On way to the Alamo Lady Tigers in State Basketball Tournament

By Jihad Hassan Muhammad
Texas Metro News

Prior to heading to San Antonio to battle Waco’s La Vega in the UIL 4A State Basketball Tournament, the Lincoln Humanities and Communications Magnet Lady Tigers held an open practice at Loos Field House.

“The girls are excited and I’m super excited,” said  Lady Tigers Head Coach Artavia Burns. “As a former Lincoln High School basketball player, I remind the players daily how important it is to put that purple jersey on.” 

Burns, a former  state champion, refers to herself as a product of South Dallas, where Lincoln is located. The Coach says the South Dallas Community’s support is important to their success. 

“Our fans show up and support, the girls see it and it contributes to how they play,” said the coach. 

Grace Spencer, a junior,  plays guard for the Lady Tigers. She said she thought last year they would win it all. This year she is confident her team will be triumphant.

 According to Spencer, their unity is key. 

“The bond, how everybody love each other, playing with each other and having their back, it’s never no negative energy,” she said. 

Freshman, Jada Patterson also great confidence in her team. 

“We had a feeling we would be where we are now, but we know the job is not done,” she said.  

Basketball runs in the family for the point guard, who is the daughter of Cedric Patterson, head coach of Lincoln’s boy basketball team. 

Patterson is poised for greatness. She has been watching Kobe Bryant play for as long as she can remember, and even wears the legend’s number 24 on her jersey. 

If Lincoln advances in the tournament, they will compete for the Championship game on Saturday, March 2, at 7 p.m. at the Alamodome.