Canton’s Allison Rickman (14) defends as Brownsboro’s Parmer Fitzgerald during Friday’s District 16-4A basketball game in Brownsboro. (Travis Tapley/Tyler Morning Telegraph Freelance)

TYLER LEGACY LADY RAIDERS

Coach: Ross Barber (9th year at Legacy, 191-81; 290-122 overall)

Assistant coaches: Demarcus Bailey, Karina Uresti and Traci DeVance

District: 10-6A (Longview, Forney, North Forney, Rockwall, Rockwall-Heath, Royse City)

2023-24 record: 18-15

Returning varsity players: Senoj Jones, 6-0, senior, forward … Zion Smith, 5-8, senior, guard … Na’Coria Jackson, 5-6, junior, guard … Holland Pine, 5-10, sophomore, guard … Grace Mills, 5-5, junior, guard … DeCaila Bailey, 5-5, sophomore, guard … Jaida Sanders, 5-9, junior, guard/forward … Madison Farmer, 5-7, junior, guard … Zareya Ceasar, 5-10, sophomore, guard/forward … Shanaya Shaw, 6-0, senior, forward … Cinahya Ekwuruke, 5-9, senior, forward … Nichole Baldwin, 5-11, junior, forward

Additional comments: “We have grown a lot this summer and offseason. Our seniors have really stepped up in their leadership roles. We are looking to get back to the post season and compete for a district championship.” — Barber

TYLER LADY LIONS

Coach: Bobby Reynolds (2nd year at Tyler, 30-10; 187-106 overall)

Assistant coaches: Bervin Brown, Brittany Gilliam and Phillip Callier

District: 10-5A (Whitehouse, Hallsville, Jacksonville, Lufkin, Marshall, Mount Pleasant, Nacogdoches, Texas High)

2023-24 record: 30-10; Regional quarterfinalist

Returning varsity players: Kalyse Buffin, 5-8, senior, guard (19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 4.0 steals) … Bralyah Miller, 5-10, junior, forward (15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.0 steals) … La’Tajia Hambrick, 5-7, senior, guard … Amaya Clay, 5-5, sophomore, guard … Amori Gee, 5-6, senior, guard … Jer’Miya Rice, 5-7, junior, guard … Ameri Goss, 6-1, sophomore, post … Mairany Olivarez, 5-10, senior, gorward … Bra’Shia Miller, 5-10, senior, post … Makayla Taylor, 5-10, senior, post

Notable newcomers: Jada Brown, 5-6, junior, guard … Ariel Johnson, 5-4, freshman, guard

Additional comments: “Looking to build off a successful 2023024 season with the help of several returning key players. Depth and experience will be a key factor in repeating as district champions and advancing further than last year’s playoff run. We will have to work harder than last year if we want to accomplish our ultimate goals. As a coaching staff, the product we will put on the court this season is extremely exciting.” — Reynolds

WHITEHOUSE LADYCATS

Coach: Meagan Leggett (1st year at Whitehouse; 49-21 overall

Assistant coaches: Paul Peck, Stacey Hendrix and Toy Wilson

District: 10-5A (Tyler, Hallsville, Jacksonville, Lufkin, Marshall, Mount Pleasant, Nacogdoches, Texas High)

2023-24 record: 25-11; Area finalist

Returning varsity players: Tayla Morris, 5-7, junior, guard (13.4 points, 3.0 assists, 3.0 steals) … Kiana Thornton, 5-9, senior, guard (10.0 points, 7.2 rebounds) … Hailey Morrison, 5-10, senior, forward (5.0 points, 5.0 rebounds) … Emma Cheatham, 5-8, senior, guard … Taylor Stewart, 5-6, senior, guard

Notable newcomers: Lucy Smith, 6-0, junior, post … Presley Speights, 5-7, freshman, guard

Additional comments: “These ladies are going to be a lot of fun to coach and watch play. Their high basketball IQ, combined with their sound basketball fundamentals and their highly competitive personalities make for a beautiful basketball game.” — Leggett

JACKSONVILLE MAIDENS

Coach: Sharae Schmitt (3^rd year at Jacksonville, 52-22)

Assistant coaches: Bianca Lacy and Randall Covey

District: 10-5A (Whitehouse, Hallsville, Tyler, Lufkin, Marshall, Mount Pleasant, Nacogdoches, Texas High)

