Lady Rams outslug Lady wildcats, 16-7 - April 6, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Joaquin centerfielder Olivia Worsham (17) safely reaches second base despite being caught between two Waskom defenders during action Tuesday night at Lady Ram Field. JHS won the game, 16-7. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

Paige Wilburn went 3-for-4 at the plate, scoring three runs and driving in two others, and Ashlyn Harvey recorded the victory in the circle Tuesday night as the Joaquin Lady Rams battled back to the .500 mark in District 20-2A play with a 16-7 victory over Waskom at Lady Ram Field.

The victory was a positive note for the up-and-down league schedule for Joaquin. The Lady Rams dropped a 6-1 decision at home to Tatum on Thursday, falling back to 16-6-1 on the year, 3-4 against league competition.

Joaquin will head into play next week with only three games left in the regular season. The Lady Rams will visit Jefferson on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., before hosting Harleton next Friday (April 13) in their home finale. The final game of the regular season is April 17 at Elysian Fields.

Joaquin second baseman Tristan Wilkerson (14) gets set to field a ground ball during Tuesday night's game against Waskom. Wilkerson went 1-for-2 with a run scored and an RBI in the contest. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

Joaquin 16, Waskom 7 - Wilburn had the hot night at the plate for Joaquin in the 16-7 win over Waskom on Tuesday. She was one of three JHS players that recorded more than one hit.

Olivia Worsham went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and three more driven in, while Ava Stephens went 2-for-5 with a run and an RBI.

Joaquin's Tristan Wilkerson went 1-for-2 with a run and another pushed in, Ryleigh Yates picked up a hit in three at-bats, while plating once and driving in another, Chasity Baker went 1-for-3 with three runs scored and an RBI, Whitney Vaughn went 1-for-3 with a pair of runs, and Taylor Wilkerson recorded a hit in four at-bats, while scoring two times and driving in another.

Harvey picked up the win in the circle. She went the distance allowing 16 runs on seven hits, with five strikeouts.

Elysian Fields 6, Joaquin 3 (8 innings) - Joaquin took Elysian Fields to extra innings last Friday. With the score tied 1-1 after seven frames, the Lady Jackets push across five runs in the top of the eighth frame and the Lady Rams tried to tie it up once again in the bottom, but could only manage two and came up short, 6-3.

Joaquin rightfielder Ava Stephens (11) makes contact with the ball at the plate during Tuesday night's game against Waskom. Stephens picked up a pair of hits in the game, a 16-7 JHS win. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

Jordan Welch slammed a home run for Joaquin, as she finished the game 2-for-4 at the plate. Tristan Wilkerson also had a hot bad, going 2-for-3 with a run batted in. Taylor Wilkerson went 2-for-4 with a run and Chasity Baker was 2-for-4, while plating once.

Paige Wilburn also recorded a hit for Joaquin, finishing the game 1-for-4 with one run driven in.

Rams bust out for 11-7 win over Wildcats - April 6, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Joaquin's Lance Lawson fires the ball against Waskom Tuesday night at Ram Field. Lawson went 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored as the Rams kocked off the Wildcats, 11-7. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

After starting District 20-2A play with three straight defeats, the Joaquin Rams have come back this week to record a pair of victories to keep their postseason hopes alive. The Rams pounded out 11 hits Tuesday night at Ram Field to knock off Waskom, 11-7.

Joaquin clipped Tatum at home, 3-2, on Thursday night to head into the second round of league play with a 2-3 mark and some momentum. The Rams are currently 10-7 on the season.

Joaquin's Jordan Powdrill throws the ball across the infield for an out during Tuesday night's game at Ram Field. Joaquin picked up its first District 20-2A victory of the year, a 9-7 decision over the Wildcats. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

JHS will be at Jefferson on Monday night for a 6 p.m. matchup with the Bulldogs. The Rams then return home next Friday to battle Harleton at 6 p.m. Joaquin lost to Jefferson (10-5) and Harleton (4-2) in the first round and will be looking for redemption.

