Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine 2018-19

Vol. 46

INSIDE: 40 YEARS AGO, THE QUEENS RULED

$8.95

Team Physicians for West Texas A&M University and Eastern New Mexico University

Front row: Ashlyn Milton, Amarillo High • Zayla Tinner, Amarillo High • Tatym Barnes, Amarillo High Madison Stokes, Amarillo High • Sara Gilbert, Boys Ranch • Mariah Trevino, Friona

2018 2019

2nd row: Arturo Camacho, Spearman • Maddie McCloy, Spearman • Abraham Bonilla, Spearman Gage Cassity, West Texas High • Jonah Villanueva, West Texas High • Jeffery Jefferson, West Texas High

Front row: Ayana Segrest, Coronado • Maci Maddox, Frenship • Cassandra Awatt, Frenship Cambrie Heiman, Nazareth • Hallie Kleman, Nazareth • Blakely Gerber, Nazareth 2nd row: Bryson Daily, Abernathy • Blair Conwright, Coronado • Jake Gerber, Nazareth Zach Muniz, Brownfield • Calaway Dykes, Frenship

Bill Barnhill, M.D., P.A.

Fellowship Trained Sports Medicine American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine Arthroscopy Association of North America Orthopedic – Arthroscopy Knees & Shoulders

Front row: Kaison Kirkland, Panhandle • Lainey Choate, Panhandle • Masyn Reining, Panhandle Sydney Johnson, Caprock • Kamry Perez, Randall • Canton Moreno, Randall

Front row: Riley Sessions, Wellington • Savannah Sumrall, Wellington • Ashlyn Shelley, Idalou Shaylee Stovall, Idalou • Megan Moore, Ropes • Maggie Anderson, Ropes

Front row: Salym Cook, Canadian • Ashlyn Schilling, Follett • Rylee Johnson, Happy Lara Mason, Vega • Macy Walker, Vega • Anita Knoll, Vega

2nd row: Alexis Murguia, Tascosa • Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant, Tascosa • BJ Anderson, Tascosa Tuon Gatkek, Caprock • Chris Wilson, Caprock • Jasean Barrow, Randall (not shown)

2nd row: JoJo McKnight, Wellington • Jayden Longoria, Littlefield • Maurice Carr, Crosbyton Judson Locke, Smyer • Qua Butler, Monterey

2nd row: Christian Barber, Follett • Robby Devries, Dalhart • Zach Barsalou, Dalhart Jackson Davis, Happy • Kenadee Winfrey, Canyon • Carter Cluck, Canyon

Front row: Hope Moon, McLean • Caden Carter, McLean • Riley Patterson, McLean Cierra Kiser, River Road • Kaytlin Shipley, River Road • Mohamed Musa, Palo Duro

Front row: Angel Darden, Springlake-Earth • Kamryn Gibbs, Slaton • Miranda Villegas, Levelland Makayla Escue, Levelland (not shown) • Jesse Long, Plainview • Lauren Catherman, Trinity Christian

Front row: Kaylye Coffman, Fort Elliott • Emily Coulter, Fort Elliott • Shaylee Audrain, Stratford Zoe Fry, Sanford-Fritch • Hannah Granger, White Deer • Jay’Lyn Taylor, Highland Park

2nd row: Skylar Cleavinger, Bushland • Cayden Mann, McLean • Bradley Hannon, McLean Tamera Davis, Palo Duro • Janessa Wade, Palo Duro • Akuel Kot, Palo Duro

2nd row: Diego Sanchez, Springlake-Earth • Josh Servantez, Shallowater • Layton Reed, New Deal DK Blaylock, New Deal • Ryan Jackson, Plainview • Ethan Duncan, Trinity Christian

2nd row: Lori Arias, Hereford • Brady Bailey, Wheeler • Randy Cox, Memphis Jalin Conyers, Gruver • Jaedon Seagler, Gruver • Hunter Nicholas, Highland Park

In association with

Tyler N. Cooper, MD Angela C. Trogus, PA-C

7000 W. 9th

806.350.3500

Amarillo, TX 79106

www.barnhillsportsmed.com

PRESEASON SUPER TEAMS INSIDE!

POWERING OUR MEMBERS

Golden Spread Electric Cooperative provides wholesale power to our 16 Members who provide power for rural communities in four Plains states. Bailey County Big Country Coleman County Concho Valley Deaf Smith Greenbelt Lamb County Lighthouse Lyntegar North Plains Rita Blanca South Plains Southwest Texas Swisher Taylor TCEC

We see the future of power through abundant and sustainable wind and solar, made possible by our state-of-the-art power plants that quickly provide back-up support when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining.

Trusted, innovative and flexible, we deliver competitive energy solutions.

Director’s Memorial Scholarship application available at www.gsec.coop

460032_PPBM_Insert2018.indd 1

10/2/18 8:34 AM

460032_PPBM_Insert2018.indd 2

10/2/18 8:34 AM

PROUD TO FEED THE

Competitive Spirit

UNITEDSUPERMARKETS.COM

460032_PPBM_Insert2018.indd 3

10/2/18 8:34 AM

To the West Texas A&M University 2018-19 men’s and women’s teams: Keep it rolling! Always supporting the Buffs and Lady Buffs!

Mike Haynes Photo

Kit Streif/WTAMU

460032_PPBM_Insert2018.indd 4

0C@ />C<@ͺ@M and Piehl Families

10/2/18 8:34 AM

congratulates Tony Freeman of Trafton Cenveo Printing on being added to the Matney Mass Media Wall of Fame at Amarillo College May 2018

460032_PPBM_Insert2018.indd 5

10/2/18 8:34 AM

ChoiceMediaTx.com

Brad Tooley

Doug Cowan

Diane Goddard

Brad Tooley ShannaLOCATIONS Tooley Jones IN: Doug Cowan BILLBOARD Amarillo/Canyon • Lubbock Plainview • Hereford • Clovis • Odessa & Many more

DIGITAL & CONVENTIONAL BILLBOARDS AVAILABLE

Telephone Directories for

Lis appy Un &M •H ger exas A bar T Um West

460032_PPBM_Insert2018.indd 6

6557676

e ysid on any • Way it or C ley gs f • Gur nivers in t y Lis Happ &M U n A side • yo Way xas ger Can bar t Te gs for urley • rsity Um Wes tin •G ive

See O Pag ur A e7 d

• Canyon •WTAMU • Hereford Dimmit & Friona • Mid-Plains Rural

-19 2018

352-6585

CanyonDirectory.com

Diane Goddard diane@choicemediatx.com 10/2/18 8:34 AM

PANHANDLE FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES

MAKING AN IMPACT THROUGH CAMPUS MINISTRY!

What is FCA?

Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has challenged athletes and coaches to impact the world

staggering 50 million kids between 8 and 18 play competitive sports. That’s why, as the largest Christian sports ministry in the world, we believe FCA is needed more than ever. We need more athletes and coaches who play with

Our Vision: “To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through

Who We Are:

The Panhandle FCA has been impacting the lives of student athletes since 1980. Today, 55 schools, including West Texas A&M, represent over 3,500 student athletes, coaches, and friends who are being presented with an alternative to the peer pressure of drugs, alcohol, suicide, violence, gangs, and much more on a weekly basis through campus Huddle meetings across the Texas Panhandle. FCA works through athletes and coaches from

How You Can Help:

Make sure there is an FCA Huddle on your campus. We need spirit-filled, youth ministry minded, Christian coaches, teachers and/or parents to accept the responsibility of Adult Sponsors. There are several Panhandle schools that do not have any form of FCA on their campus. Encourage as many student athletes between the ages of 12-18 to join their campus Huddle and get involved in reaching their school for Christ. Organize an Adult Huddle within your school/community to help support the campus Huddle by praying for them; helping with the meetings; We invite you today to get involved in making a difference in the lives of coaches and athletes! For more information on starting a Huddle at your school, contact Gary Barton, Panhandle Director, at 806-212-0776 or visit us at www.panhandlefca.org Underwritten by

460032_PPBM_Insert2018.indd 7

10/2/18 8:34 AM

460032_PPBM_Insert2018.indd 8

10/2/18 8:34 AM

6WD\ &ORVH *R )DU Career & Workforce Programs

ĹŻÄ‚ĆŒÄžĹśÄšŽŜ ŽůůÄžĹ?Äž Žč ÄžĆŒĆ? Ć?ÄžÇ€ÄžĆŒÄ‚ĹŻ ƚĞÄ?ŚŜĹ?Ä?Ä‚ĹŻ Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ĺ?ĆŒÄ‚ĹľĆ? ĂŜĚ ĹšƾŜÄšĆŒÄžÄšĆ? ŽĨ Ä‚Ä?ĂĚĞžĹ?Ä? Ä?ŽƾĆŒĆ?ÄžĆ? ƚŽ Ä?ĹšŽŽĆ?Äž ĨĆŒŽž ĞĂÄ?Ĺš Ç‡ÄžÄ‚ĆŒÍ˜ zŽƾĆŒ ŽƉĆ&#x; ŽŜĆ? Ä‚ĆŒÄž ĞŜĚůĞĆ?Ć?ÍŠ • On Campus & Online • Day & Evening • Financial Aid available (to those who qualify) • On campus Housing in Clarendon

>Ĺ˝Ä?Ä‚Ć&#x; ŽŜĆ? Ĺ?Ĺś ĹŻÄ‚ĆŒÄžĹśÄšŽŜÍ• WĂžƉĂ͕ ĹšĹ?ĹŻÄšĆŒÄžĆ?Ć? Θ ĹľÄ‚ĆŒĹ?ĹŻĹŻĹ˝

&ODUHQGRQ

& 2 / / ( * (

460032_PPBM_Insert2018.indd 9

Ç Ç Ç Í˜ ĹŻÄ‚ĆŒÄžĹśÄšŽŜ ŽůůÄžĹ?ÄžÍ˜ÄžÄšĆľ

NURSING - VN & ADN COSMETOLOGY CDL TRAINING WELDING Low tuition & fees INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE Small class sizes CertiÂżcates of Completion, Associate of Applied Science RANCH & FEEDLOT OPERATIONS

Academic & General Education ASSOCIATE DEGREES SMALL CLASS SIZES LOW TUITION & FEES

10/2/18 8:34 AM

460032_PPBM_Insert2018.indd 10

10/2/18 8:34 AM

State Champs in action The Amarillo rilllo and dHigh Lady Sandies, who won n the th he 2018 Classs 55A A state championion nor ship, scramblee ffor ain nst the ball against Canyon last Canyon la ast D ecember. December.

Thee West Texas Th H igg Comanches High o utp p Happy in outpace F ebr February before w in winning the 2018 C lass 2A state Class cchampionship. ham Nazareth Thee N Th azareth SSwiftettes ift tt grab b the ball against McLean on their way to the 2018 Class 1A state championship.

Photos by Mike Haynes

460032_PPBM_Insert2018.indd 11

10/2/18 8:34 AM

2018 State Champions The Amarillo High Lady Sandies in Class 5A, the Nazareth Swiftettes in Class 1A and the West Texas High Comanches in Class 2A all won state championships in March 2018 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Amarillo High Lady Sandies

Photo by Steve Satterwhite

Nazareth Swiftettes

West Texas High Comanches

Photo by Lauren Monden

460032_PPBM_Insert2018.indd 12

10/2/18 8:34 AM

Annual Preview Cover Boys and Girls............................................... 3

2018-2019

Cover Photos Up Close............................................ 4

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Region takes state, national titles........................... 2

Sandies/AHS Girls’ Title.......................................... 6

VOL. 46

Comanches/WTH Boys’ Title................................. 9 Swiftettes/Nazareth Girls’ Title............................. 12

Clarendon College Men......................................... 73

Swifts/Nazareth Boys Finish 2nd.......................... 15

Clarendon College Women................................... 75

Texans/SPC National Title.................................... 17

2017-2018 Postseason Results.............................. 79

Buffs/WT Men Make Final 4................................ 19

Panhandle-Plains Super Teams............................ 80

Flying Queens/1977-78 Final 4............................ 22

Class 6A at a Glance

Melton-Webb/Hoops to Rings.............................. 25

Preseason Picks/Honor Roll................................. 83

The 300 Club........................................................... 26

Class 5A at a Glance

Area State Championship Teams.......................... 27

Preseason Picks/Honor Roll................................. 89

Basketball News...................................................... 28

Class 4A at a Glance

Basketball Camp Directory................................... 42

Preseason Picks/Honor Roll............................... 117

Texas Tech Men...................................................... 44

Class 3A at a Glance

Texas Tech Women................................................. 47

Preseason Picks/Honor Roll............................... 137

West Texas A&M Men........................................... 50

Class 2A at a Glance

West Texas A&M Women..................................... 54

Preseason Picks/Honor Roll............................... 195

Lubbock Christian Men......................................... 58

Class 1A at a Glance

Lubbock Christian Women................................... 61

Preseason Picks/Honor Roll............................... 304

Wayland Men.......................................................... 64

Private Schools at a Glance

Wayland Women.................................................... 66

Preseason Picks/Honor Roll............................... 380

South Plains Men.................................................... 68

Parting Shot/AD of Year...................................... 383

South Plains Women.............................................. 71

Index of Schools................................................... 384

Panhandle-Plains Basketball Staff

PUBLISHERS: Sheri Haynes, 806-662-2312; Mike Haynes, 806-670-9017 PRODUCTION: Hartsfield Design, 806-748-5403 EDITORIAL OFFICE: 6210 Cornell St., Amarillo, Texas 79109 ADVERTISING OFFICE: Box 232, McLean, Texas 79057

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

FOUNDERS: Danny Andrews, Garet von Netzer PRINTING AND BINDING: Cenveo Printing, Amarillo, Texas; Texoma Web Offset Printing, Gainesville, Texas; C&R Bindery, Dallas, Texas ADDITIONAL COPIES: Extra copies of the magazine may be obtained by sending $12 to Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine, 6210 Cornell St., Amarillo, TX 79109.

Special Features

1

Panhandle, Plains take state, national titles

The last couple of months of the year are a time of optimism Lookin’ Back… for most basketball teams. On the high school level, boys and girls Don’t miss the inside back cover for this year’s color Lookin’ squads have been working out for weeks and begin the season with Back page, featuring the cover boys and girls and Super Teams from new goals, new mottoes and sometimes with new coaches. this magazine of 40 years ago, the 1978-79 edition. Another huge Nondistrict games tell the players and coaches how much they occurrence four decades ago was the run of the Wayland Flying need to improve. Some teams face tough competition in higher Queens to the Final Four of the college AIAW tournament. It wasn’t classifications that, even if they lose, prepares them for district races. unusual for the Queens to be at or near the pinnacle of women’s Tournaments provide a variety of opponents, and then comes district basketball back then, but that 1978 tourney in California was one of play, when the intensity rises. their highest achievements. See our feature story on it by eyewitness For many, the playoffs inject new energy, with the athletes’ names Danny Andrews. on T-shirts and community members coming together to send off Regular Features their young people on buses to far-off arenas. Maybe it isn’t Friday The magazine features that readers have come to expect are Night Lights, but basketball in Texas certainly creates some loud and here, including this year’s preseason Super Teams, last year’s exhilarating scenes in gyms across the state. playoff results, the 300 Club, which Three area teams kept that lists area coaches with 300 or more excitement buzzing all the way to the career victories, and previews of the top last March as Amarillo High, West 2018-2019 men’s and women’s teams Texas High and Nazareth brought state of Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, championship trophies back from San Lubbock Christian, Wayland Baptist, Antonio to the Plains. The Amarillo South Plains College and Clarendon High girls finally overcame the Canyon College. You also can find information hurdle to seize the Class 5A title, the on the basketball camps offered by Lady Sandies’ third. The West Texas Lubbock Christian and Wayland Baptist Photo by Wes Underwood/South Plains College High boys achieved the school’s first universities. South Plains College Texans state crown in Class 2A. And the And of course, the bulk of the 2017-2018 NJCAA DI National Champions Nazareth Swiftettes added their 22nd magazine is filled with previews of high trophy to a crowded state display case. school teams in the Panhandle-Plains Championship Stories region, the main reason we do what we do. Back up one page to the Table of Contents of this 46th edition of Thanks Again Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine to find feature stories on all This magazine would not exist without the contributions of the three of those teams as well as one on the runner-up Nazareth boys. coaches who send us photos and information about their teams; the Take a look at our color pages for group photos of the three 2017cheerleader sponsors, booster club volunteers, coaches and others 2018 state championship teams. who handle the advertising sales that allow us to continue publishing In the college ranks, four schools made the biggest splashes on and serve as valuable fundraisers for their schools; the indispensable the men’s side: Texas Tech, West Texas A&M, Lubbock Christian businesses, booster clubs, parents and others who buy the ads; and and South Plains College. The Red Raiders from Lubbock made it the college sports media specialists who help us cover their teams. to the Division I Elite Eight for the first time in school history and Thanks also go to the professionalism of writer Dave Wohlfarth; finished ranked No. 6 nationally, defeating Florida and Purdue and the editing expertise of Cathy Martindale; the enthusiasm of Tricia other nationally ranked squads before falling to Villanova, which Odom; the dedication of Danny Andrews; the consistency of Kathy won the national championship a few days later. Haynes; the skill of photographers Steve Satterwhite and Jonathan West Texas A&M’s Buffs rode the shooting and other skills of David Petty; the proficiency of Tony Freeman, Russ Anthony and Vickie Chavlovich and Jordan Evans to the Division II Final Four, bringing Shepherd; the dependability of Sam Haynes; and the continuing thrills to the Texas Panhandle before they lost to the DII national inspiration of Garet von Netzer. champion, Ferris State. See our story on that stirring WT season. Of course, we couldn’t do without the people at Hartsfield Design The Lubbock Christian Lady Chaps advanced to the NCAA in Lubbock; Texoma Web Offset Printing in Gainesville, C&R Division II Elite Eight, knocking WT’s Lady Buffs out of the Bindery in Dallas and Cenveo Printing in Amarillo. playoffs on the way, before falling to eventual national champion We look forward to a season of success and growth for the high Central Missouri in the quarterfinals. The Lady Chaps finished with school and college players, coaches and others engaged in the great a stellar 31-2 record. sport of basketball in 2018-2019. And the South Plains Texans did make it all the way, taking the NJCAA Mike Haynes and Sheri Haynes Division I national title with a triumph over Salt Lake City Community Co-Publishers College in the finals. See our special story on the Texans’ success. Panhandle-Plains 22012-2013 Special Features Basketball

1 Change Section 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Cover Boys and Girls For 46 years, appearing on the cover of Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine has been an indication of excellence. Below is a list of the outstanding players who were selected for the 2018-2019 cover: Boys Abernathy........................................................................... Bryson Daily Brownfield............................................................................ Zach Muniz Caprock...............................................................................Tuon Gatkek Caprock...............................................................................Chris Wilson Coronado....................................................................... Blair Conwright Crosbyton........................................................................... Maurice Carr Dalhart.............................................................................. Zach Barsalou Dalhart..............................................................................Robby Devries Follett............................................................................ Christian Barber Frenship...........................................................................Calaway Dykes Gruver................................................................................Jalin Conyers Gruver............................................................................. Jaedon Seagler Happy................................................................................Jackson Davis Highland Park............................................................... Hunter Nicholas Littlefield.......................................................................Jayden Longoria McLean......................................................................... Bradley Hannon McLean............................................................................. Cayden Mann Memphis............................................................................... Randy Cox Monterey................................................................................Qua Butler Nazareth............................................................................... Jake Gerber New Deal............................................................................ DK Blaylock New Deal............................................................................. Layton Reed Palo Duro................................................................................ Akuel Kot Palo Duro...................................................................... Mohamed Musa Panhandle...................................................................... Kaison Kirkland Plainview........................................................................... Ryan Jackson Randall............................................................................. Jasean Barrow Shallowater.......................................................................Josh Servantez Smyer.................................................................................Judson Locke Spearman.......................................................................Arturo Camacho Spearman......................................................................Abraham Bonilla Springlake-Earth..............................................................Diego Sanchez Tascosa................................................................................ BJ Anderson Trinity Christian................................................................Ethan Duncan Wellington....................................................................... JoJo McKnight West Texas High................................................................. Gage Cassity West Texas High............................................................ Jeffery Jefferson West Texas High........................................................... Jonah Villanueva Wheeler.............................................................................. Brady Bailey Girls Amarillo High................................................................... Tatym Barnes Amarillo High.................................................................. Ashlyn Milton Amarillo High................................................................ Madison Stokes Amarillo High..................................................................... Zayla Tinner Boys Ranch.......................................................................... Sara Gilbert Bushland.....................................................................Skylar Cleavinger Canadian..............................................................................Salym Cook Canyon................................................................................ Carter Cluck Canyon.........................................................................Kenadee Winfrey Caprock..........................................................................Sydney Johnson Coronado...........................................................................Ayana Segrest Follett............................................................................Ashlyn Schilling Fort Elliott.....................................................................Kaylye Coffman Fort Elliott.........................................................................Emily Coulter Frenship......................................................................... Cassandra Awatt Frenship............................................................................. Maci Maddox Friona..............................................................................Mariah Trevino Happy............................................................................... Rylee Johnson 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Hereford.................................................................................. Lori Arias Highland Park................................................................. Jay’Lyn Taylor Idalou.............................................................................. Ashlyn Shelley Idalou..............................................................................Shaylee Stovall Levelland......................................................................... Makayla Escue Levelland...................................................................... Miranda Villegas McLean.............................................................................. Caden Carter McLean................................................................................ Hope Moon McLean........................................................................... Riley Patterson Nazareth.......................................................................... Blakely Gerber Nazareth....................................................................... Cambrie Heiman Nazareth........................................................................... Hallie Kleman Palo Duro.......................................................................... Tamera Davis Palo Duro...........................................................................Janessa Wade Panhandle......................................................................... Lainey Choate Panhandle........................................................................ Masyn Reining Plainview................................................................................Jesse Long Randall........................................................................... Canton Moreno Randall................................................................................Kamry Perez River Road...........................................................................Cierra Kiser River Road..................................................................... Kaytlin Shipley Ropes........................................................................... Maggie Anderson Ropes.................................................................................Megan Moore Sanford-Fritch.............................................................................Zoe Fry Slaton...............................................................................Kamryn Gibbs Spearman....................................................................... Maddie McCloy Springlake-Earth............................................................... Angel Darden Stratford........................................................................ Shaylee Audrain Tascosa.........................................................Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant Tascosa........................................................................... Alexis Murguia Trinity Christian.........................................................Lauren Catherman Vega.......................................................................................Anita Knoll Vega...................................................................................... Lara Mason Vega.................................................................................... Macy Walker Wellington........................................................................ Riley Sessions Wellington...................................................................Savannah Sumrall White Deer.................................................................... Hannah Granger

Special Features

3

2018-2019 Cover Photos

Front row: Ayana Segrest, Coronado • Maci Maddox, Frenship • Cassandra Awatt, Frenship • Cambrie Heiman, Nazareth • Hallie Kleman, Nazareth • Blakely Gerber, Nazareth 2nd row: Bryson Daily, Abernathy • Blair Conwright, Coronado • Jake Gerber, Nazareth • Zach Muniz, Brownfield • Calaway Dykes, Frenship

Front row: Riley Sessions, Wellington • Savannah Sumrall, Wellington • Ashlyn Shelley, Idalou • Shaylee Stovall, Idalou • Megan Moore, Ropes • Maggie Anderson, Ropes 2nd row: JoJo McKnight, Wellington • Jayden Longoria, Littlefield • Maurice Carr, Crosbyton • Judson Locke, Smyer • Qua Butler, Monterey

Front row: Angel Darden, Springlake-Earth • Kamryn Gibbs, Slaton • Miranda Villegas, Levelland • Makayla Escue, Levelland (not shown) • Jesse Long, Plainview • Lauren Catherman, Trinity Christian 2nd row: Diego Sanchez, Springlake-Earth • Josh Servantez, Shallowater • Layton Reed, New Deal • DK Blaylock, New Deal • Ryan Jackson, Plainview • Ethan Duncan, Trinity Christian

Front row: Ashlyn Milton, Amarillo High • Zayla Tinner, Amarillo High • Tatym Barnes, Amarillo High • Madison Stokes, Amarillo High • Sara Gilbert, Boys Ranch • Mariah Trevino, Friona 2nd row: Arturo Camacho, Spearman • Maddie McCloy, Spearman • Abraham Bonilla, Spearman • Gage Cassity, West Texas High • Jonah Villanueva, West Texas High • Jeffery Jefferson, West Texas High

4

Special Features

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Cover Photos

Front row: Kaison Kirkland, Panhandle • Lainey Choate, Panhandle • Masyn Reining, Panhandle • Sydney Johnson, Caprock • Kamry Perez, Randall • Canton Moreno, Randall 2nd row: Alexis Murguia, Tascosa • Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant, Tascosa • BJ Anderson, Tascosa, Tuon Gatkek, Caprock • Chris Wilson, Caprock • Jasean Barrow, Randall (not shown)

Front row: Salym Cook, Canadian • Ashlyn Schilling, Follett • Rylee Johnson, Happy • Lara Mason, Vega • Macy Walker, Vega • Anita Knoll, Vega 2nd row: Christian Barber, Follett • Robby Devries, Dalhart • Zach Barsalou, Dalhart • Jackson Davis, Happy • Kenadee Winfrey, Canyon • Carter Cluck, Canyon

Front row: Hope Moon, McLean • Caden Carter, McLean • Riley Patterson, McLean • Cierra Kiser, River Road • Kaytlin Shipley, River Road • Mohamed Musa, Palo Duro 2nd row: Skylar Cleavinger, Bushland • Cayden Mann, McLean • Bradley Hannon, McLean • Tamera Davis, Palo Duro • Janessa Wade, Palo Duro • Akuel Kot, Palo Duro

Front row: Kaylye Coffman, Fort Elliott • Emily Coulter, Fort Elliott • Shaylee Audrain, Stratford • Zoe Fry, Sanford-Fritch • Hannah Granger, White Deer • Jay’Lyn Taylor, Highland Park 2nd row: Lori Arias, Hereford • Brady Bailey, Wheeler • Randy Cox, Memphis • Jalin Conyers, Gruver • Jaedon Seagler, Gruver • Hunter Nicholas, Highland Park

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Special Features

5

To the top, finally

Tough Lady Sandies win it all By DAVE WOHLFARTH Amarillo High Coach Jeff Williams calls his 2018 girls Class 5A state champions the toughest team he’s ever coached. “We don’t pass the eye test when we step on the floor, especially with those Metroplex-type schools,” he said. “But a lot of people when they play us would tell you they’re kinda taken by surprise just how tough these kids are. “Just West Texas girls basketball. There’s a certain toughness up here. If you’re going to survive this area, you’d better be really tough. And we were.” The Lady Sandies survived the area by beating their nemesis, Canyon, in the regional finals, then went on to win the third girls state title in school history. The most recent Lady Sandies’ championship came in 1994 when Coach Dale Blaut’s team won for the second straight year. Amarillo High’s toughness centered on its defense, a full-court pressure strangulation designed to create turnovers and stifle the opponents’ offense. In compiling a school record 40 wins and two losses, the Lady Sandies held foes to an average of 34.7 points per game. Meanwhile, the offense clicked for 63.3 ppg. “Our press dictates tempo,” Williams said. “If you allow teams to walk up and run their offense, if you allow them to get to their set plays, we’re probably talking about another close run and not getting there.” That was a reference to the previous season when the Lady Sandies went 37-2 but failed to get to the state tourney because they lost to Canyon in the regional finals. AHS employed pressure tactics all that season, too. But Amarillo High’s defense in 2017-18 was even better than the year before, according to Williams, because of the team’s depth. He usually played 11 girls every game. “The depth of the kids that were ready to play on a nightly basis allowed us to play baseline to baseline all 32 minutes,” he said. “We had so many kids we could put on the floor that we eventually wore teams down.” Defense and toughness go hand-in-hand in his thinking, and the Lady Sandies took six charges in the 59-54 win over Mansfield Timberview in the state finals. “They don’t keep those records, but I would have to say that has to be up there pretty close to a record in a state final,” he said. A state record that was tied by the Lady Sandies was the 10 3-pointers they made against Timberview. Williams credited 5-11 sophomore forward Zayla Tinner, often double-teamed, with dishing the ball out to her hot-shooting teammates. “Every time Zayla would get the ball, they would really suck everything into the paint to take her away, and Zayla did such a great job of penetrating and kicking it out,” Williams said. “And then we knocked down those open shots.” Tinner said the Lady Sandies had discussed that strategy even before the season began. “We talked about kicking it out and if people are doubling you, then that just tells you your assists will be up that game and 6

Special Features

Zayla Tinner averaged 12.1 points, 6 rebounds and 3.2 assists as a sophomore in Amarillo High’s 2017-2018 state championship season. Her older sister, Sidney Tinner, was an AHS senior when she was a freshman and started 25 games last year for Seward County Community College. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

your points not so much,” she said. Tinner scored only 4 points in the final. But in the Lady Sandies’ 48-34 win over Temple in the state semifinals she had a huge game, scoring 15 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. AHS was cold (2 for 14) from 3-point range in that game. But 3-point shooting was a big part of the Lady Sandies’ success, so they kept firing away. In the finals, guard/forward Tatym Barnes and senior guard Chloe Mayfield each nailed a trio of treys to lead the long-range bombardment. (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

The Amarillo High girls made headlines in 2017-2018 as they won 40 games against two losses and won Class 5A state championship. (Photo courtesy the Amarillo Globe-News)

The Lady Sandies had high hopes early in the season and won their first 17 games before losing at District 3-5A rival Canyon 47-39 on Dec. 15. Williams made some adjustments in the AHS press that night, but it didn’t seem to bother the well-schooled Lady Eagles. It was the Lady Sandies who were plagued by turnovers. Amarillo High lost a second game later that month when it came up short against a hot-shooting Allen team, 59-47, in the Mansfield Tournament. On Jan. 19, the Lady Sandies avenged the earlier defeat to Canyon, winning at home, 43-27. Williams had his team go back to its normal press, and it bothered the Lady Eagles. He called that win the turning point of the season. “To win that game the way we did,” he said, “we got in foul trouble and I think we were able to drive home even more the importance of our depth.” The two teams met in the regional finals for the second straight year, but it was Amarillo High’s turn this time, 34-27. After Barnes, coming off the bench, hit a 3-pointer for a 5-point AHS lead late, Tinner made a rebound basket and four free throws down the stretch. She finished with 14 points. “We pressed them just like we did at our place, and they did a much better job of handling the basketball,” Williams said. “But we didn’t shy away from what we had been doing.” That wasn’t the last hurdle, but it was a big one for the Lady Sandies. To guard against a letdown heading into state, Trent Lankford, Williams’ longtime assistant, told the kiddos, as Williams calls them, “We didn’t come this far just to get this far.” (Continued on next page)

(Continued from previous page)

“We called Chloe ‘Big Game Chloe’ because when the lights were the brightest, that’s when she played her best basketball,” Williams said. Junior guard/forward Ashlyn Milton led AHS in scoring with 17 points and 7 rebounds. One of her two 3-pointers put the Lady Sandies ahead to stay at 45-43 early in the fourth quarter. Milton was named the state tourney MVP. But it was a reserve, junior forward Madison Stokes, who came off the bench to make two crucial free throws after Annilia Dawn took an elbow to the throat and couldn’t continue. A flagrant foul was called and, after an AHS timeout, Stokes replaced Dawn as the free throw shooter. “She stepped up on the biggest stage and made – I mean, nothing but the bottom of the net, both free throws,” Williams said. That gave the Lady Sandies a 52-49 lead with 1:50 left. A later basket by Barnes and free throws by Tinner and Milton sealed the deal. Milton waited ’til she got into the locker room to really celebrate. “I went in and screamed at the top of my lungs with everyone,” she said. Milton (12.2 ppg, 5.1 rebounds per game) and Tinner (12.1 ppg, 6 rpg) were the Lady Sandies’ top scorers and rebounders. Tinner kicked out the ball enough to lead the team in assists. Dawn (8.1 ppg), Mayfield (4.2 ppg) and defensive whiz Ashlyn Crockett (2.5 ppg) rounded out the starting five, but Sam Henry, Barnes, Kae’la Tipton, Stokes and Brooke Urban supplied the depth that made the team so effective. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Chloe Mayfield hit three treys and scored 11 points in the state title win over Mansfield Timberview. She joined Ashlyn Milton and Zayla Tinner on the state all-tournament team. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Special Features

7

Ashlyn Crockett, left, was one of six seniors on the Amarillo High team that won the Class 5A state championship last season. She was a key defensive starter for the Lady Sandies. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Jeff Williams led the Lady Sandies to the Class 5A state title last year in his 13th season as head coach at Amarillo High. The team’s 40-2 record brought his career total to 492 wins and 196 losses for a 71.5 winning percentage. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

(Continued from previous page)

That, and the Lady Sandies’ season-long slogan of “Belief” allowed Williams to relax in San Antonio, even when his No. 3-ranked team faced No. 1 Timberview in the finals. “Some people will say it’s so stressful they can hardly re-

member it,” he said. “My kids allowed me to have the time of my life because I just had such a trust in what they were doing. I knew win, lose or draw, they were going to do it together and to the best of their abilities.”

Ashlyn Milton, right, has position for a rebound in front of Canyon’s Carter Cluck and Lady Sandie Chloe Mayfield last December. Milton had 17 points and 7 rebounds in the Class 5A state championship game March 3 in San Antonio and was named to the all-tournament team along with Mayfield and Zayla Tinner. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

The Amarillo High Lady Sandies show their togetherness during the 2017-2018 season, in which they won the Class 5A state basketball championship with a 40-2 record. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

8

Special Features

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

S-F game a turning point

WT High grabs first state title By DAVE WOHLFARTH West Texas High won the school’s first state championship in any sport when the Comanches captured the Class 2A boys basketball crown last spring. But it might not have happened except for an embarrassing loss in January. West Texas, playing on its home court in Stinnett, was surprised by neighboring Sanford-Fritch 68-54 on Jan. 12. There’s nothing worse than losing to your district rivals located down the road – especially after thumping ‘em by 38 points just a month earlier. The Comanches had only one loss entering that Jan. 12 debacle. They had won three tournaments and notched 19 victories. Big things were expected from the boys of the school formed by the consolidation of Phillips, Plemons and Stinnett in 1987. Perhaps overconfidence was a factor. “I think so, to a certain extent,” Coach Aron Graves said. “I think beating them as bad as we did really had an impact on that game. I thought our kids just felt like we were going to come in and do more of the same.” Jonah Villanueva, a 5-9 junior guard, put it more succinctly: “I can’t even remember the last time we lost to Fritch. Kinda hit us in the mouth. We said, ‘Wow, we’re not losing again.’” They didn’t. The Comanches won their next 17 games, climaxed by a 61-55 conquest of Thorndale in the state finals in San Antonio. But the loss to Sanford-Fritch was the turning point, according to Graves. “Without that loss at that time, I don’t feel like we do what we do,” he said. “We don’t win the state championship. I think we had a chance to, possibly, but the kids were different from that point on.” Gage Cassity, a 6-2 junior guard, explained, “We knew we had to work harder than we were doing before.” Practice intensity increased, with the emphasis on defense. “We watched the film and they could see how bad defensively we were,” Graves said. “Just not being in the right position, taking too many gambles, and the effort was not there like it needed to be.” Graves estimated that 80 percent of his team’s practice time was spent on defense. The Comanches played a tight manto-man defense with half-court pressure. The goal was to get turnovers that led to WTH transition baskets. The Comanches held opponents to the low 40s per game while scoring about 70 themselves. Graves learned a lot about defense in the one year he served as an assistant to Coach Jeff Evans at Palo Duro. The Dons made it to the state tourney that year, 2005. “I give a lot of credit to Coach Evans; he’s such a defensiveminded guy,” Graves said. “At PD, we pressed (full-court) and ran and jumped like crazy. We concentrated (at WTH) more in the half court.” He also pointed out that today’s technology enables coaches to get film on opponents. Graves would break down the film, piece it together, and along with his assistant, Austin Whitt, implement 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

West Texas High’s first state championship, accomplished by the 20172018 boys basketball team, is one reason for this sign on a Stinnett Dairy Queen window. (Photo by Cathy Martindale)

Coach Aron Graves, a West Texas High, Frank Phillips and West Texas A&M graduate, instructs the Comanches in February, just before their run to the Class 2A state championship. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

drills that would put the clamps on their next foe. Two Comanches stood out as excellent defenders. Jeffery Jefferson, the team’s 5-8 junior point guard, usually was assigned the opponent’s top backcourt operator. Jefferson averaged about 5 steals a game. “That kid is so tough,” Graves said of Jefferson. “I mean, the kid that he guarded in the state championship game was a 6-6 point guard, Ty Prince of Thorndale, three-time all-state kid. He was good. But he was their point guard, so we felt that allowed us to pick him up full-court and make him tired. Jeffery was going to guard him all night long.” Although Prince may have won the battle with 16 points, Jeffrey and his teammates won the war, taking the gold medal. Dalin Williams, the 6-8 senior post, was the other defen(Continued on next page)

Special Features

9

Senior Dalin Williams, bringing down a rebound against Happy in February, was named to the Class 2A all-state tournament team in San Antonio along with West Texas High teammates Jonah Villanueva and Jalin Conyers, who both were sophomores. Williams received a scholarship to Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La. (Photo by Mike Haynes) (Continued from previous page)

sive stalwart. Williams averaged four blocks a game, which is understandable considering his size. “The thing about Dalin that was most impressive to me was how many charges he took,” Graves said. “I think on the season, in 38 games, he took 63 charges at 6-8. He just knew where it was going to happen, shading his guy this way because he knew the charge was going to happen right around here.” Williams was the Comanches’ top rebounder with 13.4 caroms per game. Williams, who accepted a scholarship to play Division I ball at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La., a Southland Conference member, was potent on offense, too, averaging 17.3 points. But he yielded team scoring honors to his high-flying front-court mate, 6-3 sophomore forward Jalin Conyers, who scored 21 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out 5 assists per game. Conyers scored 28 points, including four dunks, in West Texas High’s 70-60 win over Shelbyville in the state semifinals. Conyers won’t be playing for the Comanches this year because he has transferred to Gruver. Williams and Conyers were the dominant inside forces, but Graves received solid production from his guards – Cassity (10 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.3 apg), Villanueva (9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2 apg) and 10

Special Features

Jefferson (8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 6.7 apg). Senior 5-8 guard Jordan Seay (8 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg ) started some games, then became the sixth man. Matthew Freriks, a 5-8 senior guard (8 ppg), and Mason Williams, a 6-1 junior forward and Dalin’s brother, provided some punch off the bench. Graves used only eight players all season. Villanueva started the first 10 games, then yielded to Seay. But when Seay sprained his ankle, Villanueva regained his starting slot. He scored 20 points in the next game. “From that point on, he was the guy,” Graves said. The coach recalled Villanueva’s persistence the previous summer. “He’d call me up and ask, ‘Can I get in the gym?’ So I’d come over and open the gym for him,” Graves said. “I mean, we were up here all the time, just him wanting to get some shots up.” Most games, Villanueva didn’t put up that many shots. Maybe five a game, he recalled. He didn’t need to, given the Comanches’ dominance inside. But in the state finals, Villanueva nailed six 3-pointers, led all scorers with 22 points and was named the game’s MVP. “It was kind of a key of the moment thing,” he said. “When the first two went down, it was game on.” He looked at his coach, and Graves told him to keep shooting. Villanueva swished all four of his 3-point attempts in the third quarter as the Comanches stretched a three-point halftime to eight entering the fourth quarter. Graves grew up in Stinnett. He was a Rattler in kindergarten, then a Comanche in first grade after the three schools merged. He played for Coach Jimmy Amaro and was a senior on the first WTH team to reach the regional semifinals. Amaro now is the athletic director at the school. Graves, a graduate of Frank Phillips College and West Texas A&M University, landed his dream job at his alma mater in 2007 after serving one year as the Comanches’ assistant. “I wanted to get the program back to when I was playing for Coach Amaro had it,” Graves said. “I wanted to be playing for a district championship each year.” The Comanches have posted three straight 20-win seasons and won district the past two years. The 2016-17 team seemed bound for San Antonio until its two big men – 6-6 Nathan Thompson and Dalin Williams – suffered devastating injuries just as WTH moved into the playoffs. That club finished 26-3. So Graves has turned the program around. And given the rich (Continued on next page)

Junior Gage Cassity, left, scored 13 points in the Class 2A state finals. Sophomore Jonah Villanueva, right, scored 22 in the game and was named to the all-state tournament team. (Photos by Cathy Martindale) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Junior Jeffery Jefferson was a key defensive player for the West Texas High Comanches in their 2017-2018 state championship season. Jefferson was assigned to Thorndale’s three-time all-state guard in the finals, which WT High won, 61-55. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Sophomore Jalin Conyers was named to the Class 2A all-state tournament team after West Texas High’s state championship in San Antonio in March along with teammates Dalin Williams and Jonah Villanueva. Conyers since has transferred to Gruver. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

athletic history of the towns, he wasn’t surprised at the reception the Comanches received on their way home from San Antonio. “It was crazy. Being from here, I knew people were going to come out and welcome us. But right outside Claude – 40 miles from home – we had two highway patrolmen pick us up,” Graves said. “Then as we’re going through Borger, which is just 12

miles south of here, we’re going down Cedar, their main street there, and it’s just wall-to-wall – people are already starting to greet us right through a different town.” Needless to say, when the 36-2 state champion team reached Stinnett, it was more of the same: packed streets, welcoming signs and about 200 people jamming the school’s courtyard plaza. Not a bad turnout for a town of 1,881 folks.

You are invited to the 61st Annual Ceremony of the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019 Grand Plaza Amarillo Civic Center Induction of the New Hall of Fame Honorees Recognition of Athletes of the Year Coaches of the Year and More Awards (Ceremony is about 1½ hours with light food buffet.) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Special Features

11

Title No. 22

Steady Swiftettes take state again By MIKE HAYNES Co-Publisher Both the new and old gyms are in walking distance to any point in Nazareth. After all, the Castro County farming community covers just about a mile north and south and less than that east and west. Next to the driveway at a house around the corner from the school is a goal with a white fiberglass backboard. The letters “NAZ” are attached in blue tape. Maybe such proximity to practice is a reason the Swifts and Swiftettes have won 28 state championships between them – with the girls picking up their 22nd last March in San Antonio. Of course, there’s more to Nazareth’s success than those basketball courts and driveway backboards. Swiftette Coach Eric Schilling believes the town’s long basketball history runs through its families’ veins. “I’m biased, but I don’t believe there’s a place out there like Nazareth,” said Schilling, who played on two Swift state title teams in 2002 and 2003 and is in his eighth year as the girls coach. “I credit it all to the kids and their parents, the way they’re raised. The things it takes to be successful over a long period of time, they’ve been learning those things since the day they were born. “The work ethic that it takes, the commitment, being coachable, all those things that can’t really be coached, it’s just bred into them. So it’s nice to have that always available.” Last year’s editions of the Swifts and Swiftettes carried that tradition all the way to the Alamodome. The boys fell eight points short of their seventh state title, and the girls grabbed that 22nd Texas championship with a 56-43 victory over Dodd City in the Class 1A finals. Three Swiftettes were named to the state All-Tournament team: 5-10 sophomore Cambrie Heiman, the MVP; 5-7 senior Kinzi Cleavinger; and 6-0 junior Blakely Gerber. The other Nazareth seniors were 5-6 Laci Backus, 6-0 Faithe Huseman and 5-4 Caitlin Kleman. Other juniors were 5-3 Lexis Nieves; 5-9 Hallie Kleman; and 5-7 Emily Dyer. April Schmucker, 5-7, and Amy Schilderink, 5-9, were the other sophomores. The Swiftettes’ 36-3 season began with a 66-39 loss, but it A backboard next to the driveway was to eventual Class 5A state isn’t unusual in Nazareth, home of titlist Amarillo High. 28 state basketball titles. Boys and “We got beat pretty good, girls grow up with that championbut our girls understand that ship tradition. (Photo by Mike Haynes) game and the importance of 12 Special Features

Junior Blakely Gerber of Nazareth brings the ball downcourt against Dodd City’s Paige Granstaff in the Class 1A state title game March 3, 2018. Both were named to the state all-tournament team. Gerber had 17 points and 11 rebounds. (Photo by Cindy Huseman)

it. They’re going to step out there and try to win, but they know as long as we play hard and maybe give ourselves a chance to play with them for a little while, that’s what we want to try to get out of it.” The Swiftettes followed the opener with a string of 12 wins, some against talented teams in higher classifications. They won their own tournament. Then they stumbled, 30-28, against 4A Bushland in the Dimmitt tournament. Schilling said it was their worst game, an “ugly, ugly” one. “That was the game the girls, they definitely were not satisfied after that,” he said. “That game alone ate at them until the very end of the season. It still does. Just because they’re that kind of competitors. Even winning a state championship doesn’t take that bad taste out of your mouth sometimes. That’s just how they’re built.” Against Bushland, Swiftette senior Kinzi Cleavinger faced her cousin, Lady Falcon junior Skylar Cleavinger. “It definitely wasn’t fun for Kinzi, in front of her family,” Schilling recalled. Naz rebounded with a 53-52 win over defending 2A state champion Panhandle and topped Wellington and Sundown before suffering its third – and last – loss, 50-45 to Jim Ned in the Fort Worth Whataburger tournament between Christmas and New Year’s. The tourney included teams from 1A up to 4A. (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

“That was our first year going there, and I didn’t know what to expect,” Schilling said. “I was thinking if we go there and win one game, that may be all we get. We go there and we lose that first game, a game I felt like going into it that we had a good chance of winning, we lose by 5, and we go on and we beat Seminole and Little River Academy, and then we beat Bridgeport to win consolation. So we walked away from that thing feeling pretty good about ourselves.” The Swiftettes streaked to 15 more wins, averaging 77.9 points to their opponents’ 16.1 in district play. After dispatching White Deer 74-24 in the area round of the playoffs, they faced McLean, which had led Nazareth at halftime the year before. “That was another one where we didn’t have a very good taste in our mouth from the year before when we played them, when we went in at halftime losing. That’s something they remembered going into that game. I didn’t have to spend a lot on motivating them, because they still had that memory from the year before. “That’s kind of turning into a pretty good rivalry, because we’ve played them the last four or five years in the playoffs,” the coach said. “But we came out really well. The girls were really focused, and we played well defensively from the beginning. Offensively, as scrappy and athletic as McLean is, we had to be patient. “Luckily, our defense played as well as they did early on, because McLean went on a run in the third quarter. But we just stayed steady and kind of pulled away in the fourth.” Naz won that regional quarterfinal 71-53. Next came a team that had been ranked No. 1. “Every time we turned around, all we heard about was Ropes, because they were undefeated when we played them,” Schilling said. “They beat some pretty good teams to get there. They were definitely what I feel like was the hottest team in the state at that point. “It was another game where our girls, their maturity, their experience, showed up, and they weren’t ever really rattled. It was a game we knew we were going to have to play four good quarters to give ourselves a chance, and they did. It was close the whole game. It was a good defensive game for both teams, and luckily at the end, we were able to put together a couple more possessions than they were.” After handing Ropes its first loss,

Nazareth senior Laci Backus handles the ball against McLean’s Hope Moon in front of Swiftette Coach Eric Schilling in Nazareth’s regional quarterfinal win Feb. 20, 2018. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Posing with their 2017-2018 state championship trophy are Coach Eric Schilling, left, and Swiftettes Hallie Kleman, Amy Schilderink, Blakely Gerber, Lexis Nieves, Merry Gerber, April Schmucker and Emily Dyer. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

40-31, Nazareth outpaced Jayton in the regional finals, 67-37. Back at the familiar Alamodome for the state tournament, the Swiftettes defeated Hermleigh, 64-39, but the way they did it left the girls unsatisfied. “We were all kind of frustrated with it afterwards because we didn’t feel like our defense played as well as we were capable of,” Schilling said. “The girls were excited to be playing for a state championship a couple of days later, but they weren’t happy with the way they played, and I think that’s something that really helped us going into Saturday against Dodd City.” In the semis, Gerber had 17 points and 8 rebounds; Cleavinger had 12 points and 3 rebounds; Heiman had 10 and 6; Hallie Kleman had 9 and 3; and Backus had 7 and 7. Now came a rematch against the team Naz had beaten in the 2017 state finals, 48-42. Paige Granstaff was averaging more than 30 points for Dodd City and had scored 33 in the state semifinals against Slocum. “She was somebody we were definitely well aware of,” Schilling said. “I had a couple of defenders that I put on her, that I was rotating on her.” The Dodd City star scored 12 in the first quarter, but Naz held her scoreless in the middle two periods. She hit 4 points in the fourth for a total of 16. “Laci Backus and April Schmucker were the ones assigned to her, but everybody did such a great job containing her and not letting her get hot,” Schilling said. “Offensively, the way they play, they’re going to run a halfcourt trap, and they’re flying around defensively, and we just kind of put them to sleep moving the ball around as much as we could and were able to get open looks from there. “Again, our defense was just steady the whole time and consistently holding them to where our offense was able to put together a couple of stretches of good runs.” The final was 5643, and Nazareth had its second straight state championship and four of the past five. In the state finals, Heiman was high-point with 18 along with 2 rebounds; Gerber again had 17 points with 11 rebounds; Cleavinger had 11 and 5; and Hallie Kleman posted 6 and 6. “The seniors – I think of them as ultimate team players. Statwise, Kinzi was a good shooter, and every once in a while she may score 15 points, but other than that, they weren’t a group that put a lot of points up. They were all great defenders, they (Continued on next page)

Special Features

13

(Continued from previous page)

were great on the bench, they would do anything for anybody else on the team. “They set that bar pretty high as far as what we expect out of our players in being a good teammate. “They played with a lot of emotion and a lot of positive energy. They were a very, very close-knit group. There wasn’t any drama; they wanted it more for the person next to them than they wanted it for themselves. Whenever you have that, it takes care of a lot of things that we don’t have to worry about. It carries over onto the court, being very unselfish with the ball, being willing to do whatever for each other.” The confidence that comes from playing for Nazareth resulted in another trait that Schilling praised: steadiness. He repeatedly cited the girls staying steady at key moments in games. He said some teams play well and then drop off but that this team didn’t let themselves slump. “They continued to build some momentum going into the tournament season and then into district and the playoffs,” he said. “This was one of the most steady teams I’ve coached.” Even with two gyms, Nazareth is running out of space for recognition of past championship teams on its walls. Only state championship trophies rest in the display case, while gold basketballs from lesser achievements crowd the tops of desks in the coaches’ office. But if the Swiftettes get No. 23 in 2019, they’ll find room.

Kinzi Cleavinger, a 2017-2018 senior, grabs a rebound for Nazareth in the regional quarterfinal victory over McLean in Amarillo Feb. 20. She was backed up by junior Blakely Gerber. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

14

Special Features

Nazareth sophomore Cambrie Heiman guards Dani Baccus of Dodd City in the Class 1A state championship game March 3, 2018, in San Antonio. Heiman, the Swiftettes’ leading scorer with 18 points, was named to the alltournament team along with Baccus and Paige Granstaff of Dodd City and teammates Kinzi Cleavinger and Blakely Gerber. ((Photo by Cindy Huseman)

Nazareth fans hold up cutouts of Swiftette players during the regional quarterfinals win over McLean Feb. 20 at Amarillo High. (Photo by Mike Haynes) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2nd in Texas

Swifts finish in Alamodome, too By MIKE HAYNES Co-Publisher The Nazareth girls have piled up the state championships since the 1970s, but the boys have a few of their own, mostly in the 2000s, and they came within a few points of adding another in 2018. The Swifts lost to Lipan, 49-42, in the state finals at the Alamodome, finishing a 30-6 season that maintained the Naz tradition of excellence. “We had a lot of the core group coming back last year after losing in the regional finals the year before,” said Taylor Schulte, who was in his first year as boys head coach after four seasons as an assistant. Schulte played on Swift state title teams in 2006 The Nazareth Swifts pose with one of their trophies on the way to the 2018 Class 1A state tournament at and 2007. the Alamodome in San Antonio. The Swifts finished as the state runner-up after their 49-42 loss to Lipan “That year really motivated them to get in the finals. (Photo by Mike Haynes) to the next step. None of the seniors had Swiftettes’ in that they started with strong opponents, got valuable made the trip to the state tournament, and they didn’t want to go experience in the Fort Worth Whataburger tournament and breezed through here four years without making that trip. through district play. “Losing in the regional finals, and especially to Happy, made Three of Naz’s losses came in the Whataburger event to Class them that much more motivated to have a good summer and a 3A Ponder, 4A Liberty Hill and Argyle Liberty Christian, a 6A good season and take that next step.” private school. The Class 1A Swifts defeated 2A Muenster, 44The Naz seniors were 6-0 Tristan McLain; 6-0 Slade Gerber; 33. “You go out feeling good knowing that you hung with those 6-3 Tate Schulte; and 5-10 Traytan McLain. teams and competed hard,” Schulte said. They were joined by two juniors, 5-10 Tristan Nelson and 6-4 Like the girls, Nazareth’s boys had no trouble in district, Jake Gerber, and two sophomores, 6-2 Nathaneal Van Dijk and averaging 83.5 points to their opponents’ 18.2. The playoffs 5-10 Brayden Dyer. Rounding out the squad were three freshmen: went 58-36 over White Deer; 49-40 over McLean; 58-37 over 5-11 Kaden Cleavinger; 6-2 Aidan Moore; and 5-9 Luke Betzen. New Home; and then 48-46 over fierce rival Happy, which had The Swifts’ 2017-18 season mirrored the state champion left the Swifts frustrated before the Cowboys finished second at state in 2017. “They had beaten us in the regional finals pretty good,” Schulte recalled. In the 2018 regional finals, Naz wanted another chance at Happy. “It was a battle,” Schulte said. “We came out ready. But Happy’s a physical team. They play really good defense, and (Continued on next page)

Nazareth senior Slade Gerber eludes Cayden Mann of McLean in the Swifts’ regional quarterfinal win Feb. 26, 2018 at Canyon. Gerber was district Offensive Player of the Year, all-region and all-state. He and cousin Jake Gerber were named to the state all-tournament team. (Photo by Mike Haynes) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Side by side are the Nazareth Swifts’ state runner-up trophy, left, and the Nazareth Swiftettes’ state championship trophy, both won at the 2018 Class 1A state tournaments at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Special Features

15

Senior Traytan McLain of Nazareth drives against McLean’s Bradley Hannon in the Swifts’ regional quarterfinal win Feb. 26, 2018, at Canyon. Traytan McLain, brother of Tristan McLain, was all-district and all-region. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Nazareth’s Tristan McLain, senior brother of Traytan McLain, advances against McLean in the regional quarterfinals in February. Tristan McLain was the district Defensive Player of the Year in 2017-2018. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Junior Jake Gerber moves the ball downcourt in Nazareth’s regional quarterfinal win over McLean Feb. 26. Gerber was district Player of the Year, all-region and all-state. At the Class 1A state tournament, he and cousin Slade Gerber were named to the state all-tourney team. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Senior Tate Schulte maneuvers against Jaden Abshire of McLean as Schulte’s Swifts won the regional quarterfinal game 49-40 in February at Canyon. Schulte was all-district in Nazareth’s state championship season. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

(Continued from previous page)

they had us bottled down for a couple of quarters and maybe even took a 7-point lead in the second half. “We went on a run in the fourth quarter and took the lead for the first time with maybe a minute and a half left. “Nathaneal Van Dijk makes a layup and we go up by 2. And from then on, it was back and forth. It came down to free throws, really. They fouled us with maybe 9 seconds left, and Tate Schulte hits two free throws that put us up by 2. Nathaneal Van Dijk has a big block, and they get up another shot but don’t make it, and the time expired.” In San Antonio, Nazareth faced Borden County, which came in with a 23-2 record after winning state in football. “I felt like if we could play good defense and shut them down a little bit, it would keep us in the game,” Schulte said. “And that’s what we did. They had a good guard (Trace Richey, who scored 19), but we kept everybody else in check. We were familiar with them; we had played them in football that year, so we were familiar.” The Swifts prevailed, 54-44, as Jake Gerber scored 23 points and brought down 10 rebounds; Slade Gerber had 12 points and 9 rebounds; Traytan McLain had 12 and 5 and Tristan McLain had 6 and 4. Waiting in the state finals was Lipan, the defending champion. “They’d had a pretty dominant run those two years,” Schulte said. “They were playing some big schools and getting a lot of wins, and that’s the thing you heard all year long: could anybody play with Lipan.” The Indians were 36-1, with the sole loss to 16

Special Features

Argyle, 47-40. “Our guys were ready to compete and ready to play, and it was a battle back and forth,” Schulte said. “They jumped up on us, got maybe an 11-point lead, and in the third quarter we make a charge and come back.” A key factor was Naz’s leading scorer, Jake Gerber, amassing four fouls early and eventually fouling out. He played a total of only 11 minutes with 3 points and 4 rebounds. “With a minute and a half left, we’re down by 3 points at the free throw line,” Schulte said. The coach said if he had been told before the game that Jake Gerber would play so little and barely score, he wouldn’t have believed Naz would have a chance. “It’s a credit to our team,” he said. “It wasn’t about one person all year long. Everybody contributed to that game, to that whole, entire season. Everybody contributed and did their part and gave us a shot to win it. “Nathaneal Van Dijk was a sophomore and came off the bench and played really well. We had people contribute from everywhere.” The final score was Lipan 49, Nazareth 42. Van Dijk and Slade Gerber led the Swifts’ scoring with 14 points each. Slade Gerber pulled down 7 rebounds to Van Dijk’s 3. Both Gerbers were named to the state All-Tournament team. “We came up a little bit short, but we were definitely in it and had the shot and just needed a few more shots to fall, that’s for sure,” Schulte said. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Coach’s third

Texans finally click for NJCAA title By DAVE WOHLFARTH Steve Green now has coached three junior college national championship teams at South Plains College. Each had a particular flavor to it. His first title team, in 2007-08, was pretty darn good, winning its first 16 games, falling off a bit in mid-season and winding up fourth in conference play. Still, it recovered and entered the NJCAA Division I national tourney seeded No. 8. That team finished 31-4, beating Salt Lake City Community College 67-56 in the finals. His 2011-12 team was a perfect 36-0. It walked away with the Western Junior College Athletic Conference crown with a 14-0 ledger. It was expected to win the national championship, and it did. The Texans’ closest game in the national tourney was eight points, and they whipped Northwest Florida State 81-68 in the title game. “We either had to win it or it was going to be a total failure,” Green said. His 2017-18 edition had some similarities to the 2007-08 squad. It did not win the WJCAC, winding up second at 12-4. But It suffered more losses (eight), spread throughout the season. It caught fire late just in time to win the Region V tourney. SPC entered the national Sweet 16 as a big underdog with the No.13 seed. Yet the Texans pulled if off, nipping Southern Idaho College 98-95 in the finals at Hutchinson, Kansas. SPC joined the 2016 Salt Lake City CC squad as the lowest seed to win a national championship. Green said last season had a lot of parts. “We didn’t have a lot of chemistry. I mean, we were a lot of individuals. We had a difficult time playing together. And we had some ups and downs,” he said. “We just never could get on a roll until we went to the regional tournament, and something clicked.” What clicked, according to Green, was that the players started trusting each other more. “I think they also realized that if we lose again, we don’t play again,” he said. Texan Christopher Orlina agreed. “We didn’t want our season to end,” he said. Orlina, a 6-7 freshman who played various positions, definitely clicked in the championship run. He had three straight double-doubles. “I do think I kinda got into my groove toward the end,” he said. “Just gaining my confidence, I would say. My teammates helped me gain my confidence. They just pushed me every day in practice.” Orlina, Keith McGee, Ben Perez and Deshawn Corprew became Texan heroes during the four games in Hutchinson. A weird thing had happened to the Texans on their way to the national championship. Jordan Brangers, their leading scorer, missed the whole tournament because of a staph infection. Isaiah Maurice, their second-leading scorer, missed the 89-76 semifinal win over Eastern Florida State College because he had picked up 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Chris Orlina caught fire during South Plains’ run to the NJCAA national championship. The 6-7 freshman had three straight double-doubles. He will return for his second year as a Texan in 2018-19. (South Plains College photo)

two technical fouls in the quarterfinal game and was suspended for the next game. McGee, a 6-2 freshman guard, scored 24 points, dished out four assists and swiped four steals in the semis and scored 20 more with four more assists in the championship game. He was named the tournament’s MVP. “We had a freshman guard that just got on a roll,” Green said of McGee, who started the season on the third string. “He hadn’t been relied on that much during the season. But we got into the regional tournament, and he just hit every clutch shot there was.” Perez, a 6-3 sophomore guard, also “just hit every shot,” Green said. “If he was open, he made it.” Corprew, a 6-6 freshman guard, hit several game-winning shots during the Texans’ run and was SPC’s top scorer in the finals with 21 points. Maurice, coming back from his suspension, contributed 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in that game. Looking back, Green surmised that perhaps the absence of Brangers, a first-team all-region and first-team all-conference selection, was a turning point in team chemistry. “I mean, Brangers could really shoot the ball from a long ways out. And so he’s always open. Which, at times, would get the other guys standing around,” Green said. “When he wasn’t here and didn’t provide that, we had to become more cohesive. And we started involving our post man (Maurice) more.” Brangers averaged 16 points a game and swished 96 3-pointers in 30 games, shooting 44.2 percent from beyond the arc. Twice, he had 38-point games during the season. He banged home 10 3-pointers in the Texans’ 85-76 regional semifinal win over (Continued on next page)

Special Features

17

The 2017-2018 South Plains College Texans won the NJCAA Division 1 national championship, defeating Southern Idaho College 98-95 in the title game in Hutchinson, Kansas, after finishing second in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference. (South Plains College photo) (Continued from previous page)

McLennan Community College. Brangers didn’t play much in the Texans’ 101-92 regional finals victory over Odessa, avenging two earlier losses. And he was too sick to even make the trip to Hutchinson. Maurice, the 6-10 sophomore post, was the team’s secondleading scorer at 12.9 and rebound leader at 5.9 rpg. He was a first-team all-conference pick. Corprew (12.1 ppg), Perez (9.9 ppg) and Orlina (8.9 ppg) also started. Raymond Doby, a 6-7 sophomore, had a big game (12 points, 5 rebounds) filling in for Maurice in the national semifinal game. He started 13 games and finished with 8 ppg, 5.8 rpg stats. When the 2017-18 season began, Green thought he had the makings of a pretty good team. “I knew we had the players to do it,” he said. “I’m just comparing that team to other teams I’ve had, and we had everything. We had guards who could shoot; we had posts who could score. We had everything. We just didn’t have the necessary ingredients for two-thirds of the season.” Losses continued to stall the Texans. Unlike many coaches, Green doesn’t feel a loss can be a good thing or necessarily a learning experience. “I’ve never felt good about one,” he said. “I would rather learn from a win.” The Texans were slowed from the get-go by injuries to Doby, McGee and Orlina. “We had three guys walking around here in those boots,” Green said. Still, even when healthy, the Texans weren’t performing like a championship team. “You just had the feel all year long that even though you were talented enough, you weren’t going to get it done,” Green said. “Because it seemed like every time we’d get close . . . I mean, 18 Special Features

we’d get our head up . . . and poomph!” SPC could never win more than five in a row before reeling off eight straight by winning the regional and national tourneys. That run of eight victories in 16 days featured wins over six ranked teams. The Texans completed the seesaw season with a 28-8 record. The players who pulled off that improbable finish have disbanded. Among those who saw considerable playing time, only Orlina is back at SPC for another season. Brangers is playing in a professional league in Germany. He originally had committed to Texas Tech but changed his mind, according to Green. However, six other Texans did move on to Division I programs: • McGee to New Mexico; • Maurice to Memphis; • Jamir Coleman to Central Connecticut; • Corprew to Texas Tech; • Perez to Iona; • Myhailo Yogodin to the University of Maine. Green becomes just one of four coaches to win at least three NJCAA Division I championships. Was this last one the most rewarding? “Well, there’s a lesson in there, I guess – don’t ever give up,” he answered. There must have been a big celebration in Levelland when the Texans returned from Hutchinson. “Well, yes. They all met us when we got back out here,” Green said, then joked, “Wasn’t a big ticker-tape parade or anything. We don’t have any two-story buildings in town; we only have the bank.” 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

David Chavlovich, West Texas A&M’s All-American senior, lets loose a typical no-look pass at home against Lubbock Christian last season. Chavlovich led the Buffs to the NCAA Division 2 Final Four and a 32-4 season record. He averaged 20.7 points and hit for 33 in the national semifinal game. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

The all-time leading scorer for West Texas A&M and the Lone Star Conference, David Chavlovich, finds his way around a UTPermian Basin defender in the NCAA Division 2 South Central Regional Championship game March 13, 2018, at First United Bank Center in Canyon. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Buffs finish 32-4

Veterans lead WT to Final Four By DAVE WOHLFARTH When Tom Brown stepped into the West Texas A&M basketball job in 2014, he inherited two redshirt freshmen, Jordan Evans and Rylan Gerber. Brown and his staff recruited David Chavlovich, Tommy Gove and Eric Mosley. All but Mosley, who’s returning this season after a year’s hiatus, were integral parts of one of the best teams in school history. The 2017-18 Buffs won the most games (32) and won the Lone Star Conference regular season championship, the LSC tournament and the South Central Regional. WT reached the Final Four, losing to Ferris State, the eventual NCAA Division II champion, in the national semifinals. That marked the Buffs’ deepest penetration in the NCAA tournament. Brown called it a dream season, but what made it especially rewarding was the fact that his first WT class reaped the rewards. “That’s what’s pretty special,” he said. “When you recruit great kids like that and they really believe in you and the coaching staff and believe in what you’re trying to do and then to see that happen, well, it was a pretty special season.” Seniors Chavlovich and Evans were the Buffs’ top two scorers, Gerber usually was one of the first subs off the bench and Gove, a starter early, suffered a season-ending injury, a torn ACL, after only four games. Still, all four contributed, each in his own way. “The thing that was really big was the leadership we had out 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

of David, Jordan, (junior) Ryan Quaid, Tommy Gove and Rylan,” Brown said. The 5-11 Chavlovich led the Buffs in scoring with 20.7 points a game. In fact, he became WT’s and the LSC’s all-time leading scorer with 2,490 points in his four-year career. He was a first-team All-America selection by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He has signed professionally to play with the KK Bosco team in Croatia, The 6-5 Evans contributed 15.7 points a game. He, too, plans to continue his career in Europe, having signed with the Tralee Warriors of the Irish Super League. “I think David could have scored 30 points a game and Jordan Evans could have had 30 points a game.You know, everybody likes to score, but they weren’t concerned. They wanted to win,” Brown said. “We needed them to score 20 points a game, don’t get me wrong, but they would make the extra pass if they had to. They would play defense. They would do all the little things. And I think the guys really enjoyed playing with each other.” Point guard Chavlovich led the Buffs in assists with 5.3 per game and steals at 1.5 per game. Chavlovich and Evans made 226 3-point goals between them as WT led all Division II teams in 3-pointers made (421) and attempted (1,333). (Continued on next page)

Special Features

19

(Continued from previous page)

You get the impression Brown loves the long-range launching. “Yes, yes, yes!” he said. “We like to shoot the 3. We try to recruit players that can shoot the ball. Some coaches will recruit the big athletes and guys who can run and rebound. I’d rather be able to knock down the 3 any day.” Quaid didn’t hit too many 3s (13) as the 6-6 junior did most of his damage with slick inside moves. He averaged 14.3 points and led WT in rebounding with almost 10 per game. Quaid was a firstteam all-conference selection. Quaid (21 points) and Chavlovich (33) almost led the Buffs back from a 17-point deficit in the 85-79 national semifinal loss to Ferris State. “I thought Ryan Quaid and David were phenomenal in that game,” Brown said. “We just came up a little short.” Quaid had 25 points and 10 rebounds as WT beat Le Moyne 87-73 in the national quarterfinal game. Chavlovich, Evans and Quaid started most games, along with junior Gach Gach (8.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and freshman C.J. Jennings (5.8 ppg). Sophomores Jordan Collins (5.5 ppg) and Drew Evans (6.9 ppg) usually were the first Buffs to come off the bench. Both had some big moments in big games. (Drew Evans is not related to Jordan Evans.) Gaige Prim, a 6-7 freshman, contributed 10.5 ppg and 6.8 rpg. He was a strong presence inside. Gerber, the 6-3 senior from Dumas, completed the nine-man rotation. Brown called Gerber “Mr. Reliable” because he always was in the right place at the right time. There was an unusual 8-1 sequence to the Buffs’ season. They won their first eight games, then lost at UT-Permian Basin 106-100. They won eight more before dropping a home conference decision to Tarleton State 82-74. WT registered another eight-game win streak but lost at Texas A&M-Commerce 67-66. Another eight-game win streak, which

Senior Jordan Evans, one of WT’s top two scorers with 15.7 a game, cuts the net at the First United Bank Center after the Buffs’ 95-87 victory over UT-Permian Basin in the NCAA Division 2 South Central Regional Finals March 13, 2018. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

20

Special Features

The West Texas A&M bench celebrates as David Chavlovich is named the MVP of the NCAA Division 2 South Central Regional Tournament March 13, 2018, at the First United Bank Center after defeating UT-Permian Basin 95-87. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

included clinching the LSC regular season title, winning the conference and regional tourneys, brought the Buffs into their national semifinal games against Ferris State, a loss. A perfectly symmetrical 32-4 season. “Isn’t that crazy,” Brown said. “We ran out of gas, maybe.” Nevertheless, Brown pinpointed a pair of those regular-season losses — he called them “hiccups” — as turning points. “Sometimes you can learn some things from a loss that you don’t learn from a win,” he said. The first learning experience came at Odessa, home of UTPB. “That’s a tough place to play, and that’s a very good team. They came out ready to go,” Brown said. “But I think that motivated us to, ‘Hey, we’ve got to be clicking on all cylinders every game, especially when we go on the road.’“ The second loss (to Tarleton in mid-January) was more disturbing because it was at home. “I think the home loss really motivated us as well,” Brown said. “You know, you just don’t take anybody for granted. So you’ve got to be really ready to go each and every game.” The Buffs avenged that loss to Tarleton by winning 82-76 a month later at Tarleton. That gave WT its first regular-season LSC championship since 1994. Then the Buffs won their first LSC tournament since 2006 by nipping UTPB 80-76 in the finals in Frisco. WT earned the No. 1 seed and the right to host the South Central Regional in Canyon’s First United Bank Center. The Buffs didn’t disappoint in front of the home folks, beating Colorado School of Mines and two LSC foes — Texas A&M-Commerce and UTPB. Their third win over UTPB in four meetings elevated them into the Elite Eight for the first time in 20 years. “To win your regional is special,” Brown said, “but it’s really special to win it in front of your home crowd.” The Buffs averaged 88.4 points a game while yielding 73. In addition to their 3-point proficiency, the Buffs led the nation in free throws made (695) and attempted (894). And their 32 wins surpassed the 29 established by the 1940-41 team. Reflecting on the season and his four seniors – Chavlovich,, Jordan Evans, Gerber and Gove – Brown recited four numbers: 17, 21, 26 and 32. “Those are their wins for their four years, so each year they got better and better, and they capped it off with a Final Four,” he said. “They meant so much, those four guys.” 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

West Texas A&M junior Gach Gach makes a layup at home against Lubbock Christian last December with LCU senior Marcos Schuster of Frenship and sophomore Kentton Williams of Levelland following. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

WT junior Ryan Quaid goes to the basket March 22 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in the NCAA Division 2 national semifinals against Ferris State of Michigan. Quaid scored 21 points in the 85-79 loss. (WTAMU Athletics Photo)

Jordan Collins, a sophomore in WT’s 2017-2018 season, eyes a loose ball at First United Bank Center in an NCAA Division 2 South Central Regional win over Colorado School of Mines in March 2018. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

WT senior Jordan Evans goes up for a basket against Colorado School of Mines in an NCAA Division 2 South Central Regional game at First United Bank Center in March 2018. The Buffs won 79-65. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Special Features

21

All the way to L.A.

Queens ruled court 40 years ago By DANNY ANDREWS Magazine Co-Publisher Forty-one years ago last spring, they were young women, aspiring athletes, focused on getting a college degree and moving on to successful careers. Today, they’re reluctantly considered “senior citizens.” They are the players of the 1977-78 Wayland Baptist College Flying Queens – still basking in the glow of advancing to the Final Four of the fledgling Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, four years ahead of full recognition of women’s basketball by the NCAA. Dean Weese, in the fifth season of his six-year career at Wayland – still three years from earning university status – molded a team that finished 33-5, landing a spot in the national tournament for the fourth time in five years. Some would argue it’s overall the strongest team in Wayland history, although two other squads in the NAIA era (1986 under Floyd Evans and 1992 under Sheryl Estes) advanced to the championship game and the Queens had enjoyed great success earlier in Amateur Athletic Union play. An inductee in the second class of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a record of 1,207197, the hard-driving Weese was no stranger to success on the court, having led Spearman to three state championships before replacing legendary Harley Redin, who had ended an 18-year run as coach of the Queens after the 1972-73 season. Weese’s record at Wayland was 190-30, the second most wins behind Redin’s 429. Following a brief stint coaching the Dallas Diamonds in 1979 in the short-lived Women’s Professional Basketball League, where future Hall of Fame baseball announcer Eric Nadel of the Texas Rangers was the team’s play-by-play man, Weese would win seven state championships in 19 seasons at Levelland High School. The 1977-78 team returned to the Big Stage – this time at storied Pauley Pavilion on the campus of UCLA – site of so many victories by the John Wooden-coached Bruin men. Future Hall of Famer Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain was on hand for the games of the 1978 national AIAW tourney. In the regional tournament at North Texas State University in Denton, the Queens whipped Ohio State, 66-56, and then took out North Carolina State, 72-55. Weese recalls ruefully that the tournament, sparsely attended because all four schools were on spring break, got off to a rocky start with “about 15 fans in the stands and the national anthem record stuck.” The previous season, Wayland had gone 31-5 but lost to Baylor (like so many other NCAA Coach Dean Weese

22

Special Features

The 1977-78 Wayland Flying Queens celebrate after winning a tournament on the way to the AIAW national championship Final Four in Los Angeles. (Photo courtesy WBU Athletics)

schools, just really getting serious about women’s basketball) in the regional finals. The Queens had routed the Lady Bears in two previous meetings that season. Thus, a hoped-for trip to the University of Minnesota had been scuttled. In 1974-75, the Queens went 34-1, losing only to tiny Immaculata of Pennsylvania, 68-58, in the national quarterfinals at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, that snapped a 28-game winning streak dating back to the previous year. Immaculata (subject of the 2009 movie “The Mighty Macs”) fell to Delta State from Mississippi in a bid to win a fourth straight AIAW title while the Queens won their last eight games, including the National Women’s Invitational in Amarillo (one of two such titles under Weese) and a second straight AAU national championship. (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

and has been an integral part of the basketball staffs at Tennessee and Texas, now serving as an associate athletic director over six sports for the Longhorns. Kocurek played for Minnesota and Omaha in the WPBL, and Caldwell played for Chicago in the WPBL and is coaching at Veterans High School in Corpus Christi. To further show the offensive impact of that team, Harston is the No. 8 all-time scorer for Wayland, while Caldwell is 11th, Goodwin 12 th and Kocurek 13 th – each with more than 1,400 points. The Queens’ 3,296 points, four straight games over 100 points and eight in one season, field goals and field goal percentage (an excellent 55.7 percentage due in large part to an offense built on getting the ball on the post to Rankin), rank highest in school history. In addition to Weese, Harston, Caldwell and Kocurek are members of the Wayland Athletic Hall of This photo of the 1977-78 Wayland Flying Queens includes, from left, (front row) Kathy Booth, Kathy Harston, Tina Honor, and Goodwin received the Slinker, Sheri Haynes, (middle row) Jerianne John, Leanne Waddell, Trina Bryant, Breena Caldwell, (back row) Harley Redin Coaching Award this Coach Dean Weese, team statistician JoAnne Weese, Marie Kocurek, Jill Rankin, Elaine Schulte, Valerie Goodwin, year. Under Hall of Honor criteria, assistant coach Shena Cooper and team sponsor Wilda Hutcherson. (Photo courtesy WBU Athletics) Rankin is excluded because she did (Continued from previous page) not graduate from Wayland. Other members of the 1977-78 team included Leanne Waddell The following season, the Queens posted a 34-5 mark but South, who was an assistant at Baylor and is married to longtime fell, 61-60, to Delta State in the AIAW semifinals at Penn State Texas A&M sports announcer Dave South; Elaine Schulte Barnes as DSU matched Immaculata’s trifecta of national titles. The of Nazareth, who coached freshman basketball in Plainview and Queens were unable to send Delta State All-American post Lusia (Continued on next page) Harris to the bench despite her playing most of the second half with four fouls. Weese’s starting five four decades ago included 6-3 sophomore post Jill Rankin Schneider, one of the most prolific scorers in Texas schoolgirl history at Phillips in the Texas Panhandle; 5-11 senior Breena Caldwell of Cement, Oklahoma; 5-10 junior Valerie Goodwin of Forgan, Oklahoma; 6-0 senior Marie Kocurek of Tuloso Midway; and 5-8 sophomore point guard Kathy Harston of Southlake Carroll. Rankin Schneider, a Kodak All-American as a junior and the No. 5 all-time scorer in Wayland history with 2,121 points (including a school record 1,000 in 1978-79), transferred to the University of Tennessee after her junior year to play for Pat Summitt when Weese departed for the pros. She landed a berth on the 1980 U.S. team that missed the Olympics due to the American boycott after Russia invaded Afghanistan. She is a longtime coach at Lubbock Monterey and a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Goodwin, who ranks third all-time by hitting in one season 58 of 63 free throws with a .921 percentage as a junior, went on to coach at Southwest Missouri State and the University of Oklahoma and then had a long career at Southwestern Community College in Chula Vista, California. Wayland Baptist’s Leanne Waddell shoots in front of teammate Breena Harston, a Kodak All-American as a sophomore, coached Caldwell and two University of Texas defenders during the 1977-78 seaPlainview High’s girls to their first UIL championship in 1987 son. (Photo courtesy WBU Athletics) 2017-2018 Panhandle-Plains Basketball Special Features 23

(Continued from previous page)

Lockney; Kathy Booth Loter of Farwell, who was a longtime assistant to Weese at Levelland, was head coach at Sundown and was an assistant at South Plains Junior College; Tina Slinker of Portales, New Mexico, who was head coach at the University of North Texas; Sheri Haynes of McLean, who played at Delta State her freshman year and after WBU graduation replaced legendary Texas Tech coach Marsha Sharp at Lockney, later coached at Lubbock Roosevelt, taught at Lubbock Cooper, was an assistant to Rankin Schneider at Monterey and who has been co-publisher of Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine since 2012); Jerianne John of Argonia, Kansas, who played for Weese and the Dallas Diamonds and later coached at Kingman, Kansas, Houston Cypress-Fairbanks, Allen High School and Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma; and Trina Bryant Bassett of Valley View, who coached at Nai Christian School, Texas High School in Texarkana and Pleasant Grove High School. Sheena Cooper from Walters, Oklahoma, was Weese’s assistant and coached in her hometown and in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. She died in 2010. Thus, every member of the team and Cooper played and/or coached after leaving Wayland, a feat likely rare in U.S. basketball history. The Queens averaged 80.8 points a game while surrendering just 62.3. They scored 100 or more seven times – including a high of 130 against Texas Lutheran – and in the 90s half a dozen other times. They beat Texas Tech five times and the University of Texas three times and also had wins over NCAA schools Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Kansas State, Louisiana Tech and Stephen F. Austin. They split with Delta State, and their victory over North Carolina State in the regional finals avenged a 98-86 loss at Raleigh in January when the Queens were ranked No. 1 in the nation. That loss to N.C. State was followed by a 72-67 defeat in the first round of the Old Dominion Classic in Norfolk, Virginia, at the hands of nationally ranked Montclair State of New Jersey, which was led by All-American Carol Blazejowski, one of the

Flying Queen Sheri Haynes and an opponent go high for a rebound in front of Wayland’s Kathy Harston. The original photo caption called the two WBU guards “Queen playmakers.” (Photo from 1978-79 PanhandlePlains Basketball Magazine)

highest scorers in women’s history. Old Dominion, led by AllAmerican and future pro Nancy Lieberman, won the Classic. ODU also won the national AIAW title in 1979 and 1980. At the national tournament, the Queens fell, 90-85, to Maryland, led by future Olympian and Hall of Fame guard Tara Heiss. They were unable to get the Terrapins’ big post player Kris Kirchner to go to the bench despite Kirchner playing with four fouls most of the second half. In the third place game, they lost again to Montclair State, 90-88, in overtime. Wayland had beaten UCLA, which took out Maryland in the title game, to claim the National Women’s Invitational Tournament in Amarillo to wind up the 1976-77 season. Looking back on 1977-78, Weese, who is 83 and lives with his wife and former team statistician JoAnn in Granbury, said, “That team had a lot of great players,” but he still contends that “there was no way a team coached by a man was going to win the (AIAW) championship in a program dominated by women.”

Jill Rankin of the Wayland Flying Queens drives toward the basket during the 1977-78 season. (Photo from 1978-79 Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine)

24

Special Features

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Melton-Webb

From hoops to wedding rings By CATHY MARTINDALE Randy Melton and Lynn Webb Melton, like most married folks, share a lot. Perhaps one of the more unusual things is that both have been featured in Panhandle-Plains Basketball magazine. Randy was a forward on the Ropes High School team and was one of six players on the magazine’s cover for the 1976-77 season, his senior year. “We made it to the playoffs but couldn’t take it all the way,” he said. The next year, Lynn Webb was highlighted in the 1977-78 magazine. She played four years on the Slaton High girls team as a wing in the old 6-player system. Her high school career wound up on a slightly more successful note: the Tigerettes won the state title in 1978, her senior year. It was the first of four consecutive state titles for the Slaton team. Lynn was selected to the 1977-1978 2A Girls Basketball All-Tournament Team. Like many small-town kids, both Randy and Lynn played several sports in various youth groups. Basketball was Little Dribblers; Lynn enjoyed tennis, and Randy played football and ran track. “You did it all in those little schools,” Randy said.

Outstanding basketball players Randy Melton of Ropes and Lynn Webb of Slaton, both featured in this magazine in the 1970s, wound up married. They live in Slaton. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Lynn Webb, a standout player for Slaton, was featured in the 1977-78 Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine. Randy Melton of Ropes was one of six players on the cover of the 1976-77 edition.

Lynn vividly remembers exactly when she decided she wanted to excel in basketball. “In the seventh grade, our coach took us to watch the (Wayland Baptist) Flying Queens play the Russian national team,” she said. “I was just enthralled; I got hooked right then.” Those were the final days of the six-player, half-court game the women played. When Lynn graduated and went to Texas Tech – partly because her coach, Gay Benson, had accepted the head coaching job at Tech – it was quite a transition to the five-player format. “The first practice,” Lynn reminisced, “I stopped at half court. I was just so used to it. The coaches were yelling at me to keep running.” Meanwhile, Randy had enrolled at South Plains College, earned his associate degree in ag business and gotten married. That didn’t stick, and before long a mutual friend was introducing Randy and Lynn. He didn’t remember her – after all, when he was a high school senior she was just a junior at a different school. And Lynn had only the vaguest memory of seeing Randy when Slaton and Ropes played each other. They married while Lynn was studying for her graduate degree in family and consumer science education. After her graduation, they moved to Pampa, where she taught and Randy began work as a licensed plumber. Later they moved to Slaton, where she continued teaching and Randy joined an oil company as a driver. Lynn stayed active in sports, coaching tennis for several years and helping with summer basketball camps at Tech. Retired now from teaching, she manages the Slaton Harvey House bed and breakfast housed in the former Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad depot. They have two grown children: a son, Heath, and daughter, Rachel, who both played youth sports.

Special Features

25

The 300 Club Membership in the 300 Club continues to grow, by just a bit. There now are 26 active Panhandle-Plains basketball coaches who have 300 or more high school victories. Last year the club counted 25. Two years ago, it was 22. The six new members are Lance Horsford of Stratford, Mike McCann of Ropes, Trent Hilliard of Frenship, Kurt Richardson of Spearman, Steve Rhodes of Brownfield and Coby Beckner of Texline. Some of those newbies won their 300th last season. Others with lofty credentials moved into the area or submitted updated win-loss records on their PPB questionnaires. Five departures were caused by retirements, relocations or sport changes. We decided to keep Kyle Bean in the club. Bean, No. 4 on the list with 606 wins, now is serving as an assistant coach to his son Kyler Bean’s New Deal boys team. So he’s still on a basketball bench, coaching the sport. Kyle Bean moves into the fourth spot vacated by Junior

26

Special Features

Ashmore, who moved from coaching the Spearman’s girls to Stanton, out of the immediate area. Of course, the leader is Joe Lombard, the legendary Canyon girls coach who has garnered 1,322 victories and only 124 defeats. That’s an unbelievable .914 winning percentage. Lombard was quite successful at Nazareth before moving to Canyon. On the other hand, No. 2 Chuck Darden (928 wins) of the Shallowater girls and No. 3 Danny Wrenn (728) of the Plainview girls have coached only at their current schools. No. 5 Leslie Broadhurst of Randall is tops in boys wins only at 575. We counted only high school coaching wins, not college victories. Also, information is based primarily on records coaches submitted on their PPB questionnaires. There probably are other coaches who did not submit their records or don’t have an accurate account of their wins and losses. Get those ready for next year! The list is arranged in order of total of combined wins. (Chart compiled by Dave Wohlfarth and Cathy Martindale)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Area State Championship Boys Teams Abernathy: 1980, 1991 (2A) Amarillo High: 1986 (5A) Amarillo Palo Duro: 1956 (3A) Brownfield: 2016 (3A) Canadian: 2015 (2A), 2016 (2A) Canyon: 1950 (1A); 1964 (2A) Carey: 1937 (all schools) Dimmitt: 1952 (1A); 1952 (Division II); 1975 (2A); 1982, 1983 (3A) Dumas: 1962, 1971 (3A) Gruver: 1950 (B); 1966 (1A) Idalou: 2011 (2A) Lamesa: 1960, 1967, 1975 (3A) Lubbock Dunbar: 1953, 1957, 1960, 1962, 1965 (PVIL 3A) Lubbock Estacado: 2010 (3A) Lubbock High: 1951 (2A) McAdoo: 1960, 1963, 1964 (B) Memphis: 1949 (1A) Morton: 1972, 1977, 1983, 1986, 1987 (2A); 2005 (1A-I); 2005 (Texas Cup) Nazareth: 1986 (1A); 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2010 (1A-II); 2003 (Texas Cup) Paducah: 1987, 1988 (1A); 2011 (1A-II) Pampa: 1953, 1954, 1958, 1959 (4A), 1996 (4A) Plainview: 1994 (4A) Seminole: 1955, 1979 (2A) Shallowater: 2004 (2A) Stratford: 1946 (B) Sudan: 1995 (1A) Texline: 2015 (1A) Vega: 1979 (1A) West Texas High: 2018 (2A) White Deer: 1962 (1A)

Area State Championship Girls Teams Abernathy: 1958, 1959, 1986, 1991 (2A); 1981, 1984 (3A) Amarillo High: 1993, 1994 (5A), 2018 (5A) Amarillo Tascosa: 1991 (5A) Brownfield: 1988 (3A) Canadian: 2017 (3A) Canyon High: 1969, 1972, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1992, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 (3A); 1981, 1996, 2000, 2011, 2014 (4A), 2015, 2016, 2017 (5A) Canyon Randall: 1992, 1998 (4A) Claude: 1951, 1952, 1953, 1962 (B); 1971 (1A), 1972 (1A) Dimmitt: 1954, 1955 (1A); 1993 (3A) Dumas: 1980 (3A) Farwell: 2000 (2A) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018 UIL State Champions Amarillo High Girls Nazareth Girls West Texas High Boys

Hale Center: 1979 (1A) Follett: 1969 (B); 2008 (1A-II) Friona: 1964 (2A) Klondike: 1969 (B) Levelland: 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1997 (4A) Lubbock Monterey: 1981 (5A) Lubbock Roosevelt: 1957 (B); 1965 (1A) Morton: 1987 (2A) Nazareth: 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 (B); 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1996. 2000 (1A); 2001, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2014 (1A-II), 2015, 2017 (1A), 2018 (1A) New Deal: 1953 (1A) Panhandle: 1992, 2017 (2A) Phillips: 1976 (2A) Plains: 2014 (1A-I) Plainview: 1987 (5A); 2001, 2002, 2003 (4A) Ropesville: 1957 (1A) Seagraves: 2005 (1A-I); 2005 (Texas Cup) Shallowater: 2004 (2A) Slaton: 1974, 1978, 1979, 1980 (2A), 1987 (3A) Smyer: 2010, 2011 (1A-I) Spearman: 1966, 1971, 1972, 1977 (2A) Springlake-Earth: 1967, 1968 (1A) Sudan: 1987, 1994, 1995 (1A); 2009 (1A-I); 2012 (1A-I) 2012-20131983, Panhandle-Plains Basketball Stratford: 1969, 1976 (1A) Sundown: 1961, 1962, 1963 (1A) Tulia: 1966, 1967, 1991 (3A) Vega: 1999 (1A) Whiteface: 1997 (1A) Whitharral: 2012 (1A-II) Special Features

27

Basketball News Runner Mays also starred on court James Mays, who was one of three people inducted into the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame on Feb. 11, 2018, made his reputation primarily on the track. But he also was quite skilled on the basketball court for the Hereford Whitefaces. In the 1976-1977 edition of Panhandle-Plains Basketball magazine, Hereford Coach Barry Arnwine listed the 6-1 senior Mays as one of three players to watch along with junior Kelly Kitchens and senior Kenneth Mercer. Mays had averaged 11.3 points a game as a junior. As a senior, Mays was District 4-4A’s most valuable player as the Whitefaces made the playoffs with a 21-11 record. That spring, he also won the Class 5A state title in the 880, setting an all-time area record. He then attended Texas Tech, where his older brother Luther also had run track. Before graduating in 1981, Mays became Tech’s first three-time All-American in any sport. He won the Southwest Conference 800-meter run twice and the SWC indoor 600 meters. As a Red Raider junior, he ran the three fastest times ever recorded in the SWC. His school record of 1:46.42 in the 800 stood for more than 20 years. He finished third in the NCAA national meet in his senior year. Mays competed in three U.S. Olympic Trials and was the Olympic Festival national champion in the 800 in 1983. He competed on 10 U.S. national track teams and competed in Europe for several years, where he was the pacesetter for world record times in the mile, 1500 and 2000 meters. His 800 career best of 1:44.62 remains the fastest ever run by a native Texan. Mays was inducted into the Tech Hall of Honor in 1991 and the SWC Hall of Fame in 2017. He has lived in Dallas for about 25 years. The other 2018 PSHOF inductees were Johnny Cobb, a longtime wrestling coach at Tascosa and Wayland Baptist, and Jan Barker, the Amarillo High volleyball coach for 31 years. Cobb founded the first youth wrestling program in the Texas Panhandle at the Maverick Club in 1971 and coached wrestling at Tascosa for 20 years. His boys and girls teams won three state championships, and he had 21 wrestlers who won state titles. He coached Brandon Slay, the 2000 Olympic gold medalist. After retiring from Tascosa in 2008, Cobb started the Wayland wrestling program, where he coached three men’s All-Americans and 22 women’s All-Americans. He retired from Wayland in 2014 and lives in Amarillo. Barker came to Amarillo from the Pacific Northwest in 1984. She coached at Bowie Junior High for two years and at Caprock for a year before leading the Amarillo High volleyball team from 1987 to 2017. Her teams won 10 state titles and had an overall record of 1,116-175. She is a member of the Texas Girls Coaching Association Hall of Fame. Other basketball honorees at the Feb. 11 ceremony at the 28 Basketball News

James Mays accepts his induction into the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame at left during the February 2018 ceremony at the Amarillo Civic Center. The Texas Tech graduate was inducted because of his track prowess, but he also was an outstanding basketball player at Hereford, right. (Left photo by Mike Haynes; right photo from 1976-77 Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine)

Amarillo Civic Center’s Grand Plaza included Angel Hayden of Canyon and Texas Tech, the basketball player of the year; basketball co-coaches of the year Joe Lombard of Canyon, Kevin Richardson of Canadian, Rob Schmucker of Panhandle and Eric Schilling of Nazareth, who all led their girls teams to state 2017 championships; the Canyon Lady Eagles, who won the C.L. Duniven Jr. Super Team Award; and the Canyon High School Community, which received the Dee Henry Memorial Inspiration Award for its compassion and perseverance in the wake of the deaths of young Tatum Schulte, daughter of Canyon boys basketball coach Travis Schulte; Debbie Crenshaw, wife of the late Canyon boys basketball coach Guy Crenshaw; and Bonnie Jean Tatum, mother of Babs Lombard, wife of Canyon girls basketball coach Joe Lombard. The Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame is located in the Kids Inc. building at 2201 Southeast 27th St. in Amarillo.

