Gone are the days of the Granger girls basketball team being viewed as an afterthought in the Granger ISD athletic program. Under head coach Kendall Cotten, the Lady Lions have transformed into a powerhouse, celebrating a second consecutive district championship after a gritty 45-33 road victory over Thorndale on Feb. 6.
The title marks the first time in school history that Granger has won back-to-back district championships.
Cotten, who took over the program in 2022, reflected on the growth of both the team and the community’s support.
“Before I got here, girls basketball was an afterthought. People didn’t use to go to the games, and now the gym is full,” Cotten said. “We’ve turned that corner where people want to see girls basketball. Our brand of basketball is exciting. I tell people all the time, bring your popcorn because we’re going to give you a show.”
Since his arrival, Cotten has compiled a 35-15 district record and led the Lady Lions to the playoffs in each of his four seasons. The program had not reached the postseason in nearly a decade before his tenure began.
Cotten credits the turnaround to stability and discipline.
“I’m down there with the junior high kids, and I have my hands on everything,” he said. “Before I got here, stability was unknown for Granger girls basketball. I told those girls I am here to stay, and we built the program and we built the culture.”
Despite the recent accolades, Cotten believes the standard has shifted. “Right now, in my opinion, making the playoffs isn’t good enough anymore,” he said. “We’ve made the playoffs every year. It’s time for Granger Lady Lions basketball to take the next step.”
Standing in their way is Shiner, a program Cotten described as a “thorn” in Granger’s side.
“I think we’re almost pretty even this year,” he said. “They do a tremendous job finishing at the rim. They’re well coached. What scares me is they don’t miss many shots underneath the basket, and when they do, they get a foul called. They have a rhyme and reason for what they do.”
Still, Cotten believes his team is ready for the challenge.
“We have a tremendous opponent in Shiner,” he said. “If we can get that Shiner stigma off our backs, we have the potential to make a run. If we figure out how to play better offense and take care of the basketball, we’re going to be a tough out in the postseason.”
For Cotten, the victories are meaningful, but the players’ joy means more.
“I’m just excited for the girls,” he said. “I put in tremendous hours of work behind the scenes, and I tell my team all the time that my reward is seeing the smiles on their faces at the end of games. I’m all about the kids and seeing them accomplish something they didn’t think they could.”
The Lady Lions will open the playoffs against Shiner on Monday, Feb. 16, at Smithville High School at 6 p.m.
