Fresh laces, new faces and some teams in new places. The girls basketball season in Killeen ISD is here.
Season openers for Chaparral, Ellison, Harker Heights, Killeen and Shoemaker are scheduled for Friday, tipping off a four-month dash through non-district and district matchups with the ideal destination being the playoffs.
Four out of the five squads will begin 2026-2027 on the road with the Ellison Lady Eagles the lone home team Friday when they host Waco Midway at 6:30 p.m. in the Eagles Nest.
Chaparral plays at Pflugerville Weiss (7 p.m.), Shoemaker travels to Pflugerville Hendrickson (7 p.m.), Killeen is at Pflugerville (7 p.m.) and Harker Heights at China Spring (4:30 p.m.).
The Lady Grey Wolves, Lady Knights and Lady Bobcats were playoff qualifiers a season ago, with Shoemaker claiming the District 12-6A title along the way.
The new year, however, yields new district homes for some of KISD’s teams after the University Interscholastic League’s biennial realignment in February.
Chaparral joins Harker Heights in District 12-6A, which also includes Bryan, Copperas Cove, Lake Belton, Midway and Temple. Shoemaker and Killeen slide from 6A programs into District 16-5A with Ellison, Belton, Liberty Hill Legacy Ranch, Liberty Hill, Waco and Waco University.
Here’s a look at all five teams as the season gets underway.
Chaparral
Head coach: Jennifer Graham
Total years as head coach: 10
Years at CHS: three
Last year’s record: 25-9
2025-2026 playoffs: Yes
Returning players: Demiyah Carter (first-team all-district), Kennedy Reynolds (second-team all-district), Taylor Hines (first-team all-district), Tori Hines (defensive POY), D’Miya Spruill (second-team all-district), Amierah Moore (second-team all-district), Dorianna Gilbert, Aiyana Murphy, Ka’Liyah Nance (second-team all-district)
Newcomers: Kylie Girdy-Terrell, Sariah Westby, Shaddai Mosley-Williams
According to Coach Graham: “We are a defense-minded, relentless team built on discipline, respect, and academic excellence. CHS has its tallest team to date with veterans and newcomers that are ready to leave their mark, featuring three 6-foot players, with speed and athleticism at every position. We plan to establish a strong inside presence, use our size to our advantage, and prove that we can compete and succeed at the 6A level. Academics remain at the forefront, and we will represent our school with discipline, respect, and a relentless mindset on and off the court.”
Ellison
Head coach: Alisha Jones
Total years as head coach: Two
Years at EHS: Two
Last year’s record: 7-26
2025-2026 playoffs: No
Returning players: Addyson White (sr., guard), Chloe Siufanua (sr., post), Alazorius Burrell-Williams (sr., post), Sotaeya Debose (sr., guard), Charmye Freeman (jr., guard), Ryleigh Brown (soph., guard), Ariyana Young (soph., guard), Jade Murray (soph., post)
Newcomers: Londyn Perez-Miles (sr., guard), Jaiyeola Oladipo (soph., guard), Aaliyah Young (soph., guard), Kailee Moore (fr., guard)
According to Coach Jones: “Last season was about building the foundation. This season is about building on it. We’re more mature, more disciplined, and more connected –– but the standard hasn’t changed. Fans can expect a team that competes with purpose, plays with pride, holds each other accountable, and represents Ellison with heart. We’re not just here to play basketball. We’re here to build a culture and a program that stands for something.”
Harker Heights
Head coach: Shirretha Nelson
Total years as head coach: 17
Years at HHHS: 17
Last year’s record: 24-11
2025-2026 playoffs: Yes
Returning players: Courtney Simpson, Jyrah Gray, Sidnee Williams, Amaya Staton, Jayla Wooluard
Newcomers: Rebecca Russell, Aaliyah Owens, Alexanna Adams, Jaylynn Bennett
According to Coach Nelson: “We are going to be persistent. We will look like a new team that will be focused on working hard and working together.”
Killeen
Head coach: Asrelle Anderson-Collier
Total years as head coach: Four
Years at KHS: Four
Last year’s record: 13-17
2025-2026 playoffs: No
Returning players: I'Keriyah Thomas (sr.), Zoe Thomas (sr.), Ariana Brooks (sr.), Lilyana Jimenez (sr.), DeJa Brooks (jr.)
Newcomers: MiYanna Brown (sr.), D'Anna Cruz (sr.), Ja'Kara Ballard (jr.), Mailyah Mitchell (jr.), Emiyah Reynolds (soph.)
According to Coach Collier: “You will see a fast pace game from the Lady Roos. We have something to prove this season and it's going to take discipline and, most important, our sisterhood and staying as a unit. Our goal is to focus on one game at a time. When we do so, we will achieve our goal –– which is making it to the playoffs after we fell short last season. We have a very talented group of young ladies and our seniors are eager to have a memorable season.”
Shoemaker
Head coach: Elise Kea
Total years as head coach: Five
Years at SHS: Four
Last year’s record: 28-7
2025-2026 playoffs: Yes
Returning players: Jalaiya Johnson (sr., guard), Alexis Robinson (sr., guard/forward), Kahlia Woodley (sr., guard)
Newcomers: Shanice Woodberry (jr., guard), Aniyah Payton (soph., guard), Imari Walker (jr., forward), KaMyree Parrott (jr., forward, guard), Alyssia Burns (sr., forward, guard), Evelyn Stevenson (jr., forward), Lineishaliz Glass (sr., guard), Imani Gumbs (jr., guard), Kalia Tanks (jr., guard), Crystal Morgan (soph., forward)
According to Coach Kea: “The Shoemaker Lady Grey Wolves are working harder than last year to make an imprint in 5A and make it past first round of the playoffs. We plan to execute and go farther than we did last year. We're working inside and outside of practice to achieve these goals by taking it one step at a time. Throughout each practice, we will be more determined and focused, and this will allow us to defend our district championship and have a deep playoff run. We are going to up the score this season.”