Cobbins in Croatia Former Palo Duro and Oklahoma State standout Michael Cobbins still is playing basketball. In September 2018, it was reported that Cobbins had signed with the Kosarkaski Klub Split, a professional team in the Croatian Premier League. In August, he had been selected by the Capital City Go-Go of the NBA G League in the 2018 expansion draft. After going undrafted in the 2015 NBA draft, the 6-9 Cobbins joined the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2015 NBA Summer League. He signed with the Thunder in October 2015 but was waived two days later. In November 2015, he was acquired by the Oklahoma City Blue as an affiliate player from the Thunder. In July 2016, Cobbins had signed to play for the Apollon Patras basketball club in Patras, Greece. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Carl Irlbeck, second from left, poses with three of his Plainview players from the 1988-89 regional finalist team at his induction into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame in San Antonio in May. From left are Blaine Brunson, McAlan Duncan and Irlbeck’s son, Bruce Irlbeck. (Photo courtesy Plainview Herald)

1,065 wins lead Irlbeck to HOF By ALEXIS CUBIT Plainview Herald Sports Editor Carl Irlbeck is many things to many people: a son, father, math teacher, coach, champion or just all-around winner. The boot-stompin’ cowboy coach of nearly 50 years added “hall of fame inductee.” to those synonyms in May when he was inducted into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame during ceremonies in San Antonio. “I still get chill bumps about it,” Irlbeck said about the honor. “I never thought that they would select me, but I’m happy they did.” Irlbeck won nine state championships in four different sports, including Plainview High School boys basketball’s first state title in 1994. Despite the honor and winning nine state championships in four sports with an overall coaching record of 1,065-501, Irlbeck always will see himself as the little boy from Happy, Texas. Irlbeck’s basketball journey started early on in his life. Growing up, he had two options: farming or playing a sport. Though he did still have responsibilities on the family farm, Irlbeck got off the hook during the basketball season. His parents allowed him and his siblings to play one sport, although his brothers – six feet and taller – opted not to participate. “I had to be home by 6 p.m. to milk cows if I didn’t have a ball game,” Irlbeck explained. “The only time I got out of it was when I was playing a game somewhere far away. It was an escape for me.” Irlbeck, the seventh of 11 children, kept with basketball and played at Clarendon College. Once his playing days were over, the Happy native took to coaching and teaching math. He spent 14 years at Abernathy, 12 years at Hart, nine years at Plainview, six years at his alma mater, three years at Plainview Christian Academy and two more at Lubbock Monterey. No matter where he went, Irlbeck seemed to have the Midas touch, helping to improve each program he coached. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

“I moved to Abernathy and they had won four games (the season before). The second year I was there, they went 29-1. We won state the ninth year I was there,” he said. “When I came to Plainview, they had won very few games. We were second in district the first year I was here. Everything just seemed like it fell into place as I was going along.” Irlbeck led the Plainview High School boys’ basketball team to the Class 4A state title in 1994 after reaching state the year before. Plainview narrowly beat Austin Anderson 54-52 in the title game. He retired after winning the championship due to his diabetes, but that was short-lived. Irlbeck came back the next year before winning a girls’ basketball title with Plainview Christian Academy in 1997. In addition to Irlbeck’s championships, he had the opportunity to pass down the winning tradition to his children. He coached his daughter to a tennis title, had one of his sons on the cross country championship team and another son on Abernathy’s state-winning boys’ basketball squad in 1980. “In my time, I’ve only had two losing seasons, and that’s because of kids being injured both years,” Irlbeck said. “We were close to .500, but we were just a little low, not that that’s a big deal, but that’s pretty big to me.” Irlbeck’s “second retirement” came in May 2016 when he stopped teaching math at Plainview. Irlbeck watches now as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren look to carry on the family tradition. In his acceptance speech, Irlbeck used a Winston Churchill quote to encourage others to never give up, “because each of you are born to win.” He added that his basketball story, summed up, is a boy, a ball and an opportunity. Now 80, the little boy from Happy, Texas, used that ball and created his own opportunity to become a multichampion hall of fame coach. “I’ve had a great life and an awesome family,” Irlbeck said. Previous inductees, all of whom played or coached at Wayland Baptist, are Harley Redin, Dean Weese, Will Flemons, Melynn Hunt, Marsha Sharp, Carolyn Dornak, Kathy Harston, Joe Lombard, Ruth Cannon Nichols, Lometa Odom, Marsha Porter and Jill Rankin Schneider. The hall of fame banquet takes place in conjunction with the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches state convention and all-star games.

AHS coach honored Jeff Williams, who led Amarillo High’s girls to the Class 5A state championship in March, was named the Class 5A-6A Girls Basketball Coach of the Year in July by the Texas Girls Coaches Association. The Lady Sandies finished 40-2 in 2017-18, advancing Williams’ career record to 492-196. Other honors included Kirk Stokes receiving the Texas high school girls Assistant Coach of theYear award and Rebekah James of Randall named the TGCA Cross Country Coach of the Year. Stokes is in his 20th year at Amarillo High. He was an assistant under legendary volleyball coach Jan Barker, who retired last year. James is in her 16th season and led the Lady Raiders to state cross country titles in 2013, 2014 and 2016. Basketball News

29

Basketball News

This statue of Maurice Cheeks by sculptor Brian Hanlon is almost finished, according to Betty Solis of Amarillo, who was a second mother to Cheeks during his time at West Texas State. Plans are for the sculpture to stand at the entry of First United Bank Center in Canyon, the home arena of the WT Buffaloes, where Cheeks starred in the 1970s.

Maurice Cheeks already has a statue of himself, dedicated in 2017, at the Camden, New Jersey, practice facility of the Philadelphia 76ers. He was a four-time NBA all-star for the 76ers. Cheeks has been head coach of three NBA teams and currently is an assistant for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Cheeks in BBHOF, to get statue at WT

The Chicago native was inducted into the WT Athletic Hall of Champions in 1988, and his number 10 hangs on the wall of First United Bank Center in Canyon. He has been an NBA coach for 21 years, including head coaching positions for four years at Portland, four years at Philadelphia and one year at Detroit. He currently is an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Plans are underway for estab- Maurice Cheeks lishment of the Maurice Cheeks Endowed Scholarship for men’s basketball, providing scholarship funds in perpetuity for the point guard position. Cheeks also will be recognized with a life-sized, bronze statue in his West Texas State basketball jersey. Sculptor Brian Hanlon has been commissioned for the sculpture, which will be installed on the entry promenade to the First United Bank Center. A campaign committee raising funds for the scholarship and statue includes co-chairmen Karl Bradley and William Fifer, Betty Solis, Elisha Demerson, Jerry Schaeffer, John Hasse, Kent Johnson, Lawrence Walker, Reed Addison, Sheila Groom, Tom Brown, Yvonne Fifer and Jessica Sims. Online contributions in Cheeks’ honor are accepted by the WTAMU Foundation at www.gobuffsgo.com.

Maurice Cheeks, a star at West Texas State before launching a stellar career as an NBA player and coach, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, in September. Betty Solis, who with her late husband John was a home-awayfrom-home parent for Cheeks when he was a WT student, and other supporters attended the Massachusetts ceremony. Cheeks led his team in assists all four years of high school and at WTSU. He played 11 of his 15 NBA seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers after being selected by the 76ers in the 1978 draft. The five-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection was a key member of the Sixers’ 1983 NBA championship team. The 6-1 point guard was a four-time NBA All-Star and finished his career as the league’s all-time leader in steals and ranked fifth in assists. He shot more than 52 percent from the floor. Cheeks also is Philadelphia’s all-time assists leader. He is one of only seven former Sixers to have his number – 10 – retired. In 2017, a statue of Cheeks was dedicated at the Sixers’ training facility in Camden, New Jersey. At WT from 1974 to 1978, Cheeks was the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year three times. He is seventh at WT in career scoring with 1,277 points, sixth in field goals made (307), and fourth in free throw attempts. He is fourth in assists in a season with 212 in 1976-77. 30

Basketball News

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

True Wayland pioneer gets lifetime honor By DANNY ANDREWS Magazine Co-Founer The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, recognized former Wayland Baptist coach Harley Redin with one of its highest honors in September. Redin received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor outside of enshrinement into the Hall of Fame. And hopefully, that’s next on the list. Redin, who turned 99 on Aug. 29, was unable to attend the ceremony in Springfield. A video – including comments from Redin collected by a film crew that visited him in his Plainview home – was shown on a large screen as part of the recognition. Redin is a member of half a dozen halls of honor, is the namesake for a coaching honor Wayland awards periodically and has his name on the Hutcherson Center basketball court along with his wife Wilda. He was represented at the ceremony by his two sons, Van and Kenny, as well as Kenny’s daughter, Jacqueline. WBU President Dr. Bobby Hall also attended, as did former Flying Queens Linda Pickens Price and Cherri Rapp. “This was an exceptionally long overdue recognition for one of the most important figures in the history of women’s basketball,” Hall said. “Wayland, the Flying Queens and certainly the families involved are most appreciative of the recognition provided. “We hope to someday see the Flying Queens program inducted into the Hall of Fame, as it rightfully should be.” The Flying Queens program has been a finalist for the Hall of Fame the past three years. Redin and numerous other Flying Queens are membersoftheWomen’sBasketballHallofFameinKnoxville,Tennessee. “We rode on the bus next to all of the NBA greats as well as many famous college players and coaches,” Van Redin said. “They all

Former Wayland Flying Queens coach Harley Redin received congratulations on his 99thbirthday Aug. 29 from several of the current Queens, including sophomore Joli Donaldson, whose grandmother, Betty Courtney Donaldson, played for Redin in the late 1960s. (Photo courtesy WBU Athletics) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

had high praise for Harley.” The 2018 Hall of Fame class, which included former West Texas A&M player Maurice Cheeks, was inducted the day after Redin was honored. A week before the ceremony, the current Flying Queens gave a special birthday wish to Redin, delivering cake and cards to his home. Earlier in the day the student body at Wayland signed birthday cards and ate birthday cake in Harley’s honor. A 1942 graduate of North Texas State, Redin has long been a progressive pioneer in the game of basketball. He revived the athletic program at Wayland in 1946, shortly after leaving the Marine Corps, where he flew bombing missions. He coached the men’s program from 1948 to 1957 with three national NAIA tournament appearances before finding immense success with the women’s team from 1955 to 1973. Long before women’s college basketball became an NCAA sport in 1982, he captured six AAU national championships (1956, 1957, 1959, 1961, 1970, 1971) while compiling a win streak of 76 games from 1955 to 1958 to start his career. The 76 games were part of the record 131-game winning streak that started in 1953. Redin led Wayland Baptist to five straight WNIT championships in Amarillo from 1969 to 1973 and, from 1955 to 1973, amassed an overall women’s coaching record of 431-66 (.867). He coached the women’s U.S. National Team in 1959 and 1971 at the Pan-American Games and in 1963 at the World Tournament in Peru. He also served as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and the AAU Rules Committee, which suggested the unlimited dribble, 30-second shot clock and the full-court game. Based on his experiences, he authored The Queens Fly High and A Basketball Guide for Girls. His list of accomplishments includes the Jostens-Berenson Service Award presented by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association for his lifetime of service to women’s basketball (1992), the Naismith Award for Outstanding Contribution to the game of women’s basketball (2000), and being inducted into of many halls of fame, including the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (inaugural class of 1999) and Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2004). “The greatest thing that Harley has meant through the years is just his character, his class, his values and the things he has taught hundreds of Flying Queens and other Wayland students throughout the process,” President Hall said. “He’s always been focused on creating not just great basketball players, but great citizens, great people, and man, have they made a great impact across this country.” (Continued on next page)

Basketball News

31

Basketball News Harley Redin Acceptance Speech “When I started my coaching career at Wayland Baptist College back in 1946 – when we didn’t have an athletic program of any kind – I would never have dreamed of receiving such a high honor as the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. “Some of the prior recipients were coaching colleagues or people I admired very much. “I especially want to thank John Doleva of the Hall of Fame and the selection committee for this award and add my congratulations to the induction class of 2018. “ I ’ m g r a t e f u l f o r t h e o p p o r t u n i t y Wa y l a n d gave a young Marine veteran more than 70 years ago. “My family, friends and the Plainview community have always been great supporters. The success of the Flying Queens program would not have been possible without the great support of our sponsor, pilot and No. 1 fan, Claude Hutcherson. “I started playing basketball in Silverton, a tiny town in the Texas Panhandle, during the Depression. We were so poor, we didn’t even have air for the basketballs. “I was blessed to play for a great coach, W.J. Wisdom, at John Tarleton Junior College when they were in the middle of an 86game winning streak. I could never have imagined coaching more than half the victories in a national record 131-game winning

streak compiled by the Wayland Flying Queens from 1953 to 1958. “Starting out coaching the Wayland men for the first nine years, I never expected to take over the women’s program, but that was both a challenge and a thrill. “I’m proud that we were the first college program to give full scholarships, allowing many young women a chance to play at the next level and to benefit from an excellent education. “More than their achievements on the court, I’m just as proud of their outstanding character and that almost everyone went on to become very successful in their professional fields. Many of them gained some very high honors. “An extra plus is that we have remained good friends through the years. “It also was my honor to serve on several committees that helped shape or change the women’s game, including the transition to the five-player game, the unlimited dribble and the 30-second clock. “I sort of regret getting out of coaching just ahead of the real elevation of the women’s game, but I’m thankful that Wayland and other teams laid the groundwork for future successes. “I’ve received many honors through the years, but the John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award is right at the top. “Thanks again to everyone!”

Beilue, Lahnert leave AGN, join Hall of Fame Jon Mark Beilue and Lance Lahnert, both longtime sports editors of the Amarillo Globe-News, both left the newspaper in 2018. Both had been with the Globe-News since 1981. Beilue and Lahnert also are linked as they are scheduled to be inducted into the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame in February 2019. Beilue, a Groom native and Texas Tech University graduate, retired from the newspaper in July. He had been a columnist on the news side since 2006. He started at the Globe-News as a sports reporter in 1981, became assistant sports editor in 1986 and was named sports editor in 1989. “I just feel like it’s time,” he told Jeff Faris of the Globe-News in July. “Everything has a beginning and an end. I wanted to leave while I was still on top of my game.” In retirement, Beilue is writing columns for West Texas A&M University and also monthly columns for the Globe-News. He also does radio sports play-by-play and has served for many years as the emcee at the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame ceremonies. Lahnert, who left the Globe-News in September, came from Colorado Springs to work at the Amarillo newspaper, also in 1981. He was a mainstay of the sports department for all his 37 years at the paper and in 2006, he replaced Beilue as sports editor when Beilue moved to news. Lahnert estimated that he wrote 12,000 stories in his time with 32

Basketball News

Jon Mark Beilue

Lance Lahnert

the paper. He served for many years on the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame committee. Before leaving the newspaper, he became the host of “The Sports Drive” interview show on KGNC radio, and he continues in that role. A third Globe-News writer with sports beginnings also left the paper in 2018. Dave Henry, who started his Amarillo career in the sports department, had become an editorial writer and, for the past few years, director of commentary. Henry, a Moore, Oklahoma, native, took a position as communications manager for the city of Amarillo. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

LCU coach adds to USA honors By CHRIS DUE LCU Athletics Lubbock Christian women’s basketball coach Steve Gomez added to his jewelry collection in August, claiming a gold medal as part of the coaching staff of USA Basketball’s U17 squad. The Americans defeated France 92-40 in the gold medal game of the FIBA U17 World Cup in Minsk, Belarus. The gold medal was the fourth achieved by Steve Gpmez USA Basketball’s U17 program the past five years. Gomez has spent three summers in a coaching capacity with Team USA, serving as an assistant coach for two seasons. Last season, Gomez and the stars and stripes claimed gold at the 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Argentina. This season’s trip included training in Washington, D.C., before a series of exhibition games in Liepaja, Latvia, as a tune-up to World Cup play in Belarus. The team completed pool play 3-0 in Belarus with a scoring advantage of 148 points after wins over Italy, China and Mali. The squad proceeded with bracket play and wins over Columbia 98-32, Spain 6631 and Hungary 84-39 before facing France for the gold. Gomez is coming off his 15th season as head coach of the Lady Chaparrals, where he is 365-117 all-time. He has led LCU to five conference titles and a NCAA Division II national title in 2016. The 2015-16 season led to WBCA NCAA Division 2 National Coach of the Year honors. Last season, LCU went 31-2 and received a berth to the NCAA Division 2 Elite Eight Tournament. Gomez was recognized with Heartland Conference Coach of the Year honors.

Late NBA coach had tie to Panhandle

Tex Winter, an NBA coaching legend who pioneered the triangle offense used to success by the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, died Oct. 10 in Manhattan, Kansas. He was 96. Winter first coached at Kansas State in Manhattan. And he was born near Wellington. Winter was born Morice Fredrick Winter Tex Winter on Feb. 25,1922, in Collingsworth County but grew up in Huntington Park, California. He was a standout basketball player and pole vaulter at Oregon State and USC. He began his coaching career as an assistant under Jack Gardner at Kansas State in 1947, then became the youngest major college head basketball coach in the nation at Marquette at age 30. He returned to K-State, where he was head coach for 15 years and led the Wildcats to six NCAA tournament berths and two 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Final Four trips. But he may be best known for developing the triangle offense as an NBA assistant coach. He had published “The Triple-Post Offense” in 1962. Former Laker star Kobe Bryant called Winter a basketball genius “in every sense of the word.” The Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan said, “I learned so much from Coach Winter. He was a pioneer and a true student of the game. His triangle offense was a huge part of our six championships with the Bulls. I was lucky to play for him.” Winter was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011 and into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.

From Naz to Tech to MSU to HOF Noel Johnson spends her days trying to make others feel really, really special. If you’re a ball girl, a summer camper, a prospective player, a Midwestern State fan or even a sportswriter, you’ve earned the right to be special in Johnson’s world. She’ll share a smile, offer a chair or most anything she can figure out how to make your day better. But the shoe was turned on the other foot Noel Johnson back in May. It was Johnson’s turn to feel “really, really special” when she was officially named to the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame. “I feel very privileged to be listed with those in the Hall of Fame, with the likes of Joe Lombard (Canyon) and Marsha Sharp (her coach at Texas Tech).” Johnson claimed all-state honors keying a pair of state championship runs at Nazareth High School in 1990 and 1991 before signing to play for Texas Tech. She was named all-state and all-state tournament both years. She scored 2,341 career points in high school then moved on to Texas Tech, where she lettered all four years, was AllSouthwest Conference three times and and was a part of four league championships and a national title in 1993. “The Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame is adding one of its strongest classes ever with this group of players and coaches,” TABC Director Rick Sherley said. “These men and women represent sportsmanship and success, leaving a lasting, positive impact on the game of basketball in Texas.” “The championships and tradition I was able to be a part of at Nazareth laid the foundation of who I am as a player and a coach,” Johnson said. Her players may have a new awareness of Coach J’s skill now, but she said some had seen tape of her in the state championships. “They’ll be like, ‘Coach J, you used to be able to play,” she said. Not so fast, says coach, “What do you mean used to? Come watch me play (in staff noon games).” She’s ready for her 11th season in Wichita Falls, too, after seeing the Mustangs take a step forward but fall just short of the Lone Star Conference tournament a year ago. “I’m really excited because we have a great core coming back, and the leadership of the team is developing,” Johnson Basketball News

33

Basketball News said. “And we filled in some holes position-wise with athleticism and experience. The kids are determined and hungry, and I want them to continue to be that way.” Johnson began coaching after graduation, serving as an assistant at Texas State and North Texas before taking the Midwestern State job. She has won 139 games, the most in program history. The Mustangs won three straight NCAA Division II South Central Regional berths from 2013-15 and a regional title game appearance during a historic run in 2012-13. (Story courtesy of MSU Athletics)

College Basketball Briefs Madison Parker and Rebekah VanDijk, who completed their basketball careers last year at West Texas A&M and UT-Arlington, were nominated for the 2018 NCAA Woman of the Year award. The nominees were narrowed down to 30 candidates, then the top three in each division. The Woman of the Year, announced at an Indianapolis banquet Oct. 28, is Keturah Madison Parker Orji, a national champion triple-jumper and long-jumper who graduated from the University of Georgia. The Woman of theYear Award recognizes graduating female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves in athletics, academics, leadership and community service. Parker, a Canyon graduate, scored 754 points and had 534 rebounds in the past three years at WT. She was the fourth Lady Buff to win the President’s Award for excelling Rebekah VanDijk in the classroom and was a three-time Lone Star Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll honoree. VanDijk, a Nazareth graduate, is UTA’s all-time rebounding leader with 1,117. She is the first player in Lady Maverick history with more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. She spent much of her time in community service, including visiting local hospitals and traveling to Africa. • • • Trae Young, last year’s college superstar and son of Rayford Young, former Pampa and Texas Tech star, now appears to be on track for success in the NBA. In his first nine games with the Atlanta Hawks, Trae Young was averaging 19.1 points and 7.9 assists, with 24 points and 15 assists in an early win over the Miami Heat. In his first and only season with the Oklahoma Sooners, he averaged 27.4 points in 2017-18 before becoming the fifth pick in the NBA draft. The graduate of Norman, Oklahoma, North High School has a basketball pedigree in his father, Rayford Young, who helped Pampa to a 1996 Texas state championship. The older Young 34

Basketball News

starred at Texas Tech, with his high point probably the 41 points he scored as Tech upset powerful Kansas 90-84 in 1999.

Trae Young

• • • For the third time in his 18 years leading the South Plains College men’s basketball team, Steve Green has been named the 2018 NJCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Spalding Head Coach of the Year. Green captured his third national title at South Plains March

Rayford Young, a former Pampa and Texas Tech basketball star, poses with Sam Haynes, his junior high coach in Pampa, at the Tech-Oklahoma game Feb. 13 that the Red Raiders won 88-78. Rayford Young’s son Trae averaged 27.4 points and 8.7 assists for the Sooners as a freshman before leaving for the NBA. (PPB photo)

24 at the 2018 NJCAA Men’s Basketball National Tournament when the Texans edged College of Southern Idaho 98-95. He also led the Texans to the 2008 and 2012 national championships. He now is one of four coaches to win at least three NJCAA D1 men’s basketball national titles. Green guided the Texans to the 2018 Region V title as they picked up a pair of top 25 wins over No. 20 McLennan and No. 7 Odessa College. Earning an automatic berth and a No. 13 seed in the national tournament, the Texans won five games over Top 25 programs on the way to the 2018 national championship. The Texans joined the 2016 Salt Lake College team as the lowest seed ever to win a national championship. • • • Rebekah VanDijk, a former Nazareth Swiftette, finished her college career at UT-Arlington as the first player in school history to record more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career. VanDijk, who was the 2017-18 preseason player of the year, took the top spot in UTA history in rebounds with 1,117 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

and was third in scoring with 1,676 points, second in made field goals with 661 and second in blocked shots with 203. She led the Lady Mavericks in scoring average, blocked shots, rebounding average and field goal percentage all four seasons at UTA. Now VanDijk is a student assistant coach under head coach Krista Gerlich, who is in her sixth season at UTA after coaching West Texas A&M to 168 wins and 53 losses in seven years. As a player, Gerlich helped lead Texas Tech to the 1993 NCAA national championship, and her jersey number is one of three Lady Raider numbers retired at Tech. Also on Gerlich’s staff is Jordan Vessels, a Canyon graduate who played four years at WTAMU, including three under Gerlich from 2010 to 2012. Vessels and the Lady Buffs won back-to-back Lone Star Conference championships and played in the 2014 Division 2 national championship game. Since August 2016, Vessels has been the UTA program’s director of operations. She was a WT graduate assistant in 2015-16. • • • Mollie Mounsey of Follett and Brennyn Seagler of Gruver are on the rosters of four-year schools after two outstanding years at Seward County Community College. Mounsey, a first-team All-American at SCCC, is a junior at Colorado State University, while Seagler is a junior at Oklahoma City University. Mounsey made 143 3-point shots her freshman season, the most of any female player in the nation at any college level. She was all-state at Follett in basketball as well as being a top athlete in track and field and softball. “She’ll be joining us from one of the best Mollie Mounsey junior college programs and coaches in the country and will definitely add to our CSU winning culture,” said Colorado State Coach Ryun Williams, referring to Seward Coach Toby Wynn, a Booker graduate. Seagler, also all-state at Gruver, averaged 6.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists for SCCC. “Brennyn is another player that keeps with the theme of our team as she can play several Brennyn Seagler positions, said OCU Coach Bo Overton. “She is a very good rebounder, solid on defense, and she can shoot the 3. Look for her to be a leader on this team, and as a new player, that doesn’t happen very often.” For 2018-19, the Seward Lady Saints include sophomores Lexi Hernandez of Canyon, who averaged 7.8 points last season, and Sidney Tinner of Amarillo High, who averaged 4.5 points as a freshman.

Support Panhandle-Plains Basketball Advertisers! 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

• • • Legendary Texas Tech Coach Marsha Sharp and former AAU All-American Pearl Worrell were among five new members added to the Wayland Baptist University Athletics Hall of Honor in October, and the list of Harley Redin Coach’s Award honorees has grown by one: former Flying Queen Valerie Goodwin-Colbert. The honorees are: Marsha Sharp: Basketball, 1972-75 – Sharp, a native of Tulia, cut her coaching teeth by playing for and later coaching the Queen Bees, Wayland’s junior varsity women’s team. She went on to coach Texas Tech’s Lady Raiders for 24 years from 1982-2006, forging a win-loss record of 572-189 (.752 winning percentage), highlighted by a national championship in 1993. A member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, Sharp serves as associate athletic director for special projects for Texas Tech Athletics. Pearl Worrell-Trimble: Basketball, 1973-76 – A two-time All-American, Worrell was a member of two AAU championship and one runner-up team and played on the USA All-Star Team that competed in Russia. She ranks 19th in Flying Queens’ alltime scoring with 1,273 points. She worked from 1976 to 1998 for Amarillo ISD as head girls’ basketball coach at Palo Duro, assistant athletic director and assistant personnel director. After a lengthy battle with a nerve disease, she died in 2005 at age 51, leaving behind two daughters, Monica and Michelle. Valerie Goodwin-Colbert played for the Flying Queens from 1975 to 1979, amassing 1,451 points, and today ranks 12th on the program’s all-time list. She also has the school’s third-best free-throw percentage in a season (.921, 58-of-63). GoodwinColbert served as head women’s basketball coach at Southwest Missouri State, the University of Oklahoma and Southwestern College in California, where she won more than 500 games and four regional finals and was named conference coach of the year five times before retiring in 2015. She lives in Denver and works as a customer operation specialist for QDiligence. The Hall of Honor, which was begun in 1992, now has 104 members. • • • Former Pampa High School Coach Clifton McNeely was mentioned on ESPN June 21 during the broadcast of a College World Series game between Texas Tech and Florida. An ESPN announcer pointed out that the first CWS was in 1947 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the same year as the first NBA draft, which was in Detroit, with the draft also starting on June 21. The announcer said that the first pick in the first NBA draft was Clifton McNeely, who decided to coach high school basketball instead of playing professionally. McNeely won state championships at Pampa, where the gym is named for him. The ESPN sportscaster erroneously said McNeely’s college Basketball News

35

Basketball News basketball career was at UT-El Paso, formerly Texas Western. McNeely actually played at Texas Wesleyan in Fort Worth. • • • Maci Merket, a Canadian graduate beginning her senior season at Wayland Baptist, was the Sooner Athletic Conference’s female nominee for the NAIA Emil Maci Merket S. Liston Scholarship Award presented by Daktronics. Merket scored 1,007 points in her first three years as a Flying Queen. She was named to the Sooner all-condference first team, honorable mention NAIA honorable mention All-America and NAIA national tournament first team as well as earning NAIA scholar-athlete recognition. “Maci is a person and competitor of great character,” said Wayland athletic director Rick Cooper. “She is a leader on her teram in all the ways that make a team successful, and she is an excellent representative of our university in all that she does. We are very glad she is part of our family here at Wayland Baptist University.” Merket plans to graduate in December. The national winners of the Liston award, announced in September, were Kendall Knapke of Indiana Tech and Joel Johnson of Corban University. • • • Texas Tech announced in June that it would induct five former athletes into its Hall of Fame in November, including three basketball players. They include: • Sean Gay, who played for the Red Raiders from 1986 to 1989. Gay was the first of four players to have at least 1,500 points, 350 rebounds 325 assists and 125 steals in his career. • Andre Emmett, who played for the Red Raiders from 2001 to 2004. Emmett scored 1,451 points in just his junior and senior seasons. He was the Big 12 scoring champion twice and became Tech’s all-time leading scorer with 2,256 points. • Erin Grant, who played for the Lady Raiders from 2002 to 2006. Grant scored 1,108 points and had a school record 844 assists. She has returned to Lubbock to be an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Lady Raiders. Also announced for the Tech Hall of Fame are Ed Mooney, who played football in 1966 and 1967 and was a track and field letterman in 1963, 1966 and 1967, and Jimmy Zachry, a threetime All-Southwest Conference baseball player. • • • Frank Phillips College featured three Texas Panhandle players in 2017-18 as the Lady Plainsmen had one of their most successful seasons. They were the subject of a feature story by Kale Steed of the Amarillo Globe-News. Kinsley Choate of Panhandle was Region V women’s player of the week more than once as a sophomore and averaged 16 points a game. Hannah Leavitt of Nazareth was a sixth man off 36

Basketball News

the bench and averaged about 5 points a game as a sophomore. And Sable Darnell of Amarillo High was a key defensive player as a freshman. Darnell returns to the team for 2018-19 and is joined by redshirt freshman Jordan Taylor, also of Amarillo. Frank Phillips freshmen this year include Trinity Ramirez of Tulia, Hailey Tyra of Dawson, and Karina Cowan of Snyder. • • • Plenette Pierson, a former Texas Tech Lady Raider and WNBA player, was hired in August as an assistant basketball coach at Wayne State University in Michigan. Pierson played 15 years in the WNBA. She won three WNBA championships with the Detroit Shock in 2006 and 2008 and the Minnesota Lynx in 2017. In addition to those two teams, she played for the Phoenix Plenette Pierson Mercury, NewYork Liberty and Tulsa Shock/ Dallas Wings. During off-seasons, she played professionally in Italy, Israel, Russia and Slovakia. At Texas Tech from 1999 to 2003, Pierson was a third-team Associated Press All-American as a senior after averaging 17.8 points and 6.9 rebounds a game for the Lady Raiders. She was a second-team All-American in 2001, selected by the Women’s Basketball News Service. She was drafted fourth overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2003 WNBA draft. Pierson was inducted into the Texas Tech Hall of Fame in 2014. • • • Cole Bene’ of Allen, the son of a Tascosa graduate, is beginning his senior year at Howard Payne after playing in 25 games for the Yellow Jackets in 2017-18. In June, he was named the Outstanding Lower Division Chemistry Student at the university. The 6-6 forward averaged 3.32 rebounds and 1.84 points last season. He is the son of Sherae Thompson Bene’, a 1977 Tascosa graduate, and her husband, Alan, and played in a competitive home school league in Allen before graduating in 2015. He averaged 16 points a game for his team, which was ranked No. 4 in the state, and he was all-region. He spent his freshman year at Earlham College in Indiana, where he started 10 games and averaged 3.58 points and 2.5 rebounds. • • • Two of West Texas A&M’s top players in their 32-4 season last year that led them to the NCAA Division 2 Final Four now are playing in Europe. David Chavlovich, the Lone Star Conference Player of the Year, signed with KK Bosco in Zagreb, Croatia, which competes in the Premijer Liga. Jordan Evans signed with the Tralee Warriors of the Irish Super League. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Chavlovich is the all-time leading scorer in the LSC with 2,490 career points. Evans scored 1,455 points in his WT career, third in program history. He was second-team All-LSC as a senior. • • • Three players from area colleges received honors from the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches in San Antonio in May. Keenan Evans of Texas Tech was the Division 1 men’s Player of ther Year; David Chavlovich of West Texas A&M was the small college men’s Player of the Year and Tess Bruffey of Lubbock Christian was the small college women’s Player of the Year. TABC College Coaches of the Year from the area were Chris Beard, Texas Tech men’s coach, in Division 1; and Steve Gomez, Lubbock Christian women’s coach, in the small college division. • • • Two Amarillo High girls and one from Palo Duro are on college basketball rosters as freshmen. Sam Henry, a 5-4 guard from AHS, plays for Trinity University in San Antonio. Annilia Dawn, a 5-5 guard from AHS, is on the team at Midland College. Angel Reese, a 5-10 forward signed to play at Ranger College. • • • Adam Rivera, a former Amarillo High standout, will be playing in the Lone Star Conference this year. The 6-7 forward averaged 7.6 points and 4.2 rebounds last season as a freshman at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. He transferred to UTPermian Basin this summer. Rivera was on the Panhandle-Plains Basketball Super Team second team for 2016-2017. • • • Several former area high school players are on the roster of Sul Ross State in Alpine. The Lobo roster includes 6-0 junior guard Isaiah Tillman of Frenship, 6-1 junior guard Aaron Anderson of Amarillo High, 6-1 sophomore guard Michael Dawn of Amarillo High, 6-3 sophomore guard Jezreel Griffin of Brownfield, 6-2 sophomore guard Jace Perkins of Farwell, 6-7 freshman forward Jack Kirkpatrick of Frenship, and 6-9 freshman forward Brayden Fry of Sanford-Fritch. • • • Clifford “CJ” Byrd Jr. of Memphis is on the basketball roster of Bethel College in Kansas. Byrd, a 6-0 freshman guard, was an outstanding player for the Cyclones, earning district MVP, all-region and all-state honors.

High School Basketball Briefs Christian schools in Lubbock had success in the 2018 state basketball playoffs of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools as the Lubbock All-Saints Episcopal boys and the Lubbock Southcrest Christian girls won state championships, both in Class 2A. The All-Saints boys defeated Sherman Texoma 77-62 in the 2A state semifinals before dropping Conroe Covenant 62-41 in the finals. The Southcrest Christian girls stopped Red Oak Ovilla Christian 37-25 in the semifinals, then beat Shiner St. Paul Catholic 45-39 for the state title. In Class 4A, the Lubbock Christian High girls advanced to the state semifinals before losing 44-41 to Fort Worth Lake Country. In Class 1A, the Lubbock Kingdom Prep girls fell to DeSoto Canterbury 66-46 in the state semifinals. Boys all-state players in Class 2A included first-teamers Austin Hickle and Luke Stuart of Lubbock All-Saints and second-team honorees Bracy Estes of Lubboc All-Saints and Stephen Hunt of Lubbock Southcrest Christian. Johnathan Goertzen of Southcrest Christian was honorable mention all-state. Girls all-state players in Class 2A included first-team selections Natalie Sadler of Southcrest Christian and Kylee Hill of Plainview Christian Academy and second-teamer K’Lee Roberts of Plainview Christian. Taelor Sadler of Southcrest Christian and Ashlynn Morton of Plainview Christian were honorable mention all-state. Named to the all-state tournament team for the 2A boys were Lubbock All-Saints players Austin Hickle, Luke Stuart and Myles Tipton. On the all-state tournament team for the 2A girls were Lubbock Southcrest Christian players Halle Richards, Natalie Sadler and Taelor Sadler. Second-team all-state for the Class 1A boys was Evan Babb of Lubbock Kingdom Prep. First-team all-state for the Class 4A boys was Luke Whelchel of Amarillo San Jacinto Christian Academy. Second-team allstate for the 4A boys were Jonathan Baker of San Jacinto, Trip Lowe of Lubbock Christian, Ethan Duncan of Lubbock Trinity Christian and Travis Parker of Lubbock Trinity Christian. Class 4A boys honorable mention all-state included Alexander Lack and Kadison Rogers of Lubbock Christian and Truman Buchanan of Lubbock Trinity Christian. First-team all-state for the Class 1A girls was Lillian Jonas of Lubbock Kingdom Prep. Honorable mention all-state in 1A were Katie Hawthorne and Madison Bundy of Lubbock Kingdom Prep. First-team all-state for the Class 4A girls included Maddy

Thanks to coaches, cheer sponsors, parents, businesses, booster clubs and others who support Panhandle-Plains area students! 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Basketball News

37

Basketball News Crockett and Preston Lee of Lubbock Christian and Lauren Catherman of Lubbock Trinity Christian. Second-team all-state in 4A was Preslea Hall of Lubbock Christian. Class 4A honorable mention all-state included Abby Miller of Lubbock Trinity Christian. • • • Longtime Valley Coach Greg Ramsey Greg Ramsey has retired from the court after 19 years at his hometown school. Ramsey compiled a 394-131 record, and his girls basketball teams never missed the playoffs. The Lady Patriots reached the Class 1A state tournament in Austin in 2010. Ramsey graduated at Valley in 1979. In Ramsey’s last year, he coached the boys and girls, with the Patriots going 22-2 and reaching the regional semifinals, and the Lady Patriots going 22011 and making it to the area round. It was the first time since 1993 that the boys had been in the regional tournament. In 2017-18, Ramsey got to coach his nephew, Dax Allen, one of the Patriots’ top players. His last game was as coach of the West girls team in the Texas Six-Man Coaches Association All-Star game in Wichita Falls in July. This year, he teaches history, math and science. • • • Three area coaches were inducted into the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in San Antonio in May. The inductees included Noel Johnson, the former standout player at Nazareth and Texas Tech and current women’s coach at Midwestern State; Phil McNeely, who won three state championships in 25 years as the Duncanville boys coach and is the son of legendary Pampa basketball coach Clifton McNeely; and Carl Irlbeck, the native of Happy who won a boys state championship at Plainview and coached at . Also honored at the TABC May clinic were Jeff Williams of Amarillo High as the Class 5A Girls Coach of the Year and Jason Pillion of Amarillo High, the Sandies’ boys coach, with the Class 5A Don Coleman Outstanding Coach Award. Named as boys Player of the Year was Austin Hickle of Lubbock All-Saints in the small private schools division. Named as girls Player of the year was Jenna Cooper of Claude in Class 2A. TABC Coaches of the Year included Jeff Williams, Amarillo High girls coach, in Class 5A; Eric Schilling, Nazareth girls coach, in Class 1A; and Aron Graves, West Texas High boys coach, in Class 2A; and Robert Brashear, Lubbock All-Saints boys coach, in TAPPS Class 2A. Middle school Coach of the Year honors went to Tim Fletcher of Canadian (boys) Rasheed Malik of O’Donnell (girls). Brooks Boynton of New Home was the Class 1A boys Assistant Coach of the Year. • • • Cameron Brown of Tascosa and Jenna Cooper of Claude were named boys and girls Most Valuable Players of the Golden 38

Basketball News

Spread All-Star Basketball Tournament in April at the First United Bank Center in Canyon. Brown scored 17 points in the West team’s 96-91 championship game win over the South team on the boys side. Cooper had 19 points in the girls championship contest as her South team defeated the West 81-55. Cooper is a freshman this year at Abilene Christian University. Others scoring for the West in the boys title game were Nathan Betts with 26, Da’Ray Odhams with 13, Matthew Lynch with 12, Garang Majok with 10, J’Sean Miller with 10, Colton McCarley with 5 and Joe Oltivero with 3. Scoring for the South in the boys title game were Ethan Camp with 18, Remington Ricketts with 15, Dalton Gray with 14, Jake Lambert with 12, Dalin Williams with 10, Colt Wood with 8, Isaac Auvermann with 6 and Chris Emert with 6. Others scoring for the South in the girls title game were Scout Welps with 11, Sam Henry with 10, Kristan Rincon with 9, Raven Jones with 8, Angel Reese with 7, Kinzi Cleavinger with 6, Kalli DuBose with 2 and Bailey Schroeder with 2. Scoring for the West in the girls title game were Annilia Dawn with 11, Madison Stockett with 9, Faith Castenada with 8, Shaelyn Owiti with 7, Karley Orman with 6, Karson Powers with 4, Trinity Ramirez with 3, Heather Davis with 2 and Allison Giles with 2. • • • The spring of 2019 will mark four decades since the Hale Center girls won the Class 1A state championship. Their coach? Babs Lombard, wife of Joe Lombard, who has won a few state championships himself. At the 1979 state tournament in Austin, Hale Center defeated Wall in the semifinals 57-49, then stopped Bogata Rivercrest in the finals 46-29. Terri Henry, who was on the Babs Lombard cover of the 1978-1979 Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine and can be seen on the inside back cover of this 2018-2019 edition, was high-point for the Owlettes with 21. Karen Waits scored 9 followed by Kim Black with 7, Shanna Lockett with 5 and Kathy Rigsby with 4. Also on the championship team were Rhonda Neil, Rhonda Lockett, Patty Bendele, Holly Brown, Melinda Cannon and Karrie Maddin. Henry and Black were named to the state all-tournament team. A student teacher from Wayland Baptist who was assisting Babs Lombard that season was Sheri Haynes of McLean (co-publisher of this magazine). Joe Lombard, who has won 19 state titles at Nazareth and Canyon, began his coaching career unofficially helping his wife at Hale Center, but by 1979, he was coaching the Nazareth girls, who won the Class B state championship 46-43 over Weatherford Brock. After that season, Babs gave up coaching to have a baby. Since then he has been a teacher and supporter of her husband’s teams, including keeping statistics. • • •

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Newt Owens, a longtime softball and football coach at Amarillo High School, died May 3, 2018, while working at AHS. Owens also served for many years as a basketball official. He was 59 years old. Newton Bellard Owens was born Oct. 28, 1958, in Waco to Ahnjayala Nicole Thompson and Joseph Newton Bellard. He played quarterback at La Vega High School in Waco and at West Texas State University. Owens officiated at several levels, including AAU, high school and college. One basketball coach commented on Facebook that he was “a good man and a good ref,” a “class act” and that he always treated her and her team “with respect and poise.” An officiating colleague said he always was “calm and collected.” Others pointed out Newt Owens that he touched many lives in a positive way. A memorial service was conducted May 10 at Trinity Fellowship Church in Amarillo with arrangements by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors. Survivors include his mother, Ahnjayala Thompson of Vacaville, California; a son, Newton Jr.; a daughter, Makenna; a sister, Darlene Washington Hines and brother-in-law, Tim Hines; four nephews, Damont, Rasco, Sammie, and Will; a great-nephew and six great-nieces, two aunts, Gwen Stokes and Shirley McCoy; two great-aunts, Vada Clayton and Norma Lee Clayton; two great-great-nieces; a great-great-nephew; a host of cousins; and many friends and loved ones in Amarillo. • • • Don Hamilton of Amarillo, 88, died Aug. 20, 2018. He was born Jan. 1, 1930, to James Marion and Thelma Louise Hamilton. He graduated from Holdenville, Oklahoma, High School in 1948. He was senior class president and earned letters in football, basketball, track and field, wrestling, golf and tennis. As a senior, he competed in the 100-yard dash, the high jump and the long Don Hamilton jump at the all-state track and field meet in Norman, Oklahoma. During service in the U.S. Navy, Don was selected to the District 12 all-star basketball team in San Diego. He married Patsy Ruth Holliday in 1951. He graduated from East Central State Teachers College in Ada, Oklahoma, and was hired by the Amarillo ISD in 1957. He taught at Robert E. Lee Elementary and Bonham Junior High. After receiving a master’s degree from West Texas State University, he became a guidance counselor at Bowie Junior High and later Tascosa High School. He worked for the Amarillo ISD for 30 years and also drove a Trailways bus for 30 years. He was an avid fly fisherman and hunter and a fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and Dallas Cowboys. He and his wife traveled often to Oklahoma and Las Vegas. In his later years, he lived at Park Place Towers in Amarillo. Burial was in Holdenville next to Pat, his wife of 60 years, and his parents.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

• • • Bonita Joyce “Bonnie” Satterlee, 82, of Hamilton died May 26, 2018. She was born June 5, 1935, in McLean, the daughter of Bill and Lena Bailey. Bonnie graduated in 1953 from McLean High School, where she excelled at basketball. She was on the varsity team as a seventh grader, captain of the team for two years and Bonnie Satterlee took her team to the state tournament three years while averaging 30 points a game. Shortly after high school, she moved to Albuquerque and met Charles Satterlee. They were married on Jan. 4, 1963, and remained together more than 55 years. Bonnie and Charles raised their family in San Diego. She raised and showed horses for many years. They retired to Hamilton in 1997. She was a member of Grace Fellowship Church in Hamilton. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Betty Jo Warren; her brother, Billy Jack Bailey; and her grandson, Bradley Satterlee. She is survived by her husband, Charles, of Hamilton; three children, Chuck Satterlee and wife Kim of Lolo, David Satterlee and wife Stacey of Escondido, California, and Julie Dybdal and husband Steve of Missoula; 12 grandchildren, Erin, Chad, Amy, Mandie, Jodie, Andrew, Zachary, Nicole, Rachael, David, Dylan and Darby; and 10 great-grandchildren. • • • Dawson High School, located in Welch, 63 miles southwest of Lubbock, competed with a combined boys-girls basketball team last season. The boys and girls teams played separately last fall, but after the Christmas break, coaches and administrators decided that because of some boys leaving school and injuries on the girls side, the Dragons and Lady Dragons would combine to finish the season playing the boys schedule, according to the Associated Press. The UIL approved the joint team as long as Dawson played the boys schedule. Boys coach Ed Robison and girls coach Tonja Edens collaborated to lead the comtined team, which ended up with five boys and five girls. Five-6 senior Murissa Horton was the only female starter. She had averaged just under 20 points a game on the girls-only team. The arrangement allowed Dawson to survive more than win, but they did defeat the Loop boys 51-21. • • • Ashlyn Milton, Amarillo High’s MVP of the Class 5A state championship game in March, scored 12 points and had 10 rebounds in the Class 5A-6A Texas Girls Coaches Association all-star game in Arlington in July. Milton’s double-double came in her Red team’s 89-58 win over the Blue team in the game, which includes only high school juniors. In the TGCA Class 1A-2A-3A-4A all-star game, also for juniors, Lainey Choate of Panhandle, Savannah Sumrall of Wellington and Macy Walker of Vega helped lead the Red team over the Blue squad 77-56. Walker had five blocks in the game.

Basketball News

39

Basketball News • • • Craig Odom and Madison Stockett of Happy showed their ability to defend as they were named Defensive MVPs for the boys and girls West teams in the Texas Six-Man Coaches Association All-Star games in Wichita Falls in July. Odom scored six points with six rebounds, two blocks and a steal in the West’s 71-66 win over the East boys. Stockett scored eight points with two blocks and a steal in the West girls’ 74-39 victory over the East. Other area seniors’ scoring in the boys game included Jake Merrell of Valley, 8 points; Jake Gossett of Anton, 4; Dax Allen of Valley, 2; and Tristen Harper of Hedley, 1. Other area seniors’ scoring in the girls game included Brooke Shobert of Spur, 10 points; Chelsey Lamb of Groom, 6; Kylie Richardson of Hartley, 5; Jamey Germany of Groom, 4; Sarah Quintana of Lorenzo, 4; Ebony Hampton of Paducah, 4; and D’Audree Dominguez of New Home, 2. • • • Wildorado High School is getting closer to a full basketball program, and although the Mustangs and Lady Mustangs will have only freshman and sophomore players this year, they will be led by two veteran coaches. Tanner Martin left Stratford, where he was the girls coach, to be the boys basketball coach at Wildorado. Martin has a 171-46 record in stints at Texline and Stratford. He is a Canyon graduate. Christy Connally came from Hereford, where she had was the girls coach for nine years. Connally played on state championship teams at Amarillo High in 1993 and 1994 and was an all-conference player at South Plains College and Lubbock Christian University. Wildorado is in District 3-1A, which includes Adrian, Channing, Happy, Hartley, Nazareth and Texline. • • • Austin Johnson, a former Palo Duro Don, became the Ascension Academy head boys basketball coach in May. Johnson started four years at Palo Duro and was a two-time all-state player. In his college career, he started 36 games for the Oklahoma Sooners. Johnson played for professional teams in Switzerland, Lebanon and Jordan and has run his own basketball training program. His father is A.J. Johnson, the Palo Duro girls coach for many years.

Support Panhandle-Plains Basketball Advertisers!

40

College

Brett Kavanaugh, left, confirmed as a U.S. Supreme Court justice in October, poses with one of the Blessed Sacrament youth basketball teams he has coached in the Washington, D.C., area. At right is his wife, Ashley. The Kavanaughs daughters have played on the team.

Youth Basketball Briefs During the controversial confirmation hearings for new U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a group of 38 basketball parents submitted a letter of support, outlining the positive influence Kavanaugh had had on their daughters as a youth basketball coach. The letter to the judiciary committee stated, “We are proud parents of current or former members of the girls’ 4th and 5th/6th grade basketball teams at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament parish in Washington, D.C. Our girls were fortunate enough to be coached by Judge Brett Kavanaugh in the Washington area Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) basketball league.” The letter continued, “Brett Kavanaugh’s dedication and commitment as a volunteer youth basketball coach is a great illustration of his character. He took the role, and his responsibility to each of his players (and their parents), seriously. It would not be uncommon for parents to receive a note from Brett about something great their daughter did in practice that night. And even after his former players had moved on to play in high school, Brett Kavanaugh would follow their development and success with pride. “Coach K’s dedication and commitment over these past several years paid off this past season when his 5th/6th grade Blessed Sacrament Bulldogs team won the City Championship. “In addition to his long list of professional and academic accomplishments, we hope that the Committee will also consider Brett Kavanaugh’s contributions as a volunteer youth basketball 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

coach – and the service, selflessness, dedication, and commitment his coaching exhibits – to our community.” A few of Kavanaugh’s Catholic girls team even attended the hearings one day, sitting not far behind him. When he was announced as President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, the judge joked about his “Coach K,” nickname, obviously referring to the well-known Coach K, Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski. He said he and his daughters, who have played on his teams, often attend basketball games, including the 2018 women’s Final Four match between Connecticut and Notre Dame. • • • Former Tascosa and North Texas standout player Kristin McKinnon, her husband, Mike McKinnon, her brother, Kevin von Netzer, and her father, former Amarillo Globe-News publisher Garet von Netzer, continue to have success with girls youth teams in Fredericksburg, including championships in Lubbock. Two of the Fredericksburg Pride girls basketball program’s three teams won their divisions in the Southwest Hoops National Tournament in Lubbock in July. The Pride’s sixth and eighth grade teams won their divisions in the national-level tourney. The third Pride team, consisting of fourth and fifth graders, won three of its last four games to finish fourth in the fifth-grade division. Both Pride teams defeated Amarillo Gametime squads in their title contests. Kristin McKinnon coached the sixth-grade girls, and Mike McKinnon coached the eighth-grade team. Garet von Netzer, who was instrumental in starting the Fredericksburg program five years ago, helped coach the fifth-grade team. Kevin von Netzer of Amarillo coached the Amarillo Elite fifth-grade boys to the championship in their division. Kristen McKinnon graduated from Tascosa in 1988, then played two years at Texas Tech before transferring to North Texas, where she had a successful career from 1990 to 1993. She set Mean Green records for assists and free throws and was the North Texas Outstanding Woman Athlete her senior year. Kevin von Netzer also had a productive high school and college career, graduating from Tascosa in 1991 and playing collegiately at Eastern New Mexico. Garet Von Netzer came to the Globe-News as a sportswriter in 1971 and rose to become sports editor, managing editor, executive editor, general manager and publisher of the newspaper before retiring to the family ranch near Fredericksburg. He and Danny Andrews of Plainview also started Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine in 1972. Madison McKinnon, daughter of Kristen and Mike, played on the sixth-grade team. • • • A Canyon basketball team won gold medals during the summer in the 2018 Special Olympics Summer Games on the UT-Arlington campus, according to the Amarillo Globe-News. Eleven athletes represented the Canyon Eagles, coached by Mary and Dell Ford, and won all three of their games in the tournament. The Fords have coached the team for 20 years. Team members were Alyssa Baldwin, Quentin Bonjour, Kaylee Campbell, Jacob Crippen, PJ Ford, Joe Garcia, Trace George, Joshua Jones, Joey Nakamura, David Sechrist and Hadley White.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Photographer Steve Satterwhite takes aim at a Panhandle-Plains Basketball Super Team member in September while a player waits in the hall. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

College

41

42

College

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

College

43

Texas Tech Men

‘The fury of a West Texas wind’ By MIKE HAYNES Co-Publisher A year ago, Texas Tech Coach Chris Beard said a new Red Raider culture had been set entering his second season heading up the men’s basketball team. He followed that statement with “Here we go.” “Here we go” was right, as Tech not only made the NCAA tournament but reached the Elite Eight and finished ranked No. 6 nationally in the USA Today Coaches Poll. On the way to the East Regional finals in Boston, the Red Raiders knocked off Stephen F. Austin 70-60, No. 23 Florida 69-66 and No. 11 Purdue 78-65. The wind out of Lubbock slowed only when Tech met Villanova and fell 71-59 to the eventual national champs after trailing only 54-49 with 4:58 left. Tech wound up with a 27-10 season record, the program’s second-most wins after the 30-2 mark James Dickey’s 1995-96 team posted in a Sweet Sixteen year. The Raiders were 11-7 in the Big 12. From the scoring of senior Keenan Evans to the viral video of freshman Zhaire Smith’s 360-degree dunk against SFA, Tech’s spring of 2018 caught the attention of the region and the nation. By March, Tech had accelerated “with the fury of the West Texas wind,” as the 1980s country song “Red Raider Coming at You” says. Evans and four other seniors – Justin Gray, Zach Smith, Tommy Hamilton IV and Niem Stevenson – have departed along with freshman Zhaire Smith, who left early for the Philadelphia 76ers, so Beard’s 2018-19 edition has some rebuilding to do. But the strong national finish last year has helped Tech bring in some quality players, and expectations are high in Lubbock with a record of about 7,000 season tickets sold. The expectations are lower elsewhere. For the second straight year, the Raiders were picked seventh in a preseason poll of Texas Tech Red Raiders Roster Name Ht. Pos. Class Kyler Edwards 6-3 G Brandone Francis 6-5 G DeShawn Corprew 6-5 F Malik Ondigo 6-10 F Tariq Owens 6-10 F Matt Mooney 6-3 G Parker Hicks 6-6 G Khavon Moore 6-7 F Jarrett Culver 6-5 G Avery Benson 6-3 G Davide Moretti 6-2 G Andrew Sorrells 6-3 G Norense Odiase 6-8 P Josh Mballa 6-7 F

Fr. Sr. Soph. Soph. Grad. Grad. Soph. Fr. Soph. Fr. Soph. Jr. Sr. Fr.

Coach: Chris Beard Asst. Coaches: Mark Adams, Brian Burg, Glynn Cyprien, Max Lefevre, Sean Sutton 2017-2018 record: 27-10, 11-7 44 College

Jarrett Culver, a 6-5 Lubbock Coronado graduate, had an active freshman season for Texas Tech in 2017-18 and is a preseason All-Big 12 honorable mention selection. (Texas Tech Athletics photo)

head coaches in the Big 12, arguably the best conference in the nation. In order, they trail Kansas, Kansas State, West Virginia, TCU, Texas and Iowa State while leading Oklahoma, Baylor and Oklahoma State. Four Big 12 teams – Tech, Kansas, K-State and West Virginia – filled one-fourth of the Sweet Sixteen last year, with the Jayhawks making it to the Final Four. Kansas finished No. 3 in the USA Today poll, West Virginia No. 13 and K-State No. 19. So in such a tough conference, another Red Raider run to national prominence isn’t guaranteed. Tech lost its top two scorers from 2017-18 in Evans (17.6 points) and Smith (11.3), but Lubbock Coronado’s Jarrett Culver, a 6-5 guard, was third with 11.2 points a game and returns as a sophomore. Culver is a preseason Big 12 honorable mention selection. “Last year there were a lot of guys ahead of me with more experience, and I was just following them,” Culver said at an October news conference. “But now I have more of a leader mindset.” The Raiders have four seniors. Six-5 guard Brandone Francis and 6-8 post Norense Odiase return, having averaged 5.1 and 3.5 (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

points respectively while averaging 1.5 and 4.5 rebounds. Francis is from the Dominican Republic via Arlington Country Day in Florida; Odiase is from Fort Worth North Crowley. The other two seniors are graduate transfers Matt Mooney, a 6-3 guard, and Tariq Owens, a 6-10 forward/post. “One of the most important parts of college basketball is the seniors, the guys that have fought through it for four years, and they get to their senior year and they’ve got special things they want to accomplish, both as a team and individual,” Beard said at a news conference. “I take my responsibility to coach these guys very serious. There’s no four guys I’d rather coach than these guys. “Obviously with Norense and Brandone being returners, they were huge parts of our success last season, and then Matt and Tariq trusting their senior seasons with our program, our coaches, our players, you know, means everything to me.” Beard said Odiase leads by example with his hard work and is one of the team’s best players. Mooney comes from South Dakota, where he started all 68 games the past two seasons. He scored 1,271 points while with the Coyotes and was first-team All-Summit League twice and first-team NABC All-District 12 twice. In high school, he played for Notre Dame Prep in Wauconda, Illinois, near Chicago. Mooney was asked what his role will be. “Being a playmaker, being active on D,” he said. “I’ve got to get other guys involved, but also being able to score it.” Tech’s record in United Supermarkets Arena last season was 17-1. Away from home, the mark was 10-9. “It’s going to be fun playing in front of this home crowd,” Mooney said. “I’ve heard a lot of good things.” Owens played the past two seasons at St. John’s in the Big East Conference, starting 34 games. As a junior, he had 8.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. He blocked 94 shots during his two years with the Red Storm. Previously, Owens played for

Red Raider Brandone Francis looks to pass against UT-El Paso in a 2018 exhibition game. The 6-5 Francis is one of four seniors on this year’s Texas Tech squad. (Texas Tech Athletics photo) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Coach Chris Beard

Norense Odiase

Matt Mooney

Tariq Owens

Brandone Francis

Andrew Sorrells

Jarrett Culver

Davide Moretti

DeShawn Corprew

Mount Zion Prep in Odenton, Maryland. “Tariq is one of the best shot-blockers in college basketball,” Beard said. The only junior is 6-3 guard Andrew Sorrells of Birdville, while sophomores Culver, 6-10 forward Malik Ondigo (Dysart High in El Mirage, Arizona), 6-6 guard Parker Hicks (Decatur), 6-3 guard Avery Benson (Southwest Christian in Springdale, Arkansas) and 6-2 guard Davide Moretti (Treviso in Bologna, Italy) return. Deshawn Corprew, a 6-5 forward, transferred from South Plains College after a high school career at Quality Education in Norfolk, Virginia. Three freshmen – 6-3 guard Kyler Edwards (Arlington via Findlay Prep in Nevada), 6-7 forward Khavon Moore (Westside in Macon, Georgia) and 6-7 forward Josh Mballa (Bordeaux, France via Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut) have joined the program. Moore is recovering from an injury and isn’t likely to play early in the season. “All our newcomers, they’ve bought into our process and our culture and how we do things,” Odiase said. “The great thing about college basketball is that there’s always some people leaving and there’s always people coming in. These guys have done a great job. Since I’ve been here, it’s one of the great groups that’s bought in and worked and worked, and they never complain. Just bought in to the culture and the process, and it’s going to show on the court for sure.” “About half our team is returners, but every returner’s role has changed,” Beard told reporters. “Simply stated, everybody’s got (Continued on next page)

College

45

(Continued from previous page)

to be better. Then half our team is newcomers, and we’ve got to rely on a lot of these guys … to play impact roles from Day 1. So we’re a work in progress.” Beard recalled the quality of Tech’s defense last year. “Our defense is going to have to carry us early, and really all season long,” he said. “We’ve got to be one of the best defensive teams in our conference, which translates to us being one of the best defensive teams in college basketball. We got that done last year in a lot of ways. I think Coach (Jay) Wright from Villanova said we might have been the best defensive team they faced all year. That’s a huge compliment from somebody I have a lot of respect for. “Offensively, I think we have a chance to have great balance. I think we might have four or five guys in double figures every night; it might be different people. “I’m starting to see some things that might be our DNA, our identity, and defense is on the top of that list. It starts with those four seniors.” The head coach also pointed out the contributions of assistant coach Mark Adams, whose primary focus is defense. “Coach Adams is the best defensive coach I’ve ever known, and I’ve worked for some pretty good ones,” Beard said. “Last year our defense led us to a great run in the NCAA tournament.” Adams is a fixture in the region, having been head coach at Clarendon College, Wayland Baptist, West Texas A&M, UT-Pan American and Howard College before serving on the Tech staff in 2013-15 and Beard’s Arkansas-Little Rock staff in 2015-16. The Red Raiders’ opener will be at home against Incarnate Word. They will play in the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City Nov. 19-20 against Southern Cal and then either Missouri TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Nov. 6 Incarnate Word 6:30 p.m. Nov. 9 Mississippi Valley State 8 p.m. Nov. 13 Southeastern Louisiana 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 Southern Cal @ Kansas City, MO 8:30 p.m. Nov. 20 Missouri State/Nebraska @ Kansas City, MO 6p.m./8:30 p.m. Nov. 24 Northern Colorado 4:30 p.m. Dec. 1 Memphis @ Miami, Florida 1:30 p.m. Dec. 5 Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 Northwestern State 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 Abilene Christian 6 p.m. Dec. 20 Duke @ New York City, N.Y. 6 p.m. Dec. 28 UT Rio Grande Valley 6 p.m. Jan. 2 West Virginia @ Morgantown, W. Va. 6 p.m. Jan. 5 Kansas State 1 p.m. Jan. 8 Oklahoma 8 p.m. Jan. 12 Texas @ Austin TBA Jan. 16 Iowa State 8 p.m. Jan. 19 Baylor @ Waco 5 p.m. Jan. 22 Kansas State @ Manhattan, Kansas 6 p.m. Jan. 26 Arkansas 5 p.m. Jan. 28 TCU 8 p.m. Feb. 2 Kansas @ Lawrence, Kansas 3 p.m. Feb. 4 West Virginia 8 p.m. Feb. 9 Oklahoma @ Norman, Oklahoma 3 p.m. Feb. 13 Oklahoma State @ Stillwater, Oklahoma 8 p.m. Feb. 16 Baylor 1 p.m. Feb. 23 Kansas 5 or 7 p.m. Feb. 27 Oklahoma State 6 p.m. March 2 TCU @ Forth Worth 3 or 5 p.m. March 4 Texas 8 p.m. March 9 Iowa State @ Ames, Iowa 1 p.m. March 13-16 Big 12 Tournament @ Kansas City, MO TBA

46

College

Malik Ondigo

Parker Hicks

Khavon Moore

Kyler Edwards

Avery Benson

Josh Mballa

State or Nebraska. Like last year, they will play a throwback game in Lubbock Municipal Coliseum Dec. 15 against Abilene Christian. Tech has a date against the Duke Blue Devils Dec. 20 in New York City. Big 12 competition will begin Jan. 2 at West Virginia, and the first Big 12 home game will be Jan. 5 against Kansas State. One of the Red Raiders’ themes this season is having a chip on their shoulder. That idea came from a talk by Kelvin Sampson, head coach at the University of Houston, when the two teams scrimmaged. Beard decided to have a poster made using that phrase. Being picked seventh in the conference after such a special season last year might be reason for that chip on their shoulder, but there’s no doubt the Tech players and coaches would agree with a line sung by Red Steagall in that 1980s song: “Now it’s time to ride again.”

Matt Mooney is a 6-3 graduate transfer from South Dakota, where he was a starter the past two years and scored 1,271 points. (Texas Tech Athletics photo) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Texas Tech Women

Goal: Make Lady Raiders great again By MIKE HAYNES Co-Publisher When Marlene Stollings spoke to Texas Tech supporters for the first time after she was hired as the Lady Raiders’ coach in April, the word she used the most may have been “again.” She recalled her first talk with Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt: “We share a vision of winning again. Winning Big 12 titles again. And winning a national championship again. We all know this program can do it, and I took this job believing that we – all of us – can do it again.” Hocutt had let Candi Whitaker go on New Year’s Day 2018 after she spent 4½ seasons as the Lady Raiders’ coach. Whitaker played high school basketball at Canyon and played for Seward County in Kansas two years before helping Tech to two Sweet Sixteen appearances and graduating in 2002. Her coaching resume included six years as head coach at Missouri-Kansas City. Her record at Tech was 54-82, including 15-59 in the Big 12. Assistant coach Shimmy Gray-Miller led the Lady Raiders the rest of last season. Stollings came to Lubbock after four years at the University of Minnesota, where she led the Gophers to an 82-47 mark and three postseason berths. Her team was 24-9 in 2017-18. She hopes to raise Tech back to the heights it reached in 1993, when Marsha Sharp’s team won the national championship by defeating favored Ohio State. Stollings’ memories of that title game aren’t good. “I had just signed to play at Coach Marlene Stollings

Texas Tech Lady Raiders Roster Name Ht. Pos. Class Mia Castaneda 5-6 G Erin DeGrate 6-6 P Sydney Goodson 5-8 G Eryka Sidney 5-6 G Chrislyn Carr 5-5 G Tihana Stojsavljevic 6-3 F Emma Merriweather 6-5 P Andrayah Adams 5-10 G Brittany Brewer 6-5 F Angel Hayden 5-6 G Marcella Lamark dos Santos 6-5 P Zuri Sanders 6-0 F Kiara Shoals 5-10 F

Jr. Jr. Soph. Jr. Fr. Soph. Soph. Jr. Jr. Soph. Jr. Sr. Jr.

Coach: Marlene Stollings Asst. Coaches: Nikita Lowry Dawkins, Larry Tidwell, Erin Grant 2017-2018 record: 7-23, 1-17 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Brittany Brewer of Texas Tech shoots against Iowa State as a sophomore last season at United Supermarkets Arena. Plans are for the 6-5 Abilene Wylie graduate to be more versatile under new coach Marlene Stollings. (Texas Tech Athletics photo)

Ohio State, and I was in Columbus watching the game with my family,” she recalled. “And Sheryl Swoopes goes off for, was it 47 points? So it’s kind of come full circle, and it worked out, I guess. But that was an incredible game. It goes down today as one of the best NCAA tournament games in history.” Stollings ended up transferring to Ohio University, where she graduated after averaging 22.9 points her senior year and being named All-Mid-American Conference. She also has a positive memory of Texas Tech. “I’ve been in United Supermarkets Arena with over 13,000 screaming fans, and it is absolutely electric,” she said. “Marsha Sharp was still the head coach, and I just remember being enamored by it. I grew up in Ohio going to Buckeye games, and they were third in the nation in attendance, but walking in here was not like anything I had ever seen in my life. “The moment any of our prospects arrive in the city of Lubbock, I want them to know just how special this place is going to be again.” The new coach already has brought in several recruits to mix with a few returners. Gone are the top two 2017-18 scorers, Recee Caldwell, who was a junior last season, and Jada Terry, who was a senior. Also missing are last year’s seniors Brielle Blaire, Dayo Olabode and Ionna McKenzie; sophomores Grayson Bright and Lauren Harrison; and freshman Lyndsey Whilby along with McKenzie Calvert and Haley Bruedigam. (Continued on next page)

College

47

(Continued from previous page)

The new lineup has just one senior, one freshman, seven juniors and four sophomores. That’s six returners and seven newcomers, and Stollings’ task is to mold them into a unit in a new system that uses her up-tempo offense. “We want to develop an offensive machine that’s going to be high-powered and hard to guard,” she said. “It’s a style that is very fun to watch and extremely fun to play in.” That offense will include plenty of 3-point shots, which her Minnesota teams used effectively. “One of our Top 25 wins was a 20-plus-point win against Maryland, and they were ranked 10th in the nation at the time,” she said. “I think we had 13 made 3s that game, so we definitely like to score the ball from the outside.” Stollings began her penchant for scoring in high school, when she made a few baskets herself. In a light moment, Hocutt pointed out that she had 857 more points than another Ohio high schooler, LeBron James. Conditioning is important to fast play, and Stollings is using technology to help. She said players are fitted in practice with a computer chip in their clothing. “That tells us their sprint steps and their recovery time and how hard they’re going and their heart rate,” she said. “So we have some data that back up what we’re looking to achieve.” The lone senior is 6-0 forward Zuri Sanders of Evansville, Indiana, who averaged 4.3 points and 5.4 rebounds last year. “We’re looking at Zuri to have the potential to give us a doubledouble each game,” Stollings said. “Her leadership, her voice. Her voice alone, combined with her work ethic, has been impactful to all our newcomers.” Another returner is 6-5 junior forward Brittany Brewer of Abilene Wylie, who scored 9.5 points a game last year while grabbing an average of 5 rebounds. “Brittany is more of a quiet leader, and she leads by example,” Stollings said. “She has committed to the versatility we’ve asked of her and being able to score from different areas of the floor, and a new defensive system.” Returning but new to games is 6-6 junior post Erin Degrate of Waco La Vega, who sat out last year after transferring from Louisville. “Erin is very athletic,” Stollings said. “She has probably the quickest footwork of any big kid I’ve coached. We’re looking at getting her a lot of looks at the basket.” Sydney Goodson, a 5-8 sophomore guard from Argyle Liberty Christian, also was on the team but couldn’t play in games because she had transferred from Arizona State. Another player who was on the 2017-18 team after transferring from Maine is 6-3 sophomore forward Tihana Stojsavljevic of Zagreb, Croatia. And Angel Hayden, a 5-6 sophomore guard, also returns after averaging 1.7 points and 2.6 rebounds last year. Hayden, a Canyon product, is believed to be the only player in Texas history to start on four straight high school state championship teams. “Angel has been through the Big 12 and knows what that’s about,” Stollings said. Another area player, 5-6 junior Mia Castaneda, has joined the Lady Raiders after a stellar high school career at Hereford and two years at Clarendon College, where she scored 1,051 points. “It’s awesome being able to bring a West Texas kid here who had the dream when they were a little girl growing up to play here,” Stollings said. “She came to every camp and was part of the glory days in her youth and knows what that’s like. “She will probably claim that she’s accounting for 1,000 of those season tickets, but I do know she’ll have a big following 48 College

Zuri Sanders

Brittany Brewer

Erin Degrate

Mia Castaneda

Kiara Shoals

Andrayah Adams

Eryka Sidney

Marcella Lamark Dos Santos

Sydney Goodson

here locally. We’re excited to have her here.” Other newcomers include Eryka Sidney, a 5-6 junior guard from Houston Wheatley via San Jacinto College; Chrislyn Carr, a 5-5 freshman guard from Davenport, Iowa; Emma Merriweather, a 6-5 sophomore post from Buena Park, California, via Long Beach State; Andrayah Adams, a 5-10 junior guard from Minneapolis Como Park via St. John’s in New York; Marcella Lamark Dos (Continued on next page)

Junior Erin Degrate, 6-6, goes to the basket last season for the Texas Tech Lady Raiders. The Waco La Vega graduate and Louisville transfer scored 20 points in January against West Virginia. (Texas Tech Athletics photo) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

Santos, a 6-5 junior post from Sao Paulo, Brazil via the College of Central Florida; and Kiara Shoals, a 5-10 junior guard from Foreman, Arkansas, via Frank Phillips College. Shoals set an FPC career record with 1,002 points. Stollings said she expects Carr, Castaneda and Goodson “to be able to hit the 3 at a high level.” Along with installing a new offense and a new defense, Stollings and her staff also have instigated a culture change that they are calling “the Movement.” “’The Movement’ is a cultural shift,” she said at a September news conference. “This is a proud institution, a proud women’s basketball program historically. We want to move it forward in light of where it used to be but in the excitement of new and fresh. We’re about something that’s up and coming and on the rise. “I’m a players’ coach, and we play a style that the fans love and also that people like playing in. It’s a win-win. It’s a fun style of play; we put up a lot of numbers. “When you talk about “the Movement,” it’s being part of this fresh environment that relates to players, that adapts to them, in this generation of where they’re at, and it’s not just same ol’, same ol’ boring, if you will, basketball.” Brewer said team chemistry has improved since Stollings arrived. Sanders said, “With great team chemistry comes great team play. I’m excited.” Stollings also addressed attracting players. “We all know that recruiting will be the lifeblood of our program,” she said. “The state is filled with some of the best and brightest coaches and players in the entire nation. We intend to do our very, very best to ensure that many of the best players in the state of Texas want to be – want to be – Lady Raiders again. “At the same time, we recognize that Texas Tech is an international brand. So we will recruit nationally and internationally. It will be different. But I’m not here to change tradition. I’m here to change the culture. There is a major tradition here. We just need to tap back into it.” The Lady Raiders’ will host Jacksonville State Nov. 9 at United Supermarkets Arena in their first game under Stollings, the first of six home games before the road opener Dec. 2 at Florida, which

Texas Tech Lady Raiders Roster Name Ht. Pos. Class Mia Castaneda 5-6 G Erin DeGrate 6-6 P Sydney Goodson 5-8 G Eryka Sidney 5-6 G Chrislyn Carr 5-5 G Tihana Stojsavljevic 6-3 F Emma Merriweather 6-5 P Andrayah Adams 5-10 G Brittany Brewer 6-5 F Angel Hayden 5-6 G Marcella Lamark dos Santos 6-5 P Zuri Sanders 6-0 F Kiara Shoals 5-10 F

Jr. Jr. Soph. Jr. Fr. Soph. Soph. Jr. Jr. Soph. Jr. Sr. Jr.

Coach: Marlene Stollings Asst. Coaches: Nikita Lowry Dawkins, Larry Tidwell, Erin Grant 2017-2018 record: 7-23, 1-17 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Texas Tech’s only senior, 6-0 Zuri Sanders, pressures an LSU player in a home game last season. Sanders, a graduate of Evansville, Indiana, Central High School, started 16 games in 2017-18. (Texas Tech Athletics photo)

will be part of the Big 12/SEC Challenge. Conference play will begin Jan. 2 at Oklahoma. “This team is special to me for a number of reasons,” Stollings said, “mainly because they have something to prove, they’re hungry to prove something to the community, to our city and to the Big 12.” Sanders smiled as she talked to reporters: “So obviously, you guys will just have to stay tuned and see what we’re capable of this season.”

Tihana Stojsavljevic

Emma Merriweather

Angel Hayden

Chrislyn Carr

College

49

West Texas A&M Men

Successful Buffs have big holes to fill By DAVE WOHLFARTH Buffs Coach Tom Brown always sets the same objective for his team. “Our goal is to win the national championship; that’s our No. 1 goal,” he said. WT almost reached that goal last season, losing to Ferris State in the NCAA Division II semifinals. But Brown’s a practical man and realizes the difficulties of coming off a great 32-4 season, the best in school history. “Yes. I think one of the difficulties is when you have a great team, normally you have great seniors,” he said. “So one of the difficulties is losing those guys. You just don’t replace Jordan Evans, David Chavlovich, even Rylan Gerber.” Chavlovich and Evans were the Buffs’ top two scorers last season. Gerber was a valuable sub. A fourth senior, Tommy Gove, was injured early but contributed leadership throughout the season. Those four seniors aren’t the only departures. Victor Lewis, a junior last year, declared for the NBA draft, then later withdrew his name. Brown wasn’t sure of Lewis’ current status. C.J. Jennings, who started as a freshman, announced in July he would transfer to South Plains College. Then, four days after WT began its fall classes, Jennings helped recruit fellow Coloradoan Gaige Prim to transfer to South Plains, according to Brown. Jennings averaged 5.8 points a game. The 6-7 Prim contributed 10.5 points and 6.8 rebounds as a freshman coming off the bench. Brown was not happy with those transfers. “They (Jennings and Prim) probably want to play Division I. They want to play at Texas or Texas A&M,” Brown said. “But when they come and take a player out of school, that’s tough.” Brown emphasized the impact the departures will have on this season. “So your seniors are gone, those two are gone, so you don’t have a lot of guys that can kinda draw from those experiences — winning a conference tournament, winning a regional, getting West Texas A&M Buffaloes Roster Name Ht. Pos. Class Drew Evans 6-3 G Derrick Geddis 6-4 G Qua Grant 6-0 G Brandon Hall 5-11 G James Pennington 6-2 G Jordan Collins 6-0 G Gach Gach 6-4 G Eric Mosley 6-5 G Joel Murray 5-11 G Ryan Quaid 6-6 G Brant West 6-3 G Marshal Johnson 6-5 F Sterling White 6-5 G

Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Soph. Soph.

Coach: Tom Brown Asst. Coaches: Chris Gove, Quincy Henderson, Dan Kratz 2017-2018 record: 32-4, 15-3 50

College

Ryan Quaid of West Texas A&M rises toward the basket against Ferris State in the NCAA Division 2 national semifinals in March in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (WT Athletics photo)

to a Final Four,” he said. “Those experiences are irreplaceable.” Brown does have two returning starters and several reserves who were instrumental in last year’s great run. Ryan Quaid, a 6-6 senior listed on the roster as a guard, scored 14.3 points and grabbed almost 10 rebounds a game. His scoring trailed only Chavlovich (20.8 ppg) and Evans (15.7 ppg). His rebounding led the Buffs. The Fort Collins, Colorado, product earned Lone Star Conference first-team distinction last season. He’s been named to The Sporting News College Basketball Yearbook preseason AllAmerica second team. Brown thinks Quaid may be in store for bigger laurels this year, possibly as the national player of the year. “I think he’s that good,” Brown said. “He played a lot bigger than 6-6. He had a monster regional; he had a monster national tournament.” Gach Gach, a 6-4 junior, also started last year, posting 8.6 (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

ppg, 4.7 rpg credentials. Gach made 64 3-point shots. “Gach is a great defensive player, and he can really shoot the ball,” Brown said of the Minnesotan of Sudanese descent. “He’s just an all-round great player.” Drew Evans (6.9 ppg), no relation to the departed Jordan Evans, Jordan Collins (5.5 ppg) and Sterling White of Happy came off the bench last year. They’re all back. Collins actually started five games and swished 43 3s. “Give him an inch and that ball’s going up — he’s a great shooter,” Brown said. And then there’s Eric Mosley. The 6-5 Arizona native played a year at WT, redshirted a year, then played another season, starting the final eight games of the 2016-17 Sweet Sixteen team. But with about 40 credit hours left to graduate, he decided to return to Arizona and try to finish his hours online. That didn’t work out, so he’s back in Canyon as a redshirted junior. “It’s like he never left,” Brown said. “He’s not a big stats stuffer. He’s not a real big scorer, but he can knock down the open shot. He’s just a guy you love to have on the team.” James Pennington, a 6-2 guard from South Holland, Illinois, isn’t new to WT either. He redshirted last season, and that seemed to be beneficial. WEST TEXAS A&M BUFFALOES SCHEDULE Date Opponent

Time

D2CCA Tipoff Classic Nov. 2 Drury University @ Anaheim, CA 11 a.m. Nov. 3 Lindenwood @ Anaheim, CA 11 a.m. Nov. 4 Concordia University @ Anaheim, CA 1:15 p.m. Nov. 9 Western State @ Gunnison, Colorado 8:30 p.m. Nov. 10 Adams State @ Alamosa, Colorado 8 p.m. Nov. 15 Lubbock Christian 7 p.m. Nov. 17 Science and Arts 2 p.m. Nov. 17 Alumni Game 4 p.m. WT Pak-A-Sak Thanksgiving Classic Nov. 23 Colorado State-Pueblo 5 p.m. Nov. 23 Central Oklahoma vs. Lubbock Christian 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 Central Oklahoma 5 p.m. Nov. 24 Colorado State-Pueblo vs. Lubbock Christian 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 Cameron 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 MSU Texas 4 p.m. Dec. 6 Lubbock Christian 7 p.m. Las Vegas Hoopla Dec. 17 Washburn @ Las Vegas, Nevada 2 p.m. Dec. 18 Pittsburg State @ Las Vegas, Nevada 10 p.m. Dec. 29 Central Baptist 2 p.m. Jan. 3 UT Permian Basin @ Oadessa 7 p.m. Jan. 5 Western New Mexico @ Silver City, NM 5 p.m. Jan. 10 Texas A&M @ Kingsville 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12 Angelo State @ San Angelo 4 p.m. Jan. 17 Texas A&M Commerce 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 Tarleton 4 p.m. Jan. 22 Eastern New Mexico @ Portales, New Mexico 8:30 p.m. Jan. 31 MSU @ Wichita Falls 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 Cameron @ Lawton, Oklahoma 4 p.m. Feb. 7 Western New Mexico 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 UT Permian Basin 4 p.m. Feb. 14 Angelo State 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 Texas A&M Kingsville 4 p.m. Feb. 21 Tarleton @ Stephenville 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 Texas A&M Commerce @ Commerce 4 p.m. Feb. 26 Eastern New Mexico 7:30 p.m. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Buff Drew Evans drives against Ferris State March 22 in a NCAA Division 2 national semifinal game at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. After falling behind, West Texas A&M’s comeback fell short as WT lost to the eventual national champions, 85-79. Evans had 7 points and 4 rebounds. (WT Athletics photo)

“He had to play multiple roles on our scout team, and he really developed. He got a lot better,” Brown said. “He’s probably one of our best athletes on our team. He can do a little bit of everything.” The squad has six newcomers. The prize of the lot likely is Brandon Hall, a 5-11 senior from Arlington. Hall transferred from Emporia State University in Kansas. He started all 28 games for Emporia State and was the team’s leading scorer at 14.1 ppg. “He’s someone we never had a chance to recruit at high school because he signed early with Emporia,” Brown said. “Once I found out he was released, it was a no-brainer to go after him. He’s a good player, and we’re lucky to get him.” Hall probably will play point guard for the Buffs, although there are several other candidates for that spot, according to Brown. The list of Buff newcomers includes: • Derrick Geddis, a 6-4 freshman from Houston Hightower, a two-time all-district selection who averaged 11.2 ppg and 12.4 rpg his senior season; • Qua Grant, a 6-0 freshman from Waxahachie, an all-district player with 15.3 ppg, 6 rpg credentials; • Joel “JoJo” Murray, a 5-11 freshman from Rowlett (13.9 ppg as a senior) whom Brown describes as “quick as lightning”; • Marshal Johnson, a 6-5 sophomore from Clarendon who attended Texas Tech last year but did not play there; and • Brant West, a 6-4 freshman from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, who posted 23.2 ppg, 10.5 rpg stats his senior year. Brown was particularly impressed with West when he watched tape. “He can really shoot the ball, and he’s got good size,” he said. “Fort Sumner is a small school, but he’s a winner. And I say he’s a winner because he won the state title in football, basketball and track (as a sprinter). I don’t care if you’re at a small school, big school – when you win, you’re a winner.” Lots of new Buff blood, but Brown figures the strength of his team lies in the returning veterans. “We’ve got guys who have won at a very high level. We have (Continued on next page)

College

51

(Continued from previous page)

Ryan Quaid

Gach Gach

Drew Evans

Rylan Gerber of Dumas, Gach Gach of Austin, Minnesota, and Gaige Prim of Aurora, Colorado, battle for a rebound against UT-Permian Basin in the March 13 finals of the NCAA Division 2 South Central Regional Tournament in Canyon. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

guys who are committed to the program. We have guys who want to be here,” he said. “When you have that, and you have talented players like we do, you set yourself up for success.” The Buffs will face a tough schedule, as usual, beginning with a trip to Anaheim, California, where they’ll face Drury, Lindenwood and Concordia (California), all of whom Brown considers Division II contenders this year. “You don’t go to California unless you know you’re good,” he said. Later trips to Colorado and Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Hoopla will test the Buffs as they prepare to defend their LSC championship. Brown’s four-year coaching mark at WT is 96-35, a .732 winning percentage. His Buffs have reached Division II postseason play the past two years. And his teams have improved each year, going 17-12, 21-10, 26-9 and 32-4. He came to WT from his alma mater, Winona State in Minnesota, where he served as the Warriors’ associate coach from 1998 to 2014. Those Winona teams won two national championships and were runners-up three other times. Brown enters his fifth season with a team ranked fifth in the nation, according to The Sporting News College Basketball preseason rankings done by basketball expert Chuck Mistovich of Basketball Times. In a vote of LSC media in October, the Buffs were picked to finish second in the conference behind Texas A&M-Commerce. Commerce received 15 first place votes to 11 for WT.

WT Coach Tom Brown, center, and his staff question an official’s call in a game against Lubbock Christian Dec. 9, 2017, at First United Bank Center in Canyon. WT won, 82-72. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Gach Gach of West Texas A&M launches a shot from the side in the Buffs’ win over Colorado School of Mines March 10 in the NCAA Division 2 South Central Regional Tournament in Canyon. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

52

College

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

College

53

West Texas A&M Women

Lady Buffs came back from turnover tsunami By DAVE WOHLFARTH The Lady Buffs were in dire straits last January. After a strong start to the season, they had lost four of five games. After streaking to the Lone Star Conference lead at 6-0, they fell back to 7-4. Their chances of winning the conference had taken a tumble. “We basically felt like we were taking ourselves out of a chance to win the regular season or conference tournament, so that piece was really disappointing,” Coach Kristen Mattio said. Turnovers were the main culprits. WT turned the ball over 26, 26, 27 and 14 times in the four losses. Three of the defeats were at home, the first time that had happened since the 198081 season when the Lady Buffs played at Canyon High School. “We needed to learn how to win close games,” Mattio said. “We turned the ball over an enormous amount of times and had little errors. It got to the point where, ‘OK, who’s going to step up, to take care of the ball, get us the rebound?’ We needed some people to step up, and that’s what we began to show.” Mattio made a few lineup changes, but mainly it was a matter of turning the ship around, as she called it. The Lady Buffs steadied the course and won their next 14 games, sailing to the regular-season co-championship, then the LSC tournament title. Like the WT men’s season, the Lady Buffs’ season had a symmetry to it. They won their first 14 games, then lost those four of five, then won 14 more in a row. The latter 14 featured key LSC wins at Texas A&M-Commerce (69-43) and Tarleton State (87-60), two teams that had beaten WT in Canyon. The victory at Tarleton gave the Lady Buffs a share of the regular season LSC title with Angelo State with 16-4 LSC records. “The way we finished was probably the most exciting piece of all, because we had to go on the road in a hostile environment, and we actually got both of those teams pretty good,” Mattio said. The Lady Buffs had to play four “games” in four days, West Texas A&M Lady Buffs Roster Name Ht. Pos. Deleyah Harris 5-9 G Megan Gamble 5-7 G Lexy Hightower 5-8 G Delaney Nix 5-8 G Nathalie Linden 5-10 G Tiana Parker 6-5 P Daria Cosgrove 5-9 G Braylyn Dollar 6-0 F Reagan Haynes 5-7 G Jenna Legan 5-7 G Lucy Burke 6-0 G Abby Spurgin 6-2 P Mary Rose Foster 6-0 F Tyesha Taylor 6-5 P Coach: Kristen Mattio Asst. Coaches: Camille Perkins, Kristian Branson 2017-2018 record: 29-5, 16-4 54

College

Class Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Soph. Fr. Sr. Soph. Jr. Soph. Fr. Sr.

Megan Gamble drives against Midwestern State last season. Gamble, a 5-7 junior, transferred from North Dakota State and started 32 games for West Texas A&M last year. (Photo by Vladimir Cherry)

depending upon how you count the 70-49 first-round win over Midwestern State in the first round of the LSC Tournament in Frisco. The game was halted at halftime because water on the floor created unplayable conditions, and the second half was played the next day. “We warmed up for an hour, and we played for 20 minutes,” Mattio said. “That was unique.” The Lady Buffs beat Commerce and Tarleton again to win the tournament. They kept rolling in the South Central Regional, winning two more games before losing to the host team, Lubbock Christian, 56-53 in the regional finals. “It was a good game. I wish I was a fan in the stands, you know,” Mattio said. “We played a really good game. I thought we gave ourselves every opportunity outside of giving up a few big plays toward the end. But we lost by three, and we had a wide-open shot at the end to tie it and go into overtime.” The loss capped a 29-5 campaign for the Lady Buffs, following seasons of 28-15 and 26-9 under Mattio. Her three-year coaching record at WT is 83-19, an .814 winning percentage. The Lady Buffs were No. 2 in the nation in field goal percentage at 48.5 and also second in the nation in defensive average, yielding 54.3 points a game. Mattio was pleased with last season. (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

“I was really happy, and you could see the maturity in our team,” she said. “You don’t ever want to lose three games in a row to get your attention, but the ability to bounce back — we stayed together throughout the process — and we were just dominating conference play at the end.” Three seniors — Madison Parker, Sydney Walton and CeCe Wooten — have departed. Parker was the team’s second-leading scorer at 10.7 points a game and the top rebounder at 6.3 per game. She was a force inside. “She liked to get in the paint and do some work there,” Mattio said. “Her mind was so good. Her IQ side of the game is what really drove our offense.” Parker started all 34 games. Walton (5.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg) started 16. Wooten (4.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg) came off the bench. Four returning starters spark optimism for another big season for the Lady Buffs. In fact, WT is ranked 10th in the Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 25 Poll. The highlighted returner is 5-8 junior guard Lexy Hightower from Amarillo High. She was the Lady Buffs’ leading scorer at 14.4 ppg and shot .442 from 3-point range, sinking 76 from long range. She was named an honorable mention All-American by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association last season. This season, she’s already been selected on the Bulletin Preseason All-America team and as the Lone Star Conference Preseason Player of the Year. “There won’t be anyone who puts more expectations on herself than Lexy,” Mattio said. “And I think that’s what special — the drive to be, not just a great player, but the best player. She wants to be the best in the Lone Star; she wants to be one of the best players in the country. Her ability to shoot allows her to put herself in that category.” Megan Gamble, Tiana Parker and Deleyah Harris also started and were instrumental in the Lady Buffs’ success last season. Gamble, a 5-7 junior point guard from Omaha, Nebraska, contributed 4.4 ppg and 2.6 rpg and topped the team in assists

WT’s Tyesha Taylor eyes the basket in the Lady Buffs’ 56-53 loss to Lubbock Christian March 12 in the South Central Regional Finals at the Rip Griffin Center in Lubbock. (WTAMU Athletics photo) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Coach Kristen Mattio

Lexy Hightower

Megan Gamble

Tiana Parker

Deleyah Harris

Tyesha Taylor

Reagan Haynes

Abby Spurgin

Daria Cosgrove

with 3.7 per game. “We saw probably the most growth throughout the season with her,” Mattio said. “She was the most valuable player in the conference tournament.” Tiana Parker, no relation to Madison Parker, is a 6-5 senior post from Chehalis, Washington. She posted 8.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg stats last season. Mattio says Parker has a great mind for the game and expects her to step up more on the offensive end this season. Harris, a 5-9 senior guard, also is from Omaha. She started 18 games and logged an 8 ppg, 4.4 rpg line. She led the teams in steals with 47 for the season. “She brings such toughness to the table for us,” Mattio said. “We don’t want Lexy, our shooter, to get roughed up, so she’s kinda like our Draymond Green (of the Golden State Warriors), she can go rough people up.” Tyesha “Ty” Taylor, a 6-5 senior post from Temple (6.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg), also figures prominently in WT’s plans this season. In Tiana Parker and Taylor, Mattio said, “We’ll have some of the best post players in the country. They can score and finish. And we have the height and length.” Reagan Haynes, a 5-7 senior guard from Gruver (3.7 ppg), was one of the first players off the bench last year. “She plays the point, and really, her stats don’t do her justice in the role and importance she is to our team and our team’s success,” Mattio said. “She is our team leader; she is the glue that keeps it all together.” Abby Spurgin, a 6-2 sophomore post from Fredericksburg, and Daria Cosgrove, a 5-9 sophomore from Plano, also return. Spurgin (3.1 ppg, 2 rpg) led the Lady Buffs in field goal shooting percentage at .641. (Continued on next page) College

55

(Continued from previous page)

Two of the three transfers give the Lady Buffs an international flavor. Nathalie Linden is a 5-10 junior guard from Stockholm, Sweden, and a transfer from Division I Colorado State. Lucy Burke, a 6-0 junior guard from Melbourne, Australia, transferred from Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. “We needed to get a little better from the perimeter, and we needed to get a little more mobile,” Mattio said. “They both can score from the perimeter, and they both are mobile with the ball in their hands. Jenna Legan, a 5-7 sophomore guard, is a transfer from South Plains College. Her mother, Janice Farris, played on Texas Tech’s 1993 NCCA championship team, and her father, Brian Legan, was her coach at Sundown High School. Jenna Legan was on the Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine high school Super Team in 2016-17. Three freshmen — Delaney Nix, Braylyn Dollar and Mary Rose Foster — could help the Lady Buffs. Nix, a 5-8 guard from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, can “shoot it so deep it just gets your attention,” Mattio said. She described Dollar, a 6-0 forward from Lubbock Monterey, as a great rebounder with a college-ready body. Foster, a 6-9 forward from Frisco, averaged three charges a game in high school, according to Mattio. “Most kids don’t have that kind of stat,” she said. Mattio isn’t concerned about a letdown following last season’s showing. “That’s never a concern,” she said. “It becomes more of a WEST TEXAS A&M LADY BUFFS SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Oct. 28 Texas Exhibition @ Austin South Central Regional Challenge Nov. 9 UC-Colorado Springs Nov. 9 UT Permian Basin vs. Regis Nov. 10 UT Permian Basin vs. UC Colorado Springs Nov. 10 Regis Nov. 16 Colorado School of Mines @ Golden. CO Nov. 17 Metro State @ Denver, Colorado WT Pak-A-Sak Thanksgiving Classic Nov. 23 Eastern NM vs. CSU-Pueblo Nov. 23 New Mexico Highlands Nov. 24 Eastern NM vs. New Mexico Highlands Nov. 24 Colorado State-Pueblo Nov. 29 Cameron Dec. 1 MSU Texas Dec. 6 Science and Arts Cruzin’ Classic Dec. 17 Barry @ Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Dec. 18 Palm Beach Atlantic @ Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Jan. 3 UT Permian Basin @ Odessa Jan. 5 Western New Mexico @ Silver City, NM Jan. 10 Texas A&M Kingsville @ Kingsville Jan. 12 Angelo State @ San Angelo Jan. 17 Texas A&M Commerce Jan. 19 Tarleton Jan. 22 Eastern New Mexico @ Portales, New Mexico Jan. 26 Texas Woman’s Jan. 31 MSU Texas @ Wichita Falls Feb. 2 Cameron @ Lawton, Oklahoma Feb. 7 Western New Mexico Feb. 9 UT Permian Basin Feb. 14 Angelo State Feb. 16 Texas A&M Kingsville Feb. 21 Tarleton @ Stephenville Feb. 23 Texas A&M Commerce @ Commerce Feb. 26 Eastern New Mexico Feb. 28 Texas Woman’s @ Denton

56

College

Time TBA

5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. 12 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 12 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

Lady Buff Lexy Hightower shoots a jumper against Arkansas-Fort Smith in the South Central Regional Quarterfinals at the Rip Griffin Center in Lubbock March 9. WT won 81-66, and Hightower had 28 points followed by teammate Tiana Parker’s 23. (WTAMU Athletics photo)

momentum and can you sustain it? If you have good leadership, it shouldn’t be a concern because they’re going to help guide, especially this first six weeks, through this preseason time.” That preseason time started with an exhibition game against Division I Texas Oct. 28 in Austin. “We’re going to play one of the best teams in the country, and all we can ask for that is to compete,” Mattio said. “Just stepping in with the right mindset, how can we get better, and making sure we throw some punches, a lot of them.” She didn’t mean literal punches. However, reminded that Lubbock Christian lost an exhibition to mighty UConn 95-39 but went on to win the D-II national championship in 2016, she observed, “So if it worked for Lubbock Christian, obviously it would be great if it worked for us.” That UT game turned out as expected, with the Longhorns prevailing 91-63. But the Lady Buffs trailed only 25-22 after one quarter. Texas led 44-29 at the half and 59-34 after three quarters. Linden led WT in scoring with 14 points. The Lady Buffs are not scheduled to play Lubbock Christian this season, but last year’s regional finalists will meet in the 2019-20 season when the Heartland and Lone Star conferences merge into a 19-team conference.

5:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Nathalie Linden

Lucy Burke

Jenna Legan

Delaney Nix

Braylyn Dollar

Mary Rose Foster

The 2018-19 Lady Buffs’ team photo includes, front row, from left, Tiana Parker, Daria Cosgrove, Lexy Hightower, Megan Gamble, Reagan Haynes, Deleyah Harris, Nathalie Linden, Jenna Legan and Abby Spurgin. Back row, from left, assistant coach Kristian Branson, head coach Kristen Mattio, associate head coach Camille Perkins, Tyesha Taylor, Mary Rose Foster, Braylyn Dollar, Delaney Nix, Lucy Burke, athletic trainer Stephanie McLain, student assistant Brandon Walker and student assistant Wade Whaley. (WTAMU Athletics photo)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

College

57

Lubbock Christian Men

Chaps look ready for a long run By DAVE WOHLFARTH The Chaps may be on a “Mission Possible” this season. Thanks to the presence of four returning starters, they may reverse the title of the old TV show and new movies. The Chaps weren’t bad last year, finishing tied for third in the Heartland Conference with a 9-7 league record. But they weren’t that good either, winding up sub .500 at 14-15. That was the first losing season in Coach Todd Duncan’s seven years at Lubbock Christian. “I felt we had a pretty good team. Unfortunately, we lost some really close games early in the year that kinda had us biting our heels for most of the year,” Duncan said. “But right at the end of the year, we were playing good basketball.” He also pointed out that the Chaps played a difficult schedule. “Our strength of schedule was ranked highest in the country for most of the year,” he said. A 3-9 road record didn’t help. And the Chaps had trouble finishing games. “It’s just a matter of the little things that are the difference between winning and losing, especially on the road where most (home) teams play a little better,” Duncan said. “We just need to get better at finishing games. If we do that, hopefully we can show some improvement from last year’s record.” That shouldn’t be a problem for the Chaps, although they’ll have to overcome the loss of guard Marcos Schuster, who averaged 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season. He was an honorable mention on the all-conference team. “He was a starter for most of his (four-year) career and a great athlete, great defensive player, just an all-around important part of this program,” Duncan said. Leading the quartet of returning starters is 6-7, 270-pound senior Brennen Fowler. The big post from Smyer led the Chaps in rebounding (8.8 rpg) and blocks (about 2 per game) and was second in scoring (14.6 ppg). He was the Heartland’s defender of Lubbock Christian Chaps Roster Name Ht. Pos. Ja’Qualyn Gilbreath 6-0 G Brandon Burrell 6-0 G Jay Workman 5-11 G Cameron Copley 5-9 G Rashaan Proctor 6-5 F Brennen Fowler 6-7 F Silas Crisler 6-3 G Issac Asrat 6-1 G Kentton Williams 6-5 F Kobe Thompson 6-5 G Jerrod Fowler 6-7 F Cade McDowell 6-11 F Zach Stepp 6-4 F Spencer Sutton 6-4 F Coach: Todd Duncan Asst. Coach: Jason Imes 2017-2018 record: 14-15, 9-7 58 College

Class Jr. Soph. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Soph. Fr. Fr. Soph. Soph.

Brennen Fowler, a 6-7 senior from Smyer, handles the ball at home against Oklahoma Christian last season. Fowler had 22 points and 9 rebounds in the Jan. 20 game. (LCU Media Relations photo)

the year and first-team all-conference last year. This year he’s the preseason conference player of the year. “He’ll be a great part of our success and our season,” Duncan said. “He’s a big body that really impacts the game.” Coincidentally, Brennan’s little brother, Jerrod Fowler, a redshirt freshman forward, matches his sibling in height but is 90 pounds lighter. LCU’s leading scorer last season, 6-1 senior guard Isaac Asrat (16.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2 apg), was a Heartland honorable mention and is a preseason all-conference selection this year. Asrat played his high school ball at Plano East. “He’s an outstanding shooter,” Duncan said of the Chaps’ top 3-point shooter (81 for 176 for a .460 percentage). “He’s an outstanding offensive player, an incredibly hard worker, very dedicated. Again, he’s one of those players that we’re depending on heavily.” Point guard Jay Workman, a 5-11 junior from Kermit, contributed 8.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.6 apg last year. He’s added a lot to his offensive game this fall, according to his coach. “A lot of times last year he was the x factor,” Duncan said. “Our team was successful when he had good games. When he struggled, that usually meant we struggled.” Kentton Williams, a 6-5 forward from Levelland, is the Chaps’ fourth returning starter. He posted 7.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg stats last year. “He’s a really good defensive player, good around the basket, good slasher, driver, good in the open court and continues to get better,” Duncan said. Duncan indicated that 6-5 junior forward Rashaan Proctor (2.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and 6-0 junior guard Ja’Qualyn Gilbreath (8 ppg, 2.5 rpg) will see plenty of action this season. Proctor transferred from New Mexico Military Institute as a sophomore and became eligible the second semester last season. (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Coach Todd Duncan

Isaac Asrat, a 6-1 senior from Plano, drives against Rylan Gerber and Gaige Prim of West Texas A&M last Dec. 9 in Canyon. Asrat averaged 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 2017-18. (Photo by Mike Haynes) (Continued from previous page)

“He came on late last year,” Duncan said. “He’s a guy who could log some minutes for us — starter-type minutes.” Gilbreath, a Palo Duro product, started six games a year ago and was second only to Asrat in 3-point shooting percentage at .452. “We’ve probably got six or seven potential starters, and Ja’Qualyn is in that group,” Duncan said. “Very good athlete. He’s an excellent shooter, driver and good in the open court. I think he’ll play a big part in our season.” Counting players who redshirted, Duncan has 11 players who were with the team last year. One of those is 5-9 redshirt freshman guard Cameron Copley, the former Canadian star. He was injured last season, but Duncan said he’s looked good in the preseason. Brandon Burrell, a 6-0 sophomore guard from Houston Kingwood, and Kobe Thompson, a 6-5 sophomore guard from Leander, played sparingly as freshmen. They may see their roles increased this season, according to Duncan. The Chaps were picked to finish second, behind Dallas Baptist, in the Heartland Conference’s preseason poll. “I understand it doesn’t really mean anything,” Duncan said, “but it does speak to the fact that we have some experience and some talented guys returning.” He expects the offense to run through Brennen Fowler in the post but also feature some outside threats. “I think we can kinda have an inside-out attack,” he said, “and I’m hoping our experience, with most of the guys back from last year, will play a factor. I think our guys understand how important it is to close games.” Somewhat surprisingly, he is worried about the Chaps’ depth. “I think we have seven or eight guys who could start, but I don’t see us having a lot of depth,” Duncan explained. Another concern is Brennen Fowler’s propensity to pick up fouls. The big man was whistled 96 times for infractions last season, fouling out of two games. Often, he got in early foul trouble. “And getting off to a good start is really important,” Duncan said. Last season the Chaps lost their first three games, won three of their 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Brennen Fowler

Isaac Asrat

next four, but then dropped five of the next six. That amounted to a 4-9 start, and the Chaps were fighting uphill the rest of the way. The Chaps open this season in San Antonio’s RMAC/Heartland Challenge Nov. 9-10, playing Colorado School of Mines and Regis. Then, on Nov. 15 in Canyon, they’ll play West Texas A&M in the first of two meetings this season. That’s somewhat of a prelude to the 2019-20 season when the Lone Star and Heartland conferences will merge into a megaconference with 18 men’s basketball teams. Details still are to be worked out, but Duncan said, “That’s going to be something.” As for this season’s Heartland competition, he said, “There’s no nights off.” He also promised, “I think we’re going to be a team that no one can overlook.” Duncan begins his eighth season at LCU with a 116-81 college coaching record, all with the Chaps. He moved to LCU from Lubbock’s Trinity Christian, where his teams reached the Final Four in the TAPPS state tournament eight times. In 15 years, Duncan’s TC teams won more than 400 games and the TAPPS state title in 1999. The Lubbock Coronado graduate played alongside Mookie Blaylock at Midland College. At Midland, Duncan set singleseason records for 3-point shooting percentage (.584) and free throw shooting (.869) in the 1986-87 season. He transferred to Texas Tech and played two seasons with the Red Raiders, knocking down 132 3-pointers and establishing a Tech career record (46 percent) in long-range shooting. LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN CHAPS SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Nov. 9 Colorado School of Mines @ San Antonio Nov. 10 Regis (Colorado) @ San Antonio Nov. 15 West Texas A&M @ Canyon Nov. 17 Cameron Nov. 19 Dallas Christian Nov. 23 Central Oklahoma @ Canyon Nov. 24 Colorado State – Pueblo @ Canyon Nov. 29 DBU Dec. 1 @ Arkansas – Fort Smith, Arkansas Dec. 6 West Texas A&M Dec. 15 Cameron @ Lawton, Oklahoma Dec. 19 Texas – Permian Basin Dec. 29 Jarvis Christian Jan. 4 Randall Jan. 10 Texas A&M International @ Laredo Jan. 12 St. Mary’s @ San Antonio Jan. 17 Rogers State Jan. 24 St. Edward’s @ Austin Jan. 26 Oklahoma Christian @ Okla. City, Oklahoma Jan. 31 Newman Feb. 2 Arkansas – Fort Smith Feb. 7 St. Mary’s Feb. 9 Texas A&M International Feb. 14 DBU @ Dallas Feb. 16 Rogers State @ Claremore, Oklahoma Feb. 21 Newman @ Wichita, Kansas Feb. 23 Oklahoma Christian March 2 St. Edward’s

Time TBA TBA 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 5 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 8 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 8 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m.

College

59

Brennen Fowler of Lubbock Christian puts the ball in against West Texas A&M last Dec. 9 in Canyon. Chaps Stephen Lennox of Lovington, New Mexico (24) and Marcos Schuster of Frenship (5) watch their teammate from Smyer. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

The tipoff of the LCU-WTAMU game at Canyon is handled by Chap Brennen Fowler, right, and Buff Ryan Quaid. Fowler had 30 points, but WT won, 82-72. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

(Continued on next page)

60

College

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Lubbock Christian Women

Lady Chaps are a sister act times 3 We Are Family, I got all my sisters with me By DAVE WOHLFARTH With apologies to the 1979 world champion Pittsburgh Pirates, Sister Sledge’s We Are Family suits this season’s Lady Chaps just fine. Lubbock Christian has three sets of sisters on the team. That’s a first for Lady Chaps Coach Steve Gomez. “We’ve had two sets on the team with the Hamptons and the Bruffeys, but we’ve never had something like this,” he said. “It’s pretty rare to have three sets on the team.” Families differ in choosing colleges for siblings, he said. Sometimes sisters follow sisters; sometimes they don’t. “I think if they give a good sign for the younger ones to want to be at a place where the older one is, maybe not just for the sister but hopefully for the whole experience of the school here,” Gomez explained. In LCU’s case, the team’s three returning starters are members of the sister sets. The sisters: • Caitlyn Cunyus, a 5-6 junior guard who averaged 8.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists. Sister Channing Cunyus, a 5-9 freshman guard, was an all-stater as a high school senior. Both played for state championship teams at Canyon. • Olivia Robertson, a 5-10 senior guard/forward (8.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2 apg), is the older sis of Juliana Roberson, a 5-10 sophomore forward who saw action in 19 LCU games last season. They’re from Tivy High School in Kerrville. • Bobbi Chitsey, a 6-1 senior forward (8 ppg, 3.4 rpg), who played in 31 games, is the older sister of Maddi Chitsey, a 6-1 junior forward (11.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg). The Chitseys hail from Wall, another girls basketball power. The LCU family ties don’t stop there. Ashton Duncan, a 5-9 sophomore guard from Trinity Christian in Lubbock, is the daughter of men’s coach Todd Duncan. Lubbock Christian Lady Chaps Roster Name Ht. Pos. Ashton Duncan 5-9 G Caitlyn Cunyus 5-6 G Taylor Stevenson 5-11 G Emma Middleton 6-1 F Laynee Burr 5-9 G Kailin Davis 5-11 G/F Madelyn Turner 5-8 G Channing Cunyus 5-9 G Olivia Robertson 5-10 G/F Allie Schulte 5-10 G Juliana Robertson 5-10 F Maddi Chitsey 6-1 F Bobbi Chitsey 6-1 F Coach: Steve Gomez Asst. Coaches: Vic Self, Kaycie Boyles 2017-2018 record: 31-2, 14-0 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Class Soph. Jr. Soph. Soph. Fr. Jr. Soph. Fr. Sr. Soph. Soph. Jr. Sr.

Maddi Chitsey, a 6-1 junior from Wall, blocks out in a home game last season. She averaged 11.7 points and 4.9 rebounds for Lubbock Christian. Her sister, Bobbi Chitsey, is a 6-1 senior with 8 and 3.4 averages last year. (LCU Media Relations photo)

Gomez described Caitlyn Cunyus as a winner with a strong mental game. “She just finds ways to get things done. She may be a little unorthodox at times, but she’s one of those kids that has that savvy ... she’s wise beyond her years, basically,” he said. He praised Olivia Robertson for growing her game so much during last season. “She learned how to play the game on balance, in a smart way,” he said. “She brings a lot of energy for us.” Gomez called Maddi Chitsey a big, strong inside presence. “She has multiple types of shots and has really grown this year to be an offensive force,” he said. Caitlyn Cunyus, Olivia Roberson and Maddi Chitsey started all 32 games for the Lady Chaps last season. So did departed seniors Tess Bruffey and Delaney Gaddis. Bruffey was LCU’s bellwether. The 6-4 senior post from Lubbock led the team in scoring (15.3 ppg), rebounding (8.6 rpg) and blocked shots (4 per game) and was one shy (94-93) of team leader Caitlyn Cunyus in assists. Bruffey was named the Heartland Conference’s first female athlete of the year. She also was the conference’s women’s basketball player of the year for the second year and was named to two All-America teams. (Continued on next page)

College

61

(Continued from previous page)

“She blocked a lot of shots (127), and she could score a lot of ways,” Gomez said. “If she wasn’t scoring, she always provided us something — rebounding, blocked shots — and she was a big attention-getter for us so other players had more opportunities.” Bruffey, who is working for the university, got married over the summer, putting any professional playing aspirations on hold. In Gomez’ opinion, she’s good enough to play in overseas leagues. Gaddis (6.5 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.9 apg) excelled on defense, leading last year’s Lady Chaps in steals with 38. “She didn’t have big scoring statistics, but she could get the job done and kept the team in a real positive mindset,” Gomez said. It all added up to a spectacular season for Gomez’ gang. The Lady Chaps won the Heartland Conference with a perfect 14-0 record, the South Central Regional and made it to the Elite Eight, finishing with a 30-2 mark. Lubbock Christian won the NCAA Division II championship in 2016. Ashland University took the title in ‘17. And Central Missouri won the crown last spring, beating Ashland in the finals. LCU’s two losses last season were to Ashland and Central Missouri. The Lady Chaps lost to Ashland 79-66 in a late November game in San Antonio. LCU fell to Central Missouri 72-62 in the national quarterfinals in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. “It was a four-point game with about two minutes left,” Gomez said. “It was a game that we had a chance to win.” In between the two defeats, the Lady Chaps won 25 straight games, including a 56-53 victory over neighboring West Texas A&M in the South Central Regional finals. “It was one of those years where it couldn’t have gone any better. We would have loved to win them all, but just to have that opportunity was really good. It was a team that got the very most LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN LADY CHAPS SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time Oct. 28 SMU Exhibition @ Dallas 2 p.m. Oct. 30 New Mexico Exhibition @ Albuquerque, N.M. 8 p.m. Taj Hospitality Classic hosted by LCU Nov. 9 Metro State – Denver 6 p.m. Nov. 10 CSU Pueblo 6 p.m. Nov. 12 Texas A&M Commerce 6 p.m. Arbor Hotels Classic hosted by LCU Nov. 16 Southern Nazarene 6 p.m. Nov. 17 Texas Permian Basin 6 p.m. Nov. 21 Tarleton State @ Stephenville 5:30 p.m. St. Mary’s Thanksgiving Classic Nov. 23 Central Missouri @ San Antonio 1 p.m. Nov. 24 Kutstown @ San Antonio 1 p.m. Nov. 29 Cameron @ Lawton, Oklahoma 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 Our Lady of the Lake 1 p.m. Dec. 3 Southwestern Okla. State @ Weatherford, Okla. 5:30 p.m. Viking Holiday Hoops Classic Dec. 17 Western Washington @ Bellingham, Washington 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18 Simon Fraser @ Bellingham, Washington 3 p.m. Dec. 31 Eastern New Mexico 3 p.m. Jan. 10 Texas A&M International @ Laredo 5:30 p.m. Jan. 12 St. Mary’s @ San Antonio 1 p.m. Jan. 17 Rogers State 6 p.m. Jan. 19 Arkansas – Fort Smith 1 p.m. Jan. 24 St. Edward’s @ Austin 5:30 p.m. Jan. 26 Oklahoma Christian @ Oklahoma City, Okla. 1 p.m. Jan. 31 Newman 6 p.m. Feb. 2 St. Mary’s 1 p.m. Feb. 9 Texas A&M International 1 p.m. Feb. 14 Arkansas – Fort Smith @ Fort Smith, Arkansas 5:30 p.m. Feb. 16 Rogers State @ Claremore, Oklahoma 1 p.m. Feb. 21 Newman @ Wichita, Kansas 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23 Oklahoma Christian 1 p.m. March 2 St. Edward’s 1 p.m.

62

College

Caitlyn Cunyus, a 5-6 junior guard from Canyon, scored 8.8 points a game last season while averaging 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists. Her sister, Channing Cunyus, is a 5-9 freshman Lady Chap teammate. (LCU Media Relations photo)

out of themselves,” Gomez said. “It was a steady year. We just got better as the year went on, little by little. We had a team that really defended well; we led the nation in scoring defense (52.1 ppg) and defensive field goal percentage (.329). It was just a team where everybody did their job. We had a lot of players that, every day, did what they could do.” For his part, Gomez, a former standout Chap guard, has done what he could do at his alma mater. In 15 seasons, Gomez’ teams have won 364 and lost 117, a .757 winning percentage. Five of his 10 NAIA playoff teams reached that organization’s Elite Eight. Since moving to the NCAA, his squads have gone 130-21 (.861), including the 35-0 2015-16 national champs. Last season’s undefeated conference campaign was the third time in five years the Lady Chaps were perfect in the Heartland. LCU is a near-unanimous choice to repeat as the conference champion this season, according to the Heartland Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll. “It’s a good thing to at least lay some groundwork on. If we’re expected to do well, we need to live up to that,” Gomez said. “But it doesn’t score any points for us.” In addition to the three returning starters, some of the Lady Chaps who may be scoring points are Bobbi Chitsey, Ashton Duncan, Juliana Robertson, 5-10 sophomore guard Allie Schulte of Nazareth and 5-11 junior guard/forward Kailin Davis of Weatherford. All five saw considerable action last year. In addition to the three returning starters, the Lady Chaps have eight other returning players. “Yeah, we’ve got a good number back, but we need to get a lot of them picking up the slack, because we lost good players,” Gomez said. He hopes this team will be more balanced so “we’re not just relying on one or two to do everything.” He’s concerned about his players handling expectations — not getting too high or too low at any point — and being mature about whatever occurs. He listed several keys for success this season. “A lot of it is defending well every night, not allowing a bunch of scoring,” he said. “Then rebounding is going to be really im(Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Coach Steve Gomez

Bobbi Chitsey

Maddi Chitsey

Olivia Robertson

Kailin Davis

Allie Schulte

(Continued from previous page)

portant for us, because we’re not going to block as many shots as last year. I guess every year, players need to fill in the roles they’re needed to do.” Before their regular season begins, the Lady Chaps scheduled two exhibitions against Division I SMU and New Mexico, both on the road, Oct. 28 and Oct. 30, respectively. Three years ago, LCU played at UConn and got blasted but went on to win the national championship. Gomez said he tries to schedule a Division I school every year in order to match his team against good competition. “This year we’ve got two of them, and that’s sort of tough,” he said. “One of them is on Sunday and the other two days after. That will be a good early season test, though, to see how we handle it.” (Before this magazine went to press, LCU defeated SMU 62-51 in Dallas and lost to New Mexico 62-55 in Albuquerque.) Bobbi Chitsey, a 6-1 senior from Wall, is the sister of Lady Chap junior Maddi Chitsey. Bobbi Chitsey played in 31 games last season, averaging 8 points and 3.4 rebounds. (LCU Media Relations photo)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

College

63

Wayland Men

Pioneers to challenge in SAC By DANNY ANDREWS Magazine Co-Publisher With four players back who started regularly or saw substantial playing time and boasting 41 points in scoring average, the Wayland Pioneers figure to be a formidable foe again in the Sooner Athletic Conference. Ranked No. 9 in Street & Smith Basketball Magazine’s preseason poll, largely based on their advance to the national quarterfinals and a final 25-10 record (including eight losses by seven or fewer points), the Pioneers look to battle with No. 2-ranked Oklahoma City and No. 10 Texas Wesleyan for the SAC title. Those clubs tied for first in the SAC last year at 14-6 with Wayland and Southwestern Assemblies of God sharing third place at 13-7. Wesleyan, the national champions in 2016, have been at the top of the conference heap three of the past four years, but Wayland split with the Rams last year and won two of three from OKC. After losing 90-81 to Southwestern Assemblies of God in their fourth SAC Tournament finals in five years, the Pioneers beat Central Methodist of Missouri 68-44 and Life University of Georgia 65-43 in Kansas City before bowing 71-66 to LSUShreveport in the quarterfinals in Kansas City. “It’s an honor to be ranked ninth, and that’s a testament to what our team did last year,” said former Wayland first team All-American Ty Harrelson, who is starting his fourth year at the helm of the Pioneers. “I always thought last year’s team had the potential to get to the national tournament and maybe win the thing. We had really good senior leadership from Ruben Lopez and Tyrone Davis.” The 5-6 Lopez, a smart floor general with a knack for clutch shots, averaged 13.9 points and 4.4 assists to lead the club and was the top 3-point shooter with a 44.9 percentage and leading free-shot maker at 88.9 percent. Lopez was an NAIA honorable mention All-American and second-team All-SAC. He has joined Wayland Baptist Pioneers Roster Name Ht. Pos. Class Tre Fillmore 6-2 G Soph. CJ Obinwa 6-2 G Jr. Josh Throns 6-5 G Sr. J.J. Culver 6-4 G Jr. Jack Nobles 6-6 F Jr. Russell Harrison 6-6 G/F Soph. Spencer Lindsey 6-8 F Sr. Rokas Mazionis 6-8 F Sr. Chris Doerue 5-9 G Jr. Trevonta Robertson 6-2 G Sr. Dominic Cervantez 6-3 G Soph. Jeremy Betjol 6-8 F Jr. Tom Chutchley 6-7 F Fr. Coach: Ty Harrelson Asst. Coaches: Xavier Webb, Landon Hughey 2017-2018 record: 24-10, 13-7 64

College

Lubbock Coronado product J.J. Culver, a 6-4 junior, has started for Wayland the past two years. His brother is Jarrett Culver, a sophomore playing for Texas Tech. J.J. Culver averaged 10.8 points and 5.4 rebounds last year. (WBU Athletics photo)

the program as a graduate assistant coach alongside fourth-year aide Landon Hughey and second-year assistant Xavier Webb. In addition to losing Lopez, the Pioneers graduated steady Tyrone Davis (9.8 average) and 6-8 Sammy Kilwanyi, a member of the Ugandan national team who played only the second semester due to a knee injury but averaged 11.9 points and 9.4 rebounds. “When Sammy was healthy, we were really good. He was very talented and protected the rim. We also had solid defense (allowing 73 points a game for the year while averaging 81). We could have been better if we could have kept everyone healthy, but that’s the way sports go,” Harrelson said. “It was Wayland’s most wins since 1985, and we were all proud of that.” Leading the returnees is 6-2 senior guard Trevonta Robertson, a preseason honorable mention All-American who averaged 13.5 points, shot 44.1 percent from long range and was a major force for the Pioneers in the conference and national tournaments, topping 20 points in the first two games in KC. High-energy J.J. Culver, a 6-4 junior guard from Lubbock Coronado, averaged 10.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per contest. A starter for the past two years, he’s being counted on as well for his leadership qualities. Josh Throns, a 6-5 senior from Australia, is one of the best (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

three-ball shooters in the nation, nailing a team-high 96 last year to help boost his 11.4 scoring norm. “He’s worked really hard this summer to get stronger,” Harrelson said. Rokas Mazionis, a 6-8 senior from Lithuania, is expected to be even tougher in the post, where he averaged 6.7 points and 4.8 rebounds as a starter in 22 games. “He’s a really good passer out of the post and is working hard to finish shots around the basket,” his coach said. Harrelson also is happy about the return of athletic junior guard Chris Doerue of Amarillo Tascosa, who played well in the first two games at nationals before spraining an ankle; Tre Fillmore of Amarillo Palo Duro, who was a key figure in a couple of wins; and sophomore Dominic Cervantez. Coach Ty Harrelson All are expected to see considerable playing time this year. Also, Harrelson is excited about the possible second-semester return of 6-6 sophomore forward Russell Harrison of Lubbock Monterey, who averaged 14.8 points and five rebounds as a freshman two years ago before being sidelined by academic issues. Wayland also is counting on production from four transfers: 6-2 junior guard C.J. Obinwa (7-point average, 45 percent from 3 range and 85 percent at the line) and 6-6 junior forward Jack Nobles (11 points, 5.5 rebounds, first-team all-region) from Collin County Community College, which produced Robertson and Davis; 6-9 senior Spencer Lindsey from Oklahoma Baptist; and 6-8 junior Jeremy Betjol, a native of France who averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds at Frank Phillips in Borger. The lone freshman is 6-7 forward Tom Crutchley, who averaged 13 points and 10 boards for his team in New Zealand. The Pioneers play nine of their first 11 games in the friendly confines of Hutcherson Center, where they were 14-1 last season. That includes the McDonald Classic. They also take on a couple of NCAA Division II teams – Adams State and Colorado StatePueblo – on the road, host national tournament qualifier Central Baptist of Arkansas and play road games against NCAA foe UT-Rio Grande Valley and Division III powerhouse Mary HardinBaylor, which won 20 games last year and returns four starters. “We need to win on the road if we really want to improve,” Harrelson said.

Chris Doerue

Tre Fillmore

Josh Throns 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Josh Throns averaged 11.4 points a game last season for the Wayland Pioneers, including many from beyond the arc. Throns is a 6-5 senior from Australia. (WBU Athletics photo)

J.J. Culver

Rokas Mazionis

Trevonta Robertson

WAYLAND BAPTIST PIONEERS SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time Oct. 29 Arlington Baptist University / McDonalds Classic 8 p.m. Oct. 30 University of St. Thomas (Houston) 8 p.m. Nov. 9 Huston-Tillotson University 8 p.m. Nov. 13 University of the Southwest 8 p.m. Al Kaly Shrine Classic Nov. 16 Adams State University @ Pueblo, Colorado 4 p.m. Nov. 17 Colorado State University @ Pueblo, Colorado 8 p.m. Nov. 21 Central Baptist College 3 p.m. Nov. 29 University of Science and Arts (Oklahoma) 8 p.m. Dec. 1 Mid-America Christian University (Oklahoma) 4 p.m. Dec. 13 Central Christian College @ McPherson, Kansas 8 p.m. Dec. 15 Langston University @ Langston, Oklahoma 4 p.m. Dec. 18 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor @ Belton 7 p.m. Jan. 3 Southwestern Assemblies of God University 8 p.m. Jan. 5 Texas Wesleyan University 4 p.m. Jan. 10 Oklahoma City University @ Okla. City, OK 8 p.m. Jan. 12 Southwestern Christian University @ Bethany, OK 4 p.m. Jan. 15 Oklahoma Panhandle State University 8 p.m. Jan. 17 Bacone College (Oklahoma) 8 p.m. Jan. 19 John Brown University (Arkansas) 4 p.m. Jan. 24 Mid-America Christian University @ OklahomaCity 8 p.m. Jan. 26 University of Science and Arts @ Chickasha, OK 4 p.m. Jan. 31 Langston University (Oklahoma) 8 p.m. Feb. 2 Central Christian College (Kansas) 4 p.m. Feb. 7 John Brown University @ Siloam Springs, AR 8 p.m. Feb. 9 Bacone College @ Muskogee, Oklahoma 4 p.m. Feb. 12 Oklahoma Panhandle State University @ Goodwell, Oklahoma 8 p.m. Feb. 14 Southwestern Christian University 8 p.m. Feb. 16 Oklahoma City University 4 p.m. Feb. 19 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley @ Edinburg 7 p.m. Feb. 21 Texas Wesleyan University @ Fort Worth 8 p.m. Feb. 23 Southwestern Assemblies of God University @ Waxahachie 4 p.m.

College

65

Wayland Women

Queens shoot for nationals again By DANNY ANDREWS Magazine Co-Founder One game away from the national championship game, three full-time starters and the majority of your team coming back. It’s the makings of another run at all the marbles for the Wayland Baptist Flying Queens in 2018-19. The Queens came oh-so-close to the finals last March in Billings, Montana, falling to Westmont, California, 56-54 to finish 27-7 in their fifth straight trip to the NAIA nationals under Coach Alesha Ellis. Along the way, the Queens, who were 14-2 at Hutcherson Center, finished 16-4 for third in the Sooner Athletic Conference to perennial power Oklahoma City and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, who tied at 17-3. They recovered from an embarrassing 104-71 loss to Oklahoma City in the Sooner tournament semifinals to beat No. 18 Lyon, Arkansas, 78-62; top-seeded Shawnee State, Ohio, 79-69; and No. 7 Vanguard, California, 68-44 before losing to No. 4 Westmont. The California squad fell to Freed-Hardeman, Tennessee, 76-64 in the championship game. “Our national tournament is so tough because you’re playing almost every day. We gave it all we had against Westmont but just ran out of time,” said Ellis, who led Plainview High to three straight state titles in 2001-02-03 and then played four years at Texas Tech. She has accumulated a 116-43 record in five years at WBU. Looking back on the season, Ellis noted that “It is such a blessing to play in the Sooner Conference because we have so many great teams that get you prepared to play at nationals.” She looks for OKC, USAO and John Brown to be in the title mix this year and anticipates conference newcomer Langston, Oklahoma, to be tough as well. “We had a really good year, especially since we lost some key players as you always do,” she said. “We had some players step up, and we played more as a team than we had done in my years here. We didn’t have any real all-stars, but we were solid across the whole team. It’s great when different people step up Wayland Baptist Flying Queens Roster Name Ht. Pos. Class Morgan Bennett 5-8 G Jolie Donaldson 5-10 G Payton Brown 5-7 G Margaret Gaydon 5-7 G Maci Merket 5-10 G Cailyn Breckel 5-9 G Deborah VanDijk 6-0 F/P Kambrey Blakey 6-0 F Traneeshia Jeanlouis 5-5 G Caycee Holson 6-2 F Kaylee Edgemon 5-11 F Kelea Pool 6-2 F/P Coach: Alesha Ellis Asst. Coach: Josh Bailey 2017-2018 record: 27-7, 16-4 66

College

Jr. R-Fr. Fr. Soph. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Soph. Jr.

Maci Merket of Canadian secures the ball on the floor for the Wayland Flying Queens in front of teammate Morgan Bennett of Shallowater. Merket, a 5-10 senior, was an NAIA honorable mention All-American last year. (WBU Athletics photo)

for different games.” The 27 wins were the most by a Queens team since the 199899 club went 28-6 under Johnna Pointer, losing in the second round of nationals. Expected to spark Wayland again this year is 5-10 senior Maci Merket of Canadian, who led the Queens with a 14.2 scoring average and a team-best 6.7 rebounds per outing. A deadly shooter from 3-point range, she nailed 77 treys last year and has a way of igniting rallies. Merket, who will enter her senior season with 1,007 career points, was named Sooner Athletic Conference first team, NAIA All-American honorable mention and NAIA National Tournament first team. She also earned NAIA scholar-athlete honors and was (Continued on next page)

Maci Merket

Deborah VanDijk

Morgan Bennett

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

the Sooner Athletic Conference’s nominee for the NAIA Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award. A rugged inside player, 6-0 junior Deborah VanDijk of Nazareth averaged 9.7 points and 4.8 rebounds. “Deborah is really good under the basket and has developed a 3-point shot that will stretch the defense and open up the lane for us,” Ellis noted. The nation’s assist leader with 6.1 per game, 5-8 junior Morgan Bennett of Shallowater is expected to pad her scoring average of 9.3 a contest. “She’ll be a big-time player for us,” Ellis said. “She’s definitely our team leader, Morgan Bennett of Shallowater, a 5-8 junior, led the nation last and she got the girls together in season in assists with 6.1 a game the off-season to scrimmage and along with averaging 9.3 points for the Flying Queens. (WBU improve their skills.” Although the Queens lost 5-11 Athletics photo) sophomore wing Kendrick Clark, the No. 2 scorer with 10.6 points and five rebounds a game since she transferred to pursue a speech pathology degree, Ellis is excited about the improvement of 6-2 junior Kelea Pool of Seminole, who came off the bench to average 4.6 point and 3.1 rebounds. Also returning are 6-0 junior Kambrey Blakey, who transferred from Lubbock Christian and averaged 6.6 points a game; 5-7 sophomore Margaret Gaydon of Frenship (2.1 ppg) and 5-10 freshman Jolie Donaldson of Whitewright, who redshirted after breaking an arm in preseason. Ellis is excited about her new signees – freshmen Payton Brown of Lubbock Roosevelt (5-6 point guard), Cailyn Breckel of Shallowater (5-7 wing) and Caycee Holson of Sundown (a 6-footer who can play multiple positions) – and 5-10 sophomore Kaylee Edgemon of Littlefield, who was Lone Star Conference Freshman of the Year for Eastern New Mexico and should give added depth inside. “All of them are talented, and I look for them to do big things for us,” Ellis said. “I think we’ll be a stronger offensive team, but our chemistry has to be on target and we have to grind more on the defensive end. Jada Riley was our glue on defense, and our returnees have to step up on the defensive end and we have to develop our freshmen, because our defensive techniques are different than what they are used to.” The Queens get an early test in a mid-December swing through California that includes Westmont, Vanguard and national qualifier The Masters College. “That will be a good early test for us because we’ll be playing in front of national raters, and that gets you a lot of attention when the national tournament time comes,” Ellis said. “We also play Our Lady of the Lake in San Antonio, and they’re usually a Top 25 team. This is probably the toughest schedule we’ve had since I’ve been at Wayland.” She’ll again be assisted by Josh Bailey and former Flying Queen Breanna Bogard. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Coach Alesha Ellis instructs the Flying Queens during a 2017-18 game. Ellis, a former Plainview and Texas Tech player, has a 116-43 record in five years as the Wayland coach. (WBU Athletics photo)

Kelea Pool

Kambrey Blakey

Margaret Gaydon

WAYLAND BAPTIST FLYING QUEENS SCHEDULE Date Opponent Nov. 3 Nov. 16 Nov. 17 Nov. 21 Nov. 29 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 13 Dec. 15 Dec. 17 Dec. 19 Dec. 21 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 10 Jan. 12 Jan. 15 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 24 Jan. 26 Jan. 31 Feb. 2 Feb. 7 Feb. 9 Feb. 12 Feb. 14 Feb. 16 Feb. 21 Feb. 23

Time

University of the Southwest @ Hobbs, NM 3 p.m. Our Lady of the Lake University @ Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 6 p.m. Philander Smith College @ Oklahoma City, OK 3 p.m. Northern New Mexico College 4 p.m. University of Science and Arts (Oklahoma) 6 p.m. Mid America Christian University (Oklahoma) 2 p.m. Northern New Mexico College @ Espanola, NM TBA Central Christian College @ McPherson, KS 6 p.m. Langston University @ Langston, Oklahoma 2 p.m. The Master’s University @ Santa Clara, CA 1 p.m. Vanguard University @ Costa Mesa, CA 7:30 p.m. Westmont College @ Santa Barbara, CA 2 p.m. Assemblies of God University (Texas) 6 p.m. Texas Wesleyan University 2 p.m. Oklahoma City University @ Okla. City, OK 6 p.m. Southwestern Christian University @ Bethany 6 p.m. Oklahoma Panhandle State University 6 p.m. Bacone College (Oklahoma) 6 p.m. John Brown University (Arkansas) 2 p.m. Mid-America Christian University @ Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 6 p.m. University of Science and Arts @ Chickasha, OK 2 p.m. Langston University 6 p.m. Central Christian College (Kansas) 2 p.m. John Brown University @ Siloam Springs, AR 6 p.m. Bacone College @ Muskogee, Oklahoma 2 p.m. Oklahoma Panhandle State University @ Goodwell, Oklahoma 6 p.m. Southwestern Christian University 6 p.m. Oklahoma City University 2 p.m. Texas Wesleyan University @ Fort Worth 6 p.m. Southwestern Assemblies of God University @ Waxahachie 2 p.m.

College

67

South Plains Men

Texans follow 3rd national title By DAVE WOHLFARTH Steve Green is beginning his 19th season at South Plains College. For the third time, his team will open the year as the defending National Junior College Athletic Association Division I champion. He likes that, even if it means starting over with basically a whole new team. “I’d rather do that than come back with a whole new team that didn’t win the national championship,” he said pragmatically. Only one Texan who saw a lot of playing time is back. Christopher Orlina, a 6-7 sophomore guard/forward from Newport News, Virginia, started 25 games last seaCoach Steve Green son after recovering from an early season ankle injury. He averaged 8.9 points and 4.8 rebounds, hitting double figures in both those categories his last three games in the national tournament. “We’ve got to find a group that mixes well, because we have a lot of guys but only one that’s been on the floor for us,” Green said of Orlina. “We’ve got to find four other ones that can play with him. “Because he’s one of those — I don’t know what you call them — glue players. He makes everyone else better.” Finding the other four logically begins with the nine transfers new to the Texans’ roster this year. They are: • Koray Gilbert, a 6-3 sophomore guard from Division II Missouri Southern; • Deon Barett, a 5-10 sophomore guard from Division I UTEP; • Jamar Ergas, a 6-3 sophomore guard from Division I Washington State; • Jonah Antonio, a 6-4 sophomore guard from Division I Mount St. Mary’s; South Plains Texans Roster Name Ht. Pos. Class Jonah Antonio 6-4 G Soph. Deon Barett 5-10 G Soph. Chris Efretuei 7-1 P Soph. Jamar Ergas 6-3 G Soph. Koray Gilbert 6-3 G Soph. C.J. Jennings 6-1 G Soph. Dejour Joseph 6-6 G/F Soph. Jeroen Kales 6-5 G Fr. Justin Motley 6-10 F Fr. Chris Orlina 6-7 G/F Soph. Gaige Prim 6-9 F/P Soph. Trevin Wade 5-11 G Fr. Trey Wade 6-7 G/F Soph. Christian Wilson 6-5 G Soph. Tolulope Yaffa Jacobs 7-0 P Fr. Coach: Steve Green Asst. Coaches: Matt Williams, Tyler Notch 2017-2018 record: 28-8, 12-4 68 College

Chris Orlina

Chris Efretuei

Christian Wilson

Deon Barett

C.J. Jennings

Gaige Prim

• Trey Wade, a 6-7 sophomore guard/forward from Division I UTEP; • Justin Motley, a 6-10 redshirt freshman from Riverside, Calif., Community College; • Dejour Joseph, a 6-6 guard/forward from Division I LaSalle; • Charles “C.J.” Jennings, a 6-1 sophomore guard from Division II West Texas A&M • Gaige Prim, a 6-9 sophomore forward/center from Division II West Texas A&M. Jennings was a starter and Prim one of the first players off the bench for WT’s team that reached the NCAA Division II semifinals last spring. Jennings transferred in July; Prim joined him at South Plains after enrolling at WT in September. Both want to play Division I ball, according to Green. He said Prim already has committed to Missouri State for next season. Jennings hasn’t committed yet. Both Jennings and Prim figure to see a lot of action for the Texans this season. Of course, holdover Orlina is penciled in. And Barett, Antonio and Wade look like potential starters, according to Green. “I like to go with the older guys,” Green said in explaining his preference for sophomores. Antonio is from Down Under (Perth, Australia) but likes to put it up from Far Out. “He can shoot,” Green said. “He made almost 90 3s last year at Mount St. Mary’s.” Then he mentioned Trevin Wade, the younger brother of Trey Wade. Trevin Wade, a 5-11 freshman guard, was at a prep school in Florida last year. “He’s a rookie and a tremendous on-ball defender,” Green said. Christian Wilson is a 6-5 redshirt freshman who was at South Plains last season. So was Chris Efretuei, a 7-1 sophomore center (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

who played in three games for the Texans last year. Efretuei, whom Green calls “Large Chris” to avoid confusion with Orlina, is from Nigeria. And Tolulope Yaffa Jacobs, a 7-0 freshman center, also is a native of Nigeria. Both Nigerians attended prep schools in the United States before they found their way to Levelland. Both are quite tall but rather raw in basketball. “Obviously, their best basketball is ahead of them,” Green said. “I hope some of it’s this year.” Eleven of the 14 players on the SPC roster are new. That isn’t unusual for a junior college, according to Green. “It’s really not because we get so many transfers,” he said. And those transfers don’t stick around long. Six of the players on last year’s 28-8 national champions transferred to Division I schools to continue their hoop careers. And a seventh, leading scorer Jordan Brangers, is playing professional basketball in Germany. Green is concerned about scoring this season. Last year’s team had three players score in double figures and two others close. The Texans averaged 81.3 points last season. Traditionally, Green’s teams like to run. “Well, I like to make open shots,” he said, “and we will get them.” He’s searching for the guys who will get them. “We’re still looking to find a couple of guys that are knockdown shooters,” Green said. “To this point, we’ve been inconsistent in practice.” Odessa College won the Western Junior College Athletic Conference last year and beat SPC in two of three meetings.

Green said he expects Odessa to be good again and has heard the same about New Mexico Junior College. “I know there’s a couple of players at Clarendon that are quality players,” he said. Because of the 16-game WJCAC schedule, the Texans will play their first league games Nov. 28 and Dec. 1. The highlight of the early portion of the schedule will be the Texans’ trip to play in the Fiesta Bowl JC Shootout in Phoenix Dec. 27-29. Salt Lake City and North Idaho, expected to be national contenders, are among the eight teams entered. “We won it the two previous years, then got beat in the semifinals last year,” Green said. Green’s SPC teams have won 462 games and lost 122 in his 18 years at the Levelland school. That’s a .791 winning percentage. In addition to the three national championships, Green’s Texans have won seven conference titles and six regional crowns and made eight national tournament appearances. He’s won numerous coach of the year awards and was inducted into the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015. The Miami, Oklahoma, native earned degrees from Oklahoma Christian College and Sul Ross State University. After a couple of jobs as an assistant coach, he began his head coaching career at Howard College (1988-1991), then Midland College (1991-1994). After five years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at San Diego State University and another year as an assistant at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, he moved to South Plains in 2000. His overall head coaching record is 616-165, a .789 winning percentage.

SOUTH PLAINS TEXANS SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time Oct. 6 East Mississippi Community College @ Dallas Mullen/Mitchell Dallas JC Blowout 11 a.m. Nov. 3 Jacksonville College East/West Challenge @ Lewisville 6 p.m. Nov. 4 Panola College East/West Challenge @ Lewisville 6 p.m. Nov. 9 Seward County Community College @ Liberal, KS Pepsi Classic 8 p.m. Nov. 10 Dodge City Community College @ Liberal, KS Seward College Classic TBA Nov. 16 North Lake College 7 p.m. Nov. 17 Coastal Bend College @ Levelland 2 p.m. Nov. 23 Seminole State College @ Collin County Thanksgiving Classic TBA Nov. 28 Midland College 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 Frank Fhillips College @ Borger 3:45 p.m. Dec. 27 Fiesta Bowl Junior College Shootout @ Phoenix Arizona TBA Dec. 31 @ Scottsdale Community College 3 p.m. Jan. 7 Howard College 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 New Mexico Military Institute @ Roswell, NM NMMI Campus – Cahoon Armory Gym 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 New Mexico Junior College 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 Western Texas College @ Snyder /The Coliseum 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 @Clarendon College 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 Odessa College 7:45 p.m. Jan. 31 @ Midland College 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 Frank Phillips College 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 @ Howard College 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 New Mexico Military Institute TBA Feb. 14 @ New Mexico Junior College 8:30 p.m. Feb. 18 Western Texas College 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 Clarendon College 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 @ Odessa College 7:45 p.m.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

The two photos above reflect “during” and “after” the South Plains Texans winning the NJCAA Division 1 national championship in 2018. (South Plains College photos by Wes Underwood)

College

69

70

College

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

South Plains Women

Lady Texans come from all over By DAVE WOHLFARTH Vive la France! That’s the cry down in Levelland as the Lady Texans prepare for this year’s season. Four French femmes, all freshmen, appear on the South Plains roster. Adding to the Lady Texans’ international flavor are two freshmen from Australia. Coach Carla Petree explained the foreign invasion as “just trying to find the best players I could.” New Assistant Coach Landon Steele offered a little more insight. “I’ve known Coach Petrie for a while now. I kinda pay attention to where everybody else is signing, and I know she had a player from Russia a couple of years ago,” he said. “So it’s not uncommon for international kids to go to junior colleges. It’s kind of word of mouth, and somebody knows somebody that knows somebody that knows somebody that has a player that’s pretty good.” Steele, who was the head coach at Lamar Community College in Colorado the past two years, said the four French women have few problems with English. And if one doesn’t understand something, another explains it to her. The six foreigners are part of 10 new faces for the Lady Texans this season. Only two players are back from last year’s team that went 17-13 overall and 4-10 in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference. South Plains lost its opener last season, then won 10 straight games. But the Lady Texans dropped their first three conference games and never really recovered, suffering another three-game skid and later a four-game string of L’s. “We just had some bad games,” Petree said. “Lots of injuries — it was just a bad year. We didn’t finish the year with many players because of injuries.” Last season’s leading scorer, Mikayla Kuehne, transferred to Division II Eckerd College in Florida. Kuehne started 26 games South Plains Lady Texans Roster Name Ht. Pos. Caroline Germond 5-7 G Grace George 6-2 F Romola Dominguez 5-7 G N’Dea Flye 5-8 G Nyah Morris 6-0 G Channel Noah 6-5 P Gabbie Green 5-7 G Sarah Shematsi 6-2 F Reilly Dunn 6-2 P Keynosa “Kiki” Hunter 6-0 F Oceane Robin 6-0 G Chantel Govan 5-6 G Ruth Koang 6-3 P Coach: Cayla Petree Asst. Coaches: Landon Steele, Ciarra Edwards 2017-2018 record: 17-13, 4-1 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Class Fr. Fr. Fr. Soph. Fr. Fr. Soph. Fr. Fr. Soph. Fr. Soph. Fr.

Chantel Govan is one of two starters back for the South Plains Lady Texans. Govan, a 5-6 sophomore from San Antonio, averaged 7.4 points last year. (South Plains College photo by Wes Underwood)

and averaged 11.5 points for the Lady Texans. Starters La’Praisjah Johnson (9 ppg, 5.3 rebounds per game) and Christina Baker (7.1 ppg) also have moved on. Maddie Dorris, the only sophomore on last year’s team, transferred to Division II Adams State University in Colorado. Two starters — Gabbie Green and Chantel Govan — are back. Green, a 5-7 sophomore guard from Bellville, started 23 games and was the team’s second-leading scorer at 10.6 ppg. Govan, a 5-6 sophomore from San Antonio, contributed 7.4 ppg last season. Govan shot the ball really well in early practices, and Green is making progress in her decision-making and reads, according to Steele. “They’re both becoming more vocal,” he said. “I think that’s the biggest jump from freshman to sophomore — just being able to tell people what it was like last year and the experiences they went through and what to be prepared for, how to practice, how to go about certain situations. You know, you want that in your leaders.” So what about the French Connection? That would be 5-7 guard Caroline Germond, 6-2 forward Sarah Shematsi, 6-0 guard Oceane Robin and 6-5 center Channel Noah. Germond was a member of one of France’s national teams, and Shematsi played on one of her country’s three-on-three teams that won a gold medal, according to Steele. The Australian freshmen are 6-2 forward Grace George and 6-0 guard Nyah Morris. Steele said both Aussies can really shoot the ball. (Continued on next page)

College

71

(Continued from previous page)

Two Coloradoans — 5-7 guard Romola Dominguez from Denver and 6-2 center Reilly Dunn from Fort Collins — and 6-3 center Ruth Koang from Rochester, New York, complete the nine-player freshman class. Another newcomer, 6-0 sophomore forward Keynosa “Kiki” Hunter from Hot Springs, Arkansas, has made some early impressions. “She is a tenacious rebounder, and she’s got a knack for the ball,” Steele said. “It just kinda ends up in her hands all the time. She shoots the basketball really well.” Petree said the Lady Gabbie Green, a 5-7 sophomore from Bellville, averaged 10.6 points a game Texans will be pretty big, last season. (South Plains College photo pretty tall and fast. Her by Wes Underwood) assistant concurred. “If you look at the roster, the two Australians are 6-foot tall and they both play out on the perimeter,” Steele said. “Sarah (Shematsi) is a kid that can play inside and outside at 6-2. You know we have Ruth (Koang), who’s a little taller than 6-3, and Channel (Noah), who’s about 6-5. So our size right now is really something we’re looking to use early.” Addressing her main concern this season, Petree said, “We don’t shoot that great.” Steele outlined some general keys for success this season. “It doesn’t matter where you’re at, I think all the keys are all the same,” he said. “The team that can get the best shots and the team that can make those shots, the team that can control the glass offensively and defensively and the teams that don’t turn it over are usually the teams that are the most successful.” Petree’s first two years at SPC showed promise, then success. Her first team went 20-11 overall and 8-6 in the WJCAC, tied for third. It qualified for the Region V regional but lost in the first round. Year 2 resulted in a 28-6 season with a second-place conference finish at 11-3. Then the Lady Texans reached the NJCCA national tournament for the first time in 10 years, losing in the second round. Five of that team’s players moved on to Division I schools. “That’s something that we talk about quite a bit,” Steele said. “Coach Petree’s mantra, I guess, is graduate and go Division I.” Petree’s third year, although a winning one, was not a charm. No players moved to a Division I program. It was a forgettable year. But the former Cisco High School all-stater is enthusiastic as she enters her fourth year at SPC with a 65-30 record with the Lady Texans. “That’s the thing about junior college basketball,” she said. “You can go from one of the best teams to being one of the worst 72

College

Coach Cayla Petree

Chantel Govan

Gabbie Green

in the conference in a year.” The reverse certainly is true, but it’s always a tough go in the WJCAC. Steele figures New Mexico Junior College, Odessa and Midland will be good, as usual. “We’re in one of the best leagues — if not the best league in the country — for junior college women’s basketball,” he said. “So it’s going to be tough every single night.” SOUTH PLAINS LADY TEXANS SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time Nov. 1 Tohono O’odham Community College @ Odessa College Classic @ Odessa 3 p.m. Nov. 2 Colorado Northwestern Community College @ Odessa College Classic @ Odessa 5 p.m. Nov. 3 Mesa Community College @ Odessa College Classic @ Odessa TBA Nov. 9 Pepsi Classic / Seward County Community College @ Liberal, Kansas 6 p.m. Nov. 10 vs. Dodge City Community College @ Seward College Classic 2 p.m. Nov. 15 vs. Coastal Bend College @ Coastal Bend College Classic 6 p.m. Nov. 16 vs. Palo Alto College @ Coastal Bend Classic 1 p.m. Nov. 17 vs. San Antonio College @ Coastal Bend College Classic 11 a.m. Nov. 25 Lamar Community College 2 p.m. Nov. 28 Midland College 5:45 p.m. Dec. 1 @ Frank Phillips College 5:45 p.m. Dec. 7 Connors State College 6 p.m. Dec. 9 Hill College 2 p.m. Dec. 30 @ Phoenix College, Phoenix, Arizona TBA Dec. 31 Cochise College @ Pima College Classic Tucson, Arizona TBA Jan. 1 Arizona Western College @ Pima College Classic @ Tucson, Arizona TBA Jan. 2 Pima Community College @ Bruce Fleck Classic West Campus Aztec Gym @ Tucson, Arizona 3 p.m. Jan. 7 Howard College 5:45 p.m. Jan. 14 New Mexico Junior College 5:45 p.m. Jan. 17 Western Texas College @ Snyder 5:45 p.m. Jan. 24 @ Clarendon College 5:45 p.m. Jan. 28 Odessa College 5:45 p.m. Jan. 31 @ Midland College 5:45 p.m. Feb. 4 Frank Phillips College 5:45 p.m. Feb. 7 @ Howard College 5:45 p.m. Feb. 14 @ New Mexico Junior College 5:45 p.m. Feb. 18 Western Texas College 5:45 p.m. Feb. 25 Clarendon College 5:45 p.m. Feb. 28 @ Odessa College 5:45 p.m.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Clarendon College Men

Bulldogs want to make some noise By DAVE WOHLFARTH Don’t tell Clarendon Coach Isaac Fontenot-Amedee the Bulldog basketball program has turned the corner. He’s not satisfied with just a turn. After two losing seasons under Amedee, the Bulldogs bounced back last season. They posted a winning ledger at 19-12 overall. After winning only four of 32 conference games the previous two seasons, they hung tough in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference, finishing in fourth place with a 9-7 record. That earned them a berth in the Region V tournament for the third time in school history and the first time in 15 years, according to the college’s website. The Bulldogs lost to McLennan Community College 89-68 in Wolfforth’s Tiger Pit. Amedee said his team was “real flat” heading into that game. And he wasn’t satisfied with his team just getting to the regional. “We don’t want to just make a regional tournament,” he said. “We want to get in there and make some noise.” Point guard Reese Brooks, who led the Bulldogs in scoring (17.1 points per game) and assists (6.6 per game), made some noise in April when he signed a letter of intent to attend a Division I school. Brooks, who was named to the all-conference and all-region teams, signed to play with the University of Albany, which plays in the America East Conference. Reese is either the first or second Clarendon College product to move to a Division I program in the past 12 years, depending upon how you count Dwayne Pow. In 2016, Pow, a CC graduate, agreed to play at Division I Niagara. In order to save a year of eligibility, Pow never played with the Bulldogs, although he worked out with the team. In addition to Reese, Jaquan Horne (5.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg) transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas, Shaviairre Murray (4 ppg, 3.4 rpg) moved to LSU-Shreveport and Thomas Clement (3.7 ppg) Clarendon Bulldogs Roster Name Ht. Pos. Josh Press 6-6 F Edwon Brady 5-11 G Tyree Lomax 5-10 G Solomon Smith 6-5 F Davon Gill 6-5 F Isaiah Laurent 6-7 F Dadou Traore 6-10 F Ellis Jefferson 6-2 G PJ Corbin 5-10 G Shaq Gainey 6-4 G Tyreek Price 6-0 G Donchevell Nugent 6-0 G LeAaron Cain 6-2 G Oleg Samokhvalov 6-9 F Coach: Issac Fontenot-Amedee Asst. Coach: Chip Ivany 2017-2018 record: 19-12, 92018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Class Soph. Soph. Fr. Soph. Soph. Soph. Soph. Soph. Soph. Soph. Soph. Fr. Soph. Fr.

Ellis Jefferson

Edwon Brady

Dadou Traore

Paul Corbin

Tyreek Price

went to Nicholls State. Reese and Horne were starters. So were Xavier Trent (13.9 ppg, 9.2 rpg) and David “Ace” Carter (11.1 ppg, 8.4 rpg). They’re both gone. Amedee began last season with two returning starters. This year, he has only one back. Ellis Jefferson, a 6-2 redshirt sophomore from San Antonio Brandeis, contributed 13.1 ppg, 6 rpg and 3.1 apg last season in earning all-conference honorable mention. Jefferson transferred to Clarendon after redshirting at Division I Central Michigan. “He had a good season,” Amedee said. “He’s one of our better defenders and a very intelligent player.” In addition to Jefferson, four other sophomores who saw considerable action last season are back. They are: • Edwon Brady, a 5-11 guard from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who posted 5 ppg, 2 rpg stats; • Dadou Traore, a 6-10 center (2.1 rpg) from the Congo by way of a prep school in North Carolina; • Paul Corbin Jr., a 5-10 guard (2.2 ppg) from Summerfield, Louisiana; • Tyreek Price, a 6-0 guard (4.5 ppg) from Cincinnati, Ohio. All four started at least three games last year. Amedee has six sophomore transfers on his roster. “We have a lot of guys who have been coached before they got here,” Amedee said, “like Sol Smith, who was in a top 10 (Continued on next page)

High School

73

(Continued from previous page)

program in the country at a prep school.” The transfers: • Smith is a 6-5 forward from Greensboro, North Carolina; • Josh Press, a 6-6 forward from Atlanta; • Davon Gill, a 6-5 forward from Wichita, Kansas; • Isaiah Laurent, a 6-7 forward from Boston; • LeAaron Cain, a 6-2 guard from Gonzales, Louisiana. “We’ve got the transfers and the guys who were already here; they’ve just kinda meshed pretty well,” Amedee said. “I think they get along pretty well. They look after each other and care about each other.” That camaraderie makes for good team chemistry. Amedee finds it unique. “That’s kind of what makes us a little different; you don’t see that in college teams all the time – where kids care about each other,” he said. “When you recruit kids, you can’t dictate whether or not they get along. We don’t have any arguments or issues. These guys like each other.” That carries over into execution. “We’ve been shooting the ball well in scrimmages,” Amedee said. “You know, guys are making extra passes, actually trying to get it to each other for a better shot.” The Bulldogs’ three freshmen are 5-10 guard Tyree Lomax from Baton Rouge, 6-0 guard Donchevell Nugent from Newburgh, New York, and 6-9 forward Oleg Samokhvalov from Moscow, Russia. Eight of the 14 players on Clarendon’s roster are listed as guards, and Amedee sees an increased role for those players. Because of various departures, Amedee doesn’t have the size he had planned on. “We’re a little smaller, so we’re figuring out a way to play three or four of those guards because I think we’re more of a guard-oriented team,” he said. “We’ve got more good guards than we had last year.” CLARENDON COLLEGE BULLDOGS SCHEDULE Date Opponent Nov. 1 Nov. 3 Nov. 4 Nov. 6 Nov. 9 Nov. 10 Nov. 12 Nov. 16 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 28 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Jan. 3 Jan. 4 Jan. 7 Jan. 10 Jan. 17 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 4 Feb. 7 Feb. 11 Feb .18 Feb. 21 Feb. 25 Feb. 28

74

@ Wayland Baptist University @ Panola College @ Lamar State-Port Arthur Lewisville Lamar Community College Creating Young Minds Wayland Baptist University JV Lamar Community College @ Lamar, Colorado Cowley College @ Arkansas City, Kansas @ Coffeyville Community College Western Oklahoma JC @ Altus, Oklahoma New Mexico Military Institute @ Midland Community College Western Oklahoma JC Redlands Community College Sunrise Christian @ Hobbs, New Mexico Snow College @ Hobbs, New Mexico Western Texas Howard Community College @ Big Spring New Mexico JC @ Hobbs, New Mexico @ Odessa Community College South Plains College Frank Phillips Community College New Mexico Military Institute @ Roswell, NM Midland Community College Western Texas @ Snyder Howard Community College New Mexico JC Odessa Community College South Plains College @ Levelland Frank Phillips Community College @ Borger

College

Time

6 p.m. 12 p.m. 10 a.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 12 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 4 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Last year’s team did well because the team acted the right way and figured out a way to win, according to Amedee. Asked if he was satisfied with last year’s performance, the thirdyear Clarendon coach hesitated a few seconds before replying. “Yeah, I think the longer you coach, and having gone to Hutchinson (for the NJCAA national tournament) a couple of times before, that’s always the goal. I think I was satisfied with the development of the players. We were competitive in our games,” he said. “The older I get, I need to look at that more than wins and losses. I wish we would have played a little better at the region tournament. We kinda laid an egg. But those things can go either way.” The Bulldogs had winning streaks of seven and four games (twice) in a rather seesaw season. They never lost more than three in a row. Amedee used a lot of starting lineups last year. Expect more of the same. “We could start any five,” he said. “Just have to see who jells.” Amedee sees everyday practice habits as a key for success this season. “Because we have so many returners and transfers that have bought in, I think we’re in a good place right now,” he said. “But we need to push each other every day. If you become complacent, you know a little bit of this or that, and you lose a game by two or three points. That’s part of the big picture. The margin for error is so small.” Amedee came to Clarendon from Hill College, where he was an assistant to Swede Trenkle when the Hillsboro school took third in the 2015 NJCAA national tournament. Previously, he had been an assistant at Dodge City JC in Kansas. In between the Dodge City and Hill College jobs, the Baton Rouge native returned to his hometown and coached Hosanna Christian Academy, a high school, for two years. The Nicholls State University graduate still has strong Louisiana connections as four of his current Bulldogs hail from that state. Two are from Baton Rouge. Amedee’s Clarendon coaching record is 44-47 overall, 13-35 in the conference. The Bulldogs will open their season Nov. 3 against Panola College in the East/West Challenge in Lewisville. The home opener is Nov. 6 against Lamar, Colo., Community College.

Panhandle-Plains Basketball thanks the college media specialists who make this section possible. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Clarendon College Women

Lady Bulldogs have a different look By DAVE WOHLFARTH When Mark James contemplates his third season as the Lady Bulldogs’ coach, he gets completely different vibes than he had a year ago. “It’s just about the opposite of where we were last year,” James said. “We’re a lot less experienced and have a bunch of freshmen.” Transition is an ongoing factor in junior college basketball, but basic math bears him out. Last season Clarendon had nine sophomores and six freshmen on its roster; this season it’s five sophomores and 10 freshmen. More important, last year James had three full-time returning starters and three reserves from the previous season. This year he has no returning starters and only two players with considerable game minutes. That experience factor was huge last season. The Lady Bulldogs were 20-10 overall and 4-10 in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference, tied for fifth place. Twenty wins! When’s the last time a Clarendon College women’s team had 20 wins in a season? “I don’t know,” James said. “Somebody had told me it had been well over a decade. I don’t know how accurate that is, but I heard that from a couple of old-timers in town.” Regardless of the history, he’s proud of his 2017-18 team reaching the 20-win plateau. And it certainly was a huge improvement over his 12-18, 1-13 conference, first season. “Twenty wins is tough with our schedule. We probably played in one of the toughest conferences in America, if not the toughest. We made some long road trips. We beat some really good teams,” James said. “Overall, looking back at the season, it was a little disappointing we didn’t make our ultimate goal of making the playoffs, but when you win 20 games in college basketball, we’re not going to apologize for that. So we felt good about it.” The Lady Bulldogs were in the hunt for a playoff berth until Name Lexi Escobal Gerlaysha Piggee Kai-Lee Valentine Crosbi Jentsch Coretta Hopkins Tyrah Owens Mahogany Nails Kea Mays Bailey Lightfoot Jemma Bennett Kaleigh Stolz Kelzie Orr Taryn Howard Carria Smith J’Kimbria Criss

Clarendon Lady Bulldogs Roster Ht. 5-3 5-4 5-4 5-6 5-8 5-6 5-6 5-7 5-11 5-9 5-11 5-8 6-0 6-1 6-0

Coach: Mark James 2017-2018 record: 20-10, 4-10 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Class Soph. Fr. Soph. Fr. Soph. Fr. Fr. Fr. Soph. Fr. Soph. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.

Lexi Escobal

Kaleigh Stolz

Kea Mays

Bailey Lightfoot

Mahogany Nails

they lost a 70-63 Feb. 22 game at Odessa College. Exactly a month earlier, Clarendon had beaten Odessa 84-78 at home. “We had beaten them at our place, so we felt good about it,” James said. “We were up with about 45 seconds to go. Odessa made some really good plays, and we didn’t.” The Lady Bulldogs had lost a couple of conference road games before going to Odessa. After that defeat, they finished the season on a down note. They lost their last two games at home, ending the season on a five-loss skid. “That (the loss at Odessa) eliminated us from the playoffs and took the wind out of our sails a little bit because we’d been so close all year long, and that was our goal – to make the playoffs,” James said. “It was really tough that last couple of games. I think they were geared up for something the whole season, then got eliminated from it.” Still, it was a good season and a successful one, according to James. “The best part of it was that we did it what I consider the right way,” he said. “We had a bunch of really good kids that went to class, and we had the fifth-highest GPA in the country. We didn’t have any off-the-floor issues. That’s a bunch of really good kids that won a lot of basketball games, so that made it a really fun season for us.” One of those “really good kids” fulfilled her dream by signing with Texas Tech to play for the Red Raiders this fall. Mia Castaneda from Hereford is the first Lady Bulldog to move to a Division I team in many a moon. “She’s been at their basketball camps, been a fan of theirs, so she was really excited and we’re excited for her,” James said. (Continued on next page)

College

75

(Continued from previous page)

“And talk about a kid that does everything right — a 4.0 student, a great leader in the community. She’s been here two years and was a two-time all-conference player, scored over 1,000 points for us, just what you want to build your program around.” Castaneda, a 5-6 guard, was CC’s second-leading scorer last season at 15.8 points a game. She also made 90 3-point shots. Ja’Vonda Daniels, a 5-7 guard, topped the Lady Bulldogs in scoring at 17.9 and assists (4.2 per game). She transferred from Independence Community College in Kansas and earned allconference honors alongside Castaneda. Now she’s at Emporia State University in Kansas. Last season’s other sophomore starters were 5-7 guard Chauntel Acosta (6.3 ppg), 5-9 forward Lizet Sosa (5.6 ppg) and 5-9 forward Baily Shelor (7.3 ppg). Castaneda, Acosta and Sosa started the year before. Daniels and Shelor (Dodge City CC in Kansas) transferred in. Now they’re all gone. Acosta, from Hereford, signed with LeTourneau University in Longview. Reserves Aleiyah Brantley (3 ppg) and Daijah Henry (6.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg) both moved to Huston-Tillotson University in Austin. Keyahna Jones, a 6-2 forward who came off the bench to lead the team in rebounds at 5.4 rpg, is at the Mississippi University for Women. For the second straight year, James started the same five players, although different players from the previous season, for all 30 Lady Bulldog games. “It’s amazing,” he said. “We just liked the chemistry of those five. And a lot of that was because three of those starters were back from the year before and we were able to bring in the two transfers.” This season, he has little such experience to bank on. Only Lexi Escobal and Kaleigh Stolz saw extensive playing time last season. Escobal, a 5-3 sophomore guard representing CC’s Hereford Connection, appeared in 28 games and scored 2.8 ppg. Stolz, a 5-11 sophomore forward from Kingfisher, Oklahoma, played in all 30 games with 5.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg stats. “We’re going to lean on Kaleigh and Lexi because they’re the only two that have any kind of playing experience,” James said. Technically, two other Lady Bulldogs are back from last year, but injuries had sidelined both. Kea Mays, a 5-7 guard, tore her Achilles last year and missed the whole season. So the Oklahoman is a redshirt freshman. Bailey Lightfoot, a 5-11 sophomore forward from Prosper, injured a knee early in the season and didn’t play until the final nine games, averaging 2.6 ppg. Two transfers may help fill the gaps. Kai-Lee Valentine, a 5-9 sophomore forward from Houston, transferred from Angelina College. “We anticipate her having a big role on this team,” James said. “She’s really been good for us so far.” Coretta Hopkins, a 5-8 sophomore forward, transferred from Hutchinson Community College in Kansas. “She has some college playing experience,” James said. That leaves 10 freshmen on the roster, causing James to comment: “It will be interesting, that’s for sure.” Freshman Mahogany Nails, a 5-7 guard, was all-district at Plainview last season. Jemma Bennett is a 5-9 freshman forward from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Three freshmen — Taryn 76

College

Kai-Lee Valentine

Jemma Bennett

Coretta Hopkins

Carria Smith

Taryn Howard

J’Kimbria Criss

Howard (McAlester, Oklahoma), Carria Smith (Memphis, Tennessee) and J’Kimbria Criss (Tyler) — are six-footers. James said he plans to lean on his sophomores “to kinda mentor these freshmen and mold them into what we like to do around here.” James foresees a difference in his team’s offense this season. “Last year we were No. 2 in the country in 3-point percentage (.428) and also in 3-pointers made (315). We had four of the top seven 3-point shooters in the conference, so we looked to shoot the ball quite a bit last year,” he said. “Not to say we won’t do it this year, but we’re a little bigger. We’ve got some pretty decent size that we like. We may not get up and down the court and score as many points and shoot as many 3s as we did, but hopefully we’ll be a little better down on the post. And hopefully we’ll be a little better on post defense as well.” James is concerned about the Lady Bulldogs’ ability to score. He’s not been impressed in early scrimmages and practices. So that ties into his keys for success this season. “Our keys will be how well we can shoot it; that will definitely help,” he said. “And we’re going to need to find some leadership and need to find it pretty quick. We need some people who can calm us down on the floor. Right now we don’t have any of that so we’re going to need to find a couple of leaders, and then I think we’ll be OK.” New Mexico JC, South Plains, Odessa and Midland make up a top echelon in the WJCAC, according to James. “That’s gonna be a pretty tough four to crack,” he said. “The second four, ourselves included ... You know, we’re a little unknown.” James, a native of Council Grove, Kansas, and a graduate of Emporia State, coached at two Kansas community colleges — Allen and Dodge City — before coming to Clarendon. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

CLARENDON COLLEGE LADY BULLDOGS SCHEDULE Date Opponent Oct. 13 Oct. 24 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 2 Nov. 6 Nov. 7 Nov. 9 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 15 Nov. 16 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 28 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Jan. 7 Jan. 10 Jan. 17 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 28 Feb. 4 Feb. 7 Feb. 11 Feb. 18 Feb. 21 Feb. 25 Feb. 28

Time

SW Women’s JUCO Showcase @ Frisco TBA Seward Co. Community College @ Liberal, KS 2 p.m. Cameron University 2 p.m. Mid America Christian 6 p.m. Trinidad State Junior College 5 p.m. Lamar Community College 6 p.m. Otero Junior College 6 p.m. @ Phoenix College – Native American Classic 2:30 p.m. Tohono O’odham Community College @ Phoenix College – Native American Classic 3 p.m. @ Lamar Community College 6 p.m. San Antonio College @ Beeville – Coastal Bend Classic 8 p.m. @ Coastal Bend College 5 p.m. Blinn College @ Beeville – Coastal Bend Classic 1 p.m. @ SWCID 5 p.m. Western Oklahoma State College 5:30 p.m. @ Otero Junior College 7 p.m. @ Midland College 2 p.m. @ Western Oklahoma State College 5:30 p.m. @ Mid America Christian 6:30 p.m. @ Trinidad State Junior College 2 p.m. Western Texas College @ Clarendon 5:45 p.m. @ Howard College 5:45 p.m. @ New Mexico Junior College 5:45 p.m. @ Odessa College 5:45 p.m. South Plains College 5:45 p.m. Frank Phillips College 5:45 p.m. Midland College 5:45 p.m. Western Texas College @ Snyder 5:45 p.m. Howard College 5:45 p.m. New Mexico Junior College 5:45 p.m. Odessa College 5:45 p.m. @ South Plains College 5:45 p.m. @ Frank Phillips College 5:45 p.m.

Mia Castaneda, a 5-6 guard from Hereford, was the first player in many years to transfer from Clarendon College to a Division 1 school. After her sophomore year as a Lady Bulldog in 2017-18, Castaneda moved on to Texas Tech, which she had followed since childhood and where she had attended youth basketball camps. She made 90 three-point shots while averaging 15.8 points a game. Castaneda was all-conference both years at Clarendon and scored more than 1,000 points.

You are invited to the 61st Annual Ceremony of the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019 Grand Plaza Amarillo Civic Center Induction of the New Hall of Fame Honorees Recognition of Athletes of the Year Coaches of the Year and More Awards (Ceremony is about 1½ hours with light food buffet.) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

College

77

78

College

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2017-2018 Postseason Results Boys Region 1 Tournaments Class 6A Quarterfinals: North Crowley 71, Arlington Martin 58; Allen 65, Killeen Ellison 54; Odessa Permian 47, Arlington Bowie 43; Denton Guyer 79, South Grand Prairie 77 Semifinals: Allen 73, North Crowley 67; Denton Guyer 58, Odessa Permian 48 Finals: Allen 40, Denton Guyer 36 Class 5A Quarterfinals: Amarillo High 44, El Paso Andress 43; Fort Worth Wyatt 56, Wichita Falls Rider 42; Randall 41, El Paso Eastlake 39; Northwest 55, Fort Worth Southwest 41 Semifinals: Amarillo High 51, Fort Worth Wyatt 32; Northwest 57, Randall 46 Finals: Northwest 60, Amarillo High 56 Class 4A Quarterfinals: Seminole 61, Levelland 46; Midlothian 85, Burkburnett 82; Lubbock Estacado 91, Monahans 46; Abilene Wylie 58, Wichita Falls Hirschi 52 Semifinals: Seminole 60, Midlothian 57; Abilene Wylie 74, Lubbock Estacado 70 Finals: Seminole 62, Abilene Wylie 42 Class 3A Quarterfinals: Crane 54, Wall 44; Bowie 68, Peaster 42; Shallowater 55, Canadian 47; Brock 73, Jim Ned 34 Semifinals: Bowie 64, Crane 39; Brock 40, Shallowater 39 Finals: Bowie 54, Brock 47 Class 2A Quarterfinals: Stratford 58, Sanford-Fritch 55; Forsan 61, Morton 42; West Texas High 60, Memphis 39; McCamey 70, Albany 67 Semifinals: Stratford 59, Forsan 44; West Texas High 67, McCamey 46 Finals: West Texas High 56, Stratford 45 Class 1A Quarterfinals: Nazareth 49, McLean 40; New Home 48, Whitharral 44; Happy 71, Booker 40; Valley 64, Paducah 34 Semifinals: Nazareth 58, New Home 37; Happy 54, Valley 50 Finals: Nazareth 48, Happy 46 State Tournaments Class 6A Semifinals: Allen 70, Austin Westlake 55; Katy Tompkins 80, South Garland 76 (OT) Finals: Allen 49, Katy Tompkins 47 (OT) Class 5A Semifinals: Port Arthur Memorial 61, Midlothian 49; Northwest 65, San Antonio Alamo Heights 54 Finals: Port Arthur Memorial 75, Northwest 69 Class 4A Semifinals: Dallas Carter 80, Seminole 62; Silsbee 80, Somerset 61 Finals: Silsbee 104, Dallas Carter 101 Class 3A Semifinals: Bowie 59, Grandview 43; Mount Vernon 63, Santa Rosa 54 Finals: Bowie 32, Mount Vernon 28 Class 2A Semifinals: West Texas High 70, Shelbyville 60; Thorndale 39, Muenster 35 Finals: West Texas High 61, Thorndale 55 Class 1A Semifinals: Lipan 77, Leggett 41; Nazareth 54, Borden County 44 Finals: Lipan 49, Nazareth 42 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Girls Region 1 Tournaments Class 6A Quarterfinals: Arlington Bowie 73, Tascosa 58; Duncanville 62, Allen 43; Frenship 62, Midland Lee 50; Plano 53, Cedar Hill 43 Semifinals: Duncanville 66, Arlington Bowie 45; Plano 64, Frenship 49 Finals: Plano 60, Duncanville 48 Class 5A Quarterfinals: Canyon 43, Randall 25; Colleyville Heritage 50, Trimble Tech 42; Amarillo High 62, Plainview 41; Boswell 72, Denison 58 Semifinals: Canyon 34, Colleyville Heritage 33; Amarillo High 55, Boswell 37 Finals: Amarillo High 34, Canyon 27 Class 4A Quarterfinals: Denver City 61, Midland Greenwood 45; Glen Rose 56, Kennedale 42; Levelland 56, Seminole 24; Abilene Wylie 63, Stephenville 45 Semifinals: Denver City 44, Glen Rose 33; Abilene Wylie 51, Levelland 48 Finals: Denver City 44, Abilene Wylie 41 Class 3A Quarterfinals: Roosevelt 42, Wall 37; Brock 39, Jim Ned 35; Idalou 48, Canadian 42; Colorado City 58, Peaster 56 Semifinals: Brock 39, Roosevelt 33; Colorado City 61, Idalou 52 Finals: Brock 42, Colorado City 31 Class 2A Quarterfinals: Claude 46, Vega 41; Haskell 40, Forsan 26; Panhandle 52, Stratford 49; Sundown 40, Christoval 23 Semifinals: Claude 43, Haskell 36; Panhandle 53, Sundown 32 Finals: Claude 41, Panhandle 36 Class 1A Quarterfinals: Nazareth 71, McLean 53; Ropes 48, Whiteface 23; Happy 56, Silverton 41; Jayton 38, Whitharral 30 Semifinals: Nazareth 40, Ropes 31; Jayton 30, Happy 22 Finals: Nazareth 67, Jayton 37 State Tournaments Class 6A Semifinals: Plano 64, Cypress Creek 53; Converse Judson 71, Garland Sachse 66 Finals: Plano 62, Converse Judson 58 Class 5A Semifinals: Mansfield Timberview 62, Kerrville Tivy 43; Amarillo High 48, Temple 34 Finals: Amarillo High 59, Mansfield Timberview 54 Class 4A Semifinals: Argyle 62, Houston Wheatley 46; San Antonio Veterans Memorial 57, Denver City 51 Finals: Argyle 60, San Antonio Veterans Memorial 41 Class 3A Semifinals: Marlin 59, Vanderbilt Industrial 42; Mount Vernon 46, Brock 37 Finals: Mount Vernon 51, Marlin 47 Class 2A Semifinals: Martin’s Mill 78, Mason 45; La Rue La Poynor 44, Claude 41 Finals: Martin’s Mill 58, La Rue La Poyner 51 Class 1A Semifinals: Dodd City 73, Slocum 44; Nazareth 64, Hermleigh 39 Finals: Nazareth 56, Dodd City 43

High School

79

Panhandle-Plains

1

ST TEAM

Jake Gerber 6-4 Nazareth Sr.

Da’Kevon Blaylock 6-4 New Deal Sr.

80

Jalin Conyers 6-5 Gruver Jr. Super Teams

Blair Conwright 6-1 Coronado Sr.

Robby Devries 6-0 Dalhart Jr.

Akuel Kot 6-1 Palo Duro Sr.

Chris Wilson 6-1 Caprock Sr.

Qua Butler 5-11 Monterey Sr.

Bryson Daily 6-1 Abernathy Jr.

2

ND TEAM

Mohamed Musa 5-6 Palo Duro Sr. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Basketball Super Teams

Cassandra Awatt 5-9 Frenship Sr.

Lainey Choate 5-9 Panhandle Sr.

Blakely Gerber 5-11 Nazareth Sr.

Ashlyn Shelley 5-8 Idalou Sr.

2

ND TEAM

Kamry Perez 5-4 Randall Sr. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Cambrie Heiman 5-10 Nazareth Jr.

Ayana Segrest 6-0 Coronado Sr.

1

ST TEAM

Zayla Tinner 5-10 Amarillo High Jr.

Ashlyn Milton 5-10 Amarillo High Sr.

Savannah Sumrall 5-9 Wellington Sr. Super Teams

81

It’s Gruver again! Like last year, those who sold and bought advertising for the Greyhounds and Lady Hounds section achieved the highest sales total of all the schools in the 2018-19 edition of the magazine! A close second this year was Panhandle, selling ads supporting the Panthers and Pantherettes! For having the highest sales total and submitting its ads by the early deadline, Gruver will receive 50 percent of the total funds! (Normal percentage is 40 percent; normal early deadline percentage is 45 percent.) Your sales benefit your team or organization and enable the 46-year magazine tradition to continue.

Think ahead to the 2019-20 edition.

82

6A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

6

A

TEAMS AT A GLANCE PRESEASON PICKS

District 2-6A Boys 1. Odessa Permian 2. Frenship 3. Tascosa 4. Midland / Midland Lee 6. Odessa

District 2-6A Girls 1. Tascosa / Frenship 3. Midland / Midland Lee 5. Odessa Permian 6. Odessa

6

A

HONOR ROLL

6A Boys Calaway Dykes, Frenship, 6-2, Soph.; Javier Rios, Frenship, 6-3, Sr.; Noble Robinson, Frenship, 6-3, Jr.; Payton Dickerson, Tascosa, 6-2, Sr.; Isaiah Johnson, Tascosa, 5-9, Jr. 6A Girls Cassandra Awatt, Frenship, 5-9, Sr.; Ashton Beeles, Frenship, 5-7, Sr.; Avery Dear, Frenship, 5-11, Sr.; Abre Godfrey, Frenship,

5-10, Sr.; Addison Wilson, Frenship, 5-11, Sr.; Ashlyn Caddel, Frenship, 5-7, Jr.; Maci Maddox, Frenship, 5-8, Jr.; Alexis Murguia, Tascosa, 5-6, Sr.; Zharia Howard, Tascosa, 5-7, Sr.; Alexis Wall, Tascosa, 5-6, Sr.; Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant, Tascosa, 6-2, Sr.; Mykayla Owenby, Tascosa, 5-9, Sr.; Jessalyn Gonzales, Tascosa, 5-6, Soph.; Aubry Nash, Tascosa, 5-8, Jr.; Jada Miller, Tascosa, 5-9, Jr.; Cenedee Valdez, Tascosa, 5-9, Jr.

District 2-6A Tigers have experience at guard

Frenship Boys

With three starters back, the Tigers will look to improve on last year’s 16-18 season. All three play in the backcourt. “After gaining valuable experience at the guard position last season, we are excited for what this group brings in terms of maturity coming into this season,” Coach Paul Page said. “We should have a good balance of perimeter shooting and inside play that should give us offensive flexibility. We look to continue to play fast and use tempo to our advantage.” Frenship finished fourth in District 2-6A and qualified for the playoffs last season, losing to El Paso Americas 54-29 in bidistrict. Among the departing seniors on last year’s team were firstteam all-district Jack Kirkpatrick and second-team all-district Ryan Bennett. But guards Calaway Dykes, Noble Robinson and Javier Rios return for the Tigers. Dykes, a 6-2 sophomore, averaged 13.6 points and connected on 52 percent of his 3-point attempts. He was the district newcomer of the year and a first-team all-district selection. Robinson, a 6-3 junior, averaged 5.1 points and 3 assists from his point guard position. He was second-team all-district. Rios, a 6-3 senior, solidifies what Page considers a team strength, depth at guard. Perimeter shooting and athleticism also are strong points for the Tigers, he said. Page cites possible team weaknesses as overall team height and depth at the post position. Page, a graduate of Aspermont High School and Angelo State University, is beginning his fifth season at Frenship. He previously 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Calaway Dykes

Javier Rios

Noble Robinson

Drew Turnbow

J’Marqus Lewis

coached at Rule, Olney, Roby and Seminole. His Seminole teams won 40 district games in a row and seven district championships. His overall boys coaching record is 323-271. District 2-6A is one of the few unaltered by UIL realignment. Tascosa, Midland, Midland Lee, Odessa and Odessa Permian remain Frenship’s conference foes. (Continued on page 85)

6A

83

Name Cassandra Awatt Ashton Beeles Avery Dear Abre Godfrey Rylee Jordan Alyssa Mesquias Diamond Washington Corinne Whitaker Addison Wilson Ashlyn Caddel Maci Maddox Kaylee Rendon Avery Walker-Henry Airron Gaydon Riley Roberts

Frenship Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 G Sr. 5-7 G Sr. 5-11 P Sr. 5-10 P Sr. 6-0 P Sr. 5-2 G Sr. 5-10 P Sr. 5-9 P Sr. 5-11 G/P Sr. 5-7 G Jr. 5-8 G Jr. 5-7 G Jr. 5-7 G Jr. 5-10 G Soph. 5-7 G Soph.

Coach: Trent Hilliard Asst. Coaches: Sharon Beam, Lauren Abbott, Caleb Loper 2017-2018 record: 30-8, 8-2 School phone: 866-4440 84

6A

Name Devin Hartfield Brandon Barinque Calaway Dykes Javier Rios Noble Robinson Drew Turnbow Skyler Newsome Zach Sims Jordan Palmer

Frenship Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 G Soph. 5-11 G Sr. 6-2 G Soph. 6-3 G Sr. 6-3 G Jr. 6-6 F Jr. 6-4 F Sr. 5-10 G Sr. 6-3 F Jr.

Coach: Paul Page Asst. Coaches: Sean Allen, Ryan Dykes 2017-2018 record: 16-18, 4-6 School phone: 866-9336, ext. 212 Players to watch: Calaway Dykes, Javier Rios, Noble Robinson

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from page 83)

The Tigers will open their season Nov. 13 at Amarillo High. They’ll play in their own Gene Messer Shootout in Wolfforth, the Keller ISD and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. District play commences Jan. 11. DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 9 Nov. 13 Nov. 15-17 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4

Frenship Schedule

Opponent Abilene Wylie Randall Amarillo High Frenship Tournament Abilene Cooper Abilene High Plainview Idalou Palo Duro Gene Messer Shootout Burleson Tournament Seminole

Place B G Here X Here X There X X Here X Here X Here X Here X Here X There X Here X There X There X X

Dec. 6-8 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Keller ISD Tournament Midland Greenwood Hereford Lubbock Cooper Portales Lubbock Coronado Canyon Caprock Tournament Snyder Abilene Wylie Odessa High Midland High Odessa Permian Tascosa Midland Lee Odessa High Midland High Tascosa Odessa Permian Midland Lee Odessa High Midland High

There X Here There X Here X There There X There Lubbock X There X Here X Here There Here X There X Here X There X Here X Here X There X There X Here X There X

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Frenship Girls

Record-setters look loaded again It was a record-setting year for the Tigers. Not only did Coach Trent Hilliard notch his 300th career coaching victory, but his team also posted the first 30-win season in school history, reached the regionals for the third time in school history and became back-toback district champions for the first time since 2009-10. Oh yes, the Tigers qualified for the playCassandra Awatt offs for the 16th straight year. Entering last season, Hilliard needed only two wins to reach the magic 300 number. He got it in Frenship’s third game, a 48-43 win over Claude at Wolfforth. Hilliard, who was the sixth man on Monterey’s 30-4 regional finalists in 1984-85, has coached girls teams for 15 years and now owns a 328-184 career record. The Texas Tech University grad coached at Wellington, then Lubbock Cooper before moving to Frenship five years ago. By reaching that plateau, Hilliard gives Frenship two 300-win basketball coaches. Boys Coach Paul Page recorded his 300th two years ago. Hilliard’s Tigers won the Burleson Tournament, then took 8 of 10 District 2-6A games, giving them the league co-championship with Tascosa. In the playoffs, Frenship defeated El Paso El Dorado 51-42 in bidistrict, North Crowley 58-52 in the area round and Midland Lee 62-50 in the regional quarterfinals. Plano stopped Frenship 64-49 in the regional semifinals. That capped a 30-8 season for the Tigers. Haleigh Elliott, second-team all-district, and Leandra Sepeda, the two seniors on last year’s team, have moved on. And junior Katelin Heise, another second-team all-district pick, has opted to concentrate on soccer this year. However, the Tigers have lots of experience coming back. Leading the way is 5-9 senior guard Cassandra Awatt, who averaged 14.1 points, 9 rebounds and 2.5 assists last season. She 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Maci Maddox

Abre Godfrey

Addison Wilson

was TGCA all-state, MVP in the TGCA all-star game, TABC all-region, LoneStar Varsity Lubbock Area player of the year, first-team on the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal all-area team, district co-defensive player of the year and first-team all-district. Maci Maddox, a 5-8 junior guard, posted 8.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 5 apg credentials in earning TGCA all-state, TABC all-region, second-team AJ all-area team and first-team all-district. Abre Godfrey, a 5-10 senior post (5 ppg, 6.6 rpg), was firstteam all-district. So was Addison Wilson, a 5-11 senior guard/ post (9.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg). Those four started last year and averaged. 38.5 points per game as a unit. Another honored returnee is Ashton Beeles, a 5-7 senior guard (5.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg). She was first-team all-district and the District 2-6A sixth player of the year. The Tigers even have additional depth in Ashlyn Caddel, a 5-7 junior guard who played only eight games before suffering an injury last season. Avery Dear, a 5-11 senior post, missed all of last season because of injury. Dear is the daughter of former Frenship Coach Jason Dear. Hilliard tabs Await, Maddox and Wilson as all-state candidates. Godfrey, Wilson, Beeles, Caddel and Avery Dear are other outstanding players to watch, according to their coach. Hilliard lists depth as a major team strength. “We have 11 players with varsity experience,” he said. “We (Continued on next page)

6A

85

(Continued from previous page)

will be athletic at every position. Team attitude is great. These kids love to play, love to compete, and love each other.” He’s concerned about height because the Tigers have no 6-footers. “We will have to be very fundamental in our rebounding and defense,” he said. “We must become more consistent shooters at every position.” If the Tigers are missing some stripes, it will be the difficulty of meshing everyone together. “With so many returners and adding new faces, it will be a challenge to maintain team chemistry,” Hilliard said. “We have to have buy-in from everyone for their role on the team in order for us to have the type of season we are capable of having.” The Tigers will begin their season Nov. 6 at home against Abilene Wylie. They’ll participate in the Frenship, Burleson and Lubbock Caprock tourneys.

Ashton Beeles

Ashlyn Caddel

Avery Dear

Tascosa Boys

Rebels keep rolling, rolling, rolling, rolling The Rebels had another strong season last year, finishing 2312 overall and 6-4 in District 2-6A, good for third place. Earlier, they had captured consolation titles in the Dallas Jesuit and Byron Nelson Holiday tournaments. They defeated El Paso Pebble Hills 76-74 in bidistrict before bowing to North Crowley 77-56 in the area round. Nevertheless, that marked the fifth straight 20-plus win season under Coach Steve Jackson. Included in that run was a 25-2 season in 2013-14 and a spectacular 31-1 campaign in 2015-16. In that five-year span, the Rebels have won 124 and lost only 28, an .816 winning percentage. Last year marked the first time the Rebs lost more than 10 games in a season during that stretch. Three key players – first-team all-district Cameron Brown and J’Sean Miller and second-team all-district Clark Davidson – have moved on from last year’s squad. Bennie “B.J.” Anderson, a 6-4 senior forward, heads a group of six returnees this season. Anderson was a second-team alldistrict selection last season. Payton Dickerson, a 6-2 senior guard, and Isaiah Johnson,

Name Bennie Anderson Payton Dickerson Javin Tsago Dekendrick Alexander Isaiah Johnson Donnie Sutton

Tascosa Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-4 F Sr. 6-2 G Sr. 5-8 G Sr. 6-0 G Jr. 5-9 G Jr. 5-9 G Jr.

