End of an Era
Cinco's Bartlett retires after successful eight year run as head coach
Cinco Ranch's Eric Bartlett has retired as head coach of the Cinco Ranch basketball program. Bartlett was the architect of building Cinco's program into a state power over the last eight years, which included six state playoff appearances. The Lady Cougars won their fifth straight district championship under the guidance of Bartlett this past year, and were Regional Quarterfinalists for the fourth time in the past five years. His '07-'08 squad was the most successful in school history, as the Lady Cougars advanced to the Region III Final and sported a 30-8 record. That squad finished 44th in the nation in the Rivals.com 'Fab' 50 rankings. Bartlett was honored for that success by being tabbed the South coach for the annual TGCA All-Star Game in the summer of 2008. His '05-'06 outfit was ranked as high as 2nd in the state of Texas and 9th in the South Region by USA Today, finishing 32-4 on the year. Bartlett took over a Cinco program that in the previous year had gone 0-10 in district play and transformed the Lady Cougar program into a consistent state playoff contender year in and year out. During his eight years at the helm, nine Lady Cougars have continued their careers at the collegiate level.
Bartlett exits with 30 years of coaching service and a 24 year head coaching record of 468-292 (.616). His teams qualified for the state playoffs 14 times. In his eight years at Cinco Ranch, Bartlett's teams compiled a 165-77 (.682) ledger, including a 73-25 (.745) district mark, six state playoff appearances, and a 54 game district winning streak against foes from '05-'09. Also included in that mark are five straight district championships. Bartlett was voted District Coach of the Year four straight years from 2005-2008. Cinco's schedule each year has been littered with perennial playoff teams and was known as one of the toughest schedules in the state each year, something that prepped Bartlett's teams to be battle tested and ready come playoff time. Before his current stint as Cinco head coach, Bartlett spent the previous 22 years at his alma mater, Humble High School. He was head coach for his last 16 years at the school and his teams there compiled a 303-215 (.585) record, including eight 20+ win seasons and eight state playoff appearances.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clinch adds All-Region to accolades
Junior stalwart one of two underclassmen selected to prestigious list
Demi Clinch was named to the All-Region team for Region 3 in voting done by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC). The list of 20 players from the Greater Houston area was dominated by senior standouts, with Clinch and Nimitz sophomore Chrishauna Parker taking the other two slots. The 6'0" junior led Cinco in scoring at 15.0 ppg, while also collecting 4.5 rpg and 2.5 spg. Her versatility in being able to score from (way) beyond the arc and the low post created a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches. When fouled, she made opponents pay by hitting 80% of her free throws for the year (109-137). Clinch scored in double figures in 26 of the Lady Cougars 37 contests. She exploded during a season ending stretch where she scored 32, 34, and 25 points in a three game span which included Cinco's first two playoff games. Clinch was also named the Houston Chronicle Player of the Week during the last week of the regular season. She was also tabbed 1st Team All-District by 17-5A coaches.
TABC All Region Teams
Clinch's Game by Game Stats
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well Represented
Cinco nets five on All-District list; six more on Academic All-District
District 17-5A All-District Selections
Kellie Ros capped off an impressive junior season by being named MVP of District 17-5A in voting by league coaches. The junior and three-year starter was the catalyst for the Lady Cougars, who advanced to the Regional Quarterfinals and picked up another district title along the way. Ros averaged 7.5 ppg on 40% shooting, a team leading 4.1 apg, and 2.5 spg. She also picked up 23 charges on the year in being one of the leaders in the Houston area in that category. Ros saved some of her best play for the end of the season, as she scored in double figures in 5 of the last 6 games of the year.
Ros' Game by Game Stats
Demi Clinch was named 1st Team All-District following a standout junior season in which she averaged a team high 15.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and 2.5 spg. Clinch exploded during a season ending stretch where she scored 32, 34, and 25 points in a three game span which included Cinco's first two playoff games. Clinch also was named Houston Chronicle Player of the Week during the last week of the regular season. To add to her impressive resume, she was an 80% free throw shooter (109-137).
Clinch's Game by Game Stats
Tara Cioccia was named 2nd Team All-District following a solid junior season. Cioccia averaged 6.4 ppg, highlighted by a season high 22 points against McAllen in the McDonald's Invitational. She also had 7 steals against Pearland. Cioccia had 16 points against Bellaire and 14 more against FB Marshall.
Cioccia's Game by Game Stats
Brandy Dittert capped off her senior season by coming back from an ankle injury at the start of the season to perform well for the 5-time defending district champions. Dittert was part of three of those title teams during her career as the Lady Cougars went 81-30 during her varsity career. She scored a season high 13 points against Madison in a 81-69 win.
Dittert's Game by Game Stats
Megan Palmer capped off an impressive freshman season by being named 2nd Team All-District. Palmer burst onto the scene with a 17 rebound outing against defending state champion Cy-Fair and All-American Chiney Ogwumike early during the season and also grabbed 15 rebounds against Jersey Village. Palmer scored a season high 16 points against Richardson Pearce in the Bryan/College Station Tournament. She added double figures in scoring in 8 other games during the season. She averaged 6.9 ppg and a team leading 6.0 rpg.
Palmer's Game by Game Stats
Academic All-District:
Demi Clinch
Carly Dittert
Megan Palmer
Kelly Richard
Kellie Ros
Anne Marie Zuilhof
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Gilbreath named PAC-10 Freshman of the Year
True freshman also grabs spot on All PAC-10 third team
USC Press Release
PAC-10 Press Release
------------------------------------------------------------------
End of the Road
Lady Cougars fall to top ranked Nimitz, 62-41
Cinco Ranch saw its season end on Tuesday night in the Region III Quarterfinals, as nationally ranked Nimitz finally brought down its nemesis over the last three years, 62-41. 6'9" All-American Brittney Griner scored 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to pace Nimitz, while Demi Clinch scored 19 points for Cinco and also blocked 3 shots. Cinco started out fast, as Allison Drost hit two first quarter three pointers and CRHS held a 10-6 lead in the early going. But Nimitz took the lead and ended the first period with a 20-12 lead. Nimitz led 35-20 at the break, as Cinco could not find its shooting rhythm. Griner was able to take over in the 3rd quarter, as she scored 13 points to push the lead to 56-28 going into the final quarter. Kellie Ros added 12 points for Cinco to go along with 5 assists. She also had one block--the same number the 6'9" Griner had. The loss concluded the high school careers of two Cinco seniors--sisters Brandy and Carly Dittert. Nimitz will move on to face #4 Dulles, a 68-59 victor over #16 North Shore. The two will meet in the Regional Semifinals on Friday night, with the winner facing off against the Bellaire-Hightower winner for the Region III title on Saturday.
