Decatur Heritage Showing Heart Through Adversity

Decatur Heritage Lady Eagles   Class 2A Area 15       Head Coach: Johnny Jones   Current Record: 4-6 (Per Coach Jones as of 12/10/2025)   IG: Dhcaladyhoops   X: @LadyHeritage21   Key Players:   [player_tooltip player_id='1227493' first='Emma' last='Eastman'] (5'5/PG/'28/Decatur Heritage)   X: @Emmaeastman5   Emma is a skilled floor general who can score efficiently at all three levels. She plays with a high PG IQ and brings strong defensive instincts to the court. Her poise, confidence, and ability to read the game make her a critical piece for the Lady Eagles' success this season.   Tailynn Puryear (5'5/PG/'26/Decatur Heritage)   IG: its.taidaaa   Tailynn is a dynamic lead guard who sets the tone on both ends of the floor. She is a really good ball handler who can pressure opponents the full 94 feet. Her commitment to improving her perimeter game over the offseason was evident, as she added new layers to her already well-rounded skill set. Her leadership and intensity anchors this young team.   Layla Hanvy (6'1/C/'27/Decatur Heritage)   IG: layla_hanvy10   Layla brings a strong inside presence with her ability to finish around the rim using both hands. She is a dominant rebounder and a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions from 1 through 5. Her size, mobility, and toughness make her a key interior force for her squad.   Key Role Players to Watch:   AK Oaks (5'5/SG/'26/Decatur Heritage)   AK has been part of the program since the 7th grade and is finally stepping into her moment. After an impressive summer, she has elevated her game and embraced a leadership role. Her experience and maturity make her an invaluable piece on and off the floor.   Aliyuh Jones (5'9/PF/'26/Decatur Heritage)   Aliyuh provides a strong, physical presence in the paint. She is an aggressive rebounder who adds toughness to the Lady Eagles' frontcourt. After missing last season due to injury, she returned with a great summer showing and looks poised to make a big impact this year.   Returning Starters:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1227493' first='Emma' last='Eastman'] (SG/10th Grade)</li>   <li class="has-medium-font-size">Tailynn Puryear (PG/12th Grade)</li>   <li class="has-medium-font-size">Layla Hanvy (F/11th Grade)</li> </ul>   New Additions:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li class="has-medium-font-size">Raylin Ready (5'7/CG/'31/Decatur Heritage)</li> </ul>   Raylin is a promising young guard who had a strong summer, and made noticeable strides in her development and came into the season ready to contribute meaningful minutes. Her energy and scoring potential give the Lady Eagles another weapon in the backcourt.   What To Expect From The Lady Eagles This Season:   Decatur Heritage prides itself on an up-tempo, defense-first identity. The Lady Eagles love to play fast, thrive in transition, and apply relentless full-court pressure. Their 94-foot, run-and-jump defensive style, combined with a mix of 2–3 matchup and 1–2–2 trapping defenses, creates chaos for opponents. The goal remains consistent: hold teams to 34 points or fewer per game while controlling tempo and pace.   What Will It Take for The Lady Eagles To Win State?   The Lady Eagles graduated five seniors from last year's state runner-up team, creating new opportunities for this young core. For Decatur Heritage to make another deep run, it will come down to belief and execution. The team chemistry is already strong and the players trust and play for one another. If they continue to grow in confidence and stay locked into their defensive identity, the sky is the limit for this group.   How The Season Has Started:   The season began with adversity, as injuries forced several young players, including middle schoolers, into significant roles early on. Despite the challenges, the Lady Eagles have shown remarkable resilience, unity, and selflessness, sitting at 4–6 through a demanding early schedule.   Senior guard Tailynn Puryear has been exceptional, stepping up as both a scorer and defensive leader. The younger players are maturing quickly and showing steady improvement each week.   While the record may not reflect the full story yet, this team's grit and development are setting the stage for a strong second half of the season. With continued growth and improved health, the Lady Eagles are poised to make noise come January and beyond.

Decatur Heritage Lady Eagles