Well, to steal part of a quote from Jimmy Johnson (former coach of the Dallas Cowboys), “How bout them LADY DILLOS!!!!!!” I know the high school english teachers are crying as they read this. Last Friday night was about as good as it gets for atmosphere, excitement, and high school girls’ basketball. Those who are “faint of heart” probably struggled a bit last Friday.

Both teams were a bit tight as the score was only 5-2 at the end of the first quarter. We finally settled down and hit a few shots as we took a 19-9 lead in at halftime.

I was really proud of our defense. Midway through the third quarter we were actually up 27-13 with a little over two minutes and that’s when the Harris kid (#23) took over. She single handedly brought Early back converting a three the old fashioned way and then also hitting two deep three balls.

Shelby and Calea had to sit a great portion of the fourth quarter and Danessa Vasquez and Nicole Sears gave us some great minutes to help us get the win. Early actually closed the gap to three but could never get any closer.

Probably the biggest factor in winning the game besides our defense was that we were 17/21 from the freethrow line which is excellent. Katy Davis hit 9 of 10 and Haylee Oliver hit 6 of 8 to lead the charge from the line.

Oliver lead us in scoring with 16 while Davis and Hardy chipped in 9 each. Oliver also had a big night on the glass securing 8 rebounds. Calea Turner lead us in steals with 3 and Haylee and Calea lead in the assist area with 2 each.

I would also like to give a shout out to the Early Lady Horns. We had them on the ropes late in the third quarter and they refused to fold. They competed and play hard and need to be commended. We wish Coach King and the Lady Horns luck in the playoffs as well.

Now a big THANKS to our awesome crowd, you guys hit a HOME RUN by filling the home side and cheering on our ladies. Friday night was truly a special night. It looked like everyone was squeezed into AA like sardines which is a good problem to have. Our girls really appreciate the support and they truly played in a playoff type atmosphere which should help them in the playoffs.

Last Wednesday we traveled to Brady a day later than normal due to icy conditions on Tuesday. We played a bit sluggish and didn’t really shoot the ball well. We were only up 15-11 at the end of the first quarter but we picked up the intensity and took a commanding 35-15 lead in at halftime. We maintained the twenty point spread after three quarters, 47-27 and then cruised in with a 63-41 win.

Shelby Hardy had a big night netting 17 points followed by Calea Turner with 15, Haylee Oliver with 11, Katy Davis with 9 and Danessa Vasquez with 5. We might’ve been looking a little down the road and after Friday nights’ game I can’t blame the girls just a little bit.

Well, with two games left we just need to win one to clinch the District Championship. I want to win both and go into the playoffs with some momentum. We will be open on Tuesday and then we travel to Comanche on Friday.

The Maidens really played us tough the first time we played them so I’m sure they’ll be up for us come this Friday. We’ll end our season the following Tuesday at home versus the Coleman Blue Katts. This will also be parent’s night for the VARSITY BOYS and GIRLS. The Lady Dillos will also play one and maybe two warmup games which haven’t been determined. Phil 4:13