After a standout senior season that saw her collect multiple honors, Cleburne star Lily Sheppard has officially committed to continue her basketball career at South Plains College. The talented forward announced the decision on her social media Thursday, marking the next chapter for one of Johnson County's most decorated players.

South Plains College, located in Levelland, Texas, competes in Region V of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference under the National Junior College Athletic Association. The program will gain a versatile and experienced player who made an immediate impact after transferring from Mansfield Summit to Cleburne.

Sheppard was the driving force behind the Lady Jackets' historic season, leading the team to its first district championship in 12 years with a perfect 14-0 record in District 8-5A. Playing as a power forward and center, she averaged 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game during Cleburne's impressive 26-win campaign.

A true clutch performer, Sheppard hit the 1,000 career-point milestone late in the season with a 29-point outburst against Centennial. She then poured in a team-high 16 points in Cleburne's bi-district playoff victory over Arlington Heights, and battled hard against eventual 5A Division I state champions Denton Ryan.

Her outstanding play earned her District 8-5A MVP honors, a Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region selection, and the prestigious 2026 All-Johnson County MVP award. Now, as a future Lady Texan at South Plains College, Sheppard looks poised to bring that same winning mentality and all-around game to the junior college ranks.