MERTZON, TX — The Irion County girls basketball team has overcome the loss of four starters from last year’s regional finalist team to earn the No. 7 ranking in the state in Class 1A.
They’ve raced out to an 18-3 overall record with a 5-0 mark in District 11-1A.
The Lady Hornets have a big test in front of them, however, when they host Garden City (18-6, 5-0) at 6:30 p.m. Friday in Mertzon.
The early lead in the district-title race will be on the line in what promises to be an exciting atmosphere.
The two teams tied for the district title last year, with each game being decided by six points or less.
“I think it’s a toss-up, I really do,” Irion County head coach Don Coffell said. “One of the things people don’t understand about Garden City is they’d been without their best player (all-state selection Karly Baker). They went through a string of losses without having her, and she’s averaging about 20 points per game. …
“She’s been back since district play and she’s hitting full stride. So as far as Garden City goes, they’re at full strength. They have seven seniors, and that experience means a lot, so that gives them an advantage as far as experience and stuff, but I’ll never bet against my girls ever. They’re going to come out and get after it.”
Irion County graduated two starters from last year’s team and lost another after she moved.
One player the Lady Hornets didn’t plan on being without, however, is Bailee Rainey, an all-region player from last year who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the third game of this season.
“It’s a crazy big loss. She’s the leader on the court and off the court,” Coffell said. “However, the other three seniors do a good job of that as well. It’s a tough loss, but that being said, it’s a next-gal-up mentality. … I’ve got a bunch of coachable young ladies. They’re phenomenal God-fearing young women, and I’m very proud of them. It’s been a lot of fun.”
Presli Cormier is Irion County’s only returning starter from last year’s team still in the lineup. She’s joined by fellow senior Kaylie Streicher, who Coffell called an “Energizer bunny.”
Irion County also has junior Bella Garcia and freshmen Presley Parker and Natilee Hernandez in the starting lineup.
Coming off the bench are senior Kassandra Martinez, who just returned from an injury, junior Scarlet Parker, sophomore Taylor Rainey and freshman Harper McDowell.
“I call (Parker, Martinez and Streicher) our bullies in the paint. They play good, strong, physical defense. And then Taylor Rainey, Bailee’s little sister, is a defensive firecracker,” Coffell said. “I’m playing nine girls, and all nine of them absolutely get after it.”
Irion County went 31-7 last year before losing to Jayton in the regional final. Garden City went 32-4 before running into state finalist Eula in the regional semifinals.
Both programs have the potential for deep playoff runs again, and Friday’s matchup should help prepare them for just that.
They’ll meet a second time in district Feb. 10 in Garden City in the regular-season finale.
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