This weekend, November 9th, the Junior High Lady Pirates began their A Team basketball season in Devine. Last year, as 7th Graders they beat Devine in the first game, so Devine was relegated to the consolation bracket in their own tourney. This year, they set the bracket, so we had to begin the day against Hondo. Hondo was the team that pushed this group last year the greatest. Coach Bohl had a wedding to attend so I was blessed to coach this group of stellar ballers. We took the lead from the opening tip with a fine fast break. It was a good opening test for the ladies who trailed by 3 at the end of the first quarter. Stellar defense in the second quarter blanked Hondo and we took a 14 to 8 lead at half. We have our big three; Calyssa Seveir led us in scoring with 8, Campbel Aldridge scored 6 and Katara Whitfield added 5. The victory was a total team effort with Amelia Martinez adding 4, Eternity Diaz 3 and Jessica Mata hitting one of our 3 free throws to add a point. We ended the game with the final score being Lytle 27, Hondo 18. For me, personally, I was pleased because I have never coached a team that has beaten Hondo in Basketball.
Lytle Elementary music students presented our annual Veterans Day program honoring our local veterans on November 11th. Despite the frigid weather, we had a great turn out!
Last night, November 12th, the JV 1 boys basketball team traveled to Pleasanton High School for their one and only scrimmage prior to opening the regular season. We got off to a very slow start and fell behind against a very disciplined and well coached Eagles team. It took a strong full court defensive effort to get back in the ball game which led to a dramatic conclusion. Our defensive effort in the second half was led by Matthew, Eldridge, Malaki Castro, Joe Cortez and lastly Collin Aldridge who made the final 3-point desperation shot at the buzzer, for our only lead of the game and the game winning shot. There were some positive things we saw as a staff, as well as many things that need improvement.
The girls opened their season last night, November 11th, against a tough La Vernia team and took a loss of 62-38. We did some good things, but we saw the things we need to work harder on to get to where we need to be come January. We face many tough teams like this in the next few months, but it always makes you better. Noelia Medina led the team with 17 points and Kiara Nixon added 11. Eleni Keith put up 9 points for us, she hit her head hard on the floor last night and it was ruled a concussion last night by doctors, she will be out at least 2 weeks. Please keep Eleni in your prayers. Clarissa Ramos and Kylie Mask got into foul trouble early so that took away from our defensive game plan. Abby Moreno and Alex Nagelin gave us great minutes off the bench. Like I told the girls last night, we learn from our mistakes and show up today and work harder. Go Pirates!!!!
This past Saturday, November 9th, the Pirates from Lytle competed in the final race of the 2019 season against the best in the State. It was a perfect day with beautiful temperatures and very little wind. Many Pirate followers were there to see these fine athletes compete.
