By Deemah Pulak

The Lady Eagles were on the verge of a loss against Duncanville until senior Nautica Grant shot a buzzer beater to edge out the Panthers 45-44.

“We won because we fought the whole game, and we simply wanted it more,” Grant said.

The girls varsity basketball team is currently ranked tenth in the state.

The season is going very well,” junior guard Brianna Lester said. “Basketball has always been a passion for me because it’s a very fun sport and also a stress reliever.

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) determines teams’ ranks in the state.

“There’s a difference in being interested and committed,” girls basketball coach Lauren Hardy said. “Everyone wants to be successful, but very few people are willing to put in the work to make it a reality. “

The girls are currently undefeated in the district.

“There’s nothing to complain about so far this season because we have beaten some of the best teams in the state,” junior forward Dorian Branch said. “Hard work does pay off, but we aren’t done.”

In December, the Lady Eagles played against McKinney North and won 59-53.

“It was a tough game but we worked so hard to win,” junior guard and forward Reon Eaton said. “Overall, this season is going really well. We had a few losses which weren’t supposed to happen, but that was made up for with the games we won.”

Hardy said the past two years have been the most successful years for the team.

“I believe confidence is the result of being successful in prior experiences,” Hardy said. “The girls are confident because of their hard work and dedication in practice. They expect to win.”

In January, the girls played Lake Highlands and defeated them by more than 50 points.

“We won because we shared the ball and played much harder than them,” Lester said. “We are a very great and skilled team, and I’m thankful for it.”

The team still has four regular season games and the playoffs.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far but even more excited about our potential for the playoffs,” Hardy said. “We have won some really tough games and have beaten many top teams in the state”

On December 30, the girls defeated Vista Ridge, the top team in the state.

“We played extremely hard, and I think that’s why we defeated them,” Eaton said. “Basketball is competitive and when I’m playing, all my problems go away and it’s just me, my team and the court.”

The girls said they want to go beyond top 10 ranking and win a state championship.

“Top 10 is good but not good enough,” Branch said. “We are hopefully going to be number one in the coming playoffs and the state championship.”

Grant said her teammates have helped her become a better basketball player.

“My basketball team has helped me through adversity,” Grant said. “I’ve learned to continue to fight and keep pushing.”

Hardy said she’s proud of the team and hopes to continue the success in the future.

“This team is building a lasting legacy and foundation for the bright future of RHS Girls Basketball,” Hardy said.

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