It is playoff time. That means one thing in Newbern. Shafontaye Myers taking over. That’s exactly what she did Thursday night against A.L. Johnson when she scored 40 points with 12 rebounds and 10 assists, opening the playoffs with a triple-double in dazzling fashion.

Then came Saturday. Myers scored the Lady Tigers first 12 points of the game, contributing 16 in the first quarter and 39 in the game while grabbing a total 13 rebounds in the contest.

Myers a no-brainer choice for tournament MVP honors is nearing the end of a sterling Sunshine career that is loaded with accolades. Still, through all that she has accomplished personally, Myers’ Newbern legacy is missing one key element; a state championship.

Despite all her achievements as a player, Myers faces the stigma of never winning the big one, a fact that seems to have the senior more motivated than ever as she senses the end drawing closer.

A.L. Johnson and Linden were just collateral damage in Myers’ and the Lady Tigers’ assault on the state 1A ranks. And rest assured, things aren’t looking too good for Holy Spirit Thursday night or anybody who runs across the Green and White in the regional tournament next week.

— Jeremy D. Smith