Entering play Thursday night, Will Vaughn was the leading hitter for the Rams on the season with a .405 batting average. He had 17 hits, 21 runs batted in, three home runs, six doubles and 19 runs scored. Lance Lawson owned a .400 average, with 12 RBI, a homer, one triple, seven doubles and five runs scored.

Kain Yates owned a .356 mark, with seven runs driven in and 25 runs scored. He has doubled four times this season. Patrick Schmutz and Gage Belrose both have .340 averages. Schmutz has scored 10 times, while driving in nine runs, with three doubles. Belrose has plated 17 times, connected with two doubles a triple and five runs batted in.

Joaquin 11, Waskom 7 - Four Joaquin players recorded multiple-hit games at the dish Tuesday night as the Rams pounded Waskom, 11-7.

Yates picked up the win on the mound and helped himself with a 2-for-4 effort at the plate, recording a double, pushing two runs in and scoring two runs in the win. Belrose also went 2-for-4, scoring a run and driving in another.

Joaquin's Lawson had a 2-for-3 game, driving in two runs on a pair of singles, while Zach Mason went 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Joaquin first baseman Patrick Schmutz scrambles for the the base after making a catch of a ground ball during Tuesday night's game against Waskom. The Rams won the game, 11-7, in a high-scoring affair. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

Will Vaughn singled in three at-bats, while crossing the plate twice for JHS, Wyatt Hairgrove went 1-for-2 with two runs scored, and Schmutz went 1-for-4 with a run and another driven in. Austin Bloodgood scored twice for Joaquin.

Waskom took a 4-0 lead in the top of the second, but the Rams came back in the bottom of the frame to push seven runs in to take a 7-3 lead. The Wildcats then surged back to tie the game with three runs in the fourth, but the lead was short-lived as the Rams scored in the bottom of the inning to regain an 8-7 advantage.

The Rams then pulled away in the fifth by scoring three times to secure the victory.

Elysian Fields 4, Joaquin 1 - In a league matchup last Friday, the Rams could muster only five hits in a 4-1 setback at the hands of Elysian Fields at home.

Hairgrove posted a 1-for-3 outing, tagging a double and scoring a run. Yates doubled in four at-bats, while Mason went 1-for-3 and Schmutz also went 1-for-3. Jordan Powdrill accounted for the other JHS hit. He was also the losing pitcher in the game.

The Yellowjackets built a 4-0 lead with a run in the third, two more in the fourth and another in the fifth. Joaquin averted the shutout with a run in the seventh, but the Rams couldn't come all the way back.

Center track teams place fifth in home event - April 6, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

A member of the Center Roughrider track team sprints down the track at Roughrider Stadium in the varsity boys' 100-meter dash. The Roughriders finished fifth at the meet, scoring 68 points. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

The Center boys and girls varsity track teams posted identical fifth-place finishes last Thursday in the annual Rider Relays held at Roughrider Stadium.

Individual results from the meet were not available, but the Center varsity boys team scored 68 points to place fifth, behind Newton (109), Jasper (96), Hudson (95) and Woodville (82).

Nacogdoches placed sixth in the division, just behind Center with 67.5 points. Diboll placed seventh with 62 points, Huntington was eighth with 19 points and Timpson placed ninth with 16.5 points.

The Center varsity girls scored 72.3 points for the fifth spot, behind Nacogdoches (114), Hudson (102), Newton (90) and Woodville (86).

Huntington placed sixth with 59 points, Diboll scored 50.3 points for seventh and Timpson was eighth with 26 points.

In the junior varsity boys division, Jasper took top honors with 153 points, with Nacogdoches a close second at 145. Hudson finished third with 84 points, Woodville was fourth with 69, Newton scored 57 for fifth, Diboll scored 32 points and placed sixth, Center was seventh with 30 points and Huntington scored 22 points for eighth.

A member of the Center Lady Rider track team runs the anchor leg of the 800-meter relay during last Thursday's Center Rider Relays. Center played third in the event and fifth overall at the meet. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

Center will host the District 18-3A Track Meet next Wednesday and Thursday, April 11 and 12. The field events and running preliminaries will be on Wednesday and the running finals on Thursday.

