Written by Davis Barlow, Staff Writer
Despite a shaky start, and a rough stretch in the middle, the Piedmont College women’s basketball team had a solid finish to its season. The Lady Lions saw its season come to an end in the championship game of the USA South tournament to host school Berea College.
After the loss, the Lady Lions’ final season record was 19-9 on the season. Despite the unfortunate loss as a team, there were an abundance of impressive highlights to take away from the season.
After kicking off the season comfortably with a 6-3 record through their first nine games, the Lady Lions suffered a rough patch. With a 65-55 loss at Huntington College, the team continued to go 2-4 in their next six games. However, in a resilient statement that speaks to the team’s culture, the Lady Lions would not lose a game for the remainder of the regular season.
The momentum of an eight game win streak gave Piedmont College a boost into the conference tournament, even though the ultimate goal of another USA South Championship did not come to fruition. Despite the heartbreaking end to the season, there were plenty of individual accolades and excellent careers that were capped off for the Lady Lions.
Senior guard Amari Price capped off her incredible career by finishing first in program history for total points scored (1,247), assists (458) and field goals made (471). She will also finish second in career steals (289) and third in free throws made (229). Price was named All-USA South First Team for her senior season. Joining Price was freshman forward Nakiyah Washington, who was named All-USA South West Division Second Team. Washington averaged 13.3 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game, with the honor of being named USA South Rookie of the Week twice. Washington will certainly be an impact player for the Lady Lions next season.
Piedmont College looks forward to seeing the Lady Lions return to action in the fall. Despite graduating a talented senior class, there is no doubt the team will be one of the favorites to win it all next season.
