"Everybody on a championship team doesn't get publicity, but everyone can say she's a champion."
- Earvin "Majic" Johnson
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.
We then had the Championship game against Devine. It was an interesting game. We took a 12 to 8 lead to the half, but the game never felt like we had control. We missed many shots and Devine kept hanging around. Devine came out in the third quarter and played well hitting some backdoor layups and Katara was saddled with her fourth foul. Katara causes major problems for the other team and not having her on the court hurts. At the end of the third quarter Devine held a 3-point lead, 18-15. I didn't want to be the coach that coached an undefeated team in 7th Grade and have them under my guidance today being outscored. I put the first five in and told them I would make it really simple. Score the basket and then press them. We went on a 14 to 6 run with layups from the press. The final score was Lytle 29 - Devine 24. I am glad we are not the only team to not be able to hit free throws. Devine shot 23 foul line shots and only made 4.
I asked the ladies as we ate pie at the Hut what will they remember about the game. They said eating together. I will remember Calyssa's best imitation of Harlem Globetrotter great Curly Neal as she took a ball and ended up sliding on her knees while maintaining the dribble. This Thursday we go to Jourdanton to begin our District play. Your first chance to see the Queens of the Court play is when they take on Cotulla December 2nd.
"Our goal is not to win. It is to play together and play hard, then winning takes care of itself."
-Mike Krzyzewski
We are very thankful to all those who came to support us.