Despite a narrow loss in the first round of the Class 3 District 10 tournament on Tuesday (Feb. 25), the Houston High School girls basketball team wrapped up the 2024-2025 season with double the wins of the previous year.
The No. 5 Lady Tigers led 25-22 at halftime and entered the fourth quarter with a 32-30 advantage, but No. 4 Willow Springs surged late to claim a 48-41 victory. Despite controlling the scoreboard through three quarters, Houston couldn’t withstand Willow Springs’ late surge.
Although disappointed with the outcome, HHS head coach Micah Lee praised her team’s execution.
“I am very proud of how the girls played,” said Lee. “We had a plan and they followed it to the T. There were just a couple mistakes we made toward the end, and some made shots for them that ultimately won them the game.”
Senior guard Lacey Cavaness led Houston with 10 points, capping her season with 328 total points (13.1 ppg) and 33 made 3-pointers. Senior forward Sophia Crites added 9 points. It marked the final game in a Houston uniform for Cavaness, Crites and senior guard Makinley Aaron.
For Willow Springs, junior Chloe Jones scored 22 points and sophomore Alexis Sigman added 12.
Both teams excelled at the free-throw line, with Houston converting 13-of-20 attempts and Willow Springs hitting 14-of-20. On the season, Houston shot 51.3%.
The Lady Bears lost their next game to top-seeded Thayer, who defeated Licking in the Class 3 District 10 Championship on Saturday (March 1).
Houston improved from a 4-22 record last season to 8-17, including an extra conference win (2-5, up from 1-6).
“I have seen a tremendous amount of growth from the beginning to the end of the season,” said Lee. “Even from last year to this year. We are making some big improvements. Now it’s time for a break, and then to really get back at it this summer to prepare for next year.”