Tyler Legacy Head Girls Basketball Coach Ross Barber was honored as the winner of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches 6A Dean Weese Outstanding Coach Award. Barber, who just finished his ninth season coaching the Lady Raiders, helped lead the team to a district championship and a Bi-District Championship in 2024-25. He also surpassed 200 victories at Tyler Legacy and 300 for his career.
“What means the most to me about winning this award is that it recognizes all the efforts and hard work put forth by our players and coaches,” Coach Barber said. “This is not possible without the dedication of the program. I am so proud of what we have accomplished in one year. We are not a program that is ok with mediocrity, and we always want to represent ourselves, our families, Tyler Legacy High School, Tyler ISD, and the City of Tyler to the best of our ability.”
Tyler Legacy had a superb turnaround season this winter. After winning three district games last season, the Lady Raiders ran the table this season. They finished with a 30-4 overall record, an 11-1 district record, and a Bi-District Championship victory over Wylie. Tyler Legacy was also ranked within the top 25 of the TABC 6A Poll for most of the season.
The Lady Raiders were well-represented in post-season awards, both on and off the court. Senior Senoj Jones won District MVP, and sophomore Zareya Ceasar won Sixth Woman of the Year to lead the way in voting. Senior Shanaya Shaw and sophomore Holland Pine both landed on the 6A-10 First Team, senior Zion Smith, sophomore DeCalia Bailey, and junior Nichole Baldwin landed on the Second Team, while juniors Madison Farmer and Grace Mills were both named honorable mention. Leading the way in the classroom as well, 12 players on the team made the 10-6A Academic All-District team.
“Our coaches have worked so hard to bring a basketball program to Tyler Legacy that players, families, leadership, and alumni can be proud of,” said Barber. “For the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches to recognize our hard work and dedication to that means the world to me. There are many great programs in the state led by great coaches, so it is a true honor to receive this award.”
For more information, contact Reese Lannon at Reese.Lannon@TylerISD.org.