Everything slowed, the ticking of the clock, the cheering of the crowds; and there stood the Lady Mavs ready to take their final shot. The girls huddled and vowed to win giving the other team stares that spoke of challenge. This was it . . . nothing or everything.
Starting in November, the varsity Lady Mavs basketball team has climbed the ladder to success.
On Nov. 28, the girls had a decisive win against Vandergrift. Their score 68-59 lead them to their momentous victory.
These girls have worked hard on and off the court to represent McNeil in the pre-season.
Along with victories came losses against Anderson (54-62) and Leander (49-55) . Even then, the Lady Mavs presented a challenge and worked on their weak spots.
Nevertheless, the Lady Mavs rocked the court during the Greater Austin Tournament Nov. 15 – 17. The girls posted wins over Elgin (70-44), Belton (42-30), and Austin High (forfeit). Losses included a 48-73 game against Crowley and a 55-61 loss to crosstown rival Westwood. The Lady Mavs too took third in the tournament.
Coming off the Greater Austin Tournament, the girls posted a 49-44 win over the Connally Lady Cougars.
Their next tournament landed the Lady Mavs in the Houston area for the Rosenberg Terry Tournament Nov. 29 – Dec. 1.
“At the Rosenberg Terry Tournament in Houston, we played for third place out of 16 teams,” coach jennifer Moore said. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t get our shots to fall late in the game and ended with a loss. The girls played hard and fought to the end, never giving up.”
After the end of tournament play, the Lady Mavs had another tune-up game against Cedar Park, winning 63-59.
The Lady Mavericks opened their district season with a win against Hendrickson 55-44. The leading scorers were Troi Swain, Karissa Black and Andrea Funderburke.
“Now that we’ve started district, our team has our mind set on making the playoffs and I won’t settle for anything less than a spot to go there,” junior Troi Swain said. “I’m ready to do whatever it takes.”
Next the girls met their challenge with Round Rock High. Lady Dragons were a tough game but the Mavs won 66-65.
The Lady Mavs next take Cedar Ridge January 18 at McNeil High School at 7:30 p.m.
