There is no doubt that there is pressure playing for a program such as Paris that has a championship tradition and expects to be in the state title hunt every year. That’s just the way it is, and in programs that are successful most years, it is a factor that is embraced by championship teams. Championship teams do not shy away from the expectations. In fact, they welcome the expectations and know that is why they like to play in programs that have a chance to be special every year. And for perhaps one of the most talented senior classes in program history, NOW is the time for the Lady Eagles to bring a state title to Paris.
The Lady Eagles have a very high win percentage both statewide and within the 3A West over the past five years or so. But none of that matters this time of year. Starting next week with conference tournament play, each game could be a player’s last, and for this Paris senior class, they do not want that day to come until October 30 in Hot Springs for the Class 3A state championship.
Two seasons ago, Paris entered the quarterfinals on their home court in the state tournament and were upset by the eventual tournament champion, Little Rock Episcopal. In 2020, after a roller coaster year that saw a young team win big games and fight their way through a long COVID quarantine, the Lady Eagles played magnificently in the first three rounds of the state tournament, only to have a bad day against the eventual 2020 Class 3A Hackett Lady Hornets in the state finals. This year, Paris has dropped both regular season matches to Hackett, and has had a little bit of an up and down year that has seen Paris play lights out at times, and only to struggle in losses at others. So for this year’s senior class that has been looked to over the past three years as being a class that could bring home a title, it is time to bring home the title NOW.
Paris is one of the few programs in the state that can feel like it failed by bringing home a state runner-up trophy in the state tournament. To most programs, a second place finish at state is something that would be revered for years at most schools. But not Paris; not for a program that has higher expectations, and not for a fan base that expects titles every year.
The 2021 Lady Eagles senior class is full of outstanding student-athletes who are very personable and are just great kids. But they have high expectations for themselves, as well as what the fans expect and hope for them as Paris athletes. And now, the second season begins with the district tournament that will take place next week in Booneville. Both Paris and Hackett have byes to the semifinals, and a semifinal win by both will guarantee them of no lower than a #2 seed going into the state tournament, and with the winner being a top seed and the district tournament champion. Additionally, the first three rounds of the state tournament will be at Paris, and the Lady Eagles will be playing to erase the memories of the devastating quarterfinals loss at Paris in 2019.
So any way you slice it, the time is NOW for Paris and their senior class. No more time for experimentation; no more time for any distractions. The time is NOW to play six games at the best of their abilities. NOW is the time to leave everything on the floor, and NOW is the time that will determine the legacy of this year’s Lady Eagles seniors.
We wish Paris and all teams the best of luck during post-season play, and Resident Press will be there to bring you all of the action!
