The early-season success continues for the McKinney North girls basketball team, as they coasted to a tournament win Saturday in Highland Park.

"The girls were focused on getting it over early," said Michael Oldham, North head coach. "They're determined to fix some of the things that made us stumble last year."

The Lady Bulldogs (5-1) beat Highland Park, 80-50, in the final. North had previously lost to Highland Park four times last year, including in the very same tournament they just won as well as the regional quarterfinals in February.

"In this tournament last year, I think we won our opening game by four points then had to come from behind to win the semifinal game and then we struggled against Highland Park in the final," Oldham said. "This year we were more focused and that's part of the process of us growing up a little bit."

The Lady Bulldogs were largely untested in the weekend tournament, as they won their three games by no fewer than a 29-point difference.

"After the final game the girls were calm and subdued, because they expected to win," Oldham said. "It was just another win for them, which is what you want."

On a team full of depth, Oldham was particularly proud of senior guard Alexis Mason, who was named the tournament MVP.

"Alexis was solid throughout the tournament," he said. "She only had five turnovers in the whole tournament. She's a big part of our success. You've got to have your best players step up in the biggest games and she did that this weekend."

Not to be forgotten, Mason was assisted with strong play from her teammates K.K. Connor, Chanterria Jackson and Jocelyn Scott, all of whom earned all-tournament selection honors.

Oldham appreciated how his team continued to build on its early-season success by taking the needed time to improve on the main areas that still trouble them.

"We needed to rebound and play defense without fouling and we improved a lot in those areas in these games," he said.

Oldham believes his one-loss team will only getter better as his players continue to build a strong understanding of his coaching philosophy and its ins and outs.

"I'd say we're about where we need to be," he said. "You want to win the tournaments you're in and you want to play well, and I thought we played those three consistent games. They're getting a better understanding of our system as the year goes on and what we're trying to accomplish on the season."

One area the team still requires improvement is on the glass.

"We still have to block out better for sure and do better with our rebounding," Oldham said. "It's a team thing for us. I say I'm not happy with it, but we're rebounding more than any team I've had, but I still want us to do better."

As the Lady Bulldogs continue to steamroll past opponents, Oldham knows it's all building up to the start of district play. Less than a month remains before the North's District 13-4A opener against Sherman.

"I'm very excited," he said. "We need to put this weekend behind us, though, because we have plenty more games left before district."

Even with all their blowout wins, Oldham is most encouraged by his team's chemistry, something he said is as strong as he's ever seen.

"I'm really pleased with how the girls have molded together, one through nine, they all contribute," he said. "I know in my heart and my gut that my kids are going to show up and play hard and compete no matter the opponent."

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