WHEW!!! What a past week. Like Mr. Stewart said in an email that he sent out to the teachers, "Isn’t it great to be a GOLDEN ARMADILLO"!! The Lady Dillos had a great week as they captured a big win on the road at Llano and then defended their crown as the CHAMPIONS of the Hill Country Classic.

We ventured over to Llano last Tuesday and defeated the Lady Jackets by a score of 49-38. The game was close early and we lead by seven at halftime, 28-21. We added to the lead and took a nine point advantage into the fourth quarter. Our entire team did a great job of pressuring all night and the pressure took a toll on the Lady Jackets as they seemed a bit tired in the fourth quarter.

Their post player, Allie Rostron, is a big threat for them in the paint and Haylee Oliver played great defense against her all night. Tarah, Nessa, Bianca, Ashley, and Karlee applied great pressure throughout the game and the Llano guards struggled a bit with the constant harassment. Johna, Nicole, and Jaena played tough inside and it was a great win for our program. Haylee lead us in scoring with 19 followed by Nicole with 10.

On Thursday of our tournament we played a late 8:45 game and we defeated Bruceville Eddy by a score of 48-24. We jumped on the Lady Eagles early and never looked back. The score at halftime was 26-2 and our man pressure was the difference. Nessa Vasquez chipped in 10 followed by Haylee with 9.

Friday afternoon we squared off with Jarrell and defeated the Lady Cougars by a score of 68-49. This was a neat atmosphere as the student body was able to see the girls play and they didn’t disappoint as they scored 26 points in the first quarter and never looked back. The football guys were a great sixth man and we really appreciated the support. The only drawback to this game was that the second half was a bit sloppy but with a pep rally that was to follow and a big playoff game in the horizon, I didn’t mind the let down just for a little bit. Silvia "Chiva" Jimenez had a big threeball in the fourth quarter that put the crowd in a frenzy. Viva La Chiva!!

Friday afternoon we took on Gatesville in the semifinal round and really played a great defensive game as we held the Lady Hornets to 25 points for the entire game. We applied pressure the whole game and won 36-25. We talked about playing hard and not worrying about being tired from the night before and what a great win for the girls.

Haylee Oliver had a huge game pouring in 23 points and playing great defense on their 6’2" sophomore post, Glynna Johnson. Nicole also chipped in 7 and had a stellar game on the defensive end. Bianca Zepeda really played well in this game and had some key jumps and rotations for us as did Johna Reavis as she had several tips on rotations as well.

For the final we faced an old nemesis in the Burnet Lady Bulldogs. We’ve had some good games with them in the past. I was worried about our stamina and legs as the game started because two games in one day is tough for our girls as they play so hard and leave everything on the court.

I could tell real early that our man jump wasn’t going to affect Burnet so we backed up and "hung our hat" on our halfcourt defense. We were down six at halftime, 18-12 but we talked about not panicking and just keeping it close.

We opened the third quarter with two quick buckets and I knew from there that we had a chance. We hung around the entire second half and then Nessa Vasquez hit a three pointer that seemed to "will us to a win". The next possession we finally got the lead and never looked back. Nessa got a big steal and fed Tarah for a layup to put us up four and we hung on for a big win by a score of 40-38. Haylee lead us in scoring with 15 followed by Nessa with 11. Jaena Edwards also hit her first high school threeball in the second half to also keep us within striking distance.

The girls really showed the Heart of a Champion. They just wouldn’t be denied and they won it on the defensive end with effort and just good ole work. Our motto is Matter Of Effort and they played with great effort in the championship game. Haylee Oliver was named the tournament MVP and Tarah Crosby, Nessa Vasquez and Nicole Sears made the All Tournament team as well.

In other games Smithville defeated Mason for Consolation and Goldthwaite downed Gatesville for third.

Now for the THANK YOUS, we have a great superintendent and school board whom allow us to put on this huge tournament. A shoutout to Mr. Stewart and Coach Pannell for their help and organizing of the games throughout the three days. A big thank you to Coach Stowe for running the White Gym and organizing the hospitality room along with Brandy Easterwood and my wife, Tracie.

A big thanks to all the parents and teachers who made food for the hospitality room. There were many great entrees but a shout out to Blanca Zepeda for making the main meal on Thursday which was a homemade guiso, rice and beans along with homemade tortillas courtesy of Blanca, Rosemary, and Dena.

A big thanks to the Gilgers on Saturday for the huge pot of chili as well. A homerun on Jan’s nanner puddin’ and stew and Mrs. Cromer’s three days of 7 layer dip which didn’t last long. Many thanks to all the high school teachers and administrators who provided breakfast each morning. Heck, half the team’s coaches said they were coming back just because of the hospitality room. I really appreciate all the people who helped with the clock and book and a big thanks to Phyllis and Hermina for keeping the gym and dressing rooms clean.

Another shoutout goes to the gatekeepers, Mrs. Thiebaud, Mrs. Stewart and Mr. Mark "Catfish Dinner" Dyer. Another lady I need to mention is Jackie Dyer, she typed the bracket for me and redid it about fourteen times and she played music for us throughout the tournament. A thanks also to Mrs. Saucillo for making the big brackets which went in both gyms. I’m sorry if I missed someone but all who helped were AWESOME and GREATLY appreciated.

I leave this report on a downer because this will be the last SHOUTOUTS for the football team. If you missed the game with Cisco in Early then you missed a "barnburner".

The SHOUTOUTS go to the entire coaching staff and to the seniors. I know you all can’t believe it’s over but what a ride you gave us all year. Friday nights were fun and it was all because of you guys. I’ll end with the quote that I started with, "Isn’t it great to be a GOLDEN ARMADILLO!!" Have a great Thanksgiving and if you’re traveling, please be safe. We all have so much to be thankful for. Phil 4:13