Returning a core group of starters from last year’s playoff team, the Lady Bulldogs basketball team is picked to place third in District 26-3A this year, behind perennial favorites, the Wimberley Texans and the Boerne Greyhounds.  “Every year you have got to plan on going a long way,” head coach David Farber said. “Though we are not as far along as we were last year, it’s no reason to worry.”

            This year’s team is lead by returning senior starter and captain Shelbie Martin.  “Shelbie has learned to communicate effectively in difficult situations and I respect her ability to lead the team,” Farber said. “She has combined a strong academic career with multiple sports and that’s really admirable.”

            With many goals for the upcoming season, the team’s main focus is to improve on their team play. “Last year we depended on one person to score a majority of the points,” senior Amanda Shackelford said. “We need to all get on the same playing level so that we can all equally contribute.

            Fellow seniors Kaylee Reeves, cousin Taylor Shackelford, Gianna Canales and Brandi Donovan will join Shackelford to form an experienced and seasoned team.  While Reeves and the Shackelford cousins started for varsity last season, Canales was moved up to varsity for the playoffs and Donovan was recovering from an injury. 

            “We definitely want to beat Wimberley this year,” Reeves said.  They were first in our district last year and they barely beat us.”

            The team not only intends to do well in their district, the ladies also have high hopes for the playoffs. “We see ourselves winning state,” Canales said. “Just like any other team would hope.”   

            Reeves expressed the confidence of the team when she summed up the team’s philosophy. “Fear none. Respect all,” Reeves said.

            The team started the season with an away game win against Marion Wednesday (coverage to follow next week) and will play Pearsall tonight. They will open their home season at the BHS gym next Tuesday versus Nixon Smiley.  Game times are at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00.