2023-24 record: 26-11; Area finalist

Returning varsity players: Kiah Cox, senior, forward … KayLee Boyd, senior, guard … Trunijah Butler, senior, guard … Sa’Kia Anderson, senior, guard … Tia Fuller, junior, guard … Marquicia Robertson, senior, post

Notable newcomers: Janeisha Gray, junior, guard

Additional comments: “Anxious to see what this year holds for us.” — Schmitt

BISHOP GORMAN LADY CRUSADERS

Coach: Bernard Anderson Jr. (3rd year at Gorman, 32-32)

Assistant coaches: Berjae’ Lewis, Frank Coan and Caleb Cargill

District: TAPPS 3-4A (All Saints, Dallas Christian, McKinney Christian, Dallas Shelton)

2023-24 record: 18-14; Area finalist

Returning varsity players: Gianna Mahfood, 5-5, sophomore, guard (8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 3.0 steals) … Amelia Meads, 5-7, sophomore, guard (8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals) … Katherine Cleofe, 5-2, senior, guard (6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals) … Alexa Remigio, 5-2, senior, guard (3.0 points, 2.0 steals) … Halle Lowe, 5-8, junior, forward (3.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 steal) … Molly Madsen, 5-8, junior, forward/center (3.0 points, 5.0 rebounds) … Ruth Mooney, 5-9, sophomore, center (3.0 points, 4.0 rebounds) … Sayo Ifafore, 5-9, junior, center

Notable newcomers: Edel Meads, 5-9, freshman, forward

Additional comments: “We have eight returning varsity girls who helped us gain a district championship last year. With the addition of some great freshmen, I know this season will be excellent.” — Anderson

ALL SAINTS LADY TROJANS

Coach: Jeremy Tatum (2^nd year at All Saints)

Assistant coaches: Rachel DeCampos

District: TAPPS 3-4A (Bishop Gorman, Dallas Christian, McKinney Christian, Dallas Shelton)

2023-24 record: 7-13

Returning varsity players: Kayla DeCampos, 5-6, senior, guard, 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 3.0 steals) … Ceci Torres, 5-11, sophomore, guard/forward (9.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals) … Maddie Leete, 5-5, senior, guard (4.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists) … Kennedy Wood, 5-11, senior, forward/center (4.0 points, 10.0 rebounds) … Lily Alsip, 5-6, senior, guard/forward … Izzy Bramlet, 5-9, sophomore, forward … Anna Hartman, 5-8, junior, forward

Notable newcomers: Gracie Alsip, 5-6, freshman, forward

Additional comments: “This team is all heavy with returners of which multiple have contributed at the varsity level for their entire high school career. The season should be a real solid one for this wonderful group of young ladies that I am very proud of.” — Tatum

BROOK HILL GUARD

Coach: Jereme Hubbard (5th year at Brook Hill, 68-64)

Assistant coaches: Suzanne Braly and Jonathan Cox

District: TAPPS 2-5A (Grace Community, Dallas Bishop Dunne, Austin Brentwood, Garland Brighter Horizons, Dallas Cristo Rey, Austin Hyde Park)

2023-24 record: 28-9; Regional finalist

Returning varsity players: Brenna Hill, senior, guard (16.7 points, 3.0 steals; out for season with injury) … Karmen Miller, senior, post (6.7 points, 2.5 steals) … Remy Tonroy, junior, guard (10.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 steals) … Gracie Cantwell, sophomore, guard … Savannah Onley, junior, guard (13.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 steals) … Lila Morris, senior, guard (5.1 points, 3.5 rebounds) … Mylee Booth, junior, post (7.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.6 steals)

Notable newcomers: Indeya Williams, junior, post (Whitehouse) … Zuzanna Majchrzak, junior, guard (Poland) … Anna Chwalbinska, senior, guard (Poland) … Landrie Fite, freshman, guard (Bullard) … Victoria Agullo Lorido, freshman, post (Spain)

Additional comments: “The returners on this team had a taste of postseason success last year and are hungry for more. With some new additions to the program we feel as if we have the right mix to build on the playoff win last year. Expectations are high, which means we have to learn how to manage those throughout the year. Our biggest hurdle early on will be building some team chemistry as we battle through a tough opening trio of games (Martins Mill, Brownsboro, Tenaha). They have put the work in during the offseason, so they have to go out and perform during the season.” — Hubbard

GRACE COMMUNITY LADY COUGARS

Coach: Devan Loftis (7^th year at Grace, 121-87; 525-285 overall)

