Southern Ohio Lady Mambas wrap up in-state tournament season with Ballin at the Creek championship
Pictured are (front, l-r) Maddie Easter McKenzie West and Jayden Hatfield; and (back, l-r) Head Coach Derrik Haithcock, Karis Hudson, Aurora Stringfield, Hayden Rideout, Jayla Haithcock, Lyrric Hanson and La’Niah Smith. (Submitted photo)
The seventh grade Lady Mambas AAU team, based in Hillsboro and consisting of players from Highland and surrounding counties, had another successful weekend, placing first place in the “Ballin at the Creek” tournament in Beavercreek.
Their results at the tournament included wins over Huntington Elite (59-15), 740 Dynasty (44-31) and 7th/8th Buckeye Storm (31-17) before defeating the Ohio Stars, 52-9 in the championship.
The team includes members Maddie Easter, Jayla Haithcock, Lyrric Hanson, Jayden Hatfield, Karis Hudson, Hayden Rideout, La’Niah Smith, Aurora Stringfield and McKenzie West.
This was the 2024 Lady Mambas’ last in-state tournament, ending their season with an overall record of 19-4, which includes three first-place championships.
Coach Derrik Haithcock stated that he is proud of the hard work these girls have put in and that winning is a bonus, but he is more excited about the reps and confidence they are gaining with their individual development of the fundamentals of the game, learning to pay attention to detail, communicate and work as a team. He hopes they stay focused with education in the classroom and in the gym.
Coach Haithcock stated that he plans to work with his daughter and her friends from the local area throughout high school.The sky is the limit in the classroom and on the court, but they must want it and get reps and better every day, whether that’s film study or in the gym working on different aspects of their game while keeping the Mambas Mentality. Great job, girls and families, and thank you for your dedication to our program.
Coach Haithcock and the Lady Mambas would like to thank the community and families for the support of the Lady Mambas.
The Lady Mambas head to Rock Hill, S.C. for a chance to win nationals June 19-23. If you would like to help sponsor or donate to the Lady Mambas’ trip for the national tournament, contact Coach Haithcock at (937) 205-2433 or changethegame84@yahoo.com.
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