Hanna's Patterson living up to expectations

Expectations are high for the Hanna Lady Eagles’ Kacie Patterson, and not just from her coach and the team.

She has high standards for herself as well.

With a strong family background in basketball Patterson, has taken her game to new heights with her natural talent and work ethic.

Patterson’s grandfather, George, played for the Detroit Pistons in 1967-68. With the blood line already flowing with basketball, the junior post already has showed flashes of brilliance during the early stages of the season.

"I really want to win district this year and help the team make the playoffs," Patterson said. "I know it’s going to be tough with Los Fresnos this year, but that’s what we want."

One of the reasons for the quick development in her game has been the extra time on the court in the offseason, and well as the fact that she has implemented a training routine.

"I think I’ve grown up a lot, and summer league basketball really helped," she said. "I starting working out, too and it’s really helped me get up and down the court a lot easier."

Her fast maturation was evident Tuesday against district rival San Benito as she scored 18 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and came away with four steals and blocks as the Lady Eagles opened 32-5A play with a win.

So far in this season, she is averaging 14 points and eight rebounds per game.

Hanna coach Willie Brown said Patterson and the rest of the squad have raised the bar in their intensity on the court as the team has progressed nicely despite its youth.

"(Kacie) is the backbone of our team," Brown said. "The way she goes is the way we go. Lately the whole team has been stepping up, though, and they are really starting to come together."

Brown said his junior star doesn’t just work hard and play well, she is also very coachable. There isn’t much more he can ask from Patterson.

"She will do whatever I ask her to do," he said. "She leads by example, and just goes out there and does what she has to do to get the job done. We have a pretty balanced team, and it seems like every night someone else is stepping up.

Patterson scored 14 points and grabbed five rebounds as the Golden Eagles opened the Brownsville ISD basketball tournament with a 60-41 win over Port Isabel at Hanna.

Louie Vera covers girls basketball for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via e-mail at lvera@brownsvilleherald.com.