South Lawrence Basketball Teams Start Strong with Wins Over Leoma, Ethridge
The 2026-27 basketball season is off to an impressive start for South Lawrence, as both the Stallions and Lady Stallions opened their schedules with convincing victories over Leoma and Ethridge this week.
Playing their first games of the season Tuesday, October 27, at Leoma, the South Lawrence girls earned a 44-8 victory while the boys followed with a 41-14 win. Both teams returned home Thursday, October 29, and continued their winning ways against Ethridge, with the Lady Stallions claiming a 43-10 victory and the Stallions rolling to a 63-8 win.
The four victories leave both South Lawrence teams with identical 2-0 records. Combined, the Stallions and Lady Stallions outscored their opponents 191-40 during the opening week.
Lady Stallions Begin State Title Defense with Two Victories
Coming off last season's state championship, the South Lawrence Lady Stallions entered the new season with a different-looking roster after losing several eighth graders from their championship squad. However, head coach Brian Wright's team showed little indication of slowing down in its first two outings.
South Lawrence wasted no time establishing control against Leoma on Tuesday, using aggressive defensive pressure to hold the Lady Rebels scoreless throughout the opening quarter. The Lady Stallions led 12-0 after one period and extended their advantage to 27-5 at halftime.
Emmy Wright led South Lawrence with 10 points, including a pair of three-pointers, while Molly Brooke Stone added nine. Soleil James and Reagan Stutts contributed six points each, and Izzy Tate Methvin finished with five.
Kate Bosheers, Reese Rutledge, Baylor Kate Tipps and Scarlett Quillen each added two points, giving South Lawrence nine different scorers in the season opener.
The Lady Stallions' defense created numerous turnovers and scoring opportunities throughout the contest, while younger players gained valuable experience. Sixth graders Rutledge and Tipps each recorded their first middle school baskets in the victory.
The Lady Stallions continued their winning ways Thursday when they welcomed Ethridge to South Lawrence Elementary School for their home opener.
Unlike Tuesday's contest, South Lawrence had to work through a slower offensive start against the Lady Bulldogs. The Lady Stallions held a 7-2 advantage after the opening quarter before building a 17-5 halftime lead.
South Lawrence found its rhythm in the third quarter, outscoring Ethridge 16-3 to extend the lead to 33-8 heading into the final period.
James turned in an outstanding all-around performance, leading the Lady Stallions with 16 points while repeatedly disrupting Ethridge's offense with steals and defensive pressure.
Methvin followed with 14 points, including two three-pointers, as the two combined for 30 of South Lawrence's 43 points.
Wright added four points, Stutts finished with three, and Stone, Tipps and Quillen contributed two points apiece.
The Lady Stallions closed out the 43-10 victory to improve to 2-0, allowing just 18 combined points through their first two games.
While South Lawrence has plenty of new faces filling important roles this season, its combination of defensive intensity, experienced leadership and contributions from younger players has provided an encouraging start to the defense of its state championship.
Stallions Showcase Depth and Defense in Season-Opening Wins
The South Lawrence boys were equally impressive in their first week of action, using relentless defensive pressure and balanced scoring to earn two decisive victories.
With a combination of returning players and talented younger athletes, the Stallions entered the new season looking to establish themselves as a competitive team.
Their opening performance against Leoma on Tuesday certainly provided a strong first impression.
South Lawrence jumped out to a commanding 22-0 lead after the first quarter, forcing turnovers with its full-court pressure while taking advantage of scoring opportunities in transition.
The Stallions carried a 32-4 advantage into halftime before eventually securing the 41-14 victory.
Hank Hood led the way with 12 points, establishing himself as a presence around the basket. Easton Bowers provided an offensive spark off the bench, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc to finish with nine points.
Corbin Roberson contributed eight points, Briggs Gordon added six, and Madden Johns, Greyson Curtis and Huntley Daniels each scored two.
The performance also highlighted the team's developing depth. With eighth graders Hood, Gordon and Ryker James providing leadership, younger players demonstrated their ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
That combination of experience and youth was on full display again Thursday night against Ethridge.
South Lawrence delivered an explosive opening quarter against the Bulldogs, scoring 33 points while allowing just two. The Stallions continued their defensive dominance in the second period, holding Ethridge scoreless and taking a 45-2 lead into halftime.
James was particularly disruptive defensively in the opening minutes, repeatedly getting his hands on passes and turning steals into scoring opportunities. Hood also made his presence felt early, connecting on two three-pointers during the first quarter.
The Stallions extended their advantage to 58-4 through three quarters before finishing with a convincing 63-8 victory.
James and Hood shared the team scoring lead with 14 points each. Gordon followed with 10 points, while sixth grader Johns added nine.
Roberson finished with seven points, Archer McDonald contributed five, and Daniels added four.
The victory showcased South Lawrence's offensive balance, with seven different players contributing to the scoring. The Stallions also continued to give their younger players meaningful playing time, providing experience that could prove valuable as the season progresses.
Through two contests, South Lawrence has scored 104 points while holding its opponents to just 22.
A Promising Start for Both Teams
Although the season is just beginning, South Lawrence has plenty of reasons for optimism following its first week on the hardwood.
For the Lady Stallions, the challenge will be developing a new group of contributors while maintaining the high standard established by last year's state championship team.
For the boys, the early victories have demonstrated the potential of a roster that combines returning experience with talented younger players looking to make their mark this season.
Both teams have shown that defense will be a major part of their identity, creating turnovers, limiting opponents' scoring opportunities and turning defensive stops into points.
South Lawrence is scheduled to return to action Tuesday, November 3, when Mars Hill visits for another early-season matchup.
With both teams sitting at 2-0, the Stallions and Lady Stallions have given their supporters plenty to be excited about as the 2026-27 basketball season gets underway.
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