BRIAN BESCH | PCE Corynn Kaleh had six points in the first quarter and eight for the game.

Lady Cats prepare for two games that will determine district lead

Tuesday’s game in Dallardsville seemed more of a formality than competition, as Big Sandy easily outscored Spurger 69-14.

The home team overpowered the Lady Pirates 42-3 in the first half and never allowed more than six points (fourth) in any quarter.

“We have battled a little bit of injury since the Christmas break, but overall, I have been pleased with the way we have been playing,” Big Sandy coach Ryan Alec said of his group. “We've beaten some quality teams over the break and we also lost to a quality team in Central Pollok at their place. They were a good, solid team. We got a chance to see what a really great team looks like.”

Alexis Thompson led the way on the scoreboard, with 28 points in just three quarters. The sophomore point guard hit eight 3-pointers. Faith Geller had 19 points, connecting three times from behind the arc, and Kalyssa Dickens collected 10 points.

The Lady Cats are undefeated going into an important two-game stint of district contests. Both could prove to be pivotal in determining District 24-2A seeding for the postseason.

“In my opinion, it is going to come down to us, West Sabine and Broaddus,” Alec said of the title race. “I think all of us will battle it out for the top spot. With West Sabine, we are going to have to match their intensity and we will have to play well. We play at their place on Friday and that is always a tough place to play.

“You always tried to take games one game at a time and our focus is on West Sabine now. We have Broaddus at home on Tuesday, which will be another tough battle. They are very aggressive and play extremely hard. That will be another tough game.”

The challenges are something the coach believes his team is prepared to face.

“We're ready and I think the kids are excited for Friday night. They know how big of a game Friday night is going to be in West Sabine.”

COURTESY PHOTO Winners display their trophies and peace signs during Championship Weekend at the Trinity Baseball-Softball League on Saturday.

TRINITY —The Trinity Baseball-Softball League said goodbye to the season with a Championship Weekend and parade, a new development for the league.

Organizers offered thanks to all of the teams and parents for decorating floats, to the Trinity Police Department for coordinating traffic, and to the Trinity Volunteer Fire Department, as Trinity High School Baseball players led the parade atop Ladder 1.

The top 3 best-decorated floats were 12U Lovelady, first place; 12U Trinity White, second place; and 6U Trinity Purple, third place.

Softball Cake Auction winners were 6U Pink, Bub and Melenie Meredith; 10 Purple, Carol Ketcham; 12U Black, Trinity Cafe (Roland and Dolores Kane); and 15U Orange, Rollo Insurance (Rusty Baker).

Baseball Cake Auction winners: 6U Gold, DC and Heather Musgrove; 6U Purple, Danny and Suzi Gearheart; 6U Red, Jonathon and Shelby Pope; 8U Sky Blue, George Kane and Bub and Melenie Meredith; 8U Green, Lloyd and Jeannette Burson; 10U Charcoal, Kembro Construction (Brian and Kimberly Kembro); 10U Royal, All-Around Electric (Matt and Jennifer Budzise); 12U Black, James and Dana Herrera; 12U White, Lynette, Kristina and Steven Bass; and 14 Orange, Ace Bail Bonds.

COURTESY PHOTO Softball players get trophies during Championship Weekend at the Trinity Baseball-Softball League on Saturday.

The first-ever cake auction generated $7,740.

Volunteers and other supporters were also shown appreciation during the event.

BRIAN BESCH | PCE Big Sandy Wildcatscelebrating a win.

The Big Sandy Wildcats scored early and often Saturday, clinching a bi-district championship over Iola 11-0 in Willis.

"We played to our full potential today," Big Sandy coach Blake Brown said. "We played good defense, pitched well, put the ball in play and took advantage of some situations on the basepaths to score in every inning."

The Wildcats made the most of their time at the plate. They scored 1, 2, 4 and 4, respectively, over the four frames.

Trace Flores, Bryce Barnes, Brayden Young and Ethan Murphy each had two RBIs, with the latter three collecting two hits as well. Young and Murphy scored twice, while Trever Quinones crossed the plate three times.

As a team, the Big Sandy offense had more hits (13) than recorded outs (12).

"Our guys had really good at-bats all the way up and down the order," Brown said. "Every time we got somebody in the box, we were seeing a lot of pitches. I think we got hit by a pitch five times today. Pretty much all of the baserunners that we got today were moved into scoring position and a lot of those were paid off."

Tony Carter pitched on a limited count, with only 76 tosses to work with Saturday after making relief appearances in both games Friday. He was able to finish Game 3, covering five innings in just 63 pitches.

He scattered five hits and a walk, and struck out three Bulldogs.

"Defensively, we just made a lot of plays. Isias Walker had a really good game. He played (shortstop) today while Tony was pitching and he made every play that was hit to him."

"Tony did a good job of getting on top of their bats, so there were a lot of balls in the air. I think they got their first hit in the third inning. Tony just commanded the game from the bump all day. Defensively, we were just there to make the plays behind him."

Brown said the next opponent, Shiner, will be present a big challenge. The Comanches are 22-2 and the Texas High School Coaches Association ranks them as the top team in the state.

"It is going to be a tough matchup for us. They are a tough matchup for anybody. I am never going to count my kids out if we play good baseball and play clean defense like we did today. I know they've got one really good pitcher and, as a team, they are pretty salty. I feel like our guys will come ready to play."

The series will begin Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Navasota and continue Saturday at 11 a.m. and (if needed) 1:30 p.m.

BRIAN BESCH | PCE Dante Eldridge drives to the hoop.

