When Colleyville Heritage coach Misail Tsapos is definite about something, he doesn’t hold anything back.
The Lady Panthers (5-8-7, 4-3-4 in 6-5A) resumed their push toward the postseason Tuesday against Irving Nimitz. They haven’t clinched anything yet, but they are getting closer. However, Tsapos has surveyed the landscape of the district and believes that his program is the second best behind Grapevine.It doesn’t reflect it in the standings, so that will put a few people off. However, Tsapos has been in the game all his life and knows good soccer when he sees it. And he knows when a team is starting to make its push. The Lady Panthers are doing that.“There’s no doubt in my mind,’’ Tsapos said. “I think tactically we’re as organized as anyone in the district and technically we’ve come a long way. Early in the year we just had too many breakdowns. Now, we’re getting better there.’’The organization comes from players just embracing the confidence to right to the right spot, using the proper judgment on when to split a double team and when to pass. The spacing has improved as well. That’s why this team scored five goals against Irving in the March 8 contest.Athleticism has always been there, Tsapos said. But this edition has a pretty youthful look to it. Should this team make the playoffs, it will have at least three games in order to keep improving and becoming more sound in the fundamentals.Logan Brandt continues to lead the way with a balanced offensive attack. Molly Mayes has been a consistent performer on the back line. With the five goals, Colleyville Heritage finally evened its books with 20 goals scored and 20 goals yielded.“The girls are fast and can jump,’’ Tsapos said. “We probably won’t really see the benefit of everything until next year.’’Injuries? What injuries?There were three games left in the season when the week began. And still the Lady Panthers have not suffered from a serious injury that has caused a player to miss some time or the season.In fact, the Lady Panthers are on a two-year stretch without anything of serious nature. Tsapos is finishing his seventh year, and said he’s lost only one player (JV) to the torn ACL. He credits a rigorous nine-week offseason program that starts as soon as the season ends.He also has had 100 percent voluntary participation from players who go through more demanding offseason training at velocity.“I tell them what I want, and the girls do it,’’ Tsapos said. “I think that’s a big reason we’ve been so fortunate.’’Briefly…The season finale against Hurst L.D. Bell has been moved to Monday. Tsapos said they wanted to move the date so they could have a chance to see playoff opponents play on that Tuesday…of the 20 goals Colleyville Heritage has surrendered 11 have come in four games…the Lady Panthers play host to Carrollton R.L. Turner on Friday.Grapevine updateThe Lady Mustangs (14-4-4, 11-0 in District 6-5A) had a chance to wrap up the district title – their fifth in six years – with a win over Euless Trinity. Grapevine’s unbeaten and untied district streak stands at 33. Grapevine plays at Irving MacArthur on Friday.Coach Ryan Davis held true to his word that he wasn’t going practice his team during spring break. He didn’t see his team until Monday’s workout. And from what he’s learned, no one did anything to get herself hurt.“That’s always the concern when you’re away from them for that long,’’ Davis said. “So I’m glad everyone didn’t do anything that would have been a problem.’’As for the season finale on March 26 against Irving Nimitz, Davis wants to move the game to Monday, March 26 or at least play it early on that Tuesday so he can see some playoff opponents play.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
