03/09/2026
The Carrizo Springs Lady Cats finished the 2025-2026 season with an outstanding 32-4 record, marking it the most wins in a season by a Wildcats basketball team. They achieved remarkable success as District Champs, Bi-District Champs, Area Champs, Regional Semis Champs, and Regional Finalists reaching the State Quarter-Finals. Congratulations to the ladies on an amazing and record-setting season that showcased their dedication and skill on the court.
I asked Coach Bianca Hernandez a couple of Questions about this Record Setting Team.
1.) When did you know this team was going to be different and do something special?
*This past summer we had a big show of girls attend summer workouts. Two days out of the week, we worked basketball skills and drills. We were able to create 2 teams to join the Crystal City summer league. Our Varsity girls dominated and won the championship at the end. Thatās when we knew this team was special. The team chemistry started way before our season.
2.) Did you see it coming or was it a gradual progression during the season?
*It was a little of both. We knew we had to not only continue building our program from what we started 2 years ago, but we definitely had to prepare them mentally as well. That took time.
3.) Howdid the team grow throughout the season.?
*They started to hold each other accountable. No matter what grade they are in, if they are starters, or team captains- we are all equals, they make sure their teammates donāt slack. We were only as strong as our weakest link.
4.) Seems the girls were very team oriented and played extremely well together, are they a close team?
*Definately. 100%. We work on so much more than just basketball. It starts with trust. We have loud practices. If we donāt hear them call for the ball, call screens, or communicate- we run. They have to trust each other on the court from start to finish. Every decision that is made, is made as a team. They communicate so well with each other. We also do a lot of teambuilding activities.
6.) What game do you think tested their heart and had to dig deep and overcome it?
*Our home loss to Hondo. After beating them at their tournament and winning the championship at their house just the previous week, it really humbled us. We regrouped the following day, watched film, and worked on a few things we knew we had to fix.
7.) Winning 30 games is quite an accomplishment , how great is that for the program? Did you ever feel that was a goal that could be reached?
*To be honest, our girls never really counted wins. We knew we had two games a week. We prepared them and built up their confidence at every practice. As their coach, I focused more on their individual growth. When you have coachable and confident ball players, everything just comes together better. Before every game, I always tell them- āThe only way the other team will beat you is, IF YOU LET THEM.ā
8.) Tell me about your seniors and leaders.? How did they impact the others and keep playing even harder as the season kept going?
*Our two senior captains are Julianna Lira (Nana) and Arianna Rivera. These two girls exemplify the true meaning of heart and hard work. Although they were not starters, they show up every day and bust their butts. No matter what role you have on the team, you need to be the best at it. They celebrate the teamsā success like itās their own. They understand that leadership is about impact, not spotlight.
Paulina Lira is another senior that steps up to bring the girls together in huddle talk. She builds everyone up and prepares them before a game.
Melanie Davila is another girl that leads by example. Her natural ability to play the game, see the floor, and pass the ball have also helped this team be successful. She pours her whole heart into each competition, all the while making sure her team is included. She not only leads our district in points scored, but she also leads in assists. ļæ½
8.) And finally, asy our season kept going how did you take in each round you advanced?
*Like I stated, this is a very humble group of girls. I donāt think they quite fully understand what they have accomplished this season. Winning an area championship in girls basketball for the first time in Carrizo Springs history is big for our community. We started with the goal of making the playoffs again. As district went on, they knew that no one matched up with them if they stuck together and worked hard every day at practice because thatās where it starts. To us, itās just another game we get to play.
Our team motto is COMPETE.
By doing that not only on game days, but at practice, it sets the girls up for success in anything they put their minds to.