The Trojans of Coldspring-Oakhurst used a late kick to handily defeat Onalaska, 90-44, Jan. 26, in San Jacinto County.

Onalaska managed to remain within striking distance of the defending state semifinalists for part of the third quarter, but Coldspring found another gear. The Trojan press was successful more times than not late in the contest, allowing for a 39-point final period.

"I thought we were a little rusty through the first three quarters," Coldspring coach Greg Devers said. "We haven't played since last Tuesday and I had some kids out, so we didn't get a chance to practice yesterday. We were wide open and we had threes and we had layups. Our defense was there and our quickness was there, but we just couldn't go."

Through four minutes in the fourth quarter, Coldspring scored 27 points and ended with 39 for the eight-minute span. Duke Lawniczak led all scorers with 32, freshman Luke Monroe had 14 -- all in the fourth quarter --and Jared Curry scored 12.

"I hope that kind of carries over,” Devers said of his team's fourth-quarter performance. “We are trying to get our rotation going and get ready for the playoffs.

"I thought Coach (Nicholas) Tyerman did a great job and I told him not to show that press break to anybody, because at the end of the third quarter, it was an 11-point game. He did a great job of preparing his kids for tonight."

It has been a while since Coldspring has been challenged within district, but New Waverly put a stop to the Trojans 39-game winning streak a few weeks ago.

"New Waverly is one of the top teams in this region. They are 18-1 and ranked No. 7 and we are 13-1 and ranked No. 12. The big showdown is going to be next Friday at New Waverly. Kind of like us last year, I think they are going to be the team to beat. We are not going to just let them have our district title. I hope we will have a couple of tricks up our sleeves when we play next Friday."

Devers said his team lacks the depth that they possessed during last year's run to the state tournament in San Antonio. He is looking for a few athletes to step into larger roles once the postseason begins. He also wants the team to work on its half-court defense.

Onalaska has struggled in the 20-21 season, but Tyerman sees improvement in his group. There were flashes of potential throughout the first three quarters of Tuesday.

TONY FARKAS | TCNS Students gathered to be recognized for their achievements.

Academics, sports accomplishments noted with plaques, scholarships

TRINITY — Athletic Director Patrick Goodman said the students and athletes of the school needed to be recognized for their efforts after such a tumultuous year, which teachers and coaches did at the annual awards ceremony, held Thursday.

Thousands of dollars in scholarships and numerous awards were given to the students that excelled throughout the year.

Goodman also brought back the tradition of naming athletes who went above and beyond — the Tiger Heart Award — which went to Zoey Grey and Emilio Cleveland. He also started an all-around athlete award, which went to Cynthia Sizemore and Treylin Goodman.

Other awards include:

UIL Academic Results

District

Brooke Kelley, first place Ready Writing; Emilio Cleveland, third place Computer Apps; Diego Lewin, fourth place Computer Apps; Hunter Cassidy, third place Current Issues, fifth place Computer Apps; Kaitlyn Smith, second place Prose Interpretation, third place Persuasive Speaking; Allie Ancira, fourth place Prose Interpretation; Izaiah Fortenberry, second place Informative Speaking; Paton Mauldin, second place Biology, third place Chemistry, fourth place Physics; Zachary Thibodeaux, second place Chemistry.

Team Results

First place, Science: Hunter Cassidy, Emilio Cleveland, Paton Mauldin, Zach Thibodeaux.

Second place, Current Issues and Events: Hunter Cassidy, Emilio Cleveland, Paton Mauldin, Candida Guzman.

Regional Results

Izaiah Fortenberry, seventh place Informative Speaking; Kaitlyn Smith, fifth Persuasive Speaking; Zachary Thibodeaux, fourth place Biology.

Sports Awards

Cross country

Boys and girls track

Ava Morrison, cross country/track, regional cross country and area track, first-year letter winner; Kemberlie Caceras, track, area track, first-year letter winner; LaResa Green, track, area and regional qualifier, first-year letter winner; Aaliyah Hale, track, Area, first-year letter winner; Yesica Lopez, track , first-year letter winner; Yasmin Moore, track, area and regional qualifier, first-year letter winner; Daria Woods, track, Area track, first-year letter winner; Shania English, 23-3A District Champion 400 Meters, area and regional qualifier, Victoria Smith, area qualifier, Shelby Walters, Pole Vault, 23-3A District Champion Area Champion and regional qualifier, Anaya Weathersby, area and regional qualifier, Myona Wilson, area and regional qualifier, Zoey Gray, area qualifier, Cole Caldwell, first-Year track letter winner; Julian Clayborne, first-year track letter winner, area qualifier; Austin Cummins, first-year track letter winner; Marshall Sizemore, first-year track letter winner; Zylon Woods, first-year track letter winner; Tristan Williams, first-year track letter winner; Kaden Barnes, first-year track letter winner.

Tennis

Olivia Kitts, first-year letter winner, 23-3A second-place regional qualifier girls doubles; Natalie Bates, first-year letter winner, 23-3A second-regional qualifier girls doubles; Andrea Hickman, 23-3A District Champions girls doubles and regional qualifier; Gabby Kaufman, 23-3A District Champions girls doubles and regional qualifier, Team MVP; Dylan Ford, 3rd place boys singles; Paton Mauldin, Letter Award Winner

Volleyball

Cynthia Sizemore, first-team All-District, Co-MVP; Aniya Phillips, second-team All-District, Co-MVP.

