February 8, 2025, Lancaster ISD/Lancaster, TX -- In just one season, the regular sports fan and basketball enthusiast may not recognize the Lancaster High School Lady Tiger Basketball Team. It’s evident that a shift has occurred since championship head coach LeJeanna Howard was named head coach of the Lady Tigers for the 2024-2025 school year. In just a short time, she has transformed the girls' varsity team into a state-ranked playoff contender in their first year of UIL 6A play, which has created an exciting season for high school basketball fa
ns.
Skeptics criticized Lancaster ISD’s decision to hire Howard, whose issues with UIL during her time as the head coach at Duncanville unfortunately overshadowed her coaching success, briefly extinguishing her love and excitement for the game. However, since that time, she has learned, adjusted, matured, and is back on fire, leading the Lady Tigers on their "new era tour" in 6A high school basketball.
“This is definitely a new era for Lancaster girls basketball and one that I do not take lightly. Myself, my coaching staff, and my girls are aware of the historic significance of this season and we do not take our success for granted,” Howard shared. “We have worked hard to rebuild and establish a new culture within our program and we will continue to do the hard work until our goal of bringing a state championship title to Lancaster High School is accomplished.”
The Lady Tigers are currently ranked sixth in the state, with a defense that has held opponents to the lowest point total in Texas. In the second round of district play, they made history by securing their first-ever victory over the Duncanville Panthers with a hard-fought 45-42 win. This milestone not only establishes the Lady Tigers as a rising force in high school basketball but also gives them well-earned bragging rights over their coach’s alma mater and former team.
“It felt really good to get that win. The dedication to the work has been unmatched by these young ladies. They have adapted to my style and locked completely in. As anyone knows, to build anything it requires a team,” Howard said. “My coaching staff is remarkable and has worked tirelessly to continue to pour the confidence and mentality into this team. That has contributed a lot to our recent success.”
The Lady Tigers' impressive 
performance in their inaugural 6A season has left them with an overall record of 22-5 and an 11-2 mark in district play. Howard's influence is evident in the team's disciplined approach and execution on the court. Needless to say, the Lady Tigers have embraced her vision, resulting in cohesive teamwork that thrives under pressure and has brought out the best in the student-athletes.
“Going into our first day of practice, one of the hardest things to do was buy in and believe in a coach who you’ve never met before,” junior point guard Monique Phoenix shared. “But after the first practice, we all bought in and now we believe. We believe and walk in every word she says.”
Senior small forward Savanna Barnes echoed the same sentiments.
“Coach Howard has transformed our team by instilling a belief in our potential and a relentless drive to win,” Barnes expressed. “We've gone from the bottom to being one of Texas' top teams, and now, we’re focused on bringing home the state championship."
With the buy-in from her team, and the support from the entire school district and community, Howard is excited for the future of the Lady Tiger Basketball program.
“I am very proud and optimistic about the future of our program. My goals for the season personally was to remind everyone that I am the best,” Howard said. “I wanted to go where I could build a program from the ground up and now everyone can see what I already know and that is that our team has the potential to be great with continuous hard work and dedication.”
The Lancaster Lady Tigers wrapped up district play on Friday, February 7, with a 65-55 win over the DeSoto Eagles. With this victory, the team now shifts its focus to the postseason as they prepare for the first round of the playoffs against Killeen Shoemaker in a bi-district matchup on Monday, February 10, 2025.
First-Round Girls Basketball Game Details
Matchup: District 11-6A Lancaster vs. District 12-6A Killeen Shoemaker
Location: McLennan Community College, 1400 College Dr. Waco, TX 76708
Date & Time: Monday, February 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Ticket Prices: Adults - $6.00 | Students - $4.00
Be sure to get your tickets so you can cheer on the Lady Tigers!