The Marble Falls High School girls basketball team wrapped up their season with a 63-51 loss to Jarrell on February 4. The Lady Mustangs fought hard, staying competitive for three quarters before the Lady Cougars pulled away in the final minutes.
A Close Battle Until the Final Quarter
Marble Falls started strong, leading 13-12 after the first quarter. At halftime, they trailed 28-26, with Jarrell gaining momentum after hitting a buzzer-beater just before the break. The Lady Mustangs kept pace in the third quarter, matching Jarrell’s intensity and heading into the final period down just 41-39.
“They hit a buzzer beater at the horn at the half,” head coach Adley Canales said. “We played even in the third.”
However, in the last eight minutes, Jarrell dominated with a 22-12 scoring run, securing the victory and clinching the District 24-4A championship.
Standout Performances from Jarrell
The biggest challenge for Marble Falls was containing Aniya Taylor, Jarrell’s sophomore guard and last year’s District Offensive Player of the Year. She delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 41 points, including:
- Nine 3-pointers
- 8-of-9 free throws
Her teammates Lamer Fitch (12 points) and freshman Erica Taylor (10 points) also contributed, but no other Lady Cougar scored in the game.
Growth and Progress Despite the Loss
Though the season didn’t end with a win, Coach Canales saw clear improvement in his team over the past few weeks.
“That was the most complete game we’ve played all year,” Canales said.
The Lady Mustangs applied everything they had learned throughout the season, especially the underclassmen, who had to adjust to the speed and strength of varsity basketball. Many of them were used to success in middle school and lower levels, but they realized that excelling in high school requires more than just effort in practice.
“Everybody is already doing that to stay even, at minimum,” Canales said. “(My players) learned how to compete and how to compete at a high level. There were no slouch games.”
Honoring the Seniors
Three senior players—Kenadie Cotton, Caity Johnson, and Kylie Roberts—played their final game for Marble Falls.
- Kylie Roberts was known for her fearlessness, always hustling for loose balls and leading the team with postseason experience.
- Caity Johnson showcased her versatility, making her a tough matchup for opponents.
- Kenadie Cotton played a key role in running the offense and providing strong defense.
Coach Canales expressed gratitude for their dedication and leadership throughout the season.
“They played extremely well,” Canales said. “I’m extremely proud of them. The season didn’t go the way we wanted, but they were always trying to do the right things.”
While the Lady Mustangs’ season ended in defeat, their growth and resilience throughout the year were evident. Competing at the varsity level requires more than talent—it demands experience, conditioning, and a deep understanding of the game. With key lessons learned and a group of returning players ready to build on their progress, Marble Falls looks forward to a stronger season ahead.
