The Pampa Lady Harvesters are preparing to tip off the 2026–2027 basketball season Saturday against the Bushland Lady Falcons after a pair of encouraging scrimmages against some of the top programs in the Texas Panhandle.
Head coach Clint Watson and his Lady Harvesters have spent the preseason working to establish an aggressive, up-tempo style of basketball built around defensive pressure, rebounding, and relentless effort. After scrimmaging Claude, Wellington, and Sunray, Watson believes his team is moving in the right direction.
“I was pleased with how hard we competed against Claude, Wellington and Sunray,” Watson said. “Claude and Wellington are both ranked in the top 15 in the state. I loved how hard we crashed the offensive and defensive rebounds. Our hustle and energy was through the roof. Those are things we can’t teach. The girls have that natural instinct.”
Tough Scrimmage Competition Provides Early Test
The Lady Harvesters faced quality competition during their first two scrimmages, including two programs expected to make significant postseason runs this season.
Claude, a Class 1A program, and Wellington, a Class 2A program, are both ranked among the top 15 teams in their respective classifications. Wellington advanced to the regional final last season and returns several key players, while Claude is projected to win its district and make another deep playoff run.
“We have scrimmaged a couple of really good teams,” Watson said. “Claude and Wellington are both ranked in the top 15. Wellington played in the regional final last season. They have a lot of those same girls back and definitely will make a deep run in the playoffs. Claude is projected to win their district and make a deep run in the playoffs.”
Despite facing strong competition, Watson was encouraged by the Lady Harvesters’ effort on both ends of the floor, particularly their willingness to battle for rebounds.
Rebounding was one of the areas Watson identified as needing improvement entering the season, and the early returns have been encouraging.
“I think we are crashing the glass hard,” Watson said. “I love how hard we pursue the ball. I think we can still rotate and trap better in our defense. Our ‘buy-in’ on the defensive end is getting better.”
Watson added that conditioning and defensive fundamentals will continue to be points of emphasis as the season progresses.
“As we get our ‘basketball legs’ under us, we have to move our feet better so we can play defense without fouling,” Watson said.
Defensive Adjustments and Up-Tempo Play
One of the biggest improvements Watson noticed between Saturday’s and Tuesday’s scrimmages was his team’s ability to adjust defensively.
With the Lady Harvesters lacking significant height, Watson plans to use multiple defensive looks to create turnovers, disrupt opposing offenses, and keep opponents from settling into a rhythm.
“I feel like we handled switching our defenses better Tuesday,” Watson said. “We caused a few turnovers because of this. With our lack of height, we will have to use this tactic throughout the season for us to be successful.”
Watson has made it clear that the Lady Harvesters want to play fast and aggressively, but he also understands that learning to play at a faster pace without losing control will take time.
“I thought our defensive intensity was where we needed it to be,” Watson said. “We need to play quickly, but not rushed. There have been a few times that I thought we were just moving and playing hard, but without a purpose.”
Despite those growing pains, Watson believes the team is beginning to understand what it takes to execute the style of basketball he wants.
“I know it’ll take a little bit of time to get used to this style,” Watson said. “We are headed in the right direction with the up-tempo, aggressive style.”
Team Chemistry Becoming a Strength
Another encouraging sign for Watson has been the chemistry developing among his players.
With much of last season’s roster returning and a few new additions joining the program, the Lady Harvesters have the benefit of familiarity and experience playing together.
Watson believes that connection is helping his team establish the foundation necessary to compete throughout the season.
“We are definitely headed in the right direction,” Watson said. “We basically have the same team as last year, with a couple of new additions. They love being around each other on the court. They play hard and practice hard.”
Perhaps most importantly, Watson sees a group of players who are willing to put the team’s success ahead of individual accomplishments.
“There really aren’t any egos. They all want what’s best for the team,” Watson said.
Lady Harvesters Face Major Challenge Against Bushland
The Lady Harvesters will not have an easy introduction to the regular season when they take on Bushland on Saturday at 11 a.m in McNeely Fieldhouse.
The Lady Falcons enter the season ranked among the top 10 teams in Class 3A and return several athletes from last year’s squad. They will look to avenge the 54-38 loss to the Lady Falcons last year. Also a 58-21 loss in a tournament.
