Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
Lytle came within three points of playing in the Alamodome this past weekend at the State Tournament as their season ended in the Regional Final game against Columbus 62-59. Lytle won their Regional Semifinal against Rio Hondo 69-48. Lytle finished its season at 27-11.
“Behind the great support we had in Seguin, we scored 31 points in transition and had 19 steals against Rio Hondo! Our defense was too much for the Valley-team to handle. We were up 35-17 at the half and never looked back. Fizz Hutton picked up 500 steals for her career here in Lytle she got the name ‘Pick a Pocket Fizz’!”
The Lady Pirates made it back to the Regional Final, or the “Elite 8” as Coach Wilson likes to refer to it.
“This time we knew we had a chance to advance to the dome if everything worked out. We knew we were facing a good Columbus team, but we felt our defense could get us past them.”
Lytle was down by three after the first quarter, 14-11, but Calyssa Sevier hit a big three-pointer that helped her team to a 29-25 halftime lead.
That momentum quickly faded as Columbus went on a 22-10 third-quarter scoring-spree to take a 47-39 lead into what would become the last eight minutes of the quarter for the Lady Pirates.
“We had a rough 3rd quarter,” was Wilson’s statement regarding that ill-fated eight-minute stretch.
Lytle was not going to give up the ship, however, and fought back to outscore Columbus 20-15 in the final frame.
“We took the lead with 1:40 left in the game, but we were in foul trouble. The first one to go was Katara then after we took the lead by one.”
Sevier fouled out moments later, followed by Cadee Martinez.
“Calyssa got the hot hand that brought us back, but she got called for a tick-tack foul and had to leave the game with 5 fouls. We are still up at that point, though, but then Caddie got called for a tick-tack foul as well. Now, three of our five starters are not on the floor.
The remaining two starters and reserves who were ready for the moment almost brought Lytle a Regional Championship.
“We still have a chance to tie the game, only down by three points. Fizz tried for a three, but it was short and time ran out.”
It was quite the season for the Lady Pirates. A season that saw them play a rigorous schedule in hopes that it would propel them to the Final Four in the Alamodome. The team came up just short of that goal, but created so many good memories for themselves, their coaches, and for the community of Lytle.
“All year long if you have watched these girls, we play hard defense and never have never had three starters fouled out of any game. To get some of the calls we got in a Regional Final game was heartbreaking. If you were in the gym you felt the heartbreak and saw the tears. This will be one of those games that will be talked about for years to come!”
The support that Lytle generated throughout the season was simply amazing.
“What I loved about this season is the support from the community. People always say Lytle has no spirit, well, we sure proved them wrong. I had alumni from all years calling and texting how proud they were of the team and that is what it is all about. To represent your community with pride and to see their excitement and having them feel good about our little town is amazing. This season may have come to an end but the memories will last a lifetime.”
Lytle returns seven players from this team for the 2023-2024 season, and Wilson is high on her 8th grade group that will be freshmen next year.
Even so, saying goodbye to seniors is never an easy thing, especially to a senior group that has put Lytle’s name on the map in girls basketball.
“I feel for seniors Cadee Martinez, Fizz Hutton, Mac Sessom, and Rose Scotello. For the last three years, they (Cadee and Fizz) have been part of a team that combined for more than 60 plus wins, 3 District Titles, back-to-back Regional Final Appearances, and 10 golden balls in all. I have to say that is an incredible resume. They gave everything they had and they will be remembered forever as the Lytle basketball team that made history!”
Big Thanks!
“I want to thank everyone that followed us all season, and for all the support. I will not personally thank anyone because I know I would leave someone off, but we know who you are! It was a great ride, but everything great has to end sometime…I just wish we would have had one more week.”
Combined stats
Calyssa Sevier had an incredible showing in the Regional Tournament this girl is the real deal 65 points 13 rebounds 5 assists 12 deflections 16 steals 2 charges; Fizz Hutton 26 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, 22 deflections, 12 steals, 1 charge; Cadee Martinez 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 deflections; Katara Whitfield 14 points, 18 rebounds, 1 block, 1 assist, 5 deflections, 1 steal; Amelia Martinez 2 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 deflections, 4 steals; Mac Sessom 3 points, 4 rebounds, 4 deflections, 2 steals; Arianna Garcia 2 points, 1 rebound.