Farmersville senior point guard Alexia Hernandez helped to solidifying the offense after she returned from injury last season. Hernandez is ready to help the Lady Farmers build on a strong finish to last season and qualify Farmersville for the playoffs. File photo
By David Wolman
The famous saying, “It’s not how you start, but how you finish,” best exemplified how last season unfolded for the Farmersville girls basketball team.
Behind better execution on offense and a relentless effort with rebounding, the Lady Farmers overcame a 3-11 start to finish second in District 13-4A and qualified for the postseason for the third consecutive year. Although Farmersville’s season came to a sudden halt after a 57-27 loss to North Lamar in the bi-district round of the Class 4A Division II playoffs, the Lady Farmers viewed the playoff contest as the ultimate reward for the team’s perseverance.
With eight returners, including six seniors, Farmersville is hopeful that its experience will lead to a better start and postseason success.
“It was really special to see the girls peak at the right time and finish so strong down the stretch,” said head coach Sandra Hoge. “They trusted the process, bought into their roles, and really started playing connected basketball. Making the playoffs was a great payoff for the way they competed and executed in the second half of the season.
“We definitely want to come out of the gates sharper this year. Our focus has been on playing with more urgency from tipoff — cleaner execution, crisper possessions and setting the tone early. Having a strong core of returners and veteran leadership is huge for us — they know what it takes, and they’re setting the standard from day one so we’re not waiting until midseason to hit our stride.”
Injuries played a major role in the slow start.
The biggest impact was felt at the point guard position. Alexia Hernandez, now a senior, missed the first month of the season because of a lower-body injury. Once back on the court, Hernandez provided a calm presence for a Lady Farmers offense that had previously struggled with turnovers.
“Having a calm, steady presence like Alexia at point guard is huge for us,” Hoge said. “She sets the tone for the team and makes smart decisions under pressure. Last year, when she was out with her ankle injury, it gave Rileigh Blankenship and Kate McRay a chance to step up and gain confidence running the point. That experience has given us great depth and leadership as we start the season.”
When Blankenship wasn’t setting up teammates for shot attempts, she was shooting 3-pointers. Her ability to shoot with high efficiency from behind the arc provided Farmersville with a capable perimeter shooter and helped to free up the team’s forwards for shot attempts closer to the basket.
“Rileigh’s 3-point shooting is looking really strong heading into the season,” Hoge said. “She’s worked hard on her shot over the offseason, and having a reliable long-range threat like her is huge for our spacing and offensive balance.”
Seniors Gali Matthews, Daniella Jimenez and Jachael Pearson were also key contributors last season, while sophomores Sadee Mathews and Southern Sanders have become important parts of the team’s core.
Farmersville doesn’t have as much height in the paint as last season, but Hoge says rebounding — a major strength last year — will continue to be emphasized.
“We’re a bit smaller, so positioning, technique and effort will be key,” Hoge said. “If we can control the boards despite our size, it will also give us extra possessions and keep us competitive in every game.”
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