BURNET, Texas -- It’s been all about girls basketball this week in Burnet.
- Community held special send-off for team
- First time in school history playing in state tournament
The Bulldogs won their regional and qualified for the state tournament for the first time in school history. The community has shown their support with a special sendoff on Thursday and schools were shut down so people could attend the game on Friday.
“Buzz is a great word, lots of buzz in the community. The entire community is excited to be here and support our lady dogs,” said Burnet CISD Superintendent Keith McBurnett.
Burnet was taking on Hardin-Jefferson Friday afternoon in the 4A semifinals. The Bulldogs took the lead early and held on to it for the entire first half.
In the second half, Hardin-Jefferson was able to get a lead thanks to the play of Ashlon Jackson, who led her team with 13 points. Burnet still had a chance to tie in the final seconds but couldn’t get off a 3-point attempt and they end up losing 49-44.
Senior guard Emma Lewis scored 17 for the Bulldogs, while Hattie Blair had 10 points. Although they came up just short of a state title, it was still a special season.
“If you work hard enough and you’re committed and focused, you can go all the way to the Alamodome,” said Burnet head coach Rick Gates.
“Even though we did lose we can say we went to the Alamodome together and made a lot of memories,” said senior guard Paris Brinkley.
“It means the world. This is what everyone dreams of doing as a player and we finally did it against all odds,” said Lewis.