Caddo Mills Girls Varsity Basketball: A Season of Resilience, Growth, and Promise
By Winter Sports Recap Team
The 2025 winter season for the Caddo Mills High School Girls Varsity Basketball team was nothing short of transformative. Under the leadership of Head Coach Candice Followwell, the Lady Foxes turned a season of early challenges into a powerful story of growth, leadership, and emerging talent. From a rocky start to a strong finish, the team embodied grit, heart, and a belief in the process that has Coach Followwell excited for what’s to come.
The Core Contributors: Leaders on the Court
Every successful team has its anchors—players who rise above expectations and inspire those around them. For Caddo Mills, that core consisted of Emeril Grant, Lynleigh Bentley, Aubrey Colwell, and Jailyn Gonzales—four players who defined what it meant to lead in their own unique ways.
Emeril Grant, the team’s dynamic point guard, was the engine that kept the Lady Foxes running. With unmatched energy, clutch performances, and leadership beyond her years, Emeril consistently made momentum-shifting plays. “She’s already the heartbeat of our team,” Coach Followwell said. “She sets the tone every time she steps on the floor.” Her goal of becoming a 1,000-point scorer by junior year is more than just a milestone—it’s a reflection of her drive.
Lynleigh Bentley brought a different kind of brilliance. Known for her high basketball IQ and consistency, Lynleigh became an on-court extension of her coach. She anchored the team in high-pressure situations and was lauded as the team’s best shooter and decision-maker. “She took a huge leap this year,” Followwell noted, “and became our glue player.”
Then there was Aubrey Colwell, whose story is one of perseverance and leadership. After suffering a severe knee injury in her sophomore year, Aubrey came back stronger, mentally and physically. Her toughness and mentorship of younger players made her an irreplaceable part of the team’s chemistry. “She led with grit and heart,” said Followwell, highlighting her role in both physical matchups and emotional support.
Rounding out the group was Jailyn Gonzales, the team’s defensive anchor. Undersized but undeterred, Jailyn routinely took on the toughest defensive assignments and embraced her role as a communicator and enforcer. “She tied our defense together with her effort and voice,” said Followwell.
A Season of Highs, Lows, and Turning Points
The 2025 season wasn’t without its bumps. The Lady Foxes experienced a mix of growing pains and breakthroughs that tested their resolve and maturity. “This season was a true mix of growth and grit,” Coach Followwell reflected. “There were highs and lows, but overall, I was proud of how the team matured and battled.”
One of the key moments that shifted the course of the season came after a tough district loss to Farmersville. That game became a wake-up call, forcing the team to reflect and regroup. “It made us rethink how we approached practice, effort, and accountability,” said Followwell.
From that point on, things began to click. With five games remaining before the playoffs, the girls found their rhythm, playing with newfound chemistry and confidence. For a team relying heavily on underclassmen, that mid-season shift was a breakthrough. “That moment was when it all came together,” said the coach.
Growth Stories: From Sophomores to Standouts
Coach Followwell was quick to point out that growth wasn’t limited to just the stat leaders—it was a team-wide phenomenon. “All four of our sophomores made major strides,” she said, crediting much of that development to Aubrey’s mentorship and the leadership culture forming within the locker room.
Lynleigh evolved into a vocal and strategic leader. Emeril continued to embrace the responsibilities of running the floor. Jailyn grew more vocal and composed in high-stress situations. Each player stepped into bigger roles and helped elevate the team.
“This group responded with toughness and togetherness,” said Followwell. “They never made excuses. Injuries, tough losses, pressure—they faced it all head-on.”
Senior Leadership: A Legacy of Resilience
With only one senior, Aubrey Colwell, the team was a youthful group, yet her impact was profound. As a vocal leader and emotional anchor, Aubrey poured into the program, setting an example of what it meant to compete with heart and resilience.
“She left behind a culture of hard work, accountability, and selflessness,” said Coach Followwell. “That will stick with the program.”
While the team will feel her absence next year, the tone she set will continue to echo in the team’s habits and expectations.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Lady Foxes Basketball
Coach Followwell can hardly contain her excitement for the future. With underclassmen like Emeril, Lynleigh, and Jailyn returning—plus several others who gained critical varsity experience—Caddo Mills has a strong foundation for seasons to come.
“They’re hungry, talented, and already showing leadership traits,” said Followwell. “The future is bright, and we’re eager to build on what we’ve started.”
The returning core not only brings skill but also a shared experience of overcoming adversity, making adjustments, and trusting the process—a recipe for long-term success.
Offseason Goals: Strength, Consistency, and Leadership
As they head into the offseason, the focus for the Lady Foxes is clear. “We’re working on getting stronger physically, improving decision-making under pressure, and becoming more consistent shooters,” said Coach Followwell.
Another key offseason priority is developing leadership across the roster. The goal is to empower every player to take ownership and help raise the standard of the program.
“We want to build leaders, not just good basketball players,” said Followwell. “That’s how you create sustainable success.”
Track Their Progress
For fans looking to follow the Lady Foxes and their journey, all statistics and game results are available on MaxPreps, offering a full look at the season's standout performances and team trends.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season for Caddo Mills Girls Varsity Basketball will be remembered as the year the pieces started to fall into place. It was a season defined not by a win-loss record but by the resilience, unity, and growth of a team that is learning how to win together.
Coach Candice Followwell and her team are laying the foundation for something special. With a solid returning core, an emphasis on leadership, and a hunger to improve, the Lady Foxes are not just building a basketball team—they're building a program with staying power.
Keep an eye on Caddo Mills. The best may be yet to come.
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