AHS girls finish challenging year

The Albany Lady Lionsclosedoutadifficult girls basketball season Tuesday, Feb. 6, with a 63-33 loss at Anson.

A portent of things to come occurred inAugust, when new coach Donnie Hart resigned just before the start of school and Brad Stautzenberger agreed to lead the program at the last minute.

After starting the season 5-5, the Lady Lions were beset by injuries, illness and other factors that forced Stautzenberger to promote the freshmen from junior varsity to provide depth for the varsity.

With only two seniors – Kiana Roberson and Braylyn Abbate – remaining on the team, Albany finished 5-18 overall and 0-12 in District 10-2A.

Stautzenberger said one silver lining was so manyyoungplayersgained varsity experience for the future.

“It was a tough year and a tough route through district,” he said. “I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I think it built some confidence for the years down the road. The younger girls got some experience on the varsitylevel,andtheygot some playing time on the JV, which helped them when they did jump up.”

At Anson, the Lady Lions put together a good start, trailing 19-14 after the first quarter. Then Ansonwentona15-2run inthesecondquarterand took a 33-point lead into the fourth.

Roberson scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds to lead Albany. Avery Everitt added five points and three rebounds.

ANSON 63, ALBANY 33 ALBANY– KianaRoberson21, Avery Everitt 5, Madi Parrott 4, J’Cee Keen 2, Charlee Hefner 1.

Albany 14 2 9 8 - 33 Anson 19 15 24 5 - 63