2/10/09  As the 08-09 high school basketball year comes to a close a group of three young Lady Buffs will take the court for their last regular season game, finding it their last chance to wear the black and gold for the home crowd. Tonight is Senior Night for the Giddings girls basketball team, a night of honor and remembrance.

While the Lady Buffs are blessed with a lot of young talent this year, the team will now prepare to release this set of senior leaders, a group who has helped to guide the young squad to a possible district championship and a run in the state playoffs.

Senior Buffs, Jennifer Roberts, India Edwards and Brittany Belyeu are true competitors who have worked hard for the Lady Buffs, putting in countless hours at practice, on the bus and on the court in an effort to see their team succeed.

Jennifer Roberts (#12)

Post player Jennifer Roberts usually takes the court in a unassuming, quite and composed manner - likely a mask she wears to keep her adversaries off guard. Jennifer is a tough, gritty athlete who has spent the year finding a way to battle against opponents who tower her in stature. Her methodical style of play allows her to deal with slight size disadvantages and her disciplined nature provides the route for her success. Jennifer has (probably unknowingly) worked to help keep her young teammates focused and grounded, constantly offering words of encouragement for them whether she is on or off the court.

India Edwards (#11)

Forward and post player India Edwards is a quick, agile asset to the Lady Buffs line-up. India's effort on the court can best be described as fast and scrappy. She throws herself (literally) into every play and puts forth an awesome effort in each game as well as at practice. While she isn't much in the way of size under the basket, she manages herself well with her quick feet and her boundless jumping ability. India has spent her year on the court with a positive attitude and has worked diligently to do her part to help the team win.  

Brittany Belyeu (#4)

Guard and wing player Brittany Belyeu has worked her way into a leadership role for the Lady Buffs by being a thinker, a communicator and a doer. Brittany has excelled at various positions in the Giddings line-up and in most every instance has achieved success. Brittany is never out-matched by her opponent because what she might lack in size or quickness she makes up for in court savvy and shear determination. Brittany works hard and will usually find a way to get her job done and help the team put points on the board. She has been a compliment to the team in whatever role, whether it be handling the ball or getting herself set to launch a three-point attempt.  

Tonight isn't the end for these Lady Buffs, next week a brand new battle begins as they venture down the state playoff path. These three ladies will finish their high school basketball careers as winners and (likely) more confident in themselves as young women.

Some of them will set their sights on spring athletics, as others concentrate on academics, graduation and college. But there's no doubt, as any former athlete will confess, these competitors will never forget their days as Lady Buffs, as teammates and as champions.