Southampton High School girls’ basketball team is commended for one heck of a 2010-2011 season.

For the first time in 27 years, the Lady Indians led by Coach Aronda Bell got into the Virginia High School League AA State Basketball Tournament. They did so after posting an 18-5 record and taking second in the Southside District and AA Region 1 tournaments.

The girls, unfortunately, on March 5 faced one of the toughest foes in Virginia for the opening round of the state tournament at James Madison University. Millbrook came into the game with 47 consecutive wins over two perfect seasons and had not lost a game since the state semifinals on March 10, 2009.

Millbrook this season outscored its opponents on an average score of 79-35 and has scored 90-plus on five occasions, just like it did again against Southampton High. The Lady Indians fell 96-23 to Millbrook.

Southampton starters Regina Artis, Ronnie Powell, Tenicia Joyner, Latoria Parham and Telicia Jenkins are one tough bunch of girls. They worked hard this season under Bell, who had a knack for getting the girls turned around when needed. Everyone except Jenkins is a senior; it will be interesting to see how next year goes.

The girls worked hard this season, even if it was before sometimes small crowds. Finding a seat in the high school gymnasium wasn’t a problem. The Lady Indians had their followers — mostly their parents and other adults. Very strangely, not many students attended the games, including the playoffs.

Be that as it may, hats off to the Lady Indians and a terrific season!