Lady Cougars Surge Into District Play

January 12, 2025 – The Grace Community School varsity women’s basketball team continues to build momentum as the Lady Cougars have won five of their last six games since the Christmas break and currently sit ranked #10 in the state in the TABC 5A poll.

The post-holiday stretch began at the Hawkins Tournament, where Grace opened with an exciting comeback victory over the host team, pulling out a 46–41 win. Paige Gilmore led the charge with 26 points, 20 of which came in the second half. Macy Loftis filled the stat sheet with an outstanding all-around performance, recording 9 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, and 4 steals.

In the second game early the next morning, turnovers and rebounding struggles proved costly as Spring Hill handed the Lady Cougars a 49–23 loss. Loftis scored 10 points and Gilmore added 9.

Grace responded in impressive fashion later that day with a 43–27 win over Gorman. The victory was fueled by tough defense and strong rebounding, highlighted by the scrappy play of Jaci Whitson, who finished with 5 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals. Gilmore continued her scoring surge with 22 points.

On January 3, the Lady Cougars traveled to Austin for their first district matchup at Brentwood Christian. Grace jumped out to a commanding 12–0 start and never looked back, cruising to a 58–26 win. Gilmore posted a career-high 31 points while also collecting 13 rebounds and 6 steals. Loftis added 15 points, while Lilly Kennedy and Eva King each chipped in 6.

Last week, the Lady Cougars picked up two more dominant district victories. Grace defeated King’s Academy 50–6 behind 18 points from Gilmore and 9 from Rylee Phillips. On Friday, the team secured its second district win with a 75–10 victory over Cristo Rey. Loftis led the way with 24 points, including 5-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc, while also adding 9 steals and 6 assists. Gilmore recorded another double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Eva King contributed 7 points and 5 assists, Kennedy, Phillips, and Whitson each scored 8, and Emmy Hood added 2 points.

The Lady Cougars now stand at 15–8 overall and 2–0 in district play. Grace faces key matchups this week against Brighter Horizons and Brook Hill as the team looks to continue its strong run.