Soccer

Melissa Acosta, first-year letter winner

Athletic training, student aides

Gabrielle Potts, 2 Years Varsity, first-year Letter Award Winner; Morgan Allbright, 2 Years Varsity, first-year Letter Award Winner

Football, Bi-District Finalist

Julian Clayborne, first-year letter winner; Navjot Gill, first-year letter winner, Academic All-District , UIL Scholar Award; Cole Hortman, first-year letter winner; Kaden Barnes, first-year letter winner; Romero Lopez, first-year letter winner; Trintin Fulsom, first-year letter winner, Academic All-District ; Randall Dumas, first-year letter winner, Academic All-District; Cole Odom, first-year letter winner; Treylin Goodman, Trinity first-team Running Back and second-team linebacker; Austin Cummins, Trinity, first-team Offensive Line and first-team Defensive Line, Academic All-District; Emilio Cleveland, Trinity, second-team Offensive Line , Academic All-District, UIL Scholar Award; Andrew Crabtree, Trinity, second-team Defensive Line; Fidencio Ruiz, Trinity, second-team Defensive Line, Academic All-District, UIL Scholar Award; Colton Smith, OL, Trinity, second-team Offensive Line

Boys and girls basketball, Bi-District Finalist

Nevaeh Craft, second-team All-District; Shania English, Honorable, Mention All-District; Peyton Robb, first-team All-District; Cynthia Sizemore, first-team All-District; Treylin Goodman, first-team All-District; Jakai Miller-Gates, first-team All-District; Terius Maxie, first-team All-District; Fermin Aleman, second-team All-District; Quinn Mack, Honorable Mention All-District, first-year Letter Award Winner; Tristian Martinez, first-year Letter Award Winner, Honorable Mention All-District, Academic All-District, ; Marshall Sizemore, first-year Letter Award Winner, Academic All-District; Cameron Anderson, first-year Letter Award Winner, Academic All-District; Cole Hortman, first-year Letter Award Winner

Baseball

Cole Hortman, first-year Letter Award Winner; Romero Lopez, first-year Letter Award Winner; Remi Lassman, first-year Letter Award Winner; David McKendree, first-year Letter Award Winner; Tristan Williams, first-year Letter Award Winner.

Golf

Anneliese Beasley, 23-3A Medalist, regional qualifier; Emilio Cleveland , Academic All-District; Hunter Cassidy, Academic All-District, UIL Scholar Athlete; Tyler Calloway, Academic All-District.

Boys and girls powerlifting

Deandra Mills, regional qualifier/medalist; Alyssa Hill, regional qualifier; Maria Mendoza, regional qualifier, first-year Letter Award Winner; Kailyn Fisher, Regional Champion, State Champion; Treylin Goodman, regional qualifier/medalist; Austin Cummins, regional qualifier.

Softball

Cynthia Sizemore, Defensive MVP; Dayanara Martinez, Utility Player of the Year, first-year Letter Award Winner; Peyton Robb, first-team All-District; Nevaeh Craft, second-team All-District; Abby Crowton, first-year Letter Award Winner; Brooke Arnold, first-year Letter Award Winner; Yasmin Moore, first-year Letter Award Winner.

BRIAN BESCH | PCE Adrian Thompson (3) of Big Sandy shoots a jumper in the lane.

TONY FARKAS | TCNS Trinity Tiger wide receiver Jamarian Hall runs through trouble during a Friday, Oct. 30, game against the Westwood Panthers. Trinity won the game 34-28.

TRINITY — The Tigers entered the 2020 season with one goal, to advance to the playoffs. A 34-28 victory over the Westwood Panthers made that goal a reality.

The victory was accomplished by a strong running game by Trey Goodman, who contributed 285 rushing yards and one passing touchdown; a defense that made timely stops and intercepted Panther passes three times, one resulting in a touchdown; and special teams that was able to recover an attempted onside kick that sealed the victory for the Tigers.

The Tigers struck early with a 66-yard touchdown run by Goodman on just the second play from scrimmage. However, the Panthers were able to control the ball on their opening possession for a 15-play touchdown drive to take a 7-6 lead into the second quarter.

Westwood scored early in the second quarter and take a 14-6 lead. With 2:24 left in the first half, Goodman was able to pick off a Panther pass and return it to the 24-yard line giving the Tigers a chance to even the score before halftime. Two plays later the Tigers gave up the ball on an interception.

A timely stop by the defense forced the Panthers to punt. With just 25 seconds left in the second quarter the Tigers had one last opportunity to score. The Tigers needed one play for Goodman to find the end zone from a 35-yard run. Adding the 2-point conversion, the Tigers and Panthers entered halftime tied at 14.

The Tigers took the lead for good on their opening possession of the third quarter when Goodman found Jamarian Hall for a 32-yard touchdown pass. The Panthers next offensive possession resulting in a T.J. Jaramillo interception on the Tiger 14-yard line. On the Tigers third play, Goodman broke free for a 78-yard touchdown run giving the Tigers a 28-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

TONY FARKAS | TCNS Trey Goodman (No. 3) finds room for the Trinity Tigers’ opening drive score, scampering 66 yards on Friday, Oct. 30, in Trinity. The Tigers downed the Westwood Panthers 34-28.

Trinity then drove to the Panther 28 yard line, but turned the ball over to the Panthers on a fourth-down run that came up short. An incompletion, a Raymond Balli sack and an interception returned 21 yards for a score by Romero Lopez gave the Tigers a commanding 24-14 lead with 6:47 left in the game.

The Panthers made the game interesting by taking just over two minutes to score and another touchdown with just 1:09 left to play. Leading by 6 points, the Tigers lined up for a Panther onside kick, and with the recovery, the Tigers special team was able to seal the win.

