Challenger

Senior-domination and a surplus of hard work can go a long way. Especially with the Apollo E-gals basketball program. For the upcoming season, the E-gals feature four significant senior players; three of who have been starters since their freshman or sophomore year. The girls worked steadily and consistently all summer and fall to reach the ultimate goals they perceive for their 2004-2005 season. Enduring black eyes, sprained ankles, and many more ailing body parts all contributed to the powerhouse team the E-gals are made up of now.

Senior Gabrielle “G” Murphy is a starting guard/forward for the team and brings, not only talent, but a huge amount of energy and work ethic to the court every game. Murphy has often times been the reason or significane to winning several games with her ability to provide outstanding leadership and and intimidation.

Natalie Hardesty, a 5’10” senior brings needed height on the court. Hardesty is one of the top rebounders on the team and is known for her turn-around jump shot at the free-throw line, plus her high percentage at the free-throw line as well.

Senior Katie Cecil, a starter at small forward, promotes the team with her significant rebounding skills and her mental and physical toughness. Cecil endures more stitches, black eyes and bruises than anyone else on the team. Cecil is often the key to many offensive plays by her strong screens she often sets for the point guard to score off of.
Junior Lotoisha “Boo” Lawrence, a standout shooting and point guard, is the backbone of the entire team. Lawrence is effective as one of the quickest players in the entire 3rd region . Lawrence showcases the amazing ability to penetrate toward the basket and shoot consistently from outside. She is also one of the stronger ball handlers on the lineup, and is often used at point, especially when being guarded by a full-court press. Last season, Lawrence was honored with being selected to the All-District and All-Region teams.

Sophomores Whitney Odom and Katie Carpenter, both shooting guards, are also significant members of the team. Odom started much of the season as a freshman last season, a very good accomplishment for such a high-rate program.

Sophomores Olivia Payne, Brittni Bunn and Freshman Jenna Johnson round out the rest of the varsity lineup. Bunn, a shooting guard with a very pretty shot from behind the arc, is also a vital member of the junior varsity team. Payne, a point/shooting guard has very good defensive skill and has the ability to break down any player in a half-court press. Payne also is the starting point guard for the junior varsity team. Johnson is a very skilled forward for the E-gals and rebounds very aggressively and has the ability put the ball in the basket almost everytime.

The E-gals expect nothing less than a regional championship for the season and will work hard to achieve the goal all the seniors have dreamed of since their freshman year.