-No. 3 ranked Lady Panthers to battle Winder-Barrow Friday night for Class AAAAA Title-

ATLANTA (March 4, 2016) — The Atlanta Dream has selected Southwest Dekalb High School in Decatur, Ga., as this week’s recipient of the “Addie” Award.  The honor is presented weekly during the WNBA offseason to a girls’ high school basketball team that exhibits exceptional on-court performance, academic achievement and an unquestioned passion to advance the sport.

The Lady Panthers have enjoyed consistent success on and off the court this season as they currently boast an overall record of 26-6 entering tonight’s Georgia State Class AAAAA Title game vs Winder-Barrow.  Southwest DeKalb advanced to the title game with a 65-50 win over Columbus in the quarterfinals, followed by a 55-47 victory over Sequoyah in the semifinals.

In addition, Southwest Dekalb currently boasts a No. 3 state ranking in Class AAAAA and sits at 20^th overall in the state of Georgia.

In the classroom the team has also excelled, boasting a combined team grade-point average of 3.07, led by top performers senior Cori Bostic (3.74) and freshman Desiray Coulter (3.87).

Daisa Alexander leads the Lady Panthers offense with an average of 15.5 points while adding 4.4 rebounds.  Jada Walton chips in 12.6 points and 4.7 rebounds.

The Atlanta Dream would like to congratulate the entire Southwest Dekalb High School girls’ basketball program and head coach Kathleen Richey-Walton for their exceptional efforts in earning this week’s Atlanta Dream Girls’ High School Basketball Team of the Week Award.

The award was inspired by Lakeview High School (Ohio) 2016 team captain and senior Addison Becker.  Becker contacted the Dream about her concern for the lack of coverage and recognition she perceived regarding the accomplishments of female high school athletic programs in her area, as well as nationally.

The passion Miss Becker displayed in wanting to be a part of creating awareness and fostering change was unquestioned, so the franchise has decided to name the Atlanta Dream’s Girls’ High School Basketball Team of the Week Award as the “Addie,” to recognize her commitment in bringing more attention to the dedication, talent and accomplishments of female athletes.

“I am writing because something has come to my attention that I feel can no longer be simply ignored,” Becker wrote.  “I play basketball for myself and for the love of the game.  However I have noticed that less girls are picking up a basketball in our community.  I feel this is due to the lack of attention, recognition and most importantly the support they receive.  Female athletes are just as dedicated as their male counterparts and I feel it is time young people brought attention to this matter.  I want to change this mindset and what is now a social normality, so I am reaching out for help.”

The Dream will honor one team a week moving forward during the high school girls’ basketball season.  Each winner will receive 10 complimentary tickets to the May 22 season opener vs. Chicago and be recognized on-court at Philips Arena and the 2016 Atlanta Dream Girls’ High School Basketball Team of the Year will be recognized.

In addition, each weekly winner will enjoy a postgame meet and greet with a Dream player on May 22 as well as a visit by Atlanta Dream mascot “Star” to their school.

To nominate your team for the honor, please visit AtlantaDream.net or CLICK HERE for the nomination form.

Atlanta Dream season tickets are available now by logging for more information on at Atlanta Dream Membership Central or clicking HERE to buy directly via Ticketmaster. 

The three-time Eastern Conference Champion Atlanta Dream is entering its ninth season in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

The Dream plays their home games at Philips Arena.  Atlanta has qualified for the playoffs six times, winning conference titles in 2013, 2011 and 2010.