The top-ranked South Side Lady Hawks are riding a historic wave of momentum into the postseason. Their perfect regular season (25-0) concluded with news of a significant honor for senior Ti’Mia Lawson. Lawson was named one of three finalists for the 2023 Class 3A Miss Basketball Award. A statewide committee of sportswriters selected finalists based on performance during the 2022-2023 regular season.
“I was very excited to hear my name announced as a finalist because it’s never been done in girls basketball here at South Side. We’re going to continue to do the small things right,” Lawson said.
“She’s probably one of the smartest kids that we’ve had here at South Side. She knows when to take over a game,” said Brent McNeal, Lady Hawks head coach.
State runners-up in Class 3A a year ago, the Lady Hawks have averaged 62 points per game while surrendering just 32 ppg, on their way to a 6-0 record in district play this year. Along with Lawson, fellow seniors Albany Collins and Jakarrah Anderson have been instrumental toward the team’s success.
“All three of our seniors have a chance to play at the next level. We’re taking each day at a time to prepare the team for the postseason grind that’s coming up,” McNeal said.
The Lady Hawks have been ranked No.1 in the state for the majority of the season, which is year 12 for Coach McNeal at South Side. Several underclassmen have made significant contributions to the team this year.
“We’re going to need some of those kids here in this postseason run. Whether it’s thirty seconds, a minute or potentially a full quarter, I think those kids getting that exposure will not only help us this year, but for the future as well,” McNeal said.
