Paris Girls Basketball: Coach Thomas Earns 200th Win vs Van-Far

Paris Lady Coyotes’ Coach Reaches 200-Win Milestone

Garrett Thomas, head coach of the Paris Lady Coyotes basketball team, achieved a significant career milestone on Wednesday night, securing his 200th win. The Lady Coyotes defeated Van-Far 54-35 in a Class 2 District 5 matchup, improving their season record to 15-6. Van-Far’s record stands at 7-12.

Dominating Performance and Key Players

The Lady Coyotes demonstrated consistent performance throughout the game, holding Van-Far to single-digit scoring in all quarters except the fourth. Melanie Moore led the Paris offense with 16 points, while Reese Sutton contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. Hailey Morgan added seven points to the team’s total.

For Van-Far, Elliott Utterback was the leading scorer with 16 points, 12 of which were scored in the second half. Chloe Zumwalt also made a significant contribution with seven points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.

Coach Thomas’s Tenure and Team Success

Garrett Thomas has been the head coach at Paris for 14 years. This victory marks a significant achievement in his coaching career. The Lady Coyotes are currently 2-1 in the Lewis and Clark Conference.

Recent Team Achievements and Momentum

The Paris girls basketball team has been experiencing a period of success, carrying momentum from a previous successful season where they won their first district championship since 1996. As of late 2024, the Lady Coyotes were undefeated with a 4-0 start to the 2025-26 season. They also ended a losing streak on Friday night, rolling over Schuyler County 52-28, bringing their record to 6-3.

Upcoming Games

Van-Far will host Mark Twain on Friday at 6 p.m. Paris will also play on Friday, hosting Knox County at 6 p.m.

Beyond the Scoreboard: The Rise of Women’s High School Basketball

The success of the Paris Lady Coyotes reflects a broader trend of growing interest and investment in women’s high school basketball. Programs like Paris, with dedicated coaching and talented players, are attracting more attention and fostering a competitive environment. Here’s evidenced by the increasing number of players achieving milestones, such as Reese Sutton reaching her 1,000th career point in November.

Did you know? The Paris Coyotes and Lady Coyotes hosted their home opener on November 24th, signaling a strong community commitment to the programme.

FAQ

Q: What is Garrett Thomas’s current record as head coach of the Paris Lady Coyotes?
A: 200 wins as of February 5, 2026.

Q: What was the final score of the game between Paris and Van-Far?
A: Paris 54, Van-Far 35.

Q: When did the Paris Lady Coyotes last win a district championship?
A: 1996.

Q: Where can I find more information about the Paris Lady Coyotes?
A: You can find information on the Paris R-II School District website and their Facebook page.

Pro Tip: Supporting local high school sports is a great way to build community and encourage young athletes!

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Want to learn more about the Paris Coyotes? Visit their official page here.

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