As Stephenson reached the state quarterfinals last week with their win over Northside-Warner Robins, the Lady Jaguars have advanced past the second round twice in the last three seasons.

Stephenson is attempting to reach the state finals in as many years as well. Over their past 12 games, Stephenson has lost just twice with both losses coming to Redan — a team that has not lost since the 2008 Class AAAAA state championship game won by Ste-phenson.

Throughout the regular season, Stephenson was led in scoring by senior small forward Hiydaayah Williams, who transferred from Redan to Stephenson after her freshman year. Though Williams was coming off knee surgery, she was able to fluidly go to the basket and lead the Lady Jaguars in scoring.

As the season progressed, Williams saw more attention from opposing defenses. This is where senior forward Nikki Wyche came in to help out.
Over the last several tournament games, Wyche has stepped into more of a leadership role. Against Northside, Wyche finished with 10 points. Against M.L. King in the Region 2-AAAAA semifinal win that allowed the Lady Jaguars to host a first round state tournament game, she finished with 15 points to lead the team.

“[Wyche] has played well all year,” Stephenson coach Dennis Watkins said following the region tournament game. “She has been sharing the senior leadership that she has had all season. That’s what a senior is supposed to do.”