A year ago, the Thrall Tigerettes struggled to a 5-27 record and had difficulty putting points on the board. They opened district play with a win over Holland, then proceeded to drop their last nine district games. Oh, but what a difference a year makes. The Tigerettes enter District 27-2A play on Friday with an 11-7 overall record and are expecting great things in district.
“We’re going to surprise a lot of people,” said Thrall Coach Katina Walker. “We feel that the district will be a fight to the very end. Even though Hearne is loaded with seniors, we feel we can compete with them and anyone in the district.”
The difference between last year and this is simple. More versatility at the offensive end of the court, and better defensive play. This transformation has come in the guise of a load of freshmen talent that compliments a strong nucleus of returning players. The result, more scoring and more wins.
Freshmen Neveah Irvin, Kinley Hoffman, CeCe Walker, Avery Ochoa, and Brynn Leschber have added energy to the team. And, combined with the veteran leadership of seniors Rachel Trussell and Miranda Richter, along with sophomores Cali Johnson, Kassi Jackson, and Sarah Laurence, the Tigerettes are averaging 43 points a game this season. That’s a dozen more than a year ago.
Adding to the overall scoring, the Tigerettes have something that they haven’t had in recent memory – multiple scoring threats.
“Scoring is definitely a difference from last year,” Coach Walker explained. “We couldn’t score last year. This year, we can score inside and outside.”
“Our opponents can’t focus on just one player because we have several players that can score,” Coach Walker added.
While none of the Tigerettes are averaging in double figures, Hoffman, Irvin, and CeCe Walker are each averaging seven or more points per game, and each have had multiple double-digit games. Leschber is adding 5.5 points per outing as well.
Irvin, Leschber, and Richter are currently leading the Tigerettes in rebounds. Irvin is averaging seven boards per game, while Leschber and Richter are averaging 6.6 and 5.3 rebounds respectively.
“We’ve definitely stepped up our rebounding game as well,” Coach Walker said. “We have several girls that are crashing the boards.”
Coach Walker said the key to the Tigerettes success, once the district portion of their schedule begins, will be turnovers and making layups. “We will have to take advantage of every opportunity we get,” she said.
Hearne, the reigning district champion, still appears to be in the best position to capture another title, but Thrall and Thorndale look to have a say in that. Holland and Granger should also be improved and will likely challenge for a playoff spot.
