Thursday night Mandeville gets another chance at unbeaten Southwood.
The Lady Cowboys are 35-0.
Last year in the first round of the state playoffs, Southwood jumped out to an 11-1 lead in the first two minutes and cruised to a 55-43 win. This year, the Skippers say they are ready for the rematch.
Head coach Troy Ricks said he has asked a lot of his players. Ricks said his team worked on handling full court pressure since practice began in the fall. Said Ricks, "in the beginning we couldn't even get the ball up the court."
Ricks said his team can now play under pressure. And, that will be key for a team that has 6 sophomores or freshman in its first seven.
How much has Mandeville grown up? Much, already. The Skippers are making their first Final 4 appearance under Ricks since he took over as head coach in 1991.
It has been a special journey. One that can become even more so Thursday at 6:30 pm in Hammond.