Game Stats
Katy Times Recap
Houston Chronicle Recap
Athlete's Connection Recap
UIL Class 5A State Playoff Scores/Schedule
UIL Class 5A State Playoff Bracket
----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAMILIAR TERRITORY
Cinco turns in gutsy performance to turn back Westside, 59-53
Lady Cougars advance to Regional Quarters for 5th straight year
Next up: Griner and top ranked Nimitz
Cinco Ranch advanced to the Region III Quarterfinals with a hard fought 59-53 victory over Westside on Friday night at Stratford HS. Demi Clinch scored 25 points and had 5 steals, and Kellie Ros added 12 points to go along with 5 assists. The two also combined to go 18-25 from the free throw line in the physical game. Westside post Donna Dikes had a strong game with 28 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Wolves. Cinco jumped out to an 18-11 lead after one quarter behind the play of Clinch's 7 points and Brandy Dittert's 4 points. Westside cut into the lead in the 2nd quarter, but three pointers by Ros and Dittert helped extend the Cinco lead to 32-22 at the break.
Westside had a big third quarter, outscoring Cinco 13-5 behind the physical play of Dike. She scored 10 of her 28 during the third stanza. Clinch picked up her fourth foul and the Wolves made a run to erase the lead in the last half of the quarter. After Westside tied the game at 35, Carly Dittert hit a layup that gave the Lady Cougars a 37-35 lead into the final quarter. The teams traded baskets during the final period, as Westside was aided by three pointers from Rachael Combo, Meghan Allen, and Ariel Jones. Cinco responded to every attempt by converting free throws on their end. The Lady Cougars were 11-17 in the fourth quarter at the charity stripe to help ice the win.
The Lady Cougars will next face #1 ranked Aldine Nimitz and 6'8" All-American Brittney Griner. Cinco has knocked Nimitz out of the playoffs the last three seasons. The game will be held on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. at Cy-Ranch HS. The winner of that game will advance to the Regional Tournament at the Campbell Center next weekend.
Game Stats
Katy Times Recap
--------------------------------------------------------------------
DEEP IMPACT
Clinch has 2nd consecutive career high with 34 points
Lady Cougars connect on 9 three-pointers in 76-52 victory
20-4 decisive 3rd quarter turns away upstart Lady Lions
Demi Clinch scored a career 34 points, one week after scoring a career high 32, to pace Cinco Ranch to a resounding 76-52 victory over Alief Taylor on Tuesday night in the Bi-District playoffs at Katy Taylor High School. Clinch was 10-18 from the field and 10-13 from the free throw line. Alief Taylor came out firing in the first quarter, as Princess Jeanmard scored 13 of the Lions 22 points. Cinco kept pace and was tied at 22 after the first stanza. The Lady Cougars finally got some breathing room late in the first half and extended their lead to 39-32 at the half. Kellie Ros scored 8 of her 14 points in the 2nd quarter to lead Cinco. The Lady Cougars erased all doubt in the third quarter, outscoring Alief Taylor 20-4 to push the lead to 59-36. Clinch hit three more triples to key the Cinco surge. The junior also contributed 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. Ros also enjoyed an all around good performance with 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 charges. Megan Palmer led the way with 8 rebounds, while DeDe Nwanguma chipped in with 5 boards. Tara Cioccia had 4 assists, including a nice back door feed to Clinch in the fourth quarter. Jeanmard led the Lions with 19 points. Alief Taylor concludes their season at 19-15. Cinco Ranch advances to the Area Round for the 6th straight year to face Westside at a site and time to be determined tomorrow. The Wolves defeated Humble 61-56 tonight at the Campbell Center in Aldine. Cinco defeated Westside in November in a game played at CRHS, 56-42.
Game Stats
Katy Times Recap
Dallas Morning News Playoff Preview
San Antonio Express-News Playoff Preview
TABC State Rankings
--------------------------------------------------------
Clinch wins Houston Chronicle Player of Week
Lady Cougar leading scorer honored for 32 point outburst last week
Cinco Ranch junior Demi Clinch is the Houston Chronicle player of the week. The junior is averaging 14.0 ppg going into Tuesday night's matchup with Alief Taylor in the Bi-District playoffs.
Houston Chronicle Article
---------------------------------------------------------
HERE WE GO (AGAIN)
Cinco streaks into state playoffs with 5th consecutive District title
Lady Cougars shoot 56% in throttling of Mayde Creek, 79-41
Clinch explodes for career high 32
Cinco Ranch was white hot from the field on Tuesday night, shooting 56% from the field in a 38 point victory over Mayde Creek. The Lady Cougars were paced by Demi Clinch, who lit up the Lady Rams for 32 points, including a 16-20 night from the charity stripe. Clinch also snared 8 rebounds, and added a pair of assists and steals to her big night. Cinco came out firing in their most productive offensive outing of the season, hitting 10 of 16 shots in the 1st quarter. With 5:00 left in the 1st half, Mayde Creek found itself down 33-10. That lead was stretched to 47-19 at halftime. Cinco was 16-27 shooting in the first half of play, which included a 6-12 effort from behind the arc. By the last minute of the third period, the Lady Cougar lead was 35 (61-26). Kellie Ros had 8 assists on the evening for the victors, while Tara Cioccia was 4-5 fromt the field. Cinco hit 11 three pointers, 4 coming from Clinch. Cioccia added two treys, as did Ros and Allison Drost. Both of Cinco's seniors, Brandy and Carly Dittert, enjoyed solid games on Senior Night. Brandy Dittert had 5 points and 4 rebounds, while Carly Dittert was 3-5 from the field for six points and also grabbed 5 rebounds. The Lady Cougar win was their fifth straight District Championship and sixth straight state playoff appearance dating to the 2003-2004 season.
The Lady Cougars will have to wait to find out who their first round playoff opponent is. Hastings and Alief Taylor are tied for the 4th spot out of District 18-5A, and will have a playoff later this week to determine who Cinco will play in the Bi-District Playoffs early next week.
Game Stats
Katy Times Recap
--------------------------------------------------------------
Eyes on the Prize
Lady Cougars one win away from 5th straight District championship
Cinco Ranch had four starters reach double figures in a 52-31 victory over Morton Ranch on Friday night at MRHS. Demi Clinch paced Cinco with a double double, 13 points and 10 rebounds. Kellie Ros and Megan Palmer each had 11 points, and Brandy Dittert added 10 points on 4-6 shooting. Cinco jumped out to a 18-8 lead after one period behind Dittert's 7 points. A 29-20 halftime lead ballooned to 40-24 after three quarters behind Palmer's 7 points. Clinch added 4 assists and 4 steals to her output, while Ros added 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Palmer grabbed 6 rebounds. The Lady Cougars can wrap up their fifth consecutive district title on Tuesday night with a win over Mayde Creek or a Taylor loss to Katy.
