The Maiden basketball team defeated Levelland, 55-34, on Dec. 17, taking its record to 6-10.

  “Beating Levelland was a very proud moment for our team since we’ve never done it before,” junior guard Robin Franklin said. “We’ve been close to doing it many times but never have.”

  The Maidens will face Permian tonight at 4:30 p.m. in Odessa followed by an appearance in Saginaw’s Whataburger Tournament on Dec. 27-28. 

  District will begin on Jan. 7 at Monahans. 

  “The toughest competitor in district will be Andrews,” senior forward Macey Duncan. “Our district is not very strong this year, so we are hoping to win district.”

  Senior guard Madison Carter has been battling illness and injury with a stress fracture in her foot. As the lone senior, she serves as the captain of the Maiden team.

  “I’ve always been the youngest on my other teams,” Carter said. “I’ve never really had to be the vocal leader before; it’s definitely a new role to fill.”

  The Maiden’s have formed a strong bond in order to play well and face any obstacles thrown at them.

  “One of many great aspects is that we are all leaders,” junior guard Bretlei Dominguez said. “We know how to pick each other up.”

  The team improves by watching film and correcting mistakes.

  “We watch a lot of film to correct our mistakes,” Carter said. “We play some really tough teams and spend hours in the gym shooting to prepare ourselves for what’s to come.”

  The team continues to  develop  new strengths such as keeping the ball moving to open up shooting opportunities.

  “Our major strengths are shooting from the outside,” junior post Taylor Carter said. “We also learned how to play together and that helps a ton.”

  The Maidens hope to get the best seeding they can in district for an advantage in the play offs. 

  “I expect our team to win district,” M. Carter said. “Winning district always gives you a good spot in the play offs. It makes teams wonder what they’re getting themselves into.”