Sammons Leads Lady Pioneers Into The Postseason
A year ago, the Wayne Lady Pioneers climbed the mountain and captured the Class AAA state title. It was a star studded team with the likes Brooke Adkins, Addie Adkins and MiKayla Stacy. However, one other huge star was on that team in then sophomore Jayce Sammons. Sammons had a remarkable state tournament run that included tournament MVP honors. She then earned a spot on the Class AAA All-State Team as a first team selection.
This season, Wayne came into Class AA with a lot to prove. Sammons and Lexi Blankenship both saw substantial playing time last season, but there were some new faces figuring out their roles. And while the challenge has been unique, Sammons feels like the team has been working hard to grow all season.
“I already felt like I was a leader last year as well,” said Sammons. “But stepping into this year, since we lost a lot of seniors I knew that this would be a different experience. I feel like it has helped to push us. And I think as the leader of the team, I have to reassure everyone that we are fine and help guide them through situations that they haven’t experienced before. I’ve seen a lot of maturity and growth. Our approach is a little different coming into games. We don’t have four 6-footers anymore. We’ve really had to step up on defense and be the best that we can be”
Sammons has remained at or near the top of the statewide leaderboard in scoring this year while also facilitating the offense and playing strong defense. She currently is averaging 26.8 points per game and has firmly established herself as one of best players in the state, regardless of class. Wayne has a 15-6 record against great competition and is heading into the Class AA Region IV tournament as the 2nd seed. Many didn’t see the Lady Pioneers as a threat to contend for a state title this season, and that helped fuel Sammons and her teammates to prove the doubters wrong.
“Obviously, we knew it was going to take a lot of hard work,” said Sammons. “We came into practice every day to give it our all. And we have been giving our best effort through the season. We knew at the end of the day that we wanted to be the team that people are worried about. It definitely gave us a bit of an edge, and we wanted to show people what we’re made of.”
One thing that seems to be a constant with the Wayne program is a family atmosphere. The players are all very close and often spend time with each other off the floor as well.
“We have really gelled together,” added Sammons. “We’re best friends on and off the court, and that really makes a big difference. “We have a great community. They always come out and support us. Our families know each other. It’s a special experience when you get to play a sport that you love with some of your best friends.”
Now, the Lady Pioneers enter postseason play this Friday against 7th seed Scott. While the Lady Pioneers have been successful during the regular season, Sammons knows that her team will have to step up their play to make a trip back to the West Virginia State Tournament in Charleston.
“We have a very tough region,” said Sammons. “We just need to buckle down, focus on the little things and get through practices. We have some tough games ahead. Whoever our opponent is, we always have to give our all. The postseason is different. You have to be level-headed, have composure and confidence in yourself because there’s a lot more on the line. Some of the young girls haven’t had that experience yet, but they want to. They want to get to that point and experience that state tournament floor. I think that’s going to drive us to be the team that we want to be.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Melissa Booton
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