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Poplar Springs Shootout provides local teams a valuable tune-up
GRACEVILLE, Fla. (WMBB) — Several local girls basketball teams tipped off their summer seasons this week at the annual Poplar Springs Shootout, using the three-day event not just for competition, but for growth, chemistry and motivation.
Each team entered with its own goals, from rebuilding rosters to preparing for championship runs.
For Holmes County, last season's Class 1A state runners-up, the mission is clear, finish what they started.
'I want people to say this is the team to beat this year,' rising sophomore Jacee Bowers said. 'It's a privilege. People walk in the gym and know this is the team to beat, that feels good.
'We're coming in hard, showing up every day,' rising senior Ava Jones said. 'As seniors, it's exciting. We're ready to take on the role, and our goal is to get to that last game of the season and win it all.'
The Arnold Lady Marlins celebrated a key return as rising senior Abby Long stepped back onto the court following a nine-month recovery from a torn ACL.
'Abby's worked really hard at rehab, and she's going to be a big part of our team,' Arnold Head Coach David Pleat said. 'It takes a lot of courage and commitment to come back from an ACL injury. You really admire them for that.'
Meanwhile, the Mosley Dolphins entered the tournament with just one senior, giving younger players an early opportunity to embrace leadership roles.
'Tournaments like this help us build as a team,' rising sophomore Faith Alvarado said. 'We learn how to play together and learn each other on the court. It's been really good all around.'
The host team, the Poplar Springs Lady Atomics, used the event to introduce their new head coach, JJ Price.
'I officially start July 1, but with the camp and this tournament going on, I've basically been here since the last week of May,' Price said. 'It's been a great chance to get to know the girls and start preparing.'
Holmes County finished the tournament undefeated at 7-0. First-year head coach Brandon French said they aren't slowing down anytime soon.
'We're going to keep playing,' French said. 'A lot of these young guys didn't get a ton of game experience last year, so we're getting in as many games as we can this summer. We're only a few weeks in, but everybody's stepping into their roles really well.'
Whether rebuilding or returning with veteran talent, every team left Poplar Springs with more experience, and a better understanding of what it takes to win.
The three-day event began on Monday, continued Tuesday, and wrapped up on Thursday evening.
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