Game Stats
Katy Times Recap
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finishing Touch
Dominant play of Ros allows Cinco to gain revenge on Taylor, 48-36
Kellie Ros scored 12 of her 16 points in the fourth quarter to lift Cinco Ranch to a 48-36 victory over Taylor on Tuesday night and sole possesion of first place in 17-5A. The Lady Cougars broke open a close contest with 18-5 burst in the final eight minutes to move a game ahead of the Lady Mustangs with two left to play. Cinco also avenged a 54-33 loss to Taylor earlier in the district season. Ros used dazzling play on offense and defense throughout the night. She had 5 assists and 4 steals in addition to her game high point total. Demi Clinch had 11 points, including a back breaking three pointer in the fourth quarter that put Taylor away for good. Megan Palmer was 4-6 from the field and contributed 11 points, while Carly Dittert had a solid outing with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Cinco now controls its own destiny and can win its fifth straight district championship with wins in its final two games, or a win and a Taylor loss in their final two games. The Lady Cougars travel to Morton Ranch on Friday night to face the Lady Mavericks, 28-26 winners over Katy tonight.
Game Stats
Katy Times Recap
Athletes Connection Game Recap
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bombs Away
3rd quarter barrage of 3's turns back upset minded Katy squad
Demi Clinch and Tara Cioccia combined for five three pointers in the deciding third period that lifted Cinco Ranch to a 48-30 win over Katy on Friday night. The Lady Cougars outscored Katy 17-3 in the quarter, which started with a 21-21 deadlock and ended with Cinco up 38-24. Clinch started the spree with a trey at the top of the circle, and followed it up with two NBA range missles. Cioccia connected on two more triples to put the final daggers in the Lady Tigers. Allison Drost had a huge first half for the Lady Cougars (18-13, 6-1), as she connected on all four of her shot attempts, two each from inside and outside the arc. Cinco trailed for much of the 1st half, but Clinch's long two tied the game and beat the halftime buzzer. The victors were led in scoring by Clinch (16), Drost (11), and Cioccia (10). Kellie Ros had another dazzling night in the assist department with six helpers, while Clinch added 4 rebounds and 4 steals. Cinco Ranch will now try to exact revenge on Taylor, who handed the Lady Cougars their only district loss in the last four years. The two teams are both 6-1 in 17-5A play and will meet on Tuesday night at CRHS with the district lead at stake. The game is also "Favorite Teacher" night, as several members of the CRHS faculty will be on hand to be honored.
Game Stats
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Patience pays for Lady Cougars
Cinco sharp on offense in easy win over Seven Lakes, 47-27
Cinco Ranch improved to 5-1 in District 17-5A play with a lopsided victory over Seven Lakes on Tuesday night at CRHS. While no Lady Cougar reached double figures in scoring, eight different players joined the scoring fray for Cinco. The Maroon & White used crisp passing and ball movement on offense in wearing down the Lady Spartans man to man defense. Tara Cioccia and DeDe Nwanguma each scored 9 points for the victors, while Allison Drost added 8 points. Demi Clinch had a strong defensive effort with 5 steals and 2 blocked shots, and Kellie Ros had another solid game with 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Cinco led 25-13 at halftime and the lead swelled to 45-19 midway through the final period. The Lady Cougars are back in action on Friday night when they travel to Katy to play the Lady Tigers.
Game Stats
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cinco rolls over Rams in solid fashion
Lady Cougars look impressive in win behind play of veterans
Cinco Ranch finished the 1st half of district play with a 4-1 record due to a 62-41 victory at Mayde Creek on Friday night. The Lady Cougars received steady play from last year's cast that helped lead Cinco to the Region 3 Final. Demi Clinch scored 15 points, Kellie Ros 13, DeDe Nwanguma 10, and Carly Dittert 9 to pace the Cinco attack. The Lady Cougars jumped to a 32-14 lead at the break as Clinch scored 12 of her points in the 1st half. Kellie Ros was a perfect 3-3 from beyond the arc in the opening two periods. Mayde Creek tried to mount a comeback in the 2nd half, as they cut the Cinco lead to 13 at the end of the third period. Dittert scored 7 straight points in the final stanza to stop the threat, and also grabbed 5 rebounds, as the Lady Cougars opened the final quarter on a 12-0 run to push the lead to 60-35. Clinch littered the stat sheet with 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals to go along with her game high 15 points. Ros contributed 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals. Nwanguma 7 rebounds paced Cinco on the boards. Brandy Dittert, another key cog to last year's march through the playoffs, pulled down 5 rebounds. Cinco improved to 16-13 on the year and will start the 2nd half of their district slate on Tuesday night when they play host to Seven Lakes at 7 p.m.
Game Stats
Katy Times Recap
-----------------------------------------------------
Battle of Ranches goes to Cinco, 48-39
Lady Cougars cool off Bowens in 2nd half; improve to 3-1 in 17-5A
Cinco Ranch used a 13-5 fourth quarter to put away Morton Ranch on Tuesday night, 48-39. The Lady Cougars trailed for much of the first three quarters, but Kellie Ros' three point play with 15.6 seconds left in the third period staked the home team to a 35-33 lead that they would not relinquish the rest of the way. Morton Ranch's Kyndall Bowens came out firing in the first quarter, hitting 4 three pointers to lead the Lady Mavericks to a 18-10 lead. Bowens would score 17 of her 18 points in the 1st half. Cinco cut the lead to 25-19 at the break, and continued to chip away at the lead before Ros' big bucket at the end of the third. Demi Clinch led the Lady Cougars with 20 points, proving effective inside the paint as well as beyond the arc, where she connected on 4 treys on the evening. Clinch also had 5 rebounds and 4 steals on the night. Ros had a strong overall game with 6 assists and 3 steals, while DeDe Nwanguma controlled the boards with 11 rebounds to go along with her 6 points. Tara Cioccia went 5-7 from the field and scored 10 points for the victors. Leading rebounder Megan Palmer did not dress (sickness), but Allison Drost stepped into the lineup and had a solid night with 5 rebounds. The Lady Cougars are now tied with Taylor atop the district standings with 3-1 records. The Lady Mustangs derailed Mayde Creek tonight on a three pointer at the buzzer by Ashley Pfaff. Seven Lakes picked up their 1st win in district by defeating Katy. Cinco travels to Mayde Creek on Friday night looking to finish the first half of district play with a 4-1 record.
