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After going unbeaten in district and making a deep playoff run, the Tyler Lady Lions basketball team is primed for another standout season.

The Lady Lions return two of the most talented players around in Kalyse Buffin and Bralyah Miller, along with other standout veterans and an influx of newcomers.

Bobby Reynolds, the Lady Lions’ second-year head coach, said Tyler is looking to build off a successful 2023-24 season with the help of several returning key players. He added depth and experience will be a key factor in repeating as district champions and advancing further than last year’s playoff run.

The Lady Lions were 14-0 in district last season, along with an over record of 30-10, and advanced to the regional quarterfinals before falling one win short of the Region II Tournament. Tyler defeated Lufkin (bi-district) and Lancaster (area) before falling to Princeton.

“We will have to work harder than last year if we want to accomplish our ultimate goals,” Reynolds said. “As a coaching staff, the product we will put on the court this season is extremely exciting.”

Buffin, a 5-8 senior guard, returns after averaging 19.3 points per game as well as 5.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 4.0 steals. She stepped it up even more in district, averaging 21 points, 6 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 4 steals.

For the season, Miller, a 5-10 junior forward, scored at a rate of 15 points a game, along with 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. She was even better in district — 19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Others returning on the varsity include 5-7 senior guard La’Tajia Hambrick, 5-5 sophomore guard Amaya Clay, 5-6 senior guard Amori Gee, 5-7 junior guard Jer’Miya Rice, 6-1 sophomore Ameri Goss, 5-10 senior forward Mairany Olivarez, 5-10 senior post Bra’Shia Miller, and 5-10 senior Makyala Taylor.

Notable newcomers are 5-6 junior guard Jada Brown and 5-4 freshman guard Ariel Johnson.

Returning on Reynolds staff include: Bervin Brown, Brittany Gilliam and Phillip Callier.

District 10-5A includes nine teams — Hallsville, Jacksonville, Lufkin, Marshall, Mount Pleasant, Nacogdoches, Texas High and Whitehouse will join Tyler.

The Lady Lions open their season on Saturday, meeting Plano High in a neutral site game at Wylie High School. Tipoff is slated for 1:30 p.m.

Tyler’s home opener is Friday, Nov. 8 against Crandall (6 p.m.).

Another highlight game is Nov. 12 when the Lady Lions host powerhouse Martin’s Mill in a 6:15 p.m. game.

Tyler is the Crandall Tournament (Nov. 15-16) before meeting Texas High in the district opener on Tuesday, Nov. 19 in Texarkana.

The Lady Lions are also in the Royse City Tournament (Dec. 5-7) and will co-host the Tyler ISD Tournament with Tyler Legacy Dec. 27-28.

Tyler and Tyler Legacy play on Dec. 31 at Tyler High.

Tyler Lady Lions 2024-25 Schedule

Nov. 2 — x-vs. Plano 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 — at Lancaster 5 p.m.

Nov. 8 — Crandall 6 p.m.

Nov. 12 — Martin’s Mill 6:15 p.m.

Nov. 15-16 — Crandall Tournament

Nov. 19 — at Texas High 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 22 — at North Forney 6 p.m.

Nov. 26 — Mount Pleasant 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 — at Marshall 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 5-7 — Royse City Tournament

Dec. 10 — Jacksonville 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 — at Lufkin 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 — Whitehouse 6:15 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at Nacogdoches 6:15 p.m.

Dec. 27-28 — Tyler ISD Tournament

Dec. 30 — Haughton (La.) 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 31 — Tyler Legacy 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 — Hallsville 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 7 — Texas High 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 10 — at Mount Pleasant 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 14 — Marshall 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 17 — at Jacksonville 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 21 — Lufkin 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 24 — at Whitehouse 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 28 — Nacogdoches 6:15 p.m.

Feb. 4 — at Hallsville 6:15 p.m.

Varsity starting times

x-Wylie High