The North Central Texas Academy Lady Pioneers are gearing up for a run toward what they hope will be a third consecutive TAPPS Class A state championship.
The Pioneers are hoping to soon punch their ticket to the postseason as well.
Unlike the Lady Pioneers (21-2, 9-0 in TAPPS District 2-A), who have been among the state’s best all season, the Pioneers got off to a slow start (2-10). However, they have turned things around in district and, at 7-3, find themselves in prime position to move on.
Both teams were hosting Wichita Christian last night, and the boys travel to Denton Selwyn Tuesday.
GIRLS
NCTA 80
FW COVENANT 46
Shelby Lyle scored 28 points, Cynthia Rivas scored 22, and Sara Etherington added 20 as the Lady Pioneers continued their run through district.
Anna Strickland added six, and Jenni Chen and McKenna House had two each.
“The girls played together, passing, cutting and communicating,” said coach Emily Britt. “It was exciting to watch. We are finally just playing basketball.”
BOYS
NCTA 47
COVENANT 34
Cale Dodson led three Pioneers who scored, tallying 13 points.
NCTA led 9-6 after the first quarter and used an 18-9 run in the second quarter to take command.
Elias Fekadu and Caleb Finley each scored 10, while Ken Reita and Jared Dodson added seven each.
“They just needed some time to play and gain some experience,” said coach Kirby Rasco.
“Seven of my 11 had not played high school basketball at all.”