CENTER RIDER RELAYS
Team Results

Varsity Boys
1.Newton 109
2.Jasper 96
3.Hudson 95
4.Woodville 82
5.Center 68
6.Nacogdoches 67.5
7.Diboll 62
8.Huntington 19
9.Timpson 16.5

Varsity Girls
1.Nacogdoches 114
2.Hudson 102
3.Newton 90
4.Woodville 86
5.Center 72.3
6.Huntington 59
7.Diboll 50.3
8.Timpson 26
9.Jasper 0

Junior Varsity Boys
1.Jasper 153
2.Nacogdoches 145
3.Hudson 84
4.Woodville 69
5.Newton 57
6.Diboll 32
7.Center 30
8.Huntington 22

Dragons shut down Alto, 2-0 - April 6, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

The Shelbyville Dragons kept their postseason hopes alive Tuesday night when Blane Deal and Brandon Schilder combined for a six-hitter as the Dragons shut out Alto, 2-0, at Yellowjacket Field in Alto.

The victory, Shelbyville's second in three games, improves the Dragons to 6-11 on the year, but more importantly 3-4 against District 21-1A squads. The Dragons are now tied with Cushing for third place in district as SHS now controls its own playoff destiny. No.2-ranked Douglass is in first place with a 7-0 mark, while Garrison (14-3-2) is second at 6-1.

Shelbyville was at home earlier on Friday to host Martinsville. The Dragons will be at home again on Tuesday, taking on Gary (6-7, 2-4 district) at 6 p.m.

Deal started on the mound against Alto and picked up the win. He worked five scoreless innings, allowing five hits, while fanning six batters and walking six. Schilder came on in relief and recorded the save. In the final two frames he did not give up a hit, while striking out three and hitting one batter.

Dillon Brown had a perfect game at the plate for the Dragons, posting a 2-for-2 effort, with a pair of singles and a run batted in. He was also hit by a pitch. Schilder also helped his cause by going 2-for-3 at the dish.

Caleb Stracener singled in two at-bats, while drawing a walk for the Dragons, while Blane Deal went 1-for-3.

The Dragons went ahead for good in the third inning, pushing one run across the plate. They added an insurance run in the top of the seventh, while Schilder closed down the Yellowjackets.

Lady Tigers can't stop Sabine, 43-29 - January 2, 2011
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Tenaha Holiday Hoops Girls Tourney

Tenaha senior post player Tia Thomas (12) looks to drive past a Sabine defender during action in the fifth-place bracket on Thursday at the Tenaha Holiday Hoops Classic. (Photo by John Krueger)

TENAHA -- With just one game between the Tenaha Lady Tigers and start of district play, there are decisions to be made by Lady Tiger head coach Laura Holmes. The reason was evident as the Lady Tigers fought hard, but were unable to generate enough offense in their 43-29 loss to Sabine Thursday afternoon.

Tenaha (7-11) finished the Third Annual Tenaha Holiday Hoops Scholarship Classic with three straight losses after an opening 45-31 victory over Hughes Springs. And although they lost games to No.1-ranked (Class 1A D-II) Lipan (60-45) and No.13-ranked (1A D-I) Slocum (38-29), it concerns Holmes with District 22-1A D-I action beginning Friday at home against Beckville.

"I thought when Okievia (Bratchett) graduated last year the other girls would step up and we'd have a more balanced attack this year," Holmes said Thursday night as she watched other final games at the tournament. "But we're really struggling with our half-court offense and I'm looking for someone to step up and be a leader on this team.

"Right now we look kind of out of sync out there and we're struggling with ourselves as much as with the teams we're playing. It's not that the girls aren't playing hard, it's just that we can't seem to find the rhythm. I'm going to be working hard this next week to see if I can't figure out a solution to it."