Coach: Steve Jackson Asst. Coaches: Keenan Hooker, Jason Underwood, Jason Powers 2017-2018 record: 23-12, 6-4 School phone: 326-2656 Players to watch: Payton Dickerson, Isaiah Johnson 86

6A

BJ Anderson

Payton Dickerson

Isaiah Johnson

a 5-9 junior guard, are the other outstanding players to watch, according to Jackson. Anderson, Dickerson and Johnson all started last year. Rounding out the returnees are 5-8 senior guard Javin Tsago, 6-0 junior guard Dekendrick “D.K.” Alexander and 5-9 junior guard Donnie Sutton. The experience evidenced by six returnees, plus speed and quickness, are the Rebels’ strengths in Jackson’s estimation. He is concerned about youth, size, leadership and replacing the graduates. “Finding leadership among the returning players and meeting expectations” are the keys for success this season, he said. Jackson is coaching at his alma mater, where he was an alldistrict player. The Rebels reached the playoffs all four of his high school years. Later, he played for two Lone Star Conference championship teams at West Texas A&M University. He was the LSC defensive player of the year in 2006. He’s beginning his eighth season at Tascosa with a 157-51 boys coaching record. That’s a .755 winning percentage. Before coming to Tascosa, Jackson was an assistant at Palo Duro for three years. Tascosa’s District 2-6A remains the same, one of the few that did, after UIL realignment. Other members of the far-flung (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

district are Midland High, Midland Lee, Odessa High, Odessa Permian and Wolfforth Frenship. The Rebels will open their season at home Nov. 13 against Caprock. They’ll play in the Knights of Columbus (Dallas), Keller ISD and Byron Nelson (Trophy Club) tournaments.

Javin Tsago.jpg

DK Alexander

Donnie Sutton

Tascosa Girls

Lady Rebels in a repetitive cycle After a 15-year drouth, the Lady Rebels have reached the regional quarterfinals for two straight seasons. Last year’s team duplicated the previous year’s 23-10 overall record. The Lady Rebels tied for first in District 2-6A with an 8-2 mark. Tascosa defeated El Paso Eastwood 54-51 in bidistrict and Fort Worth Timber Creek 66-40 in the area game before bowing to Arlington Bowie 73-58 in the regional quarterfinals. Ka’Lia Smith, all-state, Amarillo Globe-News Girls Super Team member and two-time district MVP, is the major departure. The 6-2 Smith averaged 21 points and 13 rebounds last season. Smith will be difficult to replace, but Coach Betsy Baughman has six honored players, including four starters, returning, and a total of 11 letter winners. “We have several returning juniors and seniors, and they have all played a lot of minutes,” she said. “They have the ability to be a great team this year with teamwork and communication skills improving. Also, they have the ability to run the floor well.” The four returning starters are: • Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant, a 6-2 senior post who averaged 6 points and 6.2 rebounds last season and was the district newcomer of the year; • Alexis Murguia, a 5-6 senior point guard with 6 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.4 assists per game, was first-team all-district; • Jada Miller, a 5-9 junior guard (9 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg), was first-team all-district; • Cenedee Valdez, a 5-9 junior post (6 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg), was second-team all-district. In addition, Jessalyn Gonzales, a 5-6 sophomore point guard

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Jayjanna Pleasant

Alexis Murguia

Jada Miller

Cenedee Valdez

Jessalyn Gonzales

Aubry Nash

(5 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg), was second-team all-district, and Aubry Nash, a 5-8 junior guard (4 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg), was all-district honorable mention. Baughman touts McGhee-Pleasant and Murguia as all-state candidates. The others, along with 5-9 senior post Mykayla Owenby (2 ppg, 5 rpg), 5-7 senior point guard Zharia Howard (Continued on next page)

6A

87

(Continued from previous page)

(2 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg) and 5-6 senior point guard Alexis Wall (4 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2 apg) are players to watch. An area of concern for Baughman is her players staying focused when experiencing adversity. Baughman outlined several keys for success this season. “To stay focused for four quarters on the little things and work together as a team,” she said. “The Lady Rebels have improved a lot in the past few years, and I take great pride in that. The girls are working hard in the system we have provided and are always improving. I look forward to a great year.” Baughman, a graduate of Groom High School and West Texas A&M University, is beginning her seventh season at Tascosa and 26th as a head basketball coach. She previously coached at Happy, Seagraves, Merkel, Crawford and Mineral Wells, In high school she was on basketball and track teams that qualified for the regionals all four years. She was all-state, allregion, all-district and a Golden Spread all-star in basketball. She played for Coach Bob Schneider at WT. Her daughter, Brooke Walthall, coaches at Randall. They’ll resume their mother-daughter rivalry Nov. 20 at Tascosa. The Lady Rebels will open their season at Palo Duro Nov. 6. They’ll play in the Burleson Centennial, Canyon Kids Inc. and Weatherford tournaments. Tascosa Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Alexis Murguia 5-6 G Sr. Tasia Gilbreath 6-2 P Sr. Zharia Howard 5-7 G Sr. Alexis Wall 5-6 G Sr. Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant 6-2 P Sr. Sandra Rendon 5-6 G Sr. Mykayla Owenby 5-9 P Sr. Jessalyn Gonzales 5-6 G Soph. Aubry Nash 5-8 G Jr. Jada Miller 5-9 G Jr. Cenedee Valdez 5-9 P Jr. Coach: Betsy Baughman Asst. Coaches: MJ Reneau, Karen Mendoza, Greg Jenkins 2017-2018 record: 23-10, 8-2 School phone: 326-2600 Players to watch: Alexis Murguia, Zharia Howard, Alexis Wall, Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant, Mykayla Owenby, Jessalyn Gonzales, Aubry Nash, Jada Miller, Cenedee Valdez

Tascosa Super Boosters Good Luck Lady Rebels!—Lee Roy, JoDee, Katie, and Shannonuert and Joan Baoly KlemKl Go Terra!—The Johnson and Hearn Family Good Luck this season, ball out!—Love you Have a great season Aubry, we all love you!—Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, Auntie, Jaylen, and Adin

88

6A

Mykayla Owensby

Zharia Howard

Sandra Rendon

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 8-10 Nov. 13 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 1 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Alexis Wall

Montasia Gilbreath

Tascosa Schedule

Opponent Palo Duro Burleson Centennial Abernathy Caprock Randall Levelland Seminole Lubbock Coronado Lubbock Monterey Randall Dalhart Knights of Columbus Tournament Kid’s Inc. Nazareth Keller ISD Tournament Borger Highland Park Lubbock Estacado Amarillo High Amarillo High Dumas Byron Nelson Tournament Weatherford Tournament Trinity Christian Wichita Falls Hirschi Midland High Odessa Permian Midland Lee Frenship Odessa High Midland High Odessa Permian Frenship Midland Lee Odessa High Midland High Odessa Permian

Place B G There X BCHS X Here X Here X There X There X L. Cooper X There X Here X Here X Here X Dallas X TBA X Here X Keller X Here X There X Here X Here X There X There X Trophy Club X TBA X Here X There X There X Here X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X Here X

Go Anais! We hope you have a Great season! We Love you, our Tascosa Rebel!—Mom & Dad Have a great season! We love you so much!—Mom, Shalayne, and sister Go Rebels! Go Ty’Asia! Go Alexis!—The McConnell Family Always try your best and have a great season Sandra! We love you!—Mom & Dad We back the Tascosa Lady Rebels!—PaPa’s Concessions 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

5

A

TEAMS AT A GLANCE District 3-5A Boys 1. Palo Duro 2. Amarillo High 3. Caprock 4. Randall 5. Lubbock Coronado 6. Lubbock Monterey 7. Lubbock Cooper 8. Plainview 9. Lubbock High

District 3-5A Girls 1. Amarillo High 2. Lubbock Cooper 3. Plainview 4. Randall 5. Lubbock Monterey 6. Palo Duro 7. Caprock 8. Lubbock Coronado 9. Lubbock High

5

A

HONOR ROLL 5A Boys Cooper McLain, Amarillo High, 5-10, Sr.; Brady Bathelemy, Amarillo High, 6-3, Sr.; Max Tarpley, Amarillo High, 5-11, Sr.; Chris Wilson, Caprock, 6-1, Sr.; Tuon Gatkek, Caprock, 6-8, Sr.; Daniel Danielle, Caprock, 6-1, Sr.; Christian Urenda, Caprock, 6-3, Sr.; Lenox Archie, Caprock, 6-1, Sr.; Blair Conwright, Lubbock Coronado, 6-2, Sr.; Caleb Wilborn, Lubbock Coronado, 6-1, Sr.; Qua Butler, Lubbock Monterey, 5-11, Sr.; Dam Grant, Lubbock Monterey, 6-2, Jr.; D.J. Young, Lubbock Monterey, 6-2, Fr.; Akuel Kot, Palo Duro, 6-1, Sr.; Mohamed Musa, Palo Duro, 5-6, Sr.; Ryan Jackson, Plainview, 5-11, Jr.; Damarius White, Plainview, 5-10, Jr.; Odie Woods, Randall, 6-6, Jr.; Jasean Barrow, Randall, 6-2, Jr. 5A Girls Zayla Tinner, Amarillo High, 5-10, Jr.; Ashlyn Milton, Amarillo High, 5-10, Sr.; Madison Stokes, Amarillo High, 5-6, Sr.; Tatym

Barnes, Amarillo High, 5-5, Sr.; Brooke Urban, Amarillo High, 5-9, Sr.; Ansleigh Westlake, Amarillo High, 5-7, Jr.; Savanna Darnell, Amarillo High, 5-5, Sr.; Tyanna Badillo, Caprock, 5-7, Jr.; Amiel Majok, Caprock, 5-10, Jr.; Sydney McColl, Caprock, 6-1, Sr.; Emily Nelson, Caprock, 5-4, Sr.; Sydney Johnson, Caprock, 5-10, Sr.; Ayana Segrest, Lubbock Coronado, 6-0, Sr.; Mirakle Bradley, Lubbock Monterey, 5-1, Soph.; Mia Trevino, Lubbock Monterey, 5-8, Soph.; Sydni Wagoner, Lubbock Monterey, 5-6, Jr.; Tamera Davis, Palo Duro, 5-9, Sr.; Kiara Green, Palo Duro, 5-5, Jr.; Halima Salat, Palo Duro, 5-4, Soph.; Shonda Stiger, Palo Duro, 5-4, Soph.; Aleea Miller, Palo Duro, 5-3, Fr.; Osen Ellis, Plainview, 5-5, Jr.; Taylor Stephenson, Plainview, 5-7, Sr.; Kylie Bennett, Plainview, 5-9, Soph., Jesse Long, Plainview, 5-10, Sr.; Olivia Shannon, Plainview, 5-8, Sr.; Julissa Chavez, Plainview, 5-3, Sr.; Jaclynn Black, Plainview, 5-11, Sr.; Kamry Perez, Randall, 5-4, Sr.; Canton Moreno, Randall, 5-8, Sr.; Bri Ford, Randall, 6-2, Jr.

District 3-5A Sandies made it exciting

Amarillo High Boys

The Sandies had a penchant for winning the close ones late last season. But they fell just a bit short in their final game of the season, losing to Justin Northwest 60-56 in the regional finals. So Amarillo High finished one game away from reaching the state tournament for the second time in five years. The cliffhangers began when Greg Lewis’3-point buzzer-beater gave the Sandies a late-season 40-37 district win over Caprock. AHS won a repeat District 3-5A crown with a 13-1 record. After rolling over Lubbock Monterey 54-35 in bidistrict, the Sandies escaped Canutillo 44-43 in the area round when Nathan Betts hit a 15-footer with 1.7 seconds left. In the regional quarterfinals, Amarillo High trailed El Paso Andress by 18 points before rallying for another one-point victory, 44-43. Again it was Betts with a pair of free throws with 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

15 seconds left. After whipping Fort Worth Wyatt 51-32 in the regional semifinals, the Sandies faced Justin Northwest. Again, they rallied and tied the game with two minutes left before a late Northwest spurt ended their season. It may have been nerve-wracking for AHS Coach Jason Pillion, but he indicated the 30-7 campaign was a rewarding season. “A great group who played very well together,” Pillion said. “The best defensive team I’ve ever coached.” That says a lot, because Pillion is beginning his 14th season as a head coach and 13th at AHS. His Sandies limited opponents to about 40 points a game last season. (Continued on next page)

5A

89

(Continued from previous page)

Three standouts – Betts, Isaac Auvermann and Jake Lambert – were among a large group of seniors on that team. Betts, who averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds a game, now is at Eastern New Mexico University. Betts was all-state, the district MVP, a member of the Amarillo Globe-News Boys Super Team and the player Cooper McLain of the year on the Classes 6A-5A Golden Spread team. Auvermann and Lambert were first-team all-district selections. Those departures leave Pillion with no returning starters, and although he has five letter winners back, they saw scant varsity action. Foremost among the returning seniors are 5-10 point guard Cooper McLain, 6-3 wing Brady Barthelemy (3 ppg) and 5-11 guard Max Tarpley. Pillion says his team’s strength is a “desire to be good.” Inexperience is his main area of concern. The Sandies will include four sophomores and two freshmen on this year’s varsity. The coach said the keys for success this season will be “to take advantage of the nondistrict learning opportunities.” He also said the Sandies must take care of the basketball, rebound as a unit and defend well. Pillion made the 1997-98 Elite 8 team and all-state team as a basketball player at Abilene Cooper. He graduated from West Texas A&M University. He was honored as the district and 6A-5A Golden Spread coach of the year last season. The Sandies will open the season Nov. 9 at home against Canyon, and tournaments will include Justin Northwest, Mansfield and Allen. Amarillo High will remain in District 3-5A but will have a new cast of conference opponents because of UIL realignment. Lubbock High, Lubbock Cooper, Coronado and Monterey join the district, replacing Canyon, Hereford and Dumas. The nineteam district also will include Caprock, Palo Duro, Randall and Plainview.

Brady Barthelemy

Max Tarpley

Kyler Jackson

Will Dunavin

Keaton Parker

Keldon Barbour

Owen Boyett

Slade Simpson

Chris Dees

Brae Barnes

Brendan Hausen

Damonze Woods

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers!

90

5A

Amarillo High Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Cooper McLain 5-10 G Sr. Brady Barthelemy 6-3 F Sr. Max Tarpley 5-11 G Sr. Kyler Jackson 6-1 F Sr. Will Dunavin 5-10 G Sr. Keaton Parker 6-1 F Jr. Keldon Barbour 5-11 G Jr. Owen Boyett 6-1 G Soph. Slade Simpson 5-9 G Soph. Chris Dees 5-10 G Soph. Brae Barnes 6-5 F Soph. Brendan Hausen 6-3 G Fr. Damonze Woods 6-5 F Fr. Coach: Jason Pillion Asst. Coaches: Benji Hausen, Nate Skelton, Kurt Haberthur 2017-2018 record: 30-7, 13-1 School phone: 326-2033 Players to watch: Cooper McLain, Brady Barthelemy, Max Tarpley 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Amarillo High Boys Schedule

DATE Opponent Nov. 9 Canyon Nov. 13 Frenship Nov. 15-17 Justin Northwest Tournament Nov. 19 Coppell Nov. 20 Wylie Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Mansfield Tournament Dec. 4 Caprock Dec. 11 Plainview Dec. 14 Palo Duro Dec. 18 Tascosa Dec. 21 Monterey Dec. 27-29 Allen Tournament Jan. 2 Randall Jan. 4 Lubbock High Jan. 8 Lubbock Cooper Jan. 11 Coronado Jan. 15 Caprock Jan. 18 Plainview Jan. 22 Palo Duro Jan. 29 Monterey Feb. 1 Randall Feb. 5 Lubbock High Feb. 8 Lubbock Cooper Feb. 12 Coronado

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Place Here Here TBA Here Here There There Here There There Here There There Here Here There Here There Here There Here There There Here

Amarillo High Girls Schedule

DATE Opponent Nov. 6 Nazareth Nov. 8-10 Frisco Tournament Nov. 13 Frenship Nov. 16 Estacado Nov. 20 Lubbock Cooper Nov. 27 Coronado Nov. 29-Dec. 1 NEISD Tournament Dec. 4 Caprock Dec. 11 Plainview Dec. 14 Palo Duro Dec. 18 Tascosa Dec. 21 Monterey Dec. 27-29 Mansfield Tournament Jan. 2 Randall Jan. 4 Lubbock High Jan. 8 Lubbock Cooper Jan. 11 Coronado Jan. 15 Caprock Jan. 18 Plainview Jan. 22 Palo Duro Jan. 29 Monterey Feb. 1 Randall Feb. 5 Lubbock

Place There There Here There There Here San Antonio There Here There There Here There There Here Here There Here There Here There Here There

5A

91

Amarillo High Girls

Lady Sandies looking for an encore What do you try to do after your team has won a state championship? Well, Coach Jeff Williams summarized last season with a look ahead. “It was a dream come true,” Williams said of the Lady Sandies’ Class 5A state title last spring. “It was pretty special, definitely something I’ll never forget. “But it sure makes you hungry to get back there and see if you can do it again.” It could happen. The Lady Sandies have two starters – their top two scorers and rebounders – back from last year. Plus, five other letter winners’ names appear on this year’s roster. On the other hand, Williams lost some senior leadership off last season’s 40-2 team. Six seniors graduated. Starters Chloe Mayfield (second-team all-district and all-state tournament team), Annilia Dawn (first-team all-district and TGCA all-region) and Ashlyn Crockett (all-district honorable mention) have departed. So have super sub Sam Henry and reserves Chandler Batson and Lauren Bentley. Dawn (Midland Junior College) and Henry (Trinity) are continuing their basketball careers. The Lady Sandies won the Frenship and San Antonio tournaments and were District 3-5A co-champions with Canyon at 13-1. AHS and Canyon split regular season meetings, but the Lady Sandies defeated the Lady Eagles 34-27 in the regional finals. Then Temple (48-34 in semifinals) and Mansfield Timberview (59-54 in finals) fell to AHS in the state tourney.

Zayla Tinner

Name Zayla Tinner Ashlyn Milton Madison Stokes Tatym Barnes Kae’la Tipton Brooke Urban Ansleigh Westlake Naveah Brackens Savanna Darnell

Ashlyn Milton

Madison Stokes

Amarillo High Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-10 G/F/P Jr. 5-10 F Sr. 5-6 G/F Sr. 5-5 G/F Sr. 5-9 F/P Sr. 5-9 G/F Sr. 5-7 G/F Jr. 5-7 F Sr. 5-5 F Sr.

Coach: Jeff Williams Asst. Coaches: Trent Lankford, Justin Hebert, Jenni Frye 2017-2018 record: 40-2, 13-1 School phone: 326-2118 Players to watch: Zayla Tinner, Ashlyn Milton. Madison Stokes, Tatym Barnes, Brooke Urban, Ansleigh Westlake, Savanna Darnell 92

5A

Zayla Tinner plays defense against Canyon last December. Tinner and her Amarillo High teammates took two of three games from the Lady Eagles on their way to the Class 5A state championship. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

The chances of a repeat run center on returning starters Zayla Tinner and Ashlyn Milton. Tinner, a 5-11 junior who plays all over the court, averaged 12.1 points, 6 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season. She was the district MVP, TABC and TGAC all-state, the Amarillo GlobeNews player of the year and on the all-state tournament team. Milton, a 5-10 senior wing, contributed 12.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists in earning first-team all-district, TGCA all-state, TABC all-region and AGN Super Team second-team membership. She was the state tournament MVP. The five returning letter winners, all of whom played some valuable minutes last year, are 5-6 senior guard/wing Madison Stokes, 5-5 senior guard/wing Tatym Barnes, 5-9 senior wing/ post Kae’la Tipton and 5-9 senior guard/wing Brooke Urban. Williams recommends Tinner, Milton, Stokes and Urban as all-state candidates. Barnes, 5-6 senior wing Savannah Darnell and 5-7 junior guard/wing Ansleigh Westlake are other outstanding players to watch, according to Williams. However, two of the returnees – Barnes and Tipton – suffered knee injuries. Neither is expected to play until mid-December. Williams considers team chemistry and the large nucleus of returners from last year’s squad as strengths. “We have the players to apply lots of pressure,” Williams said, “and we have a good number of girls that can score.” Replacing the graduated guards and defenders is his chief concern. He lists establishing toughness, including taking charges and winning 50-50 balls, developing depth and rebounding as keys (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

for success this season. Williams, a West Texas A&M University graduate, is beginning his 14th season at his high school alma mater. His Lady Sandies have won 109 games and lost only 9 the past three years. Overall, his girls coaching record is 492-196 for a .715 winning percentage. He coached at Dumas from 1998-2004. Amarillo High and Canyon have developed quite a rivalry, splitting their past six meetings over two years. But they won’t play this season unless they meet in the Mansfield Tournament in late December. While AHS remains in District 3-5A, Canyon drops down to Class 4A because of UIL realignment. The Lady Sandies will play four Lubbock teams in district competition. Amarillo High will open its season Nov. 6 at Nazareth, the defending state Class 1A state champion. The home opener is set for Nov. 13 against Frenship. The Lady Sandies will play in the Frisco, San Antonio NEISD and Mansfield tournaments.

Tatym Barnes

Kae’la Tipton

Brooke Urban

Amarillo High Coach Jeff Williams instructs his team early in the 2017-18 season, which culminated in a 40-2 record and a Class 5A state championship. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Navaeh Brackens

Savanna Darnell

Ansleigh Westlake

Caprock Boys

Longhorns have turned things around Coach Reggie Gibbs has rejuvenated the Longhorns’ basketball program. In his first two years at Caprock, Gibbs’ teams have gone 46-22 (23-11 each season) and made the playoffs each year. That broke a nine-year playoff drought. The Longhorns finished fourth in District 3-5A with a 9-5 record last season. They defeated Lubbock Coronado 75-61 in bidistrict before bowing to El Paso Andress 72-52 in the area. “Put together another one of the best seasons Caprock has had, finishing the year 23-11,” Gibbs said, “and going to the area round of the playoffs for only the second time in school history.” Garang Majok, second-team all-district, and Nathan Fierro are the major departures from that team. However, Gibbs has three returning starters, representing 40 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics, and four other letter winners. It’s an experienced squad that features seven seniors. Chris Wilson, a 6-1 senior guard, averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in earning first-team all-district honors last season. Tuon Gatkek, a 6-8 senior forward, contributed 7.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2 apg last year. Gibbs touts Wilson and Gatkek as all-state candidates. The third returning starter is 6-1 senior guard Daniel Danielle (17.7 ppg, 4 rpg). Danielle, 6-3 senior guard Christian Urenda and 6-1 senior guard Lenox Archie are other outstanding players to watch, according to Gibbs. Urenda lettered last year; Archie is up from the JV squad. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Chris Wilson

Tuon Gatkek

“Strengths for this year’s team will be our experience, guard play and overall team speed,” Gibbs said. He’s concerned about leadership, rebounding and buying into a team-first concept. Gibbs says the keys for success will be to build confidence early and get off to a quick start. In high school Gibbs started at Lubbock Estacado, where he twice led the Lubbock area in scoring with 23.5 and 28.5 ppg. He was the district sophomore of the year in 1983. He began his college career at South Plains College, where he was an all-conference all-tournament team selection. He moved on (Continued on next page)

5A

93

(Continued from previous page)

to Houston Baptist University and set back-to-back single-game scoring records of 43 points. He finished his collegiate career at Louisiana Tech University, earning newcomer of the year honors. Before coming to Caprock, he coached at Lubbock High School, Slaton, Morton, Olton, Sul Ross State University, Brookshire-Royal, Belton and Tahoka. Caprock remains in District 3-5A, which features a new look with Lubbock High, Lubbock Cooper, Coronado and Monterey joining. Amarillo High, Palo Duro, Randall and Plainview are holdover district opponents. The Horns will open the season Nov. 13 at Tascosa. They will play in the Kids Inc. tournament in Canyon, the Tall City Oilman’s tournament in Midland and the Fort Worth ISD Classic. District play will start early, at home Dec. 4 against Amarillo High.

Daniel Danielle

Name Chris Wilson Tuon Gatkek Daniel Danielle Jeamaryun Gaines Christian Urenda Kalib Rodriguez Fabian Morales Lenox Archie Aaron Ovalle

Christian Urenda

Jalyn Washington

Caprock Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-1 G Sr. 6-8 F Sr. 6-1 G Sr. 6-1 G Sr. 6-3 G Sr. 6-0 G Sr. 6-4 F Jr. 6-1 G Sr. 6-0 G Soph.

Coach: Reggie Gibbs Asst. Coaches: Jason Brown, Robert Soleyjacks, Ty Stout 2017-2018 record: 23-11, 9-5 School phone: 326-2243 Players to watch: Chris Wilson, Tuon Gatkek, Daniel Danielle, Lenox Archie Christian Urenda

94

5A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

5A

95

Caprock Girls

Lady Longhorns reach elusive .500 season The Lady Longhorns achieved an important milestone last season: the first non-losing season in many a moon. Caprock compiled a 16-16 overall record. The Lady Longhorns beat all Class 6A opponents they faced by double digits. They won the bronze prize in the Polk-Key City Tournament and took third in the Glen Rose and Gruver tourneys. The Lady Longhorns were 4-8 and finished sixth in tough District 3-5A, which has produced the state 5A champion the past four years in Canyon (three times) and Amarillo High (last spring). Even though Coach David Smiley was disappointed in his team’s district finish, the four wins were four times as many district wins as the Lady Longhorns had produced in the previous three years. “That was the first time in a long time that Caprock was .500,” Smiley said. “Several district losses were in single digits. The program is progressing. Girls are working hard.” Adut Angong, first-team all-district last season, has moved on, along with Alyssa Martinez, Jessica Hoehns and Akeela Kongdara. The latter three were academic all-staters. Sydney Johnson, a 5-10 senior guard/wing, is one of three returning starters this fall. The second-team all-district selection averaged 8.5 points and 2 rebounds last season. The other returning starters are 6-1 senior post Sydney McColl (6 ppg, 4 rpg) and 5-4 senior guard/wing Emily Nelson (7 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 assists per game). Two other letter winners – 5-7 junior wing/forward Tyanna Badillo (8 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg) and 5-8 senior forward Katie Reed (2 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg) – also return. Smiley advocates Johnson and Badillo as all-state candidates. McColl, Nelson, Badillo and Amiel Majok are players to watch, he said. Majok, a 5-10 junior forward/wing, is the sister of former Caprock boys player Garang Majok. Nyanuer Gatkek, a 5-10 sophomore forward/post, is the sister of former Longhorn Manny Gatkek and current senior Longhorn Tuon Gatkek. Smiley considers speed and toughness as his team’s strengths. “It will be interesting to see if our freshman class develops into varsity players,” Smiley said.

96

5A

Sydney Johnson

Sydney McColl

Emily Nelson

Tyanna Badillo

Katie Reed

He’s concerned about losing so much experience and leadership. Team chemistry is one key for success this season, according to Smiley. The other is making it through the grind of a 16-game district schedule. The Lady Longhorns will begin District 3-5A competition Nov. 20, playing host to Plainview. Before that, Caprock will open its season Nov. 6 at home against Canyon, the district co-champion a year ago. The Lady Longhorns will play again in the Polk-Key City, Glen Rose and Gruver tournaments. Smiley was an all-district player at River Road High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree at West Texas A&M University and a master’s from Concordia University in Portland, Ore. He’s beginning his fifth season at Caprock and 17th overall as a head coach. He previously coached at Amarillo Bible Heritage, River Road, Levelland, Rosebud-Lott, Rockdale, Temple, White Deer and Tascosa.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 9 Nov. 13 Nov. 15-17 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 2 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Caprock Schedule

Opponent Canyon Borger Tascosa Polk-Key City Tournament Midland Lee Plainview Palo Duro Odessa High Kids Inc. Tournament Glen Rose Tournament Tascosa Amarillo High Tall City Oilmans Tournament Monterey Randall Lubbock High Cooper Gruver Tournament Fort Worth ISD Classic Coronado Plainview Palo Duro Amarillo High Monterey Randall Lubbock High Cooper Coronado Plainview Palo Duro

Place B G Here X There X There X Abilene X Here X Here X There X There X Canyon X There X There X Here X X Midland X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X There X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X There X

Caprock Super Boosters Let’s Go Lady Horns Go Jaziel!—The Lucero Family Championships are won at Caprock’s practice!—The Mayes Family Let’s Go Lady Longhorns!—Vivianna Casares Family I love you Arianna and I can’t wait to watch you play! Go Longhorns!—Love, Ida Difficult times often lead to success. You are going to do great! Go Longhorns! Go Kylie! Good Luck Adeline!—Zino’s corner store Good Luck Lady Longhorns! Good Luck Ashia!—Mom & Grandma It won’t be easy, but it’s worth it! Go Lady Horns! Go Longhorns! Go Lady Longhorn Basketball! Good Luck Ashia Wright! Good Luck Isabel, have a great season Lady Horns!—Love, Dad, Mom, brother, and sister Carver Homes & Construction wish Michelle and the Lady Longhorns a great season!— Love, Aty & Trevor Good Luck Sydney! Go Lady Horns!—Love, Mom, Hunter, Alexis, & Kim 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Amiel Majok

Name Isabel Arjon Tyanna Badillo Marian Cordova Nyanuer Gatkek Amiel Majok Sydney McColl Emily Nelson Sydney Johnson Katie Reed Ashia Wright Starr Reyna Zapata

Isabel Arjon

Reyna Zapata

Caprock Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-3 G Sr. 5-7 F Jr. 4-11 G Fr. 5-10 F/P Soph. 5-10 F Jr. 6-1 P Sr. 5-4 G/F Sr. 5-10 G/F Sr. 5-8 F Sr. 5-9 F Soph. 5-7 F/G Jr.

Coach: David Smiley Asst. Coaches: Bradley Jenkins, Ashley Hicks, Ellen Reid 2017-2018 record: 16-16, 4-8 School phone: 326-2200 Players to watch: Tyanna Badillo, Amiel Majok, Sydney McColl, Emily Nelson, Sydney Johnson

Nina, do the best you can! We are very proud of you!—Grandparents Popeye, Grandma and Lisa are proud of you and Love you Reyna! Listen, stay focused, and know in your heart that you can! Let’s Go Longhorns Go Lady Longhorns! Go Mimi! Be the queen of the court! Ball till you fall! Mimi Basketball Dynamite!

Support Panhandle-Plains Basketball Advertisers!

5A

97

Coronado Boys

Mustangs are masters of playoff berths The Mustangs will be shooting for their 18th straight playoff appearance, and four returning starters should bolster that effort. Under first-year Coach Layne Sheets, Coronado won District 4-5A with a 10-0 record last year. However, the Mustangs were surprised by Caprock 75-61 in bidistrict, wrapping up a 22-11 season. “I was proud of the way the kids played Blair Conwright together and were able to go undefeated in district,” Sheets said. Six-seven forward Bronzae Giddens, all-district and the district defensive player of the year; 6-5 forward Carter Suttles, secondteam all-district; and 6-2 guard Dwaine Anderson, first-team all-district; have moved on from that team. Giddens is going to play at Western Oklahoma State College, and Anderson will play at Wayland Baptist. Sheets said Suttles turned down a college offer to be a student at Texas Tech. “It will be tough to replace all three of the players,” Sheets said. However, Sheets has some experienced players, particularly in the backcourt, returning. Blair Conwright, a 6-1 senior guard, was the district MVP and all-region last year. Caleb Wilborn, a 6-3 senior guard, was

Caleb Wilborn

Ahmari Williams

Christian Akard

first-team all-district. Sheets rates Conwright and Wilborn as all-state candidates. In addition, Ahmari Williams, a 6-2 senior guard who was second-team all-district, and Christian Akard, a 5-10 senior guard, both started last season. Along with the experience at guard, Sheets views quickness and shooting as Mustang strengths. The lack of size – the tallest Mustangs are 6-3 – concerns him. Sheets took over last season after longtime Coronado Coach Randy Dean decided to retire in the summer of 2017. Sheets had (Continued on next page)

Lubbock Coronado Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Blair Conwright 6-1 G Sr. Christian Akard 5-10 G Sr. Mikael Garza 5-10 G Sr. Ahmari Williams 6-2 G Sr. Malcom Washington 6-1 G Sr. Walker Weindorf 6-1 G Sr. Greg Lota 5-10 G Sr. Jacob Richardson 6-0 G Sr. Caleb Wilborn 6-3 G Sr. Sawyer Robertson 6-3 F Soph. Aiden Alvarez 5-10 G Jr. Da’Quan Tillman 6-3 G Jr. Les Williams 5-9 G Sr. Coach: Layne Sheets Asst. Coach: Darrell Baldwin, Jonathan Gomez, Klay Keith 2017-2018 record: 22-11, 10-0 School phone: 219-1117 Players to watch: Caleb Wilborn, Blair Conwright

98

5A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Mikael Garza

DATE Nov. 2 Nov. 6 or 8 Nov. 9 Nov. 13 Nov. 15-17 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 24 Nov. 27 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Malcom Washington

Walker Weindorf

Lubbock Coronado Schedule

Opponent Midland High Shallowater Abilene High San Angelo Lakeview Polk Key Tournament Midland High San Angelo Central Tascosa Palo Duro Odessa Permian Amarillo High Midland Lee Gene Messer Tournament Granbury Tournament Monterey Greenville Tournament Randall Lubbock High Lubbock Cooper Frenship Caprock Tournament Caprock Plainview Palo Duro Amarillo High Monterey Randall Lubbock High Lubbock Cooper Caprock Plainview Palo Duro Amarillo High

Place B G Here X There X There X There X Abilene X Here X There X Here X Here X There X There X Here X Frenship X There X Here X X There X There X X Here X X There X X Here X Lubbock X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X There X

Coronado Girls

Greg Lota

Jacob Richardson

Jacob Richardson

(Continued from previous page)

been Dean’s assistant the previous three years. Sheets, a Muleshoe High and Texas Tech University grad, previously had coached at Lubbock Estacado and Morton. In four years as a boys head coach, his record is 57-37. The UIL realignment puts Coronado in District 3-5A this season, along with three other Lubbock teams, familiar district opponents of previous years. The new conference foes for the Mustangs are Amarillo High, Caprock, Palo Duro, Randall and Plainview. “It will be important that we learn to play together as a team very quickly. With a nine-team district, we will have only a few pre-district games before starting our district schedule,” Sheets said. “We are in a very challenging district. However, the teams who make the playoffs will definitely be tested. “We will have to play with a disciplined, selfless mentality on offense and defense in order to have a chance to be successful.” The Mustangs will open the season at home Nov. 13 against Midland High. They will play in the Gene Messer tournament at Frenship and the Greenville and Lubbock Caprock tourneys. District play will begin at home Dec. 4 against Monterey.

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers!

Lady Mustangs’ run comes to an end After three straight years of making the playoffs despite having overall losing records, the string ran out for the Lady Mustangs last season. Coronado finished 9-24 overall, and a 3-7 district record placed them fifth. So the Lady Mustangs missed the playoffs. Nevertheless, Coach Kriss Ethridge saw some encouraging signs. “We learned a lot about our team going against a tough schedule early in the year,” she said, “and we came together toward the end of the year to build on this year.” Zoey Garcia, described as a “great leader” by Ethridge, was the key departing senior off that club. Ethridge has two starters and two other letter winners back. Ayana Segrest is the leader of the pack. The 6-0 senior forward averaged 14.6 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists in earning 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

all-district and all-state honors. Ethridge sees her as an all-state candidate again this season. Kambry Moneymaker, a 5-1 senior guard (5.3 ppg, 2 rpg, 3 apg), is the other returning starter. Jasmine Smith, a 5-6 junior forward (3 ppg), and Alyssa Elizondo, a 5-6 senior forward (5 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg), also lettered last year. Savannah Holstein, a 5-6 sophomore guard, figures to see some action. “We will have some size inside, and our guard play is much improved,” Ethridge said. Having a young team is an area of concern for her. “Our younger kids understanding the intensity it takes to succeed at this level” will be a key for success this year, she said. Ethridge played on Lubbock Monterey’s 1981 state champion(Continued on next page)

5A

99

You are invited to the 61st Annual Ceremony of the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame Ayana Segrest

2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019

Jasmine Smith

Grand Plaza Amarillo Civic Center

Kambry Moneymaker

Alyssa Elizondo

Savannah Holstein

(Continued from previous page)

ship team and the University of Texas’ 1986 NCAA champions. She is beginning her 10th season at Coronado with a 150-108 win-loss coaching record, all at that school. The UIL realignment puts the Lady Mustangs in District 3-5A, where defending state champion Amarillo High reigns. They will open the season at home Nov. 2 against Midland High and the district race early, at home Nov. 20 against Palo Duro. They will play in the Polk Key, Granbury and Lubbock Caprock tournaments.

Induction of the New Hall of Fame Honorees Recognition of Athletes of the Year Coaches of the Year and More Awards (Ceremony is about 1½ hours with light food buffet.)

Name Ayana Segrest Kambry Moneymaker Jasmine Smith Alyssa Elizondo Savannah Holstein

Coronado Girls Ht. Pos. Class 6-0 F Sr. 5-1 G Sr. 5-6 F Jr. 5-6 F Sr. 5-6 G Soph.

Coach: Kriss Ethridge Asst. Coaches: Zayne McPherson, Kelli Carpenter, Kelsey Hoppel, Paul Yacoub 2017-2018 record: 9-24, 3-7 School phone: 219-1122 Player to watch: Ayana Segrest

100

5A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Monterey Boys

Plainsmen young but experienced The Plainsmen may be young this season, but they’ve got a lot of experience. The roster shows nine returning letter winners, most of whom started at some point last season. So prospects look promising as Coach Jeremy McFerrin prepares for his second season at Monterey. In his debut last year, the Plainsmen were 12-20 overall, but their 5-5 district record enabled them to tie for second. They lost their bidistrict game to Amarillo High 54-35. “It was a young team that will be more aggressive this season,” McFerrin said. Cody Martin, second-team all-district, was the major departure from that team. Qua Butler leads a quartet of returning honored players. Butler, who was the district player of the year and first-team all-district, is a 5-11 senior guard who averaged 18.1 points and 2.5 rebounds last season. McFerrin rates Butler as an all-state candidate. Devin White, a 5-11 sophomore guard (2.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2 assists per game), and Camden Grant, a 6-2 junior guard (7.3 ppg, 6 rpg), were first-team all-district selections. Austyn Sanchez, a 6-2 senior guard (5 ppg, 2.2 rpg), was second-team all-district last season. Another player to watch is 6-2 freshman guard D.J. Young, according to McFerrin.

Qua Butler

Devin White

Camden Grant

Explosiveness is the Plainsmen’s strength, the coach said. McFerrin is concerned about his team’s youth and grit. Concerning the keys for success, he said, “Be the piece to the puzzle the team needs and to rely on the team doing its job.” McFerrin, a graduate of Cotton Center High School and Texas Tech University, began his coaching career as an assistant at South Plains College. He moved to Trinity Christian High School in Lubbock as an assistant for three years, then took over as head coach for six years. In 2017 his Lions won the TAPPS Class 4A state championship. His overall boys coaching record is 191-76. Monterey moves from District 4-5A to District 3-5A this season, along with Lubbock High, Coronado and Cooper. The (Continued on next page)

DATE Nov. 2 Nov. 6 Nov. 8-10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11

Lubbock Monterey Schedule

Opponent Seminole Odessa Permian` Frisco Tournament San Angelo Central Midland Lee Lubbock High Estacado Lubbock Cooper Coronado Tall City Oilman Tournament Caprock

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Place B G Here X Here X There X There X There X There X There X Here X There X Midland X Here X

Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 5

Plainview Palo Duro Amarillo High Caprock Tournament Randall Lubbock High Lubbock Cooper Coronado Caprock Plainview Palo Duro Amarillo High Randall

There Here There Lubbock Here Here There Here There Here There Here There

5A

X X X X X X X X X X X X

101

other teams in the nine-team district are Amarillo High, Caprock, Palo Duro, Randall and Plainview. The Plainsmen will open the season Nov. 6 at Odessa Permian and will play in the San Antonio NEISD, San Angelo and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. District play will begin Dec. 4 against Coronado. Lubbock Monterey Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Qua Butler 5-11 G Sr. Devin White 5-11 G Soph. Cam Grant 6-2 G Jr. Austyn Sanchez 6-2 G Sr. Adonis Jaramillo-Porter 6-3 F Sr. D.J. Young 6-2 G Fr. Albert Valderas 6-0 G Jr. Vance Vasquez 5-11 G Soph. Ty Williams 6-2 F Jr. Tyrie Tipton 5-11 G Jr. Donavaughn Hill 6-1 F Jr. Romeo Teleford 6-2 F Sr. Jackson Arnold 6-2 F Jr. Vyson Miller 6-1 G Fr. Coach: Jeremy McFerrin Asst. Coaches: Josh Davis, Taylor Cain, Jose Espinosa, Logan Mitchell 2017-2018 record: 12-20, 5-5 School phone: 219-1929 Players to watch: Qua Butler, Cam Grant, DJ Young

Monterey Girls

Austyn Sanchez

Adonis Jaramillo

D.J. Young

Albert Valderas

Jackson Arnold

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers!

Lady Plainsmen post 20-plus wins again There were some ups and downs for the Lady Plainsmen last season. Monterey won the Denver City Tournament. The Lady Plainsmen battled through District 4-5A for a second-place finish with a 6-4 record. But then they bowed to Plainview 62-30 in their bidistrict game. That capped a 22-13 campaign. It also meant a second straight 20-plus wins season for Coach Jill Rankin Schneider. The Lady Plainsmen went 26-6 the previous year. Braylyn Dollar, the district defensive player of the year, allregion and second-team all-state, is the key loss off last year’s team. Dollar signed to play at West Texas A&M University. Zan White, second-team all-district, also moved on. Three starters and three other letter winners return this season for the Lady Plainsmen. Sydni Wagoner, a 5-6 junior guard, was first-team all-district last season. Mirakle Bradley, a 5-1 sophomore guard, was secondteam all-district. Maddie Stephens, a 6-0 junior forward/post, is the third returning starter. In addition, 5-8 sophomore forward Mia Trevino is another player to watch, according to Schneider. Speed and athleticism are the Lady Plainsmen’s strengths,

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers!

Sydni Wagoner

Mirakle Bradley

Maddie Stephens

she said. With only one player taller than 5-9, Schneider is concerned about the lack of size. The keys to success this season? “Up-tempo and use our speed and athleticism to our advantage,” she said. Schneider is one of the best female basketball players to come out of the Texas Panhandle. She averaged 40.7 points in her high school career at Phillips. Her high school team reached the state semifinals in 1975 and won it all in ‘76. Then she played in Final Fours at both Wayland Baptist University (1978) and the (Continued on next page)

102

5A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Mia Trevino

Alyssa Trevino

TK Jackson (Continued from previous page)

University of Tennessee (1980). She was co-captain of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team that didn’t play because of the U.S. boycott. Schneider is a member of the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame. She is beginning her 21st year at Monterey and 33rd year in coaching. Before coming to Monterey, she coached at Borger from 1986 to 1998. By moving into District 3-5A, Monterey will encounter some stiff opposition. In addition to three other Lubbock schools, there’s Plainview, the team that ended the Lady Plainsmen’s 2017-18 season. And there’s Amarillo High, the defending Class 5A state champion. District play starts early with a Nov. 20 date at Lubbock High. Before that, the Lady Plainsmen will open their season Nov. 2 at home against Seminole. They’ll play in the Frisco, Midland Tall City Oilman and Lubbock Caprock tournaments.

The photos for the Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine cover and for the Super Teams are taken in September each year at Cenveo Printing in Amarillo, shown here, and at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview.

Lubbock Monterey Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Mirakle Bradley 5-1 G Soph. Domonique Bunton 5-6 F Soph. Trayci Jackson 5-9 F/P Jr. Nichole Marmolejo 5-7 F/P Sr. Breanne Springer 5-8 F Jr. Maddie Stephens 6-0 F/P Jr. Alyssa Trevino 5-2 G Jr. Mia Trevino 5-8 F Soph. Sydni Wagoner 5-6 G Jr. Zaydriane Willis 5-3 G Sr. Coach: Jill Rankin Schneider Asst. Coaches: Kelsey Canavan, Ashley James 2017-2018 record: 22-13, 6-4 School phone: 219-2046 Players to watch: Sydni Wagoner, Mirakle Bradley, Mia Trevino

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

5A

103

Palo Duro Boys

‘Dominate’ describes Dons Winning has become a habit for the Dons. Last season, they completed their fourth straight year with 20 or more victories and qualified for the playoffs for the 17th straight season. The Dons posted a 24-6 log in 2017-18, running their five-year record to 97-22. They finished second in District 3-5A with a 12-2 mark. Palo Duro defeated Lubbock High 66-57 in bidistrict before bowing to El Paso Eastlake 68-58 in the area round. “It was a young team, with not much size, that continued to improve as the season went on,” Coach Jeff Evans said. “Quickness, toughness and pretty good overall scoring ability allowed us to mask our weaknesses. We were able to get a second-place finish and gave Amarillo High their only district loss.” A late-season highlight occurred when Evans notched his 500th career boys coaching record. He now owns a 501-178 overall mark, a .738 winning percentage. Most of those wins have come at PD, where he’s coached for 18 years. The Lubbock Christian High School and Texas Tech University grad coached at Lubbock Coronado as an assistant and at Abilene High before arriving at Palo Duro in 2000. This season, Evans has to replace some talented players. First-team all-district Tae Carruthers, two-year starters Jalen Thomas and Ethan Camp and another starter, Garner Evans, all have moved on from last year’s team. But the cupboard is seldom bare at Palo Duro. Three players who started some games last year – including a one-two scoring punch – are back. Four more letter winners add additional experience. Akuel Kot, a 6-1 senior guard, poured in 21.7 points a game, grabbed 3.6 rebounds and dished out 3.2 assists a game last season. He was a first-team all-district selection and a member of the Amarillo Globe-News Class 6A-5A Golden Spread team. Evans tabs Kot, who is being heavily recruited by college coaches, as an all-state candidate. Mohammed Musa, a 5-6 senior guard, checked in with 15.8 points per game. Last year’s second-leading scorer is an outstanding player to watch, according to Evans. Bonaventure Udoh, a 6-4 senior guard (6.4 ppg, 4 rpg), is the third returning starter. Younger brother Thaddeus Udoh, a 6-3 junior guard (5.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg) also lettered last year. So did 5-9 senior guard Abass Ibrahim (3 ppg), 5-11 junior guard Braedyn Harley (2.8 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg) and 6-0 junior guard Dondray DeGrate (2 ppg). Evans lists quickness, shooting ability and defense as the Dons’ strengths. He is concerned about the team’s lack of size. Several factors shape up as the Dons’keys to success this season. “Continue to perpetuate the tradition, culture and character as well as last season’s team did,” Evans said. “Leadership will be very important, which should not be a problem with the number of returning varsity players we have, and the character and work ethic they possess.” Four Lubbock teams – Lubbock High, Cooper, Coronado and Monterey – will join District 3-5A this season, replacing Dumas, Canyon and Hereford, which all dropped down to 4A 104

5A

Akuel Kot

Mohamed Musa

Bonaventure Udoh

Thaddeus Udoh

Abass Ibrahim

Braedyn Harley

in the UIL realignment. The Dons will open at home on Nov. 13 against Borger. They’ll play their first district game Dec. 4 at Plainview. They will travel to Albuquerque to take on La Cueva and Volcano Vista the weekend of Dec. 7-8.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

DATE Nov. 3 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 16-17 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 23-24 Nov. 27 Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 8 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 28 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Palo Duro Schedule

Opponent Midland Lee Tascosa Stratford Borger Dumas Flower Mound Tournament Wylie Coronado Coppell Fantasy of Lights Tournament Caprock Frenship Dalhart Plainview Albuquerque La Cueva Albuquerque Volcano Vista Amarillo High Monterey Randall Sherman Duncanville Tournament North Mesquite Lubbock High Lubbock Cooper Coronado Caprock Plainview Amarillo High Monterey Randall Lubbock High Lubbock Cooper Coronado Caprock

Place B G Here X Here X There X Here X Here X There X Here X There X Here X Wichita Falls X Here X Here X There X There X X There X There X Here X X There X X Here X X There X There X There X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X Here X

Palo Duro Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Janessa Wade 5-9 P Sr. Tamera Davis 5-9 P Sr. Naqua Puot 5-9 F Sr. Kiara Green 5-5 G Jr. Halima Salat 5-4 G Soph. Shonda Stiger 5-4 G Soph. Aleea Miller 5-3 G Fr. Leyla Wright 5-8 P Soph. Lexi Buckingham 5-3 F Jr. Brianna Paris 5-5 F Soph. Sh Heniece Matthews 5-8 F Jr. Coach: AJ Johnson Asst. Coaches: Callie Sims, Regan Welch, Elvia Huerta 2017-2018 record: 13-19, 5-9 School phone: 326-2493 Players to watch: Tamera Davis, Kiara Green, Halima Salat, Shonda Stiger, Aleea Miller

Name Akuel Kot Mohamed Musa Abass Ibrahim Thaddeus Udoh Bonaventure Udoh Braedyn Harley Dondray DeGrate

Palo Duro Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-1 G Sr. 5-6 G Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 6-3 G Jr. 6-4 G Sr. 5-11 G Jr. 6-0 G Jr.

Coach: Jeff Evans Asst. Coaches: Marques Loftis, Quincy Nodine, Anton Wilkins 2017-2018 record: 24-6, 12-2 School phone: 326-2515 Players to watch: Akuel Kot, Mohamed Musa

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

5A

105

Palo Duro Girls

Lady Dons seek winning season The Lady Dons will try to rebound from last year’s losing season, and they may have the right weapons for a winning year. Palo Duro finished 13-19 overall and fifth in District 3-5A with a 5-9 record last year. The Lady Dons were coming off a 14-14 campaign the previous season but missed the playoffs both years. “Injuries to two starters and not enough depth to get it done,” veteran Coach A.J. Johnson said of last season, Six seniors, including first-team all-district Angel Reese, from last year’s roster have departed, but Johnson has four starters back. Janessa Wade, a 5-9 senior post, was second-team all-district last year. Johnson nominates 5-9 senior post Tamera Davis and 5-4 sophomore guard Shonda Stiger as all-state candidates. Kiara Green, a 5-5 junior guard, is the fourth returning starter and a player to watch, according to Johnson. Halima Salat, a 5-4 sophomore guard, and Aleea Miller, a 5-3 freshman point guard, are others meriting a watchful eye. Johnson describes the Lady Dons’ strengths as guard and post play, along with depth at every position. He’s concerned that this is a youthful team – only three seniors are on the roster – but counters that his young players have some experience. Staying healthy and continuing to improve will be the keys for success, he said. Johnson, a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport, La., was an NAIA All-American in 1983 at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where he is a member of the school’s hall of fame. Johnson is beginning his 23rd season at Palo Duro after coaching at San Antonio Lanier for three years. He lists his overall girls

Janessa Wade

LaShonda Stiger

Kiara Green

Halima Salat

Aleea Miller

Naqua Puot

coaching record as 497-322. The Lady Dons still will have state champion Amarillo High to contend with in District 3-5A, but perennial powerhouse Canyon drops down to 4A. PD’s first district game will be early – Nov. 20 at Lubbock Coronado. Palo Duro opens its season at home Nov. 3 against Midland Lee. The Lady Dons will play in the Lewisville Flower Mound, Wichita Falls Fantasy of Lights and Duncanville tournaments.

Plainview Boys

Bulldogs trying to bounce back The Bulldogs suffered a rare losing season last year. With only one starter and one letter winner on hand, Plainview went 12-20 overall and 4-10 in District 3-5A, finishing in sixth place. Coach Leon Hagerman’s Bulldogs had gone 64-30 the previous three years. Carson Hauk, second-team all-district, is the major departure from last year’s squad, and five other seniors also moved on So for the second straight season, the Bulldogs appear to be short on experience. Ryan Jackson, a 5-11 junior guard, was the district newcomer of the year and second-team all-district. Jackson’s sidekick at guard, 5-10 junior Damarius White, is another player to watch, according to Hagerman. 106

5A

Grayson Moore, a 6-9 post, and Dashawn Ards, a 6-0 guard, provide some senior leadership. “Our guard play will continue to be our strength, but we will be able to add some height to the lineup this year,” Hagerman said. He’s concerned about the Bulldogs’ depth and inexperience. Hagerman, a graduate of Spearman High School and West Texas State University, is beginning his 15th season at Plainview. His overall boys coaching record is 315-266. The Plainview boys will open the season at home Nov. 16 against Canyon. They will play in the Gene Messer Shootout in Wolfforth and tournaments at Burkburnett and Midland. District competition will begin early, Nov. 20 at Caprock. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Ryan Jackson

Damarius White

Grayson Moore

Dashawn Ards

Plainview Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Dashawn Ards 6-0 G Sr. Grayson Moore 6-9 P Sr. Ryan Jackson 5-11 G Jr. Damarius White 5-10 G Jr. Coach: Leon Hagerman Asst. Coaches: Kevin Faught, Drew Thompson 2017-2018 record: 12-20, 4-10 School phone: 293-6005 Players to watch: Damarius White, Ryan Jackson

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

5A

107

Plainview Girls

Winning is Wrenn’s way Coach Danny Wrenn’s Lady Bulldogs keep piling up the wins. Plainview reached the finals of the Levelland Tournament and won the Byron Johnston championship. The Lady Bulldogs went 9-5 in District 3-5A to finish third behind co-champions Amarillo High and Canyon. Plainview plunked Lubbock Monterey 62-30 in bidistrict and nipped El Paso AnJesse Long dress 44-42 in the area game. Eventual Class 5A state champion Amarillo High sidelined the Lady Bulldogs 62-41 in the regional quarterfinals. “A very nice season,” said Wrenn, who’s seen quite a few. “We played a lot of road games and played in the toughest 5A district statewide.” The 23-15 season ran Wrenn’s overall coaching girls coaching record to 728-240 for a .752 winning percentage. All those wins and losses have occurred at Plainview, where Wrenn has coached for 28 years. He played on a state championship team at Seminole High School and played collegiately at Wayland Baptist University. Wrenn lost two key players off last year’s team. Kristen Rincon

Olivia Shannon

Jaclynn Black

Osen Ellis

was all-state and all-region. Mahoghany Nails was all-district. However, he has three starters and four other letter winners on hand. Jesse Long, a 5-10 senior forward/post, averaged 11.1 points and 4.1 rebounds last season, earning first-team all-district honors. Olivia Shannon, a 5-8 senior guard (3.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg), and Jaclynn Black, a 5-11 senior guard (4.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg), also started last season. And Wrenn has some talented reserves from last year’s team. Wrenn rates Long and Osen Ellis, a 5-5 junior guard (3.1 ppg), as all-state candidates. Ellis was all-district honorable mention a year ago. (Continued on next page)

108

5A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

Other players to watch are 5-9 sophomore forward/post Kylie Bennett (9.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg), who also was honorable mention all-district, and 5-7 senior guard Taylor Stephenson (4.1 ppg). Wrenn lists experience and tradition as his team’s strengths. He is concerned about overall height. He describes the keys for success this season as “playing together and getting better through our non-district schedule.” The non-district schedule begins Nov. 3 at Odessa Permian. The Lady Bulldogs will play in the Colleyville Heritage, Levelland and Midland tournaments. District play gets under way Nov. 20 at Caprock. Plainview won’t have to contend with Canyon, now a 4A team, in the nine-team District 3-5A, but four Lubbock teams are new to the conference.

Name Osen Ellis Taylor Stephenson Kylie Bennett Jesse Long Olivia Shannon Julissa Chavez Jaclynn Black

Plainview Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-5 G Jr. 5-7 G Sr. 5-9 F/P Soph. 5-10 F/P Sr. 5-8 G Sr. 5-3 G Sr. 5-11 G Sr.

Coach: Danny Wrenn Asst. Coaches: Shelly Miller, Allison Hodges, Kevin Faught 2017-2018 record: 23-15, 9-5 School phone: 296-3356 Players to watch: Osen Ellis, Taylor Stephenson, Kylie Bennett, Jesse Long, Olivia Shannon, Jaclynn Black, Julissa Chavez

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Kylie Bennett DATE Nov. 3 Nov. 8-10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8

Taylor Stevenson

Plainview Schedule

Opponent Odessa Permian Colleyville Heritage Tournament Trinity Christian Canyon Frenship Caprock Hereford Levelland Tournament Gene Messer Shootout Palo Duro Burkburnett Tournament Amarillo High Monterey Randall Lubbock High Midland Tournament Lubbock Cooper Coronado Caprock Palo Duro Amarillo High Monterey Randall Lubbock High Lubbock Cooper Coronado Caprock

Julissa Chavez Place B G There X There X Here X Here X There X There X There X X There X Wolfforth X Here X X There X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X

5A

109

Randall Boys

Surprise! Raiders return to playoffs Last season’s Raiders were the Boys Surprise Team of the Year as selected by the Amarillo Globe-News. The previous season, Randall (14-17) had missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years. So Coach Leslie Broadhurst’s 2017-18 club was determined to get back to postseason play. Randall struggled some in its pre-district Jasean Barrow games, but the Raiders turned it on in District 3-5A and clinched a playoff berth with three games remaining in the regular season. They finished third in the district with a 10-4 record. That was just a warmup for the Raiders. In the playoffs, Randall defeated Lubbock Cooper 56-52 in bidistrict, No. 6 ranked El Paso Burges 48-43 in the area round and No. 20 El Paso Eastlake 41-39 in the regional quarterfinals. That’s three playoff wins by a total of 11 points. No. 2 Justin Northwest finally stopped the Raiders 57-46 in the regional semifinals. Randall finished the season at 21-14 and ranked No. 11 in the state. “We had a great year and went to the regional tournament for the eighth time in school history,” Broadhurst said. “A very tough district prepared us for the playoffs, where we won three games.”

110

5A

Odie Woods

Dylan Gutz

Jonathan Sharpee

Broadhurst lost eight seniors off that team. Included in the group were Corey Sato, first-team all-district and all-region; Luke Young, second-team all-district; and Carson Smith, all-district honorable mention. So that leaves the Raiders with two returning starters and no other letter winners for this season. Jasean Barrow, a 6-2 junior wing who also is Randall’s star football running back, averaged 9 ppg and 5.4 rebounds last season. He was honorable mention all-district. Odie Woods, a 6-6 junior post, chipped in with 8 points and 6 rebounds and was second-team all-district. “Two starters back who will provide good leadership,” said (Continued on page 112)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Name Morgann Kennedy Kamry Perez Canton Moreno Bri Ford Mikah Merrill Macayla Warren Claire Headings Zoe Francis Kallie Marting

Randall Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-7 G Sr. 5-4 G Sr. 5-8 G Sr. 6-2 P Jr. 5-11 G Sr. 5-7 G Jr. 5-6 G Jr. 5-8 P Soph. 5-7 G Sr.

Coach: Brooke Walthall Asst. Coaches: Jenna Jesko, Kalee Carey 2017-2018 record: 18-15, 8-6 School phone: 677-2301 Players to watch: Kamry Perez, Canton Moreno, Bri Ford

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 9 Nov. 13 Nov. 13 Nov. 15-17 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 27 Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11

Randall Schedule

Opponent Midland High Frenship Tascosa Dumas Flower Mound Tournament Tascosa Spearman Canyon Lubbock Trinity Lubbock High Kids Inc. Tournament Lubbock Cooper Hereford Tournament Coronado

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Place B G There X There X There X There X There X Here X Here X There X Here X Here X Canyon X X There X X There X Here X X

Randall Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Jasean Barrow 6-2 F Jr. Odie Woods 6-6 P Jr. Dylan Gutz 6-3 F Jr. Jonathan Sharpee 6-0 F Jr. Jacob Sternenberg 6-3 P Jr. Roy Renner 5-9 G Jr. Chol Bol 6-1 F Jr. Beau Okechukwu-Heider 6-3 F Soph. Bane Dunavin 5-8 G Soph. Kainan Thomas 5-10 G Soph. Coach: Leslie Broadhurst Asst. Coaches: Trevor Johnson, Kyle Hewitt 2017-2018 record: 21-14, 10-4 School phone: 677-2322 Players to watch: Odie Woods, Jasean Barrow Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 12

Caprock Plainview Palo Duro Clovis Tournament Byron Johnston Tournament Amarillo High Monterey Lubbock High Lubbock Cooper Coronado Caprock Plainview Palo Duro Amarillo High Monterey Lubbock High

There X Here X There X There Midland X Here X There X There X Here X There X Here X There X Here X There X Here X Here X

5A

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

111

Jacob Sternenberg

Roy Renner

Chol Bol

(Continued from page 110)

Broadhurst in assessing his team’s strengths. He added ball handling and defense to the equation. Conversely, he’s concerned about the lack of experience with only two players who have seen any varsity action. There are no seniors on the Randall roster. “We will have to mature in a hurry with district starting Dec. 4,” Broadhurst said. “We will have 8 or 10 new players who have never been in a varsity game, so we must find the right mix in a short period of time. “We have the makeup to have a competitive team that will hopefully compete for a playoff spot in a very tough nine-team district.”

Beau Okechukwu

Bane Dunavin

Kainan Thomas

That nine-team district now includes four teams from Lubbock, plus holdover opponents Amarillo High, Caprock, Palo Duro and Plainview. Broadhurst is the only boys coach Randall has known. He began there in 1988, the year the school opened. The Lubbock Monterey High School and Texas Tech University graduate was head coach at Morton for one year before moving to Randall. His overall boys coaching record is 575-411. The Raiders will open their season Nov. 13 at Dumas. The home opener is set for Nov. 16 vs. Tascosa. Randall will play in the Canyon/Kids Inc., Hereford and Midland’s Byron Johnston tournaments.

Randall Super Boosters Wishing Bane and the Raiders a great season!— Love, Dad & Mom Go Bane! Have a great season!—Love, Bo, Keslee & Cade Good Luck Raiders and Alex!—Love, Mom & Dad

112

5A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

5A

113

Randall boys coach Leslie Broadhurst, left, watches a game during the 20th Annual Randall Playoff Preview in February 2018. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

114

5A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Randall Girls

Lady Raiders hope to beat 18-win groove The Lady Raiders matched 18 wins for the second year and advanced to regional last season. With three honored starters back, they may surpass that this season. Randall finished fourth in District 3-5A with an 8-6 record. The Lady Raiders turned it up in the playoffs, nipping Lubbock Cooper 49-48 in bidistrict and eliminating El Paso Burges 54-45 in the area game. They were stopped by defending state champion Canyon 43-25 in the regional quarterfinals. That capped an 18-15 campaign for Randall. The year before, the Lady Raiders finished 18-14. “We had a great group of girls, and they peaked at the right time,” Coach Brooke Walthall said of last year’s team. “It was a fun season.” Second-team all-district Makayla Thomas, Lexi Powell and Ashtyn McClure have moved on from that team. The three returning starters are Kamry Perez, Canton Moreno and Bri Ford. Perez, a 5-4 senior guard, averaged 11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds and dished out 117 assists for the season. She was first-team alldistrict, TABC all-region and TGCA all-state. Moreno, a 5-8 senior guard (12.4 ppg, 3 rpg), was first-team all-district. Ford, a 6-2 junior post (9.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg), was secondteam all-district.

Kamry Perez

Canton Moreno

Bri Ford

Those three represent almost 33 points per game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Walthall recommends all three as all-state candidates. Morgann Kennedy, a 5-7 senior guard (3 rpg), also started some games last season. Five other letter winners also return. “We have a well-rounded team with some talented guards and post players,” Walthall said. “They are a fun group that works hard in practice. We are really looking forward to a special year.” She outlined two keys for success this season. “Growing the entire season,” she said, “and using everyone’s individual strengths to be the very best team that we can.” (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

5A

115

(Continued from previous page)

Walthall played on Canyon’s state championship teams of 2000 and 2003. She was a McDonald’s All-American and played four years at Texas Tech. Walthall is beginning her seventh season at Randall, having coached at Midlothian and The Colony. Her overall coaching record is 125-145, but her Randall teams have won 101 and lost 79. The UIL realignment moved Canyon, which won three Class 5A state titles in a row, down a class to 4A. But Amarillo High, last spring’s 5A state champ, remains in District 3-5A. The Lady Raiders will open Nov. 6 at Midland High. An early season highlight will be the Nov. 13 game at Tascosa. That will match Walthall’s team against the Lady Rebels, coached by Betsy Baughman, Walthall’s mother. Randall will play in the Flower Mound, Canyon/Kids Inc., and Clovis, N.M., tournaments. The Lady Raiders will begin district play Nov. 27.

Randall Girls Super Boosters Good Luck! We Love You!—The Kennedy Family You are your only limit!—Love, Mom, Dad, & Lennon Good Luck Baby! We Love You!—Mom, Haley, James, & Dad We Love our #11 Kamry! Go get some buckets!— Love, Mom, Dad, & Kasmir Go Lady Raiders! Go Wima! We love you! Play Hard Makenna! We love you! We are proud of you! Go Macayla!—Love, Dad, Mom,

116

5A

Morgann Kennedy

Mikah Merrill

Kallie Marting

Macayla Warren

Claire Headings

Jackson & Grandma Work Hard and Do your Best! Go Kailee!—Love, Dad, Mom, & Kaison You Rock Brooklyn! I love you! Let’s Go Lady Raiders! Good Luck this year Jalyn! Work your hardest and Ball Up!—Love, Mom & Dad Good Luck this season Bri!—Mom and Dad Go Aubrey! Have an awesome season!—Love, Mom & Dad Good Luck Zoe!—Love, Mom & Dad

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

4

Have the best season yet Analeigha! Go Lady Raiders!—Love, Mom, Dad, & JC Good Luck Clarissa! We Love You! Have a great season Madi Hayes!—Love, Dad, Mom, & Slade We wish the Lady Raiders a great season!— Wienerschnitzel, 600 E. Amarillo Blvd Have an Awesome Senior Season Kallie!—Love, Mom, Dad, & Kolby Brooke, It’s going to be a Great Year! Good things are headed your way!—Mom Go Raiders!—All The Way Up Tree Service Way to go Kaydence! That’s our girl! We love you!— Wheeler-Garcia Family Have a great year Victoria!—Love, Mom & Dad

2018-19 Randall Lady Raiders

A

TEAMS AT A GLANCE

District 3-4A Boys 1. Estacado 2. Canyon / Levelland / Hereford 5. Lamesa

PRESEASON PICKS District 3-4A Girls 1. Canyon 2. Levelland 3. Estacado / Hereford 5. Lamesa

District 4-4A Boys 1. Dalhart 2. Pampa 3. Perryton 4. Dumas 5. Borger

4

A

District 4-4A Girls 1. Perryton 2. Pampa / Dumas 4. Dalhart 5. Borger

HONOR ROLL 4A Boys Chase Snider, Canyon, 6-3, Sr.; Jarrad Gomez, Canyon, 5-9, Jr.; Kolton Trimmier, Canyon, 5-11, Sr.; Nathan Hoggatt, Canyon, 6-0, Sr.; Zach Barsalou, Dalhart, 6-4, Jr.; Robbie Devries, Dalhart, 6-3, Jr.; Hugo Davila, Dalhart, 6-2, Sr.; Dorion Estrada, Dumas, 6-2, Sr.; Aiden Venzor, Dumas, 5-10, Jr.; Sebastian Grajeda, Hereford, 6-1, Jr.; Dodge Delozier, Hereford, 6-3, Sr.; Tanner Frische, Hereford, 6-6, Sr.; Haz Castaneda, Hereford, 6-0, Sr.; Reid O’Connor, Levelland, 6-4, Sr.; Jakeevian Ford, Levelland, 6-0, Sr.; Broderick Golightly, Levelland, 6-2, Sr.; Isaiah Salazar, Levelland, 5-10, Soph. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

4A Girls Caitlynne Speegle, Canyon, 5-9, Sr.; Brylee Winfrey, Canyon, 5-8, Sr.; Ryan Patterson, Canyon, 5-6, Sr.; Carter Cluck, Canyon, 5-10, Jr.; Kenadee Winfrey, Canyon, 5-11, Soph.; Bella Hayden, Canyon, 5-6, Soph.; Hanna Wilkerson, Dalhart, 5-5, Sr.; Kaeona Marquez, Dalhart, 5-7, Soph.; Sugey Grijalva, Dumas, 5-6, Sr.; Citlali Botello, Dumas, 5-5, Sr.; Lori Arias, Hereford, 5-10, Sr.; Haleigh Barba, Hereford, 5-8, Sr.; Miranda Villegas, Levelland, 5-7, Sr.; MaKayla Escue, Levelland, 6-2, Sr.; Natalie Velardez, Levelland, 5-7, Sr.; Mari Ruiz, Levelland, 5-2, Sr.; Allie Latham, Levelland, 5-5, Soph.; Kiahra Graves, Levelland, 5-7, Sr. 4A

117

District 3-4A Prospects looking brighter for Eagles

Canyon Boys

Unlike last season, the Eagles have plenty of experienced players coming back. And they’ve moved down a classification to Class 4A because of UIL realignment. Those factors may work in the Eagles’ favor. Canyon suffered through a 5-21 season, finishing seventh in District 3-5A on a 2-11 mark. “We went through some growing pains last season with 12 varsity players that had no varsity experience to start the season. We were also plagued with injuries to key players throughout district,” Coach Travis Schulte said. “I was very proud of how we battled hard every night in an extremely tough 5A district.” The Eagles had no major graduation losses, and all five starters are back, plus seven other letter winners. Kolton Trimmier, a 5-11 senior guard who averaged 6 points last season, was a second-team all-district selection. The other returning starters are 6-0 senior forward Nathan Hoggatt (8 ppg, 4 rebounds per game), 6-3 senior forward Chase Snider (5 ppg, 5 rpg), 5-9 junior guard Jarrad Gomez (5 ppg) and 5-10 senior guard Seth Nickell (3 ppg, 2 rpg). Trimmier, Hoggatt, Snider and Gomez are outstanding players to watch, according to Schulte. The Eagles coach cited leadership, experience, defense and

Kolton Trimmier

Nathan Hoggatt

Chase Snider

rebounding as his team’s strengths, He’s concerned about size and scoring. Schulte listed three keys for success this season: 1. Learning from last year’s experiences; 2. Adjusting to a new style of play; and 3. Improving shooting percentages. Schulte is beginning his fourth season at Canyon, having coached the Eagles to a 28-55 record. The Nazareth High School and West Texas A&M University graduate owns a 220-184 overall boys coaching record for his 22-year career. Before coming to Canyon, he coached at Hereford, Sunray, Pampa and Perryton. The Eagles will open their season Nov. 9 at Amarillo High. The home opener will be Nov. 13 against Pampa. They’ll play in (Continued on next page)

118

4A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Jarrad Gomez

Seth Nickell

Jaxon Tankersley

(Continued from previous page)

Canyon’s Kids Inc., Abilene Wylie and Clovis, N.M., tournaments. District play begins Jan. 11. DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 9 Nov. 13 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 16-17 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 18

Canyon Schedule

Opponent Caprock Amarillo High Pampa Dumas Plainview First United Bank Shoot-out Nazareth Randall Idalou Kids Inc. Tournament Clovis Panhandle Abilene Wylie Tournament River Road Lubbock Trinity Shallowater Midland Lee Borger

Name Bo Christie Brandon Driskell Chase Snider Jarrad Gomez Jaxon Tankersley Joe Shaw Kolton Trimmier Lawton Rikel Mario Briggins Miles Huffhines Nathan Hoggatt Reese Seideman Seth Nickell Stephen Ferguson

Place B G There X There X Here X Here X There X Here X Here X Here X There X X Here X X Here X There X There X There X Here X X Here X LCU X Here X X

Canyon Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-11 F Jr. 5-9 G Jr. 6-3 F Sr. 5-9 G Jr. 5-11 G Sr. 5-10 G Soph. 5-11 G Sr. 6-2 F Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 5-11 G Jr. 6-0 F Sr. 6-4 F Jr. 5-10 G Sr. 6-5 F Jr.

Coach: Travis Schulte Asst. Coaches: Brandon Jones, Braden Kimsey 2017-2018 record: 5-21, 2-11 School phone: 677-2740 Players to watch: Chase Snider, Jarrad Gomez, Kolton Trimmier, Nathan Hoggatt

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Lawton Rikel Dec. 21 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Brandon Driskell

Frenship Dumas Mansfield Tournament Clovis Tournament Childress Estacado Lamesa Levelland Hereford Estacado Lamesa Levelland Hereford Estacado Lamesa

Reese Seideman Here There X There There X Here X There Here There X Here X Here X There X Here X There X There X Here X

X X X X X X X X X X

Canyon Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Caitlynne Speegle 5-9 F Sr. Brylee Winfrey 5-8 F Sr. Ryan Patterson 5-6 G Sr. Carter Cluck 5-10 F Jr. Kenadee Winfrey 5-11 G/F Soph. Bella Hayden 5-6 G Soph. Kylee Hicks 5-9 F Sr. Faith Douglass 5-9 F Sr. Chloe Callahan 5-9 G Soph. Kyla Cobb 5-6 G Soph. Neely Wood 5-9 F Soph. Carissa Love 5-5 G Soph. Keelie Mitchell 5-7 F Jr. Kamren Larrimore 5-6 G Jr. Coach: Joe Lombard Asst. Coaches: Johnny Hampton, Kody Smith 2017-2018 record: 30-4, 13-1 School phone: 677-2740 Players to watch: Kenadee Winfrey, Carter Cluck, Bella Hayden, Caitlynne Speegle, Ryan Patterson, Brylee Winfrey

4A

119

Canyon Girls

Lady Eagles lack experience It’s difficult to envision Joe Lombard starting from scratch. But the legendary Canyon coach will begin the 2018-19 season with NO returning starters. His Lady Eagles will play in a brand new district with only one familiar foe. And one of his best players already is out for the season with a knee injury. However, nobody is likely to shed any Carter Cluck tears for the man who has coached teams to 19 state championships and 1,322 victories. Plus, that new district actually is a step down as Canyon moves from 5A back to 4A because of UIL realignment. Of course, the last time (2014) the Lady Eagles were in 4A, they won a state championship. That was followed by three straight Class 5A state crowns. Canyon didn’t win state last year. Amarillo High was the stumbling block. The Lady Eagles and Lady Sandies split regular season encounters and shared the District 3-5A championship with 13-1 records. Then AHS ended the Lady Eagles’ season with a 34-27 decision in the regional finals. Still, it hardly was a bad season. Canyon won its third straight Kids Inc. Tournament title and first 13 games. The Lady Eagles soared to the No. 1 ranking in the state. In the playoffs, they

120

4A

Kenadee Winfrey

Brylee Winfrey

Caitlynne Speegle

knocked off Abilene Cooper, El Paso Eastlake, Randall and Colleyville Heritage in postseason play. They wound up 30-4 overall. “Our team had a great 2017-18 season. We played one of the best schedules in the state, and we were competitive with everyone,” Lombard said. “Our five seniors were great leaders, and the team chemistry was good.” Those five senior starters – all-staters Channing Cunyus and Blaire Winings, all-district Maddy Willis and Heather Davis and all-district honorable mention Madi Rolan – are gone. Lombard does have five letter winners on hand. He views one of those – 5-11 junior forward Carter Cluck – as an all-state candidate. He had 5-11 sophomore forward/guard Kenadee Winfrey (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

in that category, but she injured her ACL and is out for the year. Both Winfrey and Cluck averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds last season. Lombard labeled four other players as ones to watch: Brylee Winfrey, a 5-8 senior forward, is the older sister of Kenadee Winfrey; Caitlynne Speegle, a 5-9 forward, and Ryan Patterson, a 5-6 guard, are the Ryan Patterson other seniors on the squad; Bella Hayden, a 5-6 sophomore guard, is the younger sister of Angel Hayden, a four-year Lady Eagles star who is in her sophomore season at Texas Tech. Lombard says the Lady Eagles’ strengths are talent, depth and a desire to have a great year. He is concerned about the players’ inexperience. “We have the talent to have a good team. Offense and defense can improve. Roles must be established,” Lombard said. “We hope the Lady Eagles steadily improve throughout the season. We have a great preseason schedule and then will compete in one of the best 4A districts in Texas.” Canyon will compete in the five-team District 3-4A. Hereford is the only holdover district foe. Lamesa, Levelland and Lubbock Estacado are the new faces. But no more Amarillo High. The Lady Eagles and Lady Sandies have split six meetings the past two seasons, with each winning a state 5A championship. Lombard captained both his Fort Wayne, Ind., Northside High School and Wayland Baptist University basketball teams. He was inducted into the Wayland Athletics Hall of Fame last fall,

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Bella Hayden

Kylie Hicks

Faith Douglass

and the Canyon High gym is named for him. He is a member of several halls of fame, including the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tenn. He coached for seven seasons at Nazareth, where his girls teams won six state titles. He continued his success at Canyon, winning 13 state crowns so far in his 33 years there. All 33 of his Lady Eagle teams have qualified for the playoffs. His 40-year overall coaching record is a phenomenal 1,322124 for a .914 winning percentage. A total of 1,261 of those wins came with girls teams. The Lady Eagles will open their season Nov. 6 at Caprock. They’ll play in the First United Bank Shootout and the Kids Inc. and Mansfield tournaments. District play will begin Jan. 4 at Lubbock Estacado.

Canyon Super Boosters Good Luck Winfrey Girls! Blessings to you this season! We are Proud of you and love you!—Mom, Dad, Abree & Sydnee

4A

121

Keelie Mitchell

Kamren Larrimore

Kyla Cobb

Canyon Coach Joe Lombard gestures to his players on the court during a game last December against Amarillo High. (Photo by Mike Haynes

122

4A

Neely Wood

Carissa Love

Chloe Callahan

We wish the Lady Eagles a great season!—The Saunders Family Good Luck this year! Go Lady Eagles!—Gipson Family Have a blessed season Lady Eagles! We love you Kylie Hicks! Good Luck Bella! Always remember “Tough Like Tatum”—The Hayden Family Cheering on Carissa…Queen of the 3’s!—Love, the Kings The Woodruff’s are cheering for Carissa! Keep shooting lights out Carissa!—We love you, Mamaw and Pappy Just keep doing what you do Carissa! We love you!—Mom, Dad, & Natalie Just Play! Have Fun! Enjoy the Game! Good luck Carissa!—The Monreals’ We wish the Canyon Lady Eagles a great season! Go Chloe!—Smart Chemical Good Luck Lady Eagles!—Mitchell Family

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Carter Cluck of Canyon goes up for a shot, is fouled and shoots free throws at home against Amarillo High in December 2017. (Photos by Mike Haynes)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

4A

123

Lady Eagle Kenadee Winfrey moves down the court against Amarillo High’s Chloe Mayfield last December. Winfrey, now a sophomore, is expected to miss the 2018-19 season because of a knee injury. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Hereford Boys

Whitefaces coming off 20-win season The Whitefaces won 20 games last season but missed the playoffs for the second straight season. Their 5-9 record in District 3-5A merited a fifth-place finish. Hereford did win both the Monahans and Childress tournaments. Isiah Escobal, second-team all-district, and five other seniors on last year’s team have departed. Dodge Delozier “We lost a very good group of seniors,” Coach C.J. Villegas said. “Graduated some seniors that played a lot of varsity basketball games and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row.” Dodge Delozier, an all-district honorable mention last year, is the only honored player returning, but Villegas feels he has three all-state candidates in Delozier, a 6-3 senior forward; Tanner Frische, a 6-6 senior forward; and Haz Castaneda, a 6-0 senior guard. Sebastian Grajeda, a 6-1 junior guard, is another outstanding player to watch, according to Villegas. There are eight seniors on the Whitefaces’ roster. “The seniors have been in our program since seventh grade. They should know our system by now, and we feel like that is 124 4A

Tanner Frische

Haz Castaneda

Sebastian Grajeda

a plus. They know our system, the program’s expectations and style of play,” he said. “We also think that our depth is a plus and something that we can build off. We will try to play 10 to 12 players.” Villegas is concerned about the lack of varsity experience. “We will have about 6 or 8 guys that will need to gain varsity experience,” he said. “The sooner we can establish that experience, the better we will be.” That increase in experience figures to be one of the keys to success this season. “Gaining varsity experience for some of our kids will help in (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

the long run,” Villegas said. “We would also like to stay healthy and be able to use as many bodies as we can to play our style.” Villegas, a Brady native, was a standout football player at McMurry University. He was the team captain for two years and the school’s career interception leader. He’s beginning his sixth season at Hereford and 12th overall as a head coach. He was at Trent, Coleman and Olton before coming to Hereford. His career boys coaching record is 135-175. The move down to Class 4A is bound to help the Whitefaces’ chances this season. They’ll be in District 3-4A along with Canyon, Lamesa, Levelland and Lubbock Estacado. The Whitefaces will open their season at home Nov. 13 against the home-schooled Amarillo Flames. They’ll play in their own tournament, plus the Childress and Monahans events. District play gets under way Jan. 11 at Lamesa.

Jordan Martinez

Tony Valles

Blake Walker

GOOD LUCK WHITEFACES!

Hereford Girls

New coach, former mentor in same district Bryan Lintner, the Lady Whitefaces’ new coach, gets some chances to renew acquaintances with his former mentor, Joe Lombard of Canyon, this season. Hereford and Canyon, former members of District 3-5A, dropped to Class 4A because of UIL realignment. So now they’re both in District 3-4A. Lintner served as Lombard’s assistant for 17 years before moving to Bushland to Lori Arias take the head girls job there. Lintner had tremendous success at Bushland, posting a 61-29 win-loss record, including three district championships with a perfect 24-0 mark. In 2016-17, his 21-11 Lady Falcons had their most successful season, reaching the regional quarterfinals. Lintner, a graduate of Amarillo High School and Texas State University, resigned at Bushland last April, contemplating retirement. Later, however, he became Hereford’s coach, replacing Christy Connally. Connally coached the Lady Whitefaces for nine seasons, compiling a 111-150 record and left to coach the new girls program at Wildorado. The Lady Whitefaces were 9-21 last season under Connally. They were 3-11 and tied for seventh in tough District 3-5A, which has produced the last four 5A state champions. Three of those were won by Canyon. Lintner was a part of nine Canyon state championship teams. “A very young team last year that played well at times but could not put four good quarters together many times,” Lintner said of Hereford’s 2017-18 team. “Too many turnovers and mistakes due to youth and inexperience.” Faith Castenada, a second-team all-district selection, was the key departure off last year’s team. A second-team all-district pick also returns in the person of Lori Arias, a 5-10 senior guard. Arias and 5-6 senior guard Sam Lookingbill are returning starters. Arias and Haleigh Barba, a 5-8 senior guard, are outstanding 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Sam Lookingbill

Haleigh Barba

Andrea Valenzuela

players to watch, according to Lintner. He lists three team strengths for the Lady Whitefaces: excellent team speed and quickness; outstanding ball handling; and overall good size. Hereford has six players taller than 5-9. His concerns center on three things – learning new and different offensive and defensive systems; shooting consistency; and the need to become better passers. But when it comes to success this season, Lintner details four keys: learning a new offense and defense; chemistry; shooting consistency; and development of an inside game. The Lady Whitefaces will open their season Nov. 6 at Lubbock High. The home opener is Nov. 9 with Dimmitt. They’ll play in the Shallowater, Dimmitt and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. The last game of the regular season, Feb. 5 at home, will match Lintner’s team against Lombard’s Lady Eagles. They’ll meet earlier sJan. 18) in Canyon.

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! 4A

125

Hereford Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Sebastian Grajeda 6-1 G Jr. Blake Walker 5-8 G Soph. Derek Bravo 5-8 G Jr. Shawn Escamilla 5-8 G Sr. Dodge Delozier 6-3 F Sr. Tanner Frische 6-6 F Sr. Jordan Martinez 5-10 G Sr. Tye Davis 6-1 G Jr. Kaleb Larra 5-9 G Soph. Haz Castaneda 6-0 G Sr. Tony Valles 6-0 G Sr. Jorge Contreras 6-0 G Sr. Erik Baca 6-3 F Sr. Coach: C.J. Villegas Asst. Coaches: Tim Bell, Chayse Rives, Nik Brown, Christian Garza, Jayden Venhaus 2017-2018 record: 20-13, 5-9 School phone: 363-7630 Players to watch: Dodge Delozier, Tanner Frische, Haz Castaneda, Sebastian Grajeda DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 9 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 24 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 15

126

4A

Hereford Schedule

Opponent Lubbock High Dimmitt Amarillo Flames Dalhart Shallowater Midland High Lubbock High Snyder Plainview Shallowater Tournament Perryton Dumas Hereford Tournament Dimmitt Tournament Frenship Childress Tournament Wellington

Place B G There X Here X Here X X There X X There X Here X There X Idalou X Here X X There X There X Here X X Here X There X Here X X There X There X

Name Lori Arias Sam Lookingbill Haleigh Barba Andrea Valenzuela Arely Fraire Brianne Claudio Darcy Dodd Nayeli Acosta Miranda Acosta Taytum Stowe Aubrey Landis

Hereford Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-10 G Sr. 5-6 G Sr. 5-8 G Sr. 6-1 P Sr. 6-0 P Sr. 5-5 G Jr. 5-9 P Jr. 5-9 G Soph. 5-9 G Fr. 6-1 P Fr. 6-1 P Sr.

Coach: Bryan Lintner Asst. Coaches: Lisa Taylor, Caitlin Greenwood, Kelsie Hill, Kyle Gamble 2017-2018 record: 9-21, 3-11 School phone: 363-7600 Players to watch: Lori Arias, Haleigh Barba

Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 1 Jan. 4 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 12

Pampa Clovis, New Mexico Monahans Tournament Lubbock Caprock Tournament Lubbock Monterey Clovis Seminole Lubbock Estacado Lamesa Levelland Canyon Roswell Goddard Lubbock Estacado Lamesa Levelland Canyon Lubbock Estacado

There X There X There X There Here X There Here X Here There X Here X There X Here There X Here X There X Here X Here X

X X X X X X X X X X X X

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Arely Fraire

Brianne Claudio

Darcy Dodd

Nayeli Acosta

Miranda Acosta

Taytum Stowe

Dalhart Boys

District 4-4A Fortunes change for Golden Wolves

Stratton Frye’s first season as the Golden Wolves’ coach was quite successful. In fact, he may have turned around the program. When Frye arrived in Dalhart, the Golden Wolves had gone 11-36 the previous two years. District championships and playoffs were distant memories. But Dalhart won the Vega and Vernon tournaments, went 6-2 in District 1-4A and tied Pampa for the title last season. That marked the Golden Wolves’ first district co-championship in five years. The Golden Wolves were nipped by Brownfield 88-84 in their bidistrict playoff, so they finished the season 22-7. “Last season was a great turnaround for Dalhart basketball,” Frye said. “We scratched the surface of some of the things we wanted to accomplish. For a young team, we did have some ups and downs. But we felt that we really laid the foundation for the next few years.” All-district honorable mention Alex Brewer and Zayne Lewis, seniors a year ago, have moved on, as has first-team all-district Dyson Day, a junior who transferred. However, Frye has three honored players returning, and two of them are juniors representing 35 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Robby Devries, a 6-3 junior guard, averaged 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists last season and was the district’s offensive 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Robby Devries

Zach Barsalou

Hugo Davila

MVP and a Class 4A-3A Golden Spread team selection. Zach Barsalou, a 6-4 junior forward, contributed 15 ppg, 9 rpg, 4 apg and earned first-team all-district distinction. Frye considers Devries and Barsalou as all-state candidates this season. Hugo Davila, a 6-2 senior center (14 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg), also garnered first-team all-district honors. Devries, Barsalou and Davila all started last season, along with 5-11 junior point guard Brandon Samaniego (7 ppg, 2 rpg, 3 apg). Eli Alarid, a 5-8 junior guard, is listed as a fifth returning starter although he suffered an ACL injury and missed last season. Three other returning letter winners add depth for the Golden (Continued on page 129)

4A

127

Dalhart Boys Name Ht. Xaviar Hammett 5-11 Zach Barsalou 6-4 Brandon Samaniego 5-11 Eli Alarid 5-8 Collin Smith 6-5 LaDaryl Smith 6-0 Robby Devries 6-3 Hugo Davila 6-2 Carson Smith 6-1

Pos. Class G Soph. F Jr. G Jr. G Jr. F Sr. G Jr. G Jr. P Sr. F Sr.

Coach: Stratton Frye Asst. Coaches: John Quint, Chris Christopher 2017-2018 record: 22-7, 6-2 School phone: 244-7810 Players to watch: Zach Barsalou, Robby Devries, Hugo Davila

Dalhart Schedule

DATE Opponent Place B G Nov. 3 Booker There X Nov. 6 Boys Ranch There X Nov. 10 Gruver Here X Nov. 13 Friona There X Nov. 17 Hereford Here X X Nov. 20 Bushland There X Nov. 20 Guymon There X Nov. 27 Wellington Here X Nov. 27 Tascosa There X Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Kennedale Tourney There X Nov. 30 Palo Duro Here X Dec. 4 Tulia There X Dec. 4 Lubbock High Here X Dec. 6-8 White Deer Tournament There X Dec. 6-8 Garden City Classic There X Dec. 11 River Road Here X

128

4A

Dalhart Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Hanna Wilkerson 5-5 G Sr. Makayla Hyer 5-6 G Sr. Angie Rodriguez 5-3 G Sr. Hannah Holmes 5-10 P Sr. Loree Simmons 5-4 G Jr. Natalie Olvera 5-7 F Jr. Kaeona Marquez 5-7 G Soph. Bethany Berngen 5-11 F Soph. Cristal Davila 5-8 F Soph. Coach: Anthony Catherall Asst. Coaches: Lida Trusler, Kent Morrison 2017-2018 record: 11-19, 2-6 School phone: 244-7300 Players to watch: Hanna Wilkerson, Kaeona Marquez

Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8

Shallowater There X Greenwood Tournament There X Guymon There West Texas High There X Stratford Here X Gruver Holiday Classic There X Nazareth There X Fritch Here X Borger There Lubbock Titans Here X Dumas Here X Pampa There X Perryton Here X Borger Here X Dumas There X Pampa Here X Perryton There X Borger There Xa

X X X X X X X X X X X X

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Brandon Samaniego

Eli Alarid

Collin Smith

(Continued from page 127)

Wolves. “We have scoring threats again all over the floor. We do a good job of sharing the basketball and pushing the tempo,” Frye said. “There is a comfort level with this team that you don’t see often. It comes from playing a lot of basketball together year-round.” His main areas of concern are defense and replacing the team’s primary ball handler from last year. “Last year we gave up close to 75 a game. We feel if we can bump this number down to the mid-60s, we will give ourselves a shot to win a lot of basketball games,” Frye said. “With our tempo and the amount of possessions we get within a game, we must take care of the basketball.” He re-emphasized the need for a stingier defense as a key to success this season. “We return a big portion of our team and a key player from

Carson Smith

LaDaryl Smith

Xaviar Hammett

injury last year, so we do have some lofty goals,” Frye said. “A year of maturity, seeing what playoff wins take and a full year of introducing the program should mean another step forward for this team.” Frye, a graduate of Dumas High School and Lubbock Christian University, came to Dalhart from San Angelo Lake View, where he was an assistant for two years. During his time there, Class 4A Lake View reached the playoffs for the first time in 18 years. Dalhart moves from District 1-4A to 4-4A this season, but Borger, Pampa and Perryton remain as conference opponents. Dumas, which had been a 5A school, replaces Bushland, which drops down to 3A, as a district foe. The Golden Wolves will open their season at home Nov. 17 against Hereford. They’ll play in the Garden City Classic, Greenwood Tournament and Gruver Holiday Classic. District play commences Jan. 11.