Assistant coaches: Kaylee Loftis

District: TAPPS 2-5A (Brook Hill, Dallas Bishop Dunne, Austin Brentwood, Garland Brighter Horizons, Dallas Cristo Rey, Austin Hyde Park)

2023-24 record: 18-15; Area finalist

Returning varsity players: Hannah Stout, senior, guard (11.1 points) … Lucy Loftis, senior, guard (3.0 points) … Macie Mathis, senior, forward (3.0 points, 3.0 steals) … Kat Neal, senior, post (5.7 points, 5.6 rebounds) … Paige Gilmore, junior, guard (12.7 points, 7.6 rebounds) … Macy Loftis, sophomore, forward (3.0 points)

ATHENS LADY HORNETS

Coach: John Hobbs (3^rd year at Athens)

Assistant coaches: Demi Cumby and Michael Taylor

District: 15-4A (Brownsboro, Canton, Kemp, Lindale, Mabank, Van)

2023-24 record: 11-20

Returning varsity players: Alizjah Davis, 5-5, junior, guard (9.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 steals) … KK Murray, 5-0, sophomore, guard (4.8 points, 3.4 assists, 3.1 steals) … Alajah Minifee, 5-8, junior, guard (8.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.9 steals) … Maddie Hair, 5-8, senior, guard (4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds) … Amoura Griff, 5-0, senior, guard (3.5 points) … JJ Chancellor, 5-0, senior, guard (2.3 points, 2.5 steals) … Ava Pugh, 5-6, junior, guard (3.1 points)

Additional comments: “A number of these girls have played on the varsity since they were ninth-graders and we are hoping they make a jump this season. Hope to get in the playoffs in a very difficult district.” — Hobbs

BROWNSBORO BEARETTES

Coach: Jeremy Durham (5th year at Brownsboro, 118-20; 426-262 overall)

Assistant coaches: Emily Breedlove and Bret Botard

District: 15-4A (Athens, Canton, Kemp, Lindale, Mabank, Van)

2023-24 record: 27-8; Area finalist

Returning varsity players: Tiykeah McKenzie, senior (10.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 steals, 2.1 assists) … Bradie Cooper, senior (2.0 points, 1.3 rebounds) … Parmer Fitzgerald, sophomore (2.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.7 steals) … Chyann Stidham, sophomore (2.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.0 steal) … Natalee Smith, senior (2.4 rebounds) … Kynzie Daniels, sophomore (2.1 points, 1.2 rebounds) … Sarah Hughes, sophomore (1.2 rebounds)

Notable newcomers: Sadie Piper, freshman, guard … Emma Scott, sophomore, guard … Riley Smith, sophomore, forward … Ava Johnson, freshman, guard

Additional comments: “We will have more depth, but not a lot of experience. I expect us to improve as the season progresses.” — Durham

CANTON EAGLETTES

Coach: Troy Carrell (3rd year at Canton, 60-14; 441-138 overall)

Assistant coaches: Joe Collins, Amanda Hodge and Nick Dillion

District: 15-4A (Athens, Brownsboro, Kemp, Lindale, Mabank, Van)

2023-24 record: 33-6; Regional finalist

Returning varsity players: Allison Rickman, senior … Lily Cervantes, junior … Chloe Howe, junior … Lexi Etheridge, junior

Notable newcomers: Addison Capps, 5-8, sophomore, guard … Yoyo Jiang, 5-7, senior, guard … Kaylee Rogers, 6-2, freshman, post … Izzie Stone, 5-10, freshman, forward … Annie Berendzen, 5-8, freshman, guard … Keana Whitlock, 5-6, junior, guard

Additional comments: “Graduation hit us heavy last year, but our incoming freshman class is one of the best I’ve seen in 22 years. This year’s success will have a lot to do with developing players five through eight.” — Carrell

LINDALE LADY EAGLES

Coach: Daniel Devisscher (6th year at Lindale, 92-68)

Assistant coaches: Derek Dukes, Kyle Galloway and Amanda Speaker

District: 15-4A (Athens, Brownsboro, Kemp, Canton, Mabank, Van)

