Starr’s Mill earns road victories against Whitewater

Post author:Jaylon Thompson
Post published:December 8, 2018
Post category:Sports Top Stories

The Starr’s Mill Lady Panthers have found their offensive rhythm. On Friday night, the Panthers showcased their perimeter acumen, including 6 3-pointers, to prevail 64-60 over the Whitewater Lady Wildcats.

Panthers’ guard Alice Anne Hudson lead the way with 25 points. She started off hot, hitting back-to-back threes, to give Starr’s Mill an early edge. Teammates Jaclyn Hester (14 points) and Ashtyn Lally (10 points) sustained the momentum late to secure the victory.

Starr’s Mill has won three out of their last four games. The Panthers improved to 3-4 overall and 2-0 in region play.

It’s great to win, especially (more…)

Bama Boys: Coaches share bond deeper than basketball

Post author:Jaylon Thompson
Post published:December 7, 2018
Post category:Sports Top Stories

Eighteen years ago, Starr’s Mill head coach Charlemagne Gibbons was just looking for a helping hand. After an impressive basketball career as player, Gibbons was searching for an opportunity to stay connected to the game he loved.

Then, he received a phone call.

On the other line, was a good friend that wanted Gibbons to check out his basketball team at Stanhope Elmore High School in Alabama. The team was preparing for the upcoming season and Gibbons was asked to work out some players.

Gibbons agreed. A couple days later, he walked into the gym and was handed a clipboard (more…)

Starr’s Mill sweeps Battle of the Bubble round one

Post author:Jaylon Thompson
Post published:December 5, 2018
Post category:Sports Top Stories

Starr’s Mill head coach Charlemagne Gibbons described his halftime speech to his team as a “Coming to Jesus” moment. He wasn’t pleased with the effort the Panthers gave in the first half of Tuesday’s rivalry game against McIntosh.

The Panthers sauntered into halftime tied at 28 with the Chiefs. Gibbons wasn’t happy his team played too relaxed. He noticed the aggressive mentality wasn’t there from the jump and he let his players hear about it in the locker room.

“I told them is that we better defend with some more energy,” Gibbons said. “That was the main part of (more…)

Sandy Creek escapes with sweep against Starr’s Mill

Post author:Jaylon Thompson
Post published:December 1, 2018
Post category:Sports Top Stories

Julian Alexander’s eyes lit up when he drilled his first 3-pointer of the night. As he turned to the crowd, the Sandy Creek senior guard gave a quick smile that signaled he knew this could be a special night.

Thirty-two minutes later, the smile was still there. This time, it came with the sweet joy of victory as the Patriots defeated the Starr’s Mill Panthers 66-57 in overtime. Alexander led all scorers with 26 points. His efforts helped Sandy Creek win its fifth consecutive game and improve to 5-1 overall.

“I felt like I was in a rhythm and I (more…)

Starr’s Mill splits with East Coweta

Post author:Jaylon Thompson
Post published:November 28, 2018
Post category:Sports Top Stories

East Coweta was the featured guest at Starr’s Mill’s home opener, but it was freshman forward Jaclyn Hester that earned all the party favors.

Hester was dominant in her home debut. She scored 17 points and collected 23 rebounds as the Lady Panthers rolled past the Lady Indians 55-37. It was Hester’s second time scoring 15 or more points as Starr’s Mill picked up its first victory of the season.

Jaclyn Hester dominates the Indians with 17 points and 23 rebounds. (Staff Photo: Chris Dunn)

“It was my teammates that helped me out tonight,” Hester said. “Everyone was contributing and (more…)

Starr’s Mill rallies to beat Whitewater, advance to state title match

Post author:Jaylon Thompson
Post published:October 31, 2018
Post category:Fayette County Peachtree City Sports Top Stories

The road to the Class AAAAA State Championship ran through Whitewater High School on Tuesday night. In an instant classic, the Starr’s Mill Lady Panthers overcame an early deficit to dispel the Whitewater Lady Wildcats 3-2 in five sets.

Starr’s Mill advanced to face bitter rival, the McIntosh Lady Chiefs, in the state title game. The Battle of the Bubble Series will carry extra weight as the Chiefs hope to repeat as state champions. Starr’s Mill looks to win their first title under head coach Jason Flowers.

“It’s a big deal as I am one of the only seniors that (more…)

Whitewater outlasts Starr’s Mill to win Region 3-AAAAA Crown

Post author:Jaylon Thompson
Post published:October 3, 2018
Post category:News Sports Top Stories

There is a new team sitting atop the Region 3-AAAAA softball throne, as the Whitewater Lady Wildcats dethroned Starr’s Mill and won their second region title under head coach Robert Townsend.

Whitewater traveled six miles down the road into enemy territory. It is never easy to win at Panther Stadium, but the Wildcats were up to the task. In front of a packed house, the Wildcats went 12 rounds with the Panthers and took both games of the region championship doubleheader.

Both teams battled in a back and forth slugfest, but it was Whitewater’s “never say die” attitude that propelled (more…)

Whitewater defeats Starr’s Mill for shot at State Title Game

Post author:Jaylon Thompson
Post published:May 9, 2018
Post category:Sports Top Stories

As she leapt into the air, Whitewater junior midfielder Madison Wright couldn’t contain her excitement. Drenched in sweat and exhibiting the battle scars of an all-out war with Starr’s Mill, Wright was in shock.

The Lady Wildcats had just pulled off an improbable 3-0 win over Lady Panthers in front of a rabid crowd. In enemy territory, Whitewater advanced past last year’s Final Four demise and punched their ticket to the Class AAAAA state championship game. What awaits next is a battle with their other (more…)