Before their season began in November, the Wright City girls basketball team set a goal to reach 10 wins. 

As the Wildcats head into the postseason, they are determined to meet that goal. But first, they have to get past Hallsville in the district round. 

Fourth-seeded Wright City will face No. 5 Hallsville in a first-round game of the Class 4, District 8 Tournament at 5:30 p.m. on March 4 at Mexico.

“We feel pretty confident. Looking at our first matchup against Hallsville, it’s a team we beat earlier this year,” Wright City coach Dustin Elledge said. “I know they have some girls back from injury that we haven’t seen but we’re confident as we get prepared for that one.” 

The Wildcats took a 7-17 record into their regular season finale against St. Charles at home on Feb. 25.

“Sitting at seven wins has been dangling in front of us these last three games with them being close games,” Elledge said. “I think we have that little extra push and motivation to make that 10 wins happen, so we’ll just have to win a couple of district games here.” 

The Wildcats beat Hallsville 52-43 in the previous matchup between the two teams on Jan. 24. Elledge said even though his team has been struggling for wins, they have improved offensively and defensively. They have scored 50 or more points in four of the last five contests.

“A lot of it comes down to our hustle, attitude, effort, being able to communicate clearly all game long and doing all those small things,” Elledge said. 

Elledge also emphasized the importance of the team as a whole stepping up during the postseason, with senior Danika Graham having a breakout performance offensively. Defensively, Elledge praised the aggressiveness of several players, which has led to more turnovers and disrupted opposing offenses.

“Defensively, I think a couple of girls are being a little bit more aggressive, which has allowed us to create some turnovers and chaos for the other team,” he said. “Graham, Ada Ferrell, Shiriah McRoberts and Paige Rees are our four main defensive threats. Alyvia and Kaitlyn Mikus give us a big defensive presence out there as well.” 

Elledge said as his team prepares for the district tournament, he emphasized focusing on specific areas, such as moving as a unit and setting solid screens, to give the players the best chance for success.