Fayette Academy Girls Highlight

Commercial Appeal's John Varlas highlighted some players and teams earlier this week. This is what he said about Fayette Academy.

The best winning percentage in the area belongs to the Lady Vikings, who are 21-1 following Friday's victory over Tipton-Rosemark. The win clinched the Division 2A-2 regular-season title for Fayette, and coach Rick Sullivan says his team is looking to keep the momentum going heading into the postseason.

"It was an honor to play at Knoxville Webb in the substate last year," he said. "But this year, I would rather play much closer to the Tennessee River, or the Mississippi River for that matter.

"I want the girls to be the best they can be. I want them to play up to their potential, without me messing everything up."

Fayette's only loss was on the road against Jackson Christian in early January. They avenged that one last week, with sisters Samantha and Emily Reeves combining for 31 points in a 58-47 victory.

Emily, a 5-7 sophomore, was the player of the year in the district as a freshman and hasn't slumped, averaging 13.5 points. Samantha has improved greatly this season, averaging nearly 16 per contest, and the 6-0 junior is also finding good value in a forgotten basketball art.

"She's buying into the value of the bank shot," said Sullivan. "I think her dad said he'd give her a dollar for every bank shot she makes, so she says she's taking it to the bank."