Senior Lady Panthers say season's goodbyes
Kelly Griffith

Seniors Tara Wood and Natalie Gray pose for one last picture as Lady Panther's. The two played their final game on Feb. 5.

"Play every game like it's your last," Natalie Gray and Tara Wood told their teammates.

After an emotional game and tearful conversation in the locker room this was the advice the graduating seniors gave to the athletes they'll be leaving behind.

These girls should know, the two have seen many seasons come and go.

But neither seemed prepared to walk away from their last high school basketball game.

Wood has played four years varsity crosscountry, four years varsity basketball and two years varsity track. Her accomplishments are twotime regional qualifier in cross-country as well as going to the playoffs her freshman year in basketball.

Wood has been selected to receive a scholarship from the Tyler Basketball Officials Association. She will be presented with this on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Tyler Rose Garden.

Some of her other activities include two years in NHS, being in the top 10 percent of her class, two years in Spanish Club where she served as president, a member of Who's Who Among American High School Students, and two years serving as water girl for varsity football.

After graduation she plans to attend college to major in education.

Gray has played three years varsity crosscountry, four years varsity basketball, two years varsity softball, two years varsity track and is also a varsity cheerleader.

Her accomplishments are two-time regional qualifier in cross-country, second and first team all-district, and all region team along with making the playoffs her freshman year in basketball.

Gray's other activities include two years in NHS, being in the top 10 percent of her class, a member of Who's Who Among American High School Students, Key Club and Spanish Club.

After graduation she plans to attend The University of Louisiana at Monroe to major in nursing.

"Tara and Natalie will be missed next year.," said coach Greg Gay. "We failed to reach our goal of making the playoffs the last two years, but they were instrumental in helping to turn the program around."

"We have had two straight seasons now with a winning record, and once you start learning how to win, then making the playoffs won't be far behind.

"We will miss their leadership, as well as what they brought to the court every day."