Marble Falls girls basketball loses to Crockett
CAPTION: The 2024-25 Marble Falls High School girls basketball team includes Kenadie Cotton (front row, left), Rayleigh Crim, Mikaela Valdez, Reese Massey, Brooke Nesrsta, Kenley Virdell; Ally Moran (back row, left), Kylie Roberts, Leslie Reynoso, Addy Wood, Lila Pangborn and Caity Johnson. Courtesy photo
The Marble Falls High School girls basketball team lost to Austin Crockett 42-39 Nov. 1 in the season opener.
“We were leading the whole game,” Lady Mustangs head coach Adley Canales said. “We gave up the lead with 2 minutes and 30 seconds left and couldn’t get it back.”
While no one enjoys a loss, Canales said he saw several encouraging traits.
Top of the list is the Lady Mustangs (0-1) held the opponent to 42 points.
“Defense was a big positive for us,” he said. “Holding a team to 42 in a live game is very good.”
He noted coaches emphasize that playing defense is a mindset and a staple of the program. He was pleased this year’s team is showing it wants to continue that established practice.
He also liked the players’ effort and willingness throughout the contest, noting the Lady Mustangs competed for 32 minutes.
Senior Kylie Roberts led Marble Falls with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 8 steals, 2 assists and 3 blocks followed by freshman point guard Adalynn Wood with 10 points, 4 steals, a block and a rebound. Junior Rayleigh Crim and freshman Ally Moran each added 4 points, while junior Lila Pangborn scored 3, and sophomore Kenley Virgell and freshman Mikaela Valdez scored 2 apiece.
This year’s team includes three freshmen, who have the tools to be solid contributors this season. Canales noted varsity players aren’t simply put on the roster to sit next to him.
“If we’re going to move them up, they’re going to have to play,” he said.
Their development throughout the predistrict campaign is big for the team, particularly before the start of District 24-4A play where every member was a playoff squad a year ago. Canales said getting the freshmen used to the pace, speed and strength of varsity players is a big part of their progress.
“How quickly can they adjust from playing eighth grade to varsity?” he said.
They have the traits the program is known for – work ethic, commitment, discipline and a desire to put the team’s goals first, he said.
While their ability to play the sport is a big reason for putting them on the roster, Canales added getting along with the other Lady Mustangs away from the court also was a factor.
“How they are in practices, how they got along with others on the team,” he said. “We don’t want to mess up chemistry. There were a lot of things we looked at.”
Marble Falls welcomes Austin McCallum Tuesday, Nov. 5. The junior varsity plays at 4 p.m. and the varsity follows at 5:30 p.m.
