The Pantherettes capped off an undefeated season with their ninth state championship title in the San Antonio Alamodome over the Spring Dekaney Lady Wildcats 76-42. The Pantherettes led this game from the opening tip and never looked back. Junior guard Aniya Thomas led the Pantherettes early with 10 points being perfect from the field in the 1st half and gathering two assist. Her early game intensity gave the Pantherettes a boost of confidence and life on both sides of the floor.

“The team uplifted her tonight” head Coach Cathy Self-Morgan said. “The rest of the team made her play better.”

The Pantherettes held the Lady Wildcats to low 22% from the field. Their up and down pace game caused a high 16 turnovers. Nina Alvarez lead the Pantherettes with three steals and Tae Davis held the star guard Jaelyn Richard-Harris for Dekaney to a low nine points in the game.

“Our girls really played solid defense tonight,” Self-Morgan said.”Once we got on the boards, it set up our offense tonight.”

The Pantherettes avenged their disappointing loss to the Manvel Mavericks back in the 2014 6A State title. Seniors center Ciera Johnson and forward Madison Townley both played that game and it’s something they agree they will never forget.

“This one is very important” Townley said. “Ever since last year when we lost early in the playoffs, we have been on a mission to get here tonight and get the win.”

Sophomore guard Zarielle Green took home the MVP of the 6A title game after scoring 25 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out five assists. The Pantherettes have only four seniors that are moving on to the next phase of their lives but there is a lot of young talent in Sophomores Green, Aniya Thomas,Starr Jacobs and juniors Tae Davis and Nina Alvarez. With the return of these players along with a host of other talent, next year could be another exciting year as well leading to yet another State Appearance.

“I’m really excited about next year,” Self-Morgan said. “I’m looking forward to see what these girls will do coming up.”

Check back with us for more photos and video highlights to follow later.