Marist High School Girls Basketball Season Preview

The Marist School girls basketball team capped off an impressive 2024–25 campaign with a Final Four appearance, falling just short of a state title in a tough loss to eventual champions Creekside. Despite the disappointment, Head Coach Kim Hixon reflects on the season as a resounding success. “We had a great year,” Hixon said. “We were disappointed not to bring home another championship, but the growth, effort, and resilience from this group were incredible.” Key Contributors The Lady War Eagles were led by a trio of standout performers. Kate Harpring, a major Division I prospect with offers from top programs nationwide, anchored the team on both ends of the court. Katie Elder, a rising sophomore guard, emerged as a dynamic scoring threat. Senior point guard Eloise Smith provided steady leadership and was the emotional glue for the squad, directing traffic on the court and offering guidance off it. “All three were critical to our success this year,” Hixon said. Defining Moments One of the most defining points of the season came in Greenville, Tennessee, where Marist won the Andrew Johnson Classic for the second straight year. The tournament marked a turning point in the season and helped solidify the team’s identity. “We grew up a lot during that stretch,” Hixon noted. Rising Stars Sophomore post player Keana Wilder was a revelation in the paint, stepping into a much larger role as the season progressed. Elder also embraced more offensive responsibility, further diversifying the team’s attack. Resilience Under Pressure Injuries and adversity were constant themes this year, but the team’s resolve never wavered. “We powered through like champs,” Hixon said. “These girls showed so much heart and toughness.” Senior Leadership The senior class brought experience, calm, and composure—elements that helped stabilize the younger players and instill confidence. Their poise was a defining feature of the team’s identity. Looking Ahead With five promising freshmen gaining valuable experience and Harpring returning for her senior season, the future is bright. “We’re very excited about what this next group brings,” Hixon said. “They’re talented and ready to grow.” Offseason Focus This offseason, the coaching staff is focused on developing additional scoring options to support Harpring and increase offensive depth. “We want to see our younger players step up offensively,” Hixon added.