Harleton Lady Wildcats Crowned 2025‑2026 Girls Basketball Team of the Year
The Marshall News Messenger has named the Harleton Lady Wildcats the Girls Team of the Year for the 2025‑2026 season, honoring a remarkable campaign that saw the squad rise from underdogs to district champions.
Head coach Kerry Strong entered the year convinced his young group could surprise the established powers, even after losing several senior starters.
Early Tests and Close Contests
The Lady Wildcats opened with a dominant 39‑18 victory over Hughes Springs, but a five‑point loss to Grand Saline reminded them of the competition ahead. A one‑point defeat at the hands of Class 4A Athens, 56‑55, underscored the team’s resilience.
A one‑point win over Mount Enterprise, 29‑28, and narrow victories against Arp and De Kalb propelled the team into the conversation for a regional run.
The squad then turned heads with a wire‑to‑wire triumph over Class 4A Carthage, 44‑32, before dropping a heartbreaking 42‑41 decision to Jefferson.
District Dominance and a Historic Upset
District play got off to a rocky start with a loss to Union Grove, but the Wildcats rebounded to topple the previously unbeaten Hawkins, ending the team’s 2021‑2022 district streak.
A game‑winning free throw by senior star Belle Green on senior night sealed a 34‑33 victory over Hawkins, cementing an 11‑1 district record and the championship.
The momentum carried into the bi‑district championship, where Harleton defeated Mount Enterprise 38‑30, and later captured the area title with a 46‑42 win over West Sabine.
The run concluded in the regional semifinals, where Kenzi Hearron hit her first career three‑pointer and every player saw action in a 66‑20 loss to Martin’s Mill, finishing the season at 25‑11.
Coach Strong praised the team’s unity, noting that the collective effort, from Green’s clutch free throw to Hearron’s breakthrough, defined their historic year.