Mt. Calvary Christian Academy Girls Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Legacy of Excellence and a Bright Future Ahead
The 2025 winter season was one to remember for Mt. Calvary Christian Academy’s Varsity Girls Basketball team. Under the leadership of Pastor Frank Rice, who served as both Head Coach and spiritual mentor, the team enjoyed a banner year, racking up wins, developing young talent, and writing the final chapter of a successful coaching tenure. With a 23-5 record, appearances in five tournament finals, and two championship trophies, the Lady Warriors demonstrated that excellence at Mt. Calvary is more than a tradition—it’s a standard.
As Coach Rice prepares to transition to a new role as the Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, he leaves behind a program built on discipline, faith, and fierce competitive spirit. We sat down with him for our 2025 Winter Season Recap Series to reflect on the season’s highs, key contributors, and what the future holds for the Lady Warriors.
Senior Stars: Leadership on the Court and in the Locker Room
At the core of Mt. Calvary’s success were two standout seniors, Hannah Rice and Holly Brick, who led with both their stats and their example.
Hannah Rice, who averaged 19.3 points per game and an eye-popping 23 rebounds per game, was not just the team’s top scorer but the nation’s leader in rebounding. Her dominance in the paint was unmatched, often controlling the flow of games with her relentless pursuit of the ball.
“She led our team and the nation in rebounding,” Coach Rice emphasized. “She was the heart of our offense and a calming presence in close games.”
On the defensive side, Holly Brick anchored the paint with 102 blocks on the season, earning a reputation as one of the most feared defenders in the region. Her ability to protect the rim and shut down opposing attacks often turned the tide in Mt. Calvary’s favor.
“Holly was the ultimate defender,” said Rice. “We could always count on her to make a big block when we needed it most.”
Together, Hannah and Holly were not only statistical leaders but spiritual and emotional anchors who set the tone for a championship-caliber squad.
A Season to Celebrate
With a final record of 23-5, the Lady Warriors enjoyed one of their strongest seasons to date. They reached five tournament finals, taking home two titles—a testament to their consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
“We had a great season,” Rice reflected. “From start to finish, the girls showed up ready to work and compete.”
Their journey was marked by resilience and unity, with a team-first mentality driving their success on both ends of the floor. Whether it was a gritty defensive stop or a late-game clutch shot, the Lady Warriors never wavered in their belief in one another.
Rising Stars: Youth Movement Shows Promise
While the seniors provided experience and leadership, it was an eighth grader, Riley Tuten, who captured the attention of fans and coaches alike. Thrust into the crucial point guard role, Tuten showcased composure beyond her years, averaging 11.4 points per game and leading the team in steals with 3.7 SPG.
“Riley really stepped up,” said Coach Rice. “To run the offense and contribute as our second-leading scorer as an eighth grader is something special.”
Her court vision, defensive intensity, and poise under pressure suggest that she’s not just the future of the program—she’s already a major part of its present. Alongside Meredith Kennedy and other returning underclassmen, the team’s foundation remains strong for the coming years.
Seniors Who Set the Standard
Coach Rice emphasized the vital role this senior class played in shaping the culture and attitude of the team. Their leadership was not just seen in the box scores, but in the huddle, during practice, and through their approach to every challenge.
“Our seniors set the tone throughout the season with hard work,” Rice said. “In tight games, they were our calming presence. We could count on Holly to make a big block or Hannah to get a crucial rebound or hit a big shot.”
Their legacy isn’t just in wins or highlights, but in the values and work ethic they leave behind.
Transition and the Road Ahead
As Coach Frank Rice prepares to step down from his position with the girls' team, his impact will continue to be felt. Over the last four years, the Lady Warriors have averaged 17 wins per season, establishing themselves as one of the most consistently successful programs in their region.
Looking ahead, the reins of the team will be handed over to new Head Coach Janet Shirley, whom Rice believes is more than ready to lead.
“I’m confident the new head coach, Janet Shirley, will do a great job and keep the winning tradition going,” he shared.
With players like Riley Tuten and Meredith Kennedy stepping into larger roles, and the coaching continuity in place, the program is poised to remain a force.
A Legacy of Faith and Excellence
For Coach Rice, this season was not just a culmination of basketball success—it was a continuation of his mission to mentor young women both on and off the court. The principles of faith, hard work, discipline, and teamwork were cornerstones of his coaching style, and the results speak for themselves.
Now shifting to lead the Varsity Boys team, he will bring the same values and leadership to a new group of athletes.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season was more than just a collection of wins, tournaments, and standout performances. It was a reflection of what Mt. Calvary Christian Academy strives to be: a place where young people grow as athletes, as teammates, and as individuals under the guidance of caring, principled leadership.
The future is undoubtedly bright for the Lady Warriors. With a core of talented underclassmen ready to rise, and a strong foundation left by one of the most successful senior classes in school history, the program is ready to continue its tradition of excellence.
Fans can follow the team’s progress and player statistics on MaxPreps, but the true measure of this team goes beyond the numbers. It's in the camaraderie, the shared battles, and the enduring legacy of leadership and faith left behind by Coach Frank Rice and his seniors.
As one chapter closes, another begins—and Mt. Calvary Girls Basketball is prepared to keep climbing.
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