TEMPLE, TX — In a defensive battle that came down to the final possessions, the Temple Tem-Cats freshman basketball team closed out their 2025-26 campaign with a narrow 26-23 loss to district champion Killeen Shoemaker on Tuesday night at Wildcat Gym.

While the scoreboard favored the visitors, the game was a testament to the grit and defensive growth Temple has displayed all year. Facing a Shoemaker squad that finished the season perfect in district play, the Tem-Cats pushed the Lady Grey Wolves to the limit in a low-scoring, high-intensity affair.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

The game was a defensive stalemate from the opening tip, with neither side able to find much breathing room:

1st Quarter: Temple 3, Shoemaker 3
2nd Quarter: Shoemaker 9, Temple 6
3rd Quarter: Temple 5, Shoemaker 4
4th Quarter: Shoemaker 10, Temple 9

Key Performers

Kyleigh Juarez led the offensive charge for Temple, fighting through a physical Shoemaker defense to post a team-high 10 points. Sha'Kyhria Freeman and Hayden Williams each contributed 5 points, while Catherine Dunklin added 3 to round out the scoring.

A Season to Remember

Despite the loss, the Tem-Cats finish the year with an impressive 19-6 overall record and an 8-4 mark in District 12-6A, good for a third-place finish in a highly competitive field.

Coach Taylor Sims was emotional following the final buzzer, praising the culture and development of her squad.

"I am so PROUD of this freshman group of girls and the way they grew up as a TEAM the entire season," said Coach Sims. "I feel totally blessed that I had the opportunity to guide and lead them this year, and this will truly be a season I will never forget."

Final District 12-6A Standings

Killeen Shoemaker: 12-0
Midway: 9-3
Temple: 8-4
Killeen: 6-6
Bryan: 3-9
Copperas Cove: 3-9
Harker Heights: 2-10

With a solid foundation laid this winter, the future looks bright for these young Tem-Cats as they prepare to move up the ranks in the Temple basketball program.