LPCA's Molly Steed
STATE OR BUST: LPCA, Steed have eyes set on a TAPPS Title
At the front of the pack for the Lions is junior forward Molly Steed, who has enjoyed a stellar season leading the team in points, steals and rebounds. Steed will be counted on down the stretch as only a little over a month remains in the district play before it’s playoff time.
Bradley Collier (Vype)
“It has taken a lot of hard work and effort to be one of the team’s leaders,” said Steed. “Also, I couldn’t be here without the help of my coaches who push me beyond my limits and have so much faith in me.”
Given that this team fell just short of a TAPPS title after their loss to Lubbock Christian in the last year's State Championship game, it should come as no surprise that LPCA is ready to make a comeback. Steed believes that is the team’s greatest strength.
“[Our greatest strength] has been our attitude,” Steed said. “We always fight back and never give up. Because of this mindset, I think we can make it back to State.”
Steed’s older sister, Maddie, was a part of last year’s team before graduating and just missed out on a coveted title. Molly, who donned her older sister's jersey number (11), intends to turn things around this year considering how big of an impact her family has on her.
Sisters Maddie (left) and Molly (right) Steed, in the 2021-22 seasonBradley Collier (Vype)
“If I could win State that would mean so much to me,” said Steed. “Maddie is my biggest role model. She works so hard in all she does, and last season I really looked up to her because she was our leader. When we aren’t on the court, she has been an amazing sister, who is always there for me. It would be awesome to see all our hard work pay off.”
Steed doesn't do it alone. She is complimented by guard MK Kloesel, senior forward Georgia Freeman and sophomore forward Charlotte Freeman, just to name a few.
2022-23 LPCA Lions Girls BasketballBradley Collier (Vype)
“If we are playing against a difficult opponent, I try to have a mindset of always hustling and never giving up,” Steed said. “Our goal is State or bust. We have worked so hard and we want to show everyone what we are capable of.”
Molly Steed of Legacy Prep
THE PRIDE: It's State Title or Bust for Legacy Prep girls hoops
Winning a title could very well be in the Lions’ future.
This team returns leaders such as last year’s MVP Molly Steed, along with seniors MK Kloesel and Aubrey Davis. Watch out for senior Georgia Freeman, who is a constant inside the locker room.
“The girls have got a great legacy in front of them -- pardon the pun,” said coach Audra May. “They’ve seen how far we can go, and they know what’s possible. They’ll work hard to get there, and they know what our expectations are every single year.”
The team veterans will be supported by a talented group of younger players to include sophomores Charlotte and Ginger Freeman and freshman Ava Brieger.
May will also be bringing a newer look to Legacy Prep’s usual game plan.
“We’re installing a new offense to give us kind of a refresh,” May said. “It’s because the team is built a little differently than it has been in the past. But, defense will be the name of the game. It’ll be fast and furious.”
The Lions are back on the court this weekend at the Brentwood Christian Invitational.
