Overall records, wins and losses and post-season standings are all part of the game but when it is all said and done, the growth and character brought out in players in high school sports is the real testament to the season's success.

This year's girls' basketball season has come to a close for the Haxtun Lady Bulldogs and while the record books might not show an overly impressive season, growth in each of the student-athletes does.

"These girls never give up. Even with the record that we had, they came in day after day ready to work," said Lady Bulldog Head Coach Alicia Schram. "Even when we knew we had Merino twice in four days, they came out ready to play. That's grit."

Over the past week, the Haxtun Lady Bulldogs met up with the number one ranking girls' basketball team at the home of the Merino Lady Rams twice.

Despite a loss in the final regular season game and again just four days later in the first round of District play, the Lady Bulldogs found a way to go out on top, in their own style.

"The night before our District game, we surprised the girls with a glow in the dark practice. It was so fun to see their eyes light up with excitement. I'm glad they had a fun experience to finish out their season," Schram said.

This year's team, led by seniors Cassidy Goddard, Samantha Seger, Fallon Bamford and Kirsta Dishman, endured adversity through injuries and a tough league schedule but through it all, handled themselves with respect and sportsmanship on and off the court.

"I am most proud of the character that these kids have. You never have to worry about them disrespecting an opponent or an official. They always carry themselves with such grace," Schram said. "They would go to the end of the Earth to support each other and they are truly a family. I am so blessed to have 24 adopted daughters that I will love for my lifetime!"

Although records may not reflect it, the Lady Bulldogs had some incredible highlights throughout the season. Haxtun met up with Holyoke three times, the final outing taking the Lady Dragons to overtime in front of a home crowd in late January, notched a home-court win over Otis and took a commanding 44-point win over Peetz.

"Sometimes, even though we work hard - things don't turn out like we expected or like we wanted. You put your heart and soul into it anyway. The number of wins in our record doesn't define my team. I couldn't ask for better young women to coach. If I have a very small part in making them great humans, that's what's most important to me," said Schram.