The win puts Trinity into the 2020 playoffs. The Tigers will end the regular season on the road against the Crockett Bulldogs, the winner of which will enter the playoffs as the No. 3 seed. With a win the Tigers will own their first winning regular season and district winning record in several years.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.; once all the games become final, the Tigers will know their playoff opponent.

BRIAN BESCH | PCE Livingston’s Jon’Toyrian McNeal scored a game-high 27 points Tuesday.

Liberty versus Livingston Lady Lions

The Livingston Lady Lions suffered their second district loss in as many games Tuesday, as the Liberty Lady Panthers escaped Polk County with a 45-42 win.

“It was rough,” Livingston coach Brittany Jefferson said. “I at least expected the girls to come out here and do what they were supposed to do. They came out and, just to be honest, they had no energy whatsoever. We wouldn't box out, we didn't get rebounds, the turnovers with the guards that I had — we were just giving the ball straight to Liberty. They just didn't do what they were supposed to do.”

The game Tuesday was a case of too little too late. The defending district champions seemingly picked up their intensity and focus in spots, but could not sustain a high level of play. A fourth-quarter comeback attempt fell short.

Leading 9-4 in the first quarter, Liberty went on a 12-3 run and eventually took a 22-19 advantage into the break at the half. The Lady Panthers came out of the locker room and put another eight points up before Livingston answered.

“The last two minutes of the game, they wanted to pick it up and tried to pick it up, but it's too late,” Jefferson said. “You are supposed to do that at the beginning. When you are trying to do that in the last two minutes of the game and you are down by six or eight points, it's too late. You should have just picked it up at the beginning. If they would have played like they did in the last two minutes, then it probably would have been an easy win. Since they didn't do that, it just didn't happen.”

Liberty’s Madyson Goudeau led the Lady Panthers with 15 points, Drelyn Willis had 13, and Reese Evans added eight. For Livingston, Jon’Toyrian McNeal had 27 points, Z Garner finished with eight and Natavia Davis had seven.

Livingston is now winless in two district games, dropping the first to district favorite Hardin-Jefferson in a lopsided 103-10 blowout.

“I would have assumed that, hopefully, we would have been 1-1 now,” the coach said. “We just have to take it as it is and, hopefully, they'll learn from it. If not, it is going to be a long, long, long season.”

Jefferson most wants her team to be able to take care of the ball. The team had problems setting up and executing an offense because of an inability to control the basketball.

The Lady Lions’ next opportunity to get in the district win column will be Dec. 18 on the road at Hamshire-Fannett.

Discuss this story in the East Texas News Forum

TONY FARKAS | TCNS Trinity Tiger Terius Maxie (No. 22 white) goes over a Lovelady defender during the team’s Dec. 8 matchup, which Trinity won 59-51.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Trinity

Dec. 12 vs. Alpha Omega, 68-53 loss.

Dec. 8 vs. Lovelady, 59-51 win.

Groveton

Dec. 11 vs. Hemphill, 56-35 loss.

Centerville

No scores reported

Apple Springs

Dec. 11 vs. Colmesneil, 58-25 loss

Dec. 8 vs. Zavalla, 45-36 win

COURTESY PHOTO A host of Groveton Lady Indians go for the ball during the team’s win over Lovelady on Friday.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Trinity

Dec. 11 vs. Tarkington, 55-44 loss.

Dec. 8 vs. Corrigan-Camden, 64-31 win.

Groveton

No scores reported.

Centerville

No scores reported

Apple Springs

Dec. 11 vs. Kennard, 36-21 win.

Dec. 8 vs. Neches, 62-15 loss.

TONY FARKAS | TCNS Trinity’s Jakai Miller-Gates (No. 13) goes up for two of his 18 points during a Dec. 4 match with Woodville. The Tigers won the game 62-59.

TRINITY — Practice made for almost perfect as the Trinity Tigers downed the Woodville Eagles 62-59 on Friday.

Head Coach Jacoby Mitchell credited gym time for the improvement over their opening game.

“I felt like we been in the gym a lot more, and they were realizing what is a good shot and a great shot, and had less problems with turnovers,” Mitchell said.

Top scorers in the match include Terius Maxie, who posted 20 points as well as banking the double-double, pulling down 12 rebounds; Jakai Miller-Gates with 18 points; and Trey Goodman with 13 points.

Trinity VS. Woodvillle Video

Boys Basketball

Trinity

Dec. 1 vs. Grapeland, 66-56 loss.

Nov. 23 vs. Huntington, 51-44 loss.

Groveton

Nov. 24 vs. Corrigan-Camden, 34-30 win.

Apple Springs

Dec. 4 vs. Richards, 54-40 loss.

Dec. 1 vs. Zavala, 54-21 loss.

Nov. 23 vs. Brookeland, 55-27 loss.

Centerville

No scores reported

Girls Basketball

Trinity

Dec. 5 vs. Centerville, 53-31 loss.

Dec. 4 vs. Corrigan-Camden, 56-22 win.

Nov. 23 vs. Livingston, 49-32 win.

Groveton

Dec. 4 vs. Caney Creek, 35-32 win

Apple Springs

Dec. 1 vs. Zavala, 46-33 loss.

Nov. 23 vs. Brookeland, 25-22 loss.

Centerville

No scores reported.

TONY FARKAS | TCNS Trinity Tiger Third Baseman Cole Caldwell slides into third following his opening at-bat triple during the Friday game with Coldspring-Oakhurst. Despite going on to score, the Tigers lost to the Trojans 18-1.