Tenaha senior guard Whitney Jackson (10) drives in for a layup on a fastbreak opportunity against Sabine in fifth-place bracket action in Tiger Gym. Jackson was held to just one point as the Lady Tigers dropped a 43-29 decision to the Lady Cardinals. (Photo by John Krueger)

In other girls' finals at the tourney, No.2 (1A D-II) Saltillo rolled past No.7 (2A) Tatum, 60-32, for the title game, No.11 (2A) Edgewood placed third with a win over Lipan and San Augustine claimed the Consolation championship with a win over White Oak. Slocum placed fifth, with a 46-42 victory over Elysian fields.

The Lady Tigers appeared to have a good game plan against No.1-ranked Lipan Tuesday, but poor shooting with its half-court offense kept Tenaha from making a serious run at the Lady Indians.

Only one Tenaha player scored in double figures in the Lady Tigers' final tournament game on Thursday against Sabine, with Jalysa Steadman scoring 11 points. Of Steadman's points, seven of them came in the third quarter when THS outscored Sabine 9-6.

Ashlee Ray added seven points for Tenaha, with five of her points coming in the second half.

"Ashlee is most effective right now when she has time to set up and shoot," Holmes explained. "I think she presses sometimes and that hurts her scoring. But when she just relaxes and goes out and plays and we can get her some good looks at the basket, she can help our offense the most."

Taylor Killey was held to just four points, while Shantivia Gray, Tia Thomas and Eboni Moore chipped in two points apiece.

Jordan Baker did most of the damage for the Lady Cardinals scoring 14 points in the first half and finishing with a game-high 16. Haley Stuart added seven points, while Kylie Baker chipped in five and Mallory Ford had four points.

The Lady Tigers managed just three points in the opening period as they fell behind 10-3 after eight minutes of play. Jordan Baker scored six of the Lady Cardinals' 17 second-quarter points as they assumed a 27-11 lead at the half.

Tenaha came alive in the third quarter at both ends of the court, holding the Lady Cardinals to six points in the third and scoring nine offensively to trim the lead slightly. But the advantage was too much for THS to overcome in the fourth quarter.

The Lady Tigers will now host arch-rival Laneville on Tuesday night (JV,V - 5 p.m.) before hosting district foe Beckville (6:30/8 p.m.) on Friday.

THIRD ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOOPS
Thursday's Girls Finals
THURSDAY, DEC. 30
Championship
#2 Saltillo 60, #7 Tatum 32
Third Place Game
#11 Edgewood DEFEATED #1 Lipan
Fifth-Place Game
#13 Slocum 46, Elysian Fields 42
Consolation Bracket
Chireno 44, Hughes Springs 36
Stamford 42, Garrison 41
Consolation Championship
San Augustine DEFEATED White Oak
Fifth-Place Bracket
Sabine 43, Tenaha 29

No.2 Tigers claim fifth spot at tourney - January 2, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Tenaha Holiday Hoops Boys Tourney

Tenaha guard Reginald Davis goes up for a shot near the basket during action at the Third Annual Tenaha Holiday Hoops Scholarship Tournament. Tenaha placed fifth in the event after knocking off San Augustine, 56-43. (Photo by John Krueger)

TENAHA -- After getting a late start to the season because of a prolonged football season, the No.2-ranked Tenaha Tigers received some much-needed court time this past week as they tried to 'basketball mode' the Tigers won 3-of-4 contests, including Thursday night's 56-43 victory over San Augustine to place fifth in the Third Annual Tenaha Holiday Hoops Scholarship Classic.

No.2-ranked (Class 2A) White Oak captured the championship of the tourney by holding off No.2-ranked (1A D-II) Laneville, 70-62. No.24-ranked (2A) Central Heights claimed third with a 48-31 win over No.3 (2A) Edgewood, and Saltillo won the Consolation bracket with a 55-39 decision over No.18 (1A D-II) over Lipan.

In the Tigers' tournament finale against San Augustine, Tenaha held a two-point first-quarter lead and then widened the advantage to 25-20 at the half before pulling away in the third quarter. In that decisive third period Reginald Davis scored nine of his team's 19 points as the Tigers outscored the Wolves 19-4 to open up a commanding 44-24 lead.

