Bastrop High School Girls Basketball: A Historic Turnaround in 2025 Under Coach La Barbera Roberson
The 2025 winter season marked a remarkable chapter for the Bastrop High School Girls Basketball team, led by Head Coach La Barbera Roberson in just her second year at the helm. From a program that struggled through rebuilding to one that made school history with an incredible 34-5 record, the team’s transformation is a testament to hard work, leadership, and a culture reborn.
Coach Roberson’s commitment to instilling discipline, resilience, and teamwork has turned the Lady Bears into a force to be reckoned with, on and off the court. In a comprehensive interview for the 2025 Winter Season Recap Article Series, she shared insights on the team’s standout players, defining moments, challenges overcome, and the bright future ahead.
Key Contributors: Leaders Who Made It Happen
Coach Roberson highlighted a deep roster of talented players who contributed significantly to the team’s success.
At the heart of the team was Neveah Jones, a senior center/post player who dominated near the basket despite often being double- or triple-teamed. Jones led the team in rebounds and blocked shots, while also providing invaluable leadership by encouraging and motivating her teammates. “Great team player!” Roberson remarked.
Another senior, Alaysia Williams, demonstrated her versatility by filling multiple roles—from forward to guard to point guard—especially stepping up when fellow teammate Zo’Nai Cook was sidelined due to injury. Williams’s “never give up spirit and willingness to do whatever the team needed made her a dependable presence.
Defensive tenacity came from senior guard Paytin Greene, who was recognized as the best defender in their district. Her aggressive full-court defense and ability to force turnovers energized the team. Greene also developed unexpected offensive skills, becoming a reliable shooter.
Senior guard Yesli Mato-Crino contributed leadership and energy, always pushing the team in practice and serving as a vocal motivator. Juniors like Keyaria Limeul showcased both scoring prowess and defensive skill, regularly shutting down opponents’ top scorers and mentoring younger players. Limeul’s accurate shooting from beyond the arc added a lethal weapon for the Lady Bears.
Junior Kenadee Lawhon excelled as a shooting guard with a specialty in three-pointers, nearing a career milestone of 1,000 points, while sophomore post player Keelyn Johnson provided strong rebounding and shot-blocking off the bench.
Freshmen also made a big impact. Zo’Nai Cook led as the point guard and team “brain” until her unfortunate ACL injury in December. Meanwhile, Kennedi Clemons earned playing time with gritty defense, aggressive rebounding, and quick steals, proving that even the youngest players were committed to the team’s success.
The Season’s Journey: From Rebuilding to Record-Breaking Success
Reflecting on her second season, Coach Roberson acknowledged the dramatic progress made. After a difficult first year with a 4-31 record and no playoff appearance, the Lady Bears soared to an astounding 34-5 record and advanced to the playoff quarterfinals.
“The girls bought into what I am teaching and began to put in the hard, intense work to grow and develop to accomplish team goals,” she said proudly.
More than just wins and losses, the season was about culture-building. The team developed a strong work ethic, dedication, and belief in themselves. The stands, once sparsely filled, began to pack with supporters, signaling renewed community pride in girls' basketball.
A few highlights stood out: For the first time in school history, Bastrop won the Blackman Tournament, a 30-year-old event hosted by the school, thrilling fans with an overtime victory. Even more historic, this was the first time in over 15 years that the girls’ program made the playoffs.
Academically, the entire team earned All-Academic District honors, with two seniors achieving All-State Academic recognition, demonstrating the holistic success Coach Roberson fosters.
Defining Moments: Triumphs and Trials
Several moments shaped the team’s trajectory this year. The Blackman Tournament victory was a major morale booster and a milestone achievement for the program.
The injury to freshman point guard Zo’Nai Cook was a significant setback. However, the swift return of Keyaria Limeul from her own ACL injury and her ability to fill Cook’s role with skill and leadership exemplified the team’s resilience.
Another pivotal moment came when the team narrowly missed winning first place in their district. Rather than discouraging them, the loss fueled a fierce hunger to improve and compete harder, spurring a new level of determination.
Player Development: Growth in Skill and Confidence
Among the players who grew significantly was freshman Kennedi Clemons, who began the year with limited ball-handling skills. Her dedication to extra practice and eagerness to learn transformed her into a valuable contributor who gained increasing playing time throughout the season.
Coach Roberson expressed confidence that Clemons would be a future leader, embodying the work ethic and mindset critical to sustaining the program’s success.
Overcoming Challenges: Mental Toughness and Team Unity
Injuries, tough losses, and pressure situations tested the Lady Bears throughout the season. To prepare them, Coach Roberson structured practices to simulate game intensity, challenging the team physically and mentally.
“At first, the team had a mindset that they were not good enough to win,” she admitted. But through persistent challenges and building belief, the players realized their potential and began to achieve their goals.
The coach also emphasized the importance of stepping up to support injured teammates and filling gaps when needed. “Nothing is given; everything is earned” was a mantra that encouraged accountability and effort. Rising to those challenges defined the team’s character.
Senior Class Impact: Raising the Bar
This year’s senior class was instrumental in elevating the program’s standards. Their leadership, enthusiasm, and encouragement helped raise expectations for what girls' basketball at Bastrop could be.
“They challenged all that comes after them to be better and do more,” Coach Roberson said. Their influence will resonate as younger players continue to build on the foundation laid this season.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Growth and Winning Culture
Coach Roberson is optimistic about the future. Returning players are poised to maintain and grow the culture of hard work, discipline, and winning. Their experience will fuel ambitions to push the program even further.
She anticipates unmatched leadership from these players, who will inspire the next generation to elevate both their skills and commitment.
Offseason Focus: Fundamentals and Mental Strength
The offseason will concentrate on refining fundamentals, conditioning, and deepening basketball knowledge. Mental toughness will be a priority alongside individual skill development and reinforcing the team concept that “no one player is bigger than the team.”
One of Coach Roberson’s favorite sayings sums up the approach: “Listen, Learn, and get it right.” This mindset embodies the relentless pursuit of improvement that will drive the Lady Bears into future seasons.
Following the Team
Fans eager to follow the Lady Bears’ journey and view stats can find up-to-date information on MaxPreps, where the team’s record and player performances are tracked.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Bastrop High School Girls Basketball season was a story of perseverance, leadership, and historic achievements. Under Coach La Barbera Roberson’s guidance, the team transformed from struggling underdogs to district contenders and school record-breakers.
With a strong core of experienced players, an energized community of supporters, and a coach committed to excellence on and off the court, the future shines bright for Bastrop girls basketball.
As the program continues to grow, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning of a new era of success, pride, and championship aspirations for the Lady Bears.
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