The Poteau Lady Pirates wrapped up their last basketball season with a hard-fought game against Stilwell on February 14 2025. Despite putting up their highest score of the season with 54 points, the Lady Pirates fell short, losing 68-54 to the Stilwell Indians. The defeat marked the end of a challenging season, leaving Poteau with a 3-21 record overall.
With the new basketball season just around the corner, the Lady Pirates are undergoing a complete cultural shift under the guidance of the new coach Jarrett Lowrimore and his fresh philosophy, based on love, respect, and constant improvement, with the goal of creating a supportive team culture where players can grow both as athletes and individuals.
“I’m huge on the idea that the success of a team can’t be measured only by wins and losses,” said Lowrimore. “It’s about how we carry ourselves. How do we look when we walk into the gym? Do we show love and respect for each other? I hope people watch our games and see that we play hard because we love and respect one another. That’s success in my book.”
For him, building strong relationships with players and pushing them to succeed in life beyond basketball is the most rewarding part of coaching. “I love being able to fight together for the same goal and helping young people along the way. For me, basketball is just an extension of life. I’m here to help motivate and push them not just in basketball, but in life,” he said.
For veteran player Gracie Spradley, who has seen the team’s evolution firsthand, the changes have been positive. “It wasn’t easy at first. The pace of work increased compared to the previous year, and the exercises proposed by the coach were different, but this helped us improve our basketball skills”, she said.
With the new season on the horizon, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and optimism around the team. With a renewed commitment to teamwork, trust, and respect, the Lady Pirates are ready to tackle the challenges ahead. As Coach Lowrimore put it, “This season is about growth—growing together as a team and as individuals.”
Fans should get ready to see a Lady Pirates squad that plays with heart, unity, and energy, ready to make their mark in the season ahead.
