Lady Cats Clean Up District Awards
The 2023-2024 season was a great one for the Sulphur Springs Lady Cats, as they finished just under the 30-win mark and once again made a postseason appearance. With all of the teams in their district officially beaten out of the playoffs, they were able to announce their All-District Awards recently.
After opening the season 2-2 the Lady Cats really hit their stride in the middle of November, winning nine consecutive games and not taking another loss until the month of December. In that nine-game span they won seven of the games by double-digits and completely dominated their competition.
Sulphur Springs turned around and almost matched that win streak a month later, going on a seven-game winning streak at the end of preseason and to open district play. In that seven-game span they won all but one of them by double-digits and opened district play 4-0.
Their only two losses in district play came at the hands of North Lamar, who would go a perfect 10-0. Their 8-2 district record secured them second place and sent them to the playoffs once again. Though their season ended earlier than they would have liked, it was a great season for the Lady Cats and their turnout in the district awards reflects that.
Defensive Player of the Year
Trinity Jefferson, Jr– Trinity Jefferson was named the Defensive Player of the Year and for good reason. During district play Jefferson played a great all-around game, averaging five rebounds per game, along with two steals per game. Jefferson also was a huge contribution offensively, scoring 10.2 points per game. Jefferson was able to play lock down defense on opposing teams best scorers, while also making huge contributions offensively of her own.
Newcomer of the Year
Cami Shaack, Fr– Freshman Cami Shaack was this years’ Newcomer of the Year, rounding out the superlative awards for this season. Shaack averaged 8.8 points per game, while pulling in seven rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Her abilities on both sides of floor, including being able to score at each level and get teammates involved played a huge role in the Lady Cats success this season. As just a freshman, Shaack will look to become a bigger and bigger part of the Lady Cats success over the next three seasons.
First Team All-District
Codee Roland, Jr– Codee Roland was the primary ball handler for the Lady Cats this season, leading the team in both points (14.3) and assists (3.7) per game. She also had the second-highest +/- on the team at +16. Roland also played a huge role defensively, leading the team with just under four steals per game. Roland set the tone of both sides of the floor and made sure to get all of her teammates involved, while also being the player to rely on when the team needed a bucket. She is on pace to be in the running for Offensive Player of the Year or MVP of the district next season.
Rainey Johnson, So– As just a sophomore Rainey Johnson was named First Team All-District. Johnson led the Lady Cats’ in +/- this season at an incredible +20.4. When Johnson was on the floor opposing teams struggled in rebounding and inside scoring, with Johnson pulling in a team-high 8.2 rebounds per game. She also forced 3.8 steals per game and blocked one shot each game. Johnson made huge contributions without needing the ball a ton offensively, doing most of her work on offensive put-backs and rebounds.
Second Team All-District
Kaylee Carter, Jr– Kaylee Carter brought a strong 3-and-D presence to the Lady Cats’, adding another level of scoring to their offense. Carter led the team in 3-point attempts and also hit at the third highest rate among qualifying shooters. She also forced 2.2 steals per game, creating opportunities on both ends of the floor.
Kyra Carter, Jr– Much like Kaylee, Kyra played a 3-and-D role for the Lady Cats this season. As the 6th Man, Carter played lock down defense, forcing two steals per game while also bringing in rebounds and dishing out 1.7 assists per game. With over half of her field goal attempts coming beyond the 3-point line, she also helped spread out the offense and add another layer to the Lady Cats’ scoring. With both Carter’s coming back next season, the 3-and-D abilities will be a strength for a veteran Lady Cats team.
Honorable Mention
Aaliyah Cheatum, Jr– Aaliyah Cheatum played a selfless role for Sulphur Springs, coming off the bench and making big contributions on defense. In just 16 minutes a night, Cheatum was able to bring in just shy of five rebounds per game, while also forcing 1.4 steals per game. Cheatum brought an energy and intensity to the game that was huge for the Lady Cats, and will look to do the same in the 2024-2025 season.
The 2024 season may have ended earlier than the Lady Cats wanted it to, but it was a very successful season regardless. Their 27 wins marks the most in over a decade, and with all of their rotation players returning, with another year under their belt, the Lady Cats are poised to have one of their biggest seasons in program history next year.
