Tyler High’s Kalyse Buffin (seated, center) signs to play with Trinity Valley Community College during a ceremony on Friday at Lions Den. She is shown with her family including brother Jarod Buffin, mother DeLisa Buffin, father Randy Buffin and brother Austin Buffin. (Phil Hicks/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

After four years of donning the blue and white of Tyler High, Lady Lions all-state basketball player Kalyse Buffin will change to the red and white of Trinity Valley Community College.

Buffin surpassed 2,000 career points during her career and was honored with her second-straight District 10-5A Most Valuable Player award. After the season, she was named a TGCA All-State, TGCA All-Region, Azalea All-Star, THSCA Academic All-State, and TABC Academic All-State selection for the second consecutive season.

The four-year starter led the Lady Lions to playoff appearances each season as well as back-to-back district championships, three bi-district titles and an area championship. She was also the 2024 Best Preps Tyler award winner.

Buffin inked her letter to the Athens school before her family, teammates, coaches, classmates and fans.

“First, I want to thank God, because without Him this would not be possible,” said Buffin, whose career averages include 18.2 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.8 steals. “To my parents and extended family, thank you for supporting me and making sacrifices so I could chase my dreams. To my coaches, thank you for pushing me, teaching me the game and preparing me for this moment. You not only helped me become a better player but a better woman. To my teammates, you are my family. Thank you. I will treasure these memories forever. To my teachers and everyone at Tyler High, thank you for the encouragement and support over the years. You have been a huge part of my journey. I am proud to represent this community wherever I go.”

Tyler Coach Bobby Reynolds hates to see Buffin go, but knows she will succeed at the next level.

“When you mention Tyler High Girls Basketball, Kalyse Buffin will be one name that will always stand out,” Reynolds said. “From the time she took the court as a freshman on varsity, Kalyse took control of the team and never looked back. Her passion for the game has fueled her desire to surpass all expectations that have been set by many. The countless hours of practice she put into the sport have helped her become one of the best that has ever played for Tyler High.”

Coach Reynolds expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach Kalyse over the past two years. He noted that having a leader like her in the program made his job much easier, as she is driven by a strong desire to win and succeed in life.

While Buffin is irreplaceable, he emphasized that she has paved the way for others to uphold the high standard she helped establish. Her influence extends beyond the game, demonstrating what it means to be a true winner both on and off the court.

“Kalyse made Tyler High Lady Lion Basketball a better program,” Reynolds said. “Her better days are ahead. Go be great at the next level. Kalyse has left a legacy that will always be remembered at Tyler High School.”

Buffin said she plans to major in kinesiology.

She will join the national powerhouse program in TVCC, which competes in Region XIV Conference along with Tyler Junior College, Kilgore College, Angelina College, Blinn College, Panola College, Paris Junior College and Coastal Bend College.