Recently Senior Lady Pirate Basketball player Samantha Matthews gathered with family and school officials to sign a letter of intent to attend and play women’s basketball at the University of Tampa.

Samantha stated that the day was a day she dreamed about since she was a child. She feels like Tampa is the best fit for her because on her visit, it felt like a place she could call “home.” She added that it was a strong school academically and feels she will fit in with the coaches.

During Samantha’s signing, shown seated at center, she was joined by her parents Paige Barrett and Scott Matthews (Lady Pirate Head Coach), seated on either side.  Samantha was also joined by her stepmother Candace Matthews (seated far right front row), her stepfather Jeff Barrett (seated far left front row).  Shown left to right standing and supporting Samantha are Lady Pirates Assistant Coach Jason Hawkins, sister Sloane Barrett, CHS Athletic Director Chad Gilbert, stepsisters Skylar Cochran and Alexis Finchum, and Cross Country Coach Jerry Doyle.  Congratulations to Samantha on her decision to play college basketball at the University of Tampa and best wishes for a successful education and career.

The Lady Pirates entered the basketball game Saturday night with more on their minds than just a Mid-Southern Conference match-up. Having learned just the night before that a former assistant coach had suddenly and unexpectedly passed, the team was on a mission to honor Coach Chad Crace in their efforts on the floor that night.  Adonned in matching headbands with “Crace” across them, the girls took the floor and set out to execute their game plan, which for the most part, worked all night.

It was a back and forth contest, which saw Samantha Matthews score her 1,000th point as a Lady Pirate. After the first quarter, North Harrison led by 1, 7-8.  At the half, the game was tied 17-17.  To end the 3rd, the Lady Pirates were up 35-30.  But after the Lady Cats found a hot hand and their way through the lane in the 4th, they were able to edge out the Lady Pirates 52-50.

Samantha Matthews finished as the game’s leading scorer with 26, while North Harrison’s Miss Basketball prospect and close friend of Matthews, Lilly Hatton, finished with 22. For the Lady Pirates, Biscardi finished with 11, Watson with 8, and Crace with 5. It’s also worth noting the Lady Pirates hit 10 threes on the night.

The Lady Pirates are back in action Wednesday when they host Silver Creek.