Dalhart Girls

Lady Wolves a year older and wiser The Lady Wolves endured a learning-experience season last year. Coach Anthony Catherall hopes the lessons were learned. Dalhart struggled through an 11-19 season but managed to make the playoffs on the basis of a fourth-place district finish despite a 2-6 mark. The Lady Wolves lost to Levelland 66-32 in bidistrict. “Last season was all about growth for us,” Catherall said. “We started three freshmen many times throughout last season. Some injuries to some key older players thrust our younger kids into a bigger role than expected.” Karley Orman, the district offensive MVP, has departed, along with Emily Thelander, Brittany Johnson, Yareth Lozano and Sidney Fahnert. However, Catherall has three sophomore starters returning and expects improvement, given their year of experience. Kaeona Marquez, a 5-7 guard, was the district newcomer of the year last season. Cristal Davila, a 5-8 forward, made the alldistrict team. Bethany Berngen, a 5-11 forward, completes the trio of sophomore starters from a year ago. Hanna Wilkerson, a 5-5 senior guard, is another player to watch, according to Catherall. Wilkerson is one of four seniors, to go along with two juniors and the three sophs, on the roster. Catherall lists the Lady Wolves’ strengths as athleticism plus more experience and more depth than in past years. Scoring, incorporating some new players and youth are his concerns. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Kaeona Marquez

Cristal Davila

Bethany Berngen

Developing team chemistry and enhancing the maturation of the younger players will be keys for success this season. “We feel like we have gotten much better over the course of last spring and this summer but still have some work to do,” Catherall said. “Although our younger kids gained valuable experience last year, a big core of our team will still be sophomores, so we need our underclassmen to start playing like upperclassmen. With five seniors graduating, figuring out how to incorporate the new faces will be a challenge, also.” Catherall is a graduate of Dumas High School and Texas Tech University. He is beginning his sixth year at Dalhart and ninth overall as a head coach. He was at Anton and Tahoka previously. The Lady Wolves’ season opener will be Nov. 3 at Booker. They’ll make their home debut Nov. 10 against Gruver. They’ll participate in the Kennedale, White Deer and Gruver tournaments. The restructured District 4-4A play will begin Jan. 4 for the girls. 4A

129

Hanna Wilkerson

Angie Rodriguez

Makayla Hyer.jpg Dalhart Golden Wolves Robby Devries, left, and Zach Barsalou pose for a cover group photo for Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine in Amarillo in September. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Dumas Boys

Hannah Holmes

Loree Simmons.jpg

New coach, new class for Demons The UIL realignment that moved Dumas from Class 5A down to 4A couldn’t have come at a better time for the Demons and their new coach. Well, Randy Ray is not that new to Dumas. He was a threesport athlete for the Demons in high school. The West Texas A&M University graduate has been a Demon assistant for the past seven years. This is his first head coaching assignment. He succeeds Lonnie Burnam, who has moved to Tahoka. In two years at Dumas, Burnam’s teams went 6-53 overall. In the rugged District 3-5A, the Demons were 1-13 both seasons, finishing last twice. Now Dumas is in District 4-4A along with Borger, Dalhart, Pampa and Perryton. The new alignment should help the Devils’ chances. Four seniors moved on from last year’s 3-28 team. But Aiden Venzor, a 5-10 guard, is one of five juniors on this year’s roster. Venzor was honorable mention all-district last year. Ray designated 6-1 junior forward Kyle Stroebel and 6-0 senior guard Dorion Estrada as other players to watch. Estrada is the only senior on the roster. Ray lists perimeter shooting, ball handling and team depth as the Demons’ strengths. He is concerned about the lack of size in the interior. Ray outlined several keys for success this season. “We have to develop a mindset that we can compete with anyone on our schedule,” he said. “We have hard-working, team-oriented kids who understand the game of basketball and what it takes to be successful. We need to play fast, take advantage of every offensive possession and be the most physical team on defense.” The Demons’ season opener will be at home Nov. 9 against Sunray. They’ll play in the Lamesa, West Texas High and Littlefield tournaments. District 4-4A play begins Jan. 11 at Dalhart. 130

4A

Aiden Venzor

Kyle Stroebel

Dorion Estrada

Devyn Hutcherson

Colton Johnson

Angel Pelayo

Dumas Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Dorion Estrada 6-2 G Sr. Devyn Hutcherson 6-0 F Jr. Colton Johnson 6-0 F Jr. Angel Pelayo 5-9 G Jr. Kyle Stroebel 6-1 G Jr. Aiden Venzor 5-10 G Jr. Coach: Randy Ray Asst. Coaches: Josh Hernandez, Greyson Wooten 2017-2018 record: 3-28, 1-13 School phone: 935-4151 Players to watch: Dorion Estrada, Kyle Stroebel 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

4A

131

Dumas Girls

Demonettes determined to do better Dumas alum Austin Spain will begin his second season at his alma mater with a positive outlook, given four returning starters and Dumas’ drop in classification to Class 4A. Spain, who was Dumas’ class salutatorian in 2006, got off to a rough start in his coaching career. The Demonettes were 8-18 DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Dumas Schedule

Opponent Gruver Panhandle Sunray Randall Canyon Palo Duro Sunray Bushland Guymon, Oklahoma Lamesa Tournament Hereford West Texas High Tournament Garden City Tournament Dimmitt Stratford Littlefield Sanford Fritch Tascosa Canyon Littlefield Tournament Clovis Tournament Perryton Borger West Texas High Dalhart Pampa Perryton Borger Dalhart Pampa Perryton Borger

Place B G There X There X Here X Here X There X There X There X Here X Here X X There X X There X X There X There X There X X There X Here X Here X X Here X Here X There X There X There X Here X There X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X Here X

overall and 1-13 in rugged District 3-5A last year. “We had a very tough time replacing eight seniors and learning a new system,” the Texas Tech University grad said. “The girls showed tons of improvement all year long and played several close games in one of the toughest districts in the state.” Raven Jones, who was second-team all-district, Bryanna Bryant and Syma Mendoza are gone from last year’s team. But the quartet of returning starters includes 5-6 junior guard Macie Medrano and 5-10 senior forward Courtnee Mild, both honorable mention all-district selections last season. The other returning starters are 5-6 senior guard Sugey Grijalva and 5-5 senior guard Citlali Botello. Those two are players to watch, according to Spain. Two other returning letter winners – 5-9 junior forward Destiny Saldivar and 5-9 junior guard Joanna Trevizo – provide more experience. That experience, depth and defense are the Demonettes’ strengths, according to Spain. He is concerned about the team’s ability to score. “I think rebounding and limiting turnovers will be the keys in the upcoming season,” he said. The Demonettes will open their season Nov. 6 at Gruver. They will play in tournaments in three states: at Lamesa (Texas), Garden City (Kansas) and Clovis (New Mexico). They will begin district play Jan. 4 at Perryton. Name Macie Medrano Courtnee Mild Sugey Grijalva Citlali Botello Destiny Saldivar Joanna Trevizo

Dumas Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-6 G Jr. 5-10 F Sr. 5-6 G Sr. 5-5 G Sr. 5-9 F Jr. 5-9 G Jr.

Coach: Austin Spain Asst. Coach: Koty Huseman 2017-2018 record: 8-18, 1-13 School phone: 935-6461 Players to watch: Citlali Botello, Sugey Grijalva

Support Panhandle-Plains Basketball Advertisers!

132

5A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

District 3-4A Assistant takes over from longtime coach

Levelland Boys

Jordan Elam, who’s been the Lobos’ assistant the past four years, has been promoted to head coach, replacing Jeff Bontrager, who retired. At Denver City High School, Elam was the district newcomer of the year as a junior and the district offensive MVP, all SouthPlains, all-region and the TABC free throw champion as a senior. Jakeevian Ford The Texas Tech University graduate began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Lubbock Christian University from 2011 to 2013, then moved to Midland Lee High School as an aide in 2013-14. This will be Elam’s first head coaching post. At Levelland, Elam served under a longtime coach who posted his 300th and 400th career coaching victories at the school. Bontrager, who directed the Lobos for nine seasons, got No. 400 Jan. 16 in a 61-51 victory over Brownfield. He retired with a 405-329 boys record in his 22-year coaching career. Bontrager’s last team went 23-11, finishing third in the district with a 5-5 mark. The Lobos had taken second place in the Denver City Tournament, won the consolation bracket in Dimmitt and took third in the Littlefield event.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Broderick Golightly

Reid O’Connor

Isaiah Salazar

In the playoffs, Levelland defeated Pampa 60-53 in bidistrict and Fort Stockton 56-44 in the area game. Seminole stopped the Lobos 61-46 in the regional quarterfinals. “We came into last season with only one returning letterman and a lot of new faces to the varsity,’” Elam said. “However, we kept improving as the year went on, really peaking at just the right time, eventually losing to the regional champion, Seminole, in the regional quarterfinals. A year that started with few expectations concluded with a really positive finish.” Joel White and Keyshawn Joyce, seniors on last year’s team, have moved on. (Continued on page 135)

4A

133

Name Reid O’Connor Connor Barnett Jakeevian Ford Broderick Golightly Bryan Gonzalez Chris Gerber Kaleb Reyna Jacob Ramirez Jonathan Davis Isaiah Salazar

Levelland Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-4 F Sr. 6-3 F Sr. 6-0 G Sr. 6-2 F Sr. 6-3 F Sr. 6-1 F Sr. 5-10 G Jr. 5-9 G Jr. 6-1 G Jr. 5-10 G Soph.

Coach: Jordan Elam Asst. Coaches: Kyle Cavitt, Jacob Perez 2017-2018 record: 23-11, 5-5 School phone: 894-8515 Players to watch: Reid O’Connor, Jakeevian Ford, Broderick Golightly, Isaiah Salazar DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec.1 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 7 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8

134

4A

Levelland Schedule

Opponent Big Spring C-City Denver City Tascosa S.A. Central Lubbock Cooper Denver City Andrews Levelland Tournament Greenwood Idalou Andrews Tournament Seminole Greenwood Tournament Greenwood Big Spring Whataburger Tournament Sweetwater Snyder Lamesa Graham Trinity Christian Canyon Hereford Estacado Lamesa Canyon Hereford Estacado Lamesa

Name Miranda Villegas MaKayla Escue Natalie Velardez Mari Ruiz Allie Latham Kiahra Graves Brytnee Bordayo Michaela Watkins Cami Garza Saidee Mendoza Brooke Lamb

Levelland Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-7 G Sr. 6-2 P Sr. 5-7 G Sr. 5-2 G Sr. 5-5 G Soph. 5-7 F/P Sr. 5-4 G Jr. 5-7 G Soph. 5-0 G Sr. 5-6 F/P Sr. 5-5 F/P Sr.

Coach: Clay Barnett Asst. Coaches: Trevor Tucek, Jordyn Villa 2017-2018 record: 33-3, 9-1 School phone: 894-8515 Players to watch: Miranda Villegas, MaKayla Escue, Natalie Velardez, Mari Ruiz, Allie Latham, Kiahra Graves

Place B G There X TBA X There X Here X There X Here X There X Here X X Here X Here X There X X Thee X X Here X X There X Here X There X TBA X X Here X There X There X Jayton X Here X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from page 133)

But Bontrager didn’t leave Elam with an empty cupboard of players. Instead, the shelves are overfilling. All five starters return, along with two other letter winners. The returning starters: • Jakeevian Ford, a 6-0 senior guard, averaged 9.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists in earning all-district honors; • Broderick Golightly, a 6-2 senior forward, contributed 10 ppg, 5.8 rpg and also was all-district; • Reid O’Connor, a 6-4 senior forward, showed a 10 ppg, 5.6 rpg log and was all-district honorable mention; • Isaiah Salazar, a 5-10 sophomore guard (9.7 ppg); • Jacob Ramirez, a 5-9 junior guard (3.5 ppg). Those five returning starters represent 43 points per game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Elam nominates Ford and O’Connor as all-state candidates and Golightly and Salazar as other outstanding players to watch. That depth and experience are strengths for the Lobos, according to Elam. He added 3-point shooting as an asset. He’s concerned about inside post play and dealing with a tougher schedule. Elam listed several keys for a successful season. “Handle the new changes in our program appropriately (new coach, system, philosophy), don’t rest on last season’s success

Jacob Ramirez

Connor Barnett

Kaleb Reyna

(stay hungry) and compete at a high level against the best competition on our schedule,” he said. “If we continue to improve on playing for one another, success will happen.” Levelland moves from District 2-4A to 3-4A because of the UIL realignment. Two new teams — Canyon and Hereford, both dropping down from Class 5A — join holdovers Lamesa and Lubbock Estacado as district opponents. “The district should again be very competitive,” Elam said. “We are looking forward to facing a quality team each and every night in the district.” The Lobos will open their season Nov. 19 at home against Lubbock Cooper. They’ll play in the Andrews, Greenwood and Fort Worth Whataburger tournaments.

Levelland Girls

Loboettes keep raising the bar The Loboettes keep setting higher and higher standards. Levelland posted a spectacular 33-3 overall record in 2017-18, one more victory than the previous season. The Loboettes won the Ponder and Levelland tournaments and were runners-up in the Lubbock Caprock tourney. They were co-champions with Denver City in District 2-4A, both with 9-1 records. In Miranda Villegas the playoffs, Levelland defeated Dalhart 6632 in bidistrict, Clint 88-43 in the area round and Seminole 56-42 in the regional quarterfinals. Abilene Wylie finally stopped the Loboettes 51-48 in the regional semifinals. Nevertheless, that marked the fifth straight year the Loboettes had made the playoffs under Coach Clay Barnett. In his five years at Levelland, Barnett’s teams have gone a remarkable 129-8. That’s a .942 winning percentage. One valuable player has moved on from last year’s team. Paige Royal was the district MVP, TABC all-region and all-state and TGCA all-state. But Barnett has four starters back. All four earned honors last season. Miranda Villegas, a 5-7 senior guard, was the district defensive MVP, TABC all-region and TGAC all-state. MaKayla Escue, a 6-2 senior post, earned TABC all-region and TGCA all-state recognition. Barnett recommends Villegas and Escue as all-state candidates. The other returning starters are 5-7 senior guard Natalie 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Makayla Escue

Natalie Velardez

Mari Ruiz

Allie Latham

Kiahra Graves

Brytnee Bordayo

Velardez and 5-2 senior guard Mari Ruiz. Both were first-team all-district selections a year ago. Letter winners Allie Latham, a 5-5 sophomore guard, and Kiahra Graves, a 5-7 senior post/wing, are additional players to watch, according to Barnett. He views the return of four starters and a total of seven letter (Continued on next page)

4A

135

(Continued from previous page)

winners as his team’s strong point. Lack of depth at the post position is an area of concern. Barnett is a graduate of Van Horn High School and Angelo State University. Before coming to Levelland, he coached at Merkel, Anson, Baird and Wellington. The Loboettes will open their season at Big Spring Nov. 6. They’ll play in the Levelland, Andrews and Fort Worth Whataburger tourneys. The new makeup of District 3-4A includes Canyon and Hereford, both moving down from Class 5A.

136

4A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3

A

TEAMS AT A GLANCE

District 1-3A Boys 1. Bushland 2. Spearman 3. Canadian 4. Tulia 5. Dimmitt 6. Muleshoe 7. Friona 8. River Road

PRESEASON PICKS District 1-3A Girls 1. Bushland 2. Canadian 3. Spearman 4. River Road 5. Muleshoe 6. Friona 7. Tulia 8. Dimmitt

District 2-3A Boys 1. Brownfield 2. Shallowater 3. Abernathy 4. Littlefield 5. Idalou 6. Slaton 7. Denver City 8. Roosevelt

3

A

District 2-3A Girls 1. Idalou 2. Shallowater 3. Denver City / Slaton 5. Abernathy 6. Roosevelt 7. Littlefield / Brownfield

HONOR ROLL 3A Boys Joseph, Sanchez, Abernathy, 5-9, Sr.; Ryan Sandoval, Abernathy, 5-11, Sr.; Bryson Daily, Abernathy, 6-1, Jr.; Miles Keith, Abernathy, 6-3, Jr.; Kole Carlisle, Abernathy, 5-9, Sr.; Zach Muniz, Brownfield, 6-2, Sr.; Nunie Ramirez, Brownfield, 5-9, Sr.; Brock Sires, Brownfield, 6-3, Sr.; Jake Orcutt, Bushland, 5-11, Jr.; Clayton Heetland, Bushland, 6-5, Jr.; Wren Watson, Bushland, 6-3, Jr.; Bridge Andrews, Bushland, 6-5, Jr.; Teague Thrash, Bushland, 6-0, Jr.; McKade Merrell, Idalou, 6-4, Sr.; Jeremiah Lorimer, Idalou, 5-8, Sr.; Xzavier Tarin, Idalou, 5-10, Jr.; Andrew Valdez, Littlefield, 5-7, Jr.; Joseph Trevino, Littlefield, 5-9, Jr.; Tyree Jones, Littlefield, 6-4, Soph.; Chris Brown, Littlefield, 6-2, Soph.; JJ Canada, River Road, 6-6, Sr.; Ryan Dixon, River Road, 6-2, Sr.; Hunter Frye, River Road, 6-0, Jr.; Cory Ferriera, River Road, 6-3, Soph.; Lance Welps, River Road, 5-11, Soph.; Josh Servantez, Shallowater, 5-10, Sr.; Rodie Fuqua, Shallowater, 6-5, Sr.; Blake Cunningham, Shallowater, 6-2, Sr.; Hunter Gossett, Shallowater, 5-11, Jr.; Quevon McDaniel, Slaton, 5-8, Jr.; Kevondrick Gober, Slaton, 5-8, Jr.; Tannon Cearley, Slaton, 5-7, Sr.; Tashawn Tipton, Slaton, Sr.; Mike Solis, Slaton, Jr.; Abraham Bonilla, Spearman, 6-0, Sr.; Peyton Black, Spearman, 6-6, Jr.; Bo Butler, Spearman, 5-10, Jr.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A Girls Anaya Rodriguez, Abernathy, 5-6, Jr.; Addison Royal, Abernathy, 5-6, Sr.; Cheyann Shadden, Abernathy, 5-9, Jr.; Wrye Akers, Abernathy, 5-9, Jr.; Pilar Sanchez, Abernathy, 5-8, Jr.; Ragan May, Abernathy, 5-8, Jr.; Dayna Romero, Brownfield, 5-6, Sr.; Morgan Silva, Brownfield, 5-7, Jr.; Gabby Fields, Brownfield, 5-5, Fr.; Skylar Cleavinger, Bushland, 6-0, Sr.; Makenna Morgan, Bushland, 5-7, Jr.; Sabrina Lovett, Bushland, 5-8, Sr.; Adriane Jackson, Bushland, 5-8, Sr.; Keona Loftis, Bushland, 5-8, Sr.; Salym Cook, Canadian, 5-6, Sr.; Taylor Altmiller, Canadian, 5-8, Sr.; Emma Key, Canadian, 5-4, Sr.; Mariah Trevino, Friona, 5-9, Sr.; Bailey Pope, Friona, 5-9, Sr.; Emma Rector, Friona, 5-6, Sr.; Josselyn Castillo, Friona, 5-6, Sr.; Amelia Sandoval, Friona, 5-7, Sr.; Carly Drake, Friona, 5-11, Jr.; Jaci Trevino, Friona, 5-6, Jr.; Tanay Williams, Idalou, 5-9, Sr.; Ashlyn Shelley, Idalou, 5-8, Sr.; Shaylee Stovall, Idalou, 5-7, Jr.; Libby Craig, Idalou, 5-10, Sr.; Taylor Houston, Idalou, 5-10, Fr.; Kaytlin Shipley, River Road, 6-0, Sr.; Isabel Carrillo, River Road, 5-10, Soph.; Cierra Kiser, River Road, 5-11, Soph.; Addisyn Sackett, Slaton, 5-8, Sr.; Kamryn Gibbs, Slaton, 5-4, Jr.; Ta’Kaja Robinson, Slaton, 5-7, Jr.; Mary Jo Parker, Slaton, 5-8, Soph.; Jaden Blan, Spearman, 5-9, Sr.; Caylin Brown, Spearman, 5-5, Sr.; Maddie McCloy, Spearman, 5-8, Jr.; Crystal Mendoza, Spearman, 5-2, Sr.; Shaylyn Whiteley, Spearman, 5-6, Jr.; Miranda Flores, Tulia, Sr.; Jocelyn Velazquez, Tulia, Jr.; NShantae Winkfield, Tulia, 5-7, Sr.; Shakira Williams, Tulia, 5-3, Sr.; Anessa Carrasco, Tulia, 5-7, Sr.

3A

137

District 1-3A Falcons seek winning ledger

Bushland Boys

The Falcons stumbled a bit last season, posting losing records overall (13-14) and district (2-6). Still, they made the playoffs based on a fourth-place finish in District 1-4A. Bushland lost its bidistrict game to Lubbock Estacado 64-34. Earlier, the Falcons won the championship of the Monahans Tournament. Two all-district players – Colton Moore Clayton Heetland and Calahan Jeffreys – have moved on from that team. But Coach Kendall Cogburn has an all-district player returning in 6-5 junior forward Clayton Heetland, who averaged 11 points last season. Heetland is the son of Courtney Gilmore, who played basketball at Randall High School and SMU, and the grandson of Russ Gilmore, who coached many years at Tascosa and Hobbs, N.M., among other schools. Cogburn rates Heetland as an all-state candidate this season. Cogburn lists four other players as ones to watch. They are 5-11 junior guard Jake Orcutt (4 ppg), 6-3 junior forward Wren Watson (4 ppg), 6-0 junior guard Teague Thrash (7 ppg) and 6-5 junior center Bridge Andrews (3 ppg). Eight letter winners return for the Falcons.

138

3A

Jake Orcutt

Wren Watson

Teague Thrash

Cogburn said one of his team’s strengths is the tradition that has been established over the years. “Under the leadership of our seniors and a strong junior class, I feel that we can mold a successful team,” he said. “I’m also excited about our depth this year. We will have more depth than I’ve ever coached.” The Falcons staying healthy is his main concern. “Staying healthy and learning how to win games in the fourth quarter” are his keys for success this season. Cogburn played basketball at Randall, Wayland Baptist University and West Texas A&M University. He’s beginning his third season at Bushland, sporting an 80-40 overall boys coaching (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

record. He coached at Claude, Wylie and Happy before moving to Bushland. His 2015-16 Happy team reached the state semifinals. The Falcons will open the season Nov. 17 at Borger and will play in the Dimmitt and Midland Greenwood tournaments before seeking to defend their championship at the Monahans tourney. Bushland drops down to Class 3A this season because of UIL realignment. The Falcons’ district opponents will be River Road, Canadian, Dimmitt, Friona, Muleshoe, Spearman and Tulia. District play begins Dec. 21.

Caleb Butcher

Josh Haacke

Skyler Jaco

Bridge Andrews

Cole Mosley Noah Laurent

Tate Shultz

Cason West

Jackson Baggett

Bushland Super Boosters The Butcher’s support the Bushland Falcons! Go Falcons! Super proud of you Jaci! Hope you have a great Senior year. Go get’em! Love, Mom, Dad, Jovi, and Jami

Name Jake Orcutt Tate Shultz Clayton Heetland Wren Watson Cole Mosley Bridge Andrews Teague Thrash Cason West Skyler Jaco Jackson Baggett Caleb Butcher Josh Haacke Noah Laurent Britt Campidilli

Britt Campidilli

Bushland Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-11 G Jr. 6-0 G Sr. 6-5 F Jr. 6-3 F Jr. 6-1 G Sr. 6-5 P Jr. 6-0 G Jr. 6-0 F Sr. 5-10 G Jr. 6-3 F Sr. 5-7 G Sr. 5-11 G Sr. 6-0 F Jr. 5-8 G Jr.

Coach: Kendall Cogburn Asst. Coaches: Derek Mauldin, David Sutterfield 2017-2018 record: 13-14, 2-6 School phone: 359-5418 Players to watch: Jake Orcutt, Clayton Heetland, Wren Watson, Bridge Andrews, Teague Thrash

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

139

Bushland Girls

New coach has tough act to follow The Lady Falcons have a new coach, and he has big shoes to fill. Three returning starters should help. Chris Marks, a veteran coach with 23 years of experience on basketball benches, takes over. The Tarleton State University graduate, who has 13 years of college and 10 of high school coaching experience, coached last year at Colby College. Previously, he coached at Sul Ross State University and served as an assistant at Clarendon College and at his alma mater. As a collegian, he was on Tarleton’s track team. Marks succeeds Bryan Lintner, who was quite successful at Bushland. Lintner, who has moved to Hereford to coach its girls team, directed the Lady Falcons to a 61-29 record and three 4A district titles in three years. Last year’s Bushland team, under Lintner, went 20-7 overall and won all eight District 1-4A contests. The Lady Falcons lost to Seminole 45-34 in bidistrict. Bushland was represented by district co-MVPs last season. Skylar Cleavinger is back for her senior season, but Jalee Sims has graduated. Also gone are Briss Graham, the district defensive player of the year, and Carly Christian, all-district. Cleavinger, a 6-0 forward, averaged 9 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists last season and was an all-state selection. Marks recommends her for a repeat performance of that distinction.

140

3A

Skylar Cleavinger

Adriane Jackson

Sabrina Lovett

The two other returning starters are Adriane Jackson and Sabrina Lovett, both all-district picks a year ago. Jackson is a 5-8 senior guard (6 ppg, 5 rpg); Lovett is also a 5-8 senior guard (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg). The Lady Falcons have four other letter winners, including 5-8 senior forward Keona Loftis (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg) and 5-7 junior guard Makenna Morgan (8 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg), both players to watch, according to Marks. Ansley Sims, a 5-7 junior guard, is the sister of the departed Jalee Sims and the daughter of assistant coach Scott Sims. Marks tabs athleticism as the Lady Falcons’ strength. (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

Two factors will be keys for success this season. “Learning a new system and having great team chemistry,” he said. The Lady Falcons will open their season Nov. 3 at home against Gruver. They’ll play in the Canyon Kids Inc., Dimmitt and Midland tourneys. They’ll make their debut at the Class 3A level when District 1-3A play begins Dec. 14. Name Skylar Cleavinger Makenna Morgan Jaci Perkins Taryn Schultz Sabrina Lovett Adriane Jackson Abbie Chunn Keona Loftis Shaylee Loubhan Berry Boydston Ansley Sims

Bushland Girls Ht. Pos. Class 6-0 F Sr. 5-7 G Jr. 5-8 G Sr. 5-6 G Soph. 5-8 G Sr. 5-8 G Sr. 5-7 F Sr. 5-8 F Sr. 6-0 F Jr. 5-4 G Jr. 5-7 G Jr.

Coach: Chris Marks Asst. Coach: Scott Sims 2017-2018 record: 20-7, 8-0 School phone: 359-5418 Players to watch: Skylar Cleavinger, Makenna Morgan, Sabrina Lovett, Adriane Jackson, Keona Loftis

DATE Nov. 3 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 14 Dec. 19 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 28-29 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Bushland Schedule

Opponent Gruver Stratford West Texas High Vega Borger Dumas Dalhart Nazareth Gene Messer Wellington Panhandle Dimmitt Tournament Pampa Midland Greenwood Tournament Friona Canadian Muleshoe Midland Tournament Monahans Tournament Dimmitt Tulia Spearman Friona River Road Muleshoe Canadian Dimmitt Spearman Tulia River Road Friona Canadian

Place B G Here X Here X There X There X There X There X Here X There X X Canyon X There X Here X There X X There X X There X Here X Here X There X X There X There X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X Here X

GO LADY FALCONS!

Keona Loftis

Jaci Perkins

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Abigail Chunn

3A

141

Canadian Boys

Wildcats get new coach New Coach Brandon Wall steps into a tough situation in Canadian. He’s following Andy Copley, who had great success with the Wildcats. In fact, Copley coached three straight state championship teams. His 2013-14 Water Valley team won the Class 1A Division I title. Then his 2014-15 and 2015-16 Canadian clubs won back-to-back Class 2A state championships. Copley opted to leave Canadian and take the head football post at Follett this fall. In four years at Canadian, Copley’s teams won 78 and lost 13. His overall boys basketball record is 421-245. However, Wall has made a spectacular debut before. In his first head coaching job, he guided Childress to a 30-5 season and a state tournament berth in 2014-15. Last season, his Bobcats went 11-10 overall and 6-4 for fourth place in District 1-3A. Canadian had been moved to 1-3A, and the teams played each other twice that season. Canadian won both games. So Wall, a graduate of Justin Northwest High School and Texas Tech University, is familiar with Canadian teams. Childress no longer is in District 1-3A, having been shifted to 8-3A because of UIL realignment. Copley’s last Canadian team went 20-5 overall and tied Spearman for the district championship at 8-2. Then the Wildcats beat Spearman 46-45 in a seeding game. The Wildcats defeated Idalou

75-55 in bidistrict and Ballinger 46-43 in the area game before being eliminated by Shallowater 55-47 in the regional quarterfinals. Two key players on that team have moved on. Matthew Lynch, son of Canadian ISD Superintendent Kyle Lynch, was the district MVP and TABC all-region. Tyler Richardson, son of girls Coach Kevin Richardson, was first-team all-district and TABC all-region. The family ties don’t stop there. There are three sets of brothers on this year’s team. Grant McCook, a 5-11 junior point guard, was first-team alldistrict and is one of two returning starters for the Wildcats. The other one is his brother, Garrison McCook, a 5-11 senior guard. Then there are brothers Aidan and Josh Culwell. Letter winner Aidan is a 6-1 senior guard; Josh is a 6-2 sophomore point guard. Bill and Jack Koetting go one step closer. They’re twins. Bill, who lettered last season, and Jack are 6-0 junior guards. Brenden Wyatt, a 5-11 senior post, also earned a letter last year. Wall views the Wildcats’ strengths as depth and athleticism. He is concerned about the players adjusting to a new system and the team’s rebounding. Canadian will have four new district opponents this season as Bushland (formerly in 4A), Dimmitt, Friona and Muleshoe join District 1-3A. Highland Park (now 2A) and Childress are gone. District play for the boys begins Dec. 21. (Continued on next page)

Canadian Boys

Name Ht. Pos. Class Jace Belk 5-8 G Sr. Jackson Brewer 6-0 G Sr. Reagan Cochran 6-2 P Soph. Payton Collier 6-3 F Sr. Aidan Culwell 6-1 G Sr. Josh Culwell 6-2 G Soph. Saul Escamilla 6-1 P Jr. Bill Koetting 6-0 G Jr. Jack Koetting 6-0 G Jr. Stephen Pulliam 6-0 F Jr. Garrison McCook 5-11 G Sr. Grant McCook 5-11 G Jr. Brenden Wyatt 5-11 P Sr. Coach: Brandon Wall Asst. Coaches: Jeff Isom, Hayden Merket, Tim Fletcher, Chase Palmore 2017-2018 record: 20-4, 8-2 School phone: 323-5373

Canadian Girls

Name Ht. Pos. Class Salym Cook 5-6 G Sr. Taylor Altmiller 5-8 P Sr. Jordan Cochran 5-8 P Sr. Leslie Jimenez 5-5 G Sr. Emma Key 5-4 G Sr. Riley Long 5-7 G Sr. Victoria Valenzuela 5-5 G Sr. Gysselle Velador 5-6 P Sr. Kali Wagner 5-5 G Sr. Coach: Kevin Richardson Asst. Coaches: Doug Boyd, Josh Mayhew 2017-2018 record: 28-5, 10-0 School phone: 323-5373 Players to watch: Salym Cook, Taylor Altmiller, Emma Key

142

3A

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 19 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Canadian Schedule

Opponent Borger Wheeler Wellington Memphis Pampa Perryton Panhandle Shamrock Vega Tournament Shallowater Tournament Childress Amarillo Flames WTHS Tournament Shamrock Muleshoe Bushland Friona Gruver Tournament Tulia Dimmitt River Road Muleshoe Spearman Friona Busland Tulia River Road Dimmitt Spearman Muleshoe Bushland

Place B G Here X Here X There X Here X TBA X Here X There X There X There X There X There X TBA X There X X Here X Here X There X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X There X

Wildcat Booster Club 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

The Wildcats often get a late start to the season because of football. Their scheduled opener is Nov. 17 against Pampa. Canadian will play in the Vega, West Texas High and Gruver tournaments.

Canadian Super Boosters Have a great season Cat—Larry Smith & Family Go Wildcats and Lady Cats!—Jerry & Doris Smith Good Luck Cats!—Bobby & Carol Cooper Leatherman’s Automotive, Diesel, & Repair Specialist 10940 South Hwy. 83, Canadian, TX 79014, 806-323-9500, 806-323-2566 Go Lady Cats and Wildcats!—Alexander’s Grocery and Deli We wish the Wildcats a great season!— River Valley Pioneer Museum Go Cats!—Ken King Family Good Luck Lady Cats and Wildcats!—King Family Go Wildcats and Lady Cats!—Keith, Courtney, Cooper, and Olivia Trolinger

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

143

Canadian Girls

Lady Cats hope to clear hurdles Veteran Canadian Coach Kevin Richardson has some challenges this season. Besides facing four new opponents in their district, the Lady Cats have to rebuild their roster. Richardson has overcome challenges in the past. His teams have won more than 80 percent of their games, There were eight seniors on last year’s Canadian roster, so graduation losses were heavy. Most prominent among the group were Emily Alexander, Chloe Walser and Tayler Dockray. Alexander was TABC and TGCA all-region, all-state and the district MVP. Walser was TABC all-region and all-district. Dockray was all-district. All three played prominent roles in the Lady Cats’ run to the state Class 3A state championship in 2017, the first girls state title in school history. Last year’s team made a strong run to repeat, winning district at 10-0 and its first two playoff games. The Lady Cats defeated Slaton 45-34 in bidistrict and Ballinger 45-24 in the area game. Idalou ended Canadian’s season 48-42 in the regional quarterfinals. That wrapped up a 28-5 ledger for the Lady Cats. “We had a really good year. We had such a different team from the previous year’s state championship team, although we had many returnees,” Richardson said. “I thought our players did a great job of adjusting to how we

Salym Cook

Taylor Altmiller

Emma Key

needed to play to be successful. Our players stepped up to fill some big roles for our team.” Only one starter and two other letter winners return. Salym Cook, a 5-6 senior guard, started last season and averaged 6 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Cook was an all-district selection. Taylor Altmiller, a 5-8 senior post (8 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg), and Emma Key, a 5-4 senior guard (5 ppg, 2 rpg, 3 apg), both lettered. Richardson tabs Cook, Altmiller and Key as all-state material. He lists 5-5 senior guard Victoria Valenzuela, 5-5 senior guard Leslie Jimenez and 5-8 senior post Jordan Cochran as additional players to watch. (Continued on next page)

144

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

“We have lots of basketball experience even though we don’t have a lot of varsity experience,” Richardson said, Richardson described his team’s strengths as a “genuine desire to achieve greatness and to continue the success that our program has established.” He also indicated that defense should be a strength until the offense gets settled in. Overall height is a concern, so the Lady Cats will need to compensate by blocking out, rebounding and playing great defense, Richardson said. “We must develop a chemistry as a team as we mold our players who have been on varsity and those that are coming up to join the varsity,” he said. “With our district starting in December, we must come together quickly and must sustain our peak for much longer this season.” Richardson is a graduate of Canyon High School and West Texas A&M University. He is beginning his 18th season as Canadian’s coach, having previously coached at Abernathy for two seasons. His girls teams have won 502 games and lost only 117, an .811 winning percentage. The Lady Cats will open their season Nov. 6 at home against Borger. They’ll play in the Shallowater, West Texas High and Gruver tournaments.

Victoria Valenzuela

Riley Long

Jordan Cochran

Gysselle Velador

Kali Wagner

Go, Lady Cats!

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

145

146

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Canadian Seniors 2018

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Canadian Juniors 2018

3A

147

Canadian Sophomores

148

3A

Canadian Freshmen

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers!

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

149

Friona Girls

Squaws have wealth of experience The outlook is brighter for the Squaws this season, thanks to the return of six players who started at times last year. Those six represent 47 points per game based on last year’s scoring statistics, and four of them are seniors. They will be led by a new coach as Pam Husted takes over for David Woods, the Friona girls coach for two years. Woods also was the Friona boys coach for five years and Mariah Trevino previously coached boys at Highland Park. He has had 351 wins as a boys coach in 18 years of coaching. Husted begins her second year as a head coach, having led Cloudcroft, N.M., High School in 2005-2006. She is a graduate of Dexter, N.M., High School, where she played basketball

Bailey Pope

Emma Rector

Jaci Trevino

three years, and Eastern New Mexico University, where she was an athletic trainer working with softball, football and baseball. Woods, familiar with the returning Squaws, said the team’s strength will be experience, size and defense. (Continued on next page)

(Continued on next page)

150

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

Last season’s Squaws went 10-18 overall and 4-10 in District 2-3A, finishing fifth. Erika Barrera and Sandra Gonzalez have moved on from that team. Leading the returners is Mariah Trevino, a 5-9 senior post who averaged 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists last season. She was a first-team all-district selection. Bailey Pope, a 5-9 shooting guard, chipped in 8 ppg, 11 rpg, 3 apg and was an all-district honorable mention. Woods rates Trevino and Pope as all-state candidates. Two other returning starters – 5-6 senior point guard Emma Rector (4 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg) and 5-6 junior point guard Jaci Trevino (7 ppg, 6 rpg, 5 apg) – also earned all-district honorable mentions. The Trevinos are not related. Rounding out the returning starters are 5-6 senior shooting guard Josselyn Castillo (4 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg) and 5-11 junior post Carly Drake (8 ppg, 9 rpg). Another player to watch is 5-7 senior post Amelia Sandoval, according to Woods. Before stepping down, Woods cited the lack of an outside presence and handling pressure as the major concerns. The keys for success will be getting off to a good start in non-district play, according to Woods. Plus playing in a tough district means learning how to win on the road. The Squaws’ District 1-3A opener Dec. 14 will be on the road at Bushland, formerly a Class 4A school. The Squaws will open their season at home Nov. 9 against Bovina. They’ll play in the Nazareth, Farwell and Littlefield tournaments. DATE Nov. 9 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 11

Friona Schedule

Opponent Bovina Dalhart Vega Littlefield Boys Ranch Nazareth Tournament Sunray Farwell Tournament Bushland Vega Muleshoe McLean Canadian Littlefield Invitational River Road Spearman Tulia Bushland

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Place B G Here X Here X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X There X X There X There X Here X Here X There X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X

Josselyn Castillo

Name Mariah Trevino Bailey Pope Emma Rector Josselyn Castillo Amelia Sandoval Carly Drake Jaci Trevino Lizbeth Rojas Maddie Sharrock

Carly Drake

Amelia Sandoval

Friona Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 P Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 5-6 G Sr. 5-7 P Sr. 5-7 P Sr. 5-11 P Jr. 5-6 G Jr. 5-6 G Jr. 5-6 G Jr.

Coach: Pam Husted Asst. Coaches: Trisha Steelman, Trent Britten, Maddie Murphree, Abby White 2017-2018 record: 10-18, 4-10 School phone: 250-2821 Players to watch: Mariah Trevino, Bailey Pope, Emma Rector, Josselyn Castillo, Amelia Sandoval, Carly Drake, Jaci Trevino Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Dimmitt Canadian Muleshoe River Road Tulia Spearman Dimmitt Bushland Muleshoe

There Here There There Here There Here There Here

X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X

Friona Super Boosters Wes, Amber, Cason, & Carly Drake Kody, Kim, Kendall, & Kambree Kimbrough

3A

151

River Road Boys

It’s elementary — Watson in charge The Wildcats have a new head coach this season, although he’s not new to the school or the basketball program. Jeremy Watson, who was a Wildcat assistant last season, steps up to his first head coaching assignment, replacing Joe Yankovich. Watson will be the Wildcats’ third coach in as many years. Before coming to River Road, he coached at Brownfield. He’s a graduate of Eldorado High School and West Texas A&M University. At Eldorado, Watson was a first-team all-state wide receiver in football and a state meet qualifier in the 4x100 relay in track. He won first-team all-conference laurels as a wide receiver at WT. The Wildcats struggled last year under Yankovich. A 6-21 season included a last-place district finish with a 1-9 record. Eight seniors were listed on the 2017-18 River Road roster. Watson said, “We’re starting fresh with a new varsity this year.” He designated five players as ones to watch this season:

River Road Girls

• J.J. Canada, a 6-6 senior forward/center; • Ryan Dixon, a 6-2 senior forward; • Hunter Frye, a 6-0 junior guard/forward; • Lance Welps, a 5-11 sophomore guard; and • Cory Ferriera, a 6-3 sophomore forward. Watson described the Wildcats’ forte as “run and gun.” He used that same phrase as the key for success this season. District 1-3A will have a different look this season because of UIL realignment. Bushland, down from 4A, Dimmitt, Friona and Muleshoe are the new faces, replacing Childress and Highland Park. Canadian, Spearman and Tulia are holdover opponents for River Road. The Wildcats will open their season Nov. 13 at Boys Ranch. The home opener will be Nov. 16 against Sanford-Fritch. They’ll play in the Vega and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. District play begins Dec. 14.

Lady Cats coming off record season The Lady Cats rolled to a record-breaking season, winning 24 games, the most in school history, last year. River Road won the consolation division in the Caprock Tournament and took third in the Claude Tourney. The Lady Cats tied for second in District 1-3A with a 7-3 record. They suffered a disappointing 48-39 bidistrict playoff loss to Shallowater. Still, a 24-9 season merited high praise from Coach Ricky Guy. “Most wins in River Road girls history with 24,” he said. Two standout players from that team have moved on. Scout Welps, district offensive player of the year and first-team all-state, is playing at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Averie Benson, first-team all-district, is now shooting hoops at Howard Junior College. But four starters, representing almost 32 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics, are back. Kaytlin Shipley, a 6-0 senior post, averaged 10.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists and was first-team all-district last year. Cierra Kiser, a 5-11 sophomore wing/guard, contributed 7.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.2 apg and was all-district honorable mention. So was Jaecie Mitchell, a 5-8 senior guard (8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 5.4 apg). Guy considers Shipley and Kiser as all-state candidates. The fourth returning starter is 5-10 sophomore wing/guard Isabel Carrillo. “Isabel Carrillo will be a force to reckon with,” Guy said. “She was hurt early in the season but came on strong late.” Two other Lady Cats – 5-11 junior post MaKenna Jeffers and 5-7 senior guard Autumn Powell – lettered last year. Guy lists quickness, a strong basketball IQ and great attitudes as strengths for the Lady Cats. His main concern is injuries. Peaking at the right time will be a key for a successful season,

Cierra Kiser

Jaecie Mitchell

Isabela Carrillo

Makenna Jeffers

Autumn Powell

Morgan O’Donnell

according to Guy. Guy was an all-state basketball player at Memphis High School and played at Texas Tech University from 1980 to1983. A one-handicap golfer, Guy has coached two state championship high school golf teams. He’s coached both boys and girls basketball with stints at Lakeview, Claude and Memphis before River Road. His boys teams have posted a 334-216 record, his girls teams 134-105. So his 34-year combined coaching mark is 468-321. (Continued on page 154)

152

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

River Road Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Kaytlin Shipley 6-0 P Sr. Jaecie Mitchell 5-8 G Sr. MaKenna Jeffers 5-11 P Jr. Morgan O’Donnell 5-7 G Sr. Autumn Powell 5-6 G Sr. Isabel Carrillo 5-10 F/G Soph. Cierra Kiser 5-11 F/G Soph. Brilee Shannon 5-8 G Soph. Trinity Smith 5-9 P Soph. Kaysha Stone 5-5 G Soph. Macy Wilkins 5-6 G Jr. Lexi Jenkins 5-8 G Sr. Faith Powell 6-0 P Soph. Coach: Ricky Guy 2017-2018 record: 24-9, 7-3 School phone: 383-8867 Players to watch: Kaytlin Shipley, Isabel Carrillo, Cierra Kiser

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 14

River Road Schedule

Opponent Pampa Shamrock Boys Ranch Sanford Fritch San Jacinto Amarillo Flames Claude Claude Tournament Vega Tournament Memphis Canyon Dalhart Highland Park Dimmitt Shamrock

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Place B G There X There X There X X Here X X There X X Here X Here X X There X There X Here X X Here X There X There X There X There X

Name JJ Canada Ryan Dixon Ethan O’Connor Bryson Phelps Hunter Frye Jordan Valdez Mason James Trey Mays David Brittan Cory Ferriera Lance Welps

River Road Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-6 F/P Sr. 6-2 F Sr. 6-2 F/P Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 6-0 G/F Jr. 5-10 G Jr. 5-10 G Jr. 6-3 F Jr. 6-3 P Jr. 6-3 F Soph. 5-11 G Soph.

Coach: Jeremy Watson Asst. Coaches: Adam Lane, Kyle McCalla, Tanner Wright, Seve Chavez 2017-2018 record: 6-21, 1-9 School phone: 381-8867 Players to watch: JJ Canada, Ryan Dixon, Hunter Frye, Cory Ferriera, Lance Welps

Dec. 18 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Spearman Vega Tulia AMBUCS Caprock Tournament Friona Muleshoe Canadian Dimmitt Bushland Tulia Spearman Friona Canadian Muleshoe Bushland Dimmitt Spearman

There Here X Here X Lubbock X There X There X Here X Here X There X There X Here X Here X There X Here X Here X There X There X

3A

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

153

(Continued from page 152)

He’s beginning his sixth season at River Road. The Lady Cats will open the season Nov. 6 at Pampa. They will play in the Claude and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. District play will begin Dec. 14 at Dimmitt.

Macy Wilkins

Trinity Smith

Brilee Shannon

Kaysha Stone

Faith Powell

River Road Super Boosters

Go Kenna!—Love, your Nothing bundt family! Have a great season Jaecie #22!—Love, The Bernson’s & Mitchell’s

Spearman Boys

Lynx break out in a big way After four years of just failing to reach the .500 mark, usually by a game or two, the Lynx posted a winning season. And they did it in a big way. In Coach Craig Black’s fifth season at Spearman, the Lynx went 20-12 and were district co-champions at 8-2. They did lose a seeding game 46-45 to co-champ Canadian. In the playoffs, Spearman defeated DimAbraham Bonilla mitt 66-56 in bidistrict before losing to Wall 60-46 in the area round. Earlier, the Lynx had taken second in the Claude Tournament and defeated Class 2A state-champion-to-be West Texas High 51-47. “The Lynx had their first 20-win season, a district (co-)championship and bidistrict championship in more than 10 years last season,” Black said. “We had great team chemistry and had different players step up at different times in the season.” Expect more of the same. The Lynx had no seniors on last year’s squad. This year there are five, all with experience. All 10 players on the roster lettered last year. And six Lynx garnered some starts last season. 154 3A

Arturo Camacho

Jack Wilkerson

Reece Shields

Leading the way is 6-0 senior forward Abraham Bonilla, who averaged 13.2 points and 6.4 rebounds in earning the district’s offensive MVP award. Black rates Bonilla as all-state material this season. Arturo Camacho, a 5-8 senior guard, posted 8.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.4 assists per game and was the district’s defensive MVP. Jack Wilkerson, a 5-11 sophomore guard (7.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg), was the district newcomer of the year. Reece Shields, a 6-0 senior forward (7.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg) was all-district, and Reid Harrell, a 5-10 senior guard (7.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.4 apg), was honorable mention all-district. (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

The other returning starter is 5-10 junior guard Bo Butler (5.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg). Butler and 6-6 junior forward Peyton Black (5.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg) are additional players to watch, according to Coach Black. Peyton Black is the coach’s son. Abraham Bonilla and Adrian Bonilla, a 5-11 junior forward, are brothers. Coach Black lists team quickness and speed as Spearman’s strengths. He is concerned about the lack of height on the perimeter. Black is a graduate of Levelland High School and Angelo State University. Before coming to Spearman, he coached at Anton from 2010 to 2013. His overall boys coaching record is 115-117. District 1-3A will have a new look this year. Bushland, formerly a 4A school, is new to the district, along with Dimmitt, Friona and Muleshoe. River Road, Canadian and Tulia are holdover opponents in the district. The Lynx will open their season Nov. 13 against Texline, then take on West Texas High the next night. Both games are in Spearman. The Lynx will play in the Vega, West Texas and Gruver tournaments. District play gets underway Dec. 21 at Dimmitt, the team the Lynx defeated in last year’s playoffs.

Spearman Super Boosters Anthony and Linda Wilkerson Billy Britt and Linda Jarvis Brown, Graham, & Co., PC Chad, Sam, Jack, and Ella Wilkerson

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

155

Reid Harrell DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 18

156

3A

Peyton Black

Bo Butler

Spearman Schedule

Opponent Wellington Perryton Texline Pampa Randall West Texas Sunray Shamrock Vega Tournament West Texas Peaster Tournament West Texas Tournament Gruver Sanford-Fritch Tulia River Road

Place B G There X Here X Here X Here X There X Here X There X X There X There X X There X X There X There X There X There X There X Here X

Adrian Bonilla Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Cristian Valles

Perryton Dimmitt Gruver Tournament Caprock Tournamet Muleshoe Friona Bushland Tulia Canadian Dimmitt River Road Muleshoe Bushland Friona Canadiana Tulia River Road

Levi Garnett Here X There X There X Lubbock Here X There X Here X Here X There X Here X Amarillo X There X Amarillo X Here X Here X There X Here X

X X X X X X X X X X X X

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Name Abraham Bonilla Adrian Bonilla Peyton Black Arturo Camacho Reece Shields Reid Harrell Bo Butler Jack Wilkerson Cristian Valles Levi Garnett

Spearman Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-0 F Sr. 5-11 F Jr. 6-6 F Jr. 5-8 G Sr. 6-0 F Sr. 5-10 G Sr. 5-10 G Jr. 5-11 G Soph. 6-0 G Sr. 5-11 G Jr.

Coach: Craig Black Asst. Coaches: Brandon Reagan, Tate Batton, Brodie Klink 2017-2018 record: 20-12, 8-3 School phone: 659-2584 Players to watch: Abraham Bonilla, Peyton Black, Bo Butler

Clancy, Chelsea, and Carter Vanderburg Coach Todd, Krista, Tanner, and Trenton Baird Cody and Abby Pipkin Craig, Stacie, Peyton, and Landrie Black Go Lynx & Lynxettes!—Dr. Michael Ralston Good Luck Lynx!—Buddy and Linda Allen Good Luck!—Casey, Lexi, and Kyson McAnally Good Luck!—Coach and Janneth Batton Good Luck!—Stephen and Tammy Kay Batton

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

157

Spearman Girls

New Lynxettes’ coach to face brother There may, or may not, be much brotherly love when the Lynxettes meet Canadian on Jan. 15 and Feb. 5. That’s because Kurt Richardson, the Lynxettes’ new coach, is the brother of Kevin Richardson, the Canadian Lady Wildcats’ coach. Now the brothers are district rivals. It won’t be the first time. When Kurt was coaching at Panhandle, his team was in the same Class 2A district as Kevin’s Canadian club for two years. They also played a time or two in tournaments and in the 2012 Class 1A playoffs. Kurt Richardson coached at Panhandle (2006-2012) and Abilene Wylie (2012-2018) before coming to Spearman. The Canyon High School and West Texas A&M University graduate brings a 314-103 overall girls coaching mark to Spearman. He replaces Junior Ashmore, whose teams have won close to 700 games. Ashmore, who has moved to direct the girls team at Class 3A Stanton, had coached at Spearman the past 14 years. Ashmore’s boys and girls teams have won 695 games combined. Last year’s Lynxettes, under Ashmore, went 22-10 overall. They lost to Canadian and Claude in the finals of two tournaments and took third in District 1-3A with a 7-3 record. Lubbock Roosevelt defeated Spearman 44-35 in bidistrict, the fourth straight year the Lynxettes have lost in the first round of the playoffs. K.D. McCloy and Maren Garnett, both all-district, and Calli

Maddie McCloy

Jaden Blan

Caylin Brown

Pearson, the district defensive MVP, have moved on from that team. Coach Richardson inherits one all-district returnee in Maddie McCloy, the younger sister of K.D. McCloy. The 5-8 junior guard averaged 8.8 points and 4.5 rebounds last season. Richardson views her as all-state material this season. Maddie McCloy is the only returning starter, but four other letter winners are back. They are 5-9 senior forward Jaden Blan, 5-5 senior guard Caylin Brown, 5-2 senior guard Crystal Mendoza and 5-6 junior guard Shaylyn Whitely (2.5 ppg). All four are players to watch. “Our team should be fairly long and athletic with good depth,” (Continued on next page)

Arturo Camacho, Maddie McCloy and Abraham Bonilla of Spearman get ready for their Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine cover photo in September. In front of them are Zayla Tinner, Tatym Barnes and Madison Stokes of Amarillo High. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

158

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Crystal Mendoza

Shaylyn Whiteley

Avery Connelly

(Continued from previous page)

Richardson said. He’s concerned about the lack of game experience; last year’s seniors played lots of minutes in a tough district. “We need some girls to be more aggressive looking to score,” Richardson said in determining the keys for success this season. “With an earlier start to a very tough district, and a new coach, the non-district games will be important to get us all on the same page.” The non-district games begin Nov. 6 at Wellington. The home opener will be Nov. 13 against Perryton. The Lynxettes will play in the Vega, Peaster and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. District play will begin Dec. 14. Later, there are those two important games for family bragging rights.

Name Jaden Blan Caylin Brown Avery Connelly Maggie Davis Candice Mackie Maddie McCloy Crystal Mendoza Mia Pipkin Shaylyn Whiteley

Spearman Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 F Sr. 5-5 G Sr. 5-5 G Jr. 5-10 F Soph. 5-6 F Soph. 5-8 G Jr. 5-2 G Sr. 5-10 F Soph. 5-6 G Jr.

Coach: Kurt Richardson Asst. Coaches: Starla Whiteley, Steve Walker, Maidie Reining 2017-2018 record: 22-10, 7-3 School phone: 659-2563 Players to watch: Jaden Blan, Caylin Brown, Maddie McCloy, Chrystal Mendoza, Shaylyn Whiteley

Maggie Davis

Candice Mackie

Mia Pipkin

Grady, Heather, Cambry, Rhys, and Creed Cline Irvin and Betty Jean Davis Jason, Macy, Conner, and Tessa Holton Joel, Haley, Brantly, and Reece Shields John and Tottie Scott Junior Lusby Cats, Inc. Keith, Jodie, and Tyann Hight Kurt, Jennifer Kinleigh, Bryson, and Braxton Richardson Lasater & Company—Butch and Mary Ann Lasater Stay Strong Lynx & Lynxettes!—Lozano Athletics, LLC Michael, Holly, Jack, and Cooper Campbell Mike, Sandi, and Calli Pearson PTCI SYBOC—Spearman Youthful Body of Christ Travis and Kandi Wolf Vaquera Painting We love you Jaden!—The Knowltons Wm. Clay and Dr. Kimberly Montgomery

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers!

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

159

160

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

161

Go Lynx and Lynxettes!

162

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

District 2-3A Ex-Naz coach takes Antelopes’ reins

Abernathy Boys

The Antelopes have a new coach as they step up to play in Class 3A this season. Nathan Branum, the former Nazareth boys coach, will direct the Antelopes in 201819. Branum, a Shallowater High School and Texas Tech University graduate, coached Naz from 2009 to 2017. He coached at Clyde last season. He brings an overall boys coaching record of 139-66 to Abernathy. Bryson Daily He replaces Tommy Simmons, who moved to Floydada to coach the girls team there. Simmons coached the Antelopes to a 104-40 record in five seasons. Last year’s team, under Simmons, went 22-10 overall and finished as the runner-up in District 4-2A with a 7-3 mark. The Antelopes beat Farwell 59-41 in bidistrict but lost to West Texas High 55-52 in the area round. That was the Comanches’ closest call as they marched to the Class 2A state championship. Kole Kurklin and Gus Diver, seniors last year, are gone from that team. Junior Cade Simmons, son of the former coach, also departed. But Branum inherits five returning starters, and three other letter winners to boot.

Miles Keith

Joseph Sanchez

Ryan Sandoval

Bryson Daily, a 6-1 junior guard, and Miles Keith, a 6-3 junior post, are the big guns. Daily averaged 17.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists in earning district offensive MVP, TABC all-region and TABC allstate honors last season. Keith, a first-team all-district selection, contributed 11.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Branum rates Daily and Keith as all-state candidates. The other returning starters are 5-9 senior guard Joseph Sanchez (3 ppg), 5-11 senior guard Ryan Sandoval (4.5 ppg, 3 rpg) and 5-9 senior guard Kole Carlisle (2 ppg, 4 rpg). (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

163

(Continued from previous page)

Those five represent 38 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Branum regards athleticism, depth and chemistry as the Antelopes’ strengths. He’s concerned about size. “We’ll need to adapt to our new system quickly and learn to play selflessly within it,” he said. “They will also need to take advantage of the freedom they have on the court and take ownership in fighting to establish our program in the top tier of Texas basketball.” The Antelopes will open their season Nov. 19- 20 with home dates against Floydada and Post. They’ll play in the Lamesa, Dimmitt and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. They’ll begin play in the eight-team District 2-3A Dec. 18. Abernathy Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Joseph Sanchez 5-9 G Sr. Janson Teal 6-0 G Sr. Ryan Sandoval 5-11 G Sr. Bryson Daily 6-1 G Jr. Jake Ayers 5-7 G Jr. Miles Keith 6-3 P Jr. Nicholas Deanda 6-0 G Jr. Kole Carlisle 5-9 G Sr. Malachi Loredo 6-0 F Sr. EJ Rodriguez 5-11 G Sr. Coach: Nathan Branum

Abernathy Girls

Kole Carlisle

Janson Teal

Malachi Loredo

Elijah Rodriguez

Jake Ayers

Nick DeAnda

Asst. Coaches: Lee Bender, Mike Keith, Michael Clarkson, Keanu Ramos 2017-2018 record: 22-10, 7-3 School phone: 298-2563 Players to watch: Bryson Daily, Miles Keith, Kole Carlisle, Joseph Sanchez, Ryan Sandoval

Lady Lopes looking for continued success Lady Lopes Coach Justin Barton faces some challenges in his third season coaching at his alma mater. Not only did the Lady Lopes move up a classification to 3A, but also he lost one of his key returning players. Makayla Pierson, a 5-5 senior guard who was all-district last year, was injured in an ATV accident in the summer and will not be able to play this season. So far, Barton’s teams have been equal to Cheyann Shadden past challenges. His Lady Lopes have won 50 games and lost 17 in his two seasons. They’re a perfect 20-0 with two District 4-2A championships and two playoff berths. Last year, Abernathy went 23-11 and won its bi-district game against Bovina 62-30. Vega eliminated the Lady Lopes 54-36 in the area. “I thought we fought through a lot of injuries and saw a lot of hope in this group,” Barton said. “I think we did a lot of growing up through the season.” Kalli Dubose, the district co-MVP and TGCA all-state, was the key loss via graduation off that team. Even without the injured Pierson, the Lady Lopes return three starters, representing about 25 points per game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Cheyann Shadden, a 5-9 junior guard, shared the district MVP honors with Dubose, averaging 10 points and 4.2 rebounds. Wrye Akers, a 5-9 junior guard, was the district defensive 164 3A

Wrye Akers

Ragan May

Addison Royal

player of the year and averaged 6.1 ppg and 5.1 rpg. Ragan May, a 5-8 junior guard, was all-district with 8.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg credentials. Barton recommends Shadden, Akers and May as all-state candidates. In addition to those three returning starters, Addison Royal, a 5-6 senior guard, was all-district, contributing 2.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg. She’s a player to watch, the coach said. Anaya Rodriguez, a 5-6 junior guard, and Pilar Sanchez, a 5-8 junior post (2.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg), are additional players to watch, according to Barton. Barton, a Texas Tech University graduate, lists speed and experience as his team’s strengths. He’s concerned about size. What are the keys for success this season? “If we can stay away from injuries and make it through a very (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

tough district,” Barton said. That new 2-3A district includes Brownfield, Denver City, Idalou, Littlefield, Lubbock Roosevelt, Shallowater and Slaton. The Lady Lopes will open their season at home Nov. 6 against Panhandle. They’ll play in the Levelland and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. District play will begin Dec. 11 at Littlefield. Abernathy Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Naomi Aguirre 5-6 G Sr. Anaya Rodriguez 5-6 G Jr. Kaitlin Nick 5-5 G Sr. Addison Royal 5-6 G Sr. Cheyann Shadden 5-9 G Jr. Wrye Akers 5-9 G Jr. Pilar Sanchez 5-8 P Jr. Ragan May 5-8 G Jr. Avery Myatt 5-6 G Jr. Arianna Martinez 5-7 G Sr. Autumn Miller 5-5 G Sr. Coach: Justin Barton Asst. Coaches: Haley Havens, Justin Guerrant, Beth Taylor 2017-2018 record: 23-11, 10-0 School phone: 298-4911 Players to watch: Anaya Rodriguez, Addison Royal, Cheyann Shadden, Wrye Akers, Pilar Sanchez, Ragan May DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 1 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Abernathy Schedule

Opponent Panhandle Ropes Tascosa Nazareth Floydada Post Levelland Tulia Childress O.W. Follis Tournament Levelland Tournament Hale Center Smyer Dimmitt Holiday Invitational Estacado Snyder Littlefield Idalou Midland Christian Slaton Denver City Caprock Classic New Home Roosevelt Brownfield Shallowater Littlefield Idalou Slaton Denver City Roosevelt Shallowater Littlefield Idalou

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Place B G Here X Here X There X There X Here X Here X There X There X Here X Lamesa X There X There X Here X There X There X There X There X Here X TBA X There X X Here X X Lubbock X X There X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X Here X

Anaya Rodriguez

Naomi Aguirre

Kaitlin Nick

Arianna Martinez

Pilar Sanchez

Avery Myatt

Abernathy Super Boosters Go Ragan and Ramsi!—Love, Mema and Pawpaw Go Ragan #10, Ramsi #11! We support the Lopes and Lady Lopes!—Ross, Tawnya, & Kelbi May Go Chanie!—Love Mema & Papa Go Lopes & Chanie!—Love, Mom, Dad, Chance, Charlee, & Chip Good Luck Lady Lopes and Antelopes!—Justin, Tish, Heath, & Harlow Barton

3A

165

Brownfield Boys

Cubs coach gets No. 300 Veteran Coach Steve Rhodes recorded his 300th boys victory last season when the Cubs beat Lubbock Coronado in the opening round of the Gene Messer Tournament Nov. 30. That was an early season highlight for Brownfield. A lateseason sparkle was making the playoffs and winning a round. The Cubs wound up 15-13 overall and placed fourth in District 2-4A with a 4-6 record. They defeated Dalhart 88-84 in bidistrict before losing to Monahans 58-53 in the area round. “Another tough season in one of the toughest 4A districts in the state,” Rhodes said. “We feel like we got better at the right time, winning three of our last four district to get in, only falling in overtime to Region I champ Seminole in the season finale. A bidistrict win over 1-4A champ Dalhart helped validate the toughness of our district.” Brownfield is not in that district anymore as UIL realignment moved it down to Class 3A after a two-year stint in 4A. The last time the Cubs were in 3A, they won the state championship. Denver City (also down from 4A), Abernathy (up from 2A), Idalou, Littlefield, Lubbock Roosevelt, Shallowater and Slaton are District 2-3A opponents for Brownfield. “An eight-team district in basketball and a four-team district in football equals very little time to gel this group before district play begins on Dec. 18,” Rhodes said. “Another tough district with some coaches and tradition-rich programs makes for great drama on the South Plains this season.” Rhodes has plenty of talented players on hand for the drama. Graduation losses were minimal, and he has four starters back. Plus, he has three move-ins and a player coming off an injury. Zach Muniz, a 6-2 senior guard, is the leader of the Cub pack. Muniz averaged 19.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists last season in earning district offensive MVP and TABC all-region honors. Rhodes ranks him as an all-stater this season. Nunie Ramirez, a 5-9 senior point guard, chipped in with 11.1 ppg, 3.1 apg and was all-district. So was Brock Sires, a 6-3 senior wing (14.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg). Ramirez and Sires are outstanding players to watch, according to their coach. The fourth returning starter is 5-10 senior wing Jeronimo Quintanilla (7.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg). Those four starters represent 52.6 points per game, based on last year’s scoring statistics. Caleb Smith, a 6-4 senior post who was a two-year starter at Slaton, has transferred to Brownfield. John Thomas, a 5-9 senior guard, and Jaquan Johnson, a 5-10 senior guard, also are move-ins. And Dontay Flournoy, a 6-5 senior post, is coming off a football injury last year. All that adds up to depth and experience, team strengths, according to Rhodes. He pointed out a couple keys for success this season. “We must score off of our defense,” Rhodes said. “After two years, we are beginning to get the buy-in from our kids. Role acceptance is crucial to our success.” Rhodes is beginning his third season at Brownfield. The graduate of Rockwall High School and Texas Tech University coached at Highland Park and Bushland before moving to Brownfield. 166

3A

Zach Muniz

Nunie Ramirez

Brock Sires

Jeronimo Quintanilla

Dontay Flournoy

Malachai Garcia

His record with the Cubs is 27-31, but his 18-year boys coaching mark is 312-217. The Cubs will begin their 2018-19 season Nov. 20 at home against Snyder. They’ll play in the Canyon Kids Inc., Andrews and Monahans tournaments.

Name Zach Muniz Nunie Ramirez Jeronimo Quintanilla Caleb Smith Brock Sires Caleb Martinez Dontay Flournoy John Thomas Jaquan Johnson Bryan Valentin Malachai Garcia

Brownfield Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-2 G Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 5-10 F Sr. 6-4 P Sr. 6-3 F Sr. 6-3 P Sr. 6-5 P Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 5-10 G Sr. 6-2 P Jr. 5-8 G Jr.

Coach: Steve Rhodes Asst. Coaches: Tate Rhodes, Greg Freeman, Jeff Fabila 2017-2018 record: 15-13, 4-6 School phone: 637-4523 Players to watch: Zach Muniz, Nunie Ramirez, Brock Sires

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

167

Brownfield Girls

Lady Cubs coming off rough season There’s only one way for the Lady Cubs to go this season. That’s up. The Lady Cubs hit rock bottom last year, losing all 22 of their games. They were last in District 2-4A at 0-9. The winless season was a rough start for first-year Coach Michelle Wyatt, the former South Plains College coach. But she’s optimistic about the upcoming season. “We didn’t return any starters from the previous year. Our win/ loss record wasn’t the best, but our players worked hard all year and really competed well,” Wyatt said. “I think the experience we gained last year will really help us this season.” The drop to Class 3A should help the Lady Cubs as well. Caitlyn Martinez, an all-district honorable mention, was the only senior on last year’s team. There are six seniors, two juniors and two freshmen on this year’s roster.

Dayna Romero

Tori Elizardo

Morgan Silva

(Continued on next page)

Brownfield Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Tori Elizardo 5-4 G Sr. Serena Fisher 5-9 P Sr. Taryn Longoria 5-9 P Sr. Emma Powell 5-7 G Sr. Dayna Romero 5-6 G Sr. Ketara Williams 5-5 G Sr. Tammaila Reed 5-8 P Jr. Morgan Silva 5-7 G Jr. Gabby Fields 5-5 G Fr. Lindsey Herrera 5-3 G Fr. Coach: Michelle Wyatt Asst. Coaches: Shea Myatt, Karen McFarland, Kylee Valenzuela School phone: 637-4523 Players to watch: Dayna Romero, Morgan Silva, Gabby Fields

Emma Powell

Serena Fisher

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Taryn Longoria

Brownfield Schedule

Opponent Odessa High Odessa Permian Lorenzo Estacado Snyder Kermit Kids Inc. Invitational Tournament Lamesa Tournament Lovington Odessa High Andrews Shoot-Out Dimmitt Tournament Perryton Slaton Denver City Roosevelt Littlefield Monahans Shoot-Out Caprock Tournament Shallowater Abernathy Idalou Slaton Denver City Roosevelt Littlefield Shallowater Abernathy Idalou Slaton Denver City

Place B G There X Here X Here X There X Here X Here X Canyon X There X There X There X There X There X WTAMU X There X Here X There X X There X X There X Lubbock X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X Here X

Tammiala Reed

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Ketara Williams

168

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

Wyatt mentioned three players worth watching: 5-6 senior guard Dayna Romero, 5-7 junior guard Morgan Silva and 5-5 freshman guard Gabby Fields. “Our strengths are our experience and knowing our system,” Wyatt said. “We had one senior on last year’s team. Our kids played a lot this summer and understand how hard they have to work to be successful.” She said her main concern is the development of the Lady Cubs’ depth. As for the keys to success this season, she said, “We need to stay healthy and play with confidence.”

Wyatt, a graduate of Spur High School, played basketball at Wayland Baptist University. She spent 16 years at South Plains, the last 10 as the women’s head basketball coach. Her Lady Texans compiled a 205-95 record and experienced only two losing seasons. In 2015, she became an assistant to 800-game winner Clay Stout at Brownfield. When Stout decided to step down last year, Wyatt took over. The Lady Cubs will open their season Nov. 6 at Odessa, then play host to Odessa Permian a week later. They will play in the Lamesa, Dimmitt and Lubbock Caprock tourneys.

Idalou Boys

Wildcats look to get over .500 The Wildcats still are looking for their first winning season under Coach Dustin Schulte. With four starters returning, this could be the year. Schulte, the former Nazareth standout, is beginning his fifth year at Idalou. His Wildcats have made the playoffs three of his four years. Such was the case last season when Idalou went 13-19 overall and finished fourth in District 2-3A with a 7-7 record. The Wildcats lost to Canadian 75-55 in bidistrict. “I felt as a team, we improved each week,” Schulte said. “By the time the second half of district was going, I feel we were

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

playing the best basketball we had played all year, which is what you always want.” Mark Caballero, who was first-team all-district, was the major departure from that team. Schulte has a first-team all-district player returning in 6-4 senior forward McKade Merrell, who averaged 11 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists last season. Joining Merrell as returning starters are 5-8 senior guard Jeremiah Lorimer (7 ppg, 3 rpg, 4 apg), 5-10 junior guard Xzavier Tarin (6 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg) and 6-0 junior forward Tucker Kidd (Continued on next page)

3A

169

(Continued from previous page)

(6 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg). Collectively, those four represent 30 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Merrell, Lorimer and Tarin are outstanding players to watch, according to Schulte. In addition to the returning starters, the Wildcats have three other letter winners aboard. “We have several returning players that got valuable varsity minutes last year,” Schulte said. “Having that, along with a lot of speed and quickness, hopefully we will be able to hit the ground running.” He is concerned about the overall size of his team but hopes speed and quickness will counter that. “Having several lettermen returning will help us have a faster start to the season,” he said. “We just need to continue to improve each week we are in the gym, and playing our best basketball throughout district.” That eight-team district looks different with the addition of Abernathy, up from Class 2A, and Brownfield and Denver City, both down from 4A. Holdover District 2-3A opponents are Littlefield, Lubbock Roosevelt, Shallowater and Slaton. The Wildcats will open their season Nov. 17 at home against Greenwood. They’ll play in the Nazareth, Floydada and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. Schulte was the Class 1A player of the year in 2007, and he played on Nazareth’s 2006 and 2007 state championship teams. DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 15-17 Nov. 17 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 28-30 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Idalou Schedule

Opponent Cooper Muleshoe Ropes Frenship Tournament Greenwood Canyon Nazareth Tournament Levelland Midland Tournament Floydada Tournament Shallowater Muleshoe Abernathy Floydada Littlefield Slaton Caprock Tournament Denver City Roosevelt Brownfield Shallowater Littlefield Littlefield Slaton Denver City Roosevelt Brownfield Shallowater Abernathy

McKade Merrell

Xzavier Tarin

Jeremiah Lorimer

Tucker Kidd

Blake Howard

The Texas Tech University graduate has a 42-58 boys coaching record, all at Idalou.

Place B G There X Here X There X There X Here X Here X X There X X There X X There X There X Here X There X There X Here X Here X X Here X X Lubbock X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X There X

Idalou Super Boosters Let’s Go Cats!—The Perez Family Go Cats!—Taylor Stores We wish the Wildcats a great season!—H and Co. Have an awesome cheer season Nevaeh!— 170

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

171

Idalou Girls

Lady Cats shatter school win record The Lady Cats set a school record with 30 victories last season and reached the regional semifinals. With four starters returning, Idalou looks poised to make a long run again this season. The Lady Cats won 30 games, breaking the school record of 28 set in 2015-16, and lost 7 last season. They were District 2-3A champions with a 13-1 record. In the playoffs, Idalou defeated Tulia 77-46 in bidistrict, Alpine 70-25 in the area game and Canadian 48-42 in the regional quarterfinals. Colorado City stopped the Lady Cats 61-52 in the regional semifinals. “We showed our potential in the playoffs by beating No. 1 Canadian,” Coach Tyler Helms said. “We showed our youth at the regional tourney against Colorado City. Hopefully, we can build on both of those experiences.” The building begins with the four returning starters, all rated all-state candidates by Helms. The quartet: • Shaylee Stovall, a 5-7 junior, averaged 17.2 points and 3.1 assists and was the district’s offensive co-MVP, TABC all-region and TGCA all-state; • Ashlyn Shelley, a 5-8 senior, contributed 15.1 ppg and 4.3 apg, shared the district’s offensive MVP award, also was TABC all-region and TGCA all-state and has signed to play at Wayland Baptist University;

Shaylee Stovall

Libby Craig

Ashlyn Shelley

Tanay Williams.jpg

Libby Davis

(Continued on next page)

Idalou Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class McKade Merrell 6-4 F Sr. Jeremiah Lorimer 5-8 G Sr. Xzavier Tarin 5-10 G Jr. Tucker Kidd 6-0 F Jr. Matthew Adams 6-2 F Sr. Blake Howard 5-9 G Sr. Austin Cook 5-10 G Sr. Gregory Martinez 5-8 G Sr. Landon Reeves 5-10 G Sr. Dylan Lopez 5-10 G Jr. Jackson Stanton 5-10 G So. Coach: Dustin Schulte Asst. Coaches: Luke Buckner, Thomas Brockman 2017-2018 record: 13-19, 7-7 School phone: 892-1900 Players to watch: McKade Merrell, Jeremiah Lorimer, Xzavier Tarin

172

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

• Libby Craig, a 5-10 senior with 11.3 ppg and 7.5 rebounds per game, was first-team all-district; • Tanay Williams, a 5-9 senior (9.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg), also was first-team all-district. Those four, all three-time letter winners, represent 52.7 points per game, based on last year’s scoring statistics. Another player worth watching is 5-10 freshman Taylor Houston, according to Helms. He listed experience and strong guard play as his team’s strengths. “Big-game experience should help prepare our group for a tough district and region,” Helms said. He is concerned about his players’ health. That’s also his key

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

for success this season. Helms is beginning his fifth year as the Lady Cats coach. The Floydada High School and Texas Tech University graduate coached Idalou’s boys team before taking the girls job. His 2011 Wildcats won the Class 2A state championship. His boys record is 145-32, his girls is 112-31. Combined, that’s a 257-63 coaching record (.803 winning percentage), all achieved at Idalou. The Lady Cats will begin play Nov. 6 at Lubbock Cooper. The home opener will be Nov. 10 against Muleshoe. They’ll play in the Frenship, Nazareth and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. Play in the eight-team District 2-3A gets under way Dec. 11.

Donna & Tony Castle Good Luck Christopher Dru!—Donna and Tony Castle

3A

173

Name Emmy Craig Haleigh Woodard Tanay Williams Sydney Whittle Peyton Winn Bo Heard Ashlyn Shelley Libby Davis Jewelia Edgar Shaylee Stovall Libby Craig Madelyn Merrell Taylor Houston

Idalou Girls Ht. Class 5-7 Soph. 5-3 Sr. 5-9 Sr. 5-8 Sr. 5-10 Jr. 5-7 Soph. 5-8 Sr. 5-9 Sr. 5-4 Sr. 5-7 Jr. 5-10 Sr. 5-10 Jr. 5-10 Fr.

Coach: Tyler Helms Asst. Coaches: Dana Fox, Jessica Hernandez, Leslie Stark 2017-2018 record: 30-7, 13-1 School phone: 892-1900 Players to watch: Shaylee Stovall, Ashlyn Shelley, Libby Craig, Tanay Williams, Taylor Houston

174

3A

Go Wildcats!—H & H Trailer Sales Good Luck Cats!—Mark & Cythia Turner Go Wildcats!—Dick & Marlene Belt Good Luck Wildcats!—Jody & Erin Turner Go Cats!—Jay & Kinann Sage Go Lady Cats!-Ginger Winn Go Cats!—John, Margaret, Robby, & Shannon Shipley Go Cats!—Russ & Kathy Reagan Go Wildcats!—The Tom Gregory Family Go Wildcats!—The Hollingsworth Family Good Luck Wildcats!—Linc & Jessica Lutrick Let’s Go Cats!—Norma & Becky Hargrove Go Cats and Lady Cats!—Larry & Bambi Lutrick Go Wildcats!—Ladd & Jaycee Lutrick Go Cats!—Garry & Terry Rowland Go Wildcats!—Don & Carol Payne

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

175

176

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Littlefield Boys

Young Wildcats are quicker, bigger As Coach Rob Ogle begins his second season at Littlefield, he’ll welcome back two starters off last year’s team. That duo represents 19 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. The Wildcats were 19-14 overall and runners-up in District 2-3A with a 12-2 record. In the playoffs, they defeated Childress 54-49 in bidistrict but bowed to Crane 61-44 in the area round. “We lost several games that could have gone our way,” Ogle said. “We played well in the district and in the playoffs.” Three key players from that team have departed. J’Shun Davis was the district co-MVP, TABC all-region and Lone Star Varsity second team as a senior. His younger brother, Jonathan Davis, a 6-0 sophomore guard last year, averaged 11 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists and earned the district’s co-defensive player of the year honors but has transferred to Levelland. Chris Douglas was first-team all-district. The two returning starters are Jayden Longoria and Andrew Valdez. Longoria, a 6-3 junior post, contributed 13 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg and was first-team all-district. Valdez, a 5-7 junior point guard, turned in 6 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg stats. Joseph Trevino, a 5-9 junior guard (2 ppg, 2 rpg), also lettered last year. A pair of sophomore forwards – 6-4 Tyree Jones and 6-2 Chris 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Jayden Longoria

Andrew Valdez

Joseph Trevino

Brown – are additional players to watch, according to Ogle. He said the Wildcats will be quicker and bigger than last year’s team. He is concerned about replacing a big part of the offensive production. Also, the team’s inexperience, with no seniors on the roster, is another concern. The keys for a successful season will be “developing team chemistry and having young guys step up,” he said. Ogle has mentored boys teams at eight schools during his 20year coaching career. His first job was at his alma mater, Ballinger High School, from 1993 to 1998. The Angelo State University graduate has a career boys coaching record of 388-190, a .671 winning percentage. (Continued on next page)

3A

177

(Continued from previous page)

The Wildcats’ scheduled season opener will be at home Nov. 19 against Andrews. Littlefield will play in the Denver City, Farwell and its own Wildcat Classic tournaments. District 2-3A play begins Dec. 18 at Idalou. The eight-team district includes three new teams – Abernathy, Brownfield and Denver City – plus holdovers Idalou, Lubbock Roosevelt, Shallowater and Slaton. Name Andrew Valdez Joseph Trevino Jayden Longoria Tyree Jones Tyler Jones Chris Brown Juan Rios Jeremiah Salazar

Littlefield Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-7 G Jr. 5-9 G Jr. 6-3 P Jr. 6-4 F Soph. 6-3 F Jr. 6-2 F Soph. 5-8 G Soph. 5-5 G Soph.

Coach: Rob Ogle Asst. Coaches: Nathan McKinnon, Matthew Ingle 2017-2018 record: 19-14, 12-2 School phone: 385-4100 Players to watch: Andrew Valdez, Joseph Trevino, Tyree Jones, Chris Brown

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec.1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Littlefield Schedule

Opponent Estacado Sundown Seagraves Tournament Andrews Friona Post Denver City Tournament Lamesa Farwell Tournament Abernathy Roosevelt Dumas Idalou Brownfield Wildcat Classic Slaton Shallowater Denver City Abernathy Roosevelt Idalou Brownfield Slaton Shallowater Denver City Abernathy Roosevelt

Place B G Here X There X There X Here X Here X X There X X There X X There X X There X X Here X There X There X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X There X

Go Wildcats!

Littlefield Girls

Lady Cats have some experience now Teddy Duncan’s head coaching debut last season could have gone better. The Lady Cats were 7-20 overall and 3-14 in District 2-3A, finishing seventh. “Last year was a growing season for the Lady Cat basketball team. As a whole, the team was very young and inexperienced at the varsity level,” she said. “We are excited about the returners for this year’s team. With a year of experience, we feel the future is bright for this team.” Trinity Ayala, an all-district pick, Courtney Reed and Jessica Hagapoylos were seniors on that team, so they’re gone. Although there are no returning players who won honors last season, Littlefield has seven players coming back. There are six seniors and four juniors on this year’s roster. “With the experience that these girls received last year, they each know the level of play that is necessary to compete each night,” Duncan said. “These young ladies also have an understanding about what we are trying to accomplish within this program. They understand the system and will be great leaders for this team.” She said the biggest concern for this year’s team will be depth, despite the seven returners. “There are still areas that we will be lacking in, and, as a whole, we are limited in certain areas,” she said. Duncan stressed defense as the main key for success this season. “I feel that it will be important for our defense to be our best offense,” she said. “We have really stressed the importance of being a strong defensive team and turning it into offense.” Duncan — her maiden name was Darchelle “Teddy” Griffin — 178

3A

Jayci Weldon

Daniella Solis

Aricelia Villafranco

played on Seagraves’ 2005 Class 1A and Texas Cup champions. Then she played four years at Texas Tech University. Her older sister, Darrice Griffin, preceded her at Tech. Their mother, Tami Wilson, played on Coach Marsha Sharp’s Lady Red Raiders from 1990 to 1992 and later joined Sharp’s staff as an assistant. Duncan began her coaching career as an assistant at her high school alma mater, Seagraves, for six years before moving to Littlefield last year. The Lady Cats will open the season at home Nov. 6 against Estacado. They’ll play in the Seagraves, Denver City and Farwell tournaments. District play will begin Dec. 18 at Idalou. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Bailey Jones

Geyah Garza Sydni Miller

Littlefield Girls Name Jayci Weldon Ari Villafranco Natalie Zapata Hannah Parker Daisy Garcia Genasis Garza Daniella Solis Nautica Espinoza Bailey Jones Sydni Miller Geyah Garza

Pos. Class P Sr. F Sr. F Sr. G Sr. G Sr. P Sr. G Jr. F Jr. G Jr. G Jr. G Fr.

Coach: Teddy Duncan Asst. Coaches: Alfonzo Franklin, Keith Logan 2017-2018 record: 7-20, 3-14 School phone: 385-4150

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

179

Roosevelt Girls

Lady Eagles reach regional semis The Lady Eagles had a banner season in 2017-18, posting a 24-11 record and reaching the regional semifinals. Roosevelt recorded some impressive wins over ranked opponents Idalou, Shallowater, Spearman and Wall. The Lady Eagles finished second in District 2-3A with a 12-2 record. In the playoffs, they beat Spearman 44-35 Alina Salazar in bidistrict, Tornillo 61-44 in the area game and Wall 42-37 in double overtime in the regional quarterfinals. Brock ended Roosevelt’s season 39-33 in the regional semifinals. “We had a group of kids that played a lot of ball together and finally decided that they were a really good team that could advance,” Coach Linden Weese said. “We were really good defensively and smart on offense.” Graduation losses took a toll on the Lady Eagles. Gone are Payton Brown, the district MVP, all-region and all-state; Bre Sanchez, all-district; and Emily Schultz, all-district. So that leaves Weese with two returning starters — 5-4 senior guard Alina Salazar and 5-8 senior forward Keelan Smith. He also has two other letter winners in 5-6 senior forward Alyssa Bond and 5-8 senior forward Abi Spoon on hand. Seven seniors are listed on Roosevelt’s roster. Weese said the Lady Eagles are “really quick and play hard.” He is concerned about their size and ability to score. What are the keys for success this season? “We will have to play great team defense to be successful and compete every possession on both ends,” he said. Weese is a graduate of Higgins High School and Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He spent 23 years as Marsha Sharp’s assistant at Texas Tech and five years as the head women’s coach at Eastern New Mexico. On the high school level, he has coached at Floydada, Stratford, Slaton and Roosevelt, where he is beginning his fourth season. The Lady Eagles will open the season Nov. 7 at home against (Continued on next page)

180

3A

Keelan Smith

Alyssa Bond

Abi Spoon

April Jackson

Erika Mendez

Giselle Torres

Roosevelt Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Kassidi Benavides 5-2 G Fr. Alyssa Bond 5-6 F Sr. Lexi Gonzales 5-5 G Fr. Leah Guevara 5-1 G Jr. April Jackson 5-2 G Sr. Erika Mendez 5-4 G Sr. Alexis Mireles 5-3 G Jr. Jasmin Rodriquez 5-6 F Soph. Alina Salazar 5-4 G Sr. Keelan Smith 5-8 F Sr. Abi Spoon 5-8 F Sr. Giselle Torres 5-2 G Sr. Bri Vasquez 5-0 G Jr. Coach: Linden Weese Asst. Coaches: Marianne Wolfe, Kara Estes, Zack Gilbreath 2017-2018 record: 24-11, 12-2 School phone: 842-3218 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

Sundown. They’ll play in the Spur, Whitharral and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. District play begins Dec. 11 at Denver City, one of the three new teams in District 2-3A.The rest of the district is made up of Abernathy, Brownfield, Idalou, Littlefield, Shallowater and Slaton. Roosevelt Girls Schedule DATE Opponent Nov. 7 Sundown Nov. 13 Morton Nov. 15-17 Spur Tournament Nov. 19 Tahoka Nov. 27 Ropes Dec. 4 Snyder Dec. 6-8 Whitharral Tournament Dec. 11 Denver City Dec. 14 Littlefield Dec. 18 Brownfield Dec. 21 Shallowater Dec. 27-29 Caprock Tournament Jan. 4 Abernathy Jan. 8 Idalou Jan. 11 Slaton Jan. 15 Denver City Jan. 18 Littlefield Jan. 22 Brownfield Jan. 25 Shallowater Jan. 29 Abernathy Feb. 1 Idalou Feb. 5 Slaton

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Place Here Here There There Here There There There Here Here There Lubbock Here There Here Here There There Here There Here There

G X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Roosevelt Super Boosters Go Riley! We wish all of the Eagles a GREAT season!—Mimi & Papa Wenzel Go Eagles! Wishing Michael and Reagan a great year!—Love, Mom Have a GREAT season Eagles!—RHS Spanish Club Gay and Coach Weese are backing the Eagles and Lady Eagles! The Wenzel Family wishes the Eagles and Lady Eagles a great season! Go Riley!— Love, Mom, Dad, & Reagan We support the Eagles!—Hannah, Garry, & Kennedy The RHS Athletic Booster Club Proudly Supports the Eagles and Lady Eagles!

3A

181

Shallowater Boys

Mustangs keep rolling Coach Jay Lusk is experiencing great success at his high school alma mater. In six years as the Mustangs’ mentor, Lusk has compiled a 137-40 win-loss record. His teams have reached the playoffs all six years. That’s a winning percentage of .774 for the Texas Tech University graduate in his first coaching assignment. The Mustangs ran wild last season, winJosh Servantez ning 33 games and losing only three. They won the district at a perfect 14-0. Shallowater defeated Tulia 56-46 in bidistrict, Alpine 72-38 in the area game and Canadian 55-47 in the regional quarterfinals. The Mustangs were nipped by Brock 40-39 in the regional semifinals. “We had a great year,” Lusk said. “Lost a close one to Brock in the regional semifinals. Kids gained a lot of experience.” All-stater Jett Johnson was the major departure off that squad. Lusk has two honored players returning. Josh Servantez, a 5-10 senior guard, was the district offensive MVP last season. Rodie Fuqua, a 6-5 senior forward, was all-district honorable mention. Lusk rates Servantez as an all-state candidate. Fuqua, 6-2 senior guard Blake Cunningham and 5-11 junior guard Hunter Gossett are other outstanding players to watch,

182

3A

Rodie Fuqua

Blake Cunningham

Hunter Gossett

according to Lusk. The Mustangs have four seniors and five juniors on their roster. Lusk lists work ethic, size, leadership and experience as Mustang strengths. “We had kids play in some big games,” he said. District 2-3A has a new look because of UIL realignment. Abernathy, Brownfield and Denver City are new district members. Brownfield has been a 4A power in past years but drops to 3A. Idalou, Littlefield, Lubbock Roosevelt and Slaton are holdover district foes for Shallowater. (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

The Mustangs will open the season at home Nov. 13 against the home school Lubbock Titans. They will play in the Nazareth, Andrews and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Shallowater Schedule

Opponent Coronado Lubbock Titans Lubbock High Hereford Greenwood LCHS Nazareth Tournament Shallowater Shootout Andrews Andrews Tournament Idalou Dalhart Slaton Canyon Denver City Roosevelt Caprock Tournament Brownfield Littlefield Abernathy Idalou Slaton Denver City Roosevelt Brownfield Littlefield Abernathy Idalou Slaton

Place B G Here X Here X X Here X Here X There X There X X There X There X There X X There X X There X Here X Here X There X There X X Here X X Lubbock X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X There X Here X

Shallowater Girls

Pearson Johnston

Tyler McCall

Rylan Terrel

Shallowater Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Josh Servantez 5-10 G Sr. Rodie Fuqua 6-5 F Sr. Blake Cunningham 6-2 G Sr. Pearson Johnston 6-3 P Sr. Hunter Gossett 5-11 G Jr. Tyler McCall 6-1 F Jr. Grant Johnston 6-3 P Jr. Reese Cunningham 6-1 F Jr. Slade Airhart 6-1 F Jr. Coach: Jay Lusk Asst. Coach: Chase Clanahan 2017-2018 record: 33-3, 14-0 School phone: 832-4531 Players to watch: Josh Servantez, Rodie Fuqua, Blake Cunningham, Hunter Gossett

Shallowater Super Boosters Have a great season Fillies! Kick butt, Tynli!—Love, Mom Good Luck this year Fillies!—The Williams Family Good Luck Fillies!—The Gray Family

Fillies should be off and running again The Fillies are accustomed to winning under Coach Chuck Darden. This year should be no exception. Darden has coached the Fillies for 37 seasons – all of his head coaching years – and his teams have compiled a 928-278 record. That’s a .769 winning percentage for the coach who owns the second-most wins, trailing only Canyon’s Joe Lombard (1,261) among active coaches in the PPB magazine area. Darden, a Lubbock Coronado High School and Texas Tech University graduate, guided the Fillies to a typical 20-plus wins last year. Shallowater won the Andrews Tournament and finished third in the Lubbock Caprock event. The Fillies took third place in District 3-2A with an 11-3 mark. They defeated River Road 4839 in bidistrict before bowing to Wall 49-46 in the area round. That capped a 26-6 campaign. “We had a great year,” Darden said. “Great team chemistry and competed at a high level all season. Great kids.” Last season’s spark plug, point guard Cailyn Breckel, was TGCA all-state, TABC all-region, all-district and a Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Super Team member. She’s gone, as is Kate McCrady, who was honorable mention all-district. But Darden has plenty of experienced talent on hand. Three 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Tynli Harris

Jordyn Aragon

Braylie Gray

full-time starters and a part-time starter, along with four other letter winners, return. Tynli Harris, Jordyn Aragon and Braylie Gray were all-district selections last season. Harris, a 5-7 sophomore guard who was the part-time starter, averaged 8.4 points and 3 rebounds. Aragon, a 5-9 junior forward, contributed 5.8 ppg and 2.7 rpg, and Gray, a 5-9 senior forward, chipped in 4.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.1 assists per game. Another starter, 5-9 Stormie Williams (4.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg), was an all-district honorable mention. (Continued on next page)

3A

183

(Continued from previous page)

“We have a lot of experience back from last year,” Darden said. “Our depth should be a plus.” There are some areas for concern. “We must replace a great point guard (Breckel),” he said. “Our shooting must improve. We must have players step up into bigger roles.” Darden reiterated that players must step into bigger roles – and produce – as a key for success this season. “We must be a team first above everything else,” he also said. The Fillies will open the season at home Nov. 6 against Coronado. They will play in the Shallowater Shootout and the Andrews and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. Name Braylie Gray Jordyn Aragon Tynli Harris Stormie Williams Maddie Blackburn Taylor Moravcik Madison Batten Alee Roberts

Shallowater Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 F Sr. 5-9 F Jr. 5-7 G Soph. 5-9 G Sr. 5-4 G Sr. 5-9 F Soph. 5-7 G Jr. 6-0 F Soph.

Stormie Williams

Maddie Blackburn

Brianne Claudio

Taylor Moravcik

Alee Roberts

Coach: Chuck Darden Asst. Coaches: T’Linda Taylor, Krissy Shipman, Amy Mangum, Callie Noland, Brandy Wood, Sue Fuentes 2017-2018 record: 26-6, 11-3 School phone: 832-4535

Support Panhandle-Plains Basketball Advertisers!

