The Leesville women’s varsity basketball team has once again proven itself as one of the top programs in the area, finishing the regular season with an 18-5 record. A major contributor to the team’s success has been from junior forward standout #14, Finley Lewis. Throughout the season, Lewis has played a crucial role in setting the tone for the team. She finished the regular season averaging 19.5 points per game, 13.4 rebounds per game, 2.4 steals per game, and 2 blocks per game. Dominant numbers that highlight her ability to impact nearly every aspect of the game. 

The Pride continued their strong run into the postseason, going on to win the CAP-8 tournament and become conference champions. The team ended the season with an impressive final record of 21-6. Ending the season in the second round of playoffs on February 26, falling short in a tough matchup against Wakefield.

Her performances throughout the season helped her earn the CAP-8 Conference Player of the Year award and first team all-district honor. Lewis said, “I feel really honored to win because I feel like not only my own personal hard work but all my teammates’ hard work has been recognized.”

Lewis’s ability to control the paint, secure rebounds, protect the rim, and score consistently made her one of the most difficult players for opposing teams to match up against. Both teammates and coaches recognize the influence Lewis has had on the program this year. 

Lewis’s strong season has earned her the recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Ms. NC Basketball award, which recognizes the top girls’ high school basketball player in the state of North Carolina.

However, Lewis’s influence goes far beyond the stat sheet. Teammates who played alongside Lewis reflect on the season and her impact. 

Cadhla O’Dwyer, senior, said via text, “I joined the team my senior year and only knew a few people at first. If you know Finley, you know she is anything but shy, so she immediately started messing around with me and made me feel welcome right away. Even though she was one of the better ones on the team, and I was new to the sport, we bonded quickly. We are both chronically online, so she understands all of my references, and we clicked from the start of the season.”

Madison Watson, junior, said, “Finley is one of my closest friends. She has a big impact on the basketball team both on and off the court. She is one of our leading scorers and helps a lot on defense, specifically when it comes to opponents getting past our first line of defense.”

Mattie Matonic, senior, said, “I have been playing with Finley for three years now, and she has impacted our team from day one. She is always ready to compete in practice and push everyone around her to get better, while still making everyone laugh. I am really going to miss her, especially her insane brain rot.”

With another year still ahead of her, both teammates and fans are eager to see how she continues to improve her game and help lead the team. Lewis said, “Looking ahead to my senior season, I am sad to see this year’s seniors go, but I am also really excited to see the team succeed next year.”