BOYS
Coach: Issac Byrne
20-21 Record: 14-9
The Alex Longhorns are making a move this season. After having success in Class A, they are making the move to Class B. But Isaac Byrne, who is in his tenth season leading the Longhorns says that his team is ready to take on the season and whatever comes their way.
“This will be our first year in Class B,” he stated. “We are really excited about this year’s team and feel we can really make a push in the playoffs. We have several good guards returning this year, and the addition of two new players to the program should certainly give us a boost. We play a tough schedule that should have us ready when playoffs arrive.”
Senior Chase Byrne (6-0, Sr) returns to lead the team at the guard position. He registered 13.8 points per game last season and led the team in steals and rebound. He is a tough competitor and will have an impact on the season. Ricky Thornburg (6-0, Jr.) is also back. He is solid on both ends of the court. He is tough, smart player. Konner Shebester (5-10, Jr.) is a tough competitor and can shoot the ball well. A great all-around athlete, Nick Brandon (5-9, So.) is an exciting player to watch and is a playmaker for the team. A tough defensive player, Jacob Harris (6-1, Sr.) will cause havoc for the opposing offense. Meanwhile, his teammate Conner Garrett (6-3, Sr.) is a big strong kid that moves well and can shoot the ball well. He can also be tough on the defense. Other players that will look to influence the season are Kyler Boatwright (6-0, So.) and Mason Spooner (6-3, So.).
GIRLS
Coach: Ginger Black
20-21 Record: 11-12
The Lady Longhorns enter the 2021-2022 basketball season ready to improve off last seasons which saw them reach the regional round of the playoffs. Ginger Black, who is in her second year leading the team says that while they may not have a lot of upperclassmen, she expects her squad to have a solid year. “We are a very young team this season,” she said. “But we are also very aggressive. I think that we will surprise some teams this year.”
Lauren Garcia (5-6, Sr) is one of returning two seniors on this year’s squad. She is a strong post player and will be a force in the paint. The other senior, Kaitlyn Goleman (5-5, Sr.) is a tough kid that can play just about anywhere. She can post up down low or she can handle the ball. Black says that these two are outstanding examples for the rest of the team.
“Lauren is a great leader on and off the court,” she said. “Kaitlyn is a worker, and she works hard all the time. She can shoot the three or she can post you up. She will dive and hustle after every loose ball. She is just a very rounded player.” An outstanding three-point shooter, Riley Byrne (5-5, Jr) will be playing at the guard position, alongside Kaitlyn Byrum (5-5, So.). Byrum brings a lot of speed and good shooting to the team. Freshmen that will be looking to make an impact this season are Triniti Black (5-9, Fr.) and Keegan Seward (5-3, Fr.). Triniti is a solid rebounder and ball handler, while Keegan will give the opponents some problems on defense.
