TEMPLE, TX — The Temple Tem-Cat freshman basketball team continued their impressive run through District 12-6A on Tuesday night, leaning on a relentless defensive identity to secure a 33-15 victory over the Killeen High Lady Roos.
After a tight opening frame that saw Temple holding a slim 6-4 lead, the Tem-Cats blew the game open in the second quarter. Utilizing a suffocating up-tempo press, Temple held Killeen scoreless for the entire eight-minute period while racking up 10 points of their own to take a commanding 16-4 lead into the locker room.
Defensive Masterclass
The story of the night was Temple’s "harassing" defense. The Tem-Cats recorded 13 steals, frequently turning defensive stops into transition opportunities. This pressure prevented the Lady Kangaroos from ever finding a rhythm, as Killeen was held to single digits in every quarter of play.
Balanced Attack Led by Juarez
Offensively, the Tem-Cats showcased their trademark unselfishness. Six different players found the scoresheet, led by a standout performance from Kyleigh Juarez, who accounted for nearly half of the team's total with 15 points.
Temple Individual Scoring:
Kyleigh Juarez: 15 points
Cristina Garza: 6 points
Catherine Dunklin: 4 points
Hayden Williams: 3 points
Sha'Khyria Freeman: 3 points
Kimberly Serrano: 2 points
Coach’s Perspective
Despite the double-digit win, the game didn't start as smoothly as the final score suggests. Coach Taylor Sims noted that the team’s depth was the deciding factor when the starters faced early shooting struggles.
"This TEAM refuses to lose or get down," said Coach Sims. "No matter what the score is, they continue to play as one and lift each other up. We started the game struggling to score, but our bench really picked us up and gave us that punch of energy that we needed."
Reflecting on the season’s success, Sims added, "In my 20 years of coaching high school girls basketball, this is probably one of the most exciting and most rewarding seasons I have had. Just seeing these young ladies grow up and develop their skills in their own way is so very special."
Looking Ahead
With the win, the Tem-Cats improve to 15-4 overall and a stellar 4-1 in District 12-6A play. They will look to carry this momentum on the road as they travel to face Killeen Shoemaker this Friday, January 16. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 pm.
