Girls basketball will have its opening tip off this Friday on the road against Alamo Heights.

“Our 6A district was extremely difficult,” head coach Matthew Sutherland said. “We had some really good basketball teams ranked in the state, so I think dropping down to 5A gives us a little bit better opportunity.”

“We’ve still got some really good teams with our district; I just don’t think it’s going to be as deep as it has been at that 6A level. But I know Canyon and Boerne Champion – those teams are going to really come and make it difficult for us. But I think we got a really good chance to make the playoffs, and I think we’re all excited about that.”

Returning junior and team captain Allison Howe averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds per game last season. 

“I look forward to being in a leadership position this year, getting to rule as a captain and just kinda seeing how the team turns out this year,” Howe said. “I hope to make it to playoffs; that would be my goal.”

The program finished the 2021-22 season 12-21 overall, with 6-8 as the district record. 

“Our girls are awesome,” Sutherland said. “They show up everyday and we don’t have to beg them to work hard. Whatever it is that we ask them, they show up and do so everyday. They come in here ready to work hard, they come in here ready to compete, they give their best effort and it’s just really easy to work with such a group that comes in ready to work hard everyday.” 

Determination and effort keeps them striving to compete.

“Just playing in general and especially in a new district with new competition,” junior Sidney Smith said. “If I’m really shooting for something– first team all-district, but I would say for each game my goal is four points a quarter at least.” 

With new goals and opportunities, the team is ready to compete and work its way up to playoffs.

“I’m just excited for the girls, they had a great summer and a great pre-season here in this very first nine weeks,” Sutherland said. “So I’m just excited for them to be able to come out, show the improvement they made, go out and compete, and compete for that playoff spot that we have our goals and eyes set on.”