Hahnville is building on its success from a season ago.
The Lady Tigers won 21 games last season and a share of the District 7-5A championship, and with a strong core group of returning players, 2019 was filled with promise. The team is making good on that, posting a 10-3 record over its first 13 games of the season.
The difference, said Hahnville head coach Arrianna Smith, comes down to one word.
“Experience,” Smith said. “I have four seniors, two juniors … we’ve got a pretty strong base. The girls have been working hard on the things they need to do to be successful. Of course, there’s still a lot to improve upon, a lot that can be done better. But this is a really talented group.”
Forward Yelah Moses has stepped forward as one of the Tigers’ leaders at both ends of the court. Moses made a big step forward and shined during summer league play, Smith said, and she’s set the tone for her teammates by playing with great energy and determination, especially at the defensive end. Pressuring the ball is among her specialties.
“She’s really stepped forward for us and has been key in our wins,” Smith said. “She’s playing extremely hard. That’s the one person who I’d say has been the most consistent player for us.”
Kori Joseph is another talent who is taking steps forward this season. And Kamryn Bartholomew, a year removed from a major knee injury, is rounding into pre-injury form.
“I think her confidence is back,” Smith said. “You have to push through that period where you’ve had that major injury, you’re worried something else is gonna happen … I think it’s returned for her. She’s a little older and more experienced now and she’s playing hard. She’s just gonna get better with time.”
In a 52-37 win over Lafayette, Joseph and Moses each scored 12 while Bartholomew added 10. And in a 60-39 victory over Mandeville, Moses led the way with 18, while Bartholomew scored nine and Joseph eight.
Hahnville began play at the Haynes tournament this week. The Tigers will see action Saturday and Monday as well, the latter date featuring a rematch of last season’s opening round playoff game with Northshore. The teams have played several times in recent years, with Northshore besting Hahnville twice last season, including in the first round of the 5A playoffs and in last year’s Haynes tournament.
Hahnville will square off with Destrehan Friday at R.K. Smith to open up district play.
“That’s always a great atmosphere,” Smith said. “You’d love to get off to a strong start with a win in that game.”
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