LADY EAGLES ROLL PAST LITTLE RIVER-ACADEMY IN SEASON OPENER

Opening night brought plenty of energy to Salado, and the Lady Eagles delivered a performance that set the tone for the season. Little River-Academy came in as the defending district champions after a perfect 12–0 run last year, but Salado refused to let that history dictate the pace of this new beginning.

From the start, both teams played fast, physical basketball. Academy jumped out early, using their speed to force turnovers and create open looks. Even so, Salado’s senior leadership quickly became noticeable. Riley Guthrie attacked the basket with confidence and lived at the free throw line, keeping the Lady Eagles within striking distance during a first quarter full of quick scoring swings and tied-up possessions.

As the game settled, Salado’s defense tightened. Jenna Goodman and Addy McCoin created problems at the perimeter, Brianna Tutor disrupted passing lanes inside, and the Eagles slowly turned their stops into points. By halftime, a perfectly drawn up inbounds play allowed Jemma Camp to beat the buzzer, bringing Salado back within one at 24–23. The momentum had started to shift.

The second half belonged to Salado.

Guthrie opened the third quarter with more strong drives, and the Lady Eagles started to control the boards. Then came one of the biggest turning points: a burst of three-point shooting that broke the game open. Morgan Riggs knocked down a huge three to ignite the crowd, and junior Ava Uranga followed with back-to-back deep shots that stretched the lead and sent the gym into full celebration mode. Camp added another three on the next possession, and suddenly Salado had full command.

From that point on, the Lady Eagles didn’t let up. Karlee Konarik pushed the pace in transition, Tutor finished strong inside, and the defense continued to force turnovers that led to easy baskets. Salado outscored Little River-Academy 42–10 in the second half, putting together one of their most complete stretches of basketball in recent memory.

In the closing minutes, Salado emptied the bench, yet the effort never dipped. Strong rebounding, quick hands in the passing lanes, and smart ball movement carried them to the final horn.

FINAL SCORE: Salado Lady Eagles 65, Little River Academy 34

It was an impressive opener for a team blending senior leadership, tough defense, and young talent finding confidence early. With the first win in the books, the Lady Eagles start the season 1–0 and send a message that they’re ready to challenge for their place at the top of the district.