8A: The 8A Belton Middle School girls basketball team faced a challenging matchup against a highly talented Midway squad, showing growth, composure, and resilience throughout the game. Despite the difficulty of the contest, the Tigers executed their offense well and showed clear improvement in running their sets and breaking Midway’s press. Defensively, Ava Baggett delivered a standout performance by locking down Midway’s top scorer while also adding a rebound, a steal, and a block, setting the tone with disciplined and determined defense. Grace Thomas led all scorers in the game with five points and added four rebounds and a steal, continuing to be a steady presence on both ends of the floor. Finley Burney brought explosive effort on defense, applying constant pressure and creating energy for the team. Soley Torres contributed four rebounds and a block, providing physicality and toughness in the paint. Fans and coaches were impressed with the team’s overall composure and their ability to adjust to such a strong opponent. The Tigers continue to show growth, confidence, and poise when competing against high-level competition. 8B: The 8B Lady Tigers faced a challenging matchup against a fast and physical Midway team in a game that tested their toughness, focus, and determination. Midway’s speed and pressure made it a difficult contest, but the Lady Tigers never stopped competing and gave their best effort from start to finish. Kylie Capella was the standout player of the game, serving as the team’s top—and only—scorer. She played an outstanding all-around game, stepping up as both a post and a point guard. Kylie led the team on both ends of the court, making key defensive stops while also carrying the offensive load. Her leadership and effort kept the Lady Tigers fighting until the final buzzer. Another standout was Averi Lozano, who made an impact far beyond the stat sheet. She hustled all game long as a post and wing player, bringing energy and effort every time she stepped on the court. Even when on the bench, Averi continued to lead—cheering on her teammates, helping them recognize plays, and keeping the team’s spirits high. Although it was a hard and disappointing loss, the Lady Tigers are determined not to let it affect their mindset heading into their final game. This team continues to grow, learn, and support one another, and they are ready to finish the season strong. 7A: The scoreboard at the final buzzer may have read 30-20, but it didn’t begin to tell the true story of the heart and hustle displayed by our 7th-grade squad last night. Facing a tough opponent, the team demonstrated a massive leap in progress, proving that their relentless hard work in practice is paying off. Throughout four quarters of intense action, the girls showcased an inspiring level of grit and dedication, refusing to back down and fighting for every loose ball. This wasn’t just a game; it was a testament to a team that is finding its identity through defensive toughness and unwavering persistence. Leading the charge in the paint was Sophie Hughes, who delivered a powerhouse performance on both ends of the floor. Sophie finished the night with 7 points, but her impact went far beyond the stat sheet. Her aggressiveness was unmatched as she battled for critical offensive and defensive rebounds, effectively giving her team second-chance opportunities while shutting down the opposition's interior game. Her defensive presence was a highlight of the night, as she used her grit to frustrate shooters and protect the rim with consistent intensity. On the perimeter, Addison Webb was a constant spark plug for the offense, also tallying 7 points in a high-energy performance. Addison played with a fearless mindset, repeatedly driving hard toward the basket and putting immense pressure on the defense. Her ability to attack the lane and finish through contact kept the team within striking distance and energized the bench. Complementing this aggressive play was Avery Mills, who orchestrated the floor as the team’s point guard for the entire night. Scoring 5 points of her own, Avery’s true value shone through her elite communication and leadership. She kept her teammates organized under pressure, directing the flow of the game and acting as a steadying force that ensured the team stayed focused and united until the very last second. 7B: The 7B Lady Tigers saw their winning streak come to an end last night, but the game will be remembered for far more than the final score. In a physical matchup against Midway, the Tigers set an unfortunate new record for players fouling out, as tight officiating and constant contact forced them to play most of the game under heavy pressure. With Midway playing aggressively, the Tigers were left having to protect themselves while still competing, ultimately falling by nine points. Despite the loss, the team does not view this as a defeat, but as a learning moment especially since Midway narrowly escaped with the win. Emma Alvarez battled from start to finish, carrying the offensive load and scoring the majority of the team’s points with determination and toughness. Ava Smith made her presence felt with quick decision-making and sharp ball steals, turning defense into offense and adding key points for the Tigers. The resilience and fight shown by 7B speaks volumes about their character, and this experience will only make them stronger moving forward.