Edna Karr Girls’ Basketball Soars to New Heights in 2025: A Season of Growth, Heart, and Historic Wins
From the first whistle of the 2024–2025 season, it was clear that the Edna Karr High School girls’ basketball team was on a mission. Under the leadership of Coach Carl Antoine, the Lady Cougars turned heads with their speed, tenacity, and a hunger to win, not only improving their record from the previous year but storming all the way into the Final Four.
“This season went great,” said Coach Antoine. “We went from 14 wins last year to 28 this year. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident.”
It happened through talent, heart, and a relentless team-first mentality that carried the Lady Cougars further than they had gone in years.
Key Contributors: Stars Shine Bright
At the center of Edna Karr’s breakout season were two standouts who brought skill, leadership, and consistency every time they stepped on the court.
Cass Antoine, class of 2027, was nothing short of electric. Leading the team in scoring with 19.7 points per game, Antoine was a constant offensive threat, creating her own shot and delivering in clutch moments throughout the season. As an underclassman, her performance signaled that the future of the program is in good hands.
Joining her was Sanaa Bean, a class of 2026 player and University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) signee, who dominated the defensive end while still averaging 11.7 points and 9 rebounds per game. Bean brought a physical presence to the paint, consistently shutting down top scorers and controlling the glass.
“Sanaa was a defensive force,” said Coach Antoine. “She set the tone physically, and her leadership carried over in every game.”
Together, Antoine and Bean were the engine of a team that played with pace, poise, and power.
Season Highlights: A Final Four Run
The Lady Cougars more than doubled their win total from the previous season, finishing with an eye-popping 28 wins and securing a coveted spot in the state Final Four. This deep playoff run marked one of the most successful seasons in recent Edna Karr history.
While Coach Antoine did not point to a specific game as the defining moment of the season, the results spoke for themselves. Game after game, the Lady Cougars found ways to win, whether through gritty defensive stands or late-game offensive heroics.
With each victory, confidence grew. By the time the postseason arrived, Karr was no longer an underdog—they were contenders.
Player Development: Rising Stars Step Up
What made this season especially promising was the emergence of key young players who blossomed into major contributors.
Azelyah Henderson and Travion Stewart, both class of 2027, grew tremendously over the course of the season. Each brought unique strengths to the court and embraced their roles as the season progressed.
“They developed in real time,” said Coach Antoine. “They weren’t just filling spots—they were making plays, executing under pressure, and becoming vital to our success.”
This development, paired with standout performances from Antoine and Bean, gave the Lady Cougars both balance and depth, a key reason for their playoff run.
Facing Adversity: Staying Strong Through the Storm
While Coach Antoine didn’t offer details about specific injuries or losses, the final record makes one thing clear: when challenges arose, the team responded with grit and unity.
Whether it was bouncing back from tough losses or staying focused in high-pressure moments, the Lady Cougars relied on each other to push forward.
That resilience, according to Coach Antoine, was anchored by the leadership of the senior class.
“They brought heart and energy every single day,” he said. “That kind of leadership is what kept us together through the hard times.”
Senior Leadership: Legacy of Heart
Though the team will say goodbye to some key seniors this offseason, their impact will be felt for years to come. Coach Antoine emphasized the intangible qualities this group brought to the program: heart, energy, and a never-quit attitude.
“They set the tone,” he said. “Not just in games, but in practices, in the locker room, in how they carried themselves. They were the pulse of our team.”
This leadership laid the foundation for what comes next—and what’s coming is even more exciting.
The Road Ahead: Speed, Skill, and Serious Potential
Looking forward, Coach Antoine sees a bright future for the Edna Karr program. With key players like Cass Antoine, Henderson, Stewart, and others returning, the pieces are in place for another championship-caliber team.
“We’ve got a lot of speed coming back, and we’re bringing back the District MVP,” Antoine said. “That combination of experience and athleticism gives us a lot to be excited about.”
With so much young talent already producing at a high level, the Lady Cougars aren’t just poised for another good season—they’re building a dynasty in the making.
Next Steps: Defense and Mindset
Despite the tremendous success, Coach Antoine knows that there’s still room to grow.
“Our focus this offseason is defense and mindset,” he said. “We want to get tougher mentally and more disciplined on the defensive end. That’s what’s going to take us from Final Four to state champions.”
Improving on defense will be key for a team that already has the firepower to compete with anyone. With those adjustments, the Lady Cougars could become the team to beat in Louisiana next season.