Keontas Davis came off the bench to score 12 points for Tenaha. Eight of his points came in the middle two quarters. Octavius Griffith scored five first-quarter points and finished with 10, while DeAaron Roland chipped in eight points and Shaquille Mitchell dumped in seven. Jacobi Ivy scored three points for THS, which improved to 5-1 on the year with the win.

Tenaha sophomore Jacobi Ivy (25) makes a move on a Laneville player during action at the Tenaha Holiday Hoops Scholarship Tournament this past week. Ivy scored three points against San Augustine in the fifth-place game. (Photo by John Krueger)

San Augustine had balanced scoring, with Taylor scoring nine points and Jarvis Smith and Al Horton each dumping in eight points. Jeremy Jenkins knocked down six points, while Ja'Quadron Thomas and Jacortnery Thomas each pitched in three points. Dezmond Randle also scored three points.

"We're still trying to get our 'basketball legs' under us, so with the short time we have until district play starts (Jan. 13), playing games right now is the best way to play our way into shape," said Tenaha head coach Todd Bodden.

"This tournament has been tough because of our lack of practice time, but now that it's over we'll get back in a routine next week and I think that's what the kids need right now because we've got a lot of work to do."

The Wolves struggled at the free throw line, hitting just 5-of-15 (33.3%), while Tenaha was 4-of-8 (50%).

THIRD ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOOPS
Thursday's Boys Finals
THURSDAY, DEC. 30
Championship
#2 White Oak 70, #2 Laneville 62
Third Place Game
#24 Central Heights 48, #3 Edgewood 31
Fifth-Place Game
#2 Tenaha 56, San Augustine 43
Consolation Bracket
Leggett 62, Mount Enterprise 33
Elysian Fields 43, Garrison 24
Consolation Championship
Saltillo 55, #18 Lipan 39
Fifth-Place Bracket
Kountze DEFEATED Chireno

Tigers smother Yellow Jackets, 55-18 - January 2, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Tenaha sophomore Keontas Davis (15) drives past Elysian Fields' Don Deramus (33) during Friday afternoon's nondistrict action in Yellow Jacket Gymnasium. Davis scored six points in the Tigers' 55-18 victory. (Photo by John Krueger)

ELYSIAN FIELDS -- For the second time in three days the No.2-ranked Tenaha Tigers took on the Elysian Fields Yellow Jackets and for second straight time it was a one-sided Tiger runaway. After blowing past the Jackets 81-24 on Tuesday in the opening round of the Tenaha Holiday Hoops Classic on Tuesday, the Tigers visited the Jackets and cruised to a 55-18 triumph on Friday.

Tenaha, which is now 6-1 on the season, will face the only team that has defeated the Tigers Tuesday night when they take on Laneville on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. Laneville, the No.2-ranked team in Class 1A D-II, defeated Tenaha 77-75 in overtime, giving the Tigers their only loss of the tournament as well as the season.

After Tuesday's game, Tenaha will visit Class 3A Center on Friday (JV,V - 6 p.m.) and then be at Class 3A Gladewater next Tuesday (JV,V - 6 p.m.), giving the Tigers a rough nondistrict schedule before league play opens on Jan. 13.

In Friday's victory over Elysian Fields, Tenaha head coach Todd Bodden went deep into his bench as only one player scored in double figures. Reginald Davis scored five points in the first and third periods and spent much of the second and fourth quarters on the bench. He finished with a game-high 10 points.

The Tenaha Tigers had their uptempo offense on track against Elysian Fields on Friday. Chavis Gregory (22) passes off to a teammate in the transition game in Yellow Jacket Gymnasium. (Photo by John Krueger)

Shaquille Mitchell scored five first-quarter points and added seven points to the Tenaha attack. DeAaron Roland, Chavis Gregory, Keontas Davis and Octavius Griffith each pitched in six points, while Demon Horton and Jacobi Ivy knocked down five points apiece and Assuntay Cleaver, Jakelvin Cooper, Vincent Walton and LaDarren Cooks each chipped in two points.

