It's not long enough to be considered a drought. But it's also enough to be noticeable. For the standards Colleyville Heritage coach Dianna Sager has instilled with her program, she wants this team to be winning the district championship, not being content with a playoff berth.
The Lady Panthers (22-10, 10-1 in District 6-5A) secured their ninth postseason appearance in Sager's 11 seasons last week. But there was an opportunity for this ballclub to unseat Irving MacArthur as the district power.Colleyville Heritage last won a district championship in 2009-2010. Since MacArthur joined the district, the Lady Cardinals have ruled the top seat by winning two straight district titles and running off 42 consecutive wins. That was until Colleyville Heritage picked them off on Jan. 4, 56-45.Tuesday at Colleyville Heritage, the Lady Panthers had a chance to take control of the race against MacArthur. The teams were tied for the district lead."We really have a chance," Sager said prior to the game. "I feel really good about the way we have been playing. MacArthur is not the same as in the past but that doesn't mean we can think we have it won."Indeed, the Lady Panthers actually had sole possession of first place until they lost 50-48 to Hurst L.D. Bell on Jan. 18. That created the tie.But Sager liked the momentum her team had formed in dominating 51-28 and 64-28 victories over Euless Trinity and Grapevine. Against the Lady Mustangs, they collected 40 rebounds and held them to mostly one-and-done offensive situations. Post Artavia Ford produced her fourth double-double of the season with 15 points, 13 rebounds. Caroline Gonzalez and Selina Apodaca had nine and eight rebounds."They played great," Sager said. "I think the kids are really focused. It's a big deal and a credit to them."All for charitySager's teams have developed a reputation for being one of the top free-throw shooting squads in Texas. Twice in the last five years her team was recognized as the best.This year, the Lady Panthers could be competing for that title again. Through their first 32 games, they are shooting 76 percent. For example, Gonzalez is shooting 81 percent."We're proud of the work we do there," Sager said. "We spend a lot of time on it. It's interesting to hear people in the crowd yelling, 'Don't foul them!"'Grapevine updateAs disappointing as last week was for the Lady Mustangs (15-15, 5-6) with a pair of losses to L.D. Bell and Colleyville, they lost no ground in the standings. That's because Trinity also lost to Colleyville Heritage and MacArthur. The two remained tied for fourth when the week began.In all likelihood, the season finale between Grapevine and Trinity next Tuesday in Euless should determine the playoff spot.Grapevine played Irving Tuesday before playing Carrollton R.L. Turner on Friday. Trinity faced Irving Nimitz Tuesday before L.D. Bell Friday."We're just kind of treading water," coach Steve Ganninger said. "It's kind of like how the first half of district went. We have to win these next three."But this is a drastic change from last year, when the Lady Mustangs weren't in playoff contention.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
