The Lady Mustangs playoff run came to an end Tuesday,  Feb. 19, when they were defeated by the Allen Lady Eagles 50-49. With seconds left in the game, the Eagles charged down the court which resulted in a game-winning rebound shot at the buzzer.

Throughout the season the Mustangs prepared physically and mentally to continue their success on the court knowing there were many great teams they would face throughout the season and playoffs.

“I feel like our team chemistry is probably the biggest thing leading us to success,” junior Adhel Tac said. “We are all sisters who get along with each other, avoiding self-conflicts. That love leads onto the court making us play well together,”

That team bond is set by leaders, such as Tac, and seniors Avery Crouse and Kayla Demus.

“Our chemistry has been great from the jump and every time we get onto the court, whether it be practice or a game, we are always going after it and making each other better,” Crouse said.

Demus and Crouse have been competing with each other since their years at Hudson Middle School and both started on the varsity team as freshmen.

“Going straight to varsity was definitely a challenge at first, but having Kayla there all four years has been really helpful because we’ve been in the same position every year,” Crouse said.

The experience they have gained from all of this time on varsity has bred them into a dynamic duo for Sachse.

“The competition level is a big difference,” Demus said. “In middle school you are playing girls who have never picked up a basketball in their lives, just trying out for the team. And when you get in high school everybody is playing AAU. They know their skill level, and the mental aspect makes the competition way higher.”

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is a youth sports organization that forms independent teams that compete against each other.

In the first round of they playoffs, they defeated Plano East 68-42.  The girls came out strong and at the end of the first quarter the team led 27-11.

“Plano East is a very good, aggressive team,” Demus said.  “They get after it on the court. They have a good press defense, and we had been working hard in practice to beat that press.”

Their first win gave them momentum going into the second playoff game Friday, Feb. 15, against Mesquite Horn. Part of their winning strategy comes from heavy game planning and research on their opponents.

“We have a scouting report which is a roster of the whole team. On it is their averages, height and also their position grade,” Tac said. “On the back are keys to winning such as limiting turnovers, winning the rebound game and playing four strong quarters.”

Horn proved to be a more challenging team for the Mustangs with Horn leading at the half 33-31.  The Mustangs pulled ahead in the second half with Tac scoring 24 of the points in their 67-50 win over the Jaguars.

Even with Demus and Crouse graduating, the team is in good shape to continue their winning tradition under the leadership of head coach Donna McCullough and underclassmen Tac, Tia Harvey, Jayla Brooks and Elizabeth Woods.

“When you look back on your senior year, you are thankful for the great position you’re in,” Demus said.