Lonzo Macon and Don Deramus each scored six points to pace Elysian Fields. Chris Ray and Winfred Taylor knocked down three points each.

The Tigers left little doubt who was in charge of this game in the first quarter, clamping down defensively and building a 16-0 lead at the end of the opening stanza.

The Jackets did manage nine points in the second quarter, but still trailed 32-9 at the half. Horton and Griffith led the Tigers with four points apiece in the stanza.

Reginald Davis poured in five points in the third quarter as the Tigers stretched their lead even further, building a 39-14 lead heading into the final stanza. Tenaha coasted in the fourth, holding the Jackets to just four points and scoring 10 points offensively.

‘Jacks Crush Patriots In Non-Conference Finale - January 2, 2012

NACOGDOCHES – The Lumberjacks put five players in double figures, led by Taylor Smith’s first career double-double, and snapped a three-game losing streak with an emphatic 93-36 win over UT-Tyler in the final non-conference tune-up for SFA this season on Friday at William R. Johnson Coliseum.

Smith finished with career highs in both points (21) and rebounds (13) and the Lumberjacks (6-7) tied a season high by forcing 33 Patriot (2-8) turnovers in just the second all-time meeting between the two schools. He hit nine of his 14 shots from the field and had seven of SFA’s 16 offensive rebounds on the night. He was joined in double figures by fellow big man Jereal Scott, who finished with 14 points thanks primarily to an impressive 10-for-12 showing at the charity stripe.

Kevin Broussard and Jonathan King each finished with a dozen points and freshman Micah Delph added 10 off the bench, including a pair of first-half threes, to help the Lumberjack bench outshine the Patriot reserves by a 60-14 edge. Darius Gardner finished with just two points, but dished out seven assists while junior point man Hal Bateman had four assists and four steals without a turnover in 21 minutes of work.

The ‘Jacks opened up the game on a 10-2 run and did not allow the Patriots into double figures until nearly 16 minutes into the game. Smith had 11 of his game-high 21 points in the opening period as the ‘Jacks shot nearly 43 percent from the field, but also limited UT-Tyler to just 5-for-21 (23.8 percent) shooting in holding a commanding 42-14 lead at the break.

UT-Tyler needed less than seven minutes to double its point total in the second half, scoring on each of its first four possessions of the second half; however, SFA clamped down and managed to hold the Patriots to just eight points in the final 14 minutes of the game, half of which came from the free throw line.

Meanwhile, SFA did plenty of work on its own from the foul line in canning 17 of 25 freebies in the second half alone to continue to add to its lead. Broussard’s only triple of the night gave SFA a 50-point lead with less than four minutes to go before Bateman picked up the game’s last three points to help SFA secure its largest margin of victory since last year’s season-opening, 114-49 win over Howard Payne.

The ‘Jacks will now shift its focus to conference play when it goes on the road to take on Texas State in San Marcos on Jan. 4 at Strahan Coliseum. SFA will get its first SLC test at home on Jan. 7 when it hosts Southeastern Louisiana.

Tulsa dumps SFA Ladyjacks, 72-53 - January 2 , 2012

TULSA, Okla. - The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks were unable to overcome 23 turnovers and 32 percent shooting in a 72-53 loss at Tulsa Sunday afternoon in the final non-conference game of the season.

SFA (10-3) was led in scoring by sophomore forward Annette Davis, who scored 12 points, followed by nine points apiece from Tammara Marion and Ashley Bettis.

Tulsa (5-6) outscored the Ladyjacks 36-22 in points in the paint and shot 48 percent from the field. The Golden Hurricane had four players in double-digit scoring, including a game-high 17 points from junior guard Taleya Mayberry. Taylor Hooker (16 points), Jessica McQuin (13 points) and Chanice Scott (11 points) were the other three Tulsa players in double-figures.

The Ladyjacks also committed 24 turnovers which were converted into 26 points by the Golden Hurricane.