Game Stats
---------------------------------------------------------
Unfamiliar territory
Ice cold shooting stalls Cinco; Taylor severs 54 game district win streak
Taylor held Cinco Ranch to 26% shooting on Friday night and ended Cinco's 54 game district winning streak, the Lady Cougars first loss in district play since December 17th, 2004. Taylor's 54-33 win forged a four-way tie atop the District 17-5A standings, with Morton Ranch, Mayde Creek, Taylor, and Cinco all sporting 2-1 records. Cinco trailed at halftime 31-24, but the Lady Mustangs used a 23-9 second half, which included holding CRHS to just 2 points in the 4th quarter. Demi Clinch led the Lady Cougars with 10 points. Cinco will try and rebound on Tuesday night with a home matchup against Morton Ranch.
Game Stats
Katy Times Recap
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Slow pace fails to slow down CRHS
Lady Cougars methodically pull away from Katy for 20 point victory
Demi Clinch scored 16 points, had 7 steals, and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead Cinco Ranch to a 45-25 victory over Katy on Tuesday night at CRHS. Katy's half court offensive sets and slow tempo failed to slow the Lady Cougars, as they improved to 2-0 in District 17-5A. Megan Palmer's 6 first quarter points and Cinco's aggressive defense led to leads of 12-8 after one quarter and 22-10 at the half. Palmer finished the night with 8 points and 8 rebounds, while Brandy Dittert had a strong defensive showing with 3 steals. Katy was led by Abby Fletcher's 9 points. Cinco will travel to Taylor on Friday night. The Lady Mustangs are 1-1 in district after last night's victory over Seven Lakes. Game time is 7:00 p.m.
Game Stats
Athlete's Connection Game Recap
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tall Order
Height advantage lifts Lady Cougars to 54-32 victory
Demi Clinch and DeDe Nwanguma combined for 28 points as Cinco Ranch dominated inside the paint on Friday night in their district opener at SLHS. Cinco controlled the action in the first half in which they had 14-10 and 25-19 leads at the end of each quarter. The Lady Cougars defense and strong play inside allowed their six point halftime lead to expand to 48-26 early in the fourth period. Clinch scored 11 of her 19 points after intermisssion, and also grabbed 6 rebounds to pace Cinco. Tara Cioccia was 5-6 from the field, including two three pointes in the first half. Kellie Ros had 5 assists, and Megan Palmer had 4 steals. Nwanguma had 6 rebounds in addition to her 8 points. Brandy Dittert had a solid night with 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals. Seven Lakes, in their first 5A district game, was led by Jana Tucker's 13 points. Cinco Ranch improved to 13-12 with the victory, and extended their district winning streak to 53 games with the win. The Lady Cougars will face Katy on Tuesday night in their district home opener. The Lady Tigers were defeated by Mayde Creek 42-29 on Friday night.
Game Stats
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cinco can't finish off #19 North Shore
Preston's 4th quarter bombs key 24-2 run to end game
Ari Preston scored all 17 of her points in the 4th quarter, including 5 three pointers, to lift #19 North Shore to a come from behind 52-37 win over Cinco Ranch on Tuesday night at CRHS. The game was close throughout, with Cinco holding leads at the end of each of the first three quarters. A 23-19 halftime lead was stretched to 35-28 late in the 3rd quarter, and Preston's flurry of treys in the final eight minutes lifted the Lady Mustangs to their 17th victory of the season. All-American Lauren Flores scored 22 points to lead North Shore. Megan Palmer had 8 points and 5 rebounds, while Demi Clinch also chipped in with 8 points. Kellie Ros and Carly Dittert each had 7 points, as the Lady Cougars ended their non-district portion of the schedule with a 12-12 record.
Game Stats
Athlete's Connection Game Recap
-------------------------------------------------------------
Freshman Gilbreath shining for USC
Azizi scores 1,000th point for Southwestern
Alumni Update
Briana Gilbreath '08, in her freshman season at USC, has starred for the 8-5 Lady Trojans. Gilbreath's accomplishments through the season's first 13 games...
---started all 13 games
---leading scorer with 11.8 ppg
---leader in average minutes played per game with 25.6
---leader in FG's (60) and FG% (52.2)
---third leading rebounder (5.0/game)
---second on team in blocks (8)
---second on team in steals (18)
Stefanie Gilbreath '07 is sidelined for the 2nd straight year at USC with a torn ACL.
Natasha Azizi '05 scored her 1,000th career point on January 2nd, a 72-63 loss to Hendrix. The senior has four double-doubles on the year and is again leading her team in scoring for the 2nd straight year. Azizi was a third team All Conference selection during the 2007-2008 campaign
Shantel Nwanguma '08 is currently in her freshman year at Texas-San Antonio, where she has seen limited action. She has collected 5 rebounds thus far, as the Roadrunners are 6-6 on the season.
Stephanie Gurnell '05 is in her senior campaign at St. Mary's University. The team website does not currently have statistics on players.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Cinco's cold shooting lifts Sterling to 44-38 win
Lady Cougars miss 23 shots in paint, score just 10 points in middle two quarters
Cinco Ranch suffered its third straight loss on Saturday afternoon, 44-38 to Baytown Sterling. The Lady Rangers won their fourth straight game to improve their record to 10-12 on the year, while the Lady Cougars fell to 12-11 with the loss. Cinco, coming off a three day, five game trip to Bryan earlier in the week, never could get going offensively. The Lady Cougars led 21-19 at the intermission, but Sterling countered with a 19-4 third quarter to take control of the game. Cinco used flurry in the fourth quarter to pull within 4 points, but that was as close as they would get. DeDe Nwanguma led Cinco with 10 points and also had 7 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. Kellie Ros had 4 steals and took 3 charges in a strong defensive effort. Deshelle' Isaac led the Lady Rangers with 20 points. Cinco finishes up their non-district schedule with a 7:00 tilt against #14 North Shore on Tuesday night at CRHS.
Game Stats
---------------------------------------------------------------
McDonald's All-Star Invitational Recap
Cougars finish 3-2 in three day event
3rd Place Game
A&M Consolidated 47 Cinco Ranch 35
Consol girls take 3rd place in Invitational
Cold shooting doomed the Lady Cougars in a loss to the Lady Tigers. Cinco managed just 5 points in the opening period, and trailed 28-18 at the half. DeDe Nwanguma led the Lady Cougars with 11 points and also grabbed 7 rebounds in the loss. A&M Conslidated avenged a 71-60 loss to Cinco earlier in the season. The Lady Cougars will look to get back on track when they travel to Baytown on Saturday to face Sterling (9-12), winners of three in a row. Game time is at 2:00.
