The DeSoto Eagles Varsity Girl’s Basketball team(10-4) is ranked No.10 in Texas and continues to soar high, defeating district foe Skyline Raiders 75-43 heading into The 2023 Holiday Classic.
The tournament is set to take place in Portland, Oregon, from Dec. 28 to 30 at different high schools within the Portland Public Schools system.
The event will feature some of the top high school girls’ teams from around the country converging in Portland.
The Lady Eagles will first take on No. 1 Archbishop Mitty out of San Jose, California, on Dec. 28, according to MaxPreps, Mater Die on the 29th, and Benson High School on the 30th.
The Lady Eagles have already opened up district play (1-1), losing to No.3 in the state Duncanville and defeating Skyline.
DeSoto will have its hands full facing off against top-ranked teams early but have proven they can beat the tough teams.
However, DeSoto boasts three sophomores ranked among the top 25 players in the nation in the Class of 2026, along with four-star guard/forwards Amari Byles and Kamora Pruitt.
The Lady Eagles are playing in what is arguably the toughest district in the state along with playing against the toughest teams nationally.
DeSoto’s district 11-6A, boasts 11-time state champion Duncanville, 6A Region II finalist Cedar Hill and regional quarterfinalist Mansfield Lake Ridge.
DeSoto prides itself on the stars it produces, including former DeSoto star Sa’Myah Smith, who won a national championship with LSU.
Having clinched consecutive state titles in 2021 and 2022, DeSoto aims to avenge its narrow defeat in last year’s state title game to San Antonio Clark, 42-37.
DeSoto brings back five of the seven players who participated in last year’s state title game.
M. Grace Alvarez 
DeSoto Tribune Staff