BUFORD — With 10 seniors returning from last season's state championship success, it would have been easy for the members of the Buford girls basketball team to allow complacency to creep in at the edges.
But these Lady Wolves, and their coaching staff, knew better -- not with the schedule they faced in 2017-18.
Facing down a slate that included five eventual state championship competitors (Holy Innocents and Wesleyan in Class A private, Lovejoy and Harrison in Class 6A and, of course, Flowery Branch in Class 5A), Buford refused to rest on its laurels. And while this season provided some moments of discomfort, it also paved the way for another run at the Class 5A crown.
And as the Lady Wolves prepare for their eighth state state championship game appearance in 10 seasons, they hope to make the most of lessons learned during the 2017-18 gauntlet.
In fact, Buford knows its championship credentials require it when they face Region 8-AAAAA foe Flowery Branch in Macon for the crown. And while the Lady Wolves (28-3) may own a 7-0 record against the Lady Falcons (26-6) over the past two seasons, they also know the past is absolutely no guarantee of the future come 6 p.m. Thursday in a game that will be broadcast live on WDUN AM 550/102.9 FM.
NOTE: To watch a feature with the Lady Wolves click "play" in the video box above.
CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK:
- FEATURE: Juniors Wysocki, Woodroffe taking chances to lead Branch state charge
- FEATURE: Buford girls get back to state thanks to pressure, effort in title run-in
- LATER WEDNESDAY: Despite offensive numbers Gainesville boys know defense will make difference
- COMING THURSDAY: A video feature with Flowery Branch's girls
- COMING FRIDAY: A video feature with Gainesville's boys for the Class 6A title game
BUFORD vs. FLOWERY BRANCH
- WHAT: Class 5A girls basketball state championship game
- WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday
- WHERE: Macon Coliseum, Macon
- RADIO: WDUN AM 550/102.9 FM
- NOTABLE: Buford is the No. 1 seed from Region 8-AAAAA, Flowery Branch the No. 2 seed. Buford is 6-0 in two seasons versus Branch
