A year ago, the Lady Indians had an unforgettable season that saw TFS win its first-ever region title and make the first trip to the Elite 8. Tallulah Falls went 15-5 overall and were ranked as high as #7 in the state polls.
The roster returns two starters in All-State selection: senior Denika Lightbourne and sophomore Haygen James. Lightbourne’s 342 points last year were the 8th-most in a single season at TFS. The guard has 971 career points and is set to become the Lady Indians’ fifth member of the 1,000-point club, and with 433 rebounds, she could become just the second 1,000-point, 500-rebound member in school history.
Coach Lowell Hamilton returns a group that has others with varsity experience such as sophomore Breelyn Wood, junior Allie Phasavang, and seniors Miracle Bain and Tanisha Seymour. Newcomers to the roster include senior Nahia Fresno Suarez, junior Tiana Bojovic, sophomore Millie Holcomb, and freshman Emily Cai.
The region will be a gauntlet that includes TFS (Elite 8), Elbert County (Class 2A State Champions), Rabun County (State Runner-Up), Commerce (Final 4), and others. It will be a crowded and talented region, with every game crucial for returning to the state playoffs.
“We’re focused on being the best us we can be,” says Hamilton, who feels the strength of this team is in the desire to simply play hard.
The region-title defending run begins on November 8 in a home scrimmage against Stephens County, and the first official game at home on November 12 against Mt. Paran.
