At 12-10, the South Putnam girl's basketball team doesn't need a lot of motivation of what is at stake this week.
The Eagles are hosting the sectional on their home floor and head coach Brian Gardner hopes that is enough to bring out the best from his team.

"We have had several players play well this season for us. It has been a great thing about this team is that each night different girls have stepped up when needed," Gardner told The Putnam County Post. 

Leading the way for South Putnam in scoring has been Chlara Pistelli, while Gardner said Danae Cline has been "outstanding" at running the offense at the point guard position and being South Putnam's "floor leader."

"Madison Gardner has been extremely consistent as our only real post player. Drew Gardner and Lyla Rissler have shot the ball well the second half of the year as freshmen," Gardner said. 

For South Putnam, the opportunity to cut down the nets begins with a date against Southmont Wednesday. Earlier this season, the Eagles knocked off Southmont, 49-41, November 20. 
Gardner said the sectional draw creates challenges for South Putnam.

"Southmont is a very good team with a good guard in Mason. She is very active on the defensive side of the ball and they have two posts in Jenkins and Gomez, who are good on the inside," Gardner said. 

What will it take to get the win and advance to Friday, where South Putnam would face the winner of sectional favorite Parke Heritage and Cloverdale?

"We will have to play good, solid basketball and not turn the ball over on Wednesday night. We were able to beat them earlier in the year. Parke Heritage is considered the favorite and would likely be the opponent on Friday night," Gardner said.