TRINITY — Hot bats gave the Coldspring-Oakhurst Trojans a win over the Trinity Tigers on Friday.

Tiger head coach Chad Kinney said senior Sam Allen gave up a total of 4 earned runs and 1 RBI at the plate, and junior Cole Caldwell went 2-for-2 with a triple and a run scored. Freshmen Remi Lassman and Cole Hortman each went 1-for-2 with a double, and freshman David McKendree walked twice.

Trinity managed to put up a few hits, but couldn’t string together enough to counter Coldspring-Oakhurst.

Kinney said that due to having players out, the next game — Onalaska on Thursday — they will be starting five or six freshmen.

Trojan Head Coach Austin Riddell said it was a great overall team win.

Easton Dean, who also carried pitching duties, went 4-for-5 and hit for the cycle, including his first high school-career home run. He also put up three strikeouts while allowing only two hits.

Riddell said this week is going to be a tough test, as they were to play New Waverly on Tuesday at home, and then travel to Anderson-Shiro on Thursday.

“This will be a great measuring tool to see where we truly stand in our district and we are excited for the opportunity,” he said.

COURTESY PHOTO The Centerville Lady Bulldogs are headed to the playoffs against Zavalla on Thursday.

TCNS staff

TRINITY — After a win last week, the Trinity Lady Tigers fell to district rival Onalaska on Saturday to place third in the district.

Trinity lost in overtime 57-52, even though the Feb. 2 score was a 40-37 win.

The Lady Tigers next play East Barnard at 6 p.m. Thursday at Waller High School.

The Tiger boys lost to Tarkington 54-48 on Saturday. Trey Goodman led scorers with 21 points, and Jakai Miller-Gates chipped in 16.

Trinity was to play New Waverly on Tuesday and Anderson-Shiro on Thursday.

On Feb. 2, Trinity overpowered Onalaska 67-57.

TONY FARKAS | TCNS Trinity Tiger center Terius Maxie (No. 22) attempts a bucket during a district game against Tarkington on Saturday.

Apple Springs

Coach Michael Powell said the Lady Eagles finished district play with a 2-10 record.

“We beat Kennard twice, but lost to everyone else,” he said.

The Eagles went 0-10 in district with two games left to play this week.

Their last game, Feb. 2 vs. Laneville, ended up a 68-20 loss.

Centerville

Head Coach Kevin Parker said the Lady Bulldogs will be advancing to the playoffs and will face Zavalla in the Bi-District Round on Thursday in Huntington.

Boys

Feb. 5 vs. Kennard, 59-42 loss.

Girls

Feb. 5 vs. Kennard, 55-36 win.

Feb. 3 vs. Neches, 50-19 loss.

Groveton

Coach Rogelyn Andrews said the Lady Indians are tied with Leon for fourth place in district.

Groveton was to play Tuesday in Grapeland, and the winner will move on to play Martin's Mill Friday in Bi-District. 

PHOTO BY MARTHA MERICLE A Groveton player looks to move toward the goal during the Indians’ 35-31 win over Latexo on Jan. 26, 2021.

COLDSPRING — The Trinity girls outlasted the Coldspring-Oakhurst Lady Trojans, but the boys, who played catchup for the game, lost by 20.

The Lady Tigers stopped COHS with a 57-11 drubbing, while the Trojans downed the Tigers 72-52 on Friday.

For the Tigers, Jakai Miller-Gates led scoring with 18, followed by Trey Goodman with 12.

Coach Jacoby Mitchell

The win puts the Lady Tigers at 7-3 in district play, while the boys fall to 3-5.

On Jan. 26, The Lady Tigers edged out Anderson-Shiro 48-47.

Coach Taylor Wilson said it was the team’s first time to beat the Lady Owls in district play.

Top scorers were Rayn Balli with 19 points, Peyton Robb with 10 points, Cynthia Sizemore with 7 points, Shania English with 5 points and Nevaeh Craft with 5 points.

Centerville

Girls

(10-2 overall, 6-1 in district)

•Jan. 27 vs. Laneville, 31-20 win.

Top scorers: Gracie May with 11 points, Alexis May with 8

•Jan. 26 vs. Apple Springs, 34-19 win

Top scorers: K.K. Mott with 14, Gracie May with 14

Boys 

•Jan. 27 vs. Laneville 67 Centerville 67-41 loss

(Ethan Rutledge 14, Aydn Self 14)

•Jan. 26 vs. Apple Springs 66-44 win

(Aydn Self 33 points, Ethan Rutledge 10 points)

Groveton

Girls

•Jan. 25 vs. Grapeland, 50-41 loss.

Scorers: Tatum Porter with 12, Lena Taylor with 10, Kiki Smith with 8, Kassie Plotts with 5, Chasity Blair with 5, Maicey Smith with 1

Rebounds: Kassie Plotts with 16, Chasity Blair with 6 op Assists: Kiki Smith with 3, Chasity Blair with 3, Maicey Smith with 3

Blocks: Kiki Smith 2, Tatum Porter 1

•Jan. 23 vs. Lovelady, 43-26 loss

Scorers: Tatum Porter with 8, Lena Taylor with with 6, Kassie Plotts with 5, Chasity Blair with 4, Kiki Smith with 2, Maicey Smith with 1

Rebounds: Chasity Blair with 8, Lena Taylor with 8, Kassie Plotts with 6

Assists Kiki Smith with 2, Kassie Plotts with 2

•Jan. 21 vs. Centerville, 60-25 loss

Lena Taylor with 9, Tatum Porter with 9, Maddy Thomas with 3, Chasity Blair with 2, Kassie Plotts with 2

Rebounds: Lena Taylor with 8, Kassie Plotts with 7

•Jan. 20 vs. Grapeland, 56-32 loss.

