How coach Curt Lee led South Fulton to first TSSAA basketball state tournament since 1978 in final year
Austin ChastainMURFREESBORO – South Fulton coach Curt Lee announced prior to the TSSAA girls basketball 2023-24 season that this would be his last as coach.
That heads up didn't make things any easier late Wednesday for his South Fulton team after the Red Devils season ended with a 61-40 loss to Wayne County in the TSSAA girls basketball state tournament Class 1A quarterfinals at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro.
“I’m really going to miss him,” said junior guard Maddie Gray. “It’s been a fun six years playing with him. I wouldn’t take away any of the memories.”
Five South Fulton seniors will move on from the program like Lee. But they will take solace in knowing they helped led the program to its first TSSAA state tournament since 1978.
Lee and this batch of Red Devils put the program back into focus with a tenacious mindset and instilling an unmatched work ethic.
“He’s been a great coach throughout the years,” Aubree Gore said. “I wouldn’t want to be coached by anyone else.”
Aubree’s twin sister, Anna, said that the lessons she learned with basketball will carry over into the rest of her life.
The loss to Wayne County stings, but the journey to get there was unforgettable – all with Lee leading the way.
“He was a tough coach,” Anna Gore said. “It’s going to help us in the long run and I’m really grateful for it.”
Anna Gore led the Red Devils’ scoring with 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting and had four steals. She was the lone South Fulton player in double figures, senior forward Abbi McFarland added eight points.
Lee was complimentary of the Gores, who are twin guards, highlighting their toughness throughout the years.
“They got bumps and bruises all over them,” Lee said. “Part of that is because of the way I asked them to play. I asked them to sacrifice a little big with physical play where they’re going to take some elbows, they’re going to take some hits. … They do it without complaining. … That’s something that shows you about their character.”
South Fulton has an enrollment of 326 students. Lee was thrilled to have five seniors stick around and stay on the team throughout their time in high school. Most of the girls have played together since their youth basketball days.
“Five young ladies that care enough about each other and continue to play,” Lee said. “They’ve made a heck of a career and what a way to end it to come up for the state tournament and get a chance on the big stage.”