Tied at 14 late in the first quarter, it seemed like this contest would go down to the wire. But as the final buzzer sounded and the scoreboard reading 69-46, it was evident that the best team on the court were the Ribault Senior High Lady Trojans.
Ribault defeated Paxon in front of a passionate crowd at Paxon High School Friday Night. Fueled by the home crowd, the Golden Eagles started out hot, knocking down three point shots and 
deploying an aggressive strategy consisting of out hustling Ribault to loose balls and rebounds. Paxon’s star forward #23 Rayven Ward scored the first basket of the game on a beautiful drive and spin move ending with a layup. Yet this would be the only glimpse of her we’d see all night until late in the second half. Coach Shelia Pennick’s focus defensively was to keep the ball out of the hands of #23 for Paxon. And it worked as Ward struggled to find open lanes and looks. However the Lady Golden Eagles were able to receive key contributions from others to offset this strateegy. #2 Jha’ Nae Wheeler hit some big shots in the game as she was left wide open after Paxon successfully moved the ball. #10 Arianna Wright #4 Mackenzie Brigman and #22 Trinity Wade hustled on almost every play causing jump ball situations and clogging passing lanes. #11 Jilian West was a fire cracker on the hardwood, playing with the force of cannon ball when in the game. They all chipped in to assist their talented forward who just could not get the ball in her hands. This was due to the Trojan army on the other side of the ball who deployed the heavy artillery .
Ribault dawned their pink and blue fatigued uniforms suited like a team on a military mission. Their play in the ladder part of the first half really showcased their determination. 
After #4 Praise Russell was knocked out of the game with an inadvertent blow to her face, the Lady Trojans turned up the heat. #10 Rennia Davis and #24 DayNeshia Banks blocked shots and out stretched arms to deflect passes intended for Eagle’s players. Davis and Banks finished in double digits and were the high scorers of the game. But the true difference maker for the Lady Trojans this night was #3 Kayla Rogers. Rogers was a difference maker on offense. With the ability to distribute the rock or drive to the basket, Rogers displayed it all Friday Night. Her penetration on offense opened the door for Davis and Banks scoring, while #1 Dawn Gipson and #13 Nola Carter shut the door on defense. It was an all around victory for an all around team. The 2014-2015 Gateway Conference Champions Ribault Lady Trojans.
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