With five more wins already this season than in all of the 2007-08 campaign, the Clovis High Lady Wildcats have enjoyed quite a turnaround.

Now, though, comes the real season.

The Lady Cats (17-4) open District 4-5A action against Hobbs (14-9, 1-0) in a 7 p.m. tipoff today at Rock Staubus Gym. Even though they’ve won eight in a row and 13 of their last 14, first-year CHS coach Jeff Reed said it won’t mean much is the Lady Cats don’t keep it going.

“I think this team, when they play to their capabilities, is a pretty good team,” Reed said of his squad. “I think we can set a tone for the rest of district (play) by how we play (tonight).”

Clovis has had its way with the Lady Eagles most times over the years, but not last season. Hobbs swept three games from the Lady Cats, who finished the season 12-17.

“They’re going to come out and get after us,” CHS senior forward Brittany Johnson said. “We have to be able to take care of the ball and make them play defense.”

Reed said Hobbs, which opened district play with a 39-26 win over Carlsbad at home on Tuesday, has had an up-and-down type of season. The Lady Eagles are coached by one-time Clovis assistant Johnny Casaus.

“Hobbs really got after Carlsbad on defense,” said Reed, who scouted the contest. “I expect them to come out hard after us. Coach Casaus will have a game plan for us.

“Hobbs is good enough that, if we don’t bring our ‘A’ game, they can beat us.”

The Lady Eagles used a 10-0 run to take control in the second quarter of Tuesday’s game against the Cavegirls (12-10).

Johnson said the Lady Cats are ready for a challenge after cruising through several recent outings.

“We’re really excited; it’s a new season,” she said. “It’s all about who comes out ready to perform.”

District 4-5A girls
    Dist.    All
    W-L    W-L   
Hobbs    1-0    14-9
Clovis    0-0    17-4
Carlsbad    0-1    12-10
Tuesday
Hobbs 39, Carlsbad 26.
Friday
Hobbs at Clovis, 7 p.m.; Carlsbad at Artesia, 5:30 p.m.