FOUR OAKS – On Friday, January 19, 2024, the 1974 South Johnston High School (SJHS) Lady Trojans women’s basketball team was honored for the 50th anniversary of their 4A Women’s Basketball State Championship title.
During halftime of the current SJHS women’s basketball game, in front of a crowd full of fans, family, and former SJHS students, the team was recognized by Principal William Weaver, JCPS Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy, Johnston County Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews, Board Member Kay Carroll, JCPS Director of Athletics & Driver Education Josh Plisko, and South Johnston High Athletic Director Ashley Ennis.
The South Johnston High women’s basketball program, coached by Thomas Jackson and Assistant Coach Mike Long, was a dominant force during the 70’s. Beginning in 1971, the program collected seven consecutive conference championships.
In 1973, the Lady Trojans won a district championship which took them to the state playoffs, however, a late-round exit sent the team back to Johnston County without a title, but with an increased determination to win the championship.
The very next season, they had a historical record of 28-1, losing only to Smithfield-Selma High. Once again the team was in the playoffs for a state championship, and this time the Lady Trojans captured the school’s first and only state title to date.
Wanda Watkins was one of the players on that championship team, scoring a team high 20 points in the final game. Being back with the players and coach again after 50 years was something she will never forget.
“It’s a special bond we all have. We thought we were gonna win this thing, and then to turn around and go back the next year and do it…that just doesn’t happen that often,” Watkins reminisced. “It’s been an amazing journey and a great ride, and I wouldn’t take anything for my days at South Johnston.”
Starting at center for the Lady Trojans was 6 ‘2” Genia Beasley, who later became a highly accredited player at North Carolina State University (NCSU). Beasley went on to become one of the best collegiate players ever, and is still the only player in NCSU history to lead the team in scoring and rebounding all four seasons. In 1980, the Town of Benson proclaimed May 17 as “Genia Beasley Day”, and she was part of the inaugural class to be inducted into the NCSU Athletic Hall of Fame.
For teammate Dr. Paula Coates, who is a 29-year JCPS educator and former Deputy Superintendent, there is one memory from the game that is her favorite. With the game tied and 37 seconds remaining, Coates remembers vividly her teammates sinking a series of free throws to seal the win.
Coates remembers when the final free throw went in and Watkins turned to her exclaiming “We’re gonna win the championship Paula, we gonna win the championship!”
The clock ran down and the South Johnston High Lady Trojans beat Williamston with a score of 52-49, cementing the team’s rightful place in school history.
