Written by Wendy Smith
She was born to play sports.
Stigler High School junior Gentry Powell is one tough Lady Panther. Whether she is on the basketball court or on the softball field, she gives 100 percent every play, everyday.
This season, the shooting guard has set some high standards for herself, and if you know Powell you know she will reach her goals.
“Gentry has grown into an offensive leader for us,” said Stigler head basketball coach Gary Hollingshed. “After averaging nine points per game, she has become our leading scorer in the first part of this year averaging over 15 a game.”
For the past two years, Powell has been a starter for the Stigler Lady Panthers’ varsity basketball team. She credits her success to her father (Kenny Powell), the man who taught her the value of work ethic. However, she also knows the importance of having a good coach, one that will help her hone her skills and help improve her game.
“My coach truly cares for us as people, not just as players,” Powell said. “He has taught me how to believe in myself and that has helped me improve my game.”
Powell’s love for the game is evident, but the thing that she cherishes most is the bond and relationship she has built with her teammates. To her, they are family.
During Panthers’ action in the Sequoyah County Tournament, she averaged 17 points per game to garner all-tournament honors.
In addition to her impact to the Lady Panthers basketball prowess, Powell also delivered a competitive fire at the plate and solidified the middle defense at second base. At the plate, she produced a .330 batting average and 21 RBIs.
“Because of her work ethic, Gentry gets better everyday, in practice as well as in games,” said Stigler softball coach Tyler Guthrie. “She’s more than just a great athlete with a will to win. Gentry is a joy to coach.”
And just like in basketball, she thrives on the challenges to improve her softball talents.
“Coach Guthrie pushes me to be the best player I can be,” she said. “His belief in me continues to play a big part in helping me become the player and person that I am today.”
For Gentry Powell and the Stigler Lady Panthers, it’s a simple approach to success. It’s a family affair, “ALL for One and One for ALL.”
