Creekside made herstory.
The first girls’ team in the school’s history to achieve an undefeated season. The first girls’ team in the school’s history to win a state championship.
It was a perfect season, with a perfect ending. A team that made history while remaining true to itself. Months of dedication and hard work culminated in Creekside defeating the defending champions, Maynard Jackson High School, who competed in Region 5A last season.
Earlier in the season, when they were 18-0, Head Coach Akennia Ellis said, “We preach longevity because we still have things to do at the end of the season. Undefeated means undefeated; it doesn’t mean you’re a champion, and it doesn’t mean we won anything. We don’t have anything to show for it. One game at a time until you get the job done, but we still have something to do.”
Now, it holds significance. It holds significance for the history of the Creekside girls’ basketball program. It holds significance for the players who sacrificed everything this season. It holds significance for the coaching staff who demonstrated dedication and fostered a winning culture. It holds significance for the players, families, and fans who attended every game.
“This title tonight solidifies that the Southside got something to say in girls’ basketball; we are now part of the conversation. This win means everything; it is a testament to the girls’ hard work, discipline, and willingness to be coached. A strength of mine is relationship building, and once I let the girls learn about me and I learned a lot more about them, the rest was herstory,” said Coach Ellis.
All season long, the narrative about the Lady Seminoles being one of the best teams in Georgia circulated throughout the basketball world. Well, it’s no longer a rumor; it’s a fact. Add 4A State Champions to their resume, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to mention that they defeated every opponent on their schedule, finishing the season undefeated at 32-0.
This was the third time Creekside faced Jackson. They squared off twice during the regular season, with their first matchup in early December, where Creekside won by ten points. Then they played again in January, and Creekside won by twenty points. People say it can be challenging to beat a team three times, as teams often adjust their strategies and players can become more familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses, but there were no adjustments that Jackson could have made to stop Creekside.
Said Creeksides point guard C’India Dennis, “All I have to say is that we put in the work and we didn’t come into the game cocky; we came in confident. Our coach said that teams go on runs, but we must ensure our run is more extended than theirs.”
There won’t be many players who can say they are undefeated champions. As Coach Ellis said, “It’s rare air, but this was ordained.”
