By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief,
Dale County Chronicle
Spectators were on the edge of their seats throughout the entire game between the Carroll High School (CHS) Lady Eagles and the Opelika Dawgs as the teams fought back and forth for the lead.
The CHS Lady Eagles put up strong individual numbers but ultimately fell short in a tight matchup against the Pike Liberal Arts Lady Patriots this week, as CHS continues to regroup from a frustrating two-point loss to 7A Opelika the night before.
Frankasia Glover delivered a standout performance, posting a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds while adding 4 steals and 4 blocks on the defensive end. Zy Glanton fueled the offense with 15 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals, and Makynzye Bonner added 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals in a balanced effort for the Lady Eagles.
Despite the strong statistical showing, Head Coach Johnson expressed disappointment with her team’s overall approach, referencing the previous night’s narrow loss to Opelika as an example of lapses that must be corrected.
“We just didn’t play our basketball and it was just an off night for us,” Johnson said. “I was in disbelief at the lack of focus and hustle my team showed. I feel like I’m coaching mentality and trying to change the culture here. The athletes at Carroll have been okay with losing by two or just losing in general, and that has to change.”
Opelika entered the game 2–9, a fact that left Johnson even more frustrated. “By stats and ability, we were the better team—they just out-hustled us. And I say it all the time: the games we know we can win, we have to win them.”
The Dale County Chronicle spoke to one Eagles fan who was at the game and had the following to say, “It was a good game and definitely had you on the edge of your seat.” The spectator added, however, that in their opinion, “Our girls have got to practice more on their layups and free throws.”
With the setback, Carroll moves to 6–2 on the season. Johnson said the team will use the loss as motivation as they prepare for their next challenge, a road trip to Montgomery to face a solid Pike Road squad on December 9.
