If you read last week’s publication, you would’ve seen an article on the boys basketball team. If you didn’t, you should check it out. But not until after you’ve read this one. This week, we are going to highlight our girls basketball team.

Our ladies in blue currently hold a 17-6 record which gives them a 74% win percentage. The team is lead by senior Amya Patterson (15.0ppg), senior Savannah McAfee (12.8ppg), and junior Michaela Moss (10.7ppg). These three players along with the rest of the team have worked together to bring Apopka to hold the number 1 ranking in 7A district 4.

Throughout the season, our girls have had plenty of blow out wins and tough games as well. Their largest victory coming against Oviedo High School which had a final score of 73-32. Some of the other noticeable blowout wins came against Lake Mary (62-27), Lake Nona (56-13), Leesburg (65-24), and Olympia (54-19). The girls have also had some hard fought wins and tough losses. One of these being their win against Dr. Phillips (58-55) which head coach Brittany Hardy told us was the best game of the season. “My girls came out with ​a lot of energy and grit,” Hardy said. Three of their six losses have been decided by 5 or less points. These include games against West Orange (54-51), San Jose Prep (52-48), and Oak Ridge (32-29). The girls have been able to overcome these losses and are still one of the best teams in the area.

Coach Hardy has been coaching for 8 years and with basketball being a part of her life for a long time, she’s been able to help our girls grow on and off the court. “I’ve seen 9 individuals players become one team. The players and coaching staff have put in the work in practice and the classroom this season. It’s hard to believe that the end of this season is so near. I will really miss my seniors who I will always consider part of the APOPKA’s family,” she said when asked about her thoughts on the season. She also told us her favorite memory has been stopping practice and having a karaoke showdown. Like Cyndi Lauper said, “Girls just want to have fun.” She wants to give thanks to everyone for supporting Apopka High School this year, particularly her girls basketball team.

On Thursday January 27, the class of 2022 girls basketball players celebrated their beloved senior night. Our lady Darters have four seniors on the roster: Amya Patterson, Savannah Mcafee, Jordyn Bradley, and Dh’nizia Turner. These girls were showered with love and gifts to celebrate their hard work over the past four years in Apopka’s girls basketball program. They were also able to end the night on a fun and exciting 58-54 victory against Central Florida Christian Academy. This game showcased the determination and love for the game of basketball that all of these girls possess.

Congrats to our lady Darters on an amazing regular season, but the job is not yet finished. If you would like to continue cheering on our girls, they will be hosting the district tournament beginning next Wednesday February 2nd (opponent TBD). This is the first of many games on the road to Lakeland in hopes of hanging another banner in Joe A. Sterling gymnasium.