There were more questions about the team than answers when the Covenant Middle School Lady Lions started the season in November. By the end of the season, coach Lacey Slatton knew exactly what her team was going to do.

The Lady Lions wrapped up a 5-4 season Tuesday with a 43-6 win over Victory, the team’s third win in its last four games. The domination to end the season was something Slatton wouldn’t have predicted, but she found out quickly this group gelled well.

“We went from scoring 20 points a game to putting up 40 at the end. They really picked it up a lot,” said Slatton. “We started out with a group of girls who haven’t played a lot together. Down the stretch, their confidence was built up. They learned to play really well together.”

Jaelin Stovall went off in the last game, scoring 18 points. Sadie Duggin and Addison Smith added six points each. Rounding out the scoring were Abigail Netherton and Alyssa Parsley with four points apiece, Susanna Netherton and Emma Sharpe with two points each and Alexis Davenport with one.

Stovall was the team’s catalyst offensively, serving as the team’s point guard and primary ball handler. Duggin and Smith provided offensive versatility, while Abigail and Parsley – both sixth-graders - were welcome additions midway through the season when they bumped up to the middle school squad.

Having the ability to move up players, including Smith and Stovall now joining the high school squad for tournament play next week, is one of the perks of Slatton coaching each level at Covenant.

“They know the expectations and the work ethic we expect. We implement the offense and defense at the elementary level,” said Slatten. “We’re also working on their skills. Our summer skill work last year really helped out a lot of kids. They’re building from a young age and working their way up while learning to play well together and finding their roles.”

If this season is any indication, the future of Lady Lion basketball is looking bright.