The Levelland girls’ basketball team narrowly avoided an upset by Estacado on Tuesday night, thanks to the remarkable performance of senior guard Olivia Velardez. Velardez, renowned for her defensive prowess, demonstrated her shooting abilities by sinking five 3-pointers, three of which were pivotal in the fourth quarter. Her exceptional display aided Levelland in securing a 49-39 victory at Tubb Gymnasium, despite trailing by six points at one stage of the game.
Coach Clay Barnett praised Velardez for her enhanced shooting skills, highlighting her significance as a crucial 3-point shooter for the team. Velardez’s final 3-pointer provided Levelland with a six-point lead with less than two minutes remaining, securing the Loboettes’ triumph. She contributed a total of 15 points, underscoring her invaluable role in the team’s offensive resurgence. Despite only amassing 27 points by the conclusion of the third quarter, Levelland’s solid defense kept them in the game, restricting Estacado to 15 points in the second half.
The confrontation with Estacado presented a formidable test for Levelland, marking their closest game since a defeat to Clarendon in late December. Nevertheless, Barnett is confident that the challenging contest will ultimately prove beneficial for the team, urging them to extract lessons from the experience and persist in playing their distinctive brand of basketball without trepidation. He lauded the team’s response and their improved performance in the second half, showcasing resilience and determination.
In the broader context of the district, Levelland’s triumph further strengthens their impressive 26-2 record and 4-0 district standing. With notable contributions from players such as Carly Tienda and Emery Smith, the team appears poised for sustained success throughout the season.
As the team savours this hard-earned victory, attention is now directed towards upcoming matchups and the relentless pursuit of excellence on the court. The insights gained from the Estacado game will assuredly shape Levelland’s approach in future contests, motivating them to uphold their high standard of play.
In conclusion, Olivia Velardez’s outstanding performance and Levelland’s resolute effort enabled them to narrowly evade an upset by Estacado, spotlighting the team’s perseverance and determination to triumph. With a cohesive and talented roster, Levelland’s girls’ basketball team is primed for continued success as they navigate the remainder of the season.