RIDGELAND LADY PANTHERS
Head Coach: April Lemonds Last Year: 21-16 overall, 6-4 in Region 7-AAAA, Second Round of AAAA Playoffs
The Lady Panthers have continued to make strides over the past four seasons, from getting into the playoffs as a No. 4 seed in 2018 and 2019 to punching their ticket as a No. 3 seed in 2020 to a firstround road win as a No. 3 seed last fall. Now, the Black-and-white are eyeing a possible region crown, something the program hasn’t achieved since a nearly all-senior squad made it to the Elite Eight in 2016...and they just might have all the pieces in place to do it in 2022. The new 6-AAA will be tough with Lafayette, Gordon Lee, Bremen and others waiting as roadblocks to a title, but Ridgeland’s varsity roster features all upperclassmen, including five seniors, who are hungry to reach their goal in their final season.
What is the strength of this year’s team or what do you think it will be by the time we get toward the playoffs?
Lemonds: “One of our biggest strengths now is leadership. I think accountability will be a strength as the season progresses. Our girls are learning to be accountable for their actions and assist their teammates with accountability.”
What is the key (or keys) to the season for your team?
Lemonds: “Consistency and reduction of errors.”
How do you see the region shaping up with the changes from realignment?
Lemonds: “I think region play is going to be tough. There are several talented volleyball teams in our region.”
Complete the sentence: “We will contend for a spot in the state playoffs this season if we...”
Lemonds: “...work together and stay focused.”
Seniors: Madison Lennon (DS/L), Natalee Mcclain (OH), Koda O’dell (OH), Ivey Stargel (RS/MB), Alyssa Wooten (S)
Other Key Players: Cece Davenport (Jr., MB), Emily Ensley (Jr., S), Betsy Hixon (Jr., DS/L), Ashley Ladd (Jr., RS), Taylor Lambert (Jr., MB)