NOTE: Action photos by Jennifer Barrow, adviser of the Brookesmith yearbook. Brookesmith team photo by Sutherland Photography of Goldthwaite.

Danny Copeland was retired from coaching two years ago when he accepted an administrative position at Class 1A Brookesmith High School, located near Brownwood.

Now back in coaching, Copeland is on the verge of guiding the Brookesmith Lady Mustangs to their first district championship in basketball in 14 years.

The Brookesmith girls took a significant step toward winning their first district title since 2006 with Friday’s 44-32 road win over the perennially strong May Lady Tigers. Brookesmith (18-3 overall) completed the first half of District 18-1A with a 6-0 record and is ranked No. 16 in this week’s Texas Association of Basketball Coaches 1A statewide poll.