SFA fell behind 11-0 in the game's first four minutes behind six points from Mayberry and four Ladyjack turnovers.

The Ladyjacks quickly went on a mini-run to cut the deficit to 13-8 on a Marion three-pointer at the 13:27 mark but that would be the closest SFA would get the rest of the afternoon.

Tulsa ended the half by outscoring the Ladyjacks 30-13 and never looked back. SFA actually outscored Tulsa 32-29 in the second half but the first half hole was too big to climb out of.

The Ladyjacks will now have five days or rest before opening up Southland Conference play in Hammond, La. at Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 3 p.m.

SFA 66, Southern Methodist 60 -- Tammara Marion scored a team-high 19 points and the SFA Ladyjacks held off a second half surge by SMU to take down the Mustangs 66-60 at Moody Coliseum Friday evening.

SFA (10-2) won their second straight game against a Conference USA opponent and will finish off their non-conference portion of their schedule New Years Day against Tulane.

The Ladyjacks had a tremendous first half on Friday in which they outscored the Mustangs 34-26 behind hot-shooting from Marion. The senior guard scored 17 of her 19 points in the game's first 20 minutes, including four made three-pointers.

Just has been the case the previous two games though, SMU came out of to start the second half and quickly got back into the ballgame and eventually took a six-point lead at the eight minute mark.

However, the Ladyjacks would not back down and received a strong performance from Courtney Conwright and Ashley Bettis down the stretch. Conwright took over the point guard duties for an extended portion of the second half while Marion got a breather and answered the bell with eight points and a season-high six assists. Bettis pitched In 13 points, including 2-of-3 from three-point territory and played tenacious defense on the perimeter.

Freshman forward Porsha Roberts had 10 points and seven rebounds and tied a career-high with five blocks and two steals in 26 minutes of action.

SMU (7-6) was led in scoring by Samantha Mahnesmith's 17 points, followed by Akil Simpson's (11 points) and Kristin Hernandez (10 points).

Evans' double-double leads CHS past Lady Dogs - January 2, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Center's Lakia Shepherd drives to the basket during earlier season action. Shepherd scored 20 points last Tuesday as CHS improved to 10-6 with a 47-44 win over Chapel Hill at home. (Photo by John Krueger)

Lacie Evans recorded a double-double for the Center Lady Riders last Tuesday night and her teammates picked up on her play as CHS knocked off Chapel Hill, 47-44, in Roughrider Gymnasium.

The victory snapped a short two-game losing skid for the Lady Riders as they head back into District 18-3A play this week with a 1-2 league mark. Center will host Huntington Tuesday night. The junior varsity girls will tip off at 5 p.m., with the varsity to follow at 6:15 p.m. Center will host Zavalla on Friday (4:30/5:30 p.m.) in nondistrict action.

Evans knocked down 10 points and pulled down 10 rebounds for the Lady Riders, who improved to 10-6 and reached double-digit victories in a season for the first time in several years. She also recorded five steals.

"When Lacie is aggressive like she played tonight, she makes us so much better," said Lady Rider head coach Tracy Kincade after the game.

Lakia Shepherd led Center in scoring with 20 points, while pulling down three boards and recording five steals. Cassie Bush totaled eight boards and dished out two assists.

Shya Stansberry scored eight points for Center, while pulling down two boards, Kemi Cleveland scored five points and had four rebounds, Ashley Sigler scored two points and tallied three boards and Requanna Patton scored two points and picked up a steal.

As it has been all year, defense was the name of the game for Center as the Lady Riders held the Lady Bulldogs to just two first-quarter points to build an 11-2 lead after the initial period. Center held on to its lead at the half and entered the third quarter with a 22-13 lead.

Chapel Hill began making a move in the third quarter, outscoring Center 15-12 to pull to within 34-28 heading into the final eight minutes. But Center was able to hold off a late rally to pick up the win.

"The girls looked really good after some much-needed rest," Kincade added. "We played real well early and often and hold on to beat another playoff team from last year.

