Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week: Lady Eagle's Felder lifts Scott's Branch to 2-0 start in region

The last few weeks have been a grind for the Scott's Branch basketball program.

COVID-19 issues with various schools in Region IV-1A have seen schedules constantly shift. When things settled last week, the Lady Eagles had two games against C.E. Murray to open region play. Wanting to set the tone in the region, Keonna Felder had two great games, leading Scott's Branch to a pair of victories. Her performance also earned her recognition as the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week.

"It feels amazing to have all of the support," Felder said of winning the vote. "It's been hard. It was just crazy because everything with COVID is effecting things, but we're doing what we need to do."

Felder wanted to help the Lady Eagles get out to a strong start in region play and she proved that on Tuesday. She went off for 28 points in a 53-45 victory over C.E. Murray, adding four rebounds, two assists and two steals for good measure.

"During the season, we weren't really doing too good, so when region play started, I had to step up," Felder said. "We're trying to go 8-0 in region, so I had to step up."

After a couple of days off, the Lady Eagles had another date with C.E. Murray. It can be tough to play teams twice in a row, as each team has a chance to get a feel for the other. Felder saw more of the pros than the cons.

"I think it's good that we're playing them like that because we really get to learn how they play," Felder said. "We really got to watch film on them. I think it's great that we're playing like that."

Felder definitely did her homework, going off for another 20 points in a narrow 46-43 win. Scott's Branch head coach Lucinda Stukes is proud of the way Felder adjusted to all of the twists and turns the Lady Eagles have been through in the last couple of weeks.

"She's handled it well," Stukes said of Felder. "She's made the necessary adjustment and she was also able to pass the ball better that second time around. She's responded well."

Felder leadership has been crucial for an inexperienced Scott's Branch team this season. As a senior, Felder had the chance to play with some great players over the years, including Cambria Parker. She had to take the leadership baton from Parker this season and she's just trying to run with it.

"It's been great," Felder said playing a bigger role this season. "I learned a lot from them about being a leader."

The Lady Eagles are now 2-0 in region play and Felder is a big reason why.

"It definitely feels good to start the region 2-0," Stukes said. "I wish we were able to play this week, we've got a hot start and now we've got to slow down a little bit but it does give us an advantage that we can get in the gym so we can prepare for the rest of the region."