As tough as is it to win a state title, it’s even harder to win back-to-back state titles. The defending 5A state champion Watson Chapel Lady Wildcats (18-2, 6-0) are on a quest to repeat, and thus far they’re having a winning season. Lady Wildcats’ Head Coach Leslie Henderson had the luxury of returning a few key players from last year’s state title team, and they’ve led the way.
The Lady Wildcats are undefeated in conference play, with only six games remaining in the regular season. During district play, Watson Chapel has beaten each of their opponents by at least 23 points or more. Their only two losses came at the hands of North Little Rock at a neutral site, and to Pulaski Academy on the road.
Cayla Trotter, Tyesha Fields and Timesha Cole have handled the guard play for the Lady Wildcats. Each of the three play well on the ball defense, and they all can make plays on the offensive end as well.
“As far as those three are concerned, their best offense is their defense,” Henderson said. “Trotter always draws the toughest player from the opposing team. Fields has come a long way, and those three definitely set the tone.”
On the inside, Jerrica Bell and Peyton Martin have been the catalyst. Bell and Martin are a one-two punch, and through the progression of a game they simply wear their opponents down.
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“Defensively, they’re about as good as you can have down low,” Henderson said. “Bell does a great job of help defense and recognizing things in front of her. Peyton contest a lot of shots and she blocks a lot of shots. They are our go to players on offense, and we look to play inside-out.”
The role players also thrive in their jobs, and they make things easier for Henderson.
“Cayla Burns has done a pretty good job for us a sophomore,” Henderson said. “Also, Jermia Frazier gives Bell and Peyton a break when necessary.”
With six games remaining, including a match up tonight against McClellan, the Lady Wildcats will play all of the teams in their district for a second time.
“Anytime you’ve played somebody a second time you have to see if they’re going to do anything different,” Henderson said. “We want to get our momentum going into the post season, and we want to end on a big note.”