Last Tuesday — and this Monday — both Texan and Lady Texan basketball teams hosted games in preparation of a busy season ahead, including a massive 32team tournament at the end of December here at home appropriately named “HoopFest.” The teams started play three weeks ago.
Coach Caleb Hall’s Lady Texan squad was hindered for a short time as volleyball concluded and Coach Mike Whitten’s Texans are still a few players short as football continues their deep run in the playoffs. Yet, even with what could be considered difficult circumstances or a distraction, both teams remain unbeaten. The Texans sit at 4-0 with their last three coming in Texan Gym against Regents (Austin,) Smithville, and Randolph (Universal City.) The Lady Texans are 10-0 which includes winning the Gregory- Portland tournament championship last weekend, going 6-0 in the process.
The Lady Texans beat the physical and aggressive Poth Pirettes last Tuesday 47-33.
“They’re a good team who play at a high level. The game was closer than I expected through the first half,” Hall said. “We reset and executed good halftime adjustments, coming back to win the third quarter 166.”
Lily Dela Rosa led scoring with fourteen followed closely by Campbell Woodward’s thirteen. Laney Hennessee had numerous blocks including one she slapped three rows deep into the home stands.
“Laney’s volleyball experiences this season showed in her timing, hops, and the way she killed that shot,” chuckled Hall.
The ladies followed that victory with six wins at the Gregory-Portland tourney against Calallen, Harvest Christian (Edinburgh), Brownsville Pace, Corpus Christi Ray and Alice.
“A hallmark of this team is their defense. They are flying around and understand that a good defensive team will create scoring opportunities,” commented Hall.
The Lady Texan defense was extremely effective against Calallen, holding the Wildcats scoreless in the first quarter while scoring sixteen to start the game. In the third, Calallen scored four.
Harvest Christian provided the tough out for the Lady Texans who had to play them twice, once in pool play and in bracket play for the championship.
“They’re a good team that play high scoring, exciting ball. We were able to match up with them, pushing the ball up court, with our outlets going hard on the break,” said Hall. “Baylee Gold played outstanding defense against Harvest’s best player and Cameron Thames came in and shut down the inside.”
Dela Rosa echoed her coach’s thoughts. “We’re rotating on defense, covering for each other and helping out. We’re constantly moving, trying to create turnovers then pushing the ball up in transition.”
All-Tournament honors were awarded to Dela Rosa and Hennessee. Campbell Woodward was selected as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Hennessee commented on the move from volleyball straight into basketball.
“Volleyball was exciting and the playoff run we had brought us closer and more determined. Bringing that over in basketball and seeing our team togetherness helped me transition,” Hennessee shared, adding, “I’m trying to be strong on defense by altering shots and getting blocks. There are some things to work on offensively but I feel good about our start.”
“I’m really thankful for participating in Cross Country this year,” said Woodward. “I came into the season in good playing shape. I feel like we’ve had to grow quick from our freshman to sophomore year. I needed to mature some and step up to lead. I’m most proud of our team being committed to each other and to the program. We’ve got athletes and are developing a good chemistry.”
Dela Rosa knows about maturing on the fly as she moved to the Lady Texan varsity team straight out of eighth grade.
“This past year of experience has led to confidence and composure,” Lily commented. “We’re really competitive and in the tournament I felt like our team really wanted to win it all. I’m still learning in Coach’s system but I’m all in. I’m looking for the open lane to drive while staying aware of my teammates to pop open.”
“The girls have bought into a system and are playing it well. Our bench is deep meaning we can substitute in numerous players, keeping starters fresh without much dropoff. The bench contributes significantly because the strategy helps us wear out other teams which really helped us win the tournament,” Hall stated while complimenting his team.
The statistics show a team that has no selfishness. “They play for each other. Their assists are high,” Coach Hall reported. “They’re coachable which means we are able to compete in ways we’ve been unable to do so in the past. They are taking care to listen to coaches (Jacqueline) Johnson and Durkin. A lot of credit for our defense goes to Ryan (Durkin.)” Texan basketball has kept busy as the team heads into Thanksgiving, having played Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. Coach Whitten’s squad has senior leadership on the floor this season. Luke Watts runs the court as point guard in the offense and serves as the defensive key on opponents’ best ball handler.
“Our system is predicated on full pressure defense to cause turnovers, creating fast break opportunities,” Whitten said. “Luke has bought into the program and has a huge heart. He sets the pace, shares the ball, and creates a more diverse offense. They play fast with more players scoring and he’s the catalyst on defense.”
The team effort is relentless, not relaxing even in their half-court set, overcoming a lack of height with speed and swarming, suffocating defense. The team creates twenty-five turnovers on average per game, with a high this young season of thirty- nine against Smithville. That 88-32 win featured a career-high 46 points for senior guard Miles Schleder on 17 of 29 shooting.
“There’s so much to be said about Miles. He’s a leader that others will follow,” said Whitten. “They’re buying into something that isn’t about scoring and that’s significant. As he has sold out to the system, the team has committed to it. They’re gelling and rallying around each others’ talents and abilities.”
Another bright spot for the Texans is the onthe- court emergence of senior Thomas Watson. “He’s a good kid, a class act,” Whitten shared. “He has a wide skill set and can present a nightmare matchup for opponents. In the past he seemed hesitant but has grown in confidence and that is showing on the court.”
The Texans play San Antonio Southside away on Nov. 29 with their next home game scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 6 against Salado.
The Lady Texans are home Tuesday Nov. 29 versus Lago Vista before playing Dec. 1-3 in the Navarro Tournament.
