For the first time in years, Cairo’s Junior High Lady Pilots are flying high. The team, made up mostly of eighth graders, has launched into the season with a 5–1 record—their best start in recent memory. They practice hard, play harder, and have found in their new head coach, Cymone Lingle, a leader who believes in their potential as both athletes and young women.

Coach Lingle, a graduate from Meridian High School, who played basketball and volleyball for both Meridian and Shawnee College, brings energy, experience, and heart to the team. This is her first season as head coach, though she served as assistant last year. “It’s a different feeling now,” she says. “Last year was about learning. This year is about building. And these girls—they’re ready.”

Her players agree. “She’s amazing,” says eighth grader Lamariah Woods. “She’s caring and understanding, both physically and mentally. She knows what we need.” Her teammates nod in agreement. “She’s emotional, but in a good way,” adds Brielle Woods with a laugh. “She listens to us and pushes us to do better.”

For Lingle, that connection is everything. “Coaching isn’t just about basketball,” she says. “It’s about helping them grow as people. I want them to know that no matter what’s happening in life, they can always find strength on the court.”

The Lady Pilots’ roster is growing, most of whom juggle basketball with other activities like volleyball, track, and cheer. “I think I only have three or four players who don’t cheer,” Lingle says. “They’re busy young women, but they show up and give their all.”

Their dedication shows. At practice, they’re focused, running drills and learning new plays every other session. “We get better every time,” says Kaleah Farley, the team’s point guard. “We learn a new play, then run it until it’s perfect.”

The improvement from last season is clear. “Last year was rough,” admits Lamariah. “We didn’t win much.” This year, the transformation is dramatic. “Now we win—and it feels great,” says Damariah Lane, who plays between forward and center. “We’ve been working hard for this.”

The girls credit their success to teamwork and trust. “We’ve learned patience and sportsmanship,” says Ty’Liyah Davis. “And we’ve learned how to have each other’s backs.”

That camaraderie extends beyond the court. “We talk a lot of smack, but it’s love,” Kaleah says with a grin. “We argue sometimes, but when it’s time to play, we go to war for each other.”

Lingle smiles at that description. “They’re right,” she says. “They’re like sisters. They bicker, they tease—but they also lift each other up. That’s what makes them a team.”

For the players, basketball is more than a game—it’s therapy. “It helps emotionally,” says Brielle. “You can take your anger out on the court instead of anywhere else.” Damariah nods. “It helps with life. If something’s bothering you, you can play it out.”

Most plan to continue playing in high school, and several already dream of college. “I want to go for track,” says Brielle. “I want to go for volleyball,” adds Damariah. “I want to go for basketball,” Ty’Liyah says confidently. Each has her own path—but all agree that sports will be part of it.

For now, their eyes are on finishing strong. With around 20 games this season, the Lady Pilots are just getting started, and they’re not shy about their ambitions. “We’re going to regionals—and then to state.”

That confidence is earned. Last season, they made it to regionals but lost their first game by a single point. “We’ve got a chip on our shoulder now,” says Lingle. “We remember what that felt like, and we don’t want to feel it again.”

Lingle says the best part of coaching is watching her players grow—on and off the court. “I see their confidence building,” she says. “They’re learning discipline, communication, and leadership. They’re figuring out who they are.”

The players say they’ve also learned something important about community. “The boys’ team always comes and cheers us on,” says Kaleah. “We don’t have cheerleaders at our games, but we don’t need them. Our fans are loud enough.”

They still have plenty of games left, including a big matchup against Meridian later this season—one they’ve circled on the calendar. “We’re going to beat them,” Brielle says, smiling widely. “By 30.”

As Coach Lingle puts it, “They’re learning what it means to compete, to believe, and to keep pushing. That’s what makes this season special. This is just the beginning.”