184

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Slaton Boys

Tigers face new district opponents After a good start in Stacy Godfrey’s first year as coach, the Tigers fell off considerably last season. In Godfrey’s initial season at Slaton, the Tigers went 16-13 overall and 8-7 in the district, barely missing the playoffs. Last year, the Tigers went 7-22 overall and 4-10 in District 2-3A, finishing fifth. Godfrey said the district was very competitive from week to week. All-district Ja’Quesse Johns is the major loss from last season’s team. Also, Caleb Smith moved to Brownfield for his senior year. Two starters and two other letter winners return for the Tigers. Quevon McDaniel, a 5-8 junior guard, averaged 11 points and 4.5 assists as a starter last year. Senior guard Ta’Shawn Tipton, McDaniel’s cousin, contributed 4 points and 4 rebounds as a starter. The two other returning letter winners are 5-8 junior guard Kevondrick Gober (4.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 22 apg) and 5-7 senior guard Tannon Cearley (3.1 ppg, 3.5 apg). Junior guard Mike Solis is another player to watch, according to Godfrey. He’s concerned about the absence of big men. “Our guards will have to play smart,” he said. Godfrey indicated the Tigers’ keys for success will be playing aggressive defense, getting steals, forcing turnovers, scoring in

Quevon McDaniel

Kevondrick Gober Ta’Shawn Tipton

Mike Solis Tannon Cearly

Malachi Mendez

(Continued on page 187)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

185

186

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from page 185)

transition and limiting turnovers. Godfrey is a graduate of Frenship High School and Midwestern State University. Before coming to Slaton, he was at two Lubbock middle schools and Lubbock Estacado High School. His two-year boys coaching record is 23-35. District 2-3A has some new faces this year. Abernathy moves up from Class 2A, and Brownfield and Denver City drop down from 4A. Abernathy will be Slaton’s first district opponent Dec. 18 at home. The Tigers will open their season Nov. 13 at Andrews. The home opener will be Nov. 19 against Valley. They’ll play in the Wichita Falls Fantasy of Lights, Floydada and Lubbock Caprock tournaments.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Jestin Smith

Mario Sanchez

Hudson Sackett

Slaton Super Boosters Work hard and show you are champions Tigers and Tigerettes!—Freddie & Martha Turney

3A

187

188

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Slaton Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Quevon McDaniel 5-8 G Jr. Kevondrick Gober 5-8 G Jr. Tannon Cearley 5-7 G Sr. Malachi Mendez 6-3 F Sr. Jestin Smith 5-5 G Sr. Mario Sanchez 5-8 G Jr. Ta’Shawn Tipton G Sr. Mike Solis G Jr. Coach: Stacy Godfrey Asst. Coaches: Josh Harris, Dustin Leonard 2017-2018 record: 16-13, 8-7 School phone: 828-2123 Players to watch: Quevon McDaniel, Kevondrick Gober, Tannon Cearley, Ta’Shawn Tipton, Mike Solis

Let’s go Tigerettes!—Pinon Family Go Tigers! ALL IN!—Slaton Culinary Department, Slaton High School Good Luck KK and Tigerettes!—Cody, Teresa, Jax, and Presley Alford Have a great year Tigerettes! Dedication+Motivation=Success—Creager Family Good Luck Makayla and the Tigerettes!—Cisneros Family Good Luck girls! Play your heart out!—Brenda Pinon Go Emalisa Muniz!—Muniz Family

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

189

Slaton Girls

Tigerettes’ coach successful back home Tiffany Potts’ return home worked out pretty slick. Take that, Tom Wolfe! The former Tigerette star coached her alma mater to a 21-11 record last season in her first year as Slaton’s head coach. Slaton finished fourth in District 2-3A with an 8-6 record. The Tigerettes lost their bidistrict game to Canadian 45-34. “A young team worked their way back into the playoffs after a two-year absence in a very tough and competitive district,” Potts said. “Overcame injuries and inexperience along the way with an already young team.” Quanasia McDaniel, who was first-team all-district, Decinda Lacy and Bailey Garcia have moved on from that team. But Potts has four returning starters and a total of 11 returning letter winners as she begins Year 2. Kamryn Gibbs, a 5-4 junior guard, stands out among the returnees. Gibbs averaged 12.2 points and 5.5 rebounds in winning TGCA all-state and first-team all-district honors. Potts lists Gibbs as an all-state candidate this season. Ta’Kaja Robinson, a 5-7 junior forward, contributed 4.3 ppg and 2.7 rpg to gain district newcomer of the year honors last season. Along with Gibbs and Robinson, 5-8 senior forward Addisyn Sackett (2.7 ppg) and 5-8 sophomore guard Mary Jo Parker (3.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg) started last season. Robinson, Sackett and Parker

Kamryn Gibbs

TK Robinson

Addisyn Sacket

are other outstanding players to watch, according to Potts. Speed, athleticism and experience are the Tigerettes’ strengths, she said. Potts is concerned about the lack of a true inside player, the ability to score consistently from behind the 3-point line and turnovers. As for keys to success, she said “team basketball, transition game, being consistent on the offensive end with minimum mistakes and utilize our athleticism.” Potts, whose maiden name was Tiffany Turney, was a member of the 1996 Slaton team that reached the state semifinals. She was the district MVP and all-region as a senior. (Continued on next page)

190

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

Then she played on Hardin-Simmons University teams that won 99 games and lost only 8, qualifying for four consecutive NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen tournaments. She was allconference two years and all-region once. She began her coaching career as an assistant at Slaton, then Rankin. She was Rankin’s head girls coach from 2009 to 2016. Overall, her girls teams have notched 200 victories. The Tigerettes will open the season Nov. 6 at Morton. They’ll play in the Fantasy of Lights Tournament in Wichita Falls and the Nazareth and Lubbock Caprock tourneys.

Good Luck Uglies! Love you TK & Tashawn!—Aunt Kim Go Madi-Lynne!—Love, B & Grandpa Good Luck Madi-Lynne and the Tigerettes!—Love, Grandma & Pop Go Kamryn!, “Leave a Legacy”—Nana, Pops, Tish, Anisa, Reggie, and Braeden Good Luck Jazmyn Jackson! Good Luck Tigerettes!—We love you, Mom, Dad, and Jameson Good Luck Tigerettes!—Landrie and Emerie Langston Go Nikki!—The Garcia Family loves you. Good Luck, Play Hard, Have Fun! Proud of you both Justyne and Aryanna Zapata! Continue to do great things!—Love, Mom and sister I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13 Have a great senior season! Go Jasynda!—Love, Dad, Mom, Erik, Nathan, and Miley

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Mary Jo Parker

Destanie Moreno

Grace Parker

Jasynda Torres

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 19 Nov. 23-24 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 7-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 1 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Haley Zapata

Slaton Schedule

Opponent Morton Seminole Andrews Valley Fantasy of Lights Tournament New Deal Nazareth Tournament Post Floydada Tournament Tulia Brownfield Shallowater Abernathy Idalou Caprock Tournament Kermit Littlefield Denver City Roosevelt Brownfield Shallowater Abernathy Idalou Littlefield Denver City Roosevelt Brownfield Shallowater

Place B G There X Here X There X X Here X X Wichita Falls X X There X X There X There X X There X There X Here X There X Here X X There X X Lubbock X X There X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X There X

3A

191

Zanady Coronado

Name Destanie Moreno Grace Parker Addisyn Sackett Jasynda Torres Haley Zapata Zanady Coronado Kaylee Franklin Kamryn Gibbs Jazmyn Jackson Ta’Kaja Robinson Mary Jo Parker

Kaylee Franklin

Jazmyn Jackson

Slaton Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-10 P Sr. 5-4 G Sr. 5-8 F Sr. 5-8 P Sr. 5-2 G Sr. 5-4 G Jr. 5-6 F Jr. 5-4 G Jr. 5-4 G Jr. 5-7 F Jr. 5-8 G Soph.

Coach: Tiffany Potts Asst. Coaches: Krysa Villegas, Amanda Langston, Rustin Klafka 2017-2018 record: 21-11, 8-6 School phone: 828-6583 Players to watch: Addisyn Sackett, Kamryn Gibbs, Ta’Kaja Robinson, Mary Jo Parker

192

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

3A

193

Go Jasynda! Have an awesome senior season. We love you!—Grandparents Rodriguez and Rodriguez Family Good Luck Aryanna and Justyne! Have a great season!—Love, Mom, Dad, and family Go Tigerettes!—Moore Family Good Luck Tigers and Tigerettes!—The Slatonite Good Luck Tigers and Tigerettes!—Pizza Hut of Slaton Go Tigers and Tigerettes!—The Gatica Family Go Slaton Tigers and Tigerettes!—Stephanie, Ryland, Raleigh, and Reese

Go Tigers and Tigerettes! We are proud of you!—The Murphy Family You didn’t come this far to only come this far, Finish Strong! We love you HD!—Mom & Dad Haley, No matter what you do in life, God and your Father will always be there to support you!—Love Padre

West Texas A&M golfer Eemeli Jarvinen displays the Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine tee box sign supporting the 2018 West Texas Buffalo Club Golf Classic in Canyon. Jarvinen is a freshman from Finland. (Photo courtesy of Eric Moore, WTAMU men’s golf coach, and Meredith James, WTAMU women’s golf coach)

194

3A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2

A

District 1-2A Boys 1. Gruver 2. West Texas 3. Sanford-Fritch 4. Stratford 5. Boys Ranch 6. Sunray

TEAMS AT A GLANCE PRESEASON PICKS

District 1-2A Girls 1. Stratford 2. Gruver 3. Sanford-Fritch / Boys Ranch 5. Sunray 6. West Texas District 4-2A Boys 1. New Deal 2. Floydada 3. Hale Center 4. Post 5. Lockney 6. Ralls

District 2-2A Boys 1. Wellington 2. Clarendon 3. Panhandle 4. Memphis 5. Wheeler 6. Highland Park District 4-2A Girls 1. New Deal 2. Post 3. Lockney 4. Floydada 5. Hale Center 6. Ralls

District 2-2A Girls 1. Panhandle 2. Wellington 3. Clarendon 4. Memphis 5. Highland Park 6. Wheeler

District 5-2A Boys 1. Sundown 2. Smyer 3. Plains / Tahoka 5. Seagraves

2

District 3-2A Boys 1. Farwell 2. Bovina / Olton 4. Vega 5. Sudan

A

District 3-2A Girls 1. Farwell / Vega 3. Sudan 4. Bovina 5. Olton

District 5-2A Girls 1. Seagraves / Sundown 3. Plains / Smyer 5. Tahoka

HONOR ROLL 2A Boys Ryan Robinson, Boys Ranch, 6-2, Sr.; Jacob Thomas, Boys Ranch, 6-4, Sr.; Steve Callison, Boys Ranch, 5-9, Soph.; Canyon Hollis, Boys Ranch, 5-10, Sr.; Cameron Smith, Clarendon, 6-4, Sr.; Jamal Butler, Clarendon, 6-5, Jr.; Donovan Thompson, Clarendon, 6-3, Soph.; Preston Elam, Clarendon, 5-11, Sr.; Caton Grahn, Clarendon, 5-10, Sr.; Jaedon Seagler, Gruver, 5-10, Sr.; Creed Spivey, Gruver, 6-2, Sr.; Keegan Kelp, Gruver, 6-1, Sr.; Carter Armes, Gruver, 5-8, Jr.; Hunter Haynes, Gruver, 5-9, Jr.; Jalin Conyers, Gruver, 6-5, Jr.; Hunter Nicholas, Highland Park, 6-3, Jr.; Ethan Morris, Highland Park, 6-1, Jr.; Bryson Walker, Lockney, 6-1, Sr.; Jeremiah Muniz, Lockney, 6-2, Jr.; Sebastian Perez, Lockney, 5-11, Soph.; Andrew Alexander, Memphis, 5-11, Sr.; Randy Cox, Memphis, 6-3, Sr.; Cruz Torres, Memphis, 5-5, Sr.; Tavion Yarbrough, Memphis, 6-1, Jr.; Tim Anderson, Memphis, 5-9, Jr.; Dylan Jerden, New Deal, 6-2, Jr.; DK Blaylock, New Deal, 6-4, Sr.; Layton Reed, New Deal, 6-2, Sr.; Nabor Canchola, Olton, 6-1, Sr.; Jack Allcorn, Olton, 5-10, Soph.; Kaison Kirkland, Panhandle, 5-10, Sr.; Ty Smith, Sanford-Fritch, 6-1, Jr.; Jordon Hogue, Sanford-Fritch, 6-3, Sr.; Jaydon Hogue, Sanford-Fritch, 6-4, Sr.; Nico Lee, Smyer, 5-7, 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Jr.; Josh Fuentes, Smyer, 6-3, Sr.; Kolton Smith, Smyer, 5-10, Sr.; Judson Locke, Smyer, 5-4, Sr.; Iuden Romero, Stratford, 5-6, Jr.; Walker McBryde, Stratford, 6-0, Jr.; Ty McBryde, Stratford, 6-0, Jr.; Abraham Villegas, Stratford, 5-8, Jr.; Parker Battin, Sudan, 5-9, Jr.; Christian Montes, Sudan, 5-8, Jr.; Ruben Rodriguez, Sudan, 5-10, Sr.; Chris Schovajsa, Sudan, 5-9, Sr.; Abraham Bocanegra, Sundown, 5-9, Sr.; Steven Quintanilla, Sundown, 6-0, Sr.; Jeremy A Hernandez, Sundown, 5-11, Sr.; Christian Huey, Sundown, 5-8, Jr.; Brice Legan, Sundown, 5-11, Jr.; Gus Davis, Sundown, 6-2, Jr.; Bryson Schroeder, Vega, 5-11, Jr.; Carson Kirkland, Vega, 6-0, Jr.; Carson Grawunder, Vega, 5-6, Sr.; Rhett Blasingame, Vega, 5-10, Sr.; JoJo McKnight, Wellington, 5-9, Sr.; Gage Cassity, West Texas, 6-3, Sr.; Jeffery Jefferson, West Texas, 5-9, Sr.; Jonah Villanueva, West Texas, 5-9, Jr.; Logan Harris, Wheeler, 6-1, Sr.; Gustavo Andrade, Wheeler, 5-11, Jr.; Austin Calhoun, Wheeler, 6-1, Jr.; Brady Bailey, Wheeler, 6-2, Jr.

2A

195

HONOR ROLL 2A Girls Sara Gilbert, Boys Ranch, 5-6, Sr.; Ebonie Magana, Boys Ranch, 5-5, Jr.; Klarissa Martinez, Boys Ranch, 5-5, Soph.; Emily Morgan, Boys Ranch, 5-7, Sr.; Anna Poland, Boys Ranch, 6-0, Soph.; Tazia Wallace, Boys Ranch, 5-6, Sr.; Sandrea Smith, Clarendon, 5-6, Sr.; Mattee Johnson, Clarendon, 5-8, Jr.; Andrea Salgado, Gruver, 5-7, Soph.; Bailey Maupin, Gruver, 5-9, Fr.; Jay’Lyn Taylor, Highland Park, 5-6, Sr.; Emma Patterson, Highland Park, 5-4, Jr.; Cynarah Rodriguez, Highland Park, 5-6, Jr.; Reagan Nuncio, Lockney, 5-5, Sr.; Madai Chavira, Lockney, 5-9, Jr.; Gabriel Cervantes, Lockney, 5-7, Fr.; Janessa Cervates, Memphis, 5-5, Jr.; Yazmeen Henderson, Memphis, 5-8, Jr.; Britten Hull, New Deal, 6-0, Sr.; Autoumne Vasquez, New Deal, 5-9, Sr.; MacKenzie Olivarez, Olton, 5-5, Sr.; Leslie Pedroza, Olton, 5-1, Sr.; Masyn Reining, Panhandle,

5-9, Sr.; Mason Jones, Panhandle, 5-10, Soph.; Lainey Choate, Panhandle, 5-9, Sr.; Bree Baker, Panhandle, 5-9, Sr.; Reegan Felker, Sanford-Fritch, 5-8, Jr.; Zoe Fry, Sanford-Fritch, 6-1, Jr.; Reaghan Audrain, Stratford, 5-5, Soph.; Shaylee Audrain, Stratford, 5-9, Sr.; Janeht Bravo, Stratford, 5-9, Jr.; Kenlee McBryde, Stratford, 5-6, Jr.; Rese Schoonover, Stratford, 5-6, Soph.; .Brianna Wallace, Sudan, 5-8, Sr.; Payton Tolbert, 5-6, Jr.; Sydney Phelan, Sundown, 5-3, Sr.; Makaylee Schenk, Vega, 5-2, Sr.; Macy Walker, Vega, 5-10, Sr.; Anita Knoll, Vega, 5-6, Jr.; Lara Mason, Vega, 5-11, Jr.; Savannah Sumrall, Wellington, 5-9, Sr.; Riley Sessions, Wellington, 5-8, Sr.; Marlee Brown, Wellington, 5-3, Jr.; Tobi Davis, Wellington, 5-8, Jr.; Taryn Coile, West Texas, 5-4, Sr.; Kayleigh Franks, West Texas, 5-9, Jr.; Emilie Gray, West Texas, 5-6, Jr.

Boys Ranch

District 1-2A Roughriders looking for smoother rides

After a couple of dismal seasons, things may be looking up for the Roughriders. Coach Michael Jackson, beginning his second season, has all five starters and five other letter winners back. Or you could say, 10 starters back. Boys Ranch went 8-17 and 1-11 in the district in longtime Coach Chuck Bailey’s last season two years ago. In Jackson’s debut Jacob Thomas last year, the Roughriders fell to 3-21 overall and were winless in 10 District 1-2A games. “Last season was tough, but we had the opportunity to gain some needed experience,” Jackson said. “We will have 10 returners who all started at one point or another during the season.” The only major loss off last year’s team was Dante Johnson, who was honorable mention all-district. Jackson expects a competitive environment this season. Name Ryan Robinson Jacob Thomas Joseph Gonzales Steve Callison Jacoby Douglas Jose Eddins Caleb Thompson Canyon Hollis Zack Barker Chris Mulder

Boys Ranch Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-2 G Sr. 6-4 F Sr. 5-10 G Sr. 5-9 G Soph. 5-9 G Soph. 5-10 G Sr. 6-0 F Soph. 5-10 G Sr. 6-3 F Sr. 6-4 F Sr.

Coach: Michael Jackson Asst. Coaches: Tucker Williams, Mike Evans, Kennan Albracht 2017-2018 record: 3-21, 0-10 School phone: 534-2361 Players to watch: Ryan Robinson, Jacob Thomas, Steve Callison, Canyon Hollis 196 2A

Ryan Robinson

Canyon Hollis

Steve Callison

“The majority of players are seniors this year,” he said. “Some young players also stepped it up (last year) to gain experience. We needed to mature physically and mentally, and we did.” Jackson designated four players to watch this season: 6-4 senior forward Jacob Thomas, 6-2 senior guard Ryan Robinson, 5-10 senior guard Canyon Hollis and 5-9 sophomore point guard Steve Callison. Thomas, Robinson and Callison got the majority of starts last season, along with 5-10 senior guard Jose Eddins and 6-4 senior forward Chris Mulder. Jackson lists experience and maturity as the Roughriders’ strengths this season. He is concerned about the team staying positive. He enumerates five keys for success this season: • Team-first attitude; • Defend; • Execution on offense and defense; • Win the hustle points; • Experience success. Jackson was a two-year basketball and three-year letter winner at Quanah High School. His football team was the state runner-up in 1988. Then he played football for Oklahoma Panhandle State University and West Texas A&M University. He was an assistant coach at Palo Duro, head coach at Highland Park and assistant at Tulia before moving to Boys Ranch. (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

District 1-2A will have the familiar foes of Gruver, Sanford-Fritch, defending state 1A champion West Texas High, Stratford and Sunray. Only Vega is gone, moving to District 3-2A. The Roughriders open their season Nov. 13 at home against River Road. They’ll play in the Vega and Logan, New Mexico, tournaments. District play will begin at home Jan. 11 against Sanford-Fritch.

Sara Gilbert

GIRLS The Lady Riders just missed making the playoffs last season, finishing fifth in District 1-2A with a 4-8 record. Overall, they were 10-17. “A good season that saw all the players and coaches work hard every day,” Coach Kerry Moss said. Addy Carroll, Melanie Bonilla and Issi Thompson have moved on from last year’s team. But Moss has four starters back, beginning with 5-6 senior point guard/wing Sara Gilbert, who averaged 16.6 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists last season. Gilbert was TGCA all-state and all-district. Tazia Wallace, a 5-6 senior point guard/wing, contributed 10.2 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg in earning all-district distinction. Emily Morgan, a 5-7 senior point guard/wing (11.3 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg) was all-district honorable mention. Those three are all-state prospects this season, according to Moss. Klarissa Martinez, a 5-5 sophomore point guard/wing (4 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg), is the fourth returning starter. Those four returning

Jose Eddins

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 18 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Chris Mulder

Joseph Gonzales

Boys Ranch Schedule

Opponent Dalhart Wellington River Road Claude Shamrock Friona Vega Tournament Texline Bovina Logan Tournament Highland Park Stratford Gruver Sanford-Fritch West Texas High Sunray Stratford Gruver Sanford-Fritch West Texas High Sunray Stratford Gruver

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Place B G Here X Here X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X Here X X There X X Logan, N.M. X X Here X X Here X There X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X There X

Tazia Wallace

Emily Morgan

Klarissa Martinez

starters represent 42 points per game, based on last year’s scoring statistics. Martinez, 5-5 junior wing Ebonie Magana and 6-0 sophomore forward Anna Poland (2 ppg, 4 rpg) are additional players to watch, according to Moss Alex Gilbert, a 5-7 freshman wing, is the younger sister of Sara Gilbert. Moss tabs basketball IQ and “how hard we play” as team strengths. He is concerned about rebounding. He said the keys to success this season will be “running the floor and doing all our things with a purpose.” Moss is beginning his ninth season at Boys Ranch and 19th overall as a head coach. He previously coached at Vega, Archer City, Seymour, Archer City again and Sanford-Fritch. He is a graduate of Cibola High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and McMurry University. The Lady Riders’ opening game will be at home Nov. 6 against Dalhart. They’ll participate in the Logan, New Mexico, Tournament before beginning district play Jan. 4 at home against Stratford.

Ebonie Magana

Anna Poland

Rayjne Campbell

Boys Ranch Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Rayjne Campbell 5-6 F Jr. Alex Gilbert 5-7 F Fr. Sara Gilbert 5-6 G/F Sr. Amaya Kearney-Yancy 5-5 F Soph. Ebonie Magana 5-5 F Jr. Klarissa Martinez 5-5 G/F Soph. Emily Morgan 5-7 G/F Sr. Anna Poland 6-0 F Soph. Alexis Trotty 5-8 F Soph. Liz Tusuubira 5-9 F Jr. Tazia Wallace 5-6 G/F Sr. Coach: Kerry Moss Asst. Coaches: Vedran Krtalic, Tara Fuller 2017-2018 record: 10-17, 4-8 School phone: 533-1428 Players to watch: Sara Gilbert, Ebonie Magana, Klarissa Martinez, Emily Morgan, Tazia Wallac 2A

197

Caleb Thompson

Zack Barker

Jacoby Douglas

Gruver

Sara Gilbert, center, represents Boys Ranch on the cover of this year’s Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine. Above, she poses with Madison Stokes of Amarillo High, left, and Mariah Trevino of Friona. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Lady Hounds have an abundance of youth The Lady Hounds will be young pups this season. The roster shows only one senior, and that’s a concern for Coach Shannon Fisher. “We will be an extremely young group with a lot to learn quickly, having only two starters back,” Fisher said, “so we will need to find ourselves soon and settle in.” The Lady Hounds won 23 games last year for the second straight season under Fisher. Andrea Salgado They finished third in District 1-2A with an 8-4 mark but lost their bidistrict game 51-29 to Claude, the eventual Class 2A state semifinalist. That capped a 23-10 season for the Lady Hounds. “Our team did a really good job of staying the course,” Fisher said. “We had to move around a lot of kids due to injuries, but they responded well and had a successful season.” Two all-district players, Klaire Irwin and Ashley Wright, have moved on from last year’s team. The two returning starters are Andrea Salgado and Marlie Kelp. Salgado, a 5-7 sophomore post, averaged 5.4 points and 4.6 rebounds last season. Kelp, a 5-5 junior guard, chipped in with 3 points and 2.3 assists per game. Gruver Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Cristal Alvarez 5-6 G Sr. Marlie Kelp 5-5 G Jr. Kari Whitehead 5-6 G Jr. Andrea Salgado 5-7 P Soph. Bailey Glass 5-4 G Soph. Saxie Ralston 5-6 P Soph. Kearstin Babbs 5-8 G Soph. Bailey Maupin 5-9 F Fr. Camryn Armes 5-4 G Fr. Kami Whitehead 5-7 F Fr. Coach: Shannon Fisher Asst. Coach: Terry Davis 2017-2018 record: 23-10, 8-4 School phone: 733-2001 Players to watch: Bailey Maupin, Andrea Salgado 198 2A

Marlie Kelp

Bailey Maupin

Cristal Alvarez

Fisher tabbed Salgado and a newcomer, 5-9 freshman forward Bailey Maupin, as outstanding players to watch. There are four sophomores and three freshmen on Gruver’s 10-player roster. Despite the youth, Fisher sees some positives. “We will be able to play at a faster rate than last year,” he said. “We have a group right now that has a really good work ethic and positive attitude.” Fisher described the keys for a successful season as “understanding the game at a different level, finding a leader and continuing to work hard together in taking care of the little things.” Fisher is beginning his third season at Gruver, having coached the Lady Hounds to a 46-19 record and two playoff appearances. The Sudan High School and Texas Tech University grad previously coached at Roby, Snyder, Dalhart, Tulia, Knox City and Groom. His overall girls coaching record is 323-187, a .633 winning percentage. District 1-2A looks pretty much the same as last year with the only change being Vega moving to 3-2A. Boys Ranch, Gruver, Sanford-Fritch, West Texas High, Stratford and Sunray remain in 1-2A. The Lady Hounds will open their season Nov. 3 at Bushland. The home opener is Nov. 6 against Dumas. Gruver will play in the Miami and White Deer tournaments and its own Gruver Holiday Classic. District play begins Jan. 4. BOYS The Greyhounds will have a new coach and a new player (Continued on page 200) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

199

(Continued from page 198)

this season. The new coach is Andrew Brockman. The new player is Jalin Conyers, a standout on West Texas High’s state champions last spring. Actually, Brockman is not that new. He’s served as an assistant coach at Gruver the past 10 years. This will be the first head coaching job for the Texas Tech University graduate. Brockman played on Nazareth’s state champion team his junior year and on Naz’ regional semifinalist as a senior. He replaces veteran Coach Johnny Hudson, who guided the Hounds to a 43-42 record in his three years at Gruver. The Hounds went 16-10 under Hudson last season. They took third in the Gruver Holiday Classic and finished fourth in District 1-2A with a 7-5 mark. Gruver lost its bidistrict game to Memphis 46-42. “We had a good year versus a very tough district after a long playoff run in football,” Brockman said. “Ran into a very talented Memphis team in bidistrict.” Cole Logsdon, who was honorable mention all-district, has moved on, along with Ulysses Garcia and Miguel Hernandez. Prospects look bright for Brockman’s debut. Conyers, a 6-5 junior forward, averaged 21 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for West Texas High. The move-in to Gruver was the district offensive MVP, TABC all-state and all-region. He scored 28 points in the state semifinal game. But Brockman had four starters of his own coming back. Jaedon Seagler, a 5-10 senior guard, logged 11 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg statistics and was all-district last season. So was 6-2 senior

Creed Spivey

Jaedon Seagler

Jalin Conyers

Keegan Kelp

Carter Armes

forward Creed Spivey (8 ppg, 7 rpg). Brockman rates Conyers, Seagler and Spivey as all-state candidates. The other two returning starters are 6-1 senior forward Keegan Kelp (4 ppg, 5 rpg) and 5-8 junior guard Carter Armes (6 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg). Hunter Haynes, a 5-9 junior guard (3 ppg), is another player to watch, according to his coach. Haynes has a brother, 6-0 senior (Continued on next page)

200

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

Connor Haynes, on the team. And Spivey is their cousin. “We should have plenty of varsity experience across all positions, and size in our forwards and center positions,” Brockman said. He’s concerned about the overall athleticism of his players. What are the keys for success this season? “Our defense must be great, and the offense has to create shots and be efficient,” he said. “We need to be great on the boards on offense and defense and limit other teams’ possessions to one shot.” He also said his eight players with varsity experience need to sacrifice individual achievements to become one unit on and off the floor. The Greyhounds are scheduled for a late start again this season – Nov. 20 against Hooker, Okla., at home. They’ll play in the Miami, White Deer and Gruver tournaments.

Gruver Super Boosters Andrew Brockman Babara Cluck Benny & Jackie Wilson Go Hounds and Lady Hounds!—Brad & Kelly Hart Brady, Nikki, & Mabrie Hart Brant, Stacie, Carter, Camryn & Caden Armes

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Connor Haynes

Name Jaedon Seagler Creed Spivey Keegan Kelp Connor Haynes Carter Armes Hunter Haynes Matthew Felderhoff Jalin Conyers

Hunter Haynes

Matthew Felderhoff

Gruver Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-10 G Sr. 6-2 F Sr. 6-1 F Sr. 6-0 F Sr. 5-8 G Jr. 5-9 G Jr. 6-2 F Jr. 6-5 F Jr.

Coach: Andrew Brockman Asst. Coaches: Keith Mauldin, James Whitt, Chris Bird 2017-2018 record: 16-10, 7-5 School phone: 733-2714 Players to watch: Jaedon Seagler, Creed Spivey, Keegan Kelp, Carter Armes, Hunter Haynes, Jalin Conyers

Buster, Holly, Pratt, Hallie, & Miles McLain Carlos, Cassie, & Chloe Borunda

2A

201

Kari Whitehead

Bailey Glass

Saxie Ralston

Chad, Julie, Zach, Alex, & Cole Logsdon Chris, Eva, Hadlee, & Creed Spivey Clint & Jodie Irwin

202

2A

Kearstin Babbs

Camryn Armes

Kari Whitehead

Clint & Sylvia Sims Clyde, Connie, & Conner McCloy Curt & Trisha Fitzgerald

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

DATE Nov. 3 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 18 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Jaedon Seagler puts up a shot against Valley in the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo in February. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Gruver Schedule

Opponent Bushland Dumas Dalhart Panhandle Follett Hooker Perryton Miami Tournament Booker White Deer Tournament Spearman Borger Highland Park Panhandle Claude Gruver Holiday Classic Wheeler Sunray Borger Boys Ranch West Texas Stratford Sanford-Fritch Sunray Boys Ranch West Texas Stratford Sanford-Fritch Sunray Boys Ranch

Place B G There X Here X There X Here X Here X Here X X There X X There X X There X X There X X Here X There X There X X There X Here X Here X X There X Here X Here X Here X There X X Here X X There X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X Here X

Danny & Mary Henson David & Ginny Grotegut David & Patty Miner Go Hounds!—Delinda McLaughlin, Legacy Republic Consultant Derik, Tessa, Gracee, Reese, & Jace Grotegut Diego, Mirna, Ortiz, Said Barraza, & Giselle Miranda Go Hounds Go!—Dorsey & Gloria Perez Dwayne, Shawn, Justin, & Seth Thompson Go Greyhounds!—El Alacran Go Hounds and Lady Hounds!—The Fishers Garrett, Samantha, Lane, & Rylee Miner

2A

203

Gruver’s Cole Logsdon, left, and Creed Spivey, right, keep tabs on Jayton Smith and Dax Allen of Valley in the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo in February. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

204

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

205

206

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

207

Connor Haynes moves the ball against Valley in the Randall Playoff Preview in February in Amarillo. (Photo by Mike Haynes, no relation)

208

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

209

Jalin Conyers poses for a Panhandle-Plains Basketball Magazine Super Team photo in Amarillo in September. Conyers was on the West Texas High state championship team last year but transferred to Gruver for 2018-19. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

210

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Gruver’s Keegan Kelp goes up to the basket against Valley in the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo in February. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

211

212

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Gilbert, Sandra, Luz, Brenda, Jason, & Aaron Trejo Go Hounds & Lady Hounds!—Gruver Pats Holly, Gus, Joe T., Hattie, & Mary Beth Gifford Go Hounds and Lady Hounds!-The Holt Family James, Melodie, Collin, & Zachary Bryant Jason, Amber, Abigail, Turner, & Tanner TeBeest Jerry & Pat Overby Jerry & Rita Williams Jim & Mindy Davis Joe & Cathy Potts Johnnie, Kristi, Shelby, & Madison Williams Justin, Sammy, Will, Nick, & Emma Johnson JW & Rhonda Ward Kevin, Julie, Kearstin, Ella & Pake Babbs Kevin & Terry Hart Kristi Holt Go Hounds!—Lance, Lori, Rhett, & Allie Sparks

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Lance, Sahala, Gus, & Sage Gaillard Lane & Lisa Salmans Leticia, Stephen, & Matt Salazar Mac, Carrie, Madison, & Mason McLain Good Luck Hounds!—Main Street Barber Mark & Pat Irwin Matt, Shanae, & Knox Messer Matt & Sherry Johnson Mikey, Lisa, & Caysie Miner Mur Murs Fred & Janice Mayfield Pat & Georgia Holt Raquel, Kailey, Kari, Kami, & Kimber Whitehead Rex, Roxie, Saxie, & Texie Ralston Royce & Betty Mathews Sam, Cris, Sammie, & Ariana Sanchez Scott, Erika, Lane, & Sloan Stedje Shell, Reagan, Conner & Hunter Haynes Go Greyhounds!—Spearman DQ Steve & Tracy Bevill Ted & Mary Vela Terry, Kristi, Taylor, Aaron, & Matthew Felderhoff

2A

213

Tim, Lexy, Bailey, & Payten Glass Todd, Caroly, Gracee, & Audrey Adams Todd & Janet Williams Troy, Kimberly, Brenynn, & Jaedon Seagler Wade, Bethany, Creed, Keegan, Caris, & Kinley Callaway Wade, Brooke, Case, Ella, & Bree Stewart Wylee, Julie, Bailey, Wesley, Walker, & Marlee Maupin

You are invited to the 61st Annual Ceremony of the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019 Grand Plaza Amarillo Civic Center Induction of the New Hall of Fame Honorees Recognition of Athletes of the Year Coaches of the Year and More Awards (Ceremony is about 1½ hours with light food buffet.)

Sanford-Fritch

Both teams have new coaches Sanford-Fritch has new coaches for both the boys and girls teams. And in both cases, they’ve got a lot of experienced players on their rosters. Jason Farmer succeeds Wayne Parker as the Eagles coach. Farmer, a Pampa High School graduate who played collegiately at Evangel University in Missouri, has nine Sam Plumley years of head coaching experience at Pampa, Miami and McLean. Parker coached the Eagles for four years and compiled a 5558 record. Last season was his best as the Eagles went 22-8 and finished third in District 1-2A with an 8-4 showing. The Eagles dealt state-champion-to-be West Texas High its second and final defeat of the season, 64-58 Jan. 12 in Stinnett. In the playoffs, Sanford-Fritch defeated Panhandle 57-43 in bidistrict and Lockney 80-76 in the area round. Stratford edged the Eagles 58-55 in the regional quarterfinals. “This team made the regional quarterfinals last season,” Farmer said. “We are looking to getting back to the regional tournament this season.” Brayden Fry, all-district and all-state, was the key departure from last year’s squad. 214

2A

Tucker Mayberry

Jaydon Hogue

Jordan Hogue

Farmer inherits four returning starters, including two honored players. Sam Plumley, a 6-4 senior wing, was all-district and allregion last season. Tucker Mayberry, a 5-8 senior guard, earned all-district distinction. Logan Moffitt, a 5-11 senior guard, and Jaydon Hogue, a 6-4 senior wing/post, also started last year. Jaydon Hogue’s twin brother, 6-3 senior wing Jordon Hogue, is one of nine returning letter winners. The Hogues and 6-1 junior guard Ty Smith are players to watch, according to Farmer. He considers the Eagles’ experience of playing together a team strength. Farmer is concerned about the toughness of District 1-2A, mentioning Stratford, WT High and Gruver. The district is in(Continued on page 216)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Sanford-Fritch Schedule

Name Tyler Mihm Justin Gipson Syvo Hatton Ty Smith Logan Moffitt Jordan Hogue Tucker Mayberry Luke Black Jaydon Hogue Aaron Whatley Sam Plumley

Sanford-Fritch Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-3 P Sr. 6-0 F Jr. 6-0 G Sr. 6-1 G Jr. 5-11 G Sr. 6-3 F Sr. 5-8 G Sr. 6-3 F/P Jr. 6-4 F/P Sr. 5-8 G Sr. 6-4 F Sr.

Coach: Jason Farmer Asst. Coaches: Lance Simpson, Marcos Garza, Jason Osteen 2017-2018 record: 22-8, 8-4 School phone: 857-3121 Players to watch: Jordan Hogue, Jaydon Hogue, Ty Smith

Name Megan Bass Rylie Blackwell Kiki Cunningham Reegan Felker Zoe Fry Tiffani Henry Jazmyn Langley Tina Salas

Sanford-Fritch Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-6 G/F Sr. 5-11 F Jr. 5-10 F Jr. 5-8 G Jr. 6-1 F Jr. 5-5 G Jr. 5-9 G/F Soph. 5-7 G Sr.

DATE

Opponent

Place

Nov. 13

Hartley

Here

B G X

Nov. 16

River Road

There

X

Nov. 19

Borger

Here

X

Nov. 20

Highland Park

There

X X

Nov. 27

Wheeler

Here

X X

Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Miami Varsity Tournament

There

Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nazareth Tournament

There

X

X

Dec. 4

Happy

Here

X X

Dec. 6-8

West Texas Tournament

There

X X

Dec. 11

Memphis

Here

X X

Dec. 14

Borger

Here

Dec. 14

Spearman

Here

X

Dec. 18

Dumas

There

X X

Dec. 21

Pampa

There

X X

Jan. 4

West Texas High

There

Jan. 4

Dalhart

There

Jan. 8

Stratford

Here

Jan. 11

Boys Ranch

There

X X

Jan. 15

Sunray

There

X X

Jan. 18

Gruver

Here

X X

Jan. 22

West Texas High

Here

X X

Jan. 25

Stratford

There

X X

Jan. 29

Boys Ranch

Here

X X

Feb. 1

Sunray

Here

X X

Feb. 5

Gruver

There

X X

Feb. 8

West Texas High

There

X

Feb. 12

Stratford

Here

X

X

X

X X

Sanford-Fritch Booster Club

Coach: Jordan Merker Asst. Coaches: Georgia Ann Tucker, Jason Hale, Garrett Brewer 2017-2018 record: 12-13, 5-5 School phone: 397-0159 Players to watch: Reegan Felker, Zoe Fry

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

215

(Continued from page 214)

tact from previous years except for the absence of Vega, which moved to 3-2A. The keys for success this season will be “staying together and playing good team defense,” Farmer said. The Eagles will open their season Nov. 19 at home against neighboring Borger. They’ll play in the Nazareth and West Texas High tournaments. District play begins Jan. 11 at Boys Ranch. GIRLS Jordan Merker, the Lady Eagles’ new coach, is making his head coaching debut. Merker was an all-district baseball player at Randall High School and later played that sport at Wayland Baptist University. He graduated from West Texas A&M University. He has coached at Pampa and Dumas. Jason Hale, who coached the Lady Eagles for the past 10 years, continues as an assistant coach and social studies teacher at Sanford-Fritch. Hale coached last year’s team to a 15-14 overall record and a fourth-place finish in District 1-2A with a 5-7 record. Shaeli Garrison and Emmy Meek are the major departures from last year’s teams. However, Merker has a lot of veterans on hand. “Our biggest strength is our experience,” he said. “We are returning eight lettermen and three starters off last year’s bidistrict team.” Zoe Fry, a 6-1 junior forward, averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists last season. The all-district honoree is the sister of Brayden Fry, the departed boys star. Merker nominates Zoe Fry as an all-state candidate this season. Reegan Felker and Tina Salas are the other returning starters. Felker, a 5-8 junior guard, posted 8 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg stats last season and is a player to watch, according to Merker.. Salas, a

Ty Smith

Tina Salas

Zoe Fry

Reegan Felker

Megan Bass

Rylie Blackwell

5-7 senior guard, contributed 5 ppg, 2 rpg. The other returning letter winners are 5-6 senior guard/forward Megan Bass (2 ppg, 2 rpg), 5-11 junior Rylie Blackwell (3 ppg, 5 rpg), 5-10 junior forward Kiki Cunningham (3 ppg, 3 rpg), 5-5 junior guard Tiffani Henry (3 ppg, 2 rpg) and 5-9 sophomore guard/forward Jazmyn Langley (5 ppg, 2 rpg). Merker’s biggest concern is replacing the two key starters from last year. “The key to our success is going to become a defensive-minded team and build on the success we had last season,” he said. The Lady Eagles’ opener is Nov. 13 at home against Hartley. They’ll participate in the Miami and West Texas High tourneys.

Syvo Hatton

Kilandra Cunningham

Luke Black

The Sanford-Fritch Eagles pose with the bidistrict trophy they won in Amarillo Feb. 20, 2018, by defeating Panhandle 57-43. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Tiffani Henry

Jazmyn Langley

Tyler Mihm

Justin Gipson Aaron Whatley

216

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Stratford

Elks made good run at end The Elks got off to a slow start last season but caught fire in the playoffs and came within one win of making it to state. And it took a state-champion-to-be to beat them. Stratford finished second in District 1-2A with a 10-2 record, then turned it up a notch in postseason play. The Elks downed Clarendon 52-43 in bidistrict, Post 59-35 in the area game, Sanford-Fritch 58-55 in the regional quarterfinals and Forsan 59-44 in Abraham Villegas the regional semifinals. They finally were stopped by West Texas High 56-45 in the regional finals. WT High went on to grab the 2A title in San Antonio. “We had a great run last year,” Coach Trey Wyatt said. “With basketball starting so late (because of football), our kids really worked hard to accomplish what they did.” Seven seniors were on last year’s roster, so graduation losses were heavy. Shay Hess, all-region and district defensive MVP; Kade McBryde, all-district and Amarillo Globe-News Super Team member; and Noah Harris, all-district; are gone. So are cousins Pedro and Baruc Ortega, Colton Lanning and Blake Rios. That leaves no returning starters and only four letter winners for this season.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Luden Romero

Walker McBryde

Ty McBryde

Wyatt tagged those four as outstanding players to watch. They are: • Abraham Villegas, a 5-8 junior guard who averaged 4.5 points last season; • Luden Romero, a 5-6 junior guard who averaged 2.6 points and 2 rebounds; • Walker McBryde, a 6-0 junior guard (3.2 ppg, 2 rpg); and • Ty McBryde, a 6-0 junior guard (3.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg). The McBrydes are twins and cousins of the departed Kade McBryde. Wyatt says a strength of the Elks is that they’re hard-working; (Continued on next page)

2A

217

(Continued from previous page)

his concerns center on the team’s youth and lack of size. The roster lists five juniors to go along with two seniors and two sophomores. The tallest two Elks are 6-3. Wyatt said his team’s keys for success will be “to learn and continue to improve daily.” He has guided the Elks to six straight winning seasons. In the last four, Stratford has posted 81-18 overall and 38-6 district records. Wyatt, a graduate of Silverton High School and West Texas A&M University, is beginning his sixth season at Stratford and his 12th overall as a head coach. His boys coaching record is 177-88. The only change in the Elks’ District 1-2A makeup was the departure of Vega to District 3-2A. So now 1-2A consists of six teams, including defending state champion West Texas High. The Elks will open their season late again, playing Hartley at home on Nov. 20. They’ll play in the Vega, Hugoton, Kansas, and Gruver tournaments. GIRLS The Lady Elks have a new coach, although he’s certainly not new to Stratford. Lance Horsford, who coached Stratford’s boys teams for 15 years, will return to coaching girls. Horsford, a graduate of Abernathy High School and Texas Tech University, has 26 years of head coaching experience. He coached at Meridian and Lubbock Cooper before directing the Elks through the 2011-12 season. His overall girls coaching record is 308-148; his boys teams stand 114-81. Combined, that’s 422-229 for a .648 winning percentage. Horsford replaces Tanner Martin, who coached the Lady Elks to a 71-22 record in three years. The Lady Elks won the Hugoton, Kan., and Littlefield tournaments and took third in the Canyon Kids Inc. event last season. Stratford won its district with a 10-0 record. In the playoffs, the Lady Elks posted two convincing victories – 69-27 over Memphis in bidistrict and 61-23 over Post in the area game – before bowing to Panhandle 52-49 in the regional quarterfinals. That ended a 26-5 season for Stratford. “Had a great season before being knocked from the playoffs by a tough Panhandle team,” Horsford said. All-state Laynee Burr, all-region Allie James and all-district Samantha Gonzalez have moved on from that team. But Horsford inherits two full-time starters and one part-time starter from last year’s team. Shaylee Audrain, a 5-9 senior forward, averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in earning all-region honors. Janeht Bravo, a 5-9 junior forward (4 ppg, 4 rpg), was all-district. Horsford touts those two as all-state candidates. The returning part-time starter is 5-5 sophomore guard Reaghan Audrain (4 ppg, 2 rpg), the younger sister of Shaylee Audrain. Reaghan Audrain was all-district last season.

Kori Salas

218

2A

Ashton Lavake

Shaylee Audrain

Janeht Bravo

Reaghan Audrain

Kenlee McBryde

Rese Schoonover

Lashala Anderton

Name LaShala Anderton Reaghan Audrain Shaylee Audrain Janeht Bravo Kori Salas Lilibeth Ibarra Ashton Lavake Kenlee McBryde Hilda Romero Rese Schoonover

Stratford Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-10 F Soph. 5-5 G Soph. 5-9 F Sr. 5-9 F Jr. 5-5 G Soph. 5-7 F Sr. 5-5 G Soph. 5-6 G Jr. 5-5 G Soph. 5-6 G Soph.

Coach: Lance Horsford Asst. Coaches: Justin Mungia, Renae Horsford 2017-2018 record: 26-5, 10-0 School phone: 366-3300 Players to watch: Reaghan Audrain, Shaylee Audrain, Janeht Bravo, Kenlee McBryde, Rese Schoonover Letter winner Kenlee McBryde, a 5-6 junior guard, and Rese Schoonover, a 5-6 junior guard, are other players to watch, according to Horsford. He rates quickness, good basketball IQ and leadership as the Lady Elks’ strengths. He’s concerned about size. “We must build upon our basketball knowledge and carry over the success from the previous seasons,” Horsford said in assessing the keys for success this season. The Lady Elks will open their season Nov.6 at Bushland. The home opener will be Nov. 10 against Palo Duro. Stratford will take part in the Nazareth, Hugoton and Littlefield tournaments.

Hilda Romero 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Fernando Martinez

Justin Duran Turner Smith

Name Justin Duran Turner Smith Fernando Martinez Luden Romero Walker McBryde Ty McBryde Abraham Villegas Brit McQuitty Trever Bell

Stratford Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-10 G Sr. 6-3 F Sr. 6-3 F Jr. 5-6 G Jr. 6-0 G Jr. 6-0 G Jr. 5-8 G Jr. 5-11 G Soph. 6-1 G Soph.

Coach: Trey Wyatt Asst. Coaches: David Lantelme, Casey Lantelme, Seth Slover 2017-2018 record: 16-4, 10-2 School phone: 366-3300 Players to watch: Iuden Romero, Walker McBryde, Ty McBryde, Abraham Villegas

Stratford Super Boosters Roger, Brandi, Lara, Addie, and Maylee Wells Mr. Mike and Lisa Dominguez Larry and Doris Parsons Colby, Sandi, and Cash Wheeler Clint, Cindy, and Remie Seward Larry and Verlie Norris Tommy, Keisha, Hudson, and Tessa Holland The Rinne Family Jimmy, Sheila, and Colten Lanning Brad, Kaci, Kad, and Kenlee McBryde John, Valerie, Kori, JoJo, and Izzy Salas Danny Davis and Chief Joe and Jessie Valenzuela Gared, Misti, Jack, Walker, and Ty McBryde DeWain, Suzanne, and Lilia Trayler Coach Lantleme, Terri, Chase, Coach Lat, and Caden 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

219

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-9 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

220

2A

Stratford Schedule

Opponent Bushland Palo Duro Nazareth Happy Hartley Borger Nazareth Tournament Vega Tournament Pampa Tulia Hugoton Tournament Vega Dumas Clarendon Dalhart Littlefield Tournament Gruver Tournament Boys Ranch Sanford-Fritch Panhandle Sunray Gruver West Texas Boys Ranch Sanford-Fritch Sunray Gruver West Texas Boys Ranch Sanford Fritch

Place B G There X Here X Adrian X There X There X X Here X There X There X There X Here X There X X Here X X Here X There X X There X X There X There X There X There X There X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X There X

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Coach Murphy, Penny, Abbie, Ninna, Frankie, and JW

Adam, mike, Trever, Addison, and McKenzie Bell Doug, Shelly, Annsley, Kennedi, and Andre

Gregg and Shari Hudson

Coach Keener, Trisha, and Reese

Nathaniel, Keri, Klaire, and Kooper Walden

Jeff, Savannah, Kadence, and Beau

Michael McHugh

Jim and Susan Dewees

Heather, Gilbert, Brit, Corbin, Ethan, Wyatt, and

Pat, Nita, and Bret Barnard

Morgan

Jerold, Becky, Allanna, and Kamryn Frizzell

Nicole Granados

Gus, Bre, Chloe, Emma, and Tynzlee Rosales

Good Luck from Chuck, Angela, Amanda, and

Dan, Alicia, Abby, and Jay Law

Charlie Harbour

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Sheriff Ted Allen

2A

221

Corey and Patsy Crabtree

Kaleb, Renae, Hayes, and Heston Horsford

Darrell Dickinson

Adam, Erin, Cody, and Bailey Gerrond

Kevin, Heather, Luke, Bryce and Madi Braden

Damon, Amber, Henry, and Aiden Stalvey

Coach Horsford and Dinah

Krista, Billy, Jaci, and Brendi Brown

Andre, Carlos, Mateo, and Aurora

Scott Pati, and Brittany Law

Go Elks!—Forrest and Brenda Acker

Bar13 Livestock, LLC

Dan, Jordan,Kolt, Keagan, Hartley Ray, Haddy

Bryan and Kendra Mungia

Rose, Kaleb, and YJ Sherman Tommy and Judy Stoy

Victor, Jasmin, Blake, Cielo, and Javan Rios Lance, Meghan, Gage, and Tyson Brooks Trey, Candice, Jackson, and Matti Wyatt Dean, Joli, Brylynn, and Layton Houser Joyce McBryde Eloy, Cristina, Ivy, and Eli Jalapa Anna and Reid Drury Max and Lori Christian

222

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Stratford Super Boosters Marcus, Ashly, Ashton, and Mason Lavake Jose, Mary, and Melissa Guerrero Jose and Mary Lou Maldonado Rockey, Stay, and Tyler Rex, Sherri, and Holly Sladek John and Susan Wheeler Abraham and Gilberto Villegas John and Sharon Wilson

Tommy and Becky Asher Joe and Cathy Taylor Roger Allen Dick and Barbara Chumley Justin, Courtney, and Fitz Mungia Ted and Deide Zieman Charlotte Moczygemba First Christian Church of Stratford Ivan, Janeth, Johnny Jr., Johnny, and Claudia Bravo

West Texas High

Comanches have some weapons left Coach Aron Graves described the Comanches’ march to the Class 2A state championship last season as “unbelievable.” After an early season loss at Spearman, West Texas High won three tournaments, then rolled through District 1-2A with an 11-1 record, losing only to Sanford-Fritch. Once the playoffs began, the Comanches really put it in high gear, winning all seven postseason games, climaxed by a 61-55 victory over Thorndale in the state championship game in San Antonio. The closest margin in that playoff run was a 55-52 win over Abernathy in the area game. “We had a good mix of many different players that could do many things from an offensive standpoint that made us very good,” Graves said. “The difference in what made us so good, however, in my opinion, was how well we defended. The kids worked their tails off to be the best defensive team each game, and I felt like we proved that.” Six-eight Dalin Williams, the district MVP, all-region and allstate, graduated and now is at Northwestern State in Louisiana on a basketball scholarship. Jordan Seay, first-team all-district, is playing junior college baseball at Odessa College. Matthews Frericks, last year’s seventh man, is playing golf at Ottawa, Name Gage Cassity Jeffery Jefferson Jonah Villanueva Mason Williams Jaren Adams Daniel Evans Aaron Fish Jon Carl Tucker

West Texas Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-3 G Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 5-9 G Jr. 6-1 G/F Sr. 6-1 G Jr. 6-2 G Jr. 6-0 F Sr. 6-3 F Jr.

Coach: Aron Graves Asst. Coach: Austin Whitt 2017-2018 record: 36-2, 11-1 School phone: 878-2456 Players to watch: Gage Cassity, Jeffery Jefferson, Jonah Villanueva 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Gage Cassity

Jeffery Jefferson

Jonah Villanueva

Kansas, University. Also gone from last year’s championship team is 6-3 forward Jalin Conyers, the district’s offensive MVP. Conyers transferred to district foe Gruver for his junior season. Still, Graves has three honored starters returning. Gage Cassity, a 6-3 senior guard, averaged 10 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season in earning first-team all-district distinction. Jeffery Jefferson, a 5-8 senior point guard (8 ppg. 4.6 rpg, 6.7 apg) was the district defensive MVP. Jonah Villanueva, a 5-9 junior guard (9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 4.3 apg), bombed in 22 points in the championship game and was named the state MVP. Those three – who averaged a total of 27 ppg last season – merit all-state consideration this season, according to Graves. Mason Williams, a 6-1 senior guard/forward (2 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg), is the only other returning letter winner. The brother of the departed Dalin Williams, he was the eighth man last season. Graves lists two team strengths – quickness and the expectation to win – and two areas of concern – overall size and rebounding. “We have to stay healthy through football. We will more than likely carry only eight again on varsity this season, and it is extremely important for us to remain healthy,” Graves said. “Our kids work hard, are defensive-minded and expect to win many games.” Graves is beginning his 13th season as head coach at his alma mater, where he was a TABC all-stater. Previously, he served (Continued on next page)

2A

223

(Continued from previous page)

one-year stints as an assistant at Palo Duro and WT High. The West Texas State University grad has coached the Comanches to an 82-16 record the past three years. Included in that stretch are three playoff appearances, two district titles and the school’s first state championship in any sport. Overall, Graves has a 214-145 boys coaching record, all at WT. The Comanches will have only five District 1-2A opponents this season as Vega moves to District 3-2A. Before district play begins, West Texas High will open at Spearman Nov. 19, entertain Claude Nov. 20 in the home opener and play in its own West Texas Invitational and the Gruver Holiday Tournament. GIRLS The Lady Comanches showed some improvement in Coach Rocky Ford’s second year on the job. After a 3-22 (0-10 in district) inaugural campaign under Ford, WT High turned in an 8-22 season, with a 1-11 district log, last season. “We grew as a team and look forward to more success this year,” Ford said. All-district honorable mention Jamie O’Gorman, along with Kelsey Castillo, Riley Johnson and Hannah Cox, moved on from that team But the Lady Comanches have two all-district honorable mentions returning in 5-3 senior guard Shelby Rios and 5-8 sophomore forward Brenlee Hopkins. Both Rios and Hopkins started last year, as did 5-4 senior guard Taryn Coile and 5-9 junior forward Kayleigh Franks. Emilie Gray, a 5-6 junior guard, is another player to watch,

Shelbey Rios

Brenlee Hopkins

according to Ford. The Lady Comanches are young, with just three seniors on the roster. But eight letter winners are listed. “Defensively, we should be better,” Ford said. “The girls have been in this system for three years now and should understand what we are trying to accomplish.” He is concerned about the lack of size. “Our guard play and defensive effort will be key,” he said. Ford is a graduate of Farwell High School and Texas Tech University. He has 20 years of head coaching experience with previous stops at Brownfield, Wellington, Crane and Roscoe. The Lady Comanches will open their season Nov. 6 at home against Darrouzett. They’ll participate in the Miami, WT invitational and Gruver tournaments.

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

224

2A

Taryn Coile

West Texas Schedule

Opponent Darrouzett Bushland White Deer Clarendon Spearman Claude Booker Miami Tournament Borger Spearman West Texas Invitational Wheeler Vega White Deer Dalhart Gruver Holiday Tournament Fritch Sunray Dumas Gruver Boys Ranch Stratford Fritch Sunray Gruver Boys Ranch Stratford Fritch Sunray

Place B G Here X Here X There X Here X There X X Here X X There X X There X There X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X There X Here X X There X X Here X There X Here X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X There X

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Mason Williams

Aaron Fish

Jaren Adams

Gage Cassity, right, of West Texas High fights for the ball with Happy’s Craig Odom at the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo in February. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Name Shelbey Rios Taryn Coile Brenlee Hopkins Kayleigh Franks Jenna Franklin Alexia Armendariz Asya Hall Macy Higginbotham

Jon Carl Tucker

West Texas Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-3 G Sr. 5-4 G Sr. 5-8 F Soph. 5-9 F Jr. 5-7 F Sr. 5-6 F Jr. 5-6 G Jr. 5-5 G Jr.

Coach: Rocky Ford Asst. Coaches: Lacy Curry, Jan Reed 2017-2018 record: 8-22, 1-11 School phone: 878-2456 Players to watch: Taryn Coile, Kayleigh Franks, Emilie Gray

Kayleigh Franks

Daniel Evans

Emilie Gray

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Jenna Franklin

Jeffery Jefferson of West Texas High tries to get control of the ball against Happy Feb. 17 at the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Alexia Armendariz

Asya Hall

Macy Higginbotham

2A

225

It was a practice game, but the competition was fierce between West Texas High and Happy in the Randall Playoff Preview Feb. 17. The Comanches won 77-50. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

West Texas High’s Daniel Evans eyes the basketball in a win over Happy in the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo Feb. 17. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Coach Aaron Graves follows the action as his West Texas High team battles Happy in the Randall Playoff Preview in February in Amarillo. Graves led the Comanches to the 2018 Class 2A state championship. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Mason Williams of West Texas High guards his man during the Comanches’ 77-50 win over Happy in the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo Feb. 17. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

226

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

District 2-2A Broncos, Lady Broncos have family ties

Clarendon

The Clarendon boys and girls teams both will answer to “Coach Conkin” this year as Clint Conkin takes over as the Broncos’ coach and his wife, Korey Conkin, begins her third season leading the Lady Broncos. The girls came excruciatingly close last year to making their second straight playoff appearance. But Clarendon tied Memphis for fourth in Sandrea Smith the district, both at 3-7, then lost the play-in game in overtime. Overall, the Lady Broncos wound up 16-13. Earlier, Clarendon had won the Miami and Lockney tournaments. “The Lady Broncos had a great preseason but fell short in their tough district season,” Coach Korey Conkin said. “We played two close games with Wellington as well as splitting with Memphis.” Gone from that team are Shaelyn Owiti and Carlee Johnson, both all-district, and Hannah Hommel, a two-year starter. Two starters – 5-6 senior point guard Sandrea Smith and 5-8 junior guard Mattee Johnson – are back, and Conkin rates both as all-state candidates. Mattee Johnson is the sister of the graduated Carlee Johnson.

Mattee Johnson

Brandalyn Ellis

Emily Johnson

Three other letter winners – 5-4 senior guard Brandalyn Ellis, 5-10 senior post Emily Johnson and 5-2 junior point guard Kira Weatherton – also return. “We are quick and much stronger than our previous year,” Conkin said. “Defense will be our best quality.” She’s concerned about a lack of height. As for the keys to success, she said, “Build on preseason success and carry it through our district play. Work hard defensively so that offense is easy,” Clarendon’s district, 2-2A, has one new member this season. Highland Park, formerly a 3A school, drops into 2A and replaces Claude, which falls to 1A. Claude was a girls 2A state semifinal(Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

227

(Continued from previous page)

ist last spring. Conkin is coaching at her high school alma mater. She was a four-year starter at Clarendon and was all-district four years and all-region two. Then she was a two-year starter at Clarendon College and played point guard for the 1998 NSCAA championship team. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Texas Tech University. She coached at Farwell for five years and Littlefield for eight before returning to Clarendon. In two seasons, she has led the Lady Broncos to a 37-24 win-loss record. The Clarendon girls will open the season Nov. 3 at Perryton. They’ll play in the Miami, White Deer and Lockney tournaments. BOYS Husband Clint Conkin becomes the Broncos’ third coach in as many years. He succeeds Blake Nichols, who was at Clarendon only last year when the Broncos went 10-7 overall and 7-3 in District 2-2A, finishing third. Clarendon lost its bidistrict game to Stratford 52-43. Clint Conkin is a graduate of Anton High School and Texas Tech University. He has 15 years of head basketball coaching experience with stints at Farwell, Littlefield and Memphis. Conkin served as one of Nichols’ assistants last year. Alton Gaines stays on as an aide. The Broncos lost some key players off last year’s team. Colt Wood, the district offensive MVP; Damarjae Cortez, all-district; Justin Christopher and Da’Quawre Oliver are gone. However, Conkin has one returning starter in 6-4 senior forward Cameron Smith, who was an all-district selection last season, and six other returning letter winners. Conkin tabs 6-5 junior forward Jamal Butler, 6-3 sophomore guard Donovan Thompson, 5-10 senior guard Caton Grahn and 5-11 senior guard Preston Elam as additional players to keep an eye on. Preston Elam and 5-11 senior guard Noab Elam are brothers. Cameron Smith

228

2A

Rayna Newsome

Kira Weatherton Makayla Brown

Jade Benson

Ashlynn Newsome

Eboni Butler

Conkin lists size and speed as the Broncos’ strengths. He is concerned about his team’s depth. He described the keys for success this season as the success of a pressure defense and up-tempo offense. Although the Lady Broncos are scheduled for a Nov. 3 opening, the Broncos, often involved in football late, won’t debut until Nov. 29 when both teams play in the Miami Tournament. Both teams will participate later in the White Deer and Lockney tourneys. District play for both the Lady Broncos and Broncos begins in early January.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Name Cameron Smith Jamal Butler Donovan Thompson Preston Elam Noab Elam Caton Grahn Collin Butler Isaac Dunham Dalton Benson

Clarendon Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-4 F Sr. 6-5 F Jr. 6-3 G Soph. 5-11 G Sr. 5-11 G Sr. 5-10 G Sr. 5-11 G Jr. 6-4 P Sr. 5-9 G Sr.

Coach: Clint Conkin Asst. Coach: Alton Gaines School phone: 874-2562 Players to watch: Jamal Butler, Donovan Thompson, Cameron Smith, Preston Elam, Caton Grahn

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Clarendon Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Sandrea Smith 5-6 G Sr. Brandalyn Ellis 5-4 G Sr. Emily Johnson 5-10 P Sr. Mattee Johnson 5-8 G Jr. Kira Weatherton 5-2 G Jr. MaKayla Brown F Jr. Rayna Newsome G Jr. Ashlynn Newsome G Soph. Jade Benson F Soph. Eboni Butler P Jr. Coach: Korey Conkin Asst. Coaches: Kasey Bell, Carrie Hicks 2017-2018 record: 17-13, 3-7 School phone: 874-2181 Players to watch: Sandrea Smith, Mattee Johnson

2A

229

DATE Nov. 3 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 18 Dec. 31 Jan. 3 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Clarendon Schedule

Opponent Perryton White Deer Claude Tulia West Texas High Lockney River Road Miami Tournament Vega White Deer Tournament Childress Lockney Tournament Stratford San Jacinto Farwell Wellington Valley Memphis Claude Wheeler Panhandle Highland Park Wellington Memphis Wheeler Panhandle Highland Park Wellington Memphis

Place B G There X Here X There X Here X There X Here X There X There X X Here X X There X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X Here X There X Here X There X There X X Here X X There X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X Here X

Clarendon Super Boosters Let’s Go Broncos and Lady Broncos!—The Herndon’s We support the Broncos and Lady Broncos!— Blake & Erin Osburn Go Lady Broncos!—Annette Osburn Mark & Laura Luttrell Go Lady Broncos!—Osburn Appliance and Consignment

Good Luck Broncos and Lady Broncos!—Noble & Pam Watson Go Broncos and Lady Broncos!—Brandon, Jill, Easton, and Elliot Frausto Go Broncos & Lady Broncos!—The Bruce Family Go Lady Broncos!—Zack,Jennifer, Emeri, & Kreed Robinson Go Emeri!—Gran & Papa Go Broncos!—Kirby and Melissa Hatley We wish the BRONCOS and LADY BRONCOS a great season!—Whitney & Ronda Williams Emeri, we are so proud of you!—Robert & Cobette Riza Go Broncos! Have a great season!—Shannon, Sonia, Jordan, Kelsey, Kelsyn & Kayzen Thomas Play Strong Graci!—Bobbie & Missy Kidd Good Luck Broncos! Go Graci!—The Roberts Family Go Broncos!—Renee’ Mott Go Broncos!—The Topper’s Good Luck Graci!—The Newhouse Family Go Lady Broncos!—Colton & Braxton Henson Good Luck Graci!—We Love You!—Doug and Nancy Kidd Go Madison!—Steve & Wanda Smith Good Luck Broncos!—Glen & Susan Bailey

Highland Park

Hornets, Lady Hornets have new coaches Highland Park has new coaches for both the boys and girls teams. Tanner Strickland will make his head coaching debut this season with the Hornets. Strickland is a graduate of Sanford-Fritch High School and West Texas A&M University. He served as an assistant coach at Borger in 2015-16 and at Brownfield from 2016 to 2018. He takes over from Matt Taylor, who remains at Highland Park as the volleyball and golf coach and a girls basketball assistant. In two years under Taylor, the Hornets registered identical 7-20 seasons and won one of 20 District 1-3A games. That win came last season. Caleb McDonald and Keegan Conway, both honorable mention all-district, have moved on from that team. Strickland inherits one all-district performer in 6-3 junior guard Hunter Nicholas, who averaged 17.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2 assists last season. Joining Nicholas as a returning starter 230

2A

is 6-1 junior guard Ethan Morris (4.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg). Strickland considers Nicholas and Morris as all-state candidates. Two other players to watch are 6-10 sophomore post Ethan Wisden and 6-2 junior post Ben Neary (2.1 ppg). With five returning letter winners, Strickland rates returning experience and guard play as his team’s strengths. He is concerned about depth and post play. “Transitioning and buying into new offensive/defensive schemes” will be the keys for success this season, he said. Highland Park drops down to Class 2A this season because of UIL realignment. The Hornets will be in District 2-2A along with Clarendon, Memphis, Panhandle, Wellington and Wheeler. The Hornets will open their season Nov. 16 at Dimmitt. The home opener is set for Nov. 20 against Sanford-Fritch. High(Continued on page 232) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Name Hunter Nicholas Ethan Morris Ben Neary TraVon Johnson Ethan Wisden James Harton Chris Pointer Cody Weston Brant Sugg Adam Phillips

Highland Park Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-3 G Jr. 6-1 G Jr. 6-2 P Jr. 5-10 G Jr. 6-10 P Soph. 6-3 P Jr. 5-9 G Jr. 6-2 P Jr. 6-1 P Jr. 6-0 P Jr.

Coach: Tanner Strickland Asst. Coach: Keith Crosby 2017-2018 record: 7-20, 1-9 School phone: 322-3749 Players to watch: Hunter Nicholas, Ethan Morris

DATE Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 27-29

Highland Park Schedule

Opponent Sunray Dimmitt Sanford-Fritch Groom Claude Tournament Borger WT High Tournament Tascosa River Road Gruver Boys Ranch Gruver Tournament

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Place B G There X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X Here X Here X X There X X There X X

Name Hayley Ewing Aahliyah Holtman Jay’Lyn Taylor Kenli Bebout Chloe Cordova Bailey Harrison Emma Patterson Cynarah Rodriguez Brandy Dominguez Nevaeh Rodriguez

Highland Park Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-5 P Sr. 5-5 G Sr. 5-6 G Sr. 5-3 G Jr. 5-3 G Jr. 5-4 G Jr. 5-4 G Jr. 5-6 G Jr. 5-9 P Soph. 5-7 P Fr.

Coach: Matthew Hernandez Asst. Coaches: Michelle DeShong, Tara Salmon, Matt Taylor 2017-2018 record: 12-16, 2-8 School phone: 322-3839 Players to watch: Jay’Lyn Taylor, Emma Patterson, Cynarah Rodriguez

Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Wheeler Panhandle Vega Memphis Wellington Clarendon Wheeler Panhandle Memphis Wellington Clarendon Wheeler Panhandle

There Here There X There X There X Here X Here X There X Here X Here X There X There X Here X

2A

X X X X X X X X X X

231

Hunter Nicholas

Ethan Morris

Ethan Wisden

Jay’Lyn Taylor

Emma Patterson

Cynarah Rodriguez

Brandy Dominguez

Hayley Ewing

Nevaeh Rodriguez

Chloe Cordova

Bailey Harrison

(Continued from page 230)

land Park will play in the Claude, West Texas High and Gruver tournaments. District 2-2A play for the Hornets will begin Jan. 11 at Memphis. GIRLS Matthew Hernandez is the new coach of the Lady Hornets. Hernandez played on Randall teams that reached the regionals twice. He also played on a Randall tennis team that made the regionals. He graduated from West Texas A&M University. He served as an assistant coach at Tascosa from 2015 to 2017 and head coach at San Angelo Lake View last year. He replaces Kirk Ellis, who moved to Pampa to take the girls head coaching position there. Ellis coached the Lady Hornets for five years. His team last year went 12-16 overall and 2-8 in the district in Class 3A competition. That team had five seniors on it, so Hernandez has one returning starter. That’s 5-6 senior guard Jay’Lyn Taylor, who was an all-district pick last season. Hernandez nominates her as an all-stater this season. He tabs 5-4 junior guard Emma Patterson and 5-6 junior guard Cynarah Rodriguez as players to watch. Patterson is the younger sister of Addy Patterson, who graduated last spring. Rodriguez has a younger sister, 5-7 freshman post Nevaeh Rodriguez, on the team. Hernandez points to athleticism and speed as his team’s strengths. He is concerned about the lack of size. The tallest Lady Hornet is 5-9 sophomore post Brandy Dominguez. He said the keys for success will be “finding our identity, playing to our strengths and improving individual skill sets.” The Lady Hornets will open Nov. 13 at Sunray. Their home opener will be Nov. 20 vs. Sanford-Fritch. They’ll play in the Claude, West Texas High and Gruver tourneys. The Lady Hornets will begin District 2-2A play Jan. 4 at Wheeler.

Ben Neary

Aahliyah Holtman

Kenli Bebout

James Harton

Tra’Von Johnson

232

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Memphis

Cyclones brewing up a storm again Kevin Alexander’s return to Memphis was a rousing success. The first-year coach led the Cyclones to a 29-5 record and a District 2-2A championship at 8-2 last season. Along the way, Memphis reeled off a 21-game winning streak. The Cyclones nudged Gruver 46-42 in bidistrict and New Deal 69-55 in the area game. Their playoff run was halted by State Class 2A champion-to-be West Texas High 60-39 in the regional quarterfinals. “Had a very special team last year. The kids were superstars in their role for the team,” Alexander said. “We had a lot of talent, and the kids worked extremely hard for everything they did. “So far, it was my best year in coaching, and I hope to have many more like that.” He may have a similar season in 2018-19. Although three seniors – Clifford Byrd (district MVP, all-region and all-state), DaRay Odhams (all-district) and Steven Miller (all-district honorable mention) – have departed, plenty of experience returns. Alexander designated five players as having some starting experience. Those five represent 50 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Alexander lists two of that quintet as all-state candidates. Tavion Yarbrough, a 6-1 junior shooting guard, averaged 15 points,

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Tavion Tarbrough

Randy Cox

Andrew Alexander

8 rebounds and 6 assists and was the district newcomer of the year as a sophomore. Randy Cox, a 6-3 senior post (10 ppg, 12 rpg, 2 apg), was all-district. Also returning are Andrew Alexander, Tim Anderson and and Cruz Torres. Andrew Alexander, the coach’s younger brother, is a 5-11 senior shooting guard (9 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg) who was an all-district honorable mention last season. So was Anderson, a 5-9 junior point guard (9 ppg, 3 rpg, 5 apg). Torres, a 5-5 senior point guard (7 ppg, 2 rpg, 4 apg), is another player to watch, according to his coach. (Continued on next page)

2A

233

Janessa Cervantes

Yaz Henderson

Kylee Longbine

Kendalyn Longbine

Abby Proffitt

Baylee Blaydes

(Continued from previous page)

Coach Alexander says quickness, size, experience and depth are the Cyclones’ strengths. He is concerned about perimeter shooting. He pinpoints running the floor as a key for success this season. “We have great talent coming back, and we will have the ability to run the floor on some teams,” Alexander said. “If we stay healthy and stay focused, we will have another special season.” Alexander played four sports – football, basketball, track and tennis – at Memphis High. He also played football at Wayland Baptist University. Before returning to his alma mater, he coached at WBU and Hartley. With three years’ experience as a boys head coach, Alexander’s win-loss record is 47-29. The Cyclones’ scheduled opener is Nov. 20 at Paducah. Memphis will play in its own tournament and later in the Childress event. Highland Park provides the opposition for the district opener Jan. 11 in Memphis. Highland Park, previously in Class 3A, replaces Claude in District 2-2A. Claude drops to 1A in the UIL realignment. The other district members remain the same. GIRLS The Lady Cyclones have a new coach, although he is not new to the school. Jerry Cathey served as an assistant boys coach last season. This, however, will be his first venture into the girls game. He previously coached boys for the Amarillo Home School Flames and at Adrian. His boys coaching record is 7-37 as a head coach but 29-5 as an assistant.

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

234

2A

Memphis Schedule

Opponent Tulia Canadian Paducah Quanah Nazareth Tournament River Road Memphis Tournament Sanford-Fritch Childress Tournament Valley Tournament Fort Elliott Childress Borger Panhandle Pampa Clarendon Highland Park Wheeler Wellington Panhandle Clarendon Highland Park Wheeler Wellington Panhandle Clarendon

Place B G Here X There X There X X There X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X There X Here X X Here X X Here X Here X There X There X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X There X

Cathey is a graduate of Chillicothe High School and West Texas A&M University. He replaces Randy Robertson, who coached last year’s team to an 8-22 record in his lone season as the Lady Cyclones’ mentor. Memphis finished fourth in the district with a 3-7 record but still qualified for the playoffs. Stratford ended the Lady Cyclones’ season 69-27 in bidistrict. Three players – Kali Floyd, Avery Byard and Martika Johnson – have departed. Floyd was all-district. Cathey inherits one returning starter, 5-5 junior guard Janessa Cervantes. But he has six other returning letter winners, topped by 5-8 junior guard Yazmeen Henderson. Cervantes and Henderson are the outstanding players to watch, according to Cathey. The other returning letter winners are 5-5 senior guard Kylee Longbine, 5-5 junior guard Kendalyn Longbine, 5-5 junior guard Raven Newsome, 5-7 junior forward Abby Proffitt and 5-5 sophomore guard Danielle Middleton. Cathey tabs speed and defense as the Lady Cyclones’ strengths. He is concerned about the lack of experience and outside shooting. He said the keys for success will be “playing team basketball and buying into a new philosophy with a new coach.” The Lady Cyclones will open their season Nov. 6 at home against Tulia. They’ll play in the Nazareth tournament, their own Memphis event and the Valley tourney. They’ll begin District 2-2A play Jan. 4 against Panhandle.

Memphis Super Boosters Backing the Black & Gold!—Pat, Jeana, Carri, & Cayli Yarbroughuert and Joan Baoly KlemKl Go Kelbi!—Wade & Lisa Koepke & boys Old Fashion Freeze, 1021 W. Noel St. Go Cyclones!—287 Cantina Mexican Food Restaurant, 259-1140 Go Cyclones!—Scott, Summer, Sarah, & Riley Lindley

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Erin Monroe

Kelbi Lindley

Tim Anderson

Cruz Torres

Esperanza Esparza

Name Baylee Blaydes Erin Monroe Kylee Longbine Esperanza Esparza Janessa Cervantes Kendalyn Longbine Yazmeen Henderson Abby Proffitt Danielle Middleton Kelbi Lindley

Memphis Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-6 F Sr. 5-6 F Sr. 5-5 G Sr. 5-3 G Sr. 5-5 G Jr. 5-5 G Jr. 5-8 G/F Jr. 5-7 F Jr. 5-5 G Soph. 5-4 G Fr.

Coach: Jerry Cathey Asst. Coach: Kaprisha Casas 2017-2018 record: 8-22, 3-7 School phone: 259-5900 Players to watch: Janessa Cervates, Yazmeen Henderson

Ben Gonzalez

Jalan McCorkle

Name Andrew Alexander Randy Cox Cruz Torres Ben Gonzalez Tavion Yarbrough Jalan McCorkle Tim Anderson Genaro Luna

Genaro Luna

Memphis Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-11 G Sr. 6-3 P Sr. 5-5 G Sr. 6-3 P Sr. 6-1 G Jr. 6-3 P Jr. 5-9 G Jr. 6-2 F Soph.

Coach: Kevin Alexander Asst. Coach: Jerry Cathey 2017-2018 record: 29-5, 8-2 School phone: 259-2525 Players to watch: Andrew Alexander, Randy Cox, Cruz Torres, Tavion Yarbrough, Tim Anderson

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

235

236

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Panhandle

Pantherettes to miss Claude this year Something will be missing for the Pantherettes this season: no scheduled games against adversary Claude. The district rivals have battled for the conference championship and in the regional finals the past two years. But Claude drops down to Class 1A because of UIL realignment while Panhandle remains in District 2-2A. So unless they meet in a pre-district tournament, there will be no meetings between the rivals, located 20 minutes apart. Past games have been witnessed by packed gyms in both places. Claude ended the Pantherettes’ season last year with a 41-36 knockout in the regional finals. Panhandle had beaten Claude twice in district play and won the conference with a 10-0 record. Claude lost in the state 2A semifinals. The Pantherettes had whipped Sanford-Fritch 57-25 in bidistrict, Sudan 68-24 in the area game, Stratford 52-49 in the regional quarterfinals and Sundown 53-32 in the regional semifinals. They finished the season 32-4. Grace Kuehler and Karson Powers were the key departures from that team. Kuehler was the district offensive MVP and TABC and TGCA all-state. Powers was an all-district honorable mention. But Coach Rob Schmucker has three returning starters, representing 25 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Lainey Choate, a 5-9 senior guard, averaged 10.1 points, 4.1

Lainey Choate

Bree Baker

Masyn Reining

rebounds and 4.9 assists last season, earning district defensive MVP and TABC and TGCA all-state honors. The other two returning starters are 5-9 senior forward Bree Baker (8.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and 5-9 senior guard Masyn Reining (6.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg). Letter winner Mason Jones, a 5-10 sophomore guard (5.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg), figures to make some trouble for opponents. Schmucker ranks Jones and Choate as all-state candidates. Baker and Reining are other players to watch. Kinley Graham, a 5-11 junior forward (4.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg), and Ella Satterwhite, a 5-10 junior forward (3.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg), also lettered last year. (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

237

(Continued from previous page)

“This year’s team will be totally different from the years past,” Schmucker said. “I think that we are going to be longer, more athletic and hope to have more depth on the bench.” His concerns center on the Pantherettes’ youth and inexperience. He detailed the keys for success this season as: “Every player must be all in, from the weight room to the classroom, to on and off the court. We must be on the same page all year, and we must outwork people every day.” Schmucker, a graduate of Nazareth High School and West Texas A&M University, is beginning his fifth season at Panhandle. His first four years have been highly successful – his Pantherettes have won 125 games and lost only 18. That’s an .874 winning percentage. His team was the state 2A runner-up in 2016, then won it all in 2017. Before coming to Panhandle, Schmucker coached girls at Alvord, boys at Lockney and boys at O’Donnell. New members in Panhandle’s 2-2A district are Highland Park, dropping down from 3A, and Memphis. Clarendon, Wellington and Wheeler are the holdovers. The Pantherettes will open their season Nov. 6 at Abernathy. The home opener will be Nov. 10 vs. Dumas. They’ll play in the Nazareth, Dimmitt and Fort Worth Whataburger tournaments. BOYS The Panthers were hit hard by graduation losses after last year’s 14-8 season. Three honored players – all-district defensive (Continued on next page)

238

2A

Kaison Kirkland

Name Kaison Kirkland Houston Heck Brayden Kingston Sean McMinn Gage Hughey Baylee Ogletree Koldyn Segura Cutter Jones Maverick Hale Zion Mercer Dallen Jones Wesley Jones

Houston Heck

Brayden Kingston

Panhandle Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-10 G Sr. 5-10 G Jr. 5-10 G Sr. 6-0 G Sr. 6-1 P Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 5-10 G Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 6-2 P Jr. 5-9 G Soph. 6-2 P Sr. 6-1 P Soph.

Coach: Cory Lynch Asst. Coaches: Forrest Harding, Connor Copley, Chris MacKeown 2017-2018 record: 14-8, 7-3 School phone: 537-3851 Player to watch: Kaison Kirkland

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

MVP Kaden Lynch, all-district Dusty Hughey and all-district honorable mention Bradlee Brandvik – have moved on. Kaden Lynch is the son of Panhandle Coach Cory Lynch. The trio was instrumental in Panhandle’s second-place finish in District 2-2A with a 7-3 record. The Panthers lost their bidistrict playoff to Sanford-Fritch 57-43. “We made a nice run in the football playoffs, which gave us a late start,” Coach Lynch said. “I felt like we battled all season and were just starting to play our best basketball.” Only one starter returns, but he’s a good one. Kaison Kirkland, a 5-10 senior guard, averaged 11.9 points, 4 rebounds and 3.5 assists and was an all-district selection. Kirkland comes from good basketball stock. His grandfather, Jim Kirkland, coached Sudan’s girls to the 1987 1A state championship. His aunt, Krista Kirkland Gerlich, played on that team and at Texas Tech, later coached at West Texas A&M and currently is the women’s coach at UT-Arlington. His father, Brent Kirkland, coached at Lubbock Cooper and now is Panhandle’s principal. Lynch touts Kaison Kirkland, a two-year letter winner, as an all-state candidate this season. But he’s concerned about the lack of varsity experience. Houston Heck, a 5-10 junior guard, Brayden Kingston, a 5-10 senior guard, and Sean McMinn, a 6-0 senior guard, all lettered but saw scant varsity action a year ago. Eight seniors are listed on the Panthers’ roster. Lynch cites overall athleticism as a team strength. He lists two keys for success in the upcoming season: playing a more up-tempo style and turning pressure defense into easy offense. Lynch, a West Texas High School and Lubbock Christian University graduate, is beginning his 11th season at Panhandle. He previously coached at Wheeler and Dimmitt. His overall boys coaching record is 236-134. The Panthers’ scheduled opener is Nov. 20 at home against Childress. They’ll play in the Vega, Dimmitt and Lubbock Caprock tourneys.

Sean McMinn

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 14 Dec. 17 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5

Gage Hughey

Maverick Hale

Panhandle Schedule

Opponent Abernathy Dumas Gruver Sunray Nazareth Childress Canadian Borger Nazareth Tournament Vega Tournament Canyon Bushland Dimmitt Tournament Pampa Perryton Gruver White Deer Whataburger Tournament Caprock Tournament Childress Memphis Vega Highland Park Stratford Wellington Clarendon Wheeler Memphis Highland Park Wellington Clarendon Wheeler

Place B G There X Here X There X There X There X Here X X Here X There X There X There X Here X There X There X X Here X X There X Here X Here X X Fort Worth X Lubbock X There X There X There X There X Here X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X

Panhandle Super Boosters Go Panthers and Pantherettes!—Tex & Leisa Phillips Good Luck!—Beau & Dena Hileman Go Keeley!—Love, Dad(Coach Harding) & Lily Kate Go Panthers and Ettes!—The Mosteller’s Go Get’em Keeley! Go Ettes!—Love, Mom, Lily Kate, MomMom and Grady Go Panthers! Go Ettes!—The Pohlmeier’s Supporting our Cats!—Lyle & Tina Fussell Go Panther!—The Sheve’s believe in you! Go Panthers and Pantherettes!—Derok, Lisa, Jordyn, and Ayden Hays Go Panthers & Ettes!—Coach Mac & Melissa Mackeown & Family Go Ettes!—Todd, Kristi, Clay, & Brice Wagner Go Ettes!—Danny & Marva Reselius Go Panthers and Ettes!—Bill & Jody Young 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

239

Mason Jones

Name Masyn Reining Kinley Graham Ella Satterwhite Mason Jones Bailey Walterscheid Lainey Choate Haley George Bree Baker Mackie Land Rebecca Urbanczyk

Kinley Graham

Ella Satterwhite

Panhandle Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 G Sr. 5-11 F Jr. 5-10 F Jr. 5-10 G Soph. 5-10 G Soph. 5-9 G Sr. 5-9 G Jr. 5-9 F Sr. 5-10 G Fr. 5-9 G Jr.

Coach: Rob Schmucker Asst. Coaches: Sheena Schmucker, Mikel Tucker 2017-2018 record: 32-4, 10-0 School phone: 537-3851 Players to watch: Masyn Reining, Mason Jones, Lainey Choate, Bree Baker

GOOD LUCK, ETTES!

240

2A

Bailey Walterscheid

Haley George

Rebecca Urbanczyk

The Shagg, 301 Euclid, wishes the Panthers & Ettes a great season! Go Panthers and Ettes!—Scott & Becky James Be STRONG when you are weak, BRAVE when you are scared, and HUMBLE when you are VICTORIOUS! Go Tatum! We love you!—Brian, Sandra, Shayla, & Justin Gandy Good Luck Panthers and Ettes!—Jeramy, Debbie, Emily, & Whitney Jones Shane, Jill, Carley, & Maverick Hale Go Panthers and Ettes!—The Gary Cates Family Go Panthers!—Anne & Rick Easter Go Panthers and Ettes!—Chris, Joey, & Luke Ray Go Ettes and Panthers!—Rick, Jodi, Koldyn, Dylan, McKinzy, & Riley Segura Good Luck Panthers and Ettes!—Met Lock Storage, Ann Metcalf

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

241

Panhandle Coach Cory Lynch and his bench players encourage those on the court during their bidistrict game with Sanford-Fritch Feb. 20 at Amarillo High. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

242

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Houston Heck of Panhandle goes up for a shot in front of Sanford-Fritch’s Brayden Fry in a bidistrict game Feb. 20 at Amarillo High. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

243

Four Panthers and an Eagle wait for the ball to come down in Panhandle’s bidistrict game against Sanford-Fritch in February at Amarillo High. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

244

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

245

246

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

A Panhandle Panther is on his way to the basket in a bidistrict game against Sanford-Fritch Feb. 20 at Amarillo High. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Good Luck Panther Nation!—Angela Clay & Family Go Panthers and Ettes!—Brad & Sharon Maples Go Panthers and Ettes!—Shane, Keri, Kade, MacKenzi, Kollier, & Maebry Jeffers Good Luck Panthers and Ettes!—Jason, Kandus, Landon, & Maebry Jeffers Go Panthers and Ettes !—James & Linda Meaker Yesteryears Forgotten Treasures Florist and Boutique wishes the Panthers an awesome year! Go Panthers and Pantherettes!—The Arnold’s Go Halle and Kandin!—Love, Nana & Grumpy Good Luck Panthers and Pantherettes! We love you Halle and Kandin!—Love, Mom, Dad, & Noah Good Luck Panthers and Ettes!—Blair, Patti & Carson Good Luck Panthers and Ettes!—Love the Panhandle Church of Christ Coach Murdock and Crystal Good Luck Panthers and Pantherettes!—Kevin, Amber, Taylor, & Cooper Brinkley Go Panthers! Go Panthers and Ettes!—The Moore’s Go Panthers!—Danny, Lori, Dallan, Christian, & Ansley

2A

247

248

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

249

250

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

251

Go Panthers and Ettes!—The McWhorter Family Good Luck to Lainey and the Ettes!—The Phillips Family Go Panthers and Pantherettes!—Dana, Paige & Thane Adams

252

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

We wish Lainey and the Pantherettes a great season! Play hard!—Tye, Kelly, & Kaelyn Haney Good Luck to Lainey! All the way!—Williams Family Go Panthers!—Mercantile Off Main, 301 Elsie Ave Go Panthers and Ettes!—Mitch, Dana, Keslea, & Kinlea Ford Go Pantherettes and Panthers!—Scott & Becci Rusk Go Panthers and Ettes!—Coach Lynch, Kyla, Kaden & Colter Good Luck!—Jody, Eadie, & Jett Bradford

Go Panthers & Ettes!—Mark & Cinda Urquhart Go Panthers! Go Ettes!—The Brookshire’s Go Panthers and Pantherettes!—Terry & Anna Lewis Go get them!—The Vaughn’s Nothin’but Net! Have a great season!—Kayla Hammer Go Panhandle Panthers!—Stephen, Emily, Trae, Makennah, & Ellie Austin Go Panhandle! Panther Pride!—Steve & LaZane Austin Go Panhandle Panthers!—Steve & Vicky Barnard Go Panthers and Ettes!—Kevin & Christle Brown

Wellington

Lady Rockets, Skyrockets look loaded Watch out for Wellington this season. Both the girls and boys teams have a lot of experience coming back. Four Lady Rocket starters return, along with three other letter winners, as Coach Chris Sumrall begins his fourth season at Wellington. He’s guided the Lady Rockets to a 69-26 record and three playoff appearances. Last year’s team went 23-9 overall and won the Vernon Tournament for the third straight year. The Lady Rockets posted a 6-4 District 2-2A record, good for third place. They lost their bidistrict game to Vega 40-34. “I thought we competed really well in arguably the toughest 2A district in the state,” Sumrall said. “But it’s time to take the next step.” They’ll take the next step without Jalyn Cantu and Cameron Warren, the only two seniors listed on last year’s roster. Sumrall’s daughter, 5-9 senior guard Savannah Sumrall, leads the quartet of returning starters. She averaged 12 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in earning all-district, TABC all-region and TGCA all-state honors last season. Riley Sessions, a 5-8 senior guard, contributed 7.3 ppg, 4.1

Name Savannah Sumrall Riley Sessions Bailey Neeley Nicole Holland Marlee Brown Tobi Davis Kaylee Jo Neeley Sicily Sumrall Kyla Kane

Wellington Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 G Sr. 5-8 G Sr. 6-0 P Sr. 5-9 P Sr. 5-3 G Jr. 5-8 G Jr. 5-10 P Jr. 5-7 G Soph. 5-7 G Fr.

Coach: Chris Sumrall Asst. Coaches: Shannon Brown, Shelby Jameson 2017-2018 record: 23-9, 6-4 School phone: 447-3172 Players to watch: Savannah Sumrall, Riley Sessions, Marlee Brown, Tobi Davis 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Savannah Sumrall

Riley Sessions

Marlee Brown

rpg, 2 apg and was all-district. Coach Sumrall views Savannah Sumrall and Sessions as having all-state potential. Bailey Neeley, a 6-0 senior post (4.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg) and sister Kaylee Jo Neeley, a 5-10 junior post (3.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg), round out the returning starters. Those four represent 28 points per game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Sumrall lists 5-3 junior guard Marlee Brown (4.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and and 5-8 junior guard Tobi Davis (3.9 ppg) as other outstanding players to watch. Brown was the district newcomer of the year as a sophomore. Nicole Holland, a 5-9 senior post (3.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and Sicily Sumrall, a 5-7 sophomore guard (2 ppg, 2 rpg) also lettered last year. Sicily Sumrall is a younger daughter of Coach Sumrall. He sees overall team speed and length as Lady Rocket assets. “We should be a good shooting team,” Sumrall said, “and we should continue to be a good defensive team as well.” He cites rebounding as a concern. “If we are going to be really good, we are going to have to become a better rebounding team,” Sumrall said. He lists the keys for success this season as staying healthy, rebounding and building team chemistry. Sumrall, a graduate of Lubbock Monterey High School and Hardin-Simmons University, is beginning his 22nd season as a head basketball coach. He previously coached girls at Garden City and Clyde. His overall girls coaching record is 446-189, a .702 winning percentage. (Continued on next page)

2A

253

(Continued from previous page)

The Lady Rockets won’t face Class 2A state semifinalist Claude this season unless they meet in a pre-district tournament. Claude, which handed Wellington two defeats last season, dropped back to Class 1A because of the UIL realignment. New to District 2-2A is Highland Park, formerly a Class 3A entry. Clarendon, Memphis, Panhandle and Wheeler are holdover district opponents. The Lady Rockets will open their season Nov. 6 at home against Spearman. They’ll play in the Frenship, Vernon and Littlefield tournaments. BOYS The Skyrockets have a wealth of experience, too, as all five starters, plus five other letter winners, are back. Those five returning starters represent 51 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Naturally, veteran Coach Tim Webb lists that experience as a strength. “Of those 10 (returning starters and letter winners), seven have been on varsity for multiple years,” he said. The starters are led by 5-9 senior guard JoJo McKnight, who averaged 15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists last season in earning all-district honors. Webb views McKnight as an all-state prospect. John Holcomb, a 6-5 junior center, is another all-district returning starter. He contributed 9 ppg and 9 rpg last season. The other returning starters are 5-9 senior guard Seven Wilbur (14 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg), 5-10 senior guard Korbyn Tarver (7 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg) and 6-2 senior Arturo Tellez (6 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 apg). Before Tellez was injured and required surgery last season, the Skyrockets were 10-2 and 4-1 in the district. They finished 12-6 overall and fourth in the district at 6-4. After missing the

JoJo McKnight

Seven Wilbur

Korbyn Tarver

playoffs for the first time in 13 seasons the previous year, the Skyrockets qualified for postseason play. They lost to eventual Class 2A state champion West Texas High 66-47 in bidistrict. Drake Welch, honorable mention all-district, was the only notable graduation loss from that team. But Wellington’s perennial success in football always complicates the basketball season in two ways: injuries and a late start to the season. “We lost three starters due to injury – two prior to the season in football and one during the season,” Webb said. “We have averaged less than 10 pre-district games over the last six years due to the late start from football. Our experience should help us handle this.” But Webb is concerned that the expected late start may affect the players’ shooting and the team getting into a quick rhythm. The key for success this season will be limiting turnovers, he said. Webb sports a 367-186 boys coaching record as he begins his 20th season as a head mentor. The last 12 have been at Wellington, but his coaching career (1997-99) also began there. In (Continued on next page)

254

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

between, he coached at Canyon (1999-2007). He is a graduate of Little Rock, Ark., Mills High School and Arkansas Tech University. He was all-state in football in high school and a starter at Arkansas Tech. He also played some semi-pro baseball. Pending football developments, the Skyrockets are scheduled to participate in the Vernon tournament in December to open their season.

