Tyler High School won their second district championship in a row on Tuesday night, as they downed Lufkin by a final score of 71-22. The Lady Lions have won 31 consecutive district games, dating back to the 2022-23 season. Head Coach Bobby Reynolds has been a part of 27 of those district wins, having not lost a district game on the sidelines of Tyler High School.
“If you think about all the great programs in the past that have been associated with Tyler High, it's an honor to be in the same conversation as those who have come before us,” Coach Reynolds said. “I didn't come to Tyler with the expectation of setting records, I wanted to establish a standard that the players and community would be proud of.”
Last year's team finished their season with a 30-10 record and a perfect 14-0 district record. The Lady Lions took home the Bi-District title over Lufkin, and then the Area title over Lancaster, before finishing off their season with a Regional Quarterfinal appearance in Coach Reynolds’ first season.
“None of this would be possible without these young ladies buying into what we (the staff) are implementing,” Reynolds said. “They believe in us and we believe in them. As a result, we've been fortunate to win many games along the way.”
The program has been building for several years. Four-year varsity player Kalyse Buffin was a freshman on the 2021-22 team that went just 10-13.
“It’s been a bittersweet journey to be a part of,” Buffin said. “I think me stepping up my sophomore year and taking that leadership role took this team to another level. We established great chemistry and know what it takes to win. I’m beyond proud of this team and what we’ve accomplished.”
Coming into the 2024-25 season fresh off a deep playoff run, the Lady Lions had high expectations. They have won 18 of their last 19 games, and in district play, 11 of their 13 wins during their unblemished season have come by a margin of 17 points or more.
“This ride has been fun, and it’s exciting to see us grow every season,” junior Bralyah Miller said. “It has been amazing to be a part of this hard-working team. Despite its ups and downs, we’ve worked hard to get better every day. To only lose two games in three seasons isn’t easy, but we’ve done it. I look forward to continuing our journey together as we compete to go all the way.”
Tyler High School will represent District 10-5A as the number one playoff seed in the district. More information about their Bi-District matchup and location will be available in the coming weeks.
For more information, contact Reese Lannon at Reese.Lannon@TylerISD.org.