As Destrehan head girls basketball coach Twalla Powell guides her team through her third season at the program’s helm, she’s seeing the traits she hoped to see entering the season.
Chemistry. Toughness. Veteran know-how.
The core of this Ladycats group just entered its third year in Powell’s system, and the Wildcats have earned a 8-5 record against the early portion of what the coach said is the toughest schedule she’s put together at Destrehan.
“The girls know the system,” Powell said. “We’ve returned so many players with experience and this team plays together. They play good, team ball. Rebounding the ball, passing the ball. They’re a group that’s together on and off the floor. They enjoy playing together and that shows when they take the court.
“Our biggest strength is we work together. Total team basketball.”
The Wildcats most recently scored wins at Chalmette, 53-31, and at home over previously unbeaten Slidell, 45-41. The Tigers were 11-0 entering their game with Destrehan.
Leading scorer Koi Ursin is back this season. The senior point guard has stepped up her leadership, Powell said, as she looks to help fuel a step forward this season for Destrehan.
“She’s communicating and playing well at both ends of the floor,” Powell said. “She’s getting us into and executing our plays, and her ability to create off the dribble is phenominal. It’s awesome.”
Amaya Armstrong, likewise, is a cornerstone. The junior anchors the Destrehan defense, protecting the paint and asserting herself as a force on the boards.
“She’s a dominant rebounder,” Powell said. “Offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds. And she’s a great passer. Because of her skill level, she draws a lot of people to her and she’s finding the open player. It opens up everything for us.”
Sophomore Jaedyn Dickerson has given the team a big boost. Dickerson earned her way into the Ladycats’ rotation and Powell says she sparks a fire each time the reserve guard takes the floor.
Powell added Dickerson plays a bigger game than her size would suggest.
“She rebounds like she’s 6’2 – and she might be 4’11 at most,” Powell said. “Her love for the game is apparent, the passion she plays with. She contributes in every facet of the game. Defense, offense, making the great pass, making a 3 – she hit two tonight (Tuesday).”
And sophomore Raya Johnson has bolstered the starting lineup, after earning experience late last season as Destrehan battled injury.
“She was on the JV team last year and stepped in against Fontainebleau,” said Powell. “She did a good job for us and that’s carried over. With Amaya and Raya rebounding the ball, we’re in good shape there. And she forces lots of turnovers – she has quick hands, quick feet and very good court awareness.”
In the win over Slidell, Ursin scored 16, Harmony Howard 13 and Armstrong 11.
Destrehan began the season with six wins in eight games – besting Vandebilt Catholic, St. Amant and Phoenix before earning a tournament win over rival Hahnville, 48-32 at Karr. DHS also defeated Cabrini and Salmen before falling in three straight, including Tuesday night’s tight loss at Ponchatoula, 55-53.
“This schedule is preparing us for district play and the state tournament,” Powell said. “This group has been together for three years, and with the experience we have and the new additions who have made an impact, we’re looking to make some moves this year.”