Track Their Progress
For fans looking to follow the team’s progress, full schedules, stats, and game results can be found at MaxPreps - Edna Karr Girls Basketball.
Final Word: A Program on the Rise
Coach Antoine’s 2025 squad didn’t just win games—they rewrote the narrative. They proved that hard work, leadership, and belief can elevate a program from the middle of the pack to the top tier of high school basketball in Louisiana.
With strong returning players, experienced coaching, and a hunger to improve, Edna Karr’s girls’ basketball team is no longer a surprise success story—they’re a force to be reckoned with.
And if the last season was any indication, the Lady Cougars are just getting started.
 signee, who dominated the defensive end while still averaging 11.7 points and 9 rebounds per game. Bean brought a physical presence to the paint, consistently shutting down top scorers and controlling the glass.
“Sanaa was a defensive force,” said Coach Antoine. “She set the tone physically, and her leadership carried over in every game.”
Together, Antoine and Bean were the engine of a team that played with pace, poise, and power.
Season Highlights: A Final Four Run
The Lady Cougars more than doubled their win total from the previous season, finishing with an eye-popping 28 wins and securing a coveted spot in the state Final Four. This deep playoff run marked one of the most successful seasons in recent Edna Karr history.
While Coach Antoine did not point to a specific game as the defining moment of the season, the results spoke for themselves. Game after game, the Lady Cougars found ways to win, whether through gritty defensive stands or late-game offensive heroics.
With each victory, confidence grew. By the time the postseason arrived, Karr was no longer an underdog—they were contenders.
Player Development: Rising Stars Step Up
What made this season especially promising was the emergence of key young players who blossomed into major contributors.
Azelyah Henderson and Travion Stewart, both class of 2027, grew tremendously over the course of the season. Each brought unique strengths to the court and embraced their roles as the season progressed.
“They developed in real time,” said Coach Antoine. “They weren’t just filling spots—they were making plays, executing under pressure, and becoming vital to our success.”
This development, paired with standout performances from Antoine and Bean, gave the Lady Cougars both balance and depth, a key reason for their playoff run.
Facing Adversity: Staying Strong Through the Storm
While Coach Antoine didn’t offer details about specific injuries or losses, the final record makes one thing clear: when challenges arose, the team responded with grit and unity.
Whether it was bouncing back from tough losses or staying focused in high-pressure moments, the Lady Cougars relied on each other to push forward.
That resilience, according to Coach Antoine, was anchored by the leadership of the senior class.
“They brought heart and energy every single day,” he said. “That kind of leadership is what kept us together through the hard times.”
Senior Leadership: Legacy of Heart
Though the team will say goodbye to some key seniors this offseason, their impact will be felt for years to come. Coach Antoine emphasized the intangible qualities this group brought to the program: heart, energy, and a never-quit attitude.
“They set the tone,” he said. “Not just in games, but in practices, in the locker room, in how they carried themselves. They were the pulse of our team.”
This leadership laid the foundation for what comes next—and what’s coming is even more exciting.
The Road Ahead: Speed, Skill, and Serious Potential
Looking forward, Coach Antoine sees a bright future for the Edna Karr program. With key players like Cass Antoine, Henderson, Stewart, and others returning, the pieces are in place for another championship-caliber team.
“We’ve got a lot of speed coming back, and we’re bringing back the District MVP,” Antoine said. “That combination of experience and athleticism gives us a lot to be excited about.”
With so much young talent already producing at a high level, the Lady Cougars aren’t just poised for another good season—they’re building a dynasty in the making.
Next Steps: Defense and Mindset
Despite the tremendous success, Coach Antoine knows that there’s still room to grow.
“Our focus this offseason is defense and mindset,” he said. “We want to get tougher mentally and more disciplined on the defensive end. That’s what’s going to take us from Final Four to state champions.”
Improving on defense will be key for a team that already has the firepower to compete with anyone. With those adjustments, the Lady Cougars could become the team to beat in Louisiana next season.
Track Their Progress
For fans looking to follow the team’s progress, full schedules, stats, and game results can be found at MaxPreps - Edna Karr Girls Basketball.
Final Word: A Program on the Rise
Coach Antoine’s 2025 squad didn’t just win games—they rewrote the narrative. They proved that hard work, leadership, and belief can elevate a program from the middle of the pack to the top tier of high school basketball in Louisiana.
With strong returning players, experienced coaching, and a hunger to improve, Edna Karr’s girls’ basketball team is no longer a surprise success story—they’re a force to be reckoned with.
And if the last season was any indication, the Lady Cougars are just getting started.)
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