My Apologies: The Houston County Lady Bears advance to Sweet 16

I had been so busy, like most sportswriters who have the pleasure of covering six high schools, and forgot about you. I wrote a 1,000-plus-word basketball state tournament preview for the weekend edition and left you out and for that, I am sorry. There are no excuses. I’m just glad I have another chance to see you play again and write about the hustle, heart and passion you all display on the basketball court. How could I have forgotten you? The Houston County High School Lady Bears can be easily described as one of the toughest teams in town. I repeat: No excuses.

The Lady Bears defeated Heritage High School 54-31 on Friday night and are now in the Sweet 16 on Wednesday, where they will face a tough Douglas County High School Lady Tigers team. The Lady Tigers were 25-3 this season and went a cool 16-0 during region AAAAAA-5 play. That just so happens to be a region with powerhouse teams from Mays High School and New Manchester High School. Despite the uphill climb and two-hour drive from work (in Perry), I am going to have to be there to cover the game. It’s the least I can do for not even acknowledging the Lady Bears’ playoff existence a few days ago.

I asked senior point guard Autumn Ring how she felt knowing that her high school basketball career is continuing, and she answered, “It feels amazing.” She continued, “We are just beyond grateful for being able to have the opportunity to do what we have done. We just hope to continue this journey as long as we can.”

By the time she was done expressing herself, I felt 100 times worse. Thanks, Autumn. I should have known, I should have paid closer attention, but the Lady Bears live to fight another day and I’ll be sure to not forget this time around (hence the column!).

“We’re taking it one game at a time,” said Ring. “This is something that hasn’t happened at Houston County [High School] in a long time.”

I get it, I get it already.

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