The Whitney High School girls basketball team began district play Friday, January 5, with a home game against the Maypearl Panthers. The Lady Panthers came away with a 56-36 win in the first district matchup.
The Lady Wildcats had already competed in three tournaments prior to district. The first was at Brock, where they faced Brock, Callisburg, Alvord and a select Australian team. Whitney ended up 1-3 in the Brock tournament.
The Lady Wildcats then hosted a tournament, going 2-2 defeating R.L. Turner and Eustace but falling short to Cayuga and Cameron Yoe.
Most recently, the Lady ‘Cats played in Troy’s Christmas Classic, where they met up with Troy, Lago Vista, Hico and then Gatesville, coming out 1-3.
This year’s team is led by three returning seniors: Bayley Brisco, a four-year varsity strong post player; Ariana Espino, a point guard who has stepped up showing her skills and seeing the court extremely well; and Hope Ivers, a shooting guard, who coaches say keeps the team together. Each of these athletes play a big role for the Wildcats.
Junior Karley Tucker, a first-time player, has made huge strides and is showing her team daily she is here to play, along with another junior Lady Cat, Jaiden McKinley.
A young team in the making, the Lady ‘Cats also rely on sophomores Shaylin Shelton, Adrianne McKinley and Emily Taylor.
Freshmen Baylee Glass, Brylee Glass and Brileigh Martin have shown their strengths, and the coaching staff has great hopes that they will continue to contribute their part to this team in district play.
“We hope to see your support in the stands in the following weeks, as the girls have been putting in the work to prepare for district,” said Assistant Coach Mindy Estill. The next games for the Lady ‘Cats were set for Tuesday, January 9 against West at home, followed by an away game in Clifton Friday, January 12. They will then take on Keene Tuesday, January 16 at home and Grandview on the road Friday, January 19, before beginning the last half of the district schedule.
Games begin with junior varsity playing at 5 p.m.
The Lady ‘Cats are coached by Head Coach Rex Unruh and Assistant Coach Estill.
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