Tammy Lusinger always keeps the expectations high at Summit. The girls basketball coach has won two state titles at Summit, with one coming last season.
She returned this season with an entirely new starting lineup from the championship team. Despite relying upon younger players, Lusinger never lowered the expectations for her team.“It’s been an interesting season,” Lusinger said. “It’s been a challenge as a coach with some of the kids that were inexperienced playing on varsity level. To watch them grow and become a good defensive team has been a great experience.”Even with the younger players and a new starting group, Summit once again returned to the playoffs as the No. 2 seed from District 15-4A with an 11-3 district record and over 20 wins.The Lady Jaguars ended the season on a roll, winning four straight.“The last two weeks, they’ve really come around and started believing in each other,” Lusinger said.Once the team finally became comfortable, Lusinger said it started to show on the defensive end. During its four-game win streak, Summit held its opponents to 31.5 points per game.The Lady Jaguars were able to take down playoff-bound Red Oak twice, beat a crosstown rival in Mansfield Lake Ridge and blowout Ennis. None of those teams scored more than 44 points against Summit in those last four games.“We’re able to disrupt other teams,” Lusinger said of Summit’s defense. “Our defense has created a lot of our transition opportunities.”Summit’s offense has been a work in progress all season. The Lady Jaguars made the playoffs because Lusinger said the team played tremendous defense. Offensively, Summit does just enough to hold teams at bay.A lot of that had to do with younger players, but Lusinger said they grew into their offensive roles as district season continued. That includes their young point guard, sophomore Nia Jackson.Jackson has the ability to take over games -- such as when she scored 14 points in the first half of Summit’s district opening 62-18 win against Mansfield Legacy.Sometimes Lusinger still had to prod Jackson to score more, but she’s been impressed by her overall game more than anything.“She’s playing tremendous defense and selling out for her teammates on defense,” Lusinger said. “She’s shot the ball well at times.”Jackson’s performance at the point has helped, but Lusinger said this season has been about the entire team coming together.Sophomore Keanna Kelly has led Summit in scoring, while the Lady Jaguars have gotten key contributions from all over the roster.In Summit’s last regular season win against Red Oak, Kelly led the team in scoring while senior forward Ty Calloway scored 11 points and hit crucial free throws down the stretch.“You say the expectations weren’t as high but they were as high, that’s what how we approach every day,” Lusinger said. “It was very rewarding watch them come together.”Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
