Destrehan has reeled off nine straight victories. The Ladycats are unbeaten through a round of district play and have the program’s first district title in seven years square in their sights. A young team that broke through to win a playoff game last season after missing the playoffs entirely a season before seems primed to take yet another step when the 23-24 postseason comes around.
But head coach Twalla Powell is not satisfied – because she knows her team cannot afford to be.
“This team is young,” Powell said. “And these last few games have been a bit of a struggle.”
All have been wins – a 42-33 win home win over H.L. Bourgeois, a 40-37 win away at Central Lafourche and a dominant 52-16 win back at home over Terrebonne. But Powell sees a team that’s played a bit flat at times during this stretch: it hasn’t cost Destrehan (13-5, 7-0) a victory yet, but she says it’s only a matter of time if that doesn’t improve.
“Sometimes, with a young team, they don’t realize the work that goes into winning a championship,” said Powell. “You have to try and get them to focus on coming out with intensity and playing each game like it’s your last.
“We have to stay focused and understand the overall goal, because it’s going well now but it can just as easily go the other way.”
It’s tough love from Powell, in her second season as DHS head coach, but it’s because she knows what her team can accomplish this season if it keeps its eye on the prize.
The team’s decisive 51-29 win over Hahnville to begin the month came over a Tigers team that’s lost just three other games this season – and it was the Tigers’ only loss over their past 13 games.
Against Central Lafourche, Amaya Armstrong and Koi Ursin scored 12 and 10, respectively, to lead the way.
Ursin scored 15 and Ka’mi Johnson 13 to lead the team past H.L. Bourgeois. And Ursin scored 14 and Harmony Howard 10 in the win over Terrebonne.
“Winning the last eight games, yes, it feels good to be there right now,” said Powell. “We’re learning how to win tough games and how to stay focused and poised. All of our young ladies have been playing their role and playing it well … we just need each of them to step up even a little more in order to go unbeaten again over the second round of district.”
East St. John traveled to Destrehan Friday night to begin the second round of District 7-5A play – Destrehan earned a 51-44 victory to secure a sweep of their rival.
A second rivalry clash looms, as Destrehan readies to host Hahnville this Friday night.
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