The mark of a great athlete is their ability to push past obstacles and continue to play to their fullest extent. Eagle Mountain-Saginaw is filled with hundreds of talented individuals that have proudly achieved great feats for their programs because of their continued tenacity and grit, but none have shown that this basketball season more so than the Lady Rangers of Chisholm Trail's Girls Basketball. Despite many challenges outside of their control and a roster of fierce opponents eager to steal their shot at victory, the girls in purple have not only adapted and survived but well and truly thrived out on the court over the winter, both at home and away.
Last season - though not without its fair share of wins - tested the team's mettle thoroughly and ended just six wins shy of a positive record. With a full year of preparation and new talent entering the fray, the Lady Rangers were eager to put up big numbers and started off with a massive show of skill as they nearly swept the Paschal High School Tournament. Four out of the five teams they faced wound up being no match for this rejuvenated and coordinated band of sisters. From there, district play came into full swing, and the number of victories only continued to grow as they championed a 14-9 seasonal record by the winter break.
Then, however, came a true test of resolve, not just for Girls Basketball but for the entire Ranger family and EMS ISD Athletics as a whole - David Norris, the team's stalwart head coach of three years, was temporarily sidelined to await a heart transplant. It was a time of great emotional uncertainty for all who know Coach Norris, as he is widely loved throughout the district for his spirit, can-do attitude, and the adoration he carries for molding students into both awesome athletes and outstanding individuals. Shenika Robertson, the team's varsity assistant coach, put these emotions best in her statement to the Star-Telegram raising awareness on the matter, saying "The kids love him, and the kids miss him. We both do. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to be able to coach with him."
These extenuating circumstances rekindled an already blazing fire in the Lady Rangers who sought to show their recovering coach just how much he means to them. With Coach Robertson taking the reins as interim head coach, more and more wins were achieved with handy point gaps between them and their challengers. The girls in purple's record shot up exponentially as they now sit at 20-11, blowing last season out of the water with such a hugely positive turnaround, a second-place spot in 5A District play, and a guaranteed bid in the upcoming playoffs. It is a gift the Lady Rangers are pleased to present to Coach Norris upon his return, but hopefully only one part of greater accomplishment as they strive to go even further in the playoff bid.
With their fearless and faithful leader currently making a speedy recovery, Chisholm Trail is eager to continue the race they have so valiantly run to stand where they are today. The game this evening - Tuesday, February 10th - against Granbury decides the contenders who will come face to face with a battle-hardened cohort of Lady Rangers prepared to dominate Bi-District and hungry to go all the way to the state championship.
Congratulations, Lady Rangers, on the already successful season, and all the luck in the world on your journey to take the top spot!