In her first season as head coach of the storied Murrah High School girls basketball program, Yazoo City native Tangela Banks won her third state championship as she led the Lady Mustangs to the Class 6A crown with a 54-52 double overtime victory over the Callaway Lady Chargers. Banks had previously won a pair of titles as head coach of the Forest Hill Lady Patriots. The Lady Mustangs finished the season with a 29-3 record and sit atop the basketball world in Mississippi yet again.
“It feels special to win championships, no matter how many. The feeling never gets old,” said Banks. “I feel honored to continue the rich tradition of basketball success at Murrah. I am so blessed (fortunate) to have my name mentioned with those that have won before me.”
Before etching her name in the annals of Murrah history, Banks had to sweat out the double overtime clash with rival Callaway. Fortunately for Banks, her Lady Mustangs remained poised down the stretch, never gave up and were able to pull out the win.
“This win is truly all about the kids. They deserve the credit. I didn't dribble, pass or shoot for them. They always make the difference,” said Banks.
Banks says her third title, while different than the two she won at Forest Hill, is just as special and she looks forward to trying to add more.
Said Banks, “Each title is special in its own way because of the uniqueness of the teams. At Forest Hill we established a culture of winning championships that had never been done before. Of course, Murrah has reached the pinnacle several times before so there is always the pressure of reaching the pinnacle again. Two totally different pressures but both gratifying results.”
