Much of the East Columbus Lady Gators’ historic run this season has to be credited to third-year coach Latoya (Toi) Brown. Brown is an East Columbus alumna who played basketball and softball.
“It was here where I fell in love with basketball,” she said.
Following high school, she had no plans of coaching as she would continue her athletic career at Fayetteville State, playing softball all four years. In 2021, Brown was hired to take over the East Columbus Girls Basketball team, and she made an immediate impact.
Brown led the Gators to a 13-12 record good enough for third in the conference as well as a second round appearance, which was a significant improvement from the 0-6 COVID year in 2020-2021.
When asked about her first season, Brown stated, “This season, I learned so much, and I had to look back to the coaches I had during my tenure and how they were great role models, and that’s what I wanted to be.”
The following season found another significant improvement.
Led by freshman Malia Graham, who averaged 12 points and nine rebounds a game, Brown’s squad finished with a 17-8 record, proving herself as one of the best coaches in the county. East Columbus would finish second in the conference and again make the second round of the 1A state playoffs.
Before the 2023-2024 season, Brown chose to put her players in many camps, AAU-style tournaments and private workouts to prepare for the next steps.
“I have to shout out to NXT LVL FIT in Myrtle Beach,” Coach Brown said about the workouts. “They got my girls right.”
The work paid off as East Columbus has put together a phenomenal 26-1 season, winning a conference championship and making their first State Championship appearance in school history.
“This was the goal,” Brown said. “Now we gotta finish the job.”
The Lady Gators will certainly have their work cut out for them, as they face Cherokee High School, a 28-1 school from the mountains of North Carolina on Friday at 6 p.m. in Winston Salem. The Braves have dominated everybody in their path.
Brown was asked how she was preparing her girls for Friday night.
“We have to come out fast, keep up the pace, and not allow their offense to get our defense out of sorts.
“Our girls are special; they are close with high chemistry,” she said. “My seniors have known each other since the very beginning. We have grown together and learned so much together.”
Brown gave credit to the team and staff for their winning season so far.
“It’s not all me. My staff is phenomenal; my assistants, my statisticians, my bus driver, everybody who has sacrificed their time and money is what makes this team great.”
Brown was complimentary of all her players, but she particularly pointed out the improvement from Sophomore Malia Graham, not only in her on-the-court play, upping her points to 17 a game, but also as a leader.
“Watching Malia learn from Destiney (Mitchell) these past two years has helped her grow so much, and watching her speak up for the team has been great to see.
“I expect a lot from my team leaders. They need to be a voice, and Malia is doing a great job.”
Outside of coaching, Brown works a full-time job as well as being a mother to her six-year-old daughter. Brown makes sure to make time for her family first.
“My parents poured so much into me I want to be there for them.”
“You can be anything you want to when you’re willing to work hard,” Brown said. “It doesn’t matter your background, your raising, none of that. Just put your mind to it and be dedicated.”
