“Dreams come true,” Former Hoggard and North Brunswick Star talks NCAA tournament experience
Laney Scoggins is a freshman on Presbyterian, who made the Big Dance for the first time in school history
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) – A few years ago, if you would have told Laney Scoggins that she would make the NCAA Tournament and be taking on the #1 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks as a freshman, she’d tell you ‘you’re crazy.’
“If anyone is out there listening, said Scoggins after taking on Dawn Staley’s #1 ranked team in Columbia Friday. “Dreams can come true for anybody no matter where you are from.”
Presbyterian made the first NCAA tournament in school history after winning the Big South and defeating Sacred Heart in the play-in game. Scoggins says her blood, sweat and grind was worth the time.
“Just making history. Doing something that has never been done before,” said Scoggins of what she is the most proud of. “Looking back, freshman year was hard. But it makes it all worth it being able to say I was a part of it.”
“All the work you out in, you’re building something bigger than yourself. We rallied a community together around us and are building the game as well. I never dreamed in my life to be put on ESPNW or March Madness’ Instagram page.”
The Blue Hose lost to the Gamecocks 91-39.
I don’t think anyone understand how talented, strong and athletic they are until you get on the floor with them,” said Scoggins. “They are truly one of a kind as a team.
“I actually talked to (SEC Tournament MVP) Malaysia (Fulwiley) we were subbing in together. She was taking to me a little bit about Coach Staley it was cool to be in that atmosphere. No one can say they really played them. Getting that opportunity was special. It just makes me more motivated to keep going. I feel I’ve been a hard worker my whole career and it is not going to stop now. I want people to look at me as an over achiever. Making it my freshman year, I want to make it the next 3- that’s my goal. Coach always talks about ‘why not us’ so why not me?”
“Dreams can come true for anybody no matter where you’re from.”
Just caught up with former Hoggard and North Brunswick star and now Presbyterian freshman @Laney_Scoggins about the Blue Hose first-ever trip to the NCAA tournament and their matchup with #1 South Carolina today.… pic.twitter.com/pZ1uNhPlNS
— Jake Eichstaedt (@Jake25Eich) March 22, 2024
“I would say I am very thankful. Looking back at how much impact I’ve made I want to bring it to Wilmington. I feel there’s not a lot who go play collegiately and find success. It just means a lot to me to be able to come back to Hoggard and North Brunswick and be able to inspire people in my community.”