Scorers: Tatum Porter with 15, Lena Taylor 1 with 2, Maicey Smith with 2, Chasity Blair with 2, Bre McQueen with 1

Rebounds: Kassie Plotts with 10, Chasity Blair with 9

Assists: Kassie Plotts with 4, Ingrid Rojo with 1

Boys

•Jan. 26 vs. Latexo, 35-31 win.

•Jan. 25 vs. Centerville, 59-44 loss.

Apple Springs

Girls

•Jan. 29 vs. Wells, 48-25 loss

•Jan. 26 vs. Centerville, 34-19 loss

Boys

•Jan. 29 vs. Wells, 70-26 loss

•Jan. 26 vs. Centerville, 66-44 loss

COURTESY PHOTO | CASSIE GREGORY Cynthia Shehane and Michael Trejo were both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Trojan and Lady Trojan Cross Country MVPs.

COLDSPRING — The Coldspring-Oakhurst High School 2020-21 Athletic Banquet was held on Thursday.

It was a celebration of Trojan and Lady Trojan athletes from last year and this year, since the 2019-20 banquet was canceled due to the pandemic.

Congratulations to all of the coaches and athletes for another great year of athletic excellence!

Baseball MVP

Easton Dean was named Trojans Baseball MVP. Last year's MVP was Trevor Vaughn (not pictured).

Boys Basketball MVP

This year's Trojans Basketball MVP is Duke Lawniczak. Last year's MVP was Jacoby Bishop.

Boys Track MVP

This year's Trojans Track MVP is COHS senior Jared Curry. Last year's MVP was Curtis Parker (not pictured).

Cross Country MVPs

Cynthia Shehane and Michael Trejo were both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Trojan and Lady Trojan Cross Country MVPs.

Girls and Boys Powerlifting MVPs

The 2019-20 Lady Trojans Powerlifting MVP was Andie Seagraves and the Trojans MVP was Caleb Monroe. This year's MVPs are Kynadee Benestante, Cynthia Shehane, and Hayden Richardson. (Shown from left:

Girls Basketball MVP

Alexis Moore was named this year's Lady Trojans Basketball MVP, (pictured). Last year's MVP was Shaniya Gilbert.

Girls Track MVP

Miya Ellis is this year's Lady Trojans Track MVP. Last year's MVP was Shaniya Gilbert (not pictured).

Golf MVPs

The 2019-20 Trojans and Lady Trojans Golf MVPs were Tagen Coulliette and Maci Strickland. This year's MVPs are Tagen Coulliette and Izzy Doggett. (Shown from left: Golf Coach James Smith, Tagen…

Lady Trojan MVP

The 2020-21 Lady Trojan MVP is Alexis Moore. Last year's MVP award went to Shaniya Gilbert (not pictured).

Softball MVP

The 2020-21 Lady Trojans Softball MVP is Cami Fussell, who also made 1st Team All-District. The 2019-20 MVPs were Harlie Ritchie and Cheyenne Tyson (not pictured).

Tennis MVPs

Jonathan Buchanan was the 2019-20 Tennis MVP, and Cori Amszi was the Lady Trojans MVP. This year's MVPs are Reagan Roberts and Crystal Ramos (pictured).

Trojan Fighting Heart Award

The Trojan and Lady Trojan Fighting Heart award is given each year to the athletes who show the most dedication, perseverance and hard work, all while maintaining a positive attitude and good team…

Trojan MVP

The 2020-21 Trojan Athletic MVP is Duke Lawniczak. Last year's MVP award went to Jacoby Bishop (not pictured).

Varsity Football Captain's Award and MVP

Hayden Richardson, shown left, was given the Defense Captain's Award for 2020-21, Trevor Vaughn was awarded the Offense, (not shown). The 2019-20 Captain's Award winner was Jayden Whitten. This…

Volleyball MVP

This year's Lady Trojans Volleyball MVP is Alexis Moore. Last year's winner was Marissa Martinez.

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JASON CHLAPEK | SJNT Coldspring-Oakhurst guard Duke Lawniczak (with ball) dribbles in the paint against Shepherd post Bradley Davis during a game between the Trojans and Pirates earlier this season. 

COLDSPRING — The road to San Antonio begins tonight and tomorrow night for the Coldspring-Oakhurst and Shepherd boys basketball teams, respectively.

The Trojans, defending Region III-Class 3A champions, face Van Vleck at 6:30 p.m. today at Friendswood High School in a 3A bi-district contest. Coldspring (16-3) is the runner-up out of District 23-3A.

The Pirates begin their playoff journey Friday when they face Lumberton at 7 p.m. at Warren High School. Shepherd (13-13) tied for third with Hamshire-Fannett, but is the No. 4 playoff seed out of 21-4A.

The Trojans and Pirates are both limping into the postseason. Coldspring lost two of its last three contests, including a 58-54 setback at the hands of Anderson-Shiro in last week's regular season finale.

Shepherd has lost three in a row, including a 65-40 defeat against district co-champion Huffman Hargrave in last week's regular season finale. Bradley Davis and Dillen Johnson led the Pirates with 13 and 10 points, respectively.

JASON CHLAPEK | SJNT Coldspring-Oakhurst guard Jared Curry (left) and Shepherd guard Christian Castillo chase down a loose ball during a game between the Trojans and Pirates earlier this season. 

