Occasionally the play of an athletic team transcends the boundaries of its sport and profoundly impact the larger culture. I think this is true for this year's Patrick County High School girls' varsity basketball team. At a time when many people are suffering economic hardships in our community and the news is often depressing, the play of the Lady Cougars this season has inspired many of us and reminded us that we can all overcome adversity if we persevere or, as the Apostle Paul, put it "press toward the mark".
Because of their perseverence, the PCHS girls basketball team won the Piedmont District regular season championship for the first time in a decade and finished the regular season undefeated at 8-0 including 2 wins over arch-rival Bassett High School. It is difficult to beat a team of the quality of Bassett three times in one season, and unfortunately Patrick County fell just short of accomplishing that feat when it lost to Bassett in the district tournament final Friday night, Feb. 20, in a hard-fought battle of champions. However, the Lady Cougars have every right to hold their heads high as they prepare for action in the Region IV tournament this week. We are the Champions!
The fact that the Lady Cougars are champions goes far beyond their play on the basketball court. The PCHS girls basketball team has not only rekindled our pride as Patrick Countians but the team has also given us an emotional boost that is much needed during these tought times. I commend the team for its spirit, courage, and determination, which are very admirable qualities that we can all reach down deep inside and draw upon as we positively strive to better our community and ourselves despite personal and community problems that sometimes seem insurmountable. Thanks to the Lady Cougars for this lesson on life...and good luck to the team in the regionals.
I would personally like to congratulate the Patrick County High School Lady Cougars as a team that truly works together and gives its best at all times! Individually, my congratulations go to Kylene Culler and Whitney Bowers who have been named to the All-Piedmont District First Team, to Casey Bradshaw (All-District Second Team), and to PCHS girls' basketball coach Glenn Burnett, who has been voted the Piedmont District Coach of the Year. Way to go Cougars! You have touched our lives in a special way both on and off the basketball court.
Taking pride in our community,
Richard
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