Twenty-five straight wins, a perfect mark in district play -- and a district championship -- and a 27-2 overall record for a team that has taken Snyder by storm.
The SHS gym began to fill up at the start of district, and by the time it was over, there wasn’t an empty seat in the house.
And now, the enthusiasm has reached fever pitch, as many folks in town are talking about a state title for the Snyder five.
While that is certainly in the realm of possibility, let’s take a step back and remember the make-up of this team, which makes this season all the more amazing -- regardless of what happens from here on out.
This is a team of dedicated players, willing to work, easily coached and determined to play their best basketball no matter the opponent.
But it is also a team of teenage girls, many of whom can’t drive yet, or were not even in high school last year.
There’s Terann Ragland, the freshman point guard with the best ball-handling skills in the district and a persistent defender willing to sacrifice her body for every possession.
She was in the eighth grade last year.
Jordan Stansell, the lanky post with a mean streak who has at times controlled the glass against more experienced and bigger foes, played for Snyder Junior High last season.
Sirena Medrano, who took over at point last season as a freshman, has the basketball acumen of a senior and the fearlessness to penetrate the lane. Sequoya Powell emerged as a freshman last year along with Medrano, and also has been a major contributor for the squad this year.
Teddi Crenwelge and Sarah Henson, two sophomores who have distinguished themselves this year with maximum effort and a willingness to take whatever role and however many minutes they are given.
And, of course, the mother hen, Erin Burleson <\!m> a dead-eye three-point shooter, the leader of the team, and, to use head coach Mike Martin’s word, the “glue” that holds this baby bunch together. Her role in this team’s success can’t be understated, nor can it be fully explained by examining her play.
She brings those mythical intangibles -- leadership, accountability and influence -- to the Lady Tigers, who would not have gotten to this point without her.
Obviously, Martin has done a phenomenal job with this group of youngsters who apparently haven’t realized they aren’t supposed to be this good, this young. Not to mention getting 14 and 15-year-old girls on the same page. But that is for another column, after the party’s over, the court is swept off and the gym doors close on the 2004 season.
Right now, let’s admire how a collection of young, inexperienced girls have exceeded all expectations, and given Snyder major bragging rights and a truckload of excitement.
No matter what happens in the playoffs, the 2003-2004 Lady Tigers have been the best story of the young year, and have given “Wait ‘till next year” a whole new meaning.
allen@snyderdailynews.com