Semifinals
Bryan 62 Cinco Ranch 58
Lady Vikings advance on Marrero's 3
Demi Clinch scored a career high 25 points, but it was not enough as the Lady Cougars lost in the closing minutes to host Bryan on Tuesday afternoon. Cinco jumped to a 19-12 lead after the first quarter, but a disastrous 2nd frame allowed the Lady Vikings to go into halftime leading 38-33, courtesy of their 26 point outburst. The Lady Cougars came out after halftime to regain momentum, and led 50-42, with 6:50 remaining in the contest. Bryan chipped away at the lead, courtesy of some Cinco miscues, and eventually took the lead with about 1:30 remaining. Megan Palmer had a stellar game, with 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Kellie Ros had 7 points and also had 2 defensive charges. Bryan advances to the championship game against #1 Aldine Nimitz tomorrrow at Noon. Cinco will play for third place against A&M Consolidated at 10:30 a.m.
Quarterfinals
Cinco Ranch 55 Australia East Coast 26
In an odd matchup, Cinco raced past the outmanned Aussies in a 29 point romp. 11 different Lady Cougars scored, with not a single one reaching double figures. DeDe Nwanguma had 8 points and 8 rebounds, and Megan Palmer had 8 points and 5 rebounds. Kellie Ros contributed 4 assists and 3 steals.
2nd Round
Cinco Ranch 67 Richardson Pearce 36
Demi Clinch scored 18 points as the Lady Cougars cruised to the quarterfinals with a win over 4A Pearce. Megan Palmer had 16 points, while Kellie Ros had 11. Cinco was up 37-16 at halftime, and Pearce never threatened the rest of the way.
1st Round
Cinco Ranch 65 Mount Pleasant 49
Demi Clinch had 24 points, Allison Drost chipped in with 9, and Cinco advanced to the 2nd round with a solid victory over Class 4A Mount Pleasant. The Lady Tigers crept within eight points, 46-38, at the end of the third quarter, but the Lady Cougars sealed the victory with a 19-11 fourth period.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Cinco runs past Marlins, 81-69
Clinch leads balanced scoring effort in defeat of Madison
Cinco Ranch enjoyed it's highest scoring output of the season on Friday night in running past Madison in a non-district tilt at CRHS. Demi Clinch scored 21 points, but was hardly the only star for the Lady Cougars. Kellie Ros had 10 points, 5 assists, and 6 steals, and Brandy Dittert had 13 points to go along with 6 rebounds. Megan Palmer also chipped in with 13 points. DeDe Nwanguma had 7 points and 7 rebounds on the night. Madison had five players in double figures, led by LaTarsha McNeil's 16 points. Paris Carter netted 15 for the losers. Cinco had a 38-31 lead at the half, as both teams enjoyed success in the fast paced affair. Cinco led 57-51 after three quarters, and Madison cut the Lady Cougar lead to three, 71-68 late in the 4th stanza. Cinco scored 6 points in the final minute to ice the victory. The Lady Cougars return to action next Monday with a game against 2A school Chapel Hill (Mount Pleasant) in the 1st round of the Brazos Valley Tournament. Game time is 3:00 p.m. at Bryan High School.
----------------------------------------------------
***IMPORTANT INFO ON ATHLETIC CREDITS***
See attachment in 'Handouts' section for important info from THSCA (Texas High School Coaches Association)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Follow the Lady Cougars on MaxPreps during the '08-'09 season
Cinco Ranch Lady Cougars MaxPreps Page
Statistics are up to date for all 17 games as of 12/22/08
-----------------------------------------
3rd quarter stampede lifts Buffalos to 66-59 victory
19-0 second half run dooms Cinco
Fort Bend Marshall erased a 38-31 third quarter deficit with a 19-0 surge and then hung on to defeat Cinco, 66-59 on Friday night at Marshall High School. Cinco led 33-31 at halftime and scored the first five points of the 3rd quarter before their cold spell. Tara Cioccia led Cinco with 14 points, while Megan Palmer had 12. Porcha Jewell led the Buffalos with 19 points. The Lady Cougars saw their record fall to 8-8 with the defeat. Cinco will be back in action on Friday against Madison. Tipoff is 7:00 at CRHS.
--------------------------------------------------------
Cinco shakes off rust to pound Pearland
Palmer and Cioccia combine for 22; eight others crack scoring column in win
Megan Palmer and Tara Cioccia scored 12 and 10 points respectively, to lead CRHS to a 58-37 win over Pearland on Monday night at PHS. DeDe Nwanguma added 9 points, while Kellie Ros and Demi Clinch each added 7 points to the winning cause. The win moved the Lady Cougars back over the .500 mark (8-7). The Oilers jumped out to an early lead and actually led after the 1st quarter, 11-8. But it was all Cinco from there on out as Pearland dropped to 2-8 with the loss. Cinco will travel to Missouri City on Friday night to take on the Marshall Buffaloes in a rematch of last year's Regional Semifinal encounter.
---------------------------------------------
Quick start, hot shooting helps Cinco drill Angleton
Lady Cougars connect on 12 three-pointers in 60-32 victory
Cinco Ranch used 9 three-pointers in the 1st half to jump to a 39-15 lead, and cruised to an easy 28 point victory in their final game of the KISD Invitational on Saturday afternoon. Tara Cioccia scored 13 points, while Brandy Dittert and Demi Clinch each added 10. The barrage of threes was spearheaded by Allison Drost (3), Cioccia (3), Clinch (2), Dittert (2), and Kellie Ros (2). Other tournament action saw prep school #1 Westbury Christian take the championship with a convincing win over #1 Dulles.
--------------------------------------------
Three pointers "Clinch" victory for Cinco over Jersey Village
CC Carroll defeats Cinco 51-35; Cougars bounce back over JV, 51-40
Demi Clinch scored 20 points, and hit on 6 three pointers, to help lead Cinco Ranch to a 51-40 win over Jersey Village Friday afternoon. Megan Palmer grabbed 15 rebounds in the win and chipped in with 8 points. In their first game on Friday morning, #14 CC Carroll dealt the Lady Cougars a 16 point loss behind the shooting of Leah Lemaire (19 points) and Ashley Love (13 points). Cinco was led by Clinch's 13 points, while Kellie Ros and Allison Drost each netted 8. CRHS will wrap up day three of the tourney tomorrow and try to climb back to the .500 mark with a 12:00 tipoff against the winner of Angleton and Austin Taylor. The game is at the Seven Lakes 9th grade center gym.
