Category: Sports

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
Basketball season is upon us and the teams around county are raring to hit the court and showcase their skills. The Lytle Lady Pirates are itching to hit the hardwood this season and display the intensity and dedication they have on both sides of the ball.
Head coach Lori Wilson said the team will be exciting to watch this season. Wilson hopes to get into transition as often as possible but in the half court wants to play inside out basketball off the pick and roll.
“We will be screening and rolling and looking for our outside shooting,” Wilson said. “In the beginning we will try a little of everything and see what best suits the team.”
 This season, Wilson said she wants to be a lot more aggressive on the defensive side of the ball in order to create more scoring opportunities on offense.
“We do not have a lot of size so we need to create turnovers on our opponents,” Wilson said.
The Lady Pirates will be on the younger side this year, but Wilson is optimistic that they will mature into their roles on the court during a tough preseason.
“We will be a young team with only two juniors, three sophomores, five freshmen,” Wilson said. “Many of the freshmen will have to take on starting roles, I am excited to watch this team  grow as the season progresses.”
The Lady Pirates will have their first scrimmage on Tuesday, Nov. 4 against Pleasanton and on Saturday, Nov. 8 will play Marion High School at 11 a.m.

The Lytle Lady Pirates roster: #5 Lila Cortinas, #11 Mia Rollins, #15 Haylee Ward, #20 Zabella Garza, #21 Lilliana Gallegoes, #22 Landynn Guzman, #23 Loudyn Perez, #24 Gia Garza, #32 Aaliyah Rodriguez, #22 Cayleigh Smith

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
As football season comes to a close, sports fans can rest easy knowing basketball is just on the horizon. The Lytle Pirates are itching to hit the hardwood and look forward to the upcoming season.
Head coach Artuo Vela said this season, he plans to have the best of both worlds in terms of playing style. Vela wants the team to push tempo to get up and down the court but be able slow down the game in the half court when needed.
“We have the players, I believe to get us scoring in chunks but also smart enough guys who have been in our program to slow the game down,” Vela said.
Half of Lytle’s roster consists of seniors, Vela said the maturity they bring has ball players will help set the standard for how they play this season.
“Many of our guys are coming back from a Co-District championship team,” Vela said. “ We know the importance of setting the tone for the team through hard work, communication, and accountability on and off the court.”
Vela is most excited to for the opportunity to take over a established winning program and hopes to build upon the legacy of success the Lytle basketball has achieved.
“The tradition here in Lytle has always been to get up and down, everything starts with getting stops and playing super-fast,” Vela said. “The Pirate way has always been to sit down and grind it out.” 
Vela said the team’s philosophy is to play hard every possession and fully commit to the high standard they set. The Pirates want to hold themselves accountable and will be defined by their consistent effort, attitude and discipline.
The Pirates first scrimmage will be at home against Great Hearts Monte Vista at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10.

The Lytle Pirates roster: #1 Darius Garcia, #2 Chase Guevara, #3 Weston Jackson, #4 Jalen Rodriguez, #5 Lee Mills, #11 Clayton Jopling, #12 Seth Pierce, #14 Ethan Elizondo, #15 Antonio Castro, #21 Diego Reyna, #23 Dame Meija, #25 Marcus Medina

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
The Lytle Pirates had a thrilling match against the Crystal City Javelinas last Firday, coming up just short losing 32-28. In their last home game of the regular season, Crystal City mounted a comeback in the second half to edge out the Pirates for the win. Lytle enters the last week of the season with a district record of 1-3 and an overall record of 4-5.
Head coach Mike Trevino highlighted the Javelinas’ grit and determination despite being down at halftime. Stating Crystal City capitalized on some mistakes the Pirates made late in the game while the Javelinas made plays when it mattered the most…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!