Second Baptist's Olivia "Livy" Sauvageau
HER TEAM: SBS' Sauvageau emerges as undisputed leader
Consistency is key on the court, and SBS has no trouble delivering on that on at annual basis.
The Eagles have captured three consecutive, undefeated district titles -- the most recent of which coming off a stellar 22-5 regular season (10-0 in district) en route to their third-straight appearance in the TAPPS-5A State Championship.
SBS' Trio of Senior Stars: (Left to Right) Kate Marshall, Olivia Walker, and Ella RyanJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
So, who takes the baton next season?
Olivia “Livy” Sauvageau will run the show. The junior point guard was the TAPPS District 5-5A MVP, first-team all-state and was named to the State's All-Tournament Team.
“I’m working on being a more vocal leader, which will be important for the younger players,” said Sauvageau. “I have always been good at leading by example, but for us to win, I will need to set the tone by being vocal.”
Claiming an undisputed MVP selection is no easy feat, especially when you share the court with a surplus of top-notch talent that SBS had in its arsenal.
However, Sauvageau has not so subtly emerged as one of the Eagles’ most essential assets on the hardwood, having already earned three all-state nods and two district MVPS.
“It has required a lot of extra training and work,” Sauvageau said. “Every day, I’m trying to do a little more to improve on all parts of my game, but I enjoy it. Being on a team at SBS has been a lot of fun. Our coaches have plenty of experience. The practices are well planned out, so we all feel prepared and are on the same page for each opponent we face.”
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Considering that she has been competing alongside Walker, Ryan and Marshall for the last three years, Sauvageau recognized the impact the three have had on her, particularly their relationship and her own progression with them.
“They [Walker, Ryan, and Marshall] were such a big part of the program,” said Sauvageau. “Due to the time we’ve spent together over the past three years, they’ve become like family to me. We’ve created memories we’ll never forget. Watching them leave is sad, but they left a great legacy and example for players to come.”
The new captain will need to rally a new set of troops.
“With our three seniors leaving, we lost some strong players,” she said. “Therefore, everyone is going to have to put in the work and get better during the offseason so we can make another run next winter.”
Spoken like a true leader.
2022-23 Second Baptist Girls Basketball
LAST SHOT: SBS seniors prepare for final postseason run
The fact that the Eagles haven’t lost a single district matchup since December 6, 2019 (46-37 v. LSA) is a testament to just how proficient this team is.
Under the direction of Coach John Herndon, SBS remains a perennial favorite in their TAPPS-5A district and beyond. However, a significant amount of credit deservedly goes to the dynamic trio of seniors -- Olivia Walker, Ella Ryan and Kate Marshall. The chemistry and talent between these three athletes have advanced Second Baptist School women’s basketball to a whole new level over their four-year tenure.
These three were recently recognized on February 3, during halftime of their game against FBCA. The seniors looked back on the times spent together and reflect on how they can impact their younger teammates in their final season.
“Since it’s our senior year, we’re working harder than we ever have before. It’s our last chance to get a state title,” said Kate Marshall. “I think the three of us, as seniors and such good friends, really set a good example for the younger players on the team.”
As Marshall mentioned, the trio has yet to win a TAPPS State Championship with SBS, but it hasn't been for a lack of effort. The Eagles have appeared in the past three state final games, securing runner-up three years in a row.
However, these Second Baptist School seniors will see to it that the narrative changes, as they prepare for their imminent arrival in the TAPPS postseason.
“This year, our chemistry has really clicked,” Ella Ryan said. “The three of us have been playing together for about five years, and one of our star players -- Olivia Sauvageau ‘24 -- is in her third year. It feels like our dynamic has bonded well with everyone on the team, and I think that will make a difference throughout the playoffs.”
Senior Olivia Walker shares the same mentality. “The fact that we’ve been there [the State Title game] three years in a row, shows we’ve learned to never give up,” said Walker. “A motto we have is, ‘A little bit better, every day.’ No matter what, we’ll try to get something accomplished. Obviously, our goal this year is to bring home the championship, and we’re going to work as hard as we can to achieve that.”
SBS Eagles' Senior TrioJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
SBS Senior NightBella Traverse (VYPE Intern)
Bella Traverse (VYPE Intern)
Olivia Walker w/ her parents during Senior Night
Bella Traverse (VYPE Intern)
