Frenship boasted the first undefeated district season in school history, set a new school scoring record, and made the playoffs for their 18th consecutive season. It was also the first time in Frenship history that the Tigers won their fourth consecutive district championship.
However, 2020 is a new season, and one that comes with its own unique challenges. In addition to the changes brought about due to the COVID-19 pandemic, like changing schedules and playing opposite the Tiger boys team rather than back-to-back on the same floor, the Tigers graduated four seniors from last year’s squad, all of whom are playing at the next level. Maci Maddox has moved on to Lubbock Christian University, Kaylee Rendon has joined the Flying Queens of Wayland Baptist University, Avery Walker-Henry signed with Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and Ashlyn Caddell recently was offered a tryout and walked on with the Texas Tech Lady Raiders.
“We had an outstanding group of kids,” said Hilliard. “It was a great year to be able to win 30 games again, that marks three years in a row. We’re looking forward to getting ready and going with this new crew and seeing what we’ll be able to do. They think they’re ready and I think they’ll be able to make their own mark on things this year.”
Maddox was a four-year player who started 141 consecutive games for Frenship and set school records for the Tigers in assists in a game, season, and career. That is a lot of experienced guard play to replace and while those stepping in, like senior Hannah Page, don’t have quite the level of experience, they will still be bringing plenty of skills to the Tigers. But fans of Frenship Girls Basketball may see some updates this season in the type of play Hilliard’s squad brings to the floor.
“With our returners and our new kids on the team, we think that our post play is going to be a strength. Now we’re still going to play a fast-paced game, we want to get up and down the floor, we want to shoot the open three,” explained Hilliard. “But we think our strong post play is going to give us the ability to feed it inside and then when they start collapsing it’s going to open up for our guards a little bit more.”
That strong post play will be led by senior Zaria Fowler, a First-Team All-District returner who Hilliard believes has All-State potential along with senior Airron Gaydon, who recently committed to play at Texas Women’s University. While the Tigers only return five players from last year’s team, what they will have plenty of is opportunity for young players to gain experience. Two volleyball players, senior Hannah Page and junior Addison McClure, won’t appear in a basketball uniform until after their volleyball season concludes, and senior Riley Roberts will be returning from injury in December. With these three pieces out for the early season, the younger players on this Tigers’ squad will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a season without traditional tournament play.
Tiger Girls Basketball gets underway Saturday, October 31 in the Tiger Pit in a scrimmage against the Lubbock-Cooper Lady Pirates and will tip off their regular season on Friday, November 6 in Canyon against the Randall Lady Raiders at 6:00 pm.
Fans can keep up with Frenship Girls Basketball on Twitter @FrenshipGBB and stay tuned to Frenship Athletics social media accounts for more information about broadcasts of Frenship Girls Basketball on Ramar radio stations and Frenship.TV.