2023-24 record: 20-13; Bi-district finalist

Returning varsity players: Makinsey Beaudoin, 5-11, senior, center (2.3 points, 2.8 rebounds) … Madison Devisscher, 5-6, sophomore, guard (2.8 points, 1.0 rebound) … Ella Hutchens, 6-1, sophomore, center/forward (8.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 2.3 blocks) … Abigail Lee, 5-9, junior, guard/forward (1.9 points, 2.7 rebounds) … Kennedy Miller, 5-2, senior, guard (2.7 points, 1.5 rebounds) … Elise Pierce, 5-4, senior, guard … Kortlen Pierce, 5-2, senior, guard … Ma’Kaylin Smith, 5-8, sophomore, guard (1.3 rebounds)

Notable newcomers: Ava Grogan, 5-3, sophomore, guard … Lyla Hernandez, 5-6, sophomore, guard … Abbigail Hanley, 5-9, junior, center … Kaylea Williams, 6-1, freshman, center

Additional comments: “Our Lady Eagles have been working hard and are looking forward to a great basketball season.” — Devisscher

CHAPEL HILL LADY BULLDOGS

Coach: Tony Riley (5th year at Chapel Hill, 68-48; 116-69 overall)

Assistant coaches: Megan Hoyle, Aaron Steele and KeAmber Arps

District: 16-4A (Cumberland Academy, Carthage, Gilmer, Henderson, Kilgore, Pine Tree, Spring Hill)

2023-24 record: 18-16; Bi-district finalist

Returning varsity players: R’Nyah Tomlinson, 5-5, senior, guard … Lorena Taylor, 5-5, junior, guard … Aryssa Cooper, 5-6, sophomore, guard … Ayana McGill Gardner, 5-7, sophomore, guard … Necie Johnson, 5-9, senior, guard … Tobi Adams, 5-4, junior, guard … Ra’Niyah Suell, 5-9, junior, post

Notable newcomers: Rylee Steele, 5-6, freshman, guard

Additional comments: “I am really excited about this group. We are still young but have some experience. I think this group will shock some people this year. Ready to get rolling.” — Riley

CUMBERLAND ACADEMY LADY KNIGHTS

Coach: Darin Swift (1st year at Cumberland; 230-91 overall)

Assistant coaches: Mikayla Swift

District: 16-4A (Chapel Hill, Carthage, Gilmer, Henderson, Kilgore, Pine Tree, Spring Hill)

2023-24 record: 4-17

Returning varsity players: Geaniyah Hawkins, senior … Makenna Wade, sophomore … Cori Wortham, junior … Surae Wofford, junior

Notable newcomers: Chloe Mosley, junior … Kayahroyale Fortman, sophomore … Keahna Kindle, sophomore

Additional comments: “New coach with new ideas, girls making good strides.” — Swift

BULLARD LADY PANTHERS

Coach: Dylan Fox (2^nd year at Bullard, 22-11; 36-25 overall)

Assistant coaches: Chris Broyles and Destinee Dixon

District: 17-4A (Palestine, Center, Hudson, Madisonville, Rusk)

2023-24 record: 22-11; Bi-district finalist

Returning varsity players: Lila Robertson, 5-11, sophomore, forward … Lanna Kidd, 5-10, senior, guard/forward … Emalee Neuhaus, 6-0, senior, center … Aariyah Campbell, 5-10, sophomore, forward … Allison Edwards, 5-5, senior, guard … Kaylan Mercer, 5-0, sophomore, guard

Notable newcomers: Rylie Graul, 5-7, senior, guard … Savanna Lewis, 5-6, sophomore, guard

Additional comments: “We have a good mix of experience and young talent on this year’s team, which promises to be an exciting group to watch. We will be long and athletic, looking to score in transition while playing more of an inside-out game than we did last year.” — Fox

PALESTINE LADYCATS

Coach: Daniel Nichols (3rd year at Palestine, 33-35; 60-86 overall)

Assistant coaches: Sydney Herrington and Destiny Jarmon

District: 17-4A (Bullard, Center, Hudson, Madisonville, Rusk)

2023-24 record: 12-23; Area finalist

Returning varsity players: Sydney Hughes, 5-9, sophomore, guard (8.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.4 steals) … Mokijia Day, 5-2, sophomore, guard (4.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 steals) … Nala Wiggins, 5-10, senior (5.0 points, 3.3 rebounds) … Nadia Wiggins, 5-10, senior (3.0 rebounds) … Nevaeh Torres, 5-2, sophomore

Notable newcomers: Suniya Edwards, 5-5, sophomore, guard

Additional comments: “The Palestine Ladycats this year will be very young with a bright future. We are athletic, scrappy on defense and looking to use our speed to gain offensive advantages. We want to continue to be one of the most competitive teams in Region 3, 4A and hopefully to continue our three-year run of winning at least one playoff game (first time in Palestine history). I’m excited to see the growth of this young group.” — Nichols

