The Lake Belton Lady Broncos displayed great grit and determination over the weekend at the Rouse High School Basketball Tournament, ultimately finishing in 4th place. Despite facing tough competition and a few challenging setbacks, the team showed significant growth, played with heart, and gained valuable experience that will serve them well for the rest of the season.
Thursday: A Strong Start and Tough Losses
The tournament began on Thursday with a solid win against Hill Country Christian, where the Lady Broncos triumphed 54-47. It was a well-rounded team effort, and the players stepped up in key moments to seal the victory.
Layla King led the way with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals, playing an all-around game that was crucial to the win.
Amara Sanchez had a double-double performance, contributing 13 points and 11 rebounds, making her presence felt on both ends of the floor.
Ariella Polley added 11 points and 7 rebounds, continuing her strong performance on both offense and defense.
However, the Lady Broncos couldn’t carry that momentum into their second game of the day, as they fell to host team Rouse High School, 39-66. It was a tough match, but the team held their heads high and showed plenty of fight.
Alexa King led the Lady Broncos in scoring with 12 points.
Heavenly Middleton Reed and Alaysha Williams each contributed 7 rebounds, showing their tenacity on the boards.
Although the final score was not in their favor, the Lady Broncos learned valuable lessons from the matchup against a talented Rouse squad.
Friday: A Strong Bounce Back Against Hutto
On Friday, the Lady Broncos bounced back with a solid 59-48 win over Hutto High School. The team came out with more energy, especially on the defensive end, and it paid off as they were able to secure a well-deserved victory.
Gemma Pierce had an outstanding game, leading the team with 15 points and 5 steals. Her ability to create turnovers and score was vital in the win.
Alexa King added 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals, continuing her strong all-around play.
Ariella Polley contributed 10 points, and Layla King chipped in with 7 points and 4 rebounds.
The victory over Hutto was a reminder of the Lady Broncos' potential when they are clicking on all cylinders, and it was a much-needed confidence boost as they headed into their next games.
Thursday Afternoon: Close Battle with Borne Champion
Later Thursday afternoon, the Lady Broncos faced Borne Champion in what would be one of the most intense games of the tournament. Unfortunately, they found themselves in an early hole, trailing by 29 points at the start of the second quarter. But the Lady Broncos never gave up and fought hard to claw their way back into the game.
Despite their strong effort in the second half, Lake Belton ultimately fell short, losing 49-54. While disappointed with the outcome, the team could take pride in their resilience and the way they battled through adversity.
Layla King led the team with 17 points, doing everything she could to keep the offense afloat.
Ariella Polley added 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, while also playing strong defense.
Alexa King finished with 9 points, and Amara Sanchez recorded 8 points and 10 rebounds, showing that every player contributed in meaningful ways.
The near-comeback highlighted the Lady Broncos’ competitive spirit, and it was a reminder that they could overcome challenges when they stay focused and keep working together as a team.
Saturday: A Tough Finish in the 3rd Place Game
Saturday saw the Lady Broncos line up for the 3rd place game against Rouse High School for the second time in the tournament. Unfortunately, the Lady Broncos struggled early, scoring only 1 point in the first quarter. While they found their rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring Rouse and showing flashes of their potential, it was too little too late as they ultimately fell 38-56.
Alexa King led all scorers with 16 points, continuing to be a steady offensive presence for Lake Belton.
Both Ariella Polley and Layla King contributed 7 points each, doing their best to keep the team in the game despite the slow start.
The loss in the 3rd place game was disappointing, but the Lady Broncos proved they could compete at a high level, especially after overcoming such a difficult first quarter. Their ability to adjust and rally in the second quarter bodes well for their future games.
Looking Ahead: Stronger Together
Despite finishing 4th in the tournament, the Lady Broncos can take away a lot of positives from their experience at the Rouse High School Tournament. They faced tough opponents, including the host Rouse High School, Borne Champion, and Hutto, and they showed resilience in every game.
Layla King, Alexa King, and Ariella Polley were standout players throughout the tournament, while contributions from teammates like Amara Sanchez and Gemma Pierce highlighted the team’s depth and versatility.
Alexa King's efforts were noticed by other coaches in the tournament as she was awarded with an "All Tournament Award".
The Lady Broncos have shown they can battle through adversity, and their growth throughout the weekend was evident in the way they adjusted and fought back from tough situations.
As they head into the next phase of their season, the Lady Broncos will take the lessons learned from this tournament to heart. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, the team is poised for continued success. Fans can expect this group to build on their strengths, learn from their challenges, and keep improving as they push toward their goals for the season.
The Lady Broncos may not have finished with the title, but they left the tournament showing that they have the heart, drive, and skill to compete with anyone. And with that, they’ve set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
The Lady Broncos will be back in action on Saturday against Salado High School.
