Dakota Howard fueling Parkway girls' basketball; named Player of the Week
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Parkway girls' basketball team has been on fire and senior Dakota Howard is a big reason for the Lady Panthers success.
'I knew I had a big part to play on this team this year,' Howard said.
After the Parkway girls' basketball team won the state championship last season, for the second consecutive year, Dakota Howard knew she was next up to lead the Lady Panthers.
Dakota Howard's 28 points leads Parkway to win over Airline
The senior has followed behind star players like Mikaylah Williams and Chloe Larry, so she knew what was expected as a role model and leader for Parkway.
'My team has my back just as much as I have their back,' explained Howard. 'I know they look up to me, and it's a great feeling to have people look up to you at a young age.'
Basketball wasn't always Howard's main sport; she originally was focused on softball.
However, starting her eighth-grade year. basketball became her number one sport as she realized what kind of a future she could have on the hardwood.
'I don't know if I was getting looked at for softball,' recalled Howard. 'I knew I wanted to go to college and play ball. So, when my first year of basketball people are looking, calling, or talking to me, I was like, 'This is what I need to be doing if this is where I want to go.''
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One of the best decisions Howard feels that she has made was transferring to Parkway her sophomore year.
'The program, the teachers, the students, everybody is family,' expressed Howard.
Dakota is no stranger to Hammond, last year she played in the state title which was hosted there.
After this May, the senior is heading back to Hammond, but this time as a Southeastern Louisiana Lion.
'Ever since the first time I talked to (Southeastern Women's Basketball),' Howard said. 'They've been like family. They have always called or told me congratulations on anything I've achieved in my career. They've really just been here this entire time.'
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Howard will now be eligible for the Landers Dodge Player of the Year award, which comes with a $2,500 scholarship. The Player of the Year Banquet will be held in May 2025.
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