Through trials and disappointment Lawrence County seniors Mary Margaret McLaurin and Taylor Brister stepped up and shined brightly for the Lady Cougars in the 2011-2012 basketball season.

     With their strong senior leadership on and off the court, McLaurin and Brister rallied and motivated the younger players to have an amazing season.

     The Lawrence County Lady Cougars (19-11) fought through their bumps and bruises to win back-to-back Region 7-4A regular season and tournament crowns. In the 4A playoff race, they continued their amazing march before suffering a defeat in the South State quarterfinals against Port Gibson.

     That performance has earned McLaurin and Brister the title of Co-Miss Basketball and Co-Most Valuable Player on The DAILY LEADER’s 2012 All-Area Girls Basketball Team.

     Joining McLaurin and Brister on this year’s Dream Team are Brittany McDuffey of Lawrence County, Precious Jefferson and Kaylan Hughes of North Pike, Madison Rials and Dylann Harris of Wesson and Kierra Collins of Franklin County. The team was selected by the DL sports staff, with input provided by area high school and college coaches.

     Mary Margaret McLaurin, (5-8, sr.) age 17, is a talented athlete that plays softball and basketball for the Lady Cougars. She recently decided to attend East Central Community College to continue playing softball and basketball while majoring in biology.

     When asked about her season and Co-MVP, McLaurin said, “This season has been the best yet. I have never been part of a team that is so close. I wouldn’t trade my senior year for anything.

     “Our team can be described with one word, ‘Family.’ Each of us supports each other, no matter what.

     “My Co-MVP player is like my sister from the 9th grade,” continued McLaurin. “Not only is she my teammate, but she is my best friend. We have stuck together from the beginning and I look forward to playing with her in college.”

     McLaurin enjoyed playing for LCHS Coach Vicki Rutland. “Coach Rutland has been not only an amazing coach but a great role model to the entire team. She is selfless and concerned with what’s best for the team, not the individual.”

     McLaurin enjoys playing sports but in school her favorite subject is English. Outside the busy life of sports and school, she enjoys the TV show Pretty Little Liars. Her favorite movie is, “No Strings Attached.”

     Asked about her favorite food, McLaurin said she likes Mexican. Ice cream is her favorite dessert.

     “Margie has really stepped up her game this season,” said Rutland. “She has always been a solid player, but she definitely came into her own her senior year.”

     Taylor Brister,  (5-1, sr.) age 18, is passionate about basketball. What she lacked in size, she made up with her speed and heart. She is a tremendous competitor that would sacrifice her body for the betterment of the team.

     Brister plans to continue her basketball career at East Central and plans to major in physical therapy.

     When asked about the season and her Co-MVP teammate, Brister said. “This was a great season. I think this year is the year that the team came closer than ever.”

     “Mary Margaret is a very hard working player,” continued Brister. “When I’m having a bad game or the team is having a bad game, she always knows what to say to pep us up. She is one of my best friends and I look forward to playing with her in college.”

     Brister expressed her thoughts on Rutland. “Coach Rutland is definitely my favorite coach. She spoils us so much and treats us like her own. We are like her daughters. She will push us to do better as a team and never gives up.”

     Brister preparing for her college career at East Central, works hard on academics. Her favorite subject is English. Away from the gym and school, she likes to watch the TV show called, “1,000 ways to die.” Her favorite movies are Friday, and Love & Basketball.

     Asked about her favorite food, Brister said she likes chicken. Strawberry cheesecake is her favorite dessert.

     “Taylor has been a true leader both on and off the court,” said Rutland. “She has unparallelled passion for the game. She plays with such joy and enthusiasm.”

     Brittany McDuffey,  5-9 junior forward, sparkled in the post and wing for the Lady Cougars. She average 14.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

     “Brittany was our leading rebounder, said Lawrence County coach Vicki Rutland. “She could break any press single handedly, when she had to. Brittany is very graceful on the court and she was a big playmaker on both sides of the basketball.”

     Madison Rials,  5-6 senior guard, was the Lady Cobras’ leading scorer and ball handler. She averaged 15.5 points, 3 steals and 5 assists per game.

     “Maddy was our top scorer and ball handler,” said Wesson coach Rusti Magee.  “When she is playing her game, she can play with anyone.”

     Dylann Harris,  5-9 senior forward, battled in the low post for the Lady Cobras. She averaged 14.9 points and 8 rebounds per game.

     “Dylann was our leader on the team. She gives 100 percent in every game,” said Magee.  “What she lacked in ability, she made up for with heart.”

     Kierra Collins, 5-6 senior guard, was the team captain and leader for the Lady Bulldogs. She averaged 13.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3 steals per game.

     “Keke brings great energy and intellect to the court” said Franklin County coach Charles Moore.  “She was our coach on the court this year.”

     Precious Jefferson,  6-0 senior center, was the leader in the post for the Lady Jaguars. Jefferson averaged 18.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

     “Precious Jefferson was our leader in the low post,” said coach Lance Golmon. She led us in scoring and rebounding. Overall, she is a great person and player.”

     Kaylan Hughes, 5-10 senior forward, provided valuable leadership on the court for the Lady Jaguars. Hughes averaged 12.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

     “Kaylan Hughes provided great leadership on and off the court,” said Golmon.  “She was a key part in running our offense. She led us in assists.”