RUSK LADY EAGLES

Coach: Will Kollet

District: 17-4A (Bullard, Center, Hudson, Madisonville, Palestine)

2023-24 record: 8-24

Returning varsity players: Damaya Hart, senior … Abriana Horn, senior … Bunny McDonald, junior … Jakaiyah Jenkins, sophomore … Janiyah Jackson, sophomore

Notable newcomers: Triniti Small, sophomore

Additional comments: “Rusk will be a darkhorse this season in the 4A division. Size and athleticism will be present in games. Our IQ and understanding of the game is still growing, as we struggle to understand how to execute game plans in certain situations. The Lady Eagles are looking for their first playoff berth in five years.” — Kollet

RAINS LADYCATS

Coach: Laura Jenkins (6^th year at Rains, 119-53)

Assistant coaches: Colton Smith and Maci Sims

District: 12-3A (Commerce, Lone Oak, Mount Vernon, Paris Chisum, Pattonville Prairiland, Winnsboro)

2023-24 record: 36-3; State semifinalist

Returning varsity players: Jazzy Phillips, 5-8, senior, guard (8.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.7 steals) … Caroline Piles, 5-10, junior, guard (8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals) … Presley Kilgore, 5-11, junior, forward (8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 2.3 steals) … Ari Philson, 5-8, sophomore, forward (5.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 steals) … Jaycee Phillips, 5-9, sophomore, guard (4.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.8 steals) … Kenzy Thompson, 5-8, junior, guard (3.6 points, 1.8 rebounds)

Notable newcomers: Emma Knight, 5-11, senior, forward

Additional comments: “This team lost two strong senior guards, but are ready for new roles and more responsibility. They are a great group of girls who love each other and play for each other. We are adding Emma Knight this year who is a softball stud who has a scholarship to Boston College as a catcher, she is a solid player and will add rim protection for us. And my coaching staff is top notch. I am thankful for Coach Sims and Coach Smith and their dedication to this program.” — Jenkins

WINNSBORO LADY RAIDERS

Coach: Robert Cochran (6th year at Winnsboro, 156-33; 648 total wins)

Assistant coaches: Imani Wright, Taryn Davis, Keri Sanders and Gerome Castleberry

District: 12-3A (Commerce, Lone Oak, Mount Vernon, Paris Chisum, Pattonville Prairiland, Rains)

2023-24 record: 33-7; Regional finalist

Returning varsity players: Kaitlyn McAdoo, 5-9, senior, guard (15.0 points, 4.0 steals, 110 3-pointers) … Halle Deaton, 5-7, senior, guard (10.0 points, 5.0 steals) … Hadlee Brown, 5-8, sophomore, guard (15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 80 3-pointers) … Payton Green, 5-10, senior, guard/forward (10.0 points, 10.0 rebounds) … Kinlee Swanner, 5-5, senior, guard (65 3-pointers)

Notable newcomers: Parker Green, 5-8, freshman, guard … Laine Kelly, 5-5, freshman, guard

Additional comments: “We will have more depth this year, we expect to pressure defensively and have balanced scoring.” — Cochran

MINEOLA LADY JACKETS

Coach: Anthony McQuary (2nd year at Mineola, 18-16)

Assistant coaches: Elijah Burwell and Kiley Banks

District: 15-3A (Edgewood, Eustace, Grand Saline, Malakoff, Quitman, Winona)

2023-24 record: 18-16; Bi-district finalist

Returning varsity players: Kyra Jackson, 5-9, senior, guard/forward … Jayla Jackson, 5-9, senior, guard … Aubrey Weekly, 5-9, senior, forward … Jaeyla Dennis, 5-6, senior, guard … Mahayla McMahon, 6-0, junior, forward … Sophia Hogue, 5-5, junior, guard … Caroline Castleberry, 5-8, junior, guard … Kali Chrietzberg, 5-8, sophomore, guard/forward

Notable newcomers: Kaitlyn McMahon, 5-6, sophomore, guard

Additional comments: “We are returning eight of 10 from last year’s bi-district team. We are returning a lot of experience this year, which should benefit us on both ends of the court.” — McQuary

FRANKSTON MAIDENS

Coach: Christi Coker (20th year at Frankston, 319-206)

