This past season was the Lady Panthers’ first with coach EJ Garnes.

They began the 2023 season with only three returning players – requiring the other six freshman players to quickly mature in their game. Together the team set out to take advantage of this fresh start and make it to the state championships.

When we spoke to Coach Garnes he told us about a notable moment for the team – their mid-season tournament win.

Garnes shared that the team was down by one point at halftime and despite that, they brought amazing energy into the locker room. In the second half of the game, Garnes says the team “played the right way” and won.

Oddly enough when asked about his favorite moment with the team Garnes spoke of their defeat in the first round of the state championships.

Telling VYPE that at that moment he looked at his team and saw the emotion on their faces. After a season of hard work and exceeding expectations everyone was humbled. This moment was a favorite of his because of the opportunity it provided his players. Saying that he wanted them to take the hurt of the loss and apply it to their hunger to win next season.

According to Coach Garnes making it to “state is no longer a goal. It is an expectation” because the team showed that they are capable.

Coach Garnes told us that he has enjoyed coaching such a fun group with such big personalities and a willingness to embrace each other. In this first year, Garnes says the TIS community has embraced him and his passion for their youth. It is because of this that he and his players are “hungry to grow the program.”