JASON CHLAPEK | PCPC Spurger Pirates Colton Fredieu and Luis Jimenez cross the finish line.

HUNTSVILLE – Tyler County was well-represented at the UIL Region 3 Cross-Country Regional Meet.

The meet, for the 2A through 6A conference schools, was held Nov. 9-10 in Huntsville at Sam Houston State University, and found teams from Spurger; Colmesneil; Warren and Woodville competing in the 2A and 3A events, respectively.

For the Spurger Pirates, the boys placed in eighth, overall, with 223 points.

In the girls’ two-mile run, Katy Curry came in 55th place with a time of 15:36.60 and Jillian Leasman placed at 111th with a time of 18:34.50.

The boys had six runners compete in the three-mile run. Jose Jimenez placed at 24th with a time of 19:26.80. Luis Molina Jimenez came in 53rd place, with a time of 20:26.70, and Colton Fredieu came in right behind at 54th with the same time. Nicholas Wilson got a 65th place finish with a time of 21:12.20; Bryce Oseguera got the 100th place finish with 25:01.80 and Coby Anthony got the 104th place with 25:32.90 on the clock.

The Colmesneil Bulldogs’ cross-country runners put a team of six girls in the two-mile run and Treston Horton running in the boys’ three-mile event. Horton placed 66th with a time of 21:20.20.

For the girls, Katherine Vargas-Martine placed 18th, with 14:39.40; Alyssa Mabry came in 37th with 15:04.70; Bernice Pittman placed 87th with 16:47.30. Erin Frazier got 97th place with a 17:05.20; Karen Vargas-Martinez got 113th with 18:41.20 and Katelyne Guerrero placed 115th with a time of 18:48.

The Warren Warriors cross-country boys had a team consisting of Jerrod Yeagin (#42, 18:21.70); Eli Carrell (#105, 20:46.40); Arturo Bustamante (#118, 21:26.50); Jonathan Lee (#126, 22:02.80); Jerry Don Brinkley (#133, 23:01.30); Juan Lianes (#137, 23:45.90) and Corley Dilbeck (#138, 24:03.70.) They placed 15th in the three-mile event with a total of 378 points.

Abby Carroll from Warren also ran in the 3A girls’ two-mile run and finished 24th with a time of 13:57.70.

The Woodville Eagles were represented in the 3A girls’ two-mile run with a ninth-place finish for a team of seven Lady Eagle runners.

Here are the results for Woodville individual runners at the meet: Kristina Nash (#60, 14:55.50); Brittany Lilley (#63, 15:00.30); Raegan Frantz (#71, 15:23.30); Ryleigh Stewart (#85, 15:23.30); Aubrianna Torres (#96, 15:50.40); Ashley Davis (#118, 16:35.30) and Kenadi Frauenberger (#129, 17:28.20.) The Lady Eagle runners accumulated a combined 258 points.

BRIAN BESCH | PCE Michael Hamilton led all scores with 14 Tuesday night.

A stifling defense made for easy offense as Big Sandy breezed past Spurger 83-13 Tuesday. Turnovers gave the game the look of a layup drill at times, as the Wildcats led by 17 after the first quarter and 33 at the half.

Nearly at full strength, the Wildcats were too much for Spurger. The Pirates’ best quarter was in the first, scoring five points. Meanwhile the Big Sandy attack never amassed fewer than 19 points in a period.

“We’ve got nearly everybody back,” Wildcat coach Kevin Foster said with a bit of relief. “We went on a stretch from Thanksgiving until Dec. 28 where we constantly had two or three guys out. We've played a lot of bigger schools, so it has been tough on us. I kept telling the kids that it will prepare us for the long run, even though we are taking our lumps now.”

The ‘Cats spread the wealth, with each of the eight players scoring at least four points. Michael Hamilton was tops amongst them with 14. Elias Bullock scored 13, Kaden Foster and Josi Celestine both had a dozen, and Adrian Thompson had 10.

“The last few games we have really worked on getting the ball up and we go through stretches where we struggle to score,” Foster said. “We need to get into our offense quicker and really transition and fast-breaking. We have done a better job of that as of late. I feel like the one thing that we've done well for the past couple of games is defend. We’ve also rebounded well all year long.”

Much the same as the girls, Foster believes Friday's game at West Sabine will be in an important one for his Wildcats. The two schools were projected by many to finish first and second in the district.

“It is going to be a challenging and difficult game, but that's what makes it fun,” the coach said. “I told the kids that we will be focused these next two days in practice to get ready to play. They probably have the best individual player in the district. He has started for them since he was a freshman and is a junior now. They have some good athletes and we are looking forward to it.”

JASON CHLAPEK | PCE Onalaska athlete Kierra Anstee finishes third in the District 23-3A cross country meet last week in Anderson. Anstee will participate in the Region III-3A Meet Monday in Huntsville.

ANDERSON — For the seventh year in a row, the Onalaska boys cross country team is a district champion.

The Wildcats accomplished this feat last Thursday at the District 23-3A Meet in Anderson. Onalaska finished with 47 points, while runner-up New Waverly had 56.

“I think individual commitment from each runner and making sure we were playing it safe, wearing our masks and maintaining social distancing helped us maintain our streak,” Onalaska coach Terri Boyce said. “We’ve also been very dedicated and we were determined to win come heck or high water. I’m very proud of them.”

The top two teams and top 10 individuals qualified for the Region III-3A Meet on Monday at Kate Barr Ross Park in Huntsville. At the region meet, the top three teams and top 10 individual finishers not attached to a qualifying team will earn berths in the 3A state meet Nov. 23 in Round Rock.