-----------------------------------------
Cinco tames pesky Tigers, advances to 2nd round
Clinch scores 19 in 2nd half to awaken Cougars in 57-40 win
Cinco Ranch outscored Travis 42-28 in the 2nd half to pull out a 57-40 opening round win in the KISD Invitational on Thursday afternoon at CRHS. The Lady Cougars started off slow, managing just a 15-12 halftime lead over the Tigers (1-7). Travis was still hanging around, down just 33-27 after three quarters after Alexis Watson hit a three at the buzzer to trim the lead from nine to six. A 24-13 fourth quarter surge paved the way for Cinco (5-6). JR Demi Clinch scored 19 of her 21 points in the 2nd half, including 11 in the deciding fourth stanza. Watson led Travis with 15 points. Cinco advances to the 2nd round tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. against the winner of the Corpus Christi Carroll-Memorial game. #14 Carroll held a 13-8 lead in the early going against the 1-6 Mustangs.
----------------------------------------------
Cinco looks to continue hot streak in KISD Tourney
Bracket includes public and private powers
Cinco Ranch looks to get over the .500 mark this weekend with their annual appearance in the Katy ISD Invitational. Games get under way on Thursday around the district. Cinco will take on Fort Bend Travis (1-6) in a first round matchup at CRHS at 2:00. Among the powers that are in the tourney field are #1 Dulles (9-0), #10 Cy-Fair (5-2), and #14 Corpus Christi Carroll (6-1). There is a private school feel as well, featuring the state's top ranked prep school, Westbury Christian (18-0), and #4 Antonian Prep (6-2) out of San Antonio. Houston area home school HCYA (9-3) is also included in the bracket. Cinco is on the top half of the bracket with the likes of CC Carroll, HCYA, and Westbury Christian. Dulles and Cy-Fair would meet in the semifinals if both take care of business in the bottom half. The full tournament bracket is available in the Handouts section to the left.
Katy Times Tournament Preview
Players to Watch:
Dulles--6'4" SR Kelsey Bone--Preseason All-American (Undecided)
Dulles--SR Jasmine Henderson--Lamar
Cy-Fair--6'2" JR Chiney Ogwumike--Preseason All-American (Undecided)
Westbury Christian--6'6" SR Waltia Rolle--Preseason All-American (UNC)
The Woodlands--5'11" SR Amanda Anderson--UNLV
CC Carroll--SR Sabreena Danure--Texas-Arlington
-----------------------------------------------
Balanced Cinco pulls away from A&M Consolidated
9 players crack the scoring column in 71-60 victory
Demi Clinch scored 20 points, Megan Palmer 13, and Kellie Ros 10 to lead Cinco Ranch to its third straight victory on Tuesday night, a 71-60 triumph over A&M Consolidated. Ros scored 8 of her 10 points in the 1st quarter to stake the visitors to an early 18-10 lead. Palmer scored 6 points in the 2nd quarter, but the Lady Tigers scored 21 points to crawl within 35-31 at intermission. Eight different Cinco players got into the scoring fray in the 3rd period, as the Lady Cougars built their lead to twelve, at 57-45. A&M Consolidated (3-5) would cut the Cinco lead to 61-56 in the 4th quarter, but that is as close as they would get. Clinch also grabbed 8 rebounds, as CRHS outrebounded their counterparts 45-32, despite the presence of 6'4" Karla Gilbert in the middle. Gilbert scored 25 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, but it was not enough to derail the Lady Cougars. Cinco returns to action on Thursday in the 1st round of the Katy ISD Invitational against Fort Bend Travis. Game time is 2:00 at CRHS.
Bryan-College Station Recap
---------------------------------------------
Strong 2nd half allows Cinco to hook 'Horns
Nwanguma and Clinch lead way in 62-46 win over Dobie
DeDe Nwanguma scored 14 of her 20 points in the 2nd half, and Demi Clinch added 12 of her 14 after the break to lift the Lady Cougars to a victory over Dobie. The Longhorns managed to keep the game close through the first two quarters, trailing just 22-20 at the break. Megan Palmer led Cinco in the 1st half with 9 of her 11 points. Kellie Ros also added 8 points on the night, as the Lady Cougars won their 2nd straight game. Dobie was led by D'mesha Hewitt, who scored 15 points. Cinco will get back in action after Thanksgiving break, traveling to College Station to take on A&M Consolidated on Tuesday night at 7.
-----------------------------------------------
Cinco gets back on winning track, 56-42
Clinch scores 19, Lady Cougars hit 10 threes to top Westside
Cinco Ranch broke their three game losing streak on Monday night with a win over Westside in non-district action at CRHS. JR Demi Clinch scored 19 points, 12 of which came from behind the arc. The Lady Cougars had a strong second quarter and built a 27-11 halftime lead as six different players scored in the 2nd stanza. The 3rd quarter saw Cinco maintain their lead behind Clinch's 8 points and FR Megan Palmer's 7. Kellie Ros scored 9 points for the Lady Cougars, who travel to Dobie today to face the 1-5 Longhorns. Cinco also avoided their first four game losing streak since the 2002-2003 season with the victory.
--------------------------------------------------------
Lady Cougars look to regroup after tough weekend
Cinco finishes 1-3 in Texas Invitational, losing to 3 state ranked foes
After an opening round victory over McAllen, Cinco Ranch lost to #5 Bellaire, #7 Mansfield Summit, and #11 San Antonio Madison to drop to 1-6 on the season. #4 College Park steamrolled Cy-Fair 85-61 in the final to improve to 10-0 on the season. The third place game saw #13 North Shore get an overtime win over #5 Bellaire 63-61. Cinco has a quick turnaround with games Monday and Tuesday. Tonight Westside (3-1) visits the Lady Cougars, while Tuesday CRHS travels to Dobie (1-5) to take on the Longhorns.
McDonald’s Invitational Division 1 Bracket
----------------------------------------------
Cinco smacks McAllen for 1st victory
19-2 first quarter propels Lady Cougars to rematch with #5 Bellaire
-------------------------------------------------
State's powers converge in Pasadena this weekend
7 of top 13 teams in state rankings in McDonald's Texas Invitational
Cinco Ranch will compete in their first tournament of the ’08-’09 season this weekend, and they are included in a bracket loaded with perennial powerhouses. Cinco faces McAllen in a first round matchup on Thursday, and a victory in that game would pit the Lady Cougars against either #5 Bellaire or Klein Collins in the 2nd round. Also included in the bracket are #4 College Park, #7 Mansfield Summit, #10 Cy-Fair, #11 San Antonio Madison, #12 Pflugerville, and #13 North Shore. The combined record of the 16 teams in the field if you take last year's records is 440-119 (.787). 10 of the 16 teams had 30 or more wins during last year's campaign. The Lady Cougars face a McAllen squad that went 35-5 last season and advanced to the Region IV Semifinals. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. at Dobie High School in Pasadena.
