Making strides: Lady Wildcats setting new standards

When one watches Michael Parks in action, don’t expect to see a version of Bobby Knight.

Parks will not be seen yelling on the bench in front of his Apalachee High School Lady Wildcats. Parks certainly will not be throwing a chair. After each game, wether a win or loss, Parks remains calm and composed, in control. The coach who undertook a major building process a few seasons ago is perhaps beginning to see some return on the dividends he has put in.

The Lady Wildcats have already set a new school record for number of wins in a season (six). The AHS girls have given Loganville a battle in two games this season and enter this Friday’s matchup with region and county rival Winder-Barrow with a sense of confidence like the program has not experienced.


“To have already won six games at this point in the season means a lot,” Parks said this week. “The girls certainly enjoy winning, as any player would. It’s good to know we are on the right track.”
At times, the process has probably seemed like pulling teeth for Parks and his team.

At times, wins have been tough to come by. However, Parks has continued believing and the results are beginning to show.

“We knew when we started the program needed work,” the coach said. “Once Beth (Parks’ wife and a fellow basketball coach) went to the middle school and began coaching, we knew it would help. We also got the players involved in summer basketball. It is really a year around sport. It has taken some time but the program was just so young when we started.”

A balanced attack has been the key for AHS this season.

“You never know who will be our leading scorer,” Parks said. “When you have four people you can count on then it makes you a threat.”

Junior Aliya Ballard has provided a spark for the team. Parks credits her energy for part of the team’s success in 2009-2010.

“She has developed into a very good player,” the coach said.

Porshia Cleveland also has drawn the praise of her coach.

“Porshia makes everyone better,” Parks said.

In the second half of the season, Parks said it will be vital for his Lady Wildcats to defeat the teams “we are capable of beating.”

“We have to continue to win to get that mindset,” the coach said. “That will carry over into next year as well. When you win it makes you feel better about yourself.”

The team is young overall with five sophomores and three freshmen on the roster.

Yet, Parks is not afraid to put the younger players on the court as well.

“We want to get them experience,” he said. “That will only help them and help us in the future.”