More than wins and losses

BAYBORO — While the wins have been hard to come by this season for the Pamlico Lady Hurricanes, head coach Jamie Gibbs believes his players are learning plenty that will help them off the court. The affable second-year coach said high school athletics is about more than just a team’s record.

“It’s not always about the wins and losses,” Gibbs said. “My goal is not to only teach these young ladies about basketball, but to teach them something that they can take into the community and into their life in terms of sportsmanship and teamwork.”

The Hurricanes (1-17, 1-8 Coastal Plains) have one win to their credit this season, heading into Friday night’s regular season finale against Southwest Onslow (10-7, 6-3 Coastal Plains). That win came Jan. 6, when Pamlico notched a 38-37 victory over Dixon.

Part of the problem, Gibbs said, has to do with youth and inexperience.

“It’s the small things that have cost us many a ballgame this year,” Gibbs said. “Losing girls because of injuries have hurt us. The youth hurts us and the lack of playing hurts us. What I mean by that is, you can’t wait until basketball season to play basketball. You have to play all year long.”

Gibbs, who played for the Hurricanes from 1984 to 1988 and led the boys’ team in scoring and rebounding, wants to change the mentality of girls’ basketball in Pamlico. He would like to see his players picking up a basketball well beyond winter.

“I’m hoping to develop that within my girls,” Gibbs said. “For those who want to play basketball, get hungry.

“Play in the off-season. Don’t wait until basketball season. Work on the fundamentals, like your layups. I want to try to create a tradition of a positive atmosphere.”

Gibbs, who is joined on the bench by assistant coach Zarah Forbes, a former Pamlico player herself, has enjoyed watching his players progress throughout the season.

“No coach wants to lose, but when you sit back and see that your girls are putting in the effort, you’re pleased with those results,” Gibbs said. “We have a group that has come a long way since the very first game of the season.”

The Hurricanes have played in some close games and some lopsided games. Despite the score, Gibbs said each of his players has continued to give it her all.

“I like the heart,” Gibbs said. “They never give up. My girls continue to hustle.”

Allison Hollowell leads the way in doing just that. Hollowell, the lone senior on Pamlico’s team, has been a leader and has helped teach Gibbs’ system to the younger girls.

“Allison has great leadership and great character,” Gibbs said. “She has really bought into my system. She communicates with me with respect.”

Gibbs loves how Hollowell, who will be honored during Pamlico’s home finale on senior night, takes charge with the younger players.

“She gravitates to every young lady on our team,” Gibbs said. “She works hard to build them up.”

Hollowell, the team’s leading rebounder, will be hard to replace next year. However, Gibbs will have players like leading scorer Alazia Whitfield, a freshman, and double-double threat Kenzie Davis back on the floor next year.

“The future looks bright,” Gibbs said. “I don’t plan on going anywhere. I want to be here.

“I love what I do. I love working with these young ladies.”

Kevin Travis can be reached at 252-635-5669 or at ktravis@freedomenc.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktravman.