HSFT Stop No. 1: West Lowndes

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — West Lowndes won just one district game a year ago, but the Panthers still managed to reach the quarterfinals.

Region 4 was a real challenge, but it helped prepare the team for the playoffs.

“That tough schedule helped us get through the playoffs, but Biggersville was way better than everybody else,” head coach Anthony King said. “It’s just that the last three years we’ve lost to state champions, so we feel pretty good.”

Now, with the goal of becoming a state championship contender, the Panthers aren’t satisfied with just a few playoff wins each season.

“We have a lot of young players and a good strength and conditioning coach, so having him prepare these guys now makes things better for the future,” senior linebacker Kam Evans said.

Fall success begins for West Lowndes with grueling summer workouts.

“You have to get used to the heat so you can get used to it when school starts, when practice starts,” junior lineman Eli Sanders said. “Being out here on the field in the summer allows you to do work that other guys don’t do.”

Head coach Anthony King is counting on senior Kam Evans to step up on the court and as a leader, but that role isn’t new to him.

“I’ve been a leader since I was in ninth grade,” Evans said. “I love encouraging these guys and making them grow. They see me going to all these camps and stuff, and it really encourages them, so I’m happy to be a part of that process.”

King isn’t skipping any steps with this team, his top priority is to take care of business in the district and go from there.

“Our main goal is just to win the district,” King said. “Win ​​the district so we can play more home playoff games.”

West Lowndes start their season against Aberdeen.