Savannah Catalon suited up in her first varsity basketball game as the starting point guard as a freshman. Four years later, Catalon continues at point guard. With new freshmen getting lots of playing time, Catalon has a big task ahead with trying to lead this young team, while also maximizing her senior season.
“It’s more of a challenge leading this year as far as playing together and pulling people out of their individual habits,” Catalon said. “It’s coming together, I just have to continue focusing on my game while also helping out my teammates and making them better.
This year, there are three freshmen on the varsity roster. Because of injuries to multiple starters, all three have been forced to take on a much larger role than they normally would. Freshman Madison Crawford is aware of the pressure on her, but she feels she is ready for the moment.
“As one of the younger players on the team, I always look to the leaders to help guide me through the game,” Crawford said. “Really I just play my role. I’m aware on the court and my surroundings and if [the upperclassmen] need anything, I’ll be there.”
Even with a very young team, the lady broncos have had a solid season, propelling them to a playoff berth next week. They start off the playoffs against Waco Midway, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in Cleburne. Being in one of the toughest districts in the state, it took some adjusting to the first and second half of district play. With a win against Lake Ridge last week, they secured a spot in playoffs, where Catalon hasn’t lost before the third round her entire high school career.
“To turn things around, we had to take practice more seriously. Our first half was rough,” Catalon said. “I would say we play better when we’re playing more as a team, so throughout the year we got to know each other more and became a better team.
Catalon has her fair share of individual achievements, being a 2000-point career scorer for the Broncos, signing a full-ride scholarship to Seton Hall and others.
“My individual goals would be to break my charge record for the season and try to set the career record for points,” Catalon said. “But those come behind my team goal of making it to the playoffs, and winning as much as we can once we are there.
