After a disappointing 0-2 start in district, the girls varsity basketball team has now picked up steam in hopes to repeat as Texas state champions with an 8-4 record in district.

Although they are far from the 10-1 start the team had last year, the lady wildcats have won four out of their last five district games and it seems the girls have finally found their groove.

The team’s overall record stands at 25- 5, and have had the most success on the road, where they hold an outstanding 8-2 record. That will be crucial to their success if they want to make a deep run into the playoffs.

The team is led by junior Jordyn Merritt. The 6’3” guard/forward, who ranks in the top 30 for the recruiting class of 2020 had a double-double in the teams thrilling two point win over rival Plano West on Jan. 18, and averages a team high 18.5 points per game.

The team is also led by seniors Sarah Bowles and Zaria Collins, two players who have experience of winning a state championship, and hope their guidance can lead the team back.

“Winning a championship helps us teach the younger players what it is like to make it all the way,” Collins said.

For the team, the season can be strenuous, but the girls remain focused with their goals of repeating as state champions always in their mind.

“Our main goal is to win long term,” Collins said. “The season is long and we have to stay consistent.”

For head coach Rodney Belcher, the hard part of the season is over, and he feels the success will come with improved team chemistry.

“There will always be growing pains with a team of relatively new players,” Belcher said. “We are hoping all those are behind us and we can compete for the title.”

The team is averaging about 62 points per game, and are allowing their opponents to score an average of 44 points per game.

The ladies had three games left in their regular season, a pair of home games against Plano East on Jan. 25 and McKinney Boyd on Feb. 1, followed by an away game at Prosper on Feb 5.

The girls won their game against Plano East by a score of 55-49. Merritt led the team with 24 points, and Robbins added 11 as well.

The team continued their winning ways with a 15 point win over McKinney Boyd, 57-42.

The season ended with a tough one point overtime loss to prosper. The girls carried the lead throughout the majority of overtime, but lost it in the final seconds. The trio of Merritt, Bowles, and Robbins combined for 48 points, scoring 16 each.

With these games, the girls earned a spot in the state championship tournament. The team finished third in district behind Allen and Prosper.