I know many folks might’ve been wondering about the LAST Lady Dillo Report. No, I didn’t forget it. We had All District last week and I was waiting to write about that so I decided to include the results with the LD report.

Well, our season came to an end in Coleman two Tuesdays ago. We played Jim Ned and gave a valiant effort but came up on the short end of the stick by a score of 66-53. Jim Ned’s pressure and press gave us some problems early in the game. We had way too many turnovers in the first quarter but we settled down and starting attacking their press which lead to some easy baskets. Bianca Zepeda hit a big three to end the second quarter and we were only down five at half, 39-34. We came out and scored four quick points to cut the lead to one at 39-38 but then Jim Ned proceeded to go on a 13-3 run which we couldn’t recover from. We fought and played hard till the end which I was very proud of. Jim Ned wasn’t going to be denied and we fell in the first round of the playoffs. Bianca Zepeda and Danessa Vasquez shot the ball well all night to keep us in the game. Haylee Oliver lead us in scoring with 13. After our game Jim Ned went on to soundly defeat Nocona which wasn’t a surprise to me and then fell to Wall in the Quarterfinals.

Well, the season didn’t end as we wanted but 26-4 and District Co-Champs is nothing to be ashamed of. Our TEAM had a great year and I am very proud of them. I met with the girls both Junior Varsity and Varsity and stressed that we need to continue to work in order to be successful and to take the next step which is the Regional and State Tournament. We’ve been chipping away at it the last four years and made strides each year. I told the girls that we’re not dropping to Class A and that our situation "is what it is." We’re not a big school considering enrollment but we can WORK and have BIG HEARTS and keep reloading each year. Jim Ned’s style of play is a prime example of why we need to keep running in off-season and in the spring. Region 1 is full of teams that play this way and if we don’t continue to do this and tweak a few things then we’ll never reach our goals.

We had our All District Meeting last Wednesday in Early and here’s how that went. Once again for you that do not know. I put up our players for nominations but DO NOT vote for them, the district coaches are the ones who vote for our players!! District MVP for Defense- Haylee Oliver, 1st Team All District- Danessa Vasquez and Nicole Sears, 2nd Team All District- Bianca Zepeda and Tarah Crosby, Honorable Mention- Jaena Edwards, Johna Reavis, and Karlee Cromer. Team Members for the 2009-10 Lady Dillos are as follows- Seniors- Silvia Jimenez and Nicole Sears, Juniors- Haylee Oliver, Bianca Zepeda, Tarah Crosby, Danessa Vasquez, Jaena Edwards and Johna Reavis, Sophomore- Ashley Pulatie, Freshman- Karlee Cromer. Also along with their 26 victories, these girls captured Championship trophies at the Hill Country Classic in San Saba and at the Mason Tourney.

A few thank you's before I sign off for basketball season. A big thank you to our coaches- Kara Stowe with JV, Jonathan Thiebaud with 8th grade and Mickey Rundell with 7th grade. A big thank you to our awesome AD, Jeff Pannell who truly supports girls’ basketball. How many Head Football Coaches would keep the scorebook for a girls’ basketball game? I can answer that on one hand. A SHOUT OUT to the best sound lady in the business, Jackie Dyer. During our home games I feel like I’m at a Spurs game. Mrs. Dyer, you’re awesome. A big thanks to Mrs. Glaze, Mr. Stewart and Mr. Bohensky for allowing us to host tournaments and working with our basketball program. A big thanks to my family, Tracie, Hallie and Mason. I love you guys and thanks for supporting me throughout the season. You three are KEEPERS in my book!! Also, thanks Dillo Fans for your support all year. One more THANK YOU to all our Lady Dillo Teams in both High School and Junior High. I appreciate all your hard work and sacrifice. Let’s Keep on Keep’n on and keep our eyes on the prize which is in Midland and Austin!!! MOE/Phil 4:13.