The identity of a star-standout surfaced as no concern to Summer Creek’s season. The advantages of building and functioning as a cohesive unit were evident for the back-to-back Bulldogs.
Coach Kiara Marshall took great pride in the commitment of teamwork, having achieved consecutive titles in her initial two seasons.
“We knew coming into this year that we had some kids that could play, Coach Marshall explained. “Our biggest thing this year was trying to stay together.”
The Bulldogs successfully broke away from a difficult first quarter, ultimately winning its second straight Class 6A Division 1 title by defeating Flower Mound 55-45 on Saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
“The experience of knowing if you put in the work, if you put in team time, you could potentially become a champion, Coach Marshall replied. “They really bought into that process. Being here and being experienced, it truly helped us.
After connecting on 1-of-11, Summer Creek (34-4) led, 13-7, propelled by two three-pointers.
The Jaguars (29-9) demonstrated that an unranked team could be a formidable opponent as Lorelei Ebert made a jumper and subsequently hit a three-pointer, giving Flower Mound a 19-17 advantage in the second quarter.
“We know basketball games is a game of runs, says Marshall. “They’re going to go on a run, we’re going to go on a run. We just have to make sure to stay the course and get stops. I think all our kids did a good job on their individual stops to pull this game off.”
Later in the quarter, circumstances shifted as the Bulldogs went into halftime leading 21-19.
“Walking into the building didn’t feel as new as last year,” said Marshall. “These girls they fight and regardless they were going to work hard to get this done.”
Erin Newsom recorded 15 points along with nine rebounds, earning the MVP distinction. Nevertheless, Tyasia Young led the Bulldogs with an impressive 17 points, proving to be a formidable force, and Addison Martin poured in 14 points.
Maci Pringle led the Jaguars with 21 points, along with eight rebounds and five assists.
Despite finishing fourth in its district while facing various challenges, Flower Mound triumphed over No. 2 ranked North Crowley, 49-37 in late February.
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