The Lunar Owls Basketball Club had been riding an incredible undefeated streak, but on Friday night, Feb. 21, that impressive run came to a halt. Despite putting up a strong fight, the team suffered a 72-63 loss, marking their first setback of the season.
Allisha Gray, a key player for the Owls, cited a lack of shooting rhythm as the primary reason for the defeat. However, the bigger story wasn’t the game itself — it was Gray’s heartfelt admiration for her former coach, Dawn Staley.
Allisha Gray’s Reflection on Her Time With Dawn Staley
The legendary coach’s influence on her former players continues to grow, and Gray made it clear that she wishes she had more time under Staley’s guidance.
Gray was an essential part of South Carolina’s national championship-winning squad in 2017. Though she spent only one season playing under Staley at USC, the experience left a lasting impact on her career.
Reflecting on her time with the Gamecocks, Gray spoke fondly about her former coach. She expressed a deep appreciation for Staley’s mentorship both on and off the court. In a video shared by Julia Westerman on X, Gray did not hold back her admiration.
“I say it all the time: I wish I’d had more time to play for Coach Staley.”
Allisha Gray won a national championship with the Gamecocks in 2017, her only season on the court at USC. Gray says Staley’s guidance had a big impact on her career. pic.twitter.com/rg5NYPZ9Cz
— Julia Westerman (@JuliaWesterman) February 25, 2025
“I say all the time that I wish I had more time to play for Coach Staley,” Gray said.
“I mean, she’s just a great coach but an even better person. I miss it a lot, but she definitely helped me. She definitely taught me how to be a pro and how to carry myself the right way.”
These words highlight Staley’s impact beyond basketball. She instills professionalism, discipline, and resilience in her players, preparing them for success at the professional level.
Breaking Down the Owls’ First Loss of the Season
Before shifting focus to Gray’s admiration for Staley, it is important to analyze the game that ended the Lunar Owls’ undefeated start. The team had defied the odds, maintaining an 8-0 record despite having only five rostered players.
While their opponents had the advantage of a full six-player lineup, the Owls struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm.
MORE: Dawn Staley Says MiLaysia Fulwiley ‘Has the Tools’ To Be a Pro
Gray acknowledged this issue in the postgame press conference, stating:
“We were making shots a little out of rhythm. That’s the main thing. It’s a game of runs, and the team that’s really in rhythm and making shots is typically going to come out on top.”
The numbers backed up her analysis. The Owls shot just over 21% from the field, significantly lower than their opponent’s 33.3%. That discrepancy proved costly, as the team failed to generate the offensive momentum needed to secure a victory. Despite the loss, the team remains in a strong position moving forward, with plenty of room to bounce back.
Gray’s Standout Season and Career Achievements
Beyond this game, Gray continues to make waves in the WNBA. Earlier in October 2024, she earned a well-deserved selection for the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, representing the Atlanta Dream. Gray has been a consistent performer throughout the season, demonstrating her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
Averaging 15.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, Gray has been a crucial part of the Dream’s season. Despite Atlanta’s 7-11 record, which has been impacted by key injuries, Gray’s leadership and performances have kept them competitive.
One of her most notable achievements this season was surpassing the 3,000-point milestone in her WNBA career, making her the 86th player in league history to reach this accomplishment.
Additionally, she had a standout performance against the Las Vegas Aces, sinking a career-high six three-pointers in a single game.
KEEP READING: What Staley Shared About Her Mother
Gray also became just the second player in WNBA history to achieve at least six three-pointers and six free throws in a game while shooting 85% from beyond the arc and 100% from the free-throw line.
This feat showcased not only her scoring ability but also her efficiency and composure in high-pressure situations.
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