Assistant coaches: Nik Tarr and Destini Whitehead

District: 19-2A (Martin’s Mill, Alba-Golden, Cayuga, LaPoynor, Fruitvale, Cross Roads)

2023-24 record: 25-8

Returning varsity players: Wila Davis, senior, guard (15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 4.5 steals, 4.4 deflections) … Caylin Freeman, senior, post (4.8 points, 5.6 rebounds) … Desirae Hatton, senior, guard … Kayshiah Burnett, senior, guard … Zoey Walker, senior, post … Aryonna Hatton, senior, forward

Notable newcomers: Ayden Powell, junior, post … Riley Phillips, freshman, post

Additional comments: “We graduated six seniors from last year’s team. So we will have a different look this year. We are still in the tough district with Martin’s Mill and LaPoynor. We are looking for good things from our young kids.” — Coker

LAPOYNOR FLYERS

Coach: Chris Jost (1st year at LaPoynor; 482-363 overall, state semifinalist at Goliad (2017) and San Saba (2022))

Assistant coaches: Jaime Baker

District: 19-2A (Martin’s Mill, Alba-Golden, Cayuga, Frankston, Fruitvale, Cross Roads)

2023-24 record: 24-9; Regional quarterfinalist

Returning varsity players: Breona Howard, 5-7, senior, guard (10.6 points, 4.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 steals) … Savannah Reynolds, 5-8, junior, forward (6.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.9 steals) … Kendall Garcia, 5-6, senior, guard (4.7 points, 2.6 assists, 2.4 steals) … Brooklyn Bristow, 5-9, sophomore, post (4.7 points, 4.1 rebounds) … Adriana Garcia, 5-5, senior, forward (2.6 points, 2.6 rebounds)

Notable newcomers: Madeline Owens, 5-10, senior, post … Kylie Morton, 5-8, junior, forward … Emily White, 5-8, junior, guard … Ashley Thaw, 5-0, freshman, guard … Haidyn Vandam, 5-9, freshman, forward … Sophia Ramsey, 5-4, freshman, guard

“The Lady Flyers have a mix of solid returnees and capable newcomers that should enable their new coaching staff to keep the girls’ basketball tradition alive in LaPoynor.” — Jost

MARTIN’S MILL LADY MUSTANGS

Coach: Jay Bruce (3rd year at Martin’s Mill, 70-12)

Assistant coaches: Matt Rager and Kendell Redd

District: 19-2A (LaPoynor, Alba-Golden, Cayuga, Frankston, Fruitvale, Cross Roads)

2023-24 record: 36-5; Class 2A state champion

Returning varsity players: Kara Nixon, 5-10, sophomore, guard (17.0 points, 6.0 assists) … Ruthie Mein, 5-10, senior, forward (10.0 points, 6.0 rebounds) … Alli Vaughan, 5-7, junior, post (8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds) … McKenna Wise, 6-2, sophomore, forward (8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds) … Braleigh Whitus, 5-6, senior, guard (3.0 points) … Giselle Marin, senior, guard

Notable newcomers: Brilen Butcher, 5-0, sophomore, guard (returning from injury in 2023-24) … Telly Salazar, 5-8, freshman, forward

Additional comments: “We are returning all but one player (Kate Lindsey) from last year’s state championship team. Our group is motivated and ready to have another great season. We have an extremely challenging pre-district schedule coming up that should test us early and often.” — Bruce

NECHES LADY TIGERS

Coach: Bryan Braddock (1st year at Neches; 319-111 overall)

Assistant coaches: Cory Hines

District: 24-1A (Coolidge, Mount Calm, Oakwood, Penelope, Slocum, Trinidad)

2023-24 record: 29-8; State semifinalist

Returning varsity players: Sealy Hines, 5-9, senior (17.2 points) … Joely Jenkins, senior, wing (14.0 points) … Aubrey Kincade, senior, guard (8.0 points) … Riley Jowell, senior … Addison Spaith, junior … Kathryn Morgan, junior … Mattie Main, sophomore … Mallory Main, junior

Additional comments: “This group of girls have played in the state tournament for the past three years and have fallen short each time. They are poised to finish the job this year. I believe we have the best 1A point guard in the state in Aubrey, along with two of the best shooters in the state in 1A, Sealy and Joely, also have some size down low. The challenge this year will be to come together in a new system following a more than likely long run in volleyball. We have something special here and I believe we are in for a great season.” — Braddock