Parkview Girls Basketball Returns to the State Stage in a Season of Growth and Grit
After a two-year hiatus from postseason play, the Parkview High School Girls Basketball team made a triumphant return to the state tournament in the 2024-25 winter season. Under the leadership of Head Coach Cynthia Cooper, the Lady Panthers posted a solid 19-11 record, highlighted by growth, resilience, and a renewed competitive spirit that breathed new life into the program.
Though the journey wasn’t always smooth, the season marked a significant step forward for Parkview, which not only improved its win total but rekindled a sense of belief and unity within the team.
A Team Effort at Every Level
When asked about key contributors, Coach Cooper emphasized the collective strength of the team. “All players were a key contributor to our success this season,” she noted. That sentiment reflected a central theme of the Lady Panthers’ campaign: team-first basketball.
Rather than relying on a single star to carry the load, Parkview’s roster featured a well-rounded group of athletes who embraced their roles and stepped up when called upon. Whether it was scoring, rebounding, defense, or leadership, each player brought something valuable to the table, making the team stronger as a whole.
Highs, Lows, and a Long-Awaited Postseason Return
For Coach Cooper, the season was a mix of positives and missed opportunities. “The season went well,” she reflected. “It could have been better, but we had 19 wins and 11 losses.” Still, one highlight stood above the rest: qualifying for the state playoffs, something the team had not achieved in the past two seasons.
“It was a huge step forward,” Cooper said. “Making it to state showed our growth and the progress we’ve made as a program. It meant a lot to the players and the coaching staff.”
Each game this season brought different challenges, and in many ways, the defining moments came not from individual plays but from the team’s collective decision to compete for a full 32 minutes. “When the girls decided they wanted to play for 32 minutes, then we were successful,” Cooper explained. That focus and commitment often made the difference in tightly contested games.
Rising Talent: Jaylah Ellison’s Breakout Year
While the entire roster contributed to the team’s success, one player stood out in her growth and development throughout the season: Jaylah Ellison.
“Jaylah really developed her game throughout the season,” said Cooper. “There are others who improved, but she grew the most.” Her evolution into a reliable presence on the court was a reflection of both her personal dedication and the team’s commitment to development.
As Parkview looks to the future, Ellison is expected to play a bigger role in the team’s success moving forward, building on the foundation she laid this season.
Meeting Adversity with Resolve
No season is without its share of setbacks, and Parkview had its fair share of injuries and tough losses. But what defined the team wasn’t the adversity—it was how the players responded.
“When injuries occurred, players would step up to make sure the team was successful regardless of what difficulty we had to overcome,” Coach Cooper recalled. This next-player-up mentality not only kept the team competitive, but also cultivated a sense of accountability and resilience that became a hallmark of the Lady Panthers’ identity.
Senior Leadership that Set the Tone
Every successful program has leaders who elevate the team both on and off the court. For Parkview this year, those leaders were Jaden, Aziza, and Kennedi—a senior trio that brought unique and vital strengths to the group.
“Jaden and Aziza really showed good leadership at practice, and that made us better as a team,” said Cooper. Their presence helped guide younger players and reinforced the culture of hard work and accountability.
Meanwhile, Kennedi was the team’s emotional and competitive engine. “Kennedi was our horse who led us to several wins. Without her desire to win, we probably wouldn’t have won as many games,” Cooper added. Her drive, grit, and passion for the game left an indelible mark on this year’s squad.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
If there’s one thing Coach Cooper is excited about, it’s the future. With a solid core of returning players and a strong foundation in place, the Lady Panthers are poised for continued growth.
“What excites me about the returning players is their willingness to work hard and their positive attitude about learning,” Cooper said. “They already know our system and what we expect from them.” That familiarity will be critical as the team heads into the offseason with eyes on taking the next step.
With returning leaders like Jaylah Ellison and others who gained valuable experience this season, Parkview is well-positioned to build on this year’s success and continue climbing the ranks.
Offseason Goals: Sharpening the Fundamentals
No great team settles. Coach Cooper has already set a clear roadmap for the offseason, focusing on key areas of improvement: ball handling, passing, and turnover-to-assist ratio. The coaching staff is also placing a strong emphasis on increasing players’ basketball IQ, ensuring they make smarter decisions under pressure and understand the game at a higher level.
By honing these fundamentals, Parkview aims to play a more efficient, intelligent brand of basketball next season—one that will not only result in more wins but also prepare the team for deeper playoff runs.
Final Word
Parkview Girls Basketball’s 2025 season was about more than just wins and losses—it was about growth, resilience, and redefining expectations. After years of falling short of postseason contention, the Lady Panthers reasserted themselves as a program on the rise.
Behind the leadership of Coach Cynthia Cooper, the dedication of a hardworking roster, and the inspiration of a determined senior class, Parkview has laid the groundwork for future success. With the majority of players returning and a hungry mindset fueling the offseason, don’t be surprised if next year’s highlight isn’t just making it to state—but making a run once they get there.
For those looking to track the Lady Panthers’ journey, full season stats and game results can be found on MaxPreps.
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