Leading the charge for the Wildcats last Thursday was three-time district champion William Boyce — the coach’s son. Running in chilly, windy conditions on a hilly course, Boyce finished the race with a time of 17 minutes, 37 seconds — nearly a minute faster than runner-up Hutton Edney of New Waverly (18:30).

“This was my first goal (to win district),” Boyce said. “I ran on my own and made sure I was faster on my times. I made sure I ran faster and longer in practice. I also conditioned myself on hills because there’s a bunch of hills on this course. Over the summer, I hit the hills really hard. We have a lot of hills in Onalaska that I ran on. This is the coldest I’ve run in a district meet. I’ve run in mud and slush for district, but never something this cold. I feel like that helped with breathing.”

Boyce also is the defending region champion and finished third in state last year. A runner-up finish in district his freshman year gave Boyce all the motivation he needed to make sure he never took home a silver medal in a district meet again.

“In junior high, I won both years — seventh and eighth grade — so I thought I was going into it pretty good my freshman year.,” Boyce said. “That’s what it’s been since then (first place).”

Now that the first goal is complete, Boyce is aiming for the second one — a repeat region championship. With this being his senior season, Boyce also hopes to complete the triple crown by winning gold at the state meet, and that his team will qualify as well.

“I’ve been to state every year,” he said. “I hope we can get there again. I won region last year and finished third in state. I hope to take him gold in both regionals and state this year. I need to put my head down and put the work in. There’s a bunch of guys real close and I hope to use them to push myself to run my best.”

Rounding out the boys scoring was Brady Neuman (fourth), Cy Turner (12th), Jason Arnold (14th) and Canyon Holley (16th). Derek Winkle (21st) and Jaykob Lowrie (25th) also participated for Onalaska.

On the girls side, the Lady Cats were 13 points shy of returning to the region meet. New Waverly and Anderson-Shiro finished 1-2, respectively, in the team standings.

This ended Onalaska’s streak of four consecutive district championships. However, Kierra Anstee and Emily Kirkley qualified for the region meet as they finished third and 10th, respectively.

“We’re very young and had three freshmen running,” Terri Boyce said. “We have a really good eighth grader coming up who’s going to run next year and help us out quite a bit. She’ll bring some speed to our team. We have one senior girl — Kierra.”

While Boyce will just have to replace one spot on the girls side, she’ll have three holes to fill on the boys side. Among those are Boyce and Neuman.

“We have three senior boys, including my top two finishers,” Boyce said. “We’re going to be struggling a little bit next year, but I’ve got two eighth-graders who can come in next year who could easily fill those shoes.”

Which could lead to an eighth straight title.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLMESNEIL ISD ATHLETICS Colmesneil Lady Dog (and soon-to-be Rich Mountain Buck) Sunnie Wilkinson at bat.

COLMESNEIL – Lady Dogs softballer Sunnie Wilkinson announced her commitment to play for the Rich Mountain Bucks last week.

Wilkinson, a senior, announced the commitment on social media. “I am honored and blessed to announce my commitment to further my education and play softball at the University of Arkansas, Rich Mountain,” she said.

Wilkinson, who is set to graduate Colmesneil High School this year, as part of the class of 2021, plays short stop, left field and centerfield for the Lady Dogs under Coach Kayla Day.

She said she wants to thank her coaches, family and friends to help her further her goals, both on the diamond and in the classroom.

The Rich Mountain campus is located in Mena, Arkansas and is part of the University of Arkansas system.

The school’s softball program was added to its athletic offerings in 2020, under the direction of Coach Tracy Nealy, a 34-year veteran of coaching various softball programs.

Currently, Wilkinson and her Lady Dog teammates are prepping for the coming season. They began practice the second week of January and are scheduled to play the Groveton Lady Indians at home at 5 p.m. on Feb. 16 to kick off the season after scrimmages with Onalaska, Corrigan, Hudson, Woodville and Huntington.

FILE PHOTO Jennifer Mixon

WOODVILLE –  Longtime Woodville ISD educator and coach Jennifer Mixon died last week at the age of 50.

Mixon died on Friday at Lakeside Lodge in Brookeland. She had been fighting breast cancer for several years and undergoing treatments. WISD Superintendent Lisa Meysembourg said Mixon had, in more than 20 years with the district, impacted the lives of many and left behind “a legacy of strength, courage, caring and commitment.”

A public funeral service is planned for 10 a.m. on Thursday at Eagle Stadium, with a graveside service to follow at 1 p.m. in Little Hope Cemetery in the Beech Grove community. WISD is cancelling classes on Thursday so that all students, staff and families who wish to do so will have the opportunity to pay their respects.

“Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers as we all mourn her loss together,” Meysembourg said.

The athletic director of the WISD girls’ program, Troy Carrell, called Mixon “the backbone of our girls’ athletic program,” and said she will be greatly missed.

“She has had the opportunity to touch countless numbers of students as well as teachers and coaches alike,” Carrell said.

“Coach Mixon was a perfect example of what it meant to be a Lady Eagle. She always held everyone to high standards and expected only the best of what you had to offer both on and off the court,” he added.

Education and athletic leadership ran deep in Mixon’s blood, as her late father, Jerry Ives, was a longtime respected and beloved coach at Elkhart High School. After his death, the school’s stadium was named in his honor. Her brother, Jason, has also served as a coach and administrator. Her husband Shawn has also served as a football and softball coach for WISD.

In addition to her husband and brother, Mixon is survived by two daughters, Shelby and Emily and her mother Darlene, as well as numerous other family members.