Staff Reports

SPRING GARDEN – On Thursday morning, the Spring Garden volleyball team was formally honored for its second straight Class 1A state title. It’s apparent that Lady Panther senior point guard Ace Austin is already hungry for another.

The reigning Miss Basketball scored 49 points, including four 3-pointers. She also grabbed 18 rebounds, dished out nine assists and had a pair of steals in the two-time defending state champion Lady Panthers’ 80-50 season-opening basketball victory over Class 5A Springville.

Austin also passed the 3,000-point barrier for her varsity career with her performance. She has now scored 3,007 points in her career.

Maggie Jarrett added 11 points, three boards, two assists and a block for the Lady Panthers (1-0). Avery Steward and Olivia Law both contributed six points. Steward’s points came on a pair of treys. She also had three boards and a block. Law grabbed seven rebounds and had a pair of assists.

Spring Garden plays at Champion Sports Academy in Alexandria beginning on Saturday.