McDonald's Texas Invitational Field of 16
Team
|
'07-'08 Record
|
Playoff Finish
|
Bellaire
|
36-2
|
Regional Quarterfinalist
|
Cinco Ranch
|
30-8
|
Regional Finalist
|
Clear Creek
|
23-10
|
Bi-District Finalist
|
College Park
|
32-5
|
Area Finalist
|
Cy-Fair
|
39-2
|
State Champions
|
Dickinson
|
35-5
|
State Runner-Up (4A)
|
Dobie
|
11-12
|
Area Finalist
|
El Paso Eastwood
|
30-6
|
Area Finalist
|
Klein Collins
|
19-14
|
Bi-District Finalist
|
LaPorte
|
18-15
|
Area Finalist
|
Mansfield Summit
|
30-8
|
Regional Semi-Finalist
|
McAllen
|
35-5
|
Regional Semi-Finalist
|
North Crowley
|
12-18
|
Missed Playoffs
|
North Shore
|
29-5
|
Area Finalist
|
Pflugerville
|
31-6
|
Regional Finalist
|
San Antonio Madison
|
30-8
|
Regional Finalist
|
For directions to the numerous game sites for the McDonald’s Invitational, click on the ‘Locations’ link to the left.
Official Tournament Website
McDonald’s Invitational Division 1 Bracket
-------------------------------------------------------
Cold spell dooms Lady Cougars
Freshman Palmer grabs 17 rebounds in 50-43 defeat to #10 Cy-Fair
Katy Times Recap
Houston Chronicle Recap
Athlete's Connection Recap
------------------------------------------------------
Bone, Dulles too much for Cinco
Lady Vikings prove worthy of #1 ranking, 78-41
Kelsey Bone scored 20 points to lead the state’s number one ranked team to victory over #18 Cinco Ranch on Friday night. Cinco trailed by just three, 22-19 after one period, but Dulles responded with a 22-9 second quarter to lead 44-28 at halftime and improved to 2-0 with the win. Hershira Boone-Rodgers also had 10 points for Dulles. The Lady Cougars were led by Tara Cioccia and Kellie Ros, who scored 13 and 11 points, respectively. Cinco will host #4 Cy-Fair on Tuesday night, in a rematch of last year’s Region III Final. Cy-Fair (1-1) was defeated by Hightower on Friday night, 61-58.
--------------------------------------------------------
Bellaire slips by Lady Cougars, 50-45
9 threes not enough to overcome Lady Cardinals
MaxPreps Box Score
Annette Davis scored 16 points, Courtney Dunham 14, and Zoe Rodgers 12 to lead #8 Bellaire to a tough non-district win over #18 Cinco Ranch on Tuesday night at CRHS. The Lady Cougars were paced by Tara Cioccia’s 16 points and Kellie Ros’ 15. Cinco trailed 21-15 after one quarter despite the hot shooting of Demi Clinch, who connected on 3 three-pointers. Carly Dittert and Cioccia also hit threes in the opening quarter as all 15 Cinco points came from beyond the arc. Bellaire managed a 30-27 lead at the break behind Rodgers 10 first half points. Cinco cut the lead to 39-37 going into the 4th quarter, but Bellaire was able to hold off any Cougar rally and notch the win. The Lady Cougars travel to Sugar Land on Friday night to take on the #1 ranked Dulles Vikings. Dulles dismantled Westfield on Tuesday night, 82-59.
------------------------------------------
Cinco Ranch ranked 18th in TABC State Poll
Dulles starts season at summit
Eight Houston area teams are ranked in the Top 20 of the TABC Pre-Season poll for the upcoming 2008-2009 season. Dulles starts the season with high expectations and a lofty number one ranking. The Vikings return All-American Kelsey Bone and a host of others to an experienced roster that was 34-5 last season and a Regional Semi-finalist. Defending state champion Cy-Fair checks in at #4 after losing All-American Nneka Ogwumike to Stanford, but returns sister Chiney around a strong supporting cast. The Bobcats will also be bolstered by sophomore point guard Cassie Peoples, an All-State transfer from Father Lopez High School in Orlando, FL. College Park starts the season ranked 6th and is led by the return of 4 All-District performers. Sixth ranked Bellaire returns Zoe Rogers and Annette Davis, and is the favorite out of HISD. The Cardinals finished 36-2 last year. #13 North Shore has high expectations after finishing 29-5 last year and returns all of their key components from a year ago, led by Lauren Flores. Challenging Bellaire in district play will be #15 Madison, who was 32-4 a year ago. Cinco Ranch checks in at #18 after advancing to the Region 3 Final and finishing 30-8 last year. The Lady Cougars will have to replace All-American and USC recruit Briana Gilbreath, but return five players who were key parts of their ’07-’08 success. Westfield carries a #20 pre-season ranking and will be aided by the return of Genevia Carter.
The Dallas/Ft. Worth area boasts 4 of the top 7 schools in the rankings. State semi-finalist Garland Naaman Forest, Duncanville, state finalist DeSoto, and Mansfield Summit all are expected to have superb seasons again. Irving McArthur and Plano West are also ranked.
San Antonio Madison and Converse Wagner check in from the San Antonio area, 9th and 12th respectively. Other teams ranked are Pflugerville, Pflugerville Connally, Lubbock Coronado, and Corpus Christi Carroll.
The 5A classification will have a new look this year as realignment changed the landscape of districts and regions. Region 3 changes included Katy ISD as its own district, while Alief schools merged with Spring Branch ISD. The Spring and Klein schools formed their own district, while Aldine and Humble are now joined together. Cy-Fair ISD is now in Region 2. Other changes saw state powers Mansfield Timberview and Rockwall drop down to 4A, while previous 4A stalwart Dickinson bumps up to 5A.
