Hill College women’s basketball team narrowly misses playoffs in competitive conference

The Hill College women’s basketball team (16-14 season, 8-8 conference) narrowly missed postseason play during the 2023-24 season, despite playing with only eight student-athletes as well as competing in a conference that had three opponents ranked in the National Top 20 polls.

Sophomore guard KJ Walker (Fort Worth) earned both All-Region and All-Conference honors after finishing second in conference averaging 19.7 points per game and was fifth in three-point percentage (35.2 percent). 

“KJ had tremendous growth in her sophomore year where she improved in every category,” Hill College Head Coach Antreanna Brooks said.

Sophomore teammate Savannah Velazquez (Houston) was also named Newcomer of the Year finishing 10th in scoring averaging 14.5 points per game, fifth in field goal percentage (51.3 percent), and third in three-point percentage (38.1 percent). 

“I coached against Savannah when we were both in Region 14,” Brooks said. “One of our first conversations in recruiting her, I told her she had to be a gym rat, play with a chip on her shoulder...and she did just that. She put in the work and to see it all come together for her was special.”

Hill College had two chances to earn a postseason berth during the final two games of the season, but they were unable to secure a win.

“Missing the regional tournament was a tough pill to swallow,” Brooks added. “The players had to battle the majority of the season with just eight players, and we were competing with one of the toughest conferences (and regions) in the country. Night in and night out, we were getting the best of the best.”

The three conference opponents who ended the season nationally ranked included Collin County Community College (No. 4), McLennan Community College (No. 8) and Temple College (No. 23).

Hill College’s highlight of the season was taking one of two conference games against Temple in a 100-92 win in Temple.

“That win just showed that we had really great pieces that fit well together,” Brooks added. “We also did not have an easy preseason schedule – having played top-ranked teams almost weekly – and to be in those games. I knew at any moment we could steal a game from someone.”

Five sophomores have played their final games in a Hill College uniform.

“Though I did not get a chance to coach the sophomores for two years, their growth in just a year was incredible,” Brooks said. “They bought into what is now the foundation for Hill College women's basketball, and just watching their game grow and change throughout the course of the year is the reason I enjoy my job. I truly thank them for everything they have done.”

The Bob Bullock Sports Center will begin some much-needed renovations beginning this summer, including a new gym floor and locker room improvements.

"I couldn't be more excited about these upcoming renovations,” Brooks added. “It will help with recruiting and benefit the players that are returning. Facilities play a major role in recruiting, and I think this will put us in with some of the best.”

For more information on the Hill College women’s basketball program, please visit https://hillcollegeathletics.com.