Its that time of the year again. Lakeview Lady Gator basketball is here and better than ever. This will be Dewaskie Fuller’s second year as the Head Coach for the Lady Gators, and his first year showed great improvement for the team. But this year is going to be the one to put these young women on the map.
Last year the team only clinched the 17-seed in the playoffs, but now they have their eyes set on a trip to Lake Charles in March.
The team did not have any seniors last season, so this year we have nearly the same squad as before, with the addition of some role players, and it all starts with the young lady that brings the ball up the court.
As a seventh grader last year, #3 Janaiya Fisher was honored with 1st team All-District 3-2A and All-Class 2A Honorable mention. Fisher averaged 19 points and 11 assists per game last year. Fuller said that over the summer Fisher has, “Improved her basketball IQ tremendously and really taken on the role as a leader for the team.” It’s going to be extremely exciting to see what “Little Fisher” is bringing to the table this year.
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You can’t bring up Janaiya without talking about her older sister, #24 Jameisha Fisher. Last year Jameisha was an absolute deadeye shooter for the Lady Gators, and it’s a sure bet nothing has changed in that aspect over the summer. Fuller stated about the junior, “She has made a huge jump over the summer and is in exactly the spot she wants to be in to succeed.” By the end of the year, this sister duo will put both their names on a high level.
Now to talk about Little Fishers running partner, #4
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Washington. Washington, also an eighth grader this season, has definitely prepared herself to solidify her spot in the starting backcourt. The young guard had some moments last year that showed she could’ve improved on offense, and has without a doubt improved that part of her game. What she brings to the court defensively is what stands out. Her ability to keep in front of her defender at all times, as well as wreaking havoc in the passing lanes to lead to important fast break buckets. Washington is going to be a huge chess piece in Fuller’s path to success.
Another player whose individual success will help with the team is center, #23 Saniyah Marshall. Marshall is the long, big woman for the Lady Gators who worked hard over the summer to be named starting center. Marshall has put on weight to improve her presence in the paint, and her ability to get rebounds on both ends of the floor will be huge for the Gators.
Now to talk about the foundation of this team, #33 senior forward
Poydras. Poydras has been the leader of this team since her sophomore year, and nothing is changing this season. She may not fill up the stat sheet every night, but what she puts into the game can’t be put into numbers. Her willingness to get down and dirty every single play is a major part to the Lady Gator success. Her vocal leadership is one of the main things that brings this team together. Poydras plans on making her senior year one to remember.
The Lady Gators are probably going to be the frontrunners to win district this year, and go much farther than that in the playoffs. It is without a doubt going to be a season to keep up with. So if I were you, I’d put my money on Lakeview now.