Middle School girls who are watching. We have Elementary School girls that are watching. My daughters are in 3rd grade, she’s watching them and she’s learning. So just for us to keep the momentum going so that the girls have these opportunities is so important,” said Coach Ellison.

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