Lady Indians return from successful trip to Chapel Hill
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Sports Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

A Cherokee County basketball squad consisting of players from Gaffney and Ewing middle schools joined varsity players for a camp at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Gaffney girls basketball coach Stacey Parris has a good idea how her team will react the first time a game goes down to the wire this season.

The Lady Indians went 7-2 in league play last week at a Carolina's Finest basketball camp held July 10-13 at the University of North Carolina.

Games were decided in the final moments against high school teams from New York, Arizona, Ohio and New Jersey.

"We had great competition," Parris said. "Every game was close. It went down to the last minute where the game could have gone either way. Our players did well in a lot of pressure situations."

Gaffney had 20 returning varsity and junior varsity basketball players participate in the team camp at North Carolina. The Lady Indians won a sportsmanship award for their players conduct on and off the basketball court.

A combined Gaffney and Ewing middle basketball team was voted the best offensive team in their league.

Parris is in her second year at Gaffney High. Unlike her first season, Parris has been able to spend significant time this spring and summer working with players to help them improve their games.

Gaffney went a combined 13-4 this summer at the University of North Carolina and Fellowship of Christian Athletes basketball camps.

"Our players went into every game not knowing anything about our opponent. We were able to focus on playing our game and working on being consistent in everything we do," Parris said. "I think the work we have been able to do this spring and summer has helped us tremendously. I'm very proud of our players."