GAMES
RANKINGS
Maricha Tisdell (Jr. F) of Alief Hastings GBB
IN SYNC: Tisdell finds her identity through the Lady Bears' evolution
Coming off a 21-12 finish and another trip to the postseason, Hastings has proven they can find numerous ways to sustain success.
As a sophomore, Tisdell was the team’s third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, ultimately compiling 133 points, 175 rebounds, 46 steals, and 18 blocks for the Lady Bears. That all-around performance now sets the stage for what could be a true breakout campaign.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Her journey, though, hasn’t been without challenges.
“Throughout my career, I’ve experienced several injuries,” Tisdell said. “When that happens, it takes a toll on your mental health — all that time spent sitting out can make you feel helpless.
“During those stretches, you have to find yourself and recognize your worth off the court, too. I think the diversity of this team and coaching staff has really helped me build the confidence to do that.”
That foundation of trust has played a crucial role in shaping how the team operates.
“There’s a lot of communication that goes into figuring out what works,” she said. “We also miscommunicate on the way to getting there. So, it’s about finding that understanding – what each of our strengths are, and what we need to work on– to be on the same page as a whole.”
2025-26 Alief Hastings Girls BasketballJamey Wright (VYPE)
Still, it’s not all work and grind for the Lady Bears.
“During our first away tournament together, we stayed in a hotel, which was another first for us,” Tisdell said. “It was so fun — from the bus ride, to competing, and staying up late. That’s where we really got to connect, which is what being on a team is all about. That way, we can do the same when we’re on the court.”
With the 2025-26 campaign quickly approaching, the Lady Bears’ identity continues to evolve — and with Tisdell’s mix of resilience and leadership, they appear well-equipped to make it count.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE 2025-26 ALIEF ISD WINTER MAGAZINE
Alief Hastings' Angel Ebiringa
EYES ON THE PRIZE: Ebiringa brings humble poise to Hastings Cross Country rise
That need evolved into something bigger.
“I came to the conclusion that if I wanted to be effective in that [defensive] role, I’d need the stamina,” Ebiringa said. “That led me to running miles and focusing on distance... which eventually translated into me naturally joining cross country.”
The stars of 2025-26 Alief Hastings Girls Cross CountryJamey Wright (VYPE)
Now, she’s not just part of the team—she’s leading it. Ebiringa’s freshman campaign in 2024 offered a glimpse of what’s to come.
She placed fifth overall at the District 20-6A Meet, clocking in at 20:06.52 in the 5K—one of the top finishes by a Hastings athlete in recent memory.
That performance earned her a trip to the UIL Region III-6A Meet in Huntsville, where she represented the Bears as their lone qualifier. Facing a field of 173 runners, she placed a strong 40th overall.
With the 2025 season on the horizon, expectations for Ebiringa are rising, both internally and within the program. Despite her youth, she enters the fall as the undisputed front-runner for Hastings.
But she hasn’t done it alone. Among her early influences is Bissinatt Abdelasis, the former cross country standout from Alief Elsik who graduated this past spring and now competes for Ouachita Baptist University.
“She (Abdelasis) was so good,” Ebiringa said. “Usually, when you see great players or athletes, they have a lot of pride. But when I spoke to Bissinatt, she was always so humble and had a certain way of composing herself. From there, I thought that if I ever get to that level, then I would stay grounded and just continue to be my best self, similar to what she did.”
That balance—competitive edge with grounded maturity—has already become a hallmark of Ebiringa’s approach. Off the course, she holds herself to the same standard, keeping academics at the forefront thanks in large part to the expectations set by her family.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“My Mom and family expect the best out of me,” she said. “If I wasn’t able to focus in school, then there’s no way I could excel in sports.”
As she continues to grow in her role, Ebiringa also values the chance to show that who she is as a runner isn’t the whole picture.
“There’s a difference between who I am athletically and who I am personally,” she added. “I’ll be serious and locked in when I compete, but I hope people can recognize the contrast. I like to think that my personality and fun side show when that isn’t the case.”
Considering the strong foundation that’s been established and the exceptional room for her to rise, Angel Ebiringa is primed to lead not only by times and titles—but by example.