Vs. Crandall
75-31 W
Right after Christmas, the Lady Longhorns participated in the highly respected Spring Creek Invitational, considered one of the most challenging Christmas tournaments in the state. The Longhorns took on Crandall High in the first round. In the first quarter, both teams struggled to catch their second wind after being off from break, which resulted in multiple turnovers and missed shots. However, the second quarter proved to be a different story for the Horns. Once Cedar Hill got in sync with each other and push through fatigue, their domination began. They went off for 29 points and held the Pirates to only 4 points. The Horns would continue to handle the Lady Pirates separating themselves with a commanding win of 75-31. The Longhorns had multiple players in double digits: Lyntoria Daniel with a double-double of 10 points & 11 rebounds, Makiyah Risby with 11 points (4 steals) and led by Brooklyn King with 23 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Rylan Jones also contributed 9 points to the win. Defensively, the Lady Horns were led by point guard, Trinity Thomas with 8 steals.
Vs. Frisco Memorial
61-58 W
The second round would be a matchup against a tough Frisco Memorial team that the Lady Horns barely edged out in the Allen Hoopfest earlier in the season. And this game would prove to be no less entertaining. The second quarter was again where the Horns would display their dominance, going off for a 21-10 quarter, allowing them to head in the half with a double-digit lead. Their defensive pressure and presence on the inside continued to give Memorial fits, and the Longhorns would go up by 16 points in the third. Right when it looked liked Cedar Hill was about to pull away, the Lady Warriors picked up their intensity and got it down to a single possession game. The Lady Longhorns dug down deep at the start of the fourth quarter, executing on offense and forcing Memorial to turn it over and got up again by 15 points. But the Warriors simply refused to go away! However, because of a balanced attack and key defensive stops at the end, Cedar Hill would pull it out 61-58. Senior, Rylan Jones led the Horns with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 1 block. And was joined by the sharp shooting from Sydney Moultrie with 9 points, all from behind the arc.
Vs. Amarillo
61-57 W
Cedar Hill would have another tough matchup in the semi-final game in #5 Amarillo High. This game would be a battle back and forth with numerous lead changes throughout. Four key factors would decide the game for the Longhorns: shooting well from the free-throw line at 81% on 13/16; knocking down shots from behind the arc - 6 three pointers (4 from Risby); dominating the boards with a total of 38 to Amarillo's 20; and locking in on defensive and getting key stops throughout the game. Risby would lead all scorers with 20 points, Daniel had 11 points & 8 rebounds; King added 11 points & 7 rebounds; Thomas had 9 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals; and R. Jones was just short of a double-double with 8 points and 9 rebounds.
Vs. South Grand Prairie
47-50 L
The Lady Horns went against the 6A State semifinalist from last season, South Grand Prairie, in the championship game. The first half proved to be a tough one for the Horns, which led to a 4 point deficit going into the half. The Horns struggled to get in sync on offense and couldn't connect with the rim, however, their defense allowed them to keep it close. But the issues seemed to switch in the second half. They shot better from the field, and again were led by Risby who hit 4 threes (finishing the game with 12 points). But made key defensive errors in the last minutes of the game. With :06 left on the clock, Cedar Hill inbounded the ball, giving Risby, who had the hot hand, a good look at the basket to tie the game up, but it fell short. The Horns would drop it by three, 47-50, resulting in a runner-up finish. King had 11 points and 7 rebounds, Rylan Jones would end up with a double-double of 10 points & 10 boards; and Thomas would have have another great defensive showing. Both Makiyah Risby and Trinity Thomas were named to the All-Tournament team for their performances throughout the tournament.
