Consider Tuesday's game against Wichita Falls Rider a benchmark moment for Byron Nelson's girls basketball team.
The Lady Bobcats (18-9, 7-2) have run off four consecutive wins and are within striking distance of the District 5-4A leaders. The Lady Raiders were 9-0 ranked in to the top 10 in the state in the Texas Girls Coaches Association poll."If you looked at everything we've done this year, we're very similar to last year," coach Darren Wilson said. "We've played a tougher schedule. We lost to [District 4-5A co-leader] Richland by six points. We're just older and have more experience."Before the team took the floor against Denton, Wilson said he was concerned about his players' disposition. He sensed the needed focus wasn't there. And while Denton isn't very good - 7-17 overall and 2-7 in district play - no team can take an opponent for granted.But Wilson's fears disappeared as the Lady Bobcats sprinted to an 11-4 lead after the first quarter and won convincingly, 38-21."The girls were able to play," Wilson said. "I was really impressed that when the game started, they just played like they should have. That's a good sign."While this team faced a major challenge in the Lady Raiders, these are the types of games Wilson wanted his program to play as he has been building it. Regardless, Nelson is on pace to clinch a playoff spot for the second time in as many seasons.The Lady Bobcats also have matched their 2011-2012 season win total. They should surpass it as well.SeparationLast week, we talked about the separation occurring in District 5-4A. The divide is getting wider. Rider began the week leading at 9-0, followed by Denton Guyer and Nelson tied for second at 7-2. Those teams are two games ahead of fourth-place Wichita Falls which is 5-4. Lake Dallas is now 4-5.The only race that seems to be taking place is for fourth place. Denton, White Settlement Brewer and Azle are not factors in the race except that they can play spoiler.This and that...While teams are focusing on senior point guard Tralyn Woodard, that has helped the offense become even more balanced. Shaila Wolter continues to be a solid No. 2 scorer, but Madison Edwards has stepped up to be that third reliable scorer."We need options and the other girls are making a decision to make our offense better," Wilson said. "Sydney Smallwood is also another good 3-point shooter for us."Senior post Dee Robinson has been a presence in the low block for this team from a rebounding standpoint. She's averaged 10 boards per game in her last four. That's been really important. At 5-10, Robinson is really the lone bona fide post threat."It really started when we watched the film of the first time we played Wichita Falls in our tournament [in November]," Wilson said. "We looked at film going into the district game and really spent a lot of time on defense and blocking out. Her effort has been great."Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