----------------------------------------
Lady Cougars set to embrace daunting schedule
Cinco Ranch Lady Cougars 2008-2009 Schedule
Cinco Ranch faces another daunting non-district schedule in the ’08-’09 campaign, taking on numerous playoff participants and perennial powers. The schedule is highlighted by home tilts against Bellaire, Cy-Fair, Houston Madison, and North Shore. Cinco will also travel to Dulles, A&M Consolidated, and Fort Bend Marshall, amongst others. The tournament schedule includes the prestigious McDonald’s Invitational in Pasadena, known as one of the top tournaments in the state of Texas year in and year out. The current field of 29 includes 21 playoff participants from ’07-’08, of which ten of those had at least 30 wins. Cinco will make their yearly trip after the Christmas holidays to College Station for the Brazos Valley Tournament, which includes several top notch programs annually. The Lady Cougars will also compete in the annual KISD Tournament, which will be hosted by Seven Lakes this year. Every non-district contest is against playoff teams from last year. The Lady Cougars will start their district schedule Jan. 9th against Seven Lakes. District 17-5A is now a KISD only district for the first time ever. The Maroon & White have won 52 consecutive district games and 4 straight district championships since 2004. Their last loss against a KISD team was February 10, 2004 against Katy.
Toughest schedule in the state?
Non-District foes, with record and playoff finish from ’07-‘08
Bellaire
|
36-2
|
Regional Quarterfinalist
|
Dulles
|
34-5
|
Regional Semifinalist
|
Cy-Fair
|
39-2
|
State Champions
|
Westside
|
19-12
|
Bi-District Finalist
|
Dobie
|
11-12
|
Area Finalist
|
A&M Consol
|
23-9
|
Bi-District Finalist
|
Pearland
|
18-12
|
Bi-District Finalist
|
FB Marshall
|
22-9
|
Regional Semifinalist
|
Madison
|
32-4
|
Area Finalist
|
Sterling
|
17-14
|
Area Finalist
|
North Shore
|
29-5
|
Area Finalist
|
----------------------------------------------
Lady Cougar Basketball: Reaching New Heights
The recent winning traditions of the Lady Cougar basketball program are well-known to the followers of Houston area and Texas scholastic basketball; four straight District Championships; three straight trips to the Region III Quarterfinals in ’04-’05, ’05-’06, and ’06-’07; advancing to the Region 3-5A Final in ’07-‘08; currently own a 52 game District winning streak spanning four years; averaging 30 wins per season over the last three years; ranked as high as 2nd in the state of Texas and 9th in the South Region by USA Today; and finishing the ’07-’08 campaign ranked 44th in the nation by Rivals.com.
On top of that, the Lady Cougars compete annually against some of the strongest programs in the state of Texas and Houston area. Despite the rugged schedule, Coach Eric Bartlett’s teams have compiled a 114-29 record (.797) over the last four years. The Lady Cougars have captured Bi-District and Area playoff championships each year in that span and advanced to within one game of the state tournament in Austin last year, falling to eventual state champion Cy-Fair in the Regional Final. The Lady Cougars have taken on all comers during Bartlett’s tenure, which has prepped the Maroon & White to be battle tested during district play and the state playoffs over the years. A&M Consolidated, Aldine Nimitz, Angleton, Bellaire, Bryan, Corpus Christi Carroll, Cy-Fair, Dickinson, Dulles, Fort Bend Marshall, Houston Madison, Houston Westside, Humble, North Shore, Pasadena Dobie, Rockwall, Spring, and Spring Westfield are just a sample of Houston area and state powers the Lady Cougars have tangled with throughout the years.
Last year’s ‘07-‘08 season saw the Maroon and White compile a glistening 30-8 record while garnering their fourth straight District title. The Lady Cougars then faced arguably the toughest path in the 5A State Tournament field, as their first three opponents sported a robust 88-16 record. Cinco took down Cy-Springs in the Bi-District round before taking on Aldine Nimitz and their All-American post, Brittny Griner. A 50-42 victory paved the way for a rematch with 36-1 Bellaire and their lofty #4 ranking in USA Today’s Super 25 poll. Cinco shocked the state and the nation by avenging a 44 point loss to the Lady Cardinals in the season opener. The Lady Cougars 50-48 victory catapulted them into the Region 3 Semifinals, where Fort Bend Marshall was the next victim in a 63-50 triumph. Cinco’s dream season came to an end in the Region 3 Final, a 49-41 loss to nationally ranked Cy-Fair. The Lady Cougars vaulted to 5th in the final TABC State Rankings while checking in at number 44 nationally in Rivals.com Fab 50 rankings.
Senior All-American Briana Gilbreath (SR) was tabbed in the preseason by the Houston Chronicle on their All-Greater Houston Team. This was just the beginning of the accolades the Lady Cougars would receive by the end of the year. In the classroom Kelsey Clinch (SR), Hannah Harris (SR), and Ezzie Sparkman (SR) were selected to the prestigious TGCA Academic All-State Team while Clinch, Carly Dittert (SR), Gilbreath, Harris, Sparkman, and Jessica Weiss (SR) were named to the Academic All-District Team. On the hardwood, 1st Team All-District honors went to Clinch, Gilbreath, and Shantel Nwanguma (SR). 2nd Team All-District selections included Demi Clinch (SO), Brandy Ditttert (JR), and Kellie Ros (SO). Due to the team’s success in district competition Head Coach Eric Bartlett received the District 18 Coach of the Year Award for the fourth straight year. Bartlett was also a finalist for the Dean Weese Outstanding Coaches Award and chosen to be the head coach for the South All-Stars at the annual TGCA All-Star Game in Dallas.
The post-season awards did not end there though. Kelsey Clinch and Shantel Nwanguma were both selected to play in the Houston Area Girls Basketball Coaches All-Star Game as two of the top 24 players in the Houston area. Clinch and Gilbreath were both selected TABC All-Region, with Briana being tabbed to the All-State Team for TABC and TGCA. Gilbreath was also selected to the prestigious Parade All-American Team and the EA Sports All-American team, while also being tabbed to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game and the WBCA (Women’s Basketball Coaches Association) All-American Game.
Two Lady Cougars signed letters of intent to play at Division 1 universities. Briana Gilbreath signed with the University of Southern California, where she will join sister Stefanie for the next four years. Shantel Nwanguma inked with the University of Texas at San Antonio.
The cupboard is not bare for the ‘08-‘09 season. Five players return that saw significant playing time from last year. Demi Clinch (JR), Brandy Dittert (SR), Carly Dittert (SR), DeDe Nwanguma (JR), and Kellie Ros (JR) all were integral parts of last season’s success. These returning players, along with a host of others from the sub-varsity teams that compiled a 61-5 (.924) record lay a very strong foundation to build on for the ‘08-‘09 campaign. All three sub-varsity teams captured District crowns for the second straight season, leaving the future bright for the Lady Cougar basketball program for this year and beyond.