Lady Deer star OK after collapse following home loss
Deer Park's Tabitha Hawthorne (32) was released from a local hospital after she collapsed after last night's game against South Houston. InsideDP file photo.
The Lady Deer varsity basketball lost at home to South Houston 48-43 Tuesday, but the main concern following the loss was the health of star post Tabitha Hawthorne. The senior collapsed after the game and was rushed to a nearby hospital. She was released late last night.
The Lady Deer were down by as many nine points in the second quarter. By the end of the third quarter Deer Park had narrowed the gap to just four points. They were able to rally back to within two points in the fourth quarter with less than three minutes left but were unable to overcome South Houston.
“The defense was just not working out,” said Jacie Pullig.
Deer Park was able to get scoring opportunities but the defense was not able to slow down South Houston.
The top two scorers for the Lady Deer were Hawthorne with 16 points along with six steals, and Lyndsie LeBlanc scored 10 points.
Guard Allison Hernandez scored five points and made 10 rebounds. Junior Post Brianna Turney also had five points.
“We didn’t play well,” said Head Coach Theresa White. “Everything South Houston threw up went in.”
At halftime the coaches were telling the players to keep fighting and stop the mistakes.
However, the main concern will be Tabitha Hawthorne.
“There are more important things than a game. This is a life,” said White.
Hawthorne’s mother said the senior was resting at home and was appreciative of the team’s support during the emergency and while at the hospital.
Wednesday’s practice was the first opportunity White had to discuss matters with the team. White’s primary focus is Hawthorne and her health.
There has been a large amount of support from Hawthorne’s teammates. Deer Park will have to adjust to not having Hawthorne’s presence on the court. Hawthorne is one of the most active scorers and rebounders for the Lady Deer.
White said she intends to keep her team confident and reassure them that Hawthorne is alright and then make sure everyone is on the same page.