Above are the Bullard Lady Panthers who took third-place at the Lamar University Team Camp held last weekend. (Courtesy Photo) BEAUMONT - The Bullard Lady Panthers recently attended the Lamar University Team Camp, and in team competition captured third place among the 20 teams in attendance.

The team camp was for the Bullard Lady Panthers team who went, and not The Shock (which five Lady Panthers played with this summer).

Making the trip to the camp and returning from varsity from last year were Christina Hatten, Alley Covalt, Ashley Shidler and Felicia Sigman.

New to the varsity next year will be Kylee Nichols, Heather Anding, Chelsea Foreman, Rachel Horton and incoming freshman Bridgette Taylor. ”This tourney is a great way for the players to really get to know each other and bond,” said head coach, Marty Sigman, “and it gives the incoming varsity players a chance to play with the returning varsity players.

Above, Bullard’s Minta Spears puts on some of her best moves to work free for a shot at the Nike Nationals last weekend. Because of UIL rules, Head Coach Greg Gay is not allowed to coach. Sigman was assisted by Al Gay for the summer events.

”The girls did outstanding; with only one practice together they won their first games losing their last game to the eventual champion, Beaumont Central,” Sigman added. “There were a total of 20 teams and beating or having a better record than 19 of them was outstanding, and it was definitely good for the girls.”

During the tournament, Coach Tidwell of the Lamar University Lady Cardinals, went over to personally compliment the team on how each game they played they were getting stronger and stronger.

The head coach then took the entire team and their families on a personal tour of their locker room and his office.

(Courtesy Photo) As far as getting back to playing at school, head coach Greg Gay was pleased with the summer of hoops for his squad.

“The Shock was great for some of our girls,” Gay began. “It was an opportunity to play this summer against some good teams, and we have six girls that don’t have varsity experience heading into the season and this is a great opportunity for them to see what the speed of the game is like at that level.

“With the games they played this summer and team camp at Lamar University, they will have gained some valuable experience, which is very important if we’re going to continue the success we have enjoyed the last three years,” Gay added. “We are really excited the upcoming season and the opportunities that lie in store for us.

“The bar has been raised to a very high level and I expect this team to keep it up there.”

SPECIAL NOTE: Congrats to Christina Hatten for making the All Tournament Team in Beaumont.