For 32 games this season, the Canyon Lady Eagles looked every bit like one of the elite teams in Texas Class 4A girls basketball. On Friday night, they ran into the one team that may be standing on a higher tier.
No. 2 Canyon High School met No. 1 Decatur High School in the UIL Region I-4A championship, and the defending state champions showed exactly why they still hold that crown. Canyon never led as Decatur surged to a 62-43 win, powered by sharp perimeter shooting and relentless pressure.
This wasn’t unfamiliar territory for either program. A year ago, these same teams collided at the same stage, with Decatur pulling out a tight win on the way to a state title. This time, the margin was far more decisive.
Decatur’s offensive rhythm arrived early and stayed late. The Lady Eagles from Decatur knocked down 10 three-pointers, seven of them before halftime, turning what began as a competitive first quarter into a steadily widening gap. By the break, Canyon trailed 37-25 despite putting together a respectable offensive effort of its own.
The difference came in efficiency and second chances. Decatur repeatedly forced tough defensive possessions from Canyon, only to extend them with offensive rebounds. Those extra opportunities compounded quickly, preventing Canyon from building any sustained momentum.
Oklahoma State commit Oklahoma State University-bound Bralyn Peck set the tone immediately, pouring in 10 first-quarter points and finishing with a game-high 21. Her early production helped Decatur seize control before Canyon could settle into its preferred pace.
Even when Canyon found moments of footing, they struggled to turn stops into runs. The Lady Eagles closed within five points late in the first quarter, but never got closer than 11 after halftime. By the end of the third quarter, Decatur’s lead had ballooned to 53-30, effectively sealing the outcome.
Canyon’s offense never fully clicked. Senior Tai Wright led the team with nine points, but no Lady Eagle reached double figures. Credit belonged not only to Canyon’s off night, but to Decatur’s defensive versatility and discipline.
Adding an intriguing subplot was the coaching matchup between Canyon’s Tate Lombard and Decatur’s Drew Coffman, who once shared time at Midwestern State University. Their familiarity added another layer to an already anticipated showdown.
For Canyon, the loss closed the book on a remarkable season that saw the Lady Eagles finish 30-3 and dominate most opponents along the way. Seniors Tai Wright, Addison Cunningham, and Kambrie Graser remained on the floor until the final buzzer, a reflection of the resilience that defined the group.
