When every game counts

Judging by thespirited way they made itthrough an unusuallytoughseason, it's clearthatputtingpoints on the scoreboard wasn't all that made the Lady Flamestick.

Ittook commitment, determination, and a constant reminder from nine-year veteran coach Linda Farver that every game,even a lostone, counted toward better, stronger, and more consistent play.

Despite 20-hours-a-week practice times, the Flameslost the tip-off tournament for the firsttime infour years Priorto Christmas, theirrecord was 2-4 due to illnesses, injuries, and lack of experience.

The 2-4 record motivated players to work hard over the two-week Christmas break and to come back in good conditon and ready to play ball, MissFarversaid

But by mid-season, the record was 4-9 as the team headed toward theMasonDixon conference tournament.

The team consisted of four freshmen, four sophomores, two juniors, and two seniors.

"The unsung heroine has been senior Sheila Ford," Farver said A startersinceher first game forthe Lady Flames four years ago,she made the team strong in the point guard position.

"Her spirit was outstanding both on and off the court," Farversaid

"Senior Malynda Keck has alsoprovided strongleadership from the inside game. She has made a solidcontribution," the coach added

Freshmen Harriett Blair and Sarah Beth Faber showed promise from the very beginning

"We recruited her (Blair) because of her outside shooting ability; butshe has proven herselfinareas such as rebounding, defense, and assists Faber has also been making solid contributions coming off the bench as a freshman forus," Farversaid.

Overall,itwas a good season for the Lady Flames — a time of learning, growing, and improving team spirit.

Their coach knows Maybe these intangibles don't always show on the scoreboard; but down the road for a determined and maturingteam such asthe Lady Flames, they could pay off — Jennifer Steele

Sophomore LisaTowson receives a pass (upper left) Beth Faber, freshman forward, putsthe ballup whileopponents watch (lower left) Sharon Freetstretcheshigh over opponents toscorein thelastminute ofthe game (immediateleft)