Wellington Super Boosters Adams Funeral Home Bartlett’s Lumber Methodist Church 1st Wellington Agency Nandy, Jake, and Libby Chandler Jeff, Colby, Jax and Jake Anderson Lynn and Diana Bartlett Rodney, Lana, and Ellee Reeves Joe, Shillalie, Sidney, Emma, and Audrey Jones Drew, Chandi, and Kenzlea Taylor Debbie Henard Sharon, Brooke, Kenny, and Abby Patterson

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Jared, Robin, Coyt, and Colt Patterson Joel, Kimi, Walker, and Maci Copeland Kay Thomason Gay McAlister Ann Wauer Brother, Denise, Abby, and Tiny Garcia Farris Nation, Tammy Riley, Creed Riley Gary, Amanda, Dallten, and Tobi Davis Kirk and June Clay Kenneth, Carrie, and Cameron Warren, Travis and Kelsey Brooks Sambo, Melanie, Stran, and Sammy McLain Janelle and Shanee Popwell Penny and Jerry Davis Lee and Tina Souder Baron, Lana, Trey, Travis, and Maggie Tillman Spencer and Rhae Jones Jason, Becky, Gracie, and Jacy Lampe Redgie and Dian Souder Margaret and Jennifer Pendleton Danny Davis Leo and Ladell Popwell Julie, Jeffrey, and Jaxon Collins

2A

255

Arturo Tellez

Dylan Stephens

Trentan Cofer

Jalen Roland

Name Creed Riley Korbyn Tarver Seven Wilbur Dylan Stephens JoJo McKnight Trenton Cofer Jalen Roland John Holcomb Arturo Tellez Trevor Roberson

Trevor Roberson

Wellington Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-10 G Jr. 5-10 G Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 5-10 G Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 6-1 F Sr. 6-1 F Sr. 6-5 P Jr. 6-2 F Sr. 7-0 P Sr.

Drew and Lesa Thornberry Kevin and Cathy Needham, Matt and Amanda Needham Brandon, Carly, Berkeley, and Blair Ward Wade and Diann Williams Dane and Jamie Richardson John, Lauren, Wade, and Hadlee Patterson Margaret Wood Marty and Kathy Warrick, Don and Zenith Hickey Daryon, Shannon, Nathan, Marlee, and Major Brown Pat and Val White Marie White Durk and Priscila Green Dennis, Pam, Dustin, and Connor Sexton Tucker and Jordan Conner Johnny and Karen Holton Tim, Gina, and Royce Harris Jacen, Ashley, Joe, and Ben Lemons MMM Trucking LLC Kaleb and Jessica Hall, Nicole and Dalton Holland

Coach: Tim Webb Asst. Coach: Mark Montgomery 2017-2018 record: 12-6, 6-4 School phone: 447-3152 Player to watch: JoJo McKnight

256

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 15-17 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Dec. 27-28 Dec. 27-28 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Wellington Schedule

Opponent Spearman Boys Ranch Canadian Frenship Tournament Pampa Dalhart Borger Bushland Vernon Tournament Iowa Park Hereford Childress Anson Tournament Littlefield Tournament Clarendon Wheeler Panhandle Highland Park Memphis Clarendon Wheeler Panhandle Highland Park Memphis Clarendon Wheeler

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Place B G Here X There X Here X There X There X There X There X Here X There X X Here X Here X There X There X There X There X Here X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X Here X

Bailey Neeley

Kaylee Neeley

Tobi Davis

Nicole Holland

Sicily Sumrall

Geronimo, Shelly and Brayson Molina April Hinojosa and Alexander Juan, Carrie, Gavin, and Kaycee Martinez Jason, Megan, Carvin, Easton, and Holden Wischkaemper Becky, Chris, Christopher, and Kase Reyes Dusty and Kim Holland, Nicole, Tryston, Dalton, Mallory, and Tyler Paul and Renee Hanna Megan and Bentley Rodriguez Moses, Karen, Little Moses, and Jessica Stephen, Amber, Kasha, Deyon, Joshua and William Marshall Jake, Alisha, and Quade Weatherly Triple B Personal Training—Bo Bohannon Brittany Granados Nancy’s Place Luis and Rebecca Pena Carl and Jeanne Taylor Joe and Melanie Baumgardner Meagan, Jorgia, and Maverick Martha Morris Wellington High School Staff Jon, Marcy, Reed, and Riley Sessions Charlie and Katy Taylor Don and Peggy Allred Chad and Nichole Mock Keedon Smith Eddie and Sheryl Orr Neal White Henry, Beatriz, Enrique, Elvis, Elias Jaimes 2A

257

Donna Thaten Holly and Dickie Johnson Kurt and Karoline Ashmore Justin, Natasha, and Landry Mixon Anne Langford Garrett Breaux Robert, Czrena, Lee, and Ashley Watts Mike, Leona, and Nate Davis Linda, Clay-Del, and Jayden Castillo, Chance and Courtey Castillo Rod and Dottie Davis and Family Micha, Bryant, and Braylon Tarver Joe, Bonnie, Jacey, and Josey Clark Jermaine, Ashly, Noah, Jax, Collier, and Callahan Cantu Wellington Tractor Parts Leamon and Nell Bawcom Tim and Toni Cummings Summer Owens BJ, Landey, Madison, Briley, and Kane Waters Ambrose Dental—Shillalie Jones RDH Mat, Marcie, Hunter, Maverick, and Maxon Orr Ronnie, Jennifer, Elijah, and Natali Granadoz Patsy, Brack, Betty, Tipton, and Nancy Ellis

258

2A

Tim and Tina Stagner James, Kali, and Ellie Arredondo Rusty Clearman Hannah Seiver Randall Cobb Danny and Veronica Gray Brad Kelly, Kimber, Kaitlin, and Kendra Bawcom Gene, Noemi, Arianna, Eliya, Natalya, Seveyah Pena Tomas Cervantes Rafael, Maria, Lorena, Felicia Granados Alex, Jo’Ann, A.J., Bria, and Kobee Johnson Antonio, Brenda, Edison Rodriguez John Castor Chad Holland Real Estate, Bev Odom Realtor Danny and Judy Wischkaemper Lukas, Monica, Seven, and Charley Wilbur Henry, Amanda, Treylea, Trevyn, and Tylee Wiebe Chad, Carrie, Dylan, Kenady, and Aison Skelton Coach Sumrall, Rachelle, Savannah, and Sicily Sumrall Renee Mathis Robert, Sheila Granadoz, and Daris, Shelby, Marina, and JoJo McKnight Dale and Sherrie Dunlap Arnie and Janee Ingram Juda and Destine Nation, Zach, Kisha, and Londyn Lechner Cody, Kim, Barret, and Bryn Phillips Ramon, Rebecca, Issac, Isiah, Yvonne, Isabella, Ramon, and Leslie Chad, Christy, Con, Cal, and Claire Kane Luke, Amy, Lawson, Ava Kate, and Jack Inman Lance, Deidre, Kyla, Presley, Taytum, and Kaesyn Kane Teresa and Steve Kane Brad and Ashley Long Larry, Teresa, Reagan, Kayden and Ashtyn Valles Mark and Ranee Fourmentin Jonathan, Sandie, Creighton, Ceighly, and Cix Killian Mark and Renessa Klink Tony and Debbie Cox Heath and Kassie Neeley, Haley, Bailey, Kaylee Jo, and Shaylee 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Kevin and Eva Hamby Neal and Bev Odom Keys Family Castillo Family Fernando Talamantes Jake and Brooke Scmidt Victor and Elaine Garza Barbara Peters Ricky, Cecilia, Adrian, and Alex Orozco Robert Branum Trucking LP Micheal, Elvira, Miranda, Ingrid, and Leo Granadoz Epifanio and Elvira Castillo Norma Spillman Debbie and Larry Kane Brian, Marnie, Emma, and Madeleine Kane Martha Cantu Tommy Hightower Maxie, Cheryl, Landon, and Taryn Tarver Lucinda Martindale Lon, Melissa, Victoria, and Grace Kiker Vada and Romi Craig, Tracey, Elli, Carter, and Miles Oullette Andy and Deltah Henard Mandy, Megan, and Bentlee Rodriguez Tony and Suzanne Maxwell Pete and Donna Pierce Rudie and Karon Tate Jason, Jill, Brice, and Dixon Dugan

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Brent, Janie, Rowdy, and Allie Duncan Linda Powell Nicky and Mitzi Watts J.R. and Janice Downs Ronnie and Trish Ward Homebrew Bar-B-Que Wellington Tractor Parts Steve and Lucy Owens Robert and Kitty Owens Owens Cattle Co. Rolling Plains Cinderella

You are invited to the 61st Annual Ceremony of the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019 Grand Plaza, Amarillo Civic Center Induction of the New Hall of Fame Honorees Recognition of Athletes of the Year Coaches of the Year and More Awards

2A

259

Wheeler

Mustangs have lots of returnees The third year at Wheeler could be a charm for Coach Sonny Calhoun. With all five starters and six other letter winners returning, the Mustangs look to rebound from a 10-18 season. Wheeler went 22-10 in Calhoun’s first season, but the inexperienced Mustangs finished fifth in District 2-2A with a 3-7 record. This year, the Mustangs have lots of Brady Bailey experience, led by all-district selections Brady Bailey and Gustavo Andrade. Bailey, a 6-2 junior forward, averaged 13.4 points and 5.1 rebounds last season. Andrade, a 5-11 junior guard, chipped in with 9.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Andrade also advanced to the state tennis tournament last spring. Calhoun recommends Bailey and Andrade as all-state candidates. The other returning starters are 6-1 senior forward Logan Harris (8.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg), 6-1 junior forward Austin Calhoun (7.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.1 apg) and 5-7 junior guard Edwin Gaucin (3.5 ppg, 2 rpg). Harris and Austin Calhoun, the coach’s son, are players to watch. Those five returning starters represent 42 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. That experience, plus shooting ability and defensive rebounding, are the Mustangs’ strengths, according to Coach Calhoun. Defense and offensive rebounding are areas that need to be strengthened, he said. “We need to try to give ourselves more scoring opportunities,” Calhoun said. He also pointed out that the Mustangs need to win the close games, having been in a lot of 5- and 10-point games a year ago. “Our keys for success will be having the composure and experience to pull out those close games,” he said. Calhoun, a graduate of Happy High School and West Texas A&M University, was head coach at Hartley and an assistant at Vega before coming to Wheeler. District 2-2A will have a bit of a different look this season. Highland Park, dropping down from Class 3A, replaces Claude, 260 2A

Gustavo Andrade

Logan Harris

Austin Calhoun

which is now a 1A school. The Mustangs will open their season Nov. 16 at home against Booker. They’ll play in the Miami, West Texas High and Gruver tournaments. GIRLS Camden Dorris also is beginning his third year at Wheeler, and things may finally be looking up for the Lady Stangs. They’ve gone 18-24 overall and failed to win a district game in 29 tries in Dorris’ first two years. “Continuing with a young team in arguably the best district in the state,” Dorris said regarding last season’s 8-13 showing. “We hope to continue building on the things we learned last season.” Seniors Jaci Guest and Shelby Jones have moved on from last season’s squad, but Dorris has five starters and five other letter winners back for this year. The returning starters are: • Perla Almanza, a 5-9 sophomore guard; • Julia Andrade, a 5-6 junior guard; • Katya Baylon, a 5-10 junior guard; • Wendy Lopez, a 5-8 sophomore post; • Keila Rocha, a 5-5 senior guard. The Lady Stangs are young, with only two seniors on the roster. “Our young team has more varsity experience,” Dorris said. “We have more depth coming off the bench than in years past.” What are the keys for the Lady Stangs to have success this season? “Continuing to build on things we have learned playing re(Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

ally good teams,” Dorris said. “Having people step up and fill leadership roles and take control of a game.” Dorris is a graduate of Canadian High School and Midwestern State University. Wheeler is his first head coaching job. With Highland Park replacing Claude in District 2-2A, the Lady Stangs still will be in a six-team conference. They’ll open their season Nov. 3 at home against Follett. Wheeler will play in the Miami and West Texas High tournaments.

Perla Almanza

Julia Andrade

Katya Baylon

Wheeler Super Boosters Good Luck Mustangs and Lady Stangs!—Speedi-Mart Go Lady Stangs & Mustangs!—The Hibler Family Go Mustangs and Lady Stangs!—The Markham Family Good Luck Mustangs!—Cecil & Kathy Thomas Justin and Sandy Rose Go Mustangs!—Larry and Carol Porton Good Luck Mustangs and Lady Stangs! Go Brady!—Coach Bailey, Mendy, & Michaela Go Wheeler!—Ike, Stacy, Abree, & Ian Finsterwald Go Mustangs & Lady Stangs!—The Ashurst Family Go Mustangs and Lady Stangs!—Lacee & Stratten Lee Good Luck Mustangs and Lady Stangs!—Texas Street Floral Good Luck Mustangs!—Ms. Schwertzenbach Go Stangs and Lady Stangs!—Bret & Tammy, Braden, Paige, & Blakely Moore, Zach & Stormy Hibler

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Wendy Lopez

Name Hope Adkins Perla Almanza Julia Andrade Katya Baylon Daisy Duenez Aneline Gallardo Wendy Lopez Jasmine Mitchell Keila Rocha Valeria Tintori

Keila Rocha

Wheeler Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 P Soph. 5-9 G Soph. 5-6 G Jr. 5-10 G Soph. 5-6 G Jr. 5-5 P Sr. 5-8 P Soph. 5-5 G Jr. 5-5 G Sr. 5-3 G Jr.

Coach: Camden Dorris Asst. Coach: Sarah Pool 2017-2018 record: 8-13, 0-10 School phone: 826-5241

2A

261

Josue Rincon

Name Logan Harris Gustavo Andrade Austin Calhoun Brady Bailey Tony Castillo Angel Ontiveros Josue Rincon Baldemar Gallardo Alex Davis Edwin Gaucin Eloy Uribe

Alexander Davis

Antonio Castillo

Wheeler Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-1 F Sr. 5-11 G Jr. 6-1 F Jr. 6-2 F Jr. 5-7 G Sr. 6-0 F Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 6-1 F Jr. 6-3 P Jr. 5-7 G Jr. 5-8 G Sr.

Coach: Sonny Calhoun Asst. Coach: Josh Britt 2017-2018 record: 10-18, 3-7 School phone: 826-5241 Players to watch: Logan Harris, Gustavo Andrade, Austin Calhoun, Brady Bailey

262

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Aneline Gallardo

Valeria Tintori

Jasmine Mitchell

DATE Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 27-19 Dec. 28 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Wheeler Schedule

Opponent Follet Canadian Borger Booker Fort Elliott Fritch Miami Tournament Shamrock West Texas Tournament West Texas Sayre Erick Gruver Tournament Fort Elliott Highland Park Gruver Paducah Wellington Clarendon Memphis Panhandle Highland Park Wellington Clarendon Memphis Panhandle Highland Park Wellington

Place B G Here X There X There X Here X X Here X There X X There X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X There X There X Here X Here X Here X There X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X There

2A

263

264

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

265

A group of Players in Progress - PIP - took over the court at halftime of the West Texas A&M-Lubbock Christian men’s basketball game last December. They showed their dribbling and passing skills while wearing red and white Santa hats. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

266

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers!

SudanBe sure to support

PPB magazine advertisers!

Nettes notch another 20-plus season Be sure to support

The Nettes netted another 20-win season last year, their fifth PPBbemagazine straight. No. 6 may tougher to advertisers! achieve as Sudan looks thin on experience. The Nettes won the Whitharral Tournament and finished second in district with an 8-2 record. They defeated New Deal 47-29 in bidistrict before losing to regional finalist Panhandle 68-24 in the area round. That capped a 23-6 Sudan season. Three all-district performers – Lexi Bartley, Delanie Black and Hannah Miller – and Kaegen Edwards, an all-district defensive team selection, all moved on from that team. “We lost four starters off last year’s team,” veteran Coach Benny Lockhart said. “We will have to overcome our inexperience.” The lone returning starter is 5-6 junior guard Payton Tolbert, who was the district defensive player of the year. Lockhart rates Tolbert and 5-8 senior forward Brianna Wallace, one of six return-

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

ing letter winners, as outstanding players to watch. The Nettes’ strengths are work ethic and competitiveness, according to Lockhart. He’s concerned about the lack of varsity experience. Tradition and work ethic are the keys for success this season, he said. Lockhart, a graduate of Sundown High School and Angelo State University, is beginning his sixth season at Sudan, sporting a 103-48 record with the Nettes. He coached at Merkel and Roby before coming to Sudan. In 22 years of coaching girls teams, he owns a 379-183 record. District 3-2A has a new look this season because of UIL realignment. Hale Center and Lockney have departed; Vega steps in. The Nettes will open their season at home Nov. 6 against Smyer. They’ll play in the Anton, Whitharral and Littlefield tournaments. (Continued on next page)

2A

267

(Continued from previous page)

BOYS Things could not have gone much worse for Rocky Winn in his debut as the Hornets’ coach. Sudan was winless in 10 district games, finishing last, and 2-26 overall. “We were young and inexperienced,” Winn said. A year later, the Hornets are older and do have some experience: four starters and three other letter winners return. The four returning starters are 5-9 junior Parker Battin, 5-8 junior Christian Montes, 5-10 senior Ruben Rodriguez and 5-9 senior Chris Schovajsa. Winn tabs all four as players to watch. “Having the same coach is a strength because they don’t have to learn a new system,” Winn said. “They are playing like a team. They are taking pride in their play.” His concerns center on a lack of height – only one Hornet tops six feet – and the toughness of teams in District 3-2A. Winn outlined several keys for success this season. “The biggest thing is we have to have confidence, in ourselves and each other,” he said. “We won’t get off to as slow of a start as we did last year. The kids bought in to what we were teaching them. They came a long way last year, and we are all excited about this year.” Winn is a graduate of Sundown High School and Texas Tech University. He has 16 years of head coaching experience, having coached at Spur, Borden County, Southland, Sanford-Fritch, Eastland and Amarillo’s Bonham Middle School. The Hornets will open at Dimmitt Nov. 13. The home opener will be Nov. 16 against New Deal. They’ll participate in the Anton, Whitharral and Littlefield tourneys.

268

2A

Sudan Super Boosters Go Hornettes and Hornets!—Darren & Tracey Provence Have an awesome season!—Tres Bella We wish the Nettes a great season!—Triple E Irrigation Go Hornets!—Coach & Wendy Swarb Have a great basketball season!—Love, Grandma & Grandpa Good Luck Brianna!—The Ladds Good Luck Brianna and Kimberlee!—Staci Burris, Kinder Korner Pre School Have a great season Hornets and Nettes!—Robert Lepard’s Dental Office in Muleshoe Have a great season Nettes and Hornets!—Sid Felan Have a great season Nettes!—Erin’s Hair Kingdom, 603 Hall Ave. Ltfd. Go Hornets!—Shawn, Lauren, Brett, Lane, Trent, & Kyndal Wilson Good Luck Sudan! Nettes and Hornets!—Marin Marin Mendoza Family Good Luck Prissy!—Love, Alee & Hudson Hope you have a great year!—The Jaime Mendoza Family Good Luck! Hope you have a Great Season!— Love you, the Ricardo Trillo Family, Sandra, Nereida, Ivan, & Xavy Let’s go Nettes and Hornets!—Barry, Kasey, Kinley, & Cord Coker

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Payton Tolbert

Name Brianna Wallace Lauren Johnson Emma Herrera Payton Tolbert Kamryn Goen Callan Netherland

Brianna Wallace

Lauren Johnson

Sudan Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-8 F Sr. 5-6 G Sr. 5-8 F Sr. 5-6 G Jr. 5-6 G Jr. 5-6 G Jr.

Coach: Benny Lockhart Asst. Coach: Lacee Bryant 2017-2018 record: 23-6, 8-2 School phone: 227-3421 Players to watch: Brianna Wallace, Payton Tolbert

We love the Nettes and Hornets!—Troy & Fausty Tolbert Nuts for the Nettes!—Love Carl & Sue Peck Go Nettes!—Thaniel, LaRonda, Laynee, & Lexi Jennings Go Hornets and Nettes!—Bo & Lacee Bryant

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Emma Herrera

Kamryn Goen

Callan Netherland

Good Luck Bri and Kimberlee, have a great season and a Blessed Year!—Love you both!— Grandma Burris Go Bri! Have an awesome senior year! Go Nettes & Hornets!—Pa & Bobba Have a great season Kimberlee and Brianna!— Nina and Grandaddy You can do all things through Christ! Best year ever!—Grammy Van Go Bri and Kimberlee!—Nancy Benham Go Kimmy! Have a great season! Go Nettes and Hornets!—Pa & Bobba Good Luck Hornets and Nettes!—Scott’s Car Wish Good Luck on the upcoming season Kimberlee!—Gwen & Tom Have a great season Hornets and Nettes!—Pizza Hut Good Luck Nettes and Hornets!—Mr. & Mrs Martin Have a great season Nettes and Hornets!—Food Jet

2A

269

Parker Battin

Christian Montes

Ruben Rodriguez

GO HORNETS!

Chris Schovajsa

Alex Conley

Name Parker Battin Bode Box Alex Conley Josh Leal Christian Montes Isaiah Montes Ruben Rodriguez Chris Schovajsa

Josh Leal

Bode Box

Sudan Boys Ht. Class 5-9 Jr. 5-9 Soph. 5-10 Jr. 5-6 Jr. 5-8 Jr. 6-1 Sr. 5-10 Sr. 5-9 Sr.

Coach: Rocky Winn Asst. Coaches: Klark Ashmore, Matthew Schovajsa 2017-2018 record: 2-26, 0-10 School phone: 227-2431 Players to watch: Parker Battin, Christian Montes, Ruben Rodriguez, Chris Schovajsa

270

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

271

272

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 17 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 31 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Sudan Schedule

Opponent Smyer Seagraves Dimmitt New Deal Plains Sundown Anton Tournament Lockney Whitharral Tournament Plains Anton Ralls Littlefield Tournament Hale Center Bovina Wellman Union TBA Farwell Vega Olton Bovina Farwell Vega Olton Bovina

Place B G Here X Here X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X There X X There X X There X X There X X There X There X TBA X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X

2A

273

Sudan Super Boosters Go Nettes!—Jan & Shirley Fisher Go Nettes!—Ansil, Linda, & Timothy Locke Go Hornets!—Steve & Jan Smith We love the Sudan Nettes and Hornets!—Ross & Shannon Black Family We support the Hornets and Nettes!—The Sowder Family We wish the Hornest and Nettes a great season!—Red Wagon Farms We are behind the Nettes!—Grandma, Paw Paw, Lexie & Rylan Dugan Good Luck Callan!—Love, Mom, Dad, Caitlyn & Jordan Hornets and Nettes are #1! Go, Fight, Win!—The Pierce Family Go Hornets and Nettes!—Greg & Ruth Lance Good Luck Hornets and Nettes!—Terry & DeAnn Wilson

Senior Year! How time flies! Go Nettes and Lauren!—Pa & Ma Have a great senior year Lauren! Go Nettes!— Dean, Leslie, & Rance Johnson Always do and be your best, and you will succeed!—Nina & Grandaddy Go Black & Gold!—DJ, Lisa, Dylan, Kyndal, & Kinley Provence We love the Hornets and Netts!—Joe & Shawnda Martin Proud to support Sudan Athletic!—Pro Mow Lawn Care Hornets All the Way!—Rick & LaRhonda Hill Go Hornets and Nettes! Dustin, Tara, Masyn, Haden, & Jaxon Provence We are Sudan!—Rocky & Angie Winn Go Nettes!—Julie & keith Layton Go Sudan!—Freddie and Pam Maxwell Go Hornets and Nettes!—Roy & Barb Willingham Good Luck Nettes!—The Medrano Family

Vega

Lady Horns hook success with new coach Randy Henderson’s debut as the Lady Longhorns’ coach last season was a big hit. Vega rolled to a 32-4 campaign and won tournament championships in Vega, White Deer and Anson. The Lady Horns finished second to Stratford with a 10-2 record in District 1-2A. In the playoffs, Vega defeated Wellington 40-34 in bidistrict and Abernathy 54-36 in the area round. The Lady Horns suffered a tough 46-41 overtime loss to Claude in the regional quarterfinals. Claude went all the way to the Class 2A state semifinals. Cousins Calleigh Kirkland and Bailey Schroeder were the key departures off that team. Kirkland was TGCA all-state, TABC all-region and the district defensive MVP. Schroeder was firstteam all-district. Henderson has three honored players returning. Anita Knoll, Lara Mason and Macy Walker all started last season. Collectively, they represent 36 points per game, based on last year’s scoring statistics. Knoll, a 5-6 junior guard, averaged 14 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists and was recognized as TABC and TGCA all-state and all-district. Mason, a 5-11 junior forward (12 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg), was all-district. Walker, a 5-10 senior forward (10 ppg, 6 rpg) was all-district honorable mention. Henderson tabs all three as all-state candidates this season. Makaylee Schenk, a 5-2 senior letter winner at guard, is another player to watch, according to Henderson. Schenk suffered a season-ending injury last year, so Henderson hopes she can return at the 100 percent level. Another concern for the Lady Horns coach is merging six players from last year’s JV squad with the four returnees. Henderson lists team speed and perimeter shooting as Vega’s strengths. Henderson is a graduate of Kerens High School and Incarnate 274

2A

Anita Knoll

Lara Mason

Macy Walker

Word College in San Antonio. His girls teams have accumulated 409 wins with 111 losses (a .787 winning percentage) in his 19 seasons as a head coach. His resume includes stops at Port Aransas, Salado, Martinsville, Plains and Canton. Vega is moving from District 1-2A to District 3-2A because of UIL realignment. That means four new district opponents – Bovina, Farwell, Olton and Sudan – in the five-team district. That has caught Henderson’s attention. In assessing the keys for a successful season, he said, “Developing young players to compete with Farwell in district and Wellington and Panhandle in the playoffs.” BOYS Veteran Coach Todd Schroeder should reach the 300-win club this season, and he’ll likely have some family members to thank. Schroeder enters this year with a 294-218 overall boys coaching record for his 18 years in the business. The Hereford High School and West Texas A&M University graduate was head coach at Hartley for three years before coming to Vega in 2003. The family connection involves his two standout players. His son, 5-11 junior guard Bryson Schroeder, averaged 8.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists last season. His nephew, 6-0 junior (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

guard Carson Kirkland, contributed 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game last year. So it’s all relative. Coach Schroeder recommends his son and nephew as all-state candidates. Bryson Schroeder and Kirkland are two of four returning starters for the Longhorns. The others are 5-6 senior guard Carson Grawunder (4.4 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg) and 5-10 senior guard Rhett Blasingame (4.3 ppg, 4 rpg). Both Grawunder and Blasingame are players to watch, according to their coach. Three other letter winners return from last year’s team that went 12-20 overall and finished fifth in District 1-2A with a 4-8 record. “Last year we were very young and inexperienced and got some much-needed experience on the varsity level,” Coach Schroeder said. A.J. Henderson, an all-district selection, was the major loss from that team. Addressing this year’s Longhorn strengths, Schroeder said, “Because of our overall quickness, we should be very good defensively. Offensively, we will have multiple threats from around the perimeter.” The Longhorns’ lack of size concerns him. “So we may struggle rebounding and establishing an inside game,” he said. Schroeder pinpointed two keys for success this season. “We will need to be very good defensively and establish some consistency with the 3-point shot,” he said. The Longhorns will open their season Nov. 16 at home against Friona. They’ll play in their own invitational plus the White Deer and Lubbock Caprock tournaments.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Vega Schedule

DATE Opponent Nov. 6 Sunray Nov. 13 Bushland Nov. 16 Friona Nov. 19 Nazareth Nov. 19 Floydada Nov. 20 White Deer Nov. 27 Happy Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Vega Tournament Dec. 4 Clarendon Dec. 6-8 White Deer Tournament Dec. 11 Stratford Dec. 14 Friona Dec. 14 West Texas High Dec. 18 River Road Dec. 21 San Jacinto Dec. 27-29 Caprock Tournament Dec. 27-29 Anson Tournament Dec. 31 Groom Jan. 4 Panhandle Jan. 4 Sundown Jan. 8 Olton Jan. 8 Highland Park Jan. 11 Bovina Jan. 15 Sudan Jan. 18 Farwell Jan. 25 Olton Jan. 29 Bovina Feb. 1 Sudan Feb. 5 Farwell Feb. 12 Olton

Place B G Here X Here X Here X X Here X Here X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X There X X Here X There X There X There X X Lubbock X There X Here X X Here X Here X Here X Here X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X

2A

275

Bryson Schroeder

Carson Kirkland

Carson Grawunder

Name Bryson Schroeder Carson Kirkland Carson Grawunder Rhett Blasingame Ryan Arnold Cameron Tanck Slade Brorman Cole Robins Caden Fowler Berrian Lopez

Vega Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-11 G Jr. 6-0 G Jr. 5-6 G Sr. 5-10 G Sr. 6-4 P Jr. 6-0 F Jr. 5-11 G Jr. 5-11 P Jr. 6-0 G Jr. 6-1 P Jr.

Coach: Todd Schroeder Asst. Coaches: Tyler Harper, Austin Sansing 2017-2018 record: 12-20, 4-8 School phone: 267-2123 Players to watch: Bryson Schroeder, Carson Kirkland, Carson Grawunder, Rhett Blasingame

Rhett Blasingame

Ryan Arnold

Vega Super Boosters Mac and Jill Cox Paul, Casey, and Berkley Rejda Steve Rejda Dash, Bella, Willy, Jasper, and Ellie Collier Jeff, Sara, Justin, Allie, and Parker Joyce Kelsey, Ansley, and Hank Vincent Ruthie, Nellie, and Bella de Jagar Evelyn Richardson Jerry and Sherlene Hayes Al and Joyce Moore Austin, Jeanna, Justin, and Daelee Hayes Warren and Billie Jo Gee Andrew, Kim, Jonathan, Caitlyn, and Nathan Gee Jay and Vietta Newton Jerry and Mindy Harmon Bob and Jan Ayres Don and Linda Cumpton Keith and Rachael Covington Richard and Jane Meyer Eddie and Teri Morton Ryan Morton The Neeley Family Jason and Charlotte Cook 276

2A

Ray and Carolyn Taylor The Tanck Family Cervando, Kassidy, and Izabella Rosas Cody, Sherri, Macy, and Dakota Walker Steve, Yvonne, Cora, and Aiden Campbell Roddy and Janice Allred Roy and Patty Jackson

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

David, Vicki, Paige, Dane, and Slade Brorman The Cnossen Dairy The Royce Schulte Family Roddy and Zane Allred The Shane Jackson Family Josh and Sandi Luster The Schaap’s The Marsh Family The Link Family Keith and Toni Brorman The Tieman Family T.J. and Marin Barclay Joaquin and Beatriz Segovia Fred and Sharon Fangman Toby, Jennifer, Nathan, and Makaylee Schenk The Schroeder Family Jeremy, Michelle, Zackary, Nikolas, and Paige Paetzold Carson Grawunder Lester and Francis Kirkland

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Makaylee Schenk

Name Makaylee Schenk Macy Walker Kaylei Richardson RaLee McKarns Anita Knoll Lara Mason

Kaylei Richardson

RaLee McKarns

Vega Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-2 G Sr. 5-10 F Sr. 5-7 G Sr. 5-8 F Sr. 5-6 G Jr. 5-11 F Jr.

Coach: Randy Henderson Asst. Coaches: Tiffi West, Ashton Sansing 2017-2018 record: 32-4, 10-2 School phone: 267-2123 Players to watch: Makaylee Schenk, Macy Walker, Anita Knoll, Lara Mason

Paul, Anna, Gage, and Sienna Griffin Clint, Jawayne, and Amber Stewart Brent and Joanna Carlson

2A

277

Cameron Tanck

Slade Brorman

Berrian Lopez

Cole Robins

Jackson Neelley

Mark and Desiree Ruiz Clara and Rick Kinsley Jesse and Bivian Lopez David and Sherri Drinnon Don and Shirley Drinnon Jen Carter The Richard McKarns Family Robby, Amy, Calleigh, Carson, and Cydney Kirkland Kathie and David Bryant Jon, Kasey, Kenah, Tanton, and Kalora Fuller Richard and Laura Schlabs The Vega Longhorn Coaching Staff and Families

Michael and Julie Carlson John and Dickie Lovelace Roy and Shirley Carlson Jeffery and Amy Carlson Hayden and Emily Carson

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! 278

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

District 4-2A Longhorn coach debuts with 20 wins

Lockney

Adrian Gutierrez’s first year as the Longhorns’ coach was pretty darned good. Maintaining that standard may be difficult. The Longhorns went 20-9 overall and tied for the District 3-2A championship with an 8-2 record. Lockney played two close games in the playoffs, defeating Floydada 78-73 in bidistrict and losing to Sanford-Fritch 80-76 in the area round. “Started the season really slow but finished really strong,” Gutierrez said. Seven seniors, including district MVP Chris Emert and district offensive MVP Jaden Rosales, from that team have moved on, so Gutierrez has a young team this season. The lone senior listed on the roster is 6-1 senior guard Bryson Walker, who averaged 10.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in earning first-team all-district honors last season. Jeremiah Muniz, a 6-2 junior post (5.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg) also started last season. Gutierrez considers Walker and 5-11 sophomore guard Sebastian Perez (4.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg), as all-state prospects. Muniz is an additional player to watch. Two other letter winners — 5-9 sophomore guard Anson Rendon (2.1 ppg) and 5-10 sophomore guard Josh Cienfuegos — also are back. Those quick, aggressive guards rank as a team strength, according to Gutierrez. He’s concerned about rebounding, consistency on defense and depth. He outlined several keys for a successful season. “We have a young team with very little experience on the varsity level,” he said. “Must understand how to learn to defend. We must limit teams’ possessions. Maximize our possessions on offense. Rebounding and limiting turnovers will be keys to victory.” Gutierrez is a graduate of Christian Liberty Academy and Lubbock Christian University. Before moving to Lockney, he coached at Christ the King in Lubbock, Tahoka and as an assistant at Trinity Christian in Lubbock. His boys teams have won 48 and lost 49; his girls teams 28-27. So he’s right at .500 with 76-76 combined. Lockney moves from District 3-2A to 4-2A this season, so its only holdover district opponent is Hale Center. Floydada, New Deal, Post and Ralls remain in 4-2A. The Longhorns open Nov. 16 at Springlake-Earth. Their home opener is Nov. 27 vs. Muleshoe. They’ll play in the Nazareth, Lockney and Lubbock Caprock tournaments.

Bryson Walker

Jeremiah Muniz

Anson Rendon

Sebastian Perez

Josh Cienfuegos

(Continued on next page)

Reagan Nuncio

Madai Chavira

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Ryann Castillo

2A

279

(Continued from previous page)

GIRLS Lady Longhorn Coach Adrian Alfaro notched his 100th career coaching victory late last season. And the team continues to show steady improvement under his direction. In Alfaro’s first season at Lockney, his team went 16-15 overall and 5-5 in the district. Last year, his Lady Horns were 17-14 and 6-4. Lockney took second place in the Floydada Tournament and third in District 3-2A. The Lady Longhorns lost their bi-district playoff game to Post 52-30. Four seniors played their last games for Lockney last year, so Alfaro has a fairly young team with only two seniors listed on the roster. One of those seniors, 5-5 guard Reagan Nuncio, was all-district last season. Alfaro recommends her as all-state this season. Nuncio is a returning starter along with 5-9 junior post/wing Madai Chavira. Six other Lady Longhorns earned letters last year. One of those is 5-5 sophomore guard Ryann Castillo, who is a sister of Nuncio. Nuncio, Chavira and 5-7 freshman guard Gabriel Cervantes are players to watch, according to Alfaro. He said leadership, work ethic, basketball IQ and togetherness are his team’s strengths. He is concerned about injuries and staying healthy. The keys for success this season will be leadership and being coachable, according to the coach. Alfaro was all-district, all-city, all South Plains and Super Team all-region at Lubbock Cooper High School. He played one year of basketball at Lubbock Christian University. He coached at South Plains College, Christ the King High School and Lubbock High before moving to Lockney. His career girls coaching record is 101-71. The Lady Longhorns’ opener is at home Nov. 3 against Springlake-Earth. Lockney will play in its own Horns & Lady Horns Shootout plus the Nazareth and Lubbock Caprock tourneys.

DATE Nov. 3 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 18 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5

280

2A

Lockney Schedule

Opponent Springlake-Earth Estacado Anton Crosbyton Springlake-Earth Seagraves Clarendon Muleshoe Nazareth Tournament Sudan Tahoka Hart Horn and Lady Horns Shootout Farwell Caprock Tournament Post Ralls Hale Center Floydada New Deal Post Ralls Hale Center Floydada New Deal

Townlei Hernandez

Yanellie Bernal

Jayda Rosales

Lockney Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Reagan Nuncio 5-5 G Sr. Madai Chavira 5-9 P/F Jr. Townlei Hernandez 5-6 G Soph. Ryann Castillo 5-5 G Soph. Jayda Rosales 5-6 G Soph. Yanellie Bernal 5-8 P/F Soph. Gabriel Cervantes 5-7 G Fr. Tattianna Cuinfuegos 5-8 P Jr. Gissel San Martin 5-5 G Sr. Coach: Adrian Alfaro Asst. Coaches: Adriana Corrales 2017-2018 record: 17-14, 6-4 School phone: 652-3325 Players to watch: Reagan Nuncio, Madai Chavira, Gabriel Cervantes

Place B G Here X There X There X Here X There X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X X Lubbock X X Here X There X X Here X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X There X

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

You are invited to the 61st Annual Ceremony of the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019 Grand Plaza Amarillo Civic Center

Name Bryson Walker Jeremiah Muniz Sebastian Perez Anson Rendon Josh Cienfuegos

Lockney Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-1 G Sr. 6-2 P Jr. 5-11 G Soph. 5-9 G Soph. 5-10 G Soph.

Coach: Adrian Gutierrez Asst. Coach: Todd Bryant 2017-2018 record: 20-9, 8-2 School phone: 652-2104 Players to watch: Bryson Walker, Sebastian Perez, Jeremiah Muniz

Induction of the New Hall of Fame Honorees Recognition of Athletes of the Year Coaches of the Year and More Awards (Ceremony is about 1½ hours with light food buffet.)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

281

New Deal

Lions have a new deal The Lions will have familiar faces coaching on the sidelines this season, but they’ve pulled the old switcheroo. Son Kyler Bean is New Deal’s new boys head basketball coach. Dad Kyle Bean will serve as an assistant coach. For the past two seasons, Kyler Bean served as Kyle Bean’s assistant. This will be Kyler’s first head coaching assignment. And it’s at his high school alma mater. “I really enjoyed my time as a player and can’t wait to continue representing the New Deal Lions as the head basketball coach,” he said. He has large shoes to fill. His dad coached at New Deal for 32 years, mentoring both boys and girls teams. The Lions went 469-219 under Kyle Bean, the Lady Lions 137-83. That’s a combined 606-302 for a .667 winning percentage. Kyle Bean’s 600th coaching victory came Jan. 26 when the Lions spanked district rival Ralls 80-47. The Lions went on to a 19-10 season, finishing second in District 4-2A with a 7-3 mark. “The team got better every week, and we look to carry that into this year,” Kyler Bean said. In the playoffs, the Lions beat Hale Center 66-57 in bidistrict before falling to Memphis 69-55 in the area game. “I’m very proud of our kids from last year,” Kyler Bean said. “We played a tough schedule, and almost all of our losses were

282

2A

DK Blaylock

Layton Reed.jpg

Dylan Jerden

against playoff teams that made it to the area round.” Starter Michael Brazell, honorable mention all-district, was the major loss from that team. Reserves Ehvan Reyna and Rylie Kirkland also moved on. But Kyler Bean has four returning starters, including a gem. D.K. Blaylock, a 6-4 senior guard, averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists last season. He was the district MVP, TABC all-region and made the Lone Star Super Team. His coach recommends him as an all-stater this season. Layton Reed, a 6-2 senior guard, contributed 14 ppg, 6 rpg, 5 apg and was the district newcomer of the year and all-district first team. Dylan Jerden, a 6-2 junior guard (10 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg), was (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

a unanimous first-team all-district selection. The other returning starter is 6-0 senior guard Kendell Dunn (6 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg), an all-district honorable mention last year. Those four starters represent 52 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Two other letter winners – 5-10 sophomore guard Tanner Seeley (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 4 Britten Hull apg) and 6-0 junior post Haden Caudill (6 ppg, 6 rpg) – add more experience. Kyler Bean sees the presence of four returning starters and several years of experience as New Deal’s strengths. He is concerned about the lack of depth. The Texas Tech University graduate listed three factors – staying healthy, limiting turnovers and being aggressive – as keys for success this season. Hale Center and Lockney are new members of District 4-2A. Floydada, Post and Ralls are holdover district opponents for the Lions. New Deal will begin its season Nov. 19 at Plains. The home opener will be against Slaton on Nov. 27. The Lions will participate in the New Home, Valley and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. GIRLS The Lady Lions have a new coach, too. Blake Manning moves from Merkel to New Deal to take charge of the Lady Lions. Manning, a graduate of Baird High School and the University of Texas at Arlington, coached at Merkel for seven years, the first five as an assistant, the last two as head coach. He brings a 38-26

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Autoumne Vasquez

Hailey Conatser

Charlee Whitfield

girls coaching record to New Deal. He succeeds Greg Pugh, whose three Lady Lions teams went 45-43 overall, 20-12 in the district and made the playoffs all three years. Last year, Pugh’s Lady Lions went 18-12 overall and took third in District 4-2A with a 7-3 record. They lost their bidistrict game to Sudan 47-29. That was the second straight year that Sudan had ended the Lady Lions’ season. Three seniors moved on from last year’s team. Manning has a couple of players to keep an eye on this season. Britten Hull is a 6-0 senior post, and Autoumne Vasquez is a 5-9 senior guard. Freshman Ghenevieve Vasquez is her younger sister. “Our team this season has some size inside and a little length on the perimeter. I think if they will hustle and be committed, we can be a very good defensive team,” Manning said. “I think our posts do a fairly good job of finding the open girl to pass to when they are doubled or don’t like their position. The kids are working hard and look hungry to win a gold ball.” Despite the presence of some size inside, Manning’s main (Continued on next page)

2A

283

(Continued from previous page)

Kendell Dunn

Name Kendell Dunn Dylan Jerden DK Blaylock Layton Reed Tanner Seeley Haden Caudill

Tanner Seeley

Haden Caudill

New Deal Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-0 G Sr. 6-2 G Jr. 6-4 G Sr. 6-2 G Sr. 5-10 G Soph. 6-0 P Jr.

Coach: Kyler Bean Asst. Coaches: Kyle Bean, Dillon Moats 2017-2018 record: 19-10, 7-3 School phone: 746-5933 Players to watch: Dylan Jerden, DK Blaylock, Layton Reed

concern is the Lady Lions’ sense of urgency in getting rebounds. “I think the keys to our success will come from more than just on the aspects on the court,” he said. “I think we must create a culture that encourages relentless effort and continuous positivity from our teammates.” He also said creating turnovers on defense and converting those turnovers to points on offense will be essential for success. The Lady Lions will begin their season Nov. 6 at home against Whiteface. They’ll play in the New Home, Valley and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. District play will begin Jan.4.

New Deal Super Boosters Go Get’em Lady Lions! Go Shelby!—Love, Gabe Go Shelby! Basketball, One Act, Band, Track! We Love You!—Mom & Dad Coach Bean, Lori, Coach KB, Sarah-Brooke, Brecklynn, & Baylor Bean Mr. Arenas wishes the basketball teams successful seasons! Go Lions and Lady Lions!—Matt, Christi, Cayton, and Kyler Reed Good Luck Lions and Lady Lions!—The Cooper Family We wish the Lions great success this year! Go Lions!—Bros Plumbing, 2701 N. Frankford Ave. #31

(Continued on next page)

284

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Dec. 31 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

New Deal Schedule

Opponent Whiteface Tahoka Sudan Plains Slaton New Home Tournament Sundown Ropes New Home Valley Tournament Forsan Borden County Caprock Tournament Tahoka Floydada Plains Post Seagraves Ralls Hale Center Lockney Floydada Post Ralls Hale Center Lockney Floydada Post

Place B G There X Here X There X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X There X X O’Donnell X X Here X X Lubbock X X There X There X Here X There X There X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X Here X Here X

Good luck, Lions! D.K. Blaylock of New Deal shoots a high-arc jumper against McLean in the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo Feb. 17. The Lions won the game 73-65. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

285

New Deal’s Layton Reed drives around the McLean defense in the Lions’ win Feb. 17 in the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Kyle Bean, right, a New Deal coach for 32 years, talks to his players during the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo in February. Bean’s son, Kyler, is behind him. For the past two years, the son was his father’s assistant. This season, they switched roles. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Lion D.K. Blaylock drives against McLean in the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo Feb. 17. Blaylock averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists last year. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Name Britten Hull Taylor Gonzales Autoumne Vasquez Charlee Whitfield Hailey Conatser Jasmine Valdez Gabbi Mendez Jaiden Rodriguez Ghenevieve Vasquez Araceli Torres Gabby Corrales

New Deal Girls Ht. Class 6-0 Sr. 5-5 Soph. 5-7 Sr. 5-7 Soph. 5-3 Sr. 5-2 Jr. 5-2 Sr. 5-7 Soph. 5-6 Fr. 5-2 Jr. 5-9 Sr.

Coach: Blake Manning Asst. Coaches: Joseph Cedillo, Matthew Ford, Jill Carver 2017-2018 record: 18-12, 7-3 School phone: 746-5933 Players to watch: Britten Hull, Autoumne Vasquez 286 2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

District 5-2A Bobcats seek another winning year

Smyer

The Bobcats will try to build off a strong 2017-18 season. They went 20-12 overall and fourth in District 5-2A with a 6-4 record. Smyer lost its bidistrict game to Anthony 56-44. Coach Scott Royal reports that three starters, including two all-district players, have moved on from that team. So that leaves him with two returning starters: 5-4 senior guard Judson Locke and 5-7 junior guard Nico Lee. Royal views both as all-state candidates. Those two, plus 6-3 senior forward Josh Fuentes and 5-10 senior guard Kolton Smith, are outstanding players to watch, according to Royal. All four are letter winners. Jusiah Lee, a 5-9 senior guard, is the fifth returning letter winner. Cole Royal, a 6-1 junior forward, is the coach’s son. “A strong program with tradition” is how Coach Royal describes his team’s strengths. He is concerned about the youth of the team, although five seniors are listed on the roster. Royal said the keys for success this season will be “maturing and learning a new system.” The Clifton High School and Texas Tech University graduate is beginning his third season at Smyer. Royal previously coached at Hale Center and owns a 161-56 overall boys coaching record. The Bobcats will have only four district opponents this season as Morton moves down to Class 1A because of UIL realignment. Plains, Seagraves, Sundown and Tahoka are holdover members of District 5-2A. The Bobcats’ opener is Nov. 13 at Bovina. They’ll play at home on Nov. 16 vs. Olton. Smyer will play in the Anton, Poolville and Sands tournaments. GIRLS Alan Ayers’ first season at Smyer wasn’t so great record-wise, but he saw some improvements throughout the season. The Lady Cats won 13 and lost 17. In district play, they were

Sabrina Earl

Elayna Ainsworth

Kennlee Tate 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Britney Evans

Myranda Ramirez

Judson Locke

Nico Lee

Josh Fuentes

4-6 and tied for fourth place, but they lost the playoff game to Tahoka. Earlier, Smyer placed third in the Anton Tournament and won the Sands consolation title. “The team was getting better with each non-conference game,” Ayers said. “Played a hard-fought game with Sundown in the first district game, playing them even in the second half. Beat Seagraves both times but lost to Morton both times. Split the season with Tahoka and Plains.” Five seniors, including leading scorer KK Ramirez and Anna Ramirez, have moved on. KK Ramirez was first-team all-district; Anna Ramirez was the district co-defensive MVP. Sabrina Earl, a 5-7 junior post, was on the all-district defensive team a year ago. She’s the tallest Lady Cat. Three seniors – 5-6 wing Elayna Ainsworth, 5-4 guard Britney Evans and 5-6 wing Kennlee Tate – should provide leadership. Myranda Ramirez, a 5-5 junior guard, is the younger sister of the departed Anna Ramirez. Quickness and tenacity are the Lady Cats’ strengths, according to Ayers. He’s concerned about height and familiarity with the system, Ayers listed several keys for success this season. (Continued on page 289)

Kolton Smith

Trevor Riley

Jusiah Lee

Cole Royal

Levi Sinclair

2A

287

Name Elayna Ainsworth Sabrina Earl Britney Evans Jaden Fuentes Kaci Harmon Jaden Lee Cloe Burnett Reilly Casillas Myranda Ramirez Kennlee Tate

Smyer Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-6 F Sr. 5-7 P Jr. 5-4 G Sr. 5-8 P Soph. 5-4 F Jr. 5-5 F Soph. 5-6 F Jr. 5-6 F Jr. 5-5 G Jr. 5-6 F Sr.

Coach: Alan Ayers Asst. Coach: Mike Schaap 2017-2018 record: 13-17, 4-6 School phone: 234-2935

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 9 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 18

288

2A

Smyer Schedule

Opponent Sudan Springlake-Earth Bovina Olton New Home Crosbyton Anton Tournament Lubbock Christian Abernathy Poolville Tournament Ropesville Sands Tournament Whiteface

Name Cole Royal Levi Sinclair Trae Trevino Nico Lee Hunter Smith Trevor Riley Josh Fuentes Kolton Smith Jusiah Lee Ryan Shelburne Judson Locke Keagen Beardsley

Smyer Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-1 F Jr. 5-7 G Jr. 6-0 P Jr. 5-7 G Jr. 6-3 P Jr. 5-11 G Sr. 6-3 F Sr. 5-10 G Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 6-9 G Jr. 5-4 G Sr. 5-9 G Jr.

Coach: Scott Royal Asst. Coaches: Cory Hatter, Blake Jackson 2017-2018 record: 20-12, 8-4 School phone: 234-2935 Players to watch: Nico Lee, Josh Fuentes, Kolton Smith, Judson Locke

Place B G There X Here X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X There X There X There X X There X X Here X X

Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Whitharral Caprock Tournament Plains Tahoka Ralls Sundown Seagraves Plains Tahoka Sundown Seagraves Lubbock Christian Plains Tahoka

There X Lubbock Here There There X Here X There X There X Here X There X Here X There Here X There X

X X X X X X X X X X X

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from page 287)

“Coming together and playing as one,” he said. “Overall team chemistry. Each time we step on the floor, we will have to play with more intensity than the team we are playing. If we do, the victories will take care of themselves.” Ayers is a graduate of Levelland High School and Texas Tech University. He’s entering his 23rd year of coaching, making stops at Lubbock Trinity, Abilene Wylie, Spur, Kermit and Lamesa. In 2003, he coached Lubbock Trinity Christian to the TAPPS state championship. His 2006 Abilene Wylie team was the UIL state runner-up. The Lady Cats will open at Sudan Nov. 6. The home opener is Nov. 9 against Springlake-Earth. They’ll participate in the Anton, Poolville and Sands tourneys.

Brennen Fowler, a Smyer graduate, is a senior this season at Lubbock Christian University. Fowler, a 6-7 forward, grabs a rebound last Dec. 9 against West Texas A&M in Canyon. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Sundown

Roughettes positive despite inexperience The Roughettes have been rough on opponents the past three seasons. Their three-season log: • 2015-16 – 30-7 overall, district champ at 11-1, reached regional quarterfinals; • 2016-17 – 29-5 overall, district champ at 10-0, reached regional semifinals; • 2017-18 – 26-8 overall, district champ at 10-0, reached regional semifinals. That’s 85-20 overall and 31-1 in district play. Last spring the Roughettes spanked McCamey 48-23 in bidistrict, Winters 45-23 in the area round and Christoval 40-23 in the regional quarterfinals. Panhandle ended Sundown’s season 53-32 in the regional semis. “Another great year due to experienced, hard-working kids who bought into everything we tried to do in and out of the court and classroom,” Coach Brian Legan said. “The seven seniors on our team were a joy to coach.” Those seven seniors were Caycee Holson (district MVP, TABC all-region and all-state and TGCA all-state), Reese Randolph (alldistrict), Emily Sanchez (all-district), Aerin Strickland (all-district defensive team), Donna Lopez, Julia Evans and Audree Green. The seven are gone and the Roughettes’ fortunes look bleak,

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Sydney Phelan

Lexie Lee

McKenzie Lee

at least in terms of experience. Only one starter and two other letter winners return. In assessing an area of concern Legan said, “Lack of experience at every position except point guard.” That point guard is 5-3 senior Sydney Phelan, who averaged 7.1 points and 3.1 rebounds as a starter last season. She was honorable mention all-district. The only other letter winners – 5-3 junior guard Geneva Cortez and 5-9 sophomore forward Lexie Lee – saw scant varsity action last year. Lee has a twin sister, 5-10 sophomore post McKenzie Lee, on the roster. Legan cites size and work ethic as the Roughettes’ strengths (Continued on page 291)

2A

289

290

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from page) 289

and expresses optimism despite the lack of experience. “We will have to work very hard as a staff in developing skills with our young kids,” Legan said. “They were very successful on the JV (27-2 overall) but need to be able to transfer that to our varsity level. We have some untapped talent, I believe, but will have some growing pains early on in the season.” If anyone has enough experience to tap that talent, it probably is Legan. He has 19 years of head coaching experience, the last 15 at Sundown. The Texas Tech grad earlier coached at Seagraves (his alma mater), Abernathy and Spur. His overall girls coaching record is 437-243 for a .642 winning percentage. The Roughettes will open their season Nov. 6 at Lubbock Roosevelt. The home opener is Nov. 10 against Olton. Sundown will play in the Nazareth, Dimmitt and Littlefield tournaments. District 5-2A play will begin Jan. 8 at home against Seagraves. Just five teams are in the district this year as Morton drops to Class 1A. Plains, Seagraves, Smyer and Tahoka are holdover district foes. BOYS Just like the Roughettes, the Roughnecks have been humming along. Coach Kyle Igo’s boys have posted 19-11, 20-11 and 2010 records the past three seasons. And the Roughnecks’ fortunes may be getting even brighter. Last year, Sundown reached the Dimmitt Tournament finals, losing to Seminole 76-35. The Roughnecks won the District 5-2A championship with a 9-1 showing. They beat Van Horn 61-35 in bidistrict before losing to Albany 76-53 in the area game.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Christian Huey

Name Abraham Bocanegra Steven Quintanilla Jeremy A Hernandez Christian Huey Brice Legan Gus Davis Darian Rougeux Michael Ojeda

Steven Quintanilla

Brice Legan

Sundown Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 G Sr. 6-0 G Sr. 5-11 G Sr. 5-8 G Jr. 5-11 G Jr. 6-2 F Jr. 6-2 F Soph. 5-8 G Jr.

Coach: Kyle Igo Asst. Coach: Jeff Lyles 2017-2018 record: 20-10, 9-1 School phone: 229-3021 Players to watch: Abraham Bocanegra, Steven Quintanilla, Jeremy A Hernandez, Christian Huey, Brice Legan, Gus Davis “Had a special group of guys who played their hearts out and really improved in a lot of areas,” Igo said. “We established a special culture and set a great foundation for the future. Looking (Continued on next page)

2A

291

(Continued from previous page)

to build off last year’s efforts.” Justin Torrez was the only senior on last year’s roster, so he’s gone. Igo, however, has all five starters back and three other letter winners to boot. The five returning starters: • Christian Huey, a 5-8 junior guard, averaged 17 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists last season and was selected on the LoneStar Varsity Super Team and as the district’s offensive MVP; • Steven Quintanilla, a 6-0 senior guard (10 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg), was the district’s defensive MVP; • Brice Legan, a 5-11 junior guard (13 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg) was all-district (he is the son of boys coach Brian Legan; his sister Jenna is a sophomore on West Texas A&M University’s team); • Gus Davis, a 6-2 junior forward (6 ppg, 4 rpg), was all-district; • Abraham Bocanegra, a 5-9 senior guard (15 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg) also was all-district. Those five returning starters represent 61 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. That’s a pretty good starting point, but Igo also has Jeremy A. Hernandez, a 5-11 senior guard (7 ppg, 4 rpg) who made the district’s all-defensive team and two other returning letter winners in 6-2 sophomore forward Darian Rougeux and 5-8 junior guard Michael Ojeda. Igo says the team’s strengths are a good knowledge of the system, experience and speed. His concerns are rebounding and staying healthy. He listed several keys for success this season:

Gus Davis

Abraham Bocanegra

Jeremy Hernandez

• Being humble and hungry; • Playing with an edge and having confidence; • Having the team’s leaders lead this program to new heights; • Playing together and forming a strong brotherhood and giving God all the glory. Igo was a three-time all-region and two-time athlete of the year at Whiteface High School. He played basketball and golf at Wayland Baptist University. He is beginning his ninth season at Sundown. He previously coached at Levelland. The Roughnecks will open the season at home Nov. 20 against Ropes. Like the girls, they’ll play in the Nazareth, Dimmitt and Littlefield tournaments. District will start Jan. 11 at Smyer.

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers!

292

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec.1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 17 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 12

Sundown Schedule

Opponent Roosevelt Olton Littlefield Seminole Midland Greenwood Ropes Sudan Nazareth Tournament New Deal Dimmitt Tournament Post Eldorado Roswell Goddard Littlefield Tournament Hale Center Vega New Home Seagraves Smyer Plains Tahoka Vega Seagraves Smyer Plains Tahoka Seagraves

Place B G There X Here X Here X There X There X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X There X X Here X X Garden City X X Here X X There X X There X There X There X Here X There X X Here X X There X X Here X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X

(Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

293

Alex DeLaCerda

Lindi Richardson

Emily Rodriguez

Name Sydney Phelan Lindi Richardson Sierra Samarron Geneva Cortez Lexie Lee McKenzie Lee Emily Rodriguez Alex DeLaCerda Alyzah McGlasson

Sundown Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-3 G Sr. 5-5 P Sr. 5-7 P Sr. 5-3 G Jr. 5-9 F Soph 5-10 P Soph. 5-6 G Soph. 5-7 F Soph. 5-4 G Jr.

Coach: Brian Legan Asst. Coaches: Janice Legan, Victor Pallares 2017-2018 record: 26-8, 10-0 School phone: 229-3021, ext. 224 Players to watch: Sydney Phelan

294

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

295

296

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

297

298

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

299

300

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2A

301

302

2A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Sundown Super Boosters David, Jackie, Ollen, and Riggin Pearson We love and support the Roughettes!—Lila & Mike Richardson T & S Craft and Antique Mall Go Big Red!—Josh and Stephanie Sehon Go Katelynn & the Roughettes—Eric Vance Go Roughnecks & Roughettes!—Nathan & Carol Gilbreth Go Katelynn!—Love, Nanny

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

We are proud of you Katelynn!—Love Pepaw & Mimi Go Big Red!—Dietz Family Go Roughettes! Proud of you Katy!—Love, Mom So Proud of You Katelynn! Go Red!—Love, Dad Katelynn, You are a shining star!—Love, Grammie Play Hard and Get Good Results!—Robertson Heating & Air, Inc. Superman says Work Hard! Play Hard!—Joe Escobar Be Fierce Samantha & Emily!—Love, The Rowands Family Good Luck on you season Roughettes!—Rodriguez Family Go Sammie & Emily!—Love, Tia Vero Good Luck Roughnecks and Roughettes!—The Blacks Go Roughnecks and Roughettes!—Karen Adair, Quannah, Tx

2A

303

1

A

TEAMS AT A GLANCE

District 1-1A Boys 1. Booker 2. Follett 3. Fort Elliott 4. Kelton 5. Miami 6. Higgins 7. Darrouzett

District 3-1A Boys 1. Nazareth 2. Texline 3. Happy 4. Hartley 5. Adrian 6. Wildorado 7. Channing

District 1-1A Girls 1. Follett 2. Booker 3. Higgins 4. Kelton 5. Miami 6. Darrouzett 7. Kelton

District 3-1A Girls 1. Nazareth 2. Happy 3. Texline / Hartley 5. Adrian 6. Channing 7. Wildorado

District 2-1A Boys 1. McLean 2. White Deer 3. Shamrock 4. Claude 5. Groom 6. Lefors 7. Hedley District 2-1A Girls 1. McLean 2. White Deer 3. Claude 4. Groom 5. Hedley 6. Shamrock 7. Lefors

District 5-1A Boys 1. Springlake-Earth 2. Morton 3. Whitharral 4. Whiteface 5. Amherst 6. Lazbuddie District 5-1A Girls 1. Lazbuddie 2. Whiteface 3. Whitharral 4. Springlake-Earth 5. Morton 6. Amherst

1A

District 6-1A Boys 1. New Home 2. Petersburg / Crosbyton 4. Lorenzo 5. Southland / Wilson District 6-1A Girls 1. Crosbyton 2. New Home 3. Lorenzo 4. Petersburg 5. Wilson 6. Southland District 7-1A Boys 1. Ropes 2. Meadow 3. Wellman Union 4. O’Donnell 5. Loop 6. Welch Dawson District 7-1A Girls 1. Ropes 2. Wellman Union 3. O’Donnell 4. Meadow 5. Loop 6. Welch Dawson

HONOR ROLL

1A Boys Ryan Flores, Anton, 5-9, Sr.; Elijah Alafa, Anton, 5-7, Sr.; Tristan Hodges, Anton, 5-10, Sr.; Chrystian Coppage, Crosbyton, 5-8, Sr.; Maurice Carr, Crosbyton, 6-3, Jr.; Landon Clark, Crosbyton, 5-9, Jr.; Peyton Rohan, Follett, 6-2, Jr.; Dylan Howard, Follett, 6-0, Sr.; Tyler Gregory, Follett, 5-10, Sr.; Josh Stuart, Follett, 5-7, Sr.; Cutter Babcock, Groom, 5-9, Sr.; Corbin Ruthardt, Groom, 5-8, Sr.; Cayden Lambert, Groom, 6-1, Sr.; Adrian Hendricks, Groom, 5-11, Sr.; Whitt Ward, Groom, 6-0, Jr.; Cade Linquist, Groom, 6-0, Jr.; Gunner Lamb, Groom, 6-2, Soph.; Cy Middleton, Happy, 6-0, Sr.; Jackson Davis, Happy, 6-6, Sr.; Tj Leal, Hedley, 5-11, Sr.; Jordan Upton, Hedley, 5-6, Soph.; Eric Bartley, McLean, 6-2, Jr.; Bradley Hannon, McLean, 6-0, Sr.; Chism Henderson, McLean, 6-2, Sr.; Cayden Mann, McLean, 304

1

A

6-0, Sr.; Jake Gerber, Nazareth, 6-4, Sr.; Nathaneal Van Dijk, Nazareth, 6-4, Jr.; Abraham Alvarado, Petersburg, 5-7, Sr.; Sergio Alvarado, Petersburg, 5-7, Sr.; Ventura Lopez, Petersburg, 5-10, Sr.; Justin Smith, Petersburg, 5-10, Jr.; Jonathan Maldonado, Petersburg, 5-9, Jr.; Jackson Hisel, Ropes, 6-0, Sr.; Evan Flores, Ropes, 5-6, Sr.; Kolton Boyd, Ropes, 6-1, Sr.; Sutton Senter, Ropes, 6-0, Sr.; Pake Partington, Ropes, 6-1, Jr.; Ryan Terry, Ropes, 6-0, Jr.; Jalen Solis, Springlake-Earth, 5-8, Soph.; Diego Sanchez, Springlake-Earth, 6-0, Jr.; Sean Grimes, Texline, 5-9, Sr.; Adolfo Espino, Texline, 5-10, Sr.; Colton Luther, Texline, 5-8, Soph.; William Luther, Texline, 6-1, Fr.; Noel Lozano, Texline, 6-2, Fr.; Gage Freeman, White Deer, 6-1, Sr.; Kason Vigil, White Deer, 5-9, Sr.; Drake Damron, White Deer, 6-4, Jr.; John Perriman, White Deer, 5-11, Jr. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

HONOR ROLL 1A Girls Kaitlyn Fleming, Anton, 5-6, Sr.; Allie Lopez, Anton, 4-11, Sr.; Madison Fanelli, Crosbyton, 5-6, Sr.; Bianca Garcia, Crosbyton, 5-4, Jr.; Thalia Guerrero, Crosbyton, 5-6, Soph.; Kyndall Rohan, Follett, 5-8, Soph.; Abby Schilling, Follett, 5-5, Fr.; Emily Coulter, Fort Elliott, 5-7, Sr.; Kaylye Coffman, Fort Elliott, 5-8, Sr.; Jacy Hughes, Fort Elliott, 5-8, Sr.; Kamryn Chesher, Fort Elliott, 5-7, Jr.; Sydney Ritter, Groom, 5-4, Sr.; Aubrey Ritter, Groom, 5-10, Soph.; Addi Harris, Happy, 5-4, Sr.; Ashton Brown, Happy, 5-6, Sr.; Rylee Johnson, Happy, 5-7, Sr.; Macee Johnson, Happy, 5-8, Sr.; Abigail Drake, Happy, 5-7, Sr.; Kross Hiatt, Happy, 5-10, Soph.; Kenli Johnson, Happy, 5-7, Soph.; Jayden Lambert, Hedley, 5-5, Sr.; Samantha Acuna, McLean, 5-9, Sr.;

Hope Moon, McLean, 5-11, Sr.; Riley Patterson, McLean, 5-7, Sr.; Caden Carter, McLean, 5-6, Jr.; Dee Vasquez, McLean, 5-3, Jr.; Faith Moon, McLean, 5-8, Soph.; Lily Reichman, McLean, 5-11, Soph.; Blakely Gerber, Nazareth, 6-0, Sr.; Hallie Kleman, Nazareth, 5-9, Sr.; Cambrie Heiman, Nazareth, 5-11, Jr.; April Schmucker, Nazareth, 5-7, Jr.; Presleigh Rhoades, Ropes, 5-8, Jr.; Megan Moore, Ropes, 5-8, Jr.; Chloe Trull, Ropes, 5-8, Jr.; Payton Medlock, Ropes, 5-8, Sr.; Maggie Anderson, Ropes, 5-7, Soph.; Angel Darden, Springlake-Earth, 5-10, Sr.; Bryttn Nutt, Springlake-Earth, 5-8, Sr.; Lyndsi Mendoza, Springlake-Earth, 5-6, Jr.; Hannah Grange, White Deer, 5-10, Sr.; Emily Bradley, White Deer, 5-8, Jr.; Rebecca Tracy, White Deer, 5-10, Soph.

District 1-1A Veteran coach has expertise on bench

Follett

Ted Rohan brings 32 years of basketball coaching experience — 19 as a head mentor — to Follett as he takes charge of the Panther program this year. But in case he needs a second opinion, he can just glance down the bench a few feet. Andy Copley, who has three state basketball championships to his name, is Rohan’s assistant coach. Switching sports, Copley moved from Canadian to take the head football job at Follett. His Canadian basketball teams won back-to-back state championships. Before that he directed Water Valley to a state title. Copley coached Follett’s basketball team in 2008-2009. Rohan played on three regional finals basketball teams at Omaha, Neb., Cathedral High School. In his senior year, his team went 19-3 and was ranked No. 2 in Class B. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has coached both boys and girls teams in his long career, compiling 60-71 boys and 210-203 girls records. Combined, that’s 270-274. His coaching stops in the Panhandle-Plains as an assistant were at Dumas and Lubbock High. He was head coach at eight different Texas schools, with his last stop as Anson boys coach in 2016. The Panthers went 9-11 last season and grabbed second place in District 1-1A with an 8-2 record. Christian Barber, a 5-9 senior point guard who was a first-team all-district selection last year, returns to direct the Panthers’ attack. Also returning are 6-0 senior forward Dylan Howard, 5-10 senior forward Tyler Gregory, 5-7 senior guard Josh Stuart and 5-11 sophomore guard Charles Salyer. A significant newcomer is Peyton Rohan, a 6-2 junior post. Peyton Rohan, the coach’s son, is a transfer from Pilot Point High School. Coach Rohan expects the Panthers to be able to run the floor and extend their defense. He’s concerned about the lack of size. “We will not be very tall, but not sure how much that will affect our style of play,” he said. “Our tallest player is 6-2.” Rohan listed several keys to success in the upcoming season: execution, playing team basketball, focus on improving on a daily basis and playing defense. The Panthers’ first action is scheduled to be in the Nov. 292018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Christian Barber

Josh Stuart

Dylan Howard

Tyler Gregory

Peyton Rohan

Dec. 1 Miami Tournament. They’ll also play in the Dec. 13-15 Laverne Tourney. The Panthers will begin District 1-1A play Dec. 18. The district remains basically the same as in previous years — one of the few not affected by UIL realignment. GIRLS Follett alum Michael Howard begins his second season with four returning starters off last year’s 7-20 team that managed to get into the playoffs. The Lady Panthers qualified by taking third place in District 1-1A on a 5-5 showing. Follett lost its bidistrict game to Groom 51-25. “It was a tough year. We had only one senior that started the year and finished the year,” Howard said. “We won some games that maybe we shouldn’t have and lost a couple that were really close.” That senior was Nayeli Salinas, an all-district selection. She has moved on. (Continued on page 307)

1A

305

306

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from page 305)

Ashlyn Schilling, a 5-8 senior post, leads the quartet of returning starters. Schilling averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists and was the district’s offensive MVP last season. Kennedy Laubhan, a 5-6 junior guard, contributed 12 points and 3 assists and made the all-district team. The two other returning starters are 5-6 senior forward Jillian Jones (4 ppg, 4 rpg) and 5-7 junior guard Olivia Bryan (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg). Those four represent 37 points per game if they match last season’s output. Kyndall Rohan, a 5-8 sophomore guard, and Abby Schilling, a 5-5 freshman guard, are other players to watch, according to Howard. There are a lot of family connections on the Lady Panthers. Ashlyn and Abby Schilling are sisters. Jillian Jones and Molly Jones, a 5-2 sophomore guard, also are sisters. Megan Howard, a 5-4 freshman forward, is Coach Howard’s daughter. And his assistant coach, Dedra Rohan, and Kyndall Rohan are the wife and daughter, respectively, of boys Coach Ted Rohan. Howard is concerned because the Lady Panthers are so young, with only two seniors. The key for success, he said, will be “to get the ball to our scorers.” Howard, a West Texas A&M University graduate, coached at Booker before Follett. His overall girls coaching record is 13-36. The Lady Panthers will open their season Nov. 3 at Wheeler. The home opener will be Nov. 10 vs. McLean. They’ll play in the Miami, White Deer and Laverne tourneys. District 1-1A play for the girls begins Dec. 11.

Hannah Grange

Jacey Haiduk

Ashlyn Schilling

Kyndall Rohan

Name Jillian Jones Ashlyn Schilling Morghan Barber Olivia Bryan Halle Caldwell Kennedy Laubhan Molly Jones Kyndall Rohan Taylor Shanley Grace Butler Megan Howard Kaylee Humbert Abby Schilling

Kennedy Laubhan

Jillian Jones

Abbyleigh Schilling

Follett Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-6 F Sr. 5-8 P Sr. 5-6 G Jr. 5-7 G Jr. 5-5 G Jr. 5-6 G Jr. 5-2 G Soph. 5-8 G Soph. 5-8 P Soph. 5-9 F Fr. 5-4 F Fr. 5-5 F Fr. 5-5 G Fr.

Coach: Michael Howard Asst. Coach: Dedra Rohan 2017-2018 record: 7-20, 5-5 School phone: 653-2301 Players to watch: Kyndall Rohan, Abby Schilling

Emily Bradley

DATE Nov. 3 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 18 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Follett Schedule

Opponent Wheeler Shamrock McLean Groom Gruver Wildorado Miami Tournament Valley White Deer Tournament Miami LaVerne Tournament Booker Darrouzett Higgins Fort Elliott Miami Kelton Booker Darrouzett Higgins Fort Elliott Miami Kelton

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Place B G There X There X Here X Here X There X There X There X X TBA X X There X X There X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X Here X

Name Christian Barber Peyton Rohan Dylan Howard Tyler Gregory Josh Stuart Charles Salyer

Follett Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 G Sr. 6-2 P Jr. 6-0 F Sr. 5-10 F Sr. 5-7 G Sr. 5-11 G Soph.

Coach: Ted Rohan Asst. Coach: Andy Copley 2017-2018 record: 9-11, 8-2 School phone: 653-2301 Players to watch: Peyton Rohan, Dylan Howard, Tyler Gregory, Josh Stuart

1A

307

Fort Elliott

Lady Cougars on prowl again Lana Swafford’s first season as the Lady Cougars’ coach produced a winning record and a district championship despite being short-handed. With the district MVP and three all-district first-teamers back, expect more success this season. Fort Elliott captured the District 1-1A title last season with a 9-1 record and finished 16-15 overall. The Lady Cougars lost to Silverton in their area playoff game. “Last season was very difficult since we had six players. However, the six players we had were very hard workers and very determined to accomplish big goals,” Swafford said. “Luckily, we have five of the six coming back this year with even more determination.” Kiara Patton Powelage is the missing link from last year’s team. But Swafford has plenty of experience on hand, starting with senior Emily Coulter, who was the district MVP last year. Coulter is an all-state candidate this season, according to her coach. Seniors Kaylye Coffman, a 5-8 post, and Jacy Hughes, a 5-7 post, both were first-team all-district last season. So was junior 5-7 guard Kamryn Chesher. Swafford calls Coffman and Chesher outstanding players to watch. Describing her team’s strengths, Swafford said, “Experience, drive, motivation – we should have more numbers with the freshman class and a couple of move-ins. Several good athletes.”

308

1A

Emily Coulter

Kamryn Chesher

Kaylye Coffman

Jacy Hughes

Audra Reeder

Her areas of concern are molding the team together as a larger team and overcoming a lack of height. “We will need to come together and work hard as a team. (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

We will need to all work toward the same goal,” she said. “The younger girls will need to show a lot of improvement to push the older girls.” Swafford, a graduate of Floydada High School, Clarendon College and Texas Tech University, returned to Texas after coaching five years at Garden County High School Christian Camorlina in Oshkosh, Neb. The Lady Cougars will open the season Nov. 9 at Shamrock. The home opener is set for the next day against White Deer. They’ll play in the Miami and White Deer tournaments. Miami is the only new team in District 1-1A this season. BOYS The Cougars barely missed out on the playoffs last year. They finished tied for fourth in the district with a 5-5 record. Overall, Fort Elliott wound up 8-14. “We were very young and undersized,” Coach Eldon Van Hooser said. Chance Mahan, the only senior listed on last year’s roster, has departed. So Van Hooser has all five starters back. Leading the way is 6-0 senior guard Christian Camorlina, who averaged 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in earning all-district honors. Gavin Boydston, a 5-10 sophomore guard, chipped in with 10 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg. The other returning starters are 5-9 senior post Kelton Quarles (4 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 apg), 5-9 junior guard Braley Long (4 ppg, 3 rpg, 2

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Gavin Boydston

Kelton Quarles

Braley Long

apg) and 5-7 sophomore guard Gatlin Goad (3 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg). Those five starters represent 39 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Two other letter winners – 5-11 junior post Logan Hefley (3 rpg) and 5-8 junior guard Rayden Gonzales (2 ppg) – also return. “We will have 13 players this year compared to last year. This will help greatly on depth,” Van Hooser said. “We started two freshmen and one sophomore last year.” He’s concerned because the Cougars still will be young this season. He said the key to success will be “Everyone coming together and playing as a team. Half the team this year were not on our varsity squad last year.” Van Hooser graduated from Briscoe High School and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He’s beginning his fourth season at Fort Elliott, having previously coached at Higgins. The Cougars will open Nov. 9 at Shamrock. Their home opener will be Nov. 13 vs. Wilderado. They’ll play in the Miami and White Deer tourneys.

1A

309

Gatlin Goad

Logan Hefley

Rayden Gonzales

Fort Elliott Super Boosters Go Cougars!—Dennis & Brenda Hefley Good Luck Cougars & Lady Cougars!—Ben, Tonia, Bailey, Hailey, & Jaxon Meadows Go Cougars and Lady Cougars!—Justin, Susan, Jacy, Sydney, & Charley Hughes Good Luck Cougars and Lady Cougars!—Thurman & Bobbye Horn Good Luck Cougars and Lady Cougars!—Randy & Tera Finsterald, Madison & Tristan Good Luck Cougars & Lady Cougars!—Shawn, Daphne, Alexis, Zane & Shyana Zybach Go Cougars!—Brian, Shelly, Rayden, & Tucker Walden Good Luck Lady Cougars and Cougars!—Earnest, Brenda, & Larami Lancaster

DATE Nov. 9 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21

310

1A

Fort Elliott Schedule

Opponent Shamrock White Deer Wildorado Silverton Wheeler Hedley Miami Tournament McLean White Deer Tournament Darrouzett/Claude Higgins Sunray Memphis Miami

Place B G There X X Here X Here X X There X X There X X There X X There X X There X X There X X Here X X There X Here X There X X Here X X

Isaac York

Name Christian Camorlina Kelton Quarles Braley Long Gatlin Goad Gavin Boydston Issac York Logan Hefley Rayden Gonzales Mariano Perez

Mariano Perez

Erick Camorlina

Fort Elliott Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-0 G Sr. 5-9 P Sr. 5-9 G Jr. 5-7 G Soph. 5-10 G Soph. 6-0 P Jr. 5-11 P Jr. 5-8 G Jr. 5-11 P Jr.

Coach: Eldon Van Hooser 2017-2018 record: 8-14, 5-5 School phone: 375-2454

Have a Great Season!—Shane, April, Shaley, & Gatlin Goad Time to Shine! Hebrews 12:1—Tommy, Amanda, & Tatum Meek

Dec. 28 Jan. 1 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Wheeler Shamrock Kelton Booker Follett Darrouzett Higgins Miami Kelton Booker Follett Darrouzett Higgins

Here Here There Here There There Here There Here There Here Here There

X X X X X X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X X X

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Fort Elliott Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Emily Coulter 5-7 G Sr. Kaylye Coffman 5-8 P Sr. Jacy Hughes 5-7 P Sr. Kamryn Chesher 5-7 G Jr. Madison Swearingim 5-1 G Soph. Audra Reeder 5-2 G Soph. Kaylee Bass 5-7 G Soph. Madison Moffett 5-7 P Soph. Savanna Sims 5-8 P Fr. Brooklyn Buckingham 5-8 G Fr. Sydney Hughes 5-7 P Fr. Yesinia Perez 5-8 G Fr. Lindi Rose 5-6 G Fr. Coach: Lana Swafford Asst. Coach: Brandi Mahler 2017-2018 record: 16-15, 9-1 School phone: 375-2454 Players to watch: Emily Coulter, Kaylye Coffman, Kamryn Chesher, Jacy Hughes

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

311

Gavin McDowell

Tyrel Mayfield

Roper Pigg

Go Lady Cougars and Cougars!—Bill & Lisa Hefley Go Cougars and Lady Cougars!—Doug & Mona Darrow Good Luck FE Cougars!—Mike & Melody Goad Let’s Go Cougars!—Ben, Casey, Roper & Tatum Pigg Go Get ‘Em Cougars!—Jim & Jennifer Hall Go Cougars!—Brett, Tara, Brock, & Brooklyn Buckingham Go Cougars!—Kevin & Jona Meek Granny is so proud of you Kaylye!—Stephanie Baxley Let’s Go Cougars & Lady Cougars!—The Junction Country Store Good Luck!—Richie, Twanna, Matt, Kinsey, & Kaylynn Kiker

312

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

313

314

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

315

316

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Groom

District 2-1A New coach will mentor Tigers

The Tigers have a new coach, Si Exum from Rankin. He replaces Jay Lamb, who doubled as the Groom ISD superintendent and boys basketball coach last year. Exum was an all-state wide receiver, all-region in basketball and a TSMCA all-star selection in both football and basketball at Rankin High School. The Western Governors University graduate coached at his high school alma mater last year, but Groom marks his first head basketball coaching assignment. Last year’s Tigers, under Lamb’s direction, went 11-13 overall and 4-6 in District 2-1A, finishing fourth. Lamb had two stints as Groom’s boys coach (seven years) and one as the girls coach (two years). He coached the Tigers only last season in his latest stint, so Exum will be the team’s third coach in as many years. Chandler LaRoe, first-team all-district, is the major departure from last year’s team. Exum inherits four honored players: • Gunner Lamb, a 6-2 sophomore guard who is the superintendent’s son, was first-team all-district; • Cade Linquist, a 6-0 junior forward, was all-district honorable mention; • Cayden Lambert, a 6-1 senior forward, was all-district honorable mention;

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Gunner Lamb

Cade Linquist

Cayden Lambert

• Whitt Ward, a 6-0 junior forward, was AD honorable mention. In addition to those four, Exum recommends 5-9 senior guard Cutter Babcock, 5-8 senior guard Corbin Ruthardt and 5-11 senior forward Adrian Hendricks as players to watch. The Tigers have two sets of brothers: Corbin Ruthardt and 5-5 freshman guard Cale Ruthardt plus Cade Linquist and 5-11 freshman forward Colby Linquist. Exum says speed is the Tigers’ strength; conversely, the team’s strength is his main concern. As for keys to success this season, Exum said, “Using our speed, learning the fundamentals, communication and having leaders arise.” (Continued on next page)

1A

317

(Continued from previous page)

District 2-1A remains the same except for one significant addition. Claude drops down from Class 2A and joins 2-1A. The district play for the boys begins Dec. 18. Before that, the Tigers will open Nov. 10 at Adrian and play in the New Home and West Texas High tournaments. GIRLS In her second season as the Tigerettes’ coach, Nicole Black led her team to an important breakthrough, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in seven years. The Tigerettes won their own tournament, beating Higgins in overtime in the finals. They finished second in District 2-1A with a 7-3 record. Groom beat Follett 51-25 in bidistrict before losing to Happy 39-17 in the area game. That capped a 23-8 season. “Last season was a great time for us. We made the playoffs for the first time in seven years,” Black said. “We had some young players really step up and be big for us to go along with a strong junior and senior class.” Starters Jamey Germany (all-district) and Chelsey Lamb (alldistrict honorable mention and the superintendent’s daughter) and reserve Lauren Kuehler were the key losses from last year’s team. Black has some key players, including the Ritter sisters, returning. Sydney Ritter, a 5-4 senior point guard, averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists last season. She was the district MVP and all-region. Aubrey Ritter, a 5-10 sophomore forward/ center, contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds per game, earning the district’s newcomer of the year award. Black nominates Sydney Ritter as an all-state candidate and Aubrey Ritter as an outstanding player to watch.

318

1A

Sydney Ritter

Aubrey Ritter

Madison Friemel

Sydney Ritter is one of three starters back. Madison Friemel, a 5-5 senior guard (4 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg) and Ginna Miller, a 5-4 junior guard (2 ppg, 2 rpg) also started. Friemel was an all-district honorable mention. The Ritter sisters have a couple of cousins — 5-8 junior guard Kaylie Ritter and 5-6 sophomore guard Graci Treadwell (2 ppg, 2 rpg) — on the team. Treadwell, 5-4 senior guard K’Leigh Keesee (3 ppg) and 5-8 senior center Halle Barkley lettered last year. “Guard play is going to be our main strength again this year along with our team speed,” Black said. “Although our shooting has improved this summer, we will win games with our tough defense.” She is concerned about the Tigerettes’ size. “We have some strong post players, but compared to some of the teams in our district, we will definitely have a size disadvantage,” she said. Black outlined several keys for the Tigerettes’ success this season. (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

“Staying healthy is going to be huge for us as we have only 11 players this year,” she said. “Strong defense and improved shooting percentages will be the key as well.” An all-stater, Black played in a regional championship game for Tulia High School. Then she played in three conference championship games for New Mexico State University. She captained the NMSU team in 2008-09. She is beginning her third season at Groom with a 40-23 record with the Tigerettes. She previously coached at Saint Jo and Bangs. She owns an 85-97 overall girls coaching record. The Tigerettes’ opener is against Booker at home Nov. 6. They’ll play in the New Home and WT High tourneys. District play for the girls begins Dec. 14.

Ginna Miller

Halle Barkley K’leigh Keesee

Name Sydney Ritter Madison Friemel K’Leigh Keesee Halle Barkley Ginna Miller Laurel Fields Chandra Rice Kaylie Ritter Aubrey Ritter Graci Treadwell Payton Trevino

Groom Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-4 G Sr. 5-5 G Sr. 5-4 G Sr. 5-8 P Sr. 5-4 G Jr. 5-9 F Jr. 5-2 G/F Jr. 5-8 G Jr. 5-10 F/P Soph. 5-6 G Soph. 5-6 G/F Fr.

Coach: Nicole Black Asst. Coach: Ashley Young 2017-2018 record: 23-8, 7-3 School phone: 248-7474 Players to watch: Sydney Ritter, Aubrey Ritter

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

319

Name Cutter Babcock Corbin Ruthardt Cayden Lambert Adrian Hendricks Whitt Ward Cade Linquist William Kelly Derek Weinheimer Hunter Richardson Gunner Lamb Braedon Williams Braxton Johnson Tyler Boyd Tre Byers Tanis Terbush Damon Kuehler Cael Ruthardt Colby Linquist Phineas Eugea

Groom Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 G Sr. 5-8 G Sr. 6-1 F Sr. 5-11 F Sr. 6-0 F Jr. 6-0 F Jr. 5-10 G Jr. 6-0 F Jr. 5-9 G Jr. 6-2 G Soph. 5-9 G Soph. 5-7 G Soph. 6-0 G Soph. 5-11 F Soph. 6-0 F Soph. 5-5 G Fr. 5-5 G Fr. 5-11 F Fr. 5-7 G Fr.

Coach: Si Exum Asst. Coach: Tony Dodson 2017-2018 record: 4-6 School phone: 248-7474 Players to watch: Cutter Babcock, Corbin Ruthardt, Cayden Lambert, Adrian Hendricks, Whitt Ward, Cade Linquist, Gunner Lamb

320

1A

Whitt Ward DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Jan. 1 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8

Cutter Babcock

Groom Schedule

Opponent Booker Adrian Follett Miami Silverton Highland Park New Home Tournament West Texas High Tournament Higgins McLean Fort Elliott Lefors Hedley Vega Shamrock White Deer Claude McLean Lefors Hedley Shamrock White Deer Claude McLean

Corbin Ruthardt Place B G Here X There X X There X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X There X X There X X Here X Here X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Groom Super Boosters Go get’em Tigers!—Macee Sater, The Groom News We love those Tigers!—Nathan, Sherri & Maddie—Wieberg Welding Go Mighty Tigers & Tigerettes!—Robby, Sheridan, Whitt, Collins, & Teagan Brooks Go Ettes!—Grandma & Papa, Whitney & Josh Keesee We support our Mighty Tigers & Ettes!—Joe & Barbara Homer Good Luck!—Jerry, Pam, & Cassie Ashford

Thanks to coaches, cheer sponsors, parents, businesses, booster clubs and others who support Panhandle-Plains area students!

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

321

322

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers!

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

323

Hedley

Owls optimistic but district looks tougher The Owls may have been sleeping last season, but they hope to get a hoot out of this year. With five letter winners and three starters back, it could happen. Hedley was winless in 10 district games and wound up 6-18 overall last season. “It was a rough year,” Coach Eric Alston said. “We had a hard time keeping players healthy and on the floor.” Additionally, the Owls’ best player, all-district Tristen Harper, has departed, along with Caylor Moore and Zarek Mestes. Starters TJ Leal, a 5-11 senior shooting guard; Isaac Booth, a 6-0 senior center; and Jordan Upton, a 5-6 sophomore point guard; are back. Leal and Upton are outstanding players to watch, according to Alston. Two other letter winners– 5-10 junior shooting forward Collin Moore and 5-6 sophomore point guard Esteban Carreon – also return. Isaac Booth and 5-7 freshman power forward Elijah Booth are brothers. Upton is their cousin. Alston took over Hedley’s boys team last year after serving as the girls coach from 2013-15. He said the Owls “having played together for a year under the same system” is a team strength. Alston cited lack of numbers and overall experience as areas of concern. “We lost two starters from last year, and we are getting only one freshman that is coming up,” he said. He said the players continuing to grow into his system and

Jayden Lambert

324

1A

Cara Lambert

Emma Lambert

TJ Leal

Isaac Booth

Jordan Upton

staying healthy will be the keys to a successful season. Alston is coaching at his alma mater. He was an all-region basketball player for the Owls. The West Texas A&M University graduate also coached at Darrouzett, White Deer and Panhandle. His boys teams have won 20 and lost 22; his girls teams stand 23-38.. GIRLS It’s a family affair for the Lady Owls. The Hedley roster features two sets of sisters. There are the Lamberts – 5-5 senior Jayden, 5-3 sophomore Cara and 5-7 sophomore Emma – and the McCleskeys – 5-5 senior Jasmine and 5-6 sophomore Kadee. It’s all relative, but Coach Braden Estes might want to use first names when he shouts instructions. Estes, a Silverton High School and Lubbock Christian University graduate, is beginning his second season at Hedley. He previously coached at McLean. His Lady Owls were young – only two seniors were listed on the roster – and went 6-18 last season, finishing fourth in the district at 3-7. “We had lots of close games last year that we ended up losing by single digits,” Estes said. “The team was able to continue fighting and working hard through these tough losses. The team was able to use these games Perla Carreon

(Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Jasmine McCleskey

Kadee McCleskey

Madisen Gay

Kasie Hinton

(Continued from previous page)

to learn and improve.” He said the Lady Owls were able to peak just in time for district and played some competitive games, including a season-ending win over Shamrock. Kallie Lindsey, an all-district pick, has moved on from that team. Eight letter winners, led by Jayden Lambert, the top returning scorer, are back. Jayden Lambert, Jasmine and Kadee McCleskey, 5-6 junior Perla Carreon and 5-7 junior Madisen Gay may make up the starting five. Estes lists leadership, speed and work ethic as his team’s strengths. He is concerned about the team’s health and depth. “Fundamental ball control, team defense and hustle” will be the keys for success this season, he said.

Collin Monroe

Esteban Carreon

Elijah Booth

Name Kasie Hinton Jasmine McCleskey Jayden Lambert Cara Lambert Emma Lambert Perla Carreon Madisen Gay Kadee McCleskey Erykah Martinez Jade Fish

Erykah Martinez

Jade Fish

Hedley Girls Ht. Class 5-4 Sr. 5-5 Sr. 5-5 Sr. 5-3 Soph. 5-7 Soph. 5-6 Jr. 5-7 Jr. 5-6 Soph. 5-1 Jr. 5-3 Soph.

Coach: Braden Estes 2017-2018 record: 6-18, 3-7 School phone: 856-5323 Player to watch: Jayden Lambert Name TJ Leal Isaac Booth Jordan Upton Collin Monroe Esteban Carreon Zack Wells Elijah Booth

Hedley Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-11 G Sr. 6-0 P Sr. 5-6 G Soph. 5-10 F Jr. 5-6 G Soph. 5-8 G Soph. 5-7 F Fr.

Coach: Eric Alston 2017-2018 record: 6-18, 0-10 School phone: 856-5323 Players to watch: Tj Leal, Jordan Upton

Cody Flores

Cooper McCleskey

Hedley Super Boosters “Go Auntie Erykah” - Brazen “Go Erykah!” - Mom & Dad

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

DATE Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 30-Dec. 2 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Hedley Schedule

Opponent Chillicothe Higgins Kress Fort Elliott Miami Tournament Miami Wildorado Vernon N Side Shamrock White Deer Claude Groom McLean Lefors Kelton Shamrock White Deer Claude Groom McLean Lefors Shamrock White Deer

Place B G There X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X Here X There X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X There X

1A

325

McLean

Tigers ready to rumble again Despite the loss of two key performers, the Tigers look poised to add to the success of the past two years. Coach Brittin East’s club has compiled a 35-24 overall and 17-3 district record the past two seasons. They’ve won a playoff game each year. McLean won the District 2-1A title at 9-1 and finished 17-10 overall in 2017-18. A win Cayden Mann over Class 2A Wheeler was a non-conference highlight. In the playoffs, the Tigers defeated Texline 45-41 in the area game before losing 49-40 in the regional quarterfinals to a Nazareth team that reached the state Class 1A finals. “We were able to build on our success from the previous season by going from second in the district to first,” East said. “We also got knocked out in the second round of the playoffs in 2016-17 by the state runner-up, Happy, by 20 points. In the 2017-18 season, we lost in the third round of the playoffs to the state runner-up, Nazareth, by nine.” Graduation cost the Tigers the services of four-year starter Jaden Abshire, who was first-team all-district and TABC allregion, and two-year starter Jordan Parsons, who was honorable mention all-district last season.

