It’s that time of year again to congratulate all angels who completed their final game as Loretto Academy senior basketball athletes.

The team celebrated senior night on January 20th, where they secured their victory against Da Vinci School for Science.

The varsity lit the court on fire with their endless free throws and impeccable energy.

The 2026 basketball season was truly an unforgettable one, with the team finishing #4 for TAPPS 6A average points per game.

Not only this, but the team was barely shy of 200 points in a single season.

After executing their final plays, Coach Tommy Romero took a moment to recognize the senior athletes.

The three senior basketball players being recognized included team captain Ava Bella Munoz, Hope Tolentino, and Juliana Puentes.

Senior varsity captain Ava Bella Munoz said, “My future in basketball is wherever the wind takes me.

I will never turn down an offer to play, regardless of the level or opportunity, and will remain open-minded to any future in basketball.”

Whether it be a coach or a player, Ava shared that basketball is something she sees herself pursuing in the future due to her extreme passion and heart she has for the sport.

Despite her high school chapter closing, Ava will never let this part of her basketball journey come to an end.

Though they did not make it to regionals, the team will forever leave its mark on Loretto basketball.

Ava said, “Satisfaction is in the eye of the beholder, and just because we didn’t make it to regionals, I am satisfied with knowing I gave this season my absolute all.”

In addition to the basketball team, two senior cheerleaders, Isabella Medrano and Valerie Garcia, were also recognized for their spirit and angel pride this season.

Parents continued to watch with tears in their eyes as their senior daughters were congratulated for all their hard work this season.  

Being seniors, the athletes made a huge impact on the underclassmen players.

Varsity captain Ava Munoz said, ”Never give up, because if it were easy, everyone would do it. Nothing is impossible, and obsession will always beat talent.”

The seniors never took their feet off the brake this season and delivered a team effort of 110%. 

As the lights dimmed, it was clear that the legacy of these incredible seniors will continue to inspire Loretto basketball for generations to come.