Buford Lady Wolves 2010-2011 State Championship Season Summary
Legendary John Wooden, perhaps the greatest coach of all time, once made the observation that “Winning takes talent. To repeat takes character.” With anever-present documentary film crew, national rankings, an Under Armor endorsement, and the pressure of defending two consecutive state championships,the 2010-2011 season for the Buford Lady Wolves basketball epitomized the strainof a grueling journey that tested the mettle and heart of each team and coaching staff member.Led by a seasoned and gritty group of Seniors comprised of starters Shereese Williams and Constance Harrison and key reserves Jocelyn Kinsey, Shareeka Peeples, and Georgia Tech softball signee Karley Fullem, the Lady Wolves began the season fast and furious with quality wins against Columbia and GAC, among others.
Three heart breaking losses, all within a several week-span, to nationally ranked and Tennessee powerhouse Riverdale and rivals Wesleyan and GAC proved to be bitter yet season-altering medicine for the Lady Wolves. The Lady Wolves dismantled region foes Decatur, Lovett, and GAC in convincing fashion to claim the 2010-2011 6AA Region Championship, a goal that had escaped them a year before. The Region Championship served as a launching pad for the Lady Wolves into the State Tournament. Paced by the strong post presence of Shareese Williams, elite performances by Junior Andraya Carter and Sophomore Kaela Davis and the elevated play of Sophomores McKenzie Darrah and Maya Dillard, Buford posted quality wins against the likes of East Hall, Raybun Gap, and Laney to earn the right to capture a coveted third consecutive State Championship against region rival GAC. Sparked by inspired team play and a breakout shooting performance by McKenzie Darrah, the Lady Wolves pulled away from a determined GAC to capture the2010-2011 Georgia AA State Champions, finishing with a stellar 29-3 record.
As well as claiming their third consecutive State Championship, the 2010-2011 Buford Lady Wolves were named the Gwinnett Tip Off Club Team of the Year and State Ranked #1 by both the Georgia Sport Writers Poll and Georgia Coaches Association Poll. Junior Andraya Carter and Sophomore Kaela Davis, both University of Tennessee commits, were both named to the Gwinnett County Super Six Team, GSWA 1st Team All State, GACA 1st Team All State Team, Gwinnett County All County First Team, Gwinnett Tip-Off Club All County Team, Atlanta Tip Off Club First Team All Metro Team, Gwinnett Tip-Off Club Player of the Month and the 6AA All Region Team. Draya was also named GSWA AA Player of the Year, GACA AA Player of the Year, Gainesville Times Player of the Year, Gwinnett Tip-Off Club Player of the Year, Region 6AA Player of the Year, and Gwinnett Tip-Off Club Scholar Athlete Award. Kaela also garnered Gwinnett County Super Six, GACA AA North Player of the Year, Gainesville Times All Area Team, and Gainesville Times Player of the Week honors. Seniors Shereese Williams and Constance Harrison, along with Sophomores Mackenzie Darrah and Maya Dillard, were named Honorable Mention All-Gwinnett County Team members. Constance was also named Gwinnett Tip-Off Club Player of the Month. Sheresse Williams was named a member of the Gwinnett County All Star Game, 6AA All Region Team Honorable Mention and Gainesville Times All Area Team Honorable Mention.
Continuing in the footsteps of past Buford Lady Wolves greats such as Christie Thomas and Blanche Alverson, to name a few, Senior Shereese Williams signed a basketball scholarship with Young Harris College, where she will bring her brand of tough, physical post play, molded during her four years wearing Kelly and Gold, to the collegiate ranks.
Throughout the 2010-2011 season, the Buford Lady Wolves were challenged by a question poised years before by then Buford football coach Dexter Wood: Who Do You Love? What Do You Love? The countless hours, blood, sweat and tears exhausted by this special group of young ladies culminated in a goal set and reached. Even more, their ability to lay aside personal gain for team accomplishment will live forever as one more foundational bedrock within the growing and glowing tradition that is Buford Lady Wolves basketball. They loved the game of basketball. They loved one another. They were… FAMILY.