Bradley Hannon

1A

Eric Bartley

But East has plenty of talent on hand. Four starters, who totaled 36 points a game last season, and four other letter winners return. East tabs two of the returning starters as all-state material. Cayden Mann, a 6-0 senior guard, averaged 15.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in earning district MVP, second-team TSMCA all-region and TABC all-region honors. Bradley Hannon, a 6-0 senior guard (8.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.1 apg), was the district defensive MVP and second-team TSMCA all-region. The other two returning starters are 6-0 junior guard Ben Crockett (6.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and 6-2 junior forward Eric Bartley (6.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg). Crockett was a first-team all-district selection last year. (Continued on next page)

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

326

Ben Crockett

McLean Schedule

Opponent Perryton Follett Guthrie Wildorado Booker Texline Claude Tournament Fort Elliott West Texas Tournament White Deer Tournament Claude Chillicothe Valley Tournament Groom Gruver Sayre, Oklahoma Lefors Gruver Holiday Tournament Hedley Shamrock White Deer Claude Groom Lefors Hedley Shamrock White Deer Claude Groom

Place B G Here X There X Here X Here X Here X X TBA X X There X Here X X There X There X Here X Here X There X There X There X Here X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X There X

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

Bartley and 6-2 senior post Chism Henderson (2.1 ppg, 4 rpg) are other players to watch, according to East. He says experience, height, athleticism and competitiveness are the Tigers’ strengths. After losing the 6-4 Abshire, East is concerned about team rebounding and low-post scoring. Henderson suffered broken ribs, a lacerated liver and a ruptured spleen in a 2017 football game and wasn’t able to play basketball until the spring. “A healthy Chism Henderson and a more experienced post this time in Kade Reichman (6-2 junior post) should help fill those voids,” East said. He lists three keys for success this season: 1. A quick start to the season, particularly because District 2-1A now consists of seven teams – with the addition of formerly 2A Claude – meaning district play could begin before the conclusion of the football season; 2. The returning starters will need to elevate their game even more; 3. Replacing Abshire and Parsons. “It won’t be easy to replace them, but I think we have the right guys to get the job done,” East said. A standout football and basketball player at Pampa High School, East graduated from Texas Tech University. He coached at Pampa from 2010 to 2016 before moving to McLean. This will be his third year as a head basketball coach. The Tigers are scheduled to open the season at home Nov. 20 against Booker, but many of the basketball players also are on the football team, which was ranked No. 1 in the state and expected to be in the playoffs.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Hope Moon

Caden Carter

Riley Patterson

McLean will play in the White Deer, Valley and Gruver tournaments. GIRLS The Lady Tigers have a new coach, and he has some talented players to start his head coaching career. TJ Fly, an assistant at Floydada the last four years, is the Lady Tigers’ third coach in as many years. Fly is a graduate of Lubbock Coronado High School and Wayland Baptist University. Fly’s assistant coach is Brad Rainer, the former Follett coach. Fly succeeds Garrett Todd, who spent only one year at McLean but stepped down for health reasons. But it was a very successful year for Todd, his wife and assistant Kadee Todd and the Lady Tigers. McLean finished third in the Miami and West Texas High tournaments, then won the Graford holiday event. They captured the District 2-1A championship, winning all 10 conference games. McLean whipped Lazbuddie 73-39 in the area round before los(Continued on page 329)

1A

327

328

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from page 327)

ing to Nazareth 71-53 in the regional quarterfinals. Naz went on to repeat as the Class 1A state champion. McLean finished the season with a 28-4 record. Maritza Retana and Jacey Steel were the only seniors lost from that team. “The Lady Tigers had an incredibly successful season last year,” Fly said. “Returning 95 percent of our production, and we will be looking to use that combination to continue working toward our goals this year.” Four starters return, and three of them were first-team alldistrict selections last season. Hope Moon, a 5-11 senior forward, averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists in earning first-team all-district, all-region, TSMCA second-team all-state and TABC all-state recognition. Caden Carter, a 5-6 junior guard, contributed 17 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists a game. She was the district defensive MVP, first-team all-district and second-team all-region. Riley Patterson, a 5-7 senior guard with 17 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg credentials, was first-team all-district. Fly regards all three as all-state material. The fourth returning starter is 5-9 senior post Samantha Acuna (6 ppg, 8 rpg). Those four starters represent 58 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Fly also designated Acuna, junior guard Dee Vasquez (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 4 apg), sophomore post Lily Reichman (2 ppg, 4 rpg) and sophomore guard Faith Moon (2 ppg) as other players to watch. Hope and Faith Moon are sisters. Fly regards that experience — all told, nine letter winners — as his team’s strength.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

“Our top six girls have played in a lot of big games and have been very successful in their high school careers,” he said. He’s concerned about developing bench depth to ensure everyone’s health during district competition and playoffs. Fly pinpointed the keys for success this season as “playing up to our potential, playing together as a team and playing for each other.” District 2-1A has one significant new member this season. Claude, which reached the Class 2A state semifinals last spring, drops down to Class 1A. And Claude will be McLean’s first district opponent, Dec. 11 at McLean. The Lady Tigers will open at home Nov. 6 against Class 4A Perryton. They’ll play in the Claude, West Texas High and Gruver tournaments.

1A

329

Name Dalton Abshire Eric Bartley Carson Carter Cayson Carter Ben Crockett Bradley Hannon Keaton Helton Chism Henderson Devin Holmes Levi Johnston Cayden Mann Garrett McDonald Cade Muniz Kade Reichman Jacob Watson

McLean Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-0 G Jr. 6-2 F Jr. 5-7 G Fr. 5-10 G Soph. 6-0 G Jr. 6-0 G Sr. 5-6 G Soph. 6-2 P Sr. 5-7 G Soph. 5-8 G Sr. 6-0 G Sr. 5-5 G Fr. 5-8 F Soph. 6-2 P Jr. 6-0 F Soph.

Coach: Brittin East Asst. Coach: Clint Linman 2017-2018 record: 17-10, 9-1 School phone: 779-2571 Players to watch: Eric Bartley, Bradley Hannon, Chism Henderson, Cayden Man

Cayden Mann of McLean shoots a jump shot against Texline in the area playoff game Feb. 23 at River Road. The Tigers defeated the Tornadoes 45-41. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

330

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Chism Henderson

Dalton Abshire

Kade Reichman

McLean Super Boosters Good Luck McKenzie! We Love You! Paisley & Lyndsey Keldon T. Ellis Carpenter’s Church, 639 South Barnes, P.O. Box 1476, Pampa, Tx, 79066 James A. Sinyard-Pastor, 806-664-1395, Sue Sinyard, 806-664-1390

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

331

Dee Vasquez

Faith Moon Lily Reichman

Name Samantha Acuna Hope Moon Riley Patterson Caden Carter Kinzie Cooper Shiana Hutchison Courtney Parsons Dee Vasquez Kaylin Brown Faith Moon Lily Reichman McKinzie Ellis Stormi Ketcherside Clare Long Ashlie Russell

McLean Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 P Sr. 5-11 F Sr. 5-7 G Sr. 5-6 G Jr. 5-9 F Jr. 5-6 F Jr. 5-7 G Jr. 5-3 G Jr. 5-5 G Soph. 5-8 G Soph. 5-11 P Soph. 5-2 G Fr. 5-8 P Fr. 5-6 F Fr. 5-2 G Fr.

McLean’s Caden Carter motors down the court with Kinzi Cleavinger of Nazareth chasing her in the Class 1A quarterfinals Feb. 20 at Amarillo High. The Swiftettes won 71-53 and went on to win the state championship. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Coach: TJ Fly Asst. Coach: Brad Rainer 2017-2018 record: 28-4, 10-0 School phone: 779-2571 Players to watch: Samantha Acuna, Hope Moon, Riley Patterson, Caden Carter, Dee Vasquez, Faith Moon, Lily Reichman

Jim’s Barber Shop, 609 W. Foster, Pampa, TX 79065, Tues.-8:30-6, Wednesday 8:30-12,Thus. & Fri. 8:30-6, Sat. 8:30-2 Go, Fight, Win, Tigers & Lady Tigers!—Wendi Ketcherside Good Luck Tigers & Lady Tigers!—B.J. Ketcherside Have a Great Season Tigers & Lady Tigers!— Mike & Tami Story Go Tigers & Lady Tigers!—Jean Smith Win Tigers and Lady Tigers!—Robin Smith Go Tigers, Go Jacob #3!—The Brass Family Go McLean Tigers! We love you Ben #20! Go Tigers and Lady Tigers!—The Watsons Go Hope and Faith!—Trent, Rudy, & Bryce Go Hope and Faith! We Love You!—Blake, Alyssa, Case, & Aiden Lee Go Lady Tigers!—The Moon’s Good Luck Tigers and Lady Tigers!—Mike & Leslie Darsey Good Luck Tigers!—Jack & Tammy Johnston 332

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Hope Moon of McLean maneuvers toward the basket against Lazbuddie in the area playoff game Feb. 16 at Bushland. The Lady Tigers won 73-39 to advance to the regional quarterfinals. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Lady Tiger Riley Patterson moves down the court in McLean’s area playoff match Feb. 16 played at Bushland against Lazbuddie. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

1A

333

White Deer

Assistant takes over for Bucks The Bucks may have a new head coach, but one thing remains the same for White Deer fans: they’d rather not meet a team from Nazareth in the playoffs. For the second straight year, Nazareth teams eliminated both the Bucks and Does from the playoffs. Dylan Cox, a Grady High School and Lubbock Christian University graduate, takes over the Bucks’ reins. A White Deer assistant last year, he succeeds Tanner Wise, who coached the Bucks the last three years. White Deer went 34-52 under Wise. The Bucks finished third in District 2-1A at 5-4 last season. They beat Follett 77-48 in bidistrict before bowing to Nazareth 58-36 in the area round. That capped a 15-14 season, a one-game improvement over the previous 14-15 year. Hadley Freeman and cousin Payton Freeman, along with Teal Forney, have moved on from last year’s team. But the Bucks still have some Freemans. Gage Freeman, a 6-1 senior guard, and Graysen Freeman, a 6-0 sophomore guard, are younger brothers of the departed Hadley Freeman. Gage Freeman and Kason Vigil, a 5-9 senior guard, are regarded as all-state candidates in Cox’s estimation. They are the only seniors on White Deer’s roster. Gage Freeman and Vigil are returning starters, as are 6-4 junior post Drake Damron and 5-11 junior post John Perriman.

334

1A

Gage Freeman

Graysen Freeman

Kason Vigil

Even though those four players to watch are the only returning letter winners, Cox describes depth as a strength for the Bucks. He listed being disciplined and controlling nerves and emotions as areas of concern. “Buying into the system and trusting each other” will be the keys for success this season, he said. The Bucks’ season won’t begin until Nov. 20 with a home date with Vega. They’ll play in their own tournament, plus the Lubbock Caprock event. GIRLS The young Does of last season are a year older and more experienced. That should provide some dividends for Coach (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

Rex Beck’s club. The Does, with Jacey Haiduk the only senior on the team, went 19-13 overall and 7-3 in district, tying Groom for second place. White Deer nipped Higgins 53-51 in bidistrict before running into Nazareth in the area game. Naz, the eventual Class 1A state champion, prevailed 74-24. “We had our ups and downs but should have gained valuable playing time for all the freshmen who received some time on varsity,” Beck said. Beck has four starters back, and all four won some honors last season. Hannah George, a 5-10 senior post, was the district offensive MVP last year and is ranked as an all-state candidate by her coach this year. Curstin Haiduk, a 5-6 sophomore guard, and Emily Bradley, a 5-8 junior point guard, both were all-district selections last season. Curstin Haiduk is the younger sister of Cassidy Crutchfield, an all-stater at White Deer in 2016. The fourth returning starter is 5-10 sophomore post Rebecca Tracy, who was honorable mention all-district last season. “The freshmen are a year older; we should have some depth,” said Beck in assessing his team’s strengths. “I feel we will play good defense.” His concerns center on limiting turnovers, improving shooting and playing with confidence. “We should have good depth as all eight lettermen started at some point last season,” Beck said. “Defense should be the key – if we can play good, consistent defense, we should be suc(Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Curstin Haiduk

Name Hannah Grange Curstin Haiduk Emily Bradley Rebecca Tracy Sarai Rodriquez Makenzie Crook Dallas McBee Rylee Hill Shaylin Weathers Teagan Forney Sydney Hendrick Jade Perriman Deborah Chesser

Emily Bradley

Hannah Grange

White Deer Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-10 P Sr. 5-6 G Soph. 5-8 P/G Jr. 5-10 P Soph. 5-4 G Sr. 5-6 P/G Soph. 5-5 G Soph. 5-6 G Soph. 5-6 G Fr. 5-8 P/G Soph. 5-8 P Soph. 5-7 P Fr. 5-6 G Soph.

Coach: Rex Beck Asst. Coach: Taylor Swires 2017-2018 record: 19-13, 7-3 School phone: 883-2311 Players to watch: Hannah Grange, Emily Bradley, Rebecca Tracy

1A

335

(Continued from previous page)

cessful. If we can cut down on turnovers and Emily and Curstin can provide offensive punch (behind a repeat performance by Hannah), we will be successful.” Beck, who also is White Deer’s athletic director, is beginning his seventh season as the Does’ mentor and 13th overall as a head coach. Before coming to White Deer, he coached at Bangs. His daughter, Taylor Swires, played for him at Bangs and joins him this year as his assistant coach at White Deer. In the past four years, Beck’s Does have posted a 90-41 record, won three district titles and qualified for the playoffs each season. Beck’s record at White Deer is 109-78; his overall girls coaching mark is 211-136. The UIL realignment added only one new team to District 2-1A, but that’s likely to have the biggest impact on the Does rather than the Bucks. Claude, the new district member, was a girls state semifinalist in Class 2A last spring but drops down to 1A this year. The Does will open with two road games – at Clarendon Nov. 6 and Fort Elliott Nov. 10 – before their home opener Nov. 13 against West Texas High. They’ll play in the Spur, Petrolia and White Deer tournaments.

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers!

336

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Drake Damron

Name Gage Freeman Kason Vigil Drake Damron John Perriman Jasper Chaney Trystan Franks Braden Logue Graysen Freeman Mason Mooney Hunter Warminski

John Perriman

Hunter Warminski

White Deer Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-1 G Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 6-4 P Jr. 5-11 P Jr. 6-4 P Jr. 5-9 G Jr. 6-0 G Jr. 6-0 G Soph. 6-1 P Soph. 6-0 G Soph.

Coach: Dylan Cox Asst. Coach: Kellan Kirkland School phone: 883-2311 Players to watch: Gage Freeman, Kason Vigil, Drake Damron, John Perriman

GOOD LUCK, BUCKS!

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

337

Rebecca Tracy

Shaylin Weathers

Sarai Rodriguez

Makenzie Crook

Jade Perriman

White Deer Super Boosters We wish the Bucks and Does a great season!— Alan, Katrina, & Hunter Warminski Go Kenzie!—Jeremy, Amanda, Caiden, Bodhi, & Marleigh Crook

338

1A

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 15-17 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

White Deer Schedule

Opponent Clarendon Fort Elliott West Texas High Spur Tournament Tulia Vega Sunray Petrolia Tournament White Deer Tournament Lefors Hedley West Texas High Shamrock Panhandle Caprock Tournament Claude Groom McLean Lefors Hedley Shamrock Claude Groom McLean Lefors Hedley

Place B G There X There X Here X There X Here X Here X X Here X X There X Here X X There X Here X Here X There X X There X X Lubbock X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X There X Here X

Go Bucks and Does!—The Richardson Family Go Bucks and Does!—Connie & Brandon McGinty Backing the Bucks and Does!—Cairl & Rosalea McAnallly Go Bucks and Does—Darrell & Wendy Ruthardt

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

339

White Deer fans wore their playoff T-shirts proudly last season. The Bucks and Does both advanced to the area round in 2017-18. (Photos by Mike Haynes)

Happy

District 3-1A Rivalry with Naz could heat up

As if the Cowboys hadn’t seen enough of Nazareth the past couple of years, they’ll see more of the Swifts this season because they’re in the same district. Happy and Naz have battled in the past two regional finals. The Cowboys won two years ago en route to being a state Class 1A finalist. The Swifts nipped Happy 48-46 last year and wound up as a state finalist themselves. Now, both teams are in District 3-1A thanks to UIL realignment. And they’ll have their second meeting on Feb. 5, the last game of the regular season. That could be pivotal. Last year, the Cowboys had a second successful season under Coach Travis Dawson. They won the district with a perfect 8-0 record. Happy defeated Shamrock 58-30 in the area game, Booker 71-40 in the regional quarterfinals and Valley 54-50 in the regional semifinals. The close loss to Nazareth capped a 17-11 campaign. 340

1A

“It was a great year,” Dawson said. “We really came together and found our rhythm right at playoff time.” In his two years at Happy, Dawson’s teams have won 42 and lost 17. In district, the Cowboys are 16-0 with two district championships. Dawson’s overall boys coaching record is 69-46. The Panther Creek High School and Howard Payne University graduate coached at Robert Lee before coming to Happy. Looking ahead to this season, Dawson said, “We must replace three high-level starters, including two of our three leading scorers.” Colton McCarley, the district offensive MVP and an all-stater; Craig Odom, all-region; and Dalton Gray, first-team all-district, have departed. (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

But Dawson has three honored starters back. Jackson Davis, a 6-6 senior post, averaged 17.5 points and 9.6 rebounds last season and was the district defensive MVP and allregion. Dawson touts Davis as an all-state candidate this season. Cy Middleton, a 6-0 senior guard (6.1 Jackson Davis ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.1 assists per game), and Justin Bressler, a 6-0 senior forward (4 ppg, 3 rpg), both were first-team all-district selections. Two other letter winners – 6-0 senior forward Kai Moore (2.6 rpg) and 5-8 junior guard Connor Sperry – return. Dawson ranks big-game experience and defense as the Cowboys’ strengths. Playing great defense and rebounding are the keys for success this season, according to Dawson. The Cowboys will open their schedule Nov. 27 at home against Vega, then play in the Vega Invitational two days later. They’ll also participate in the Floydada and Littlefield tourneys. GIRLS Even with a new coach, the Cowgirls can’t be too happy with Nazareth moving into District 3-1A. Naz is the defending girls state 1A champion, and the tradition-rich Swiftettes have won the state title three of the past four years. The new coach is Sarah Allen, fresh from a two-year stint at Tulia. Before that, she spent two seasons as an assistant at Idalou. (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Cy Middleton

Name Kai Moore Justin Bressler Cy Middleton Jackson Davis Kolin Larson Chance Stockett Connor Sperry Arik Coile Joey Slattery Bryson Morris Kristian Wilhite Jordan Wilhite

Justin Bressler

Kai Moore

Happy Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-0 F Sr. 6-0 F Sr. 6-0 G Sr. 6-6 P Sr. 5-9 F Sr. 5-10 G Jr. 5-8 G Jr. 6-0 F Soph. 5-11 G Soph. 5-8 G Soph. 5-9 G Soph. 6-0 P Soph.

Coach: Travis Dawson Asst. Coaches: Jimmy Moore, Chris Fry 2017-2018 record: 17-11, 8-0 School phone: 558-5311 Players to watch: Cy Middleton, Jackson Davis

1A

341

(Continued from previous page)

The former Sarah Horn is a graduate of Fort Elliott High School and West Texas A&M University. She replaces Grant Gooch, who led the Cowgirls to a stellar campaign in his only year at Happy. The Cowgirls went 24-11 overall and won the district championship with a 7-1 record. In the playoffs, Happy handled Groom 46-36 in the area round and Silverton 56-41 in the regional quarterfinals. Jayton beat the Cowgirls 30-22 in the regional semifinals. The Cowgirls lost some key players via graduation. Madison Stockett was the district offensive MVP, first-team all-region and second-team all-state. Ashton McCarley and Mikala Weavers were first-team all-district. For this season, Rylee Johnson, a 5-7 senior point guard who was the district defensive MVP, is one of nine letter winners back for the Cowgirls. Allen listed six others as players to watch – 5-4 senior guard Addi Harris, 5-6 senior guard Ashton Brown, 5-8 senior post Macee Johnson, 5-7 senior guard/forward Abigail Drake, 5-10 sophomore forward Kross Hiatt and 5-7 sophomore Kenli Johnson. Rylee and Kenli Johnson are sisters. The Cowgirls are an athletic group. Five team members were on Happy’s girls track team that took third in the state last spring. Rylee Johnson is the two-time Class 1A 400-meter state champion. “The entire team has a hunger for defense and selfless play – making them fun to watch and a joy to coach,” Allen said. She is concerned about shooting percentages and learning to score more in game situations.

342

1A

Rylee Johnson

Macee Johnson

Addi Harris

“We graduated a large portion of our scoring from last season, providing opportunities for new players to step into scoring and leadership roles,” Allen said. What are the keys to success this season? “The key to success for the Happy Cowgirls will be to maintain team camaraderie, learn to score more and stay healthy,” Allen said. “With a large group of senior girls, we have a great amount of leadership. We hope to leverage that leadership to produce a successful season while enhancing the culture within the program.” The Cowgirls will open their season Nov. 6 at Valley. They will play in the Vega, White Deer and Littlefield tournaments. District play will begin Dec. 14 at Texline.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Ashton Brown

Abigail Drake

Kross Hiatt

Happy Super Boosters Scott, Robin, Brooke, and Mitch Downing Robby, Laura, Sadie, and T.S. Bow Jim and Willa Jane McManigal Kyle, Tricia, Mackenzie, and Craig Odom Jarett, Sawyer, Dawson, Beck, and Scout Hix Bill and Mary Johnson Bill and Terri Pearson Walter and Tina McNeill Cathy Ledford Vicki Hamblen Trey, Joli, and Tryce Johnson Yancey, Buffy, Breelee, and Brynlyn Dempsey Eddie Joe and Lynn Pearson Len and Tammy Schmidt Clay, Laci, Kale, Rayce, and Tripp Cameron Good Luck Cowgirls!—Ted and Jobeth White We are proud of the Cowgirls and Cowboys!— Kurt(CrazyCC Dad), Jodi, Bailee, and Jr. Baggerman We are behind the Cowgirls all the way!—The Happy Sports Network and Sperry Family Good Luck Cowgirls!—Max, Brandi, Brayden, and Bryson White Good Luck Cowboys and Cowgirls!—Lloyd & Ann Rahlf’s

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Kenli Johnson

Porshe Driver

Kinley Gibson

Happy Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Addi Harris 5-4 G Sr. Ashton Brown 5-6 G Sr. Rylee Johnson 5-7 G Sr. Macee Johnson 5-8 P Sr. Abigail Drake 5-7 F/G Sr. Porsche Driver 5-4 G Sr. Kinley Gibson 6-0 P Jr. Kross Hiatt 5-10 F Soph. Kenli Johnson 5-7 G Soph. Coach: Sarah Allen Asst. Coach: Jessica Coffman 2017-2018 record: 24-11, 7-1 School phone: 558-5311 Players to watch: Addi Harris, Ashton Brown, Rylee Johnson, Macee Johnson, Abigail Drake, Kross Hiatt, Kenli Johnson

Good Luck Cowboys and Cowboys!—Edwin & Shereen Davis Happy Volunteer Fire Department Clint, Christy, Bailey, Teagen, and Kyton Johnson Boss Industries Fabrication & Millwright divisions wish the Cowboys a winning season! 806-499-3591 Craig Sperry Go Cowboys!—Scott, Shannon, Elise, & Justin Bressler, John & Frances Curry

1A

343

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 20 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 1 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5

Happy Schedule

Opponent Place B G Valley There X Farwell There X Springlake-Earth Here X Stratford Here X Tulia Here X Vega Here X X Vega Invitational Tournament There X X Fritch There X X White Deer Tournament There X Floydada Tournament There X Sunray Here X X Texline There X X Channing Here X X Wildorado There X X Littlefield Invitational Tournament There X X Idalou There X Hartley There X X Adrian Here X X Texline Here X X Nazareth Here X X Channing There X X Wildorado Here X X Adrian There X X Hartley Here X X Nazareth There X X

Jackson Davis of Happy is alone among West Texas High Comanches in the Randall Playoff Preview in February in Amarillo. WT High’s Jalin Conyers was called for a foul against Davis on the play. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

344

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Happy Cowboy Cy Middleton heads toward the basket against Jalin Conyers of West Texas High in the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo in February. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Happy Coach Travis Dawson, center, exhorts his team in their game with West Texas High in the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo in February. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

1A

345

Justin Bressler of Happy makes a pass in the Randall Playoff Preview game against West Texas High in Amarillo in February. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Nazareth

Swiftettes again have high expectations In Nazareth, a state championship is expected every year. Well, maybe it’s OK to skip a year here and there. The Swiftettes won their fourth Class 1A state title in five years and their 22nd overall last spring. Coach Eric Schilling called the season special. “It was special because we had some big shoes to fill from the previous team,” he said. “The girls bought into each other and focused on daily improvement. They played an extremely tough regular season schedule and used that to their advantage during the playoff run. That helped them gain the confidence they needed to win another state championship.” The Swiftettes won the Fort Worth Whataburger consolation bracket and took the championship in their own tournament. They breezed through their district, posting a perfect 10-0 record for the fifth straight year. They kept rolling in the playoffs, winning by double-digit margins with one exception, a 40-31 victory over Ropes in the regional semifinals. In the state tourney in San Antonio, Naz blasted Hermleigh 64-39 in the semifinals and Dodd City 56-43 in the finals. The Swiftettes won 36 games with three losses. Those defeats were to Class 5A Amarillo High, the eventual 5A state champ, 66-37, in the first game of the season, to 4A Bushland, 30-28, in 346

1A

Blakely Gerber

Hallie Kleman

Cambrie Heiman

the Dimmitt Tournament and to 3A Tuscola Jim Ned, 50-45, in the Whataburger. The Swiftettes reeled off 13 straight wins after the loss to Jim Ned. In fact, they didn’t lose in calendar year 2018. Graduation cost the Swiftettes four key players off that team: • Kinzi Cleavinger — all-district, state all-tourney team, TSMCA first-team all-region and first-team all-state, TABC all-state and TGCA all-state; • Laci Backus — all-district; • Faithe Huseman — all-district and TSMCA second-team all-region; • Caitlin Kleman — all-district honorable mention. (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

Blakely Gerber of Nazareth goes to the basket against McLean in the Class 1A quarterfinals Feb. 20 at Amarillo High. The Swiftettes won and continued to the 2018 state championship. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Despite those departures, don’t expect the Naz dynasty to end soon. Schilling has four starters back. Those four represent 41 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Blakely Gerber, a 6-0 senior guard, averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. She was the district MVP, a member of the state all-tournament team, TSMCA first-team all-region and first-team all-state, TABC all-state, TGCA all-state, the Class 1A Golden Spread player of the year and first-team on the Amarillo Globe-News Super Team. Hallie Kleman, a 5-9 senior forward (7 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg), was the district defensive MVP, TSMCA second-team all-region and TGCA all-state. The top returning scorer from last season is 5-11 junior forward Cambrie Heiman, who pumped in 16 points per game to go along with 6 rpg and 3 apg. She was the state tourney MVP and on the state all-tourney team, all-district, TSMCA player of the year and first-team all-region, TABC all-state, TGCA all-state, 1A Golden Spread team and AGN Super Team second team. The fourth returning starter is 5-7 junior guard April Schmucker (6 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg). She was the newcomer of the year in both the district and on the Golden Spread teams. The list of honored returning players doesn’t stop there. Lexis Nieves, a 5-2 senior guard (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg), was all-district honorable mention. Schilling recommends Gerber, Kleman, Heiman and Schmucker as all-state candidates and outstanding players to watch. He views experience, length and balance as the Swiftettes’ (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

347

(Continued from previous page)

strengths. He’s concerned about outside scoring. “To be successful this season, we will have to continue to improve every day,” Schilling said. “Staying healthy will be important as well since we are not as deep as what we’ve been in the past.” Schilling was the district and 1A Golden Spread coach of the year last season. The West Texas A&M graduate is beginning his eighth year at his high school alma mater. His career girls coaching record, all at Nazareth, is 220-37, an .856 winning percentage. Nazareth moves from District 4-1A to 3-1A this season, so the Swiftettes will have six new opponents in the seven-team district. District 3-1A play will begin Dec. 11. The Swiftettes will open again against Amarillo High Nov. 6 at Nazareth and will take on perennial power Canyon Nov. 20 at Canyon. Naz will play in its own tournament plus the Dimmitt and Fort Worth Whataburger events. BOYS The Swifts fell eight points short of making it a double state championship for Nazareth. That’s what it would have taken to eclipse Lipan in the state Class 1A finals. The Swifts won the district with a spotless 10-0 record. They downed White Deer 58-36 in the area, McLean 49-40 in the regional quarterfinals and New Home 58-37 in the regional semifinals. They had a close call in the regional finals, nipping Happy 48-46. That sent them to the state tournament in San Antonio, where they beat Borden County 54-44 in the semis. Lipan stopped

Nazareth Swift Jake Gerber goes up for the ball, left, and comes down with it, right, in the regional quarterfinals against McLean Feb. 26 at Canyon. (Photos by Mike Haynes)

(Continued on next page)

348

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

Naz 49-42 in the championship game. The Swifts finished the season 31-6. It wasn’t a bad coaching debut for Taylor Schulte, who was named the Class 1A Golden Spread coach of the year. Schulte played on two state championship teams for Naz in 2006 and 2007. He was the state tournament MVP in ‘07. “It was a great year last year even though we finished one game short,” said Schulte, a Texas Tech grad. “The players worked hard and played really well all year long.” The Swifts lost four key players off that team: Slade Gerber, the district offensive player of the year, TABC all-region and all-state and TSMCA all-region and all-state; Traytan McLain, all district, TABC all-region and TSMCA all-region; Tristan McLain, district defensive player of the year; and Tate Schulte, all-district. The McLains are brothers. Tate Schulte is a distant relative of his coach. Only one starter returns, but he’s a good one: Jake Gerber, a 6-4 senior forward who averaged 20 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists in earning multiple honors last year. The cousin of the departed Slade Gerber was the district player of the year, the TSMCA player of the year, all-region and all-state, TABC all-region and all-state and the Class 1A Golden Spread player of the year. Jake Gerber also is a standout in football, track and tennis. Although he didn’t start, Nathaneal Van Dijk, a 6-4 junior forward (6.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg) earned all-district distinction. Van Dijk’s older sisters were standouts for past Swiftette teams. Coach Schulte recommends Jake Gerber and Van Dijk as all-state candidates. Five other letter winners besides Jake Gerber and Van Dijk are back for the Swifts. They are 5-11 senior guard Tristan Nelson, 5-10 junior guard Brayden Dyer, 5-11 sophomore guard Luke Betzen, 6-1 sophomore guard Kaden Cleavinger and 6-1 sophomore forward Aidan Moore. Guard play should be a strength for the Swifts, according to Schulte. His main concern is the young players having to fill the shoes of the departed seniors. “We are losing four starters off last year’s team but also have some key returning players,” Schulte said. “Some young guys will have to step up and fill those holes. We will need to take care of the ball and be physical with our opponents.” The Swifts will open Nov. 19 at Vega. They’ll play in their own tourney and the Dimmitt and Whataburger tournaments.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Jake Gerber

Brayden Dyer

Nathaneal Van Dijk

Tristan Nelson

Luke Betzen

Nazareth Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Jake Gerber 6-4 Tristan Nelson 5-11 Brady Robb 6-0 Nathaneal Van Dijk 6-4 Braden Dyer 5-10 Eric Hill 6-2 Luke Betzen 5-11 Kaden Cleavinger 6-1 Aidan Moore 6-1

F G G F G F G G F

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Soph. Soph. Soph.

Coach: Taylor Schulte Asst. Coaches: Steven Moore, Keenan Senter 2017-2018 record: 31-6, 10-0 School phone: 945-2231 Players to watch: Jake Gerber, Nathaneal Van Dijk

Nazareth Super Boosters Go Naz!—Mitchell, Lindsey, Madison, Kate, Barrett, Drew, and Owen Brockman Go Naz!—Ralph and Sharon Brockman Kirk and Sandy Farris Go Naz!—Evan, Macee, Leo, and Finley Huseman

1A

349

April Schmucker

Amy Schilderink

Emily Dyer

Lexis Nieves

Emma Kleman

Nazareth Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Blakely Gerber 6-0 Hallie Kleman 5-9 Lexis Nieves 5-2 Emily Dyer 5-6 Cambrie Heiman 5-11 April Schmucker 5-7 Amy Schilderink 5-10 Emma Kleman 5-7

G F G G F G F G

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Soph.

Coach: Eric Schilling Asst. Coach: Kelsi Pittillo 2017-2018 record: 36-3, 10-0 School phone: 945-2231 Players to watch: Blakely Gerber, Hallie Kleman, Cambrie Heiman, April Schmucker

Go Swifts and Swiftettes!—Rodney and Mona Schulte We are behind you Swifts and Swiftettes! Go Jake!—Gregg, Cynthia, Scout, and Mackenzie,Troy, and Harley Gerber Good Luck Swiftettes and Swifts!—Dennis and Dolores Gerber Have a great successful year Swifts and Swiftettes!—Denny and Pill Heiman Good Luck Swifts and Swiftettes! Go Cambrie!—Darrin, Jennifer, Carlie, and Carson Heiman Good Luck Swifts and Swiftettes!—Andie and Alyssa Barton Good Luck Swifts and Swiftettes!—Marcus, Celina, Bryson, Ethan, Emery, and Hadley Brockman Go Swifts and Swiftettes!—Izzy and Austin Heck Go Swifts and Swiftettes!—Heath, Nicole, Tate, Kari, and Luke Schulte Go Naz!—Randy and Lynn Leavitt 350

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Brady Robb

Nathaneal VanDijk of Nazareth plays defense against McLean in the regional quarterfinals Feb. 26 at Canyon. VanDijk was a key player in the Swifts’ run to the state championship game. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Go Swifts and Swiftettes!—Tyson, Kim, Trace, and Morgan Schulte The Holy Family Youth Group supports the Swifts and Swiftettes! Go Naz!—Stanley and Cindy Gerber Go Swifts and Swiftettes!—Stanley and Rhonda Dyer Good Luck Swifts!—Dustin Dyer Family Go Naz!—Norman and Stacey Gerber Go Coach Schilling! Love you “lil bro!”—Mark, Heather, Jett, Kambyl, Crew, and Boston McLarty We support the Swifts and Swiftettes!—Booster Club Good Luck Swifts and Swiftettes!—Jordy, Maegan, Aubree, Ace, Harper and Tag Go Naz!—Kim and Kathy Rundell Go Naz!—Nathan, Elaine, Presley, Townli, Quinlee, and Hallie Wheeler Go Swifts and Swiftettes!—Vincent and Toby Gerber Go Swifts and Swiftettes!—Daryl, Marsha, Lincoln, Cameron, and Gemma Pohlmeier Go Swifts and Swiftettes!—Hubert and Joan Backus Good Luck Swifts and Swiftettes!—Randy and Monette Schilling Good Luck on a great season Swifts and Swiftettes!—Brian, Peggy, Jett, Riley, and Lexi Ramaekers Go Swifts and Swiftettes!—Robert, Krystal, and Tristan Nelson Go Swifts!-Cameron and Emily Betzen Go Swiftettes!—Dee, Kelsi, Allie, and Leighton Pittillo Gary’s Engine and Machine Best of Luck Swifts and Swiftettes!—Tom & Rita Hoelting 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 20 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 20 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5

Kaden Cleavinger

Nazareth Schedule

Opponent Amarillo High Stratford Abernathy Panhandle Vega Canyon Dimmitt Nazareth Tournament Dimmitt Tournament Wildorado Channing Adrian Hartley Whataburger Tournament Dalhart Texline Lubbock Christian Channing Happy Wildorado Adrian Hartley Lubbock Trinity Texline Happy

Aidan Moore Place B G Here X
 TBA X Here X Here X There X There X There X There X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Fort Worth X X Here X Here X X TBA X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X TBA X X There X X Here X X

1A

351

Kinzi Cleavinger, a Nazareth senior in 2017-18, passes around sophomore Dee Vasquez of McLean in the regional quarterfinals Feb. 20 at Amarillo High. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

352

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Nazareth’s Cambrie Heiman, left, and Kinzi Cleavinger, right, have dibs on the rebound in their regional quarterfinals match with McLean Feb. 20 at Amarillo High. Swiftette Coach Eric Schilling said the two schools have developed a strong rivalry. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Nazareth boys coach Taylor Schulte, left, and Naz girls coach Eric Schilling, right, get their arms up in the Swifts’ and Swiftettes’ regional quarterfinals games in February. Both of their teams defeated McLean. (Photos by Mike Haynes)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

353

Nazareth girls coach Eric Schilling hands off the regional quarterfinals trophy to Lexis Nieves, Kinzi Cleavinger, Caitlin Kleman and the other Swiftettes after their 71-53 victory over McLean Feb. 20. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

Traytan McLain (22) and the rest of the Nazareth Swifts claim their trophy after they defeated McLean 49-40 in the regional quarterfinals Feb. 26. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

All the Best Swifts and Swiftettes!—Bobbie Schmucker Dean and Agatha Johnson Good Luck Swifts and Swiftettes!—Mark, Missy, Cole, Hallie, and Emma Kleman Go Naz!—Monty, Kristin, Aidan, Emerson, and McKinley Moore We Love #3!—John, Lynsey, Kamre, Charly, and Braeli Fuller Go Swifts and Swiftettes!—Dan and Ethel Schmucker We Love the Swiftettes! Go April!—Marvin, Gwen , and Abby Schmucker

Go Naz!—Brian, Felicia, Hannah, Tarah, and Eric Hill Good Luck Swifts and Swiftettes! Go Naz!— Keith and Karleen Hoelting Good Luck Swifts and Swiftettes!—Joe, Dana, and Kaci Kleman Go Swifts and Swiftettes!—Larry and Cyrilla Robb Wishing you girls the the best season!—Hub City Wings Bar and Grill, Lubbock, TX Mickey, Meredith, Chance, Creed, Callen, and Cash Hochstein Let’s Go Swiftettes!—Mandy, Eric, Brynli, Jaxton, and Kaylie Schilling Go Swifts and Swiftettes!—Jan and Pat Betzen

354

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Texline

Tornado coach gets win No. 300 Coach Coby Beckner notched win No. 300 last season as the Tornadoes roared to a 23-10 season. That moved Beckner’s win total to 310-195 in 20 years of coaching boys teams. His coaching career began in Texline in 1987 and has covered six other schools, including Glen Rose, Houston Westfield and Spring in Texas. Beckner played on a state championship team for Clayton, New Mexico, High School in 1980 and on a top-five Amarillo College team in 1983. The Lubbock Christian University graduate has coached three New Mexico high schools for nine years. He has guided the Tornadoes to a 43-21 record in his two-year return to Texline. Last year the Tornadoes went 23-10 and finished second in District 3-1A with a 6-2 record. After whipping Hart 105-47 in bidistrict, they lost to McLean 45-41 in the area game. “A lot of fun,” Beckner said, “but we fell short of our goals.” Tristen Womble, the district MVP and first-team all-state, and Alonzo Montes, all-district, are the key losses from last year’s team. Four starters return, led by 5-9 senior guard Sean Grimes, who averaged 16 points last season. Grimes was an all-district selection. Cash Poole, a 5-10 junior forward, also was all-district. Adolfo Espino, a 5-10 senior guard, was the district newcomer of the

Sean Grimes

Cash Poole

Adolfo Espino

Colton Luther

William Luther

Noel Lozano

year. And Colton Luther, a 5-8 sophomore guard, was all-district honorable mention. Beckner nominates Grimes, Espino and William Luther, a 6-1 freshman guard, as all-state candidates. William Luther is the younger brother of Colton Luther, a player to watch. Another freshman, 6-2 forward Noel Lozano, is another player to watch, according to Beckner. He said depth and competitive spirit are the Tornadoes’ strengths. He’s worried about the youth on his team and the toughness of District 3-1A. The addition of Nazareth – the boys state runner-up and the girls state champion in Class 1A last spring – presents a formidable challenge for Texline’s boys and girls teams. (Continued on page 357)

Name Sean Grimes Adolfo Espino Cash Poole Samuel Montes Colton Luther Kayden Savage William Luther Noel Lozano Marcos Mancada Charles Deason

Adolfo Espino goes airborne chasing the ball in Texline’s area playoff game against McLean at River Road in February as McLean’s Jordan Parsons follows. (Photo by Mike Haynes) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Texline Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-9 G Sr. 5-10 G Sr. 5-10 F Jr. 6-0 F Soph. 5-8 G Soph. 6-4 F Sr. 6-1 G Fr. 6-2 F Fr. 6-2 F Fr. 5-8 G Jr.

Coach: Coby Beckner Asst. Coaches: Ross Perschbacher, Chance Helmann 2017-2018 record: 23-10, 6-2 School phone: 362-4287 Players to watch: Sean Grimes, Adolfo Espino, Colton Luther, William Luther, Noel Lozano 1A

355

356

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from page 355)

Beckner lists several keys for success this season: respond to adversity the right way, establish team chemistry, remain hungry and humble and treat every day with a game-day mindset. The Tornadoes will open the season at home Nov. 9 against Felt, Oklahoma. They’ll play in their own tournament as well as the White Deer and Lubbock Caprock events. GIRLS The Lady Tornadoes have a new girls basketball coach, and Texline has a new principal. They’re both familiar faces around school. Ross Perschbacher, Texline’s girls coach the past two years, was named the school’s principal. So Danna Garcia, the Lady Tornadoes’ assistant coach under Perschbacher the past two seasons, stepped in as head coach. Garcia was on the 1994 Clayton High School team that won the New Mexico championship and the Yellowjackets 1995 team that was the state runner-up. Coincidentally, that’s the same high school Texline boys Coach Coby Beckner attended. Garcia graduated from the University of Maryland University College, This will be Garcia’s first head coaching assignment. Perschbacher’s teams finished 20-26 in his two years. They were fourth in District 3-1A both years with identical 4-4 records. Last year the Lady Tornadoes (10-12 overall) qualified for the playoffs again but lost to Silverton (37-24) for the second straight season in bidistrict. Gone from that team are all-district players Melanie Fury and Evelyn Guerrero. Garcia, however, has one all-district player returning in 5-7 junior forward Kenzie Dennis. Dennis is the only upperclassman on this year’s team — the rest are sophomores or freshmen. “We are a young team eager to get experience and ready to improve our game,” Garcia said. “Bringing back one returning starter, junior Kenzie Dennis, accompanied by three sophomores that had some playing time last year — Chloe Smith (5-6 guard), Lucy Hartwell (5-5 guard) and Tori Ballew (5-7 post/guard). Incoming freshmen that are eager to get started.” The Lady Tornadoes will open their season Nov. 2 at home against Class 4A Borger. They’ll play in their own tournament plus the White Deer and Lubbock Caprock events. District 3-1A will have some added punch this season with the presence of Nazareth, the defending Class 1A state champion. Naz was in 4-1A last year.

Texline Coach Coby Beckner, lower left, instructs the Tornadoes in their area playoff game against McLean at River Road in February. Beckner led Texline to a 23-10 record last year, bringing his career mark to 310195. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

DATE Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 13 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 20 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5

Texline Schedule

Opponent Borger Felt Spearman Sunray San Jacinto Boise City McLean Texline Tournament Boys Ranch White Deer Tournament Channing Happy Wildorado Adrian Caprock Tournament Nazareth Hartley Happy Amarillo Flames Channing Wilderado Adrian Hartley Nazareth Felt

Name Kenzie Dennis Chloe Smith Lucy Hartwell Tori Ballew Jaiden Roop Marisol Espino Samantha Ybarra Abby Dominguez

Place B G Here X Here X X There X There X There X X Here X X TBA X X Here X X There X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Lubbock X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X

Texline Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-7 P Jr. 5-6 G Soph. 5-5 G Soph. 5-7 P/G Soph. 5-5 G Soph. 5-6 P Fr. 5-8 P Fr. 5-4 G Fr.

Coach: Danna Garcia Asst. Coach: Alicia Smith 2017-2018 record: 10-12, 4-4 School phone: 362-4667

Go, Tornadoes and Lady Tornadoes

Samuel Montes

Kayden Savage 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Marcos Mancada

1A

357

Anton

District 4-1A New coach to direct Bulldogs

The Bulldogs have a new coach, Jason Josselet. Josselet is a graduate of Munday High School and Texas Tech University. He has coached at Rule, Knox City (girls), Tahoka and Roby. This will be his ninth season as a head basketball coach. He succeeds Maurice Harvey, who coached the Bulldogs for six seasons. Harvey guided Anton to a second-place finish in District 5-1A last season and into the playoffs after just missing the previous year. The Bulldogs defeated Ropes 58-47 in bidistrict but lost to Valley 83-59 in the area game. Gone from that team are standouts Jake Gossett, Caden Martinez and Carlos Rios. Senior Ryan Flores, a two-year starter, returns this season. Ryan and fellow senior guards Elijah Alafa and Tristan Hodges are players to watch, according to Josselet. Josselet rates speed and leadership as this team’s strengths. “Using our team speed and leadership ability will be critical to our success,” he said. He is concerned about a lack of height, Anton moves from District 5-1A to 4-1A this season. Only Cotton Center is a familiar district foe for the Bulldogs. Hart, Kress, Silverton and Valley are the other district opponents. The Bulldogs will open Nov. 16 at Wellman Union. Their home opener is Nov. 19 against Ralls. They’ll play in the Anton,

358

1A

Allie Lopez

Madison Fleming

Kaitlyn Clardy

Marisa Alvarado

Emerie Montiel

Floydada and Wellman Union tournaments. District play for the Anton boys begins Jan. 8. (Continued on page 360)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

359

(Continued from page 358)

GIRLS Brittany Huddleston’s first year as the Lady Bulldog coach wasn’t a winning one, but she’s optimistic heading into this season. Anton wound up 8-15 overall and in fifth place with a 4-7 district record, according to MaxPreps. “We grew a lot as a team and a program last year. Our record doesn’t show it, but we improved greatly,” Huddleston said. “We lost some close games we hopefully will be able to win this year. The main focus was to become a more fundamental team and shoot the ball better.” Starting post Selena Hernandez was the major loss from last year’s team. Huddleston has three starters and two other letter winners returning this season. Allie Lopez, a 4-11 senior guard, was second-team all-district last year. Lopez has been putting in the work to become a better ball handler, according to her coach, and Huddleston expects her to have a great senior year. Kaitlyn Clardy, a 5-6 senior guard, is a second player to watch, Huddleston said. “She is a good defender, quick, and is working hard to improve her game on the offensive end,” the coach said. Lopez and Clardy started last season, as did 5-6 sophomore guard Marisa Alvarado. The other two returning letter winners are 5-6 senior guard Madison Fleming and 5-4 junior guard Emerie Montiel. “We have great team chemistry this year which is going to allow us to hopefully beat some teams that we shouldn’t,” Huddleston said. “We have focused hard on becoming better fundamentally and better shooters since the start of last year. I’m really hoping we see a lot more of our shots go through the net this year.” She is concerned about the lack of height. “We will have to push the ball and score quick,” she said. As for the keys for success this season, Huddleston said, “It’s imperative that we score the ball more and turn the ball over less. If we can do those things better and play great team defense, I feel like we will have a lot more success.” Huddleston was district newcomer of the year, all-district, district MVP and all-state at Slaton High School. She played two seasons at New Mexico Junior College, where she led the nation in free-throw shooting percentage in 2001-02. She finished her collegiate career at Lubbock Christian University. The Lady Bulldogs’opener is Nov. 3 at home against Crosbyton. They’ll participate in their own tournament, plus the Wellman Union event. District 4-1A play for the girls begins Jan. 4.

Ryan Flores

Elijah Alafa

Tristan Hodges

Anton Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Ryan Flores 5-9 G Sr. Elijah Alafa 5-7 G Sr. Tristan Hodges 5-10 G Sr. Coach: Jason Josselet Asst. Coach: Reed Myers School phone: 997-5211 Players to watch: Ryan Flores, Elijah Alafa, Tristan Hodges Anton Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Madison Fleming 5-6 G Sr. Kaitlyn Clardy 5-6 G Sr. Allie Lopez 4-11 G Sr. Emerie Montiel 5-4 G Jr. Marisa Alvarado 5-6 G Soph. Coach: Brittany Huddleston Asst. Coach: Gabriel Rios School phone: 997-5211 Players to watch: Kaitlyn Clardy, Allie Lopez

GOOD LUCK!

Lady Dogs

360

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

DATE Nov. 3 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan .15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 5 Feb. 8

Anton Super Boosters Go Bulldogs!—Jesse & Olga Perez Kodi, we love you and know you are going to do your best, Love, Tio Peter, kobe, and Paisley Always remember Philippians 4:13

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Anton Schedule

Opponent Crosbyton Tahoka Lockney Wellman Union Ralls Amherst Petersburg Anton Tournament Springlake-Earth Floydada Tournament Hale Center Olton Sudan Whitharral Wellman Union Tournament Cotton Center Ropes Valley Silverton Kress Hart Cotton Center Valley Silverton Hart Cotton Center

Place B G Here X There X Here X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X There X Here X X Here X X Here X X There X X There X There X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X

Good Luck Kodi and have fun!—Love, Mom, Dad, Storm, John, Emma, Riley, Chanci, and Autumn Red Barn Taco Shack, 105 Lawrence St. Suite A Good Luck Bulldogs! Good Luck Bulldogs and Lady Dogs!—Judy Davis Family Good Luck Bulldogs & Lady Dogs!—Mandy, Shaylyn Bridget, Damien, Brackn,Thomas, & Mariah Miller King of King Lawn Care, Anton, TX

1A

361

District 5-1A Lady Wolverines hope to bounce back

Springlake-Earth

The Lady Wolverines struggled last season. Hit hard by injuries, they finished 6-20 overall and 4-6 in District 4-1A. They wound up fourth and missed the playoffs because they lost their last district game to Lazbuddie 41-34. “We had a tough preseason – 15 games with starters out for injuries. It was a learning year focusing mainly on fundamentals that were greatly lacking,” Coach Jeri Been Goodman said. “We had 10 total girls; six of those were seniors. When it counted, they came together and made a run for the playoffs. It came down to our last game with Lazbuddie to see which one of us earned that third spot, and we came up short after leading most of the game. I don’t think anyone thought we would come that close.” All-district defensive player of the year Hailee Toscano and all-district honorable mentions Osmara Reyes and Tatum Hood have moved on from that team. “These girls will be greatly missed,” Goodman said. “They were team leaders and our outside shooting threats. Someone will have to step up big time to replace Hailee, who was my point guard and defensive stopper.” However, the Lady Wolverines have a couple of things in their favor for this season. First, because of UIL realignment, they no longer are in the

362

1A

Angel Darden

Bryttn Nutt

Lyndsi Mendoza

same district as Class 1A state champion Nazareth. SpringlakeEarth moves from District 4-1A to 5-1A. Lazbuddie is the only holdover district opponent for the Lady Wolverines. Second, three players who earned honors as starters last season are back. Angel Darden, a 5-10 senior post, averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds in earning all-district honors. Sharing that distinction was 5-8 senior forward Bryttn Nutt (3 ppg, 2 rpg). Goodman considers Darden and Nutt as all-state candidates. The third returning starter is 5-6 junior forward Lyndsi Mendoza (3.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg). Mendoza was an all-district honorable mention last year and is a player to watch this year. The trio of returnees represents the team’s nucleus. (Continued on next page)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

“If these three leaders continue to work hard and improve, we will be OK,” Goodman said. But those three are the only Lady Wolverines with varsity experience. Six incoming freshmen and a sophomore who just moved back to town round out the roster. She listed several keys for success this season. “Team unity and everyone learning their role. I have some great leaders that work hard; let’s hope their work ethic is catching,” Goodman said. “We are still behind fundamentally but improving daily. And, of course, at a small school with small numbers, staying healthy.” Last season marked Goodman’s return as the girls basketball coach at her alma mater. She coached the Lady Wolverines for nine years and guided S-E to the Class 1A Division 2 state finals in 2006. She continued to teach at the school but didn’t resume coaching until last year. The Texas Tech grad previously coached at Bovina and Hale Center. Overall, her girls teams have won 226 games and lost 172. The Lady Wolverines open their schedule at home Nov. 3 at Lockney. They’ll play in the Anton, Whitharral and Littlefield tournaments. They’ll begin district play on Jan. 4 at home against Whitharral. BOYS The Wolverines were young last year and had a down-and-up season. Although they were 11-13 overall, the Wolverines grabbed second place in their district with an 8-2 record. They lost their bidistrict game to Hartley 73-66.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Diego Sanchez

Jalen Solis

Rolando Arenas

“We had a good year, but it was a learning year for us,” Coach Daniel Gutierrez said. “We had a JV team that helped us develop players. We gained valuable experience last year that will help us this year.” First-team all-district Isaiah Solis, all-district honorable mentions Caleb Crum and Cesar Amador and Daniel Lopez have departed from that team. However, Gutierrez has three honored players returning. All three started last year. Diego Sanchez, a 6-0 junior shooting guard, averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, earning first-team all-district distinction. Jalen Solis, a 5-8 sophomore point guard (15 ppg, 8 rpg, 5 apg) was the district newcomer of the year. He’s the younger brother of the departed Isaiah Solis. Rolando Arenas, a 6-0 senior forward (6 ppg, 10 rpg), was all-district honorable mention. Six other letter winners dot the S-E roster. But it’s a young team with only three seniors listed. Gutierrez says team chemistry is his squad’s strength. But (Continued on next page)

1A

363

(Continued from previous page)

he’s concerned about the Wolverines’ defense. “Our defense needs to be better this year,” he said. “We spent much of last year on offense and didn’t stress defense that much. This year we know we can score; we just need to hold other teams in check.” He outlined several keys for success this season. “We need to make sure all our kids are getting playing time,” he said. “Communication will be huge because we have several new players that are upperclassmen but also a lot of freshmen that can help us out. Staying healthy will also be important. Last season toward the end, we had some kids that were not 100 percent and still playing.” Gutierrez graduated from Lubbock Coronado High School and Lubbock Christian University. He’s beginning his second season at Springlake-Earth with an 11-13 boys coaching record. He also coaches football, boys cross country, baseball and track for the Wolverines. He previously coached in Rock Springs and Uvalde Consolidated ISDs. The Wolverines will open Nov. 13 at Happy. The home opener is Nov. 16 vs. Lockney. They’ll play in the Anton, Whitharral and Littlefield tournaments, same as the girls. District 5-1A play begins Jan. 11 at Lazbuddie.

Brandon Casares

Darion Toscano

1A

Jerimiah Catlin

Springlake-Earth Schedule DATE Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

364

Garrett Johnson

Robert Mendoza

Opponent Petersburg Smyer Happy Lockney Cotton Center Christ the King Anton Tournament Anton Whitharral Tournament Lubbock Titans Plains New Home Littlefield Tournament Whitharral Morton Lazbuddie Whiteface Amherst Whitharral Morton Lazbuddie Whiteface Amherst Whitharral Morton

Place B G Here X There X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There X X TBA X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X Here X There X X Here X X There X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X Here X

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Name Jalen Solis Diego Sanchez Rolando Arenas Brandon Casares Robert Mendoza Kobe Gonzales Darion Toscano Garrett Johnson Derrick Gover Jose Alvarez Jerimiah Catlin

Springlake-Earth Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-8 G Soph. 6-0 G Jr. 6-0 F Sr. 6-0 F Sr. 5-10 F Jr. 6-0 P Jr. 6-0 P Soph. 5-11 G Jr. 6-2 P Sr. 5-8 G Soph. 5-8 G Soph.

Coach: Daniel Gutierrez Asst. Coach: C.J. Castillo 2017-2018 record: 11-13, 8-2 School phone: 257-3310 Players to watch: Jalen Solis, Diego Sanchez

Springlake-Earth Super Boosters Mark & Gwen Parish Go Wolverines and Lady Wolverines!-The Mahler’s Go Wolverines!—Del & Rosie Davis Go Green!—Marvin & Barta Been

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Springlake-Earth Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Angel Darden 5-10 P Sr. Bryttn Nutt 5-8 F Sr. Lyndsi Mendoza 5-6 F Jr. Adriana Monzanalez 5-4 G Soph. Sayler Beerwinkle 5-7 F Fr. Mahalia Delgodo 5-6 F Fr. Micaela Fuentes 5-6 F Fr. Eli Juarez 5-4 G Fr. Katy Jones 5-6 F Fr. Jacksiry Figueroa 5-5 F Fr. Coach: Jeri Been Goodman Asst. Coach: Sarah Weldon 2017-2018 record: 6-20, 4-6 School phone: 257-3819 Players to watch: Angel Darden, Bryttn Nutt, Lyndsi Mendoza

Have a good junior Year Lyndsi!—Love, Grandma & Grandpa Have a Great Season Lyndsi!—The Ray Castillo Family Go Lyndsi! We Love You!—Iglesia Del PuebloEarth Craig & Michelle Jones Rootin for the Lady Wolverines! Go #23!—Matt, Tori, Katie, Cooper Go Lady Wolverines!—Donnie & Mary Clayton

1A

365

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers! Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers!

District 6-1A Chiefs, back in 1A, seek winning season

Crosbyton

The Chiefs want to get back to the winning side of the ledger, and this year’s scenario may work in their favor. After a couple of years in Class 2A, Crosbyton returns to 1A this season. And although only one starter returns from last year’s team, he appears to be a gem. That would be Maurice Carr, a 5-10 senior/forward who averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists last year. Carr was all-district last season; Coach Todd Bass sees him as an all-state candidate this year. The Chiefs went 9-15 overall and 2-8 in District 4-2A, good for fifth place, last season. They missed the playoffs for the second straight year but only the third time in the past 12 seasons. “We competed very well in a very difficult district (4-2A),” Bass said. “Just couldn’t knock off the very strong teams from Abernathy, Floydada, New Deal and Post.” All-district Tim Childers, all-district honorable mention Bryce Garcia, Ashton Morales, Landon Marshall, Izaiah Garses and Koby Houston all have departed. Bass has four returning letter winners, highlighted by Carr. He tabbed 5-9 junior guard Landon Clark (5 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg) and 5-8 senior guard Chrystian Coppage (4 ppg, 2 apg) as other outstanding players to watch. Manny Vega, a 5-10 senior guard/ forward (5 ppg, 2 rpg) also lettered last year. 366 1A

Maurice Carr

Landon Clark

Chrystian Coppage

“After playing in an extremely difficult district the past two years,” Bass said, “hopefully it will pay off with our younger players having gained invaluable experience against a very high level of competition.” He said his main concerns are finding consistent scoring and having the defensive mentality required to be successful. So, naturally, defensive consistency and developing scoring depth are his keys for success this season. Bass, a graduate of Sanford-Fritch High School and West Texas State University, is beginning his 15th season at Crosbyton. He previously coached at Olton, Stratford and Vega. His overall boys coaching record is 317 wins, 298 losses. (Continued on next page) 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from previous page)

The Chiefs will open their season Nov. 16 at home against Amherst. They’ll play in the Guthrie and Jayton tournaments. District 6-1A play will begin Jan. 4. Crosbyton’s new district opponents are Lorenzo, New Home, Petersburg, Southland and Wilson. GIRLS The drop back to Class 1A may help the prospects of the Chiefettes, who struggled through a 3-21 season last year under first-year Coach Mario Luna. Crosbyton finished sixth in District 4-2A with a 1-9 loop mark. Only one senior, Madison Montemayor, was listed on last year’s roster, so the Chiefettes have a lot of experience back, including 5-7 senior guard Emily Reyna, who averaged 5 points last season and was a first-team all-district selection. Thalia Guerrero, a 5-6 sophomore guard (8 ppg), was alldistrict honorable mention last season. Madison Fanelli, a 5-6 senior guard, and Bianca Garcia, a 5-4 junior guard (6 ppg) are other players to watch, according to Luna. Garcia, Guerrero, 5-6 senior guard Audrey Marquez (6 ppg) and 5-6 junior guard Marissa Marquez (3 ppg) started some games last year. In all, 10 letter winners, including seven seniors, are on the Chiefettes’ roster. Speed, toughness and strong leadership are his team’s strengths, according to Luna. He is concerned about height. “Playing consistent throughout the season and contributions from the bench” will be the keys to success this season, he said.

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Emily Reyna

Madison Fanelli

Bianca Garcia

Audrey Marquez

Marissa Marquez

Brittney Childers

Luna was a track standout at Tahoka High School, winning the district 400-meter and 4x400-meter relay. He was a regional qualifier three years in track and lettered four years in football. The Texas Tech grad coached at Lubbock’s Mackenzie Middle School for six years. Last season was his first as a high school head coach. The Chiefettes will open the season Nov. 3 at Anton. The home opener will be Nov. 10 against Silverton. They’ll play in the Guthrie and Borden County tournaments. District 6-1A play begins Jan. 4.

1A

367

Manny Vega

Andrew Salas

Evan Guerrero

Juan Saavedra

Eddie Dunn

Crosbyton Super Boosters Always do your best Chiefs and Chiefettes, Braves and Bravettes!—Todd & Mary Bass, & Mimi Chieftains and Chiefettes! Together forever!— Stacy & Shawn Mason Go Get’em Chiefs and Chiefettes!—Bill & Sherrie West

Name Chrystian Coppage Manny Vega Evan Guerrero Juan Saavedra Maurice Carr Landon Clark

Crosbyton Boys Ht. Pos. Class 5-8 G Sr. 5-10 G/F Sr. 6-1 F Sr. 5-9 G Sr. 6-3 G/F Jr. 5-9 G Jr.

Coach: Todd Bass Asst. Coach: Tracy Huseman 2017-2018 record: 9-15, 2-8 School phone: 675-7331 Players to watch: Maurice Carr, Landon Clark, Chrystian Coppage

368

1A

Good Luck Chiefs and Chiefettes!—Jeff, Leah, & Bradley Barker Go Chiefs and Chiefettes!—Marcos Munoz We’re Supporting the Chiefs and Chiefettes, Braves and Bravettes!—Ruben & Elva Munoz Run Faster, Jump higher!—Megan & Roderick Garcia & Family Go get’em Braves and Bravettes, Chiefs and Chiefettes!—Ashley & Aaron Cantu We support the Chiefs and Chiefettes, Braves and Bravettes!—Margot & Gary Hardin Cheering you on Chiefettes and Chieftains!— Kittie & Gary Hammersley Time to shine Chiefs and Chiefettes, Braves and Bravettes!—Les & Ruth Reed Chasing Greatness!—Chad, Kathy, Allyson, & Kayd Young Rooting you on Chiefs and Chiefettes!—Steve, Kay, & Stephanie Alley Behind you, rooting for you Chiefs and Chiefettes, Braves, and Bravettes!—Bob Hardin Rooting you on Chiefs and Chiefettes, Braves and Bravettes!—Grace & Richard Munoz Family Get after’em Chiefs and Chiefettes!—Robby & L’Rae Karr Behind you all the way!—Clifford Trull Go Braves and Bravettes, Chiefs and Chiefettes!—John, Becky & Leila Palacios

Emily Reyna

Maurice Carr

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Crosbyton Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Brittney Childers 5-10 P Sr. Madison Fanelli 5-6 G Sr. Courtney Fira 5-7 P Sr. Bianca Garcia 5-4 G Jr. Thalia Guerrero 5-6 G Soph. Courtney Guzman 5-7 G Sr. Audrey Marquez 5-6 G Sr. Marissa Marquez 5-6 G Jr. Emily Reyna 5-7 G Sr. Marisa Rodriguez 5-7 P Sr. Coach: Mario Luna Asst. Coaches: Jori McClellan, Marcos Munoz 2017-2018 record: 3-21, 1-9 School phone: 675-7331 Players to watch: Madison Fanelli, Bianca Garcia, Thalia Guerrero Crosbyton Schedule DATE Nov. 3 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 19 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 13-15 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Jan. 1 Jan. 4 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12

Opponent Anton Motley County Silverton Lockney Amherst Jayton Smyer Guthrie Tournament Guthrie Borden County Tournament TBA Tahoka Jayton Tournament Floydada Hale Center Hamlin Post New Home Spur Southland Wilson Petersburg Lorenzo New Home Southland Wilson Petersburg Lorenzo New Home Southland

Place B G There X There X Here X There X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X TBA X There X X There X There X Here X X There X X Here X X Here X TBA X There X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X There X

Courtney Fira

Marissa Rodriguez

Courntney Guzman

ley, Marley, & Lincoln Luna Have a great year!—Lance & Jane Morris Looking forward to a great year!—Phil & Bessie Morris Work for it…Earn it…Deserve it!—Brittany, Colby, Britlynn, and Blakely Huseman Good Luck Chiefs and Chiefettes!—Tracy Huseman Good Luck Chiefs and Chiefettes!—Mary Jo & Bryan Huseman Dream, Dare, Do! Expect the very best…Expect Greatness!—Jori McClellan Give it your all and never give up!—James, Anabell, Kevon, Keana, & Keson Go get’em Chiefs and Chiefettes!—Larry Murillo Go Get’em Chiefs and Chiefettes!—Jesse, Tammy, Kaleb, and Kyla Salinas It’s a Great Year to be a Chieftain!—Hector Dominguez

Good Luck Chiefs and Chiefettes!—Don Ferree Good Luck Chiefs and Chiefettes!—Dusty, Heather, Chase, SyAnn, Keeley, Ty, Kynzee, & Kaden Chiefettes, Living Above the Line!—Mario, Ash-

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

369

370

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Be sure to support PPB magazine advertisers!

District 7-1A PPB magazine advertisers! Lady Eagles ready to soar again

RopesBe sure to support

What a season forBe thesure Lady to Eagles. Almost perfecto! support Ropes didn’t lose a game until the regional semifinals, bowPPB magazine advertisers! ing to Nazareth 40-31. Naz went on to win the state Class 1A championship. Coach Mike McCann’s Lady Eagles won all three tournaments, including the Lubbock Caprock title by beating Jacksboro. They rolled through District 6-1A’s 10 games without a blemish. Then in the playoffs, they defeated Valley 44-29 in the area round and Whiteface 48-23 in the regional quarterfinals. The loss to Nazareth brought an end to a spectacular 33-1 season. “Last year was a fun year coaching a group who had great chemistry,” McCann said. “We fell short of finishing where we wanted and will work to try to accomplish that this season.” There were no seniors on last year’s team, so the Lady Eagles appear loaded. Nine letter winners, including three starters, are back. Six of those Lady Eagles earned honors last season. They are: • Megan Moore, a 5-8 junior guard, averaged 10.5 points and earned Six Man Association, TGCA and TABC all-state recognition; • Maggie Anderson, a 5-7 sophomore guard, poured in 16.5 points per game and also was Six Man Association, TGCA and TABC all-state; • Payton Medlock, a 5-8 senior post (9.6 ppg), was Six Man and TABC all-region; • Chloe Trull, a 5-8 junior guard (7.6 ppg, 4.3 assists per game), was TABC all-region; • Presleigh Rhoades, a 5-8 junior post, pulled down 5.4 rebounds per game and was all-district; 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Megan Moore

Maggie Anderson

Payton Medlock

Chloe Trull

Presleigh Rhoades

Daley Moore

• Daley Moore, a 5-10 junior post, was all-district honorable mention. McCann lists all six as outstanding players to watch. Medlock and Moore are cousins. “Our depth, chemistry and gaining valuable playoff experience from last year should all be strengths for this year,” McCann said. “This group has great chemistry and really plays selflessly.” Complacency may be a concern. “Making sure we stay hungry to improve and do not become (Continued on page 373)

1A

371

372

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

(Continued from page 371)

complacent with the success from last year,” he said. “We have to understand because of last year, this year will be more difficult in some ways. We have to start over earning everything.” McCann listed a couple of keys for success this season. “Like everyone staying healthy is very important,” he said, “and trying to improve our rebounding on both ends of the floor.” McCann, a graduate of Levelland High School and Texas Tech University, is beginning his 10th season at Ropes. Previously, he coached at Levelland as an assistant, Floydada, Olton and Lubbock Cooper. The 22-year coaching veteran has an overall girls win-loss record of 390-231 for a .628 winning percentage. Ropes moves from District 6-1A to 7-1A this season, so the Lady Eagles will have Loop, Meadow, O’Donnell, Welch Dawson and Wellman-Union as conference opponents. The Lady Eagles open Nov. 10 at Abernathy. The home opener in Ropesville is Nov. 13 against Idalou. They’ll play in the Whiteface, Ropes Classic and Lubbock Caprock tournaments. District play begins Jan. 4. BOYS The Eagles had quite a season, too. Ropes won the Whiteface Tournament and the Ropes Classic and took second in the district with a 7-3 record. The Eagles lost their bidistrict playoff game to Anton 58-47. That capped an 18-7 campaign. “We lost four seniors who played a lot of minutes and did the bulk of our scoring, and we will need to reload and find new leaders for next year,” Coach Lane Jackson said. “We had 13 players on varsity, so we will have some experience coming back.”

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Jackson Hisel

Evan Flores

Kolton Boyd

Pake Partington

Sutton Senter

Ryan Terry

Two of last year’s seniors — Drew Anderson and Kaiston Terry — were all-district selections. Jackson Hisel, the lone returning starter this year, also was all-district. Hisel, a 6-0 senior guard, averaged 6.2 points and 2.5 rebounds last season. Coach Jackson tabbed Hisel, 5-6 senior guard Evan Flores (2.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg), 6-1 senior forward Kolton Boyd and 6-1 junior forward Pake Partington (2.1, 2.2 rpg) as outstanding players to watch. (Continued on next page)

1A

373

(Continued from previous page)

“We have six returning players from last year’s team,” Jackson said. “We will have overall good size for Class A. We should have the type of team that should be hard to match up with by having tall guards. We have players who have played in the postseason on the tram.” His main concern centers on getting overall team scoring, not just points from one or two players. Jackson said his keys for success this season will be “new players will have to step up to provide leadership and consistency for us to improve each practice and game as we try to win a district championship.” Jackson is coaching at his high school alma mater. And his nephew, Blake Jackson, who also played at Ropes, is his assistant coach. Lane Jackson, a Texas Tech grad, is beginning his 23rd season at Ropes. He previously coached at Merkel and Savoy. The Eagles will open their season Nov. 20 at Sundown. They’ll play in the Whiteface, Ropes Classic and Lubbock Caprock tourneys. District 7-1A play for the boys begins Jan. 8. “I hope our tough preseason schedule will prepare us for the district and playoffs,” Lane Jackson said. “The big concern is can we jell as a team with the loss of our leaders from last year and step up and win district. I assume we will continue Ropes basketball tradition and get to the playoffs.”

Ropes Super Boosters Play hard Presleigh! We love you!—Mom & Dad Good Luck Louis and Libby!—Mom Best of Luck on a great season Ropes Lady Eagles and Eagles! #finishstrong! Go Brooklyn!—Bill & Lucretia Lowe Good Luck to the Ropes Lady Eagles and Eagles on a great season! Go Brooklyn!—Nana & The Hicksons Good Luck to the Eagles and Lady Eagles!— Jerry & Gayle Cosper We love our Eagles and Lady Eagles!—Rodney and Tina Terry Go Lady Eagles!—The Moore Family We support the Lady Eagles!—Danny, Denise, & Shelby Ochoa

374

1A

Pake Partington of Ropes lets loose a shot against Booker in the Randall Playoff Preview Feb. 17 in Amarillo. (Photo by Mike Haynes

We proudly support the Lady Eagles!—The Medlock Family Go Eagles and Lady Eagles!—The Marc Moore Family We wish the Eagles and Lady Eagles a great season!—KeeMoor Farms Go Lady Eagles! Finish Lady Eagles! This is your year! We believe in you!—Kim, Greg, Granny, Smith’s & Elmore’s Good Luck Lady Eagles and Eagles!—Mr. Carter Best of Luck Lady Eagles! Forever Proud of #32!—Dad, Nickie, Bekah, Kaden, Garrett, Jackson, Macie, Cash, & Jack Go Lady Eagles! #52—Love, GPops & Mimi Go Maggie, help the Eagles soar onto Victory! Go Lady Eagles! We love you Maggie #52—Nanny & Bob

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Sara Luning

Korie Lehnen

Calin Peden

Brooklyn Belyeu

Name Brooklyn Belyeu Sara Luning Presleigh Rhoades Megan Moore Chloe Trull Daley Moore Korie Lehnen Payton Medlock Maggie Anderson

Ropes Girls Ht. Pos. Class 5-6 G Soph. 5-9 P Sr. 5-8 P Jr. 5-8 G Jr. 5-8 G Jr. 5-10 P Jr. 5-6 G Soph. 5-8 P Sr. 5-7 G Soph.

Coach: Mike McCann Asst. Coach: Rustin Keith 2017-2018 record: 33-1, 10-0 School phone: 562-4031 Players to watch: Presleigh Rhoades, Megan Moore, Chloe Trull, Payton Medlock, Maggie Anderson

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Rhyan Sexton

Jaden Clabaugh

Name Jackson Hisel Evan Flores Kolton Boyd Sutton Senter Pake Partington Ryan Terry Calin Peden Jaden Clabaugh Rhyan Sexton

Ropes Boys Ht. Pos. Class 6-0 G Sr. 5-6 G Sr. 6-1 F Sr. 6-0 G Sr. 6-1 F Jr. 6-0 F Jr. 6-0 G Jr. 5-10 G Jr. 6-0 F Jr.

Coach: Lane Jackson Asst. Coach: Blake Jackson 2017-2018 record: 18-7, 7-3 School phone: 562-4031 Players to watch: Jackson Hisel, Evan Flores, Kolton Boyd, Pake Partington, Ryan Terry, Sutton Senter

1A

375

Ropes Eagle Jackson Hisel moves down the court with Valentine Ramirez and Abraham Banuelos of Booker in the Randall Playoff Preview Feb. 17 in Amarillo. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

376

1A

DATE Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 14-15 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 27-29 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8

Ropes Schedule

Opponent Abernathy Idalou Plains Sundown Lubbock Roosevelt Whiteface Tournament New Home New Deal Smyer Ropes Classic Klondike Lorenzo Caprock Tournament Patton Springs Anton Meadow Loop O’Donnell Wellman Dawson Meadow Loop O’Donnell Wellman Dawson

Place B G There X Here X Here X There X X Acuff X X There X X Here X X Here X X Here X X Here X X There X X There X X Lubbock X X Here X Here X There X X Here X X There X X Here X X There TBA Here X X There X X Here X X There X X Here X

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

377

Coach Lane Jackson of Ropes urges his Eagles on during a game against Booker Feb. 17 in the Randall Playoff Preview in Amarillo. (Photo by Mike Haynes)

378

1A

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

We love our Lady Eagles! Go Maggie #52!— Mom, Dad, & Drew Go Pake! We Love You! Go Lady Eagles! I’m cheering you on!—Jacque Reep Good Luck Lady Eagles! We love y’all!—The Keep’s Work hard in silence! Let success be your noise! Go Eagles!—Will, Jamie, Brenn, & Clayte Edwards We support Lady Eagle basketball! Have a great season Presleigh and Sara!—Grease Monkey of Lubbock

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

1A

379

PRIVATE SCHOOLS AT A GLANCE PRESEASON PICKS District 1-4A TAPPS Boys 1. Trinity Christian 2. Lubbock Christian 3. Midland Trinity

P

District 1-4A TAPPS Girls 1. Trinity Christian 2. Lubbock Christian 3. Midland Trinity

HONOR ROLL Private School Boys Sam Davis, Trinity Christian, 6-6, Sr.; Tru Buchanan, Trinity Christian, 6-5, Jr.; Bryce Hiner, Trinity Christian, 5-11, Jr.; Daniel Wheeler, Trinity Christian, 6-3, Sr.; Drew Ashworth, Trinity Christian, 5-11, Soph.; Parker Sutton, Trinity Christian, 6-3, Fr.

Private School Girls Lauren Catherman, Trinity Christian, 5-8, Jr.; Abigail Boehning, Trinity Christian, 5-9, Sr.; Brooke Rinehart, Trinity Christian, 5-7, Sr.; Adlee Blacklock, Trinity Christian, 5-9, Fr.

TAPPS District 1-4A Some ups and downs for Lions’ coach

Trinity Christian

Brandon Gilbert’s first season as the Runnin’ Lions coach was a bit of an adventure. Short on experienced players, Trinity Christian got off to a slow start but finished fast at the end. The result was a 19-23 overall season but a district championship with a 5-1 record. The Lions placed third in the Decatur Tournament, defeating Bowie 55-53 in the process. Bowie later won the Class 3A state title. In the playoffs, TC beat Fort Worth Lake Country Christian 79-62 before losing to Arlington Grace Prep 73-45. “Last year was a transition after losing eight seniors the year before,” Gilbert said. “We introduced a ton of new one-and-done seniors on the varsity and had a tough go in the first half of the season. We found our rhythm in district and won district.” So those seniors, including Travis Parker (first-team all-district and second-team all-state), Ben Miller (first-team all-district, district defensive player of the year and honorable mention all-state), Conner West (first-team all-district), Evan Burrow (second-team 380 Private Schools

all-district) and Brae Barnes (second-team all-district), are gone. This season Gilbert has three starters returning. Ethan Duncan, a 5-11 sophomore guard, averaged 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists and earned first-team all-district, district newcomer of the year and first-team all-state honors. Ethan Duncan is the son of Lubbock Christian University men’s Coach Todd Duncan. (Small World Department: Todd Duncan used to coach at Trinity Christian and Gilbert, an LCU grad, played on his TC 1999 state championship team. Gilbert was a second-team alldistrict selection that year.) The other two returning starters are Tru Buchanan and Sam Davis. Buchanan, a 6-5 junior guard/forward (8 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg), was first-team all-district and honorable mention all-state. Davis, a 6-6 senior forward (5 ppg, 8 rpg, 2 apg), was secondteam all-district. (Continued on page 382)

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Private Schools

381

Ethan Duncan

Tru Buchanan

Sam Davis

(Continued from page 380)

Ethan Duncan, Buchanan and Davis represent 28 points a game based on last year’s scoring statistics. Gilbert nominates that trio plus 5-11 junior guard Bryce Hiner and 6-3 freshman guard/forward Parker Sutton as all-state candidates. Two other Lions — 6-3 senior forward Daniel Wheeler and 5-11 sophomore guard Drew Ashworth — are additional players to watch, according to their coach. “This year’s team looks a lot like the 2016-17 state team — younger but they want to play up and down,” said Gilbert, who was an assistant coach on that TAPPS Class 4A state championship team. “They are a group of guys that trust each other and love playing with each other. We are a group that moves the ball well and wants to make our mark on defense.” He is concerned about the youth of the team. Gilbert outlined several keys for success this season. Lauren Catherman

Abigail Boehning

Brooke Rinehart

Caroline Bradley

Trinity Christian Girls Name Ht. Pos. Class Lauren Catherman 5-8 G Jr. Abigail Boehning 5-9 P Sr. Brooke Rinehart 5-7 G Sr. Payton Dove 5-7 P Jr. Jasmine Wadsworth 5-6 G Jr. Rainey Payne 5-5 G Jr. Caroline Bradley 5-4 G Sr. Adlee Blacklock 5-9 G Fr. Harleigh Brewer 5-9 P Jr. Hagan Bennett 5-5 G Fr. Adison Boehning 5-7 P Fr. Coach: Nick Catherman Asst. Coach: Joy Berkhouse 2017-2018 record: 15-21, 4-1 School phone: 791-6583 Players to watch: Lauren Catherman, Abigail Boehning, Brooke Rinehart, Adlee Blacklock 382

Private Schools

Bryce Hiner

Daniel Wheeler

Colby Curry

“Defensive complexity and the ability to spread the ball around this year,” he said. “We are going to get up and down and need to make stops and rebound well. If we are to be successful, we will need to sprint the floor and play unselfishly.” The Runnin’ Lions will open the season at home Nov. 2 against the Lubbock Titans. They’ll play in the SACS/Antonian, Brady, Decatur, Lubbock Caprock and Deer Creek tournaments. GIRLS The Lady Lions also were in the rebuilding process last season. They wound up 15-21 overall and finished second in the district at 4-1. TC lost its playoff game to Fort Worth Lake County Christian 60-54. “A rebuilding season with a lot of young new players working hard to learn a new system,” Coach Nick Catherman said. Catherman took over from Amanda Bullen before the 2017-18 season began. Bullen served as Catherman’s assistant last year. She now is coaching track. So this will be Catherman’s second season as the Lady Lions’ mentor, but he has served TC in many coaching capacities, including boys and girls basketball assistant and football coach. He was all-state in football and basketball at First Baptist Academy in Dallas. Then he played on an Eastfield Junior College basketball team that went to the NJCAA Final Four in 1990. He later graduated from Wayland Baptist University. He has nine years of head basketball coaching experience, having served at Lubbock’s Christ the King High School from 2003 to 2010. His boys coaching record is 65-32; his girls mark is 41-20. Graduation cost Catherman the services of Abby Miller and Claire Beck, both first-team all-district selections, from last year’s team. (Continued on next page)

Trinity Christian Boys Name Ht. Pos. Class Ethan Duncan 5-11 G Soph. Sam Davis 6-6 F Sr. Tru Buchanan 6-5 F/G Jr. Bryce Hiner 5-11 G Jr. Caleb McDonald 5-10 G Jr. Drew Ashworth 5-11 G Soph. Daniel Wheeler 6-3 F Sr. Colby Curry 6-2 F Sr. Will Fargason 6-1 F Jr. Parker Sutton 6-3 G/F Fr. Coach: Brandon Gilbert Asst. Coaches: Kent Carroll, Stan Newman, Aaron Gaskins 2017-2018 record: 19-23, 5-1 School phone: 791-6583 Players to watch: Sam Davis, Tru Buchanan, Bryce Hiner, Daniel Wheeler, Drew Ashworth, Parker Sutton 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Trinity Christian Schedule

(Continued from previous page)

But he has four starters, including one close to home, coming back this season. His daughter, Lauren Catherman, a 5-8 junior guard, averaged 21.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists. She was the district MVP, first-team all-state, TABC first-team all-state and the TABC free throw champion. Lauren Catherman and 5-9 freshman guard Adlee Blacklock are all-state candidates, according to their coach. The other returning starters are Abigail Boehning, Brooke Rinehart and Payton Dove. Boehning, a 5-9 senior post (6.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg), was first-team all-district. So was Rinehart, a 5-7 senior guard (5.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg). Dove, a 5-7 junior post (2.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg), was secondteam all-district. Coach Catherman described his team’s strengths as as “very athletic, high basketball IQ, good team speed and great team chemistry.” His main concern is that his team is very young in key positions. What are his keys for success this season? “If we are able to maintain our high level of pressure on defense and continue to grow with confidence in shooting from 3-point range, I feel that we will be able to play at any level,” Catherman said. The Lady Lions will open their season Nov. 13 at Plainview. They’ll play in the Brady, Fort Worth Hills, Lubbock Caprock and Edmond, Okla., tournaments.

Parting Shot Cooper is AD of Year By DANNY ANDREWS Magazine Co-Founder Rick Cooper of Wayland Baptist University, former men’s basketball coach at West Texas A&M and Wayland, was selected as the 2017-18 Sooner Athletic Conference Athletics Director of the Year. “I am both honored and humbled,” Cooper said of receiving the award selected by his Rick Cooper peers within the conference. “First and foremost, this award is more a reflection on the tremendous coaches, student-athletes, administration and staff I’m privileged to work with here at Wayland. I’m honored to be a part of the success of our athletics programs and of our student-athletes.” Cooper has served as athletics director at his alma mater since 2014. Since then, WBU athletics has enjoyed unparalleled success, twice finishing fourth and twice an all-time best third in the NAIA Learfield Directors’ Cup, including this past season when the Pioneers won NAIA national titles in men’s soccer as well as men’s and women’s indoor track and field. Wayland also placed second in women’s cross country and eighth in men’s golf and advanced to the national semifinals in women’s basketball and to the national quarterfinals in men’s basketball. “WBU’s competitive success is a direct reflection of Rick’s leadership,” said Sooner Athletic Conference Commissioner Stan Wagnon. 2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

DATE Nov. 9 Nov. 10 Nov. 13 Nov. 13 Nov. 15-17 Nov. 15-17 Nov. 19 Nov. 27 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 6-8 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 17 Dec. 27 Dec. 27-30 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 19 Jan. 22 Jan. 23-26 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8

Opponent Legacy Christian Grapevine Faith Plainview Odessa Permian Frenship Tournament SACS/Antonian Tournament Sweetwater Randall Brady Tournament Odessa High Fort Worth Hills Tournament Decatur Tournament Canyon Abilene Wylie Hobbs Randall Caprock Tournament Levelland Lovington Clovis Portales Midland Trinity Hobbs Lubbock Christian Edmond Oklahoma Tournament Nazareth Lubbock Christian Midland Trinity North Texas Academy

Place B G Midland X Midland X There X Here X There X San Antonio X There X X There X There X X Here X There X There X There X X Here X Here X X There X Lubbock X X There X X There X Here X There X X Here X X There X X There X X There X X Here X X Here X X There X X Abilene X

Wayland President Dr. Bobby Hall said Wayland athletics has grown in size and both academic and athletic achievement under Cooper’s leadership. “Rick has overseen the growth of Wayland’s athletic program from 460 student-athletes to a high of 536,” Hall said, adding that WBU student-athletes’ academic success is reflected in 99 SAC Honor Roll recipients and 11 NAIA Scholar Teams in 2017-18. “During the same period, the percentage of student-athletes with individual GPAs above 3.0 increased from 37.7% to 47.5%, and students with a GPA above 3.5 grew from 15.3% to 26.7%.” Hall pointed out that Cooper serves extensively within the Plainview community, including with mentor programs in local elementary schools, volunteering with the local food bank, and serving on the Plainview YMCA board. He was instrumental in the involvement of more than 90 Wayland athletes and coaches in significant Hurricane Harvey relief efforts on the Texas Gulf Coast. “Rick truly models Wayland’s faith-based mission and the Champions of Character credo of the NAIA,” Hall said. A 2012 inductee into the WBU Athletics Hall of Honor and recipient of the Harley Redin Coaches Award, Cooper and wife Janie have two children. Son Tyler, an orthopedic surgeon, and his wife, former WT All-American Emily Brister, have two children, Rich and Claire, and live in Amarillo. Daughter Kori, head girls volleyball coach at Amarillo High School, is married to George Clements, an executive with Monsanto in Lubbock. Tyler played for his father at WT and is a member of the university’s athletic Hall of Fame as is his wife. Kori was a standout volleyballer at the University of Nebraska. Their mom, the former Janie Denton, played basketball at the University of Texas and Wayland and was assistant coach for the 1986-87 Plainview High girls who won the school’s first UIL title. Parting Shot

383

PANHANDLE-PLAINS BASKETBALL INDEX -AAbernathy.............................................................................163

Lubbock Christian University Men........................................58 Lubbock Christian University Women...................................61

Amarillo ISD Amarillo High..........................................................6, 89 Caprock........................................................................93 Palo Duro...................................................................104 Tascosa.........................................................................86 Anton....................................................................................358

-MMcLean................................................................................326 Memphis..............................................................................233

-B- Boys Ranch..........................................................................196 Brownfield............................................................................166 Bushland..............................................................................138 -CCanadian..............................................................................142 Canyon.................................................................................118 Clarendon.............................................................................227 Clarendon College Men.........................................................73 Clarendon College Women....................................................75 Crosbyton.............................................................................366 -DDalhart..................................................................................127 Dumas..................................................................................130 -FFollett...................................................................................305 Fort Elliott............................................................................308 Frenship..................................................................................83 Friona...................................................................................150 -GGroom..................................................................................317 Gruver............................................................................82, 198 -HHappy...................................................................................340 Hedley..................................................................................324 Hereford.........................................................................28, 124 Highland Park......................................................................230 -IIdalou...................................................................................169 -LLevelland..............................................................................133 Littlefield..............................................................................177 Lockney................................................................................279 Lubbock ISD Coronado......................................................................98 Monterey....................................................................101

384

Index

-NNazareth...................................................................12, 15, 346 New Deal.............................................................................282 -PPanhandle.............................................................................237 Plainview..............................................................................106 -RRandall.................................................................................110 River Road...........................................................................152 Roosevelt..............................................................................180 Ropes....................................................................................371 -SSanford-Fritch......................................................................214 Shallowater...........................................................................182 ......................................................................................... Slaton...................................................................................185 Smyer...................................................................................287 South Plains College Men................................................17, 68 South Plains College Women.................................................71 Spearman................................................................................54 Springlake-Earth..................................................................362 Stratford...............................................................................217 Sudan....................................................................................267 Sundown..............................................................................289 -TTexas Tech Men.....................................................................44 Texas Tech Women................................................................47 Texline..................................................................................355 Trinity Christian.....................................................................80 -VVega ...................................................................................274 -WWayland Baptist Men.............................................................64 Wayland Baptist Women............................................22, 31, 66 Wellington............................................................................253 West Texas A&M Men...............................................19, 30, 50 West Texas A&M Women......................................................54 West Texas High..............................................................9, 223 Wheeler................................................................................260 White Deer...........................................................................334

2018-2019 Panhandle-Plains Basketball

Vol. 46

INSIDE: 40 YEARS AGO, THE QUEENS RULED

$8.95

Team Physicians for West Texas A&M University and Eastern New Mexico University

Front row: Ashlyn Milton, Amarillo High • Zayla Tinner, Amarillo High • Tatym Barnes, Amarillo High Madison Stokes, Amarillo High • Sara Gilbert, Boys Ranch • Mariah Trevino, Friona

2018 2019

2nd row: Arturo Camacho, Spearman • Maddie McCloy, Spearman • Abraham Bonilla, Spearman Gage Cassity, West Texas High • Jonah Villanueva, West Texas High • Jeffery Jefferson, West Texas High

Front row: Ayana Segrest, Coronado • Maci Maddox, Frenship • Cassandra Awatt, Frenship Cambrie Heiman, Nazareth • Hallie Kleman, Nazareth • Blakely Gerber, Nazareth 2nd row: Bryson Daily, Abernathy • Blair Conwright, Coronado • Jake Gerber, Nazareth Zach Muniz, Brownfield • Calaway Dykes, Frenship

Bill Barnhill, M.D., P.A.

Fellowship Trained Sports Medicine American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine Arthroscopy Association of North America Orthopedic – Arthroscopy Knees & Shoulders

Front row: Kaison Kirkland, Panhandle • Lainey Choate, Panhandle • Masyn Reining, Panhandle Sydney Johnson, Caprock • Kamry Perez, Randall • Canton Moreno, Randall

Front row: Riley Sessions, Wellington • Savannah Sumrall, Wellington • Ashlyn Shelley, Idalou Shaylee Stovall, Idalou • Megan Moore, Ropes • Maggie Anderson, Ropes

Front row: Salym Cook, Canadian • Ashlyn Schilling, Follett • Rylee Johnson, Happy Lara Mason, Vega • Macy Walker, Vega • Anita Knoll, Vega

2nd row: Alexis Murguia, Tascosa • Tayjanna McGhee-Pleasant, Tascosa • BJ Anderson, Tascosa Tuon Gatkek, Caprock • Chris Wilson, Caprock • Jasean Barrow, Randall (not shown)

2nd row: JoJo McKnight, Wellington • Jayden Longoria, Littlefield • Maurice Carr, Crosbyton Judson Locke, Smyer • Qua Butler, Monterey

2nd row: Christian Barber, Follett • Robby Devries, Dalhart • Zach Barsalou, Dalhart Jackson Davis, Happy • Kenadee Winfrey, Canyon • Carter Cluck, Canyon

Front row: Hope Moon, McLean • Caden Carter, McLean • Riley Patterson, McLean Cierra Kiser, River Road • Kaytlin Shipley, River Road • Mohamed Musa, Palo Duro

Front row: Angel Darden, Springlake-Earth • Kamryn Gibbs, Slaton • Miranda Villegas, Levelland Makayla Escue, Levelland (not shown) • Jesse Long, Plainview • Lauren Catherman, Trinity Christian

Front row: Kaylye Coffman, Fort Elliott • Emily Coulter, Fort Elliott • Shaylee Audrain, Stratford Zoe Fry, Sanford-Fritch • Hannah Granger, White Deer • Jay’Lyn Taylor, Highland Park

2nd row: Skylar Cleavinger, Bushland • Cayden Mann, McLean • Bradley Hannon, McLean Tamera Davis, Palo Duro • Janessa Wade, Palo Duro • Akuel Kot, Palo Duro

2nd row: Diego Sanchez, Springlake-Earth • Josh Servantez, Shallowater • Layton Reed, New Deal DK Blaylock, New Deal • Ryan Jackson, Plainview • Ethan Duncan, Trinity Christian

2nd row: Lori Arias, Hereford • Brady Bailey, Wheeler • Randy Cox, Memphis Jalin Conyers, Gruver • Jaedon Seagler, Gruver • Hunter Nicholas, Highland Park

In association with

Tyler N. Cooper, MD Angela C. Trogus, PA-C

7000 W. 9th

806.350.3500

Amarillo, TX 79106

www.barnhillsportsmed.com

PRESEASON SUPER TEAMS INSIDE!