Sports Roundup

Jonesboro Wins Bi-District Game with Late Heroics

The Eagles rallied from a double-digit deficit to defeat Richland Springs in the opening round of the playoffs last week, winning on a last-second three-point shot from Maddox Stroud.

Coach Kent Scott said it was a good win for his team.

“It was a tough first half, down 17,” Scott said. “The boys rallied and did what they needed to do to put us in a position to have a chance to win at the end of the game. We've done this several times throughout the year—Oglesby and Abbott come to mind.”

Scott said he had a few standout performances in the game.

“It was a great team effort - Thorman and Nichols working down low, rebounding as always, Stephenson and Robertson handling pressure from Richland Springs press/trap,” Scott said. “Chase Buster, Pate Foote, and Truett Foote were critical coming off the bench. Of course, Maddox driving the lane and then hitting the game-winner. Truly a team effort.”

Describing the atmosphere following Stroud's game-winning shot, Scott was short and to the point.

“Absolute pandemonium,” Scott said.

Jonesboro lost in the area round to Brookeland, and, reflecting on the season as a whole, Scott said he could not have asked for much more.

“I was very pleased with the regular season,” Scott said. “We started district play off with a loss against Oglesby, but the boys really responded. It was our first district title (share of district title) since 1998. I was disappointed we didn't play better against Aquilla the second time; it would've been an outright district title. But (I) have felt like every time the boys have been challenged, they responded.

“It was our first bi-district win since 2017, and before that I believe was 1991. Not many firsts this year, but certainly lots of 'firsts in a long time.'”

Gatesville Boys Win Bi-District, Lose at Area

The Hornets defeated Lampasas in the bi-district round of the playoffs last week, and coach Brit Campbell said it was a very tough game.

“We knew we had to show up and play well,” Campbell said. “They are a team with guards that can shoot; they play hard all game; and they have a 7'0 player at the rim. Our guys did a great job all game. After the first few minutes of the game, we never trailed. We built up a good lead going into halftime. Our defense got after it, and our offense was clicking. They cut it in the third quarter and closed the gap in the fourth quarter. They had gained momentum, but our guys never looked like we were done. We kept our composure. Even when it was tied up 60-60, our guys kept their cool.”

And, there was some drama near the end of the game.

“We came out of the time out, and they got the ball to West, and he went downhill and made a play,” Campbell said. “He hit the game-winning shot with two seconds to go. It was a big-time clutch play by a big-time clutch player. Great team win by the Hornets, where all nine guys on the team that played contributed to the win!"

Kase Cox finished the game with 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while West Allman had 17 points and five assists for the Hornets.

Amos Phillips finished the game with 13 points and 13 rebounds, “and did the bulk majority of guarding the seven-footer.”

Charlie Winkler had 10 points in the game for the Hornets.

Gatesville lost in the area round game to Almeta Crawford.

Campbell said he would like for his players to take away a couple of things from this season as a whole.

“I hope our players understand how much I truly care for and appreciate these guys,” Campbell said. “They were a dang good basketball team and even better kids. We consistently got compliments when we traveled places, acted right on and off the court, played hard, and competed night in and night out. They need to be proud of the season, which led to 21 wins, two tournament championships, our fourth consecutive trip to the playoffs, and a bi-district championship.

“I hope they get to hold on to all the memories, the bonds they built, and the impact they had on me and my family. I want them to carry their success as young men into what's next for them in their lives.”

Oglesby Defeats Brookesmith, Comes Up Short Against Kennard

The Tigers opened up the playoffs with a victory over Brookesmith last week, and coach Larry Williamson said his team adjusted well to the new environment.

“Several of our starters were entering their first playoff season and first time on varsity, so once everyone got used to the difference in style and pace of play, we were able to play our game and come away with the victory,” Williamson said.

The Tigers had several standout performances, including Evan Williamson (10 points), Holdyn Goff (20 points), Alex Castillo (17 points), and Kyler Fossett (seven points).

Against Kennard in the area round, Williamson said his players gave it all they had.

“I’m proud of the level of competitiveness the team showed,” Williamson said. “They played hard and showed great maturity. We knew it would be a tough game, and every player did their best to represent the team and town well.”

The Tigers had several standout performances against Kennard as well, including Evan Williamson (seven points), Holdyn Goff (17 points), Alex Castillo (11 points), and Kyler Fossett (nine points).

Looking back on 2024-25, Williamson said he hopes his players take away a few things.

“I hope the team continues to develop as leaders and players,” Williamson said. “We overcame some adversity by being short-handed several times, and they still remained confident in their abilities. I can tell some have come away with a love for the game of basketball that will hopefully motivate them to keep working to be the best players they can be.”

Evant, Jonesboro and Oglesby Receive District Honors

The Evant, Jonesboro, and Oglesby girls’ basketball teams received numerous all-district honors this season, including a few superlatives.

For Jonesboro, Chris Simon was named Coach of the Year, and Ella Gustin was selected as the Most Valuable Player.

Ally Thorman and Lynlee Deats were both first-team selections, and Emily Turner received second-team honors.

Landry McFarlin was named honorable mention.

For Evant, Ludwika Rodriguez received first-team honors, while Molly Waldrum and Bree Ramirez were selected to the second team.

For Oglesby, Zarah Wisehart was named to the first team, while Presley Robinson received second-team honors.

Caitlyn Battreal was selected as an honorable mention.

Gatesville Softball Team Travels to Houston

The Hornets softball team competed in a tournament in Houston this past week, and coach Andrea Holdbrook said, “It was cold in Cleveland.”

Gatesville went 2-2-1 at the Cleveland tournament, and Holdbrook said her team had to do some adjusting in more ways than one.

“Our tournament schedule got changed quite a bit due to the weather,” Holdbrook said. “Games were shortened to 75-min finish the batter, so it was tough to get more than four complete innings in each game. Considering the circumstances, I thought we competed really well. The girls stayed in a good mood while fighting the cold, and we still got to play five quick games, while a lot of other teams around the state did not. We finished 2-2-1 for the tournament and learned how to play quick and be tough."

Holdbrook said she had a few standout efforts in the game.

“Once again, Madisyn Birnel led the team at the plate going five for nine with five RBIS and seven runs scored,” Holdbrook said. “Journey Garrett hit four for eight with four RBIs and two home runs in one game. Grace Carothers had seven RBIS and a grand slam. Kallie Featherston and Madison Hester combined for 29 strikeouts in the circle.”

Jonesboro Powerlifting Team Qualifies Lifters for Regional Competition

The Eagles powerlifting program had two athletes qualify for the regional meet last week at Strawn.

Freshman Wyatt Oglesby in the 114lb weight class and junior Sam Lawrence in the 165lb weight class both advanced and will compete on March 8, in West.

On the girls’ side, junior Adalyna Andrade competed at regionals on Saturday in Dublin and set a new personal record on squat and deadlift and a new total max of 675 lbs.

“She fell just short of qualifying for state but took home the third place medal in the 132lb weight class,” coach Tori Smith said. “We are beyond proud of her success this season, especially being her first year to participate in powerlifting. We have no doubt she will be back next year stronger and more determined to be state-bound than ever.”

Hornets Soccer Team Beats Little River Academy

The Gatesville boys’ soccer team defeated Little River Academy by a score of 8-0 last week and the girls came up just short, losing 2-0.

Coach James Campbell said his teams competed against their opponents, but also inclement weather.

“Both teams battled the elements,” Campbell said. “Early mistakes by the girls cost us, as we were not able to generate much offense against the wind. The boys took advantage of the wind by scoring seven first-half goals. They were led by three goals by Oswaldo Leon and four goals by Hector Silva.”