2021 Willis Cross Country Team
Kinley Gibbs led the way for the girls team with a 13th place finish at the district race in 2020. Abby Taylor and Stephanie Keele were top 30 finishers.
The boys will need some harriers to emerge to improve their finishes.
The Tigers finished 10-3 overall and second behind College Station High in district play. They have gotten hot in the postseason, however, knocking off Wagner, Fulshear and Cedar Park.
“Ever since Coach (Brandon) Schmidt has taken over, he talks about the goal,” he said. “Not making the playoffs but advancing to state. He reminds us to take it day-by-day and this senior class has done that. That has been the key to our success. It’s the now… not the future.”
Via Payton Bjork
The Tigers have been blessed with hosting two of their three playoffs games this postseason, which has made this run even more sweet.
“Going into Cedar Park, we knew this would be our last home game as a senior,” he said. “That made it more special and for us to put a little more ‘umph’ into it. Our home crowd is amazing… one of the best in the state and they really make a difference in the game.”
The Tigers travel to Austin to face Smithson Valley this Friday, one game away from the State Final Four. What’s the plan?
“We are just going to do what we do,” he said. “That’s what has gotten us here, so we are sticking with it.”
The stars of 2023-24 Grand Oaks Girls Basketball
Riley averaged 16 points per game a year ago. The only hitch for Grand Oaks is that Riley is their only returning starter for Shiakiea Carter’s crew.
However, the Grizzlies went 27-7 a year ago and a perfect 16-0 in district play, so their reputation precedes them.
Another player to watch for is Amariah Burns (Sr. C).
Carter enters her fifth season leading the program (83-39). Keys to success, according to Carter, include being a“defensive-minded team, confidence, experience at the point guard position, hard work and playing as a team.”
Join the #VYPETEAM
Get up to date news from all over the country!
