Wylie East junior Morgan Jennings (23) attempts to maintain possession of the ball during Monday’s Class 6A Division II bi-district playoff game against North Forney. Photo by Kim Dill Higginbotham
By Mark Saldana
CADDO MILLS — The Wylie East Lady Raiders saw their season end Monday night, falling 35-27 to the North Forney Lady Falcons in a Class 6A Division II bi-district playoff matchup at Caddo Mills High School.
Wylie East entered the postseason at 20-14 overall and 12-4 in District 9-6A play, earning a playoff berth after a strong district campaign. Against North Forney, the Raiders battled throughout but were unable to overcome a pivotal second-quarter run.
The game was tied 10-10 at the end of the first quarter before North Forney found momentum in the second. After Wylie East briefly took a 12-10 lead, the Falcons connected on back-to-back 3-pointers to swing the advantage in their favor. Turnovers proved costly for the Raiders as North Forney built a 20-16 lead by halftime.
Despite trailing, Wylie East continued to compete in a defensive third quarter. Cori’yon Bolden provided a spark with a steal and coast-to-coast layup to cut the deficit to five. Sidney Sanders later converted a free throw to bring the Raiders within four, and Wylie East entered the final period down 23-19.
North Forney opened the fourth quarter with steady execution at the free-throw line and extended the margin to eight. Gracie Edge answered with a fast-break layup, and Sanders battled on the glass to create second-chance opportunities. Edge added another tough finish through contact as the Raiders trimmed the deficit to six midway through the quarter.
However, each push by Wylie East was met with a response from North Forney. The Falcons capitalized on key possessions late to maintain separation and close out the 35-27 victory.
After the game, Wylie East head coach Meaghan Hodapp reflected on her team’s effort and growth throughout the season.
“I’m incredibly proud of our girls,” Hodapp said. “They competed every possession and never stopped fighting. The heart and resilience they showed all season long speaks to who they are.”
Hodapp also credited her seniors and team leaders for helping establish a competitive culture within the program.
With the loss, Wylie East finished the season 20-15 overall, marking another strong year for the Lady Raiders program.
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