Although Bushland will be missing a couple of players who are still competing in the volleyball playoffs, Watson expects a difficult challenge against a talented and aggressive opponent.
“Bushland is a top 10 team in Class 3A,” Watson said. “They return a good number of athletes from last year’s team. They will be without a couple of girls due to them still being in the volleyball playoffs, but they will still be tough.”
Watson expects the Lady Falcons to apply considerable defensive pressure, including a variety of pressing defenses designed to force turnovers and disrupt offensive execution.
“They are going to pressure defense. They jump in and out of a press,” Watson said. “Their half-court defense will be smothering, so we have to handle the pressure and not be careless with the ball.”
For Pampa to have success, Watson believes his team must remain composed against that pressure while continuing to execute the fundamentals emphasized throughout the preseason.
“Being able to handle the pressure and shoot the ball with a hand in our face,” Watson said of the keys to the matchup. “We need to be able to change our defensive looks on the fly.”
Watson also understands that Bushland is capable of putting together scoring runs, making it important for the Lady Harvesters to respond without allowing the game to get away from them.
“They are a good team and will score points in a row, but we just have to limit their scoring runs,” Watson said. “We have to crash the boards as a team and have correct rotations on defense.”
‘Last Play, Next Play’ Mentality Will Be Tested
Throughout the preseason, Watson has emphasized a simple message to his players: “Last Play, Next Play.”
The philosophy encourages players to move past mistakes, missed shots, and difficult possessions without allowing frustration to affect what happens next.
With a challenging schedule ahead, Watson believes developing that mentality will be critical to his team’s success.
“I think we are getting better at this,” Watson said. “It’s hard not to dwell on mistakes or missed shots. But going into the Bushland game, we have to shake those things off and forget about it.”
Saturday’s contest will provide the Lady Harvesters with their first opportunity to put that mindset into practice during regular-season competition.
“This is the first of many tough games throughout the season, so learning how to attack the next play will be huge for our mentality throughout the season,” Watson said. “We’ve stressed it in practices and our scrimmage, but a real game will be a learning experience.”
Player Spotlight: Senior Captain Tamblynn Moss
Throughout the basketball season, we will try to spotlight a different Lady Harvester in each article, giving fans an opportunity to learn more about the players who represent Pampa on and off the court.
This week’s spotlight is senior captain Tamblynn Moss, a four-year member of the Lady Harvester basketball program who has earned the respect of her coaches and teammates through her leadership, dedication, and work ethic.
Watson selected Moss as this week’s featured player and praised the growth she has shown throughout her high school career.
“Tamblynn is the epitome of what a team player is,” Watson said. “She’s been in our program for four years now and has grown so much over those years. She is a captain this year and very deserving of this award!”
On the court, Moss plays an important role in directing the Lady Harvester offense, helping her teammates get into position and creating scoring opportunities through her aggressive style of play.
“She runs our offense and gets everyone where they need to be,” Watson said. “Her aggressiveness attacking the hoop is key to our success. Her 3-point shot has improved also, so she is a multi-threat on offense.”
However, Watson believes Moss’s greatest contributions extend beyond her basketball abilities.
He praised her willingness to accept coaching, her positive attitude, and her commitment to putting the team first.
“She has really bought into the ‘last play, next play’ mentality,” Watson said. “I never have to worry about if she is going to work hard, because she is one of the hardest workers we have. I’ve coached her hard the last couple of years, but she never gets upset or rolls her eyes at me. Everything is always ‘yes sir.’”
Watson also highlighted the relationships Moss has developed with her teammates and the encouragement she provides throughout the program.
“Her teammates love her. She is so supportive of every player in our program,” Watson said. “I’ve told her that she would make a great coach.”
As the Lady Harvesters begin their season, Moss will be counted on to provide leadership, offensive production, and the steady presence Watson believes will be important as his team continues to develop.
With a challenging opener against Bushland on Saturday and a demanding schedule ahead, the Lady Harvesters hope their energy, defensive intensity, and team-first mentality will help set the tone for a successful 2026–2027 campaign.
