It’s often hard for a freshman to come in and have an impact in team sports on the high school level. But Emma Roberts is one of those who has been able to do it in not one, but two sports-softball and basketball. “She was gifted before she ever came on campus,” said her basketball coach Matt Henry. “She started every game for us and by the end of the season became one of our best defenders and one of the best on-ball defenders around. She’s an excellent ball handler and passer. And while she didn’t score as much this year as we would have liked, I’m hoping next year she’ll become a little more selfish with the ball and add to our offense. She doesn’t care whether she scores or not as long as the team is having success.”

And the Lady Panthers were successful as, for the second year in a row, they made it to the championship bracket of the area tournament with a 17-5 record and ranked eighth in the state. But in the first game at area, they ran into top-ranked Lomega, which wound up winning the state title, and in the consolation game, were denied a trip to state by Webbers Falls by a single point.

Emma says she likes basketball the best out of her two sports because she’s spent more time working at it and has a pro player that is a role model for her. “I like Stephen Curry because of the way he plays and his sportsmanship and attitude,” said Emma.

Robert’s softball coach Chad Graham also has high praise for the freshman outfielder. “She brings a lot of energy to the game and plays hard. She’s had the usual adjust pains that come with being a freshman but she’s developing into a very good player for us. She’s one of a group of freshmen that have come to us high-school ready for the most part over the last couple of years and that’s really been helpful to our program.”

Unfortunately, Emma’s softball season was cut short due to a motorcycle accident but Graham is confident she’ll bounce back. “She’s one of the toughest kids I’ve ever been around and I’m sure she’ll bounce back. Losing her will set us back some as the season winds down but, like I said, she’s tough and we’re lucky to have her as part of our program.”