For the first time in Emerson history, the Girls Basketball team made it to playoffs after years of perseverance, commitment and hard work. Their first game was against Highland Park High School on Monday, Feb. 10. Despite their efforts they lost 42-37 to Highland Park and did not advance to the next round of the playoffs.

Regardless of their loss, this was still monumental for the girls basketball team. To advance to playoffs, they played against eight other Frisco ISD schools, facing each team twice. They placed 4th overall in the district tournament.

“Compared to previous years we have done a better job of taking care of the ball,” Assistant Coach Jack Perkins said. “We are scoring more points this season, and averaging less turnovers per game and just winning more games than any other year.”

The coaches and the team worked hard this season to compete at such a high level. They made vital changes to their gameplay and their chemistry as a team which resulted in an overall successful season. 

“One thing we focused on was stepping up our level of intensity during practice and also our games,” Head Girls Basketball Coach Devri Garland said. “During pre-season we worked hard on building a new culture of sisterhood. We have high expectations for the upcoming game.”

As a team, they set goals for themselves and they are proud to have accomplished so much this season.

“We all held high expectations for one another and it’s made us really successful this season,” Team Captain Maya Thompson, 11, said. “Unfortunately we fell short at the end but I will cherish these memories forever.”

The team aims to secure another spot in the playoffs next season so there is still much work ahead to prepare. 

“I was initially upset about losing in the playoffs but now I am excited for next year because it can only get better from here,” Thompson said. “I know next year we are gonna have a good run in the playoffs.”