Winning consistently isn’t usually a phrase associated with Caney Creek, but this year’s girls’ varsity basketball team looks to change that. As of February 11th, the team is sitting with a record of 16-12, with a 8-7 record in district.
Turning the page
The girls had an underwhelming 8-21 season last year, due to a combination of injuries to key players such as, Yiery Zamudio, and seniors who struggled adjusting to a new coaching system developed by second year head coach Saijon Blackwell. This season with players like transfer senior Jayda Kearney, and an influx of talent moving up from freshman and JV last year, led the team to win eight more games than the previous year.
“The biggest reason for this (year’s) success would be sticking to the plan and all having (the) same goals,” Blackwell said. “That goal was to compete every time we stepped on the floor. When you do that consistently, good things tend to happen.”
Blackwell’s goal started last offseason when Blackwell, along with coach Patricia French, and Kelly Phillips changed their approach and outside of seniors Yiery Zamudio, and Hannah Javadian, along with junior Brianna McBride, are new to varsity play.
“Offensively we have simplified what type of shots we want, how we need to share the basketball, and to push in transition,” Blackwell said. “We have put more of an emphasis on defense because we have the athletes that can get out and guard at a high level.”
Towards the future
After their loss against Conroe, the team is now 16-12, ending their season with their best record since the 2020 season, that season was also the last time they previously made the playoffs. Even though they barely missed the playoffs this year; only one game behind fourth seed College Park- it gave young players a taste of success showing what being competitive means.
“It feels really exciting and motivating to know we (had) a real chance at making the playoffs and competing at a higher level this season,” Zamudio said.
Hopes for a playoff berth next year remain high. The combination of a returning coaching staff and a majority underclassmen roster success.
“Our ultimate goal (every game) is to compete hard, win as much as possible, and make (hope to make) a deep run as a team,” Zamudio said.
