Lady Rebel Kamryn Kent fights for a loose ball during Hays’ season-opening loss to Bowie. The Lady Rebs rebounded with a big win over Jefferson last Friday night. (Photo by Cyndy Slovak-Barton)
by JASON GORDON
Last season was definitely a transitioning time for the Hays Lady Rebel basketball players.
Not only did the Lady Rebs lose a group of nine seniors the year before who had made it to state in 2009 and made the regional quarterfinals the next season, but Hays High gained a new coach in Danny Preuss after longtime leader Donny McDonald decided to hang it up after more than 600 career wins.
The result was a 17-17 overall finish and a first-round playoff loss to Boerne Champion. But there were certainly signs of life as the Lady Rebels rallied late in the year to finish second in a tough District 27-4A.
Fast forward one year later, and Preuss said this year’s Lady Rebel team feels more like his own squad.
“There’s no question there was a transition period from Donny to myself,” Preuss said. “A lot of our coaching styles are similar, but I definitely have my own philosophy. This year’s team is really buying into that philosophy and the atmosphere around the team has been very positive and upbeat. We have a lot going for us.”
Although Preuss only has three seniors on his team – guards Nicole Alcantara, Mariana Sigala and Shannon Peace – he said he thinks the potential is certainly there for a successful run.
“I really believe in this team,” Preuss said. “I have 10 players on varsity and it doesn’t really matter who’s on the floor at any given time. They can all help us. We’re not losing much by subbing. That’s a good problem to have.”
After an opening-game loss to Bowie, Hays jumped on San Antonio Jefferson from the opening whistle Friday night, jetting out to a 23-2 lead. The Lady Rebs went on to a 69-15 blowout victory in which every player scored.
Jennifer Colonnetta had 12 of her game-high 15 points in the third quarter, Rachel Calabrese finished with 10 points, eight steals, eight assists and seven rebounds, and Jordyne Dugger had 10 points for Hays. Other Lady Rebs that tallied points against Jeffereson were Lindsey McCurdy (8), Peace (8), Alcantara (6), and Jill Borreson, Kamryn Kent and Lexi Flores with four points apiece.
“That was a very well-balanced attack where a lot of players did a lot of things well,” Preuss said. “We needed a win like that after losing our opener to Bowie.”
Hays will play in three tournaments this season, beginning this weekend at Dripping Springs where the Lady Rebels’ pool will consist of Cedar Park, Westlake and Killeen Shoemaker.
“We’re guaranteed at least five games this weekend, and that’s exactly what this team needs,” Preuss said. “This tournament will be a very good test for us.”
Hays will host the Rebel Classic Dec. 8-10 and play in the Wimberley Invitational Dec 27-29.
The Lady Rebels open District 27-4A play Dec. 12 at New Braunfels Canyon.
“I think last year our goal was just to make the playoffs,” Preuss said. “This year our goal is to make the playoffs and to see how far we can go once we get there.”
