Ulysses Tigers hosted the Sublette Larks December 2, for a high-energy night of basketball that set an exciting tone for the season ahead. The evening began with the Junior Varsity Boys match-up, which ended in a hard-fought two-point loss for the Ulysses JV squad.
After the Tiger Pep Band performed the Star-Spangled Banner, the Girls Varsity team took the floor. This year’s Lady Tigers are coached by Edeka Hauser and Gina Ballesteros, with seniors #3 Yoselyn Lerma and #11 Catalina Molina on the roster. Team managers are Layla Eddie and Bella Kratzer.
From the opening tip off, the Lady Tigers controlled the pace. Although Ulysses took an early lead, the Lady Larks battled throughout all four quarters, energizing fans on both sides of the gym. When the final buzzer sounded, Ulysses secured a commanding 47–14 victory.
During intermission, the crowd quieted as the Ulysses High School Concert Choir delivered a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Moments later, the boys varsity starters stepped onto the court. This year’s team is coached by Matt Cox, Shane Browning, and Jeremiah Wise, with seniors #2 Jorge Aguilar and #5 Julian Meraz. Managers include Paige Aldrich, Lilli Truly, Hailee Browning, and Taylee Delay.
The Tigers came out strong, taking a 15-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Sublette mounted a brief rally, but Ulysses maintained control and finished the night with a 63–44 win.
Throughout both games, the UHS Cheerleaders and Pep Band kept the gym energized, adding to the electric atmosphere. The girls and boys teams showcased strong teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination, putting together well-earned victories to launch their season.
Following the game, Girls Head Coach Edeka Hauser shared her excitement:
“I'm so excited to be the new head coach for the Ulysses High School girls basketball team. It has been my goal since I graduated from Ulysses—let's just say a few years ago—to come back to this community and give back to this program. Some of my favorite memories of high school come from playing in front of this community. Having a hometown girl, Gina Ballesteros, as my assistant makes it even better.
"This year we have a great group of girls out for basketball. I have a strong group of upperclassman and they do an amazing job of being leaders on and off the court. We also have some bright spots in our underclassmen to continue to build our program. My biggest goal for this year is to compete in every game we play. If we can move our team in the right direction and come out everyday to get better then the winning part will come.”
She added the team is focused on finishing strong at the basket, making smart shot choices, and continuing to build confidence.
“These girls have been so easy to work with and coach-able for Gina and I, and I think they are having some fun in the process. We will continue to work, and hopefully this season will bring a new spark to the Lady Tiger team!” Hauser said.
Fans in the crowd, players on the court, and Tiger supporters listening from home all shared the same sentiment: it was an exciting night of basketball, and these early wins are exactly what the Tigers needed for a strong start to their season.
Go Tigers!
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here