Wildcats remain dominant

Cypress Woods has not lost a District 17-6A game since 2014, but easy is the last thing coach Virginia Flores would call the district.

“Every win in our district is a big win,” Flores said. “It’s tough every night. We knew going into this it was going to be competitive.”

The defending Class 6A state champions are 8-0 in 17-6A play once again after a 66-55 victory over Cypress Falls on Friday night.

Last year, the Wildcats were rolling through the district on the way to a state title. This year, they have a different-look and have played in a few close games.

Cypress Woods had a 39-25 halftime edge after leading 18-16 at the end of the first quarter. Cypress Falls whittled the lead to seven numerous times and six once in the second half behind Joanne Allen-Tay- lor’s 17 points. But as Cy Falls coach Jim Stephens said, the Wildcats’ size made a difference.

“I was proud of our girls,” Stephens said. “They are a good team. They’re a great team. Probably the biggest team in the state without a doubt. We’re small.” 3.Cypress Woods’ front- court includes 6-9 Nancy Mulkey and 6-2 Cate Reese.

This is not last year’s Cypress Woods team with a seemingly flawless starting line-up that included Pepperdine-bound Erica Ogwumike and Tulsa signee Tatyana Perez in the backcourt.

Three of those starters are back, however. Along with Reese and Mulkey, Jasmine Williams roams the floor.

“We lost good players last year,” said Reese, who had 16 points in Friday’s win. “We had to figure out the team chemistry because it’s different this year. This year we have an inside game whereas last yearand wayshas will 17-6A.hamond Flores Cypressbeen inside.”at help Creekwe is 6-2. playinga had this said focus,Falls Cypressare the teamtied chemistryin and but Districtoutsidefor Ranch Lang-as whatsec- aland Woods5- Even Cy-Fair ownsif it seemsare the Cypress district,next at the tested.was against WildcatsFridaya Cypressnight’sare beinggameFalls team removed that is from only makingfour yearsa state semifinal. “It’s a double-edged sword,” Flores said. “I think we’ve got phenomenal coaches, phenomenal kids out here. So, if you are fortunate enough to make it out of our district, I think you’re very well-prepared for the playoffs. I think that says a lot about the type of kids and coaches we have here.”