No. 9 -- GRAND OAKS GRIZZLIES
Led by Shiakiea Carter (7th year; 134-58), the Grizzlies roared to 31 wins last season, advancing to the 6A-D2 Regional Semifinals in the process.
While last year’s leading scorer, Bree Riley, has moved on to Abilene Christian University, plenty of firepower returns to the mix. Junior Hannah Reynolds — a first-team, all-district selection — averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals per game last season and is expected to anchor the Grizzlies’ backcourt.
Fellow first-teamer Avery Campbell (Jr. SF) is poised to thrive in an expanded role, while senior Jordan Daigle (Prairie View A&M-commit) strengthens the frontcourt after transferring from Oak Ridge. Other players to watch include K’Mylii Nettles, Zoe Harris, and Danielle Roland, each contributing in their own way.
For Carter, replicating last year’s energy will require focus on fundamentals and cohesion. “We need to continue respecting the game of basketball, pressuring defensively, keeping an up-tempo style, meeting my athletes where they are, and rising together,” she said.