"Our girls are getting there. I'm so proud of their hard work and the desire they have shown. We did a great job of taking care of the ball, committing only 10 turnovers, while forcing 23."

Tenaha holds on to No.1 spot in TheOldCoach.com Poll - September 19, 2011
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

The showdown between the top teams in each division of Class 1A Friday night had an impact on TheOldCoach.com state football rankings, which were released Sunday, as the Tenaha Tigers kept the No.1 spot in Class 1A D-II, but Garrison slipped to No.4 after the Tigers captured the 21-20 win.

Tenaha improved to 4-0 on the season, while Garrison (3-1) lost for the first time since losing in the Class 1A D-I semifinal round of the playoffs last year.

The other top five positions in Class 1A D-II poll stayed the same, with Mount Enterprise holding on to the No.5 spot as the Wildcats knocked off Timpson, 27-0.

Other jockeying of Class 1A D-I teams in East Texas saw Alto fall from No.9 to No.12 with the Yellowjackets' 39-20 loss to Frankston as AHS dropped to 2-2 on the year. Carlisle stayed unbeaten at 3-0 and improved to one spot to No.12, while Lovelady improved its record to 3-1 and inched up one spot to No. 14.

Ganado (4-0) took over Garrison's No.1 spot in Class 1A D-I, leaping up from No.4. Mason moving from No.3 to No.2 and Clarksville was idle, but rose two spots to No.3.

Three teams from the District 16-3A race continue to hold in or near the Top 10 in Class 3A as unbeaten Henderson (4-0) continued to hold down the No.1 spot after its 51-15 win over Center on Friday. Gilmer (4-0) stayed at No.8 with its 21-7 win over Texarkana Liberty-Eylau as the top 10 teams remained the same.

Carthage moved back even at 2-2 with a 35-21 win over Class 4A Nacogdoches and that enabled CHS to move up one spot to No. 11 this week. Giddings, which was No.11, lost to Elgin, 30-29, on Friday and fell to No.13 with its 3-1 mark.

Other notable East Texas teams has Tatum (2-1) staying at No.1 in Class 2A D-I despite being idle, while Crockett moved up from No.6 to No.5 with a 22-8 win over Madisonville.

No.4 Tenaha holds of No.5 Garrison in fourth quarter

Tenaha quarterback Reginald Davis (2) breaks of a big gain as Garrison's Nathan Burkhalter (25) tries to close in during Friday night's game at Bulldog Stadium. The Tigers won the battle of heavyweights, 21-20. (Photo by John Krueger)

GARRISON -- Two of the top squads in Class 1A got 'down and dirty' Friday night and when the dust had settled the No.4-ranked (Associated Press) Tenaha Tigers took advantage of four Garrison turnovers to edge the No.5-ranked Garrison Bulldogs, 21-20, here at Bulldog Stadium.

The teams were about as evenly matched as they come. In one state poll (TheOldCoach.com), Garrison holds the No.1 spot in the Class 1A D-I ranks, while Tenaha is No.1 in D-II.

Both teams used their large offensive lines to try to control the contest with their ground attacks. Garrison (3-1) finished with 235 of its 256 total yards coming on the ground, while Tenaha (4-0) picked up 238 total yards, of which 146 came from its ground attack.

Both teams made their share of mistakes. Garrison's turnovers hurt its cause, while Tenaha had some untimely penalties and a bad snap on a punt attempt, which the 'Dogs turned into a touchdown in the first half.

"Tenaha has a championship ballclub," said Garrison head coach Craten Phillips after the contest. "You can't put the ball on the ground like we did tonight and expect them not to take advantage of it. When you play good teams, they'll take things like that and beat you and that's what happened tonight.

"But I don't want to take anything away from them. They have a heck of a team. We knew it coming in and we still know it."

Reginald Davis was the heart of the Bulldogs to stop all night. The Texas Tech commit rushed for 113 yards and a pair of scores on 24 carries, while completing 6-of-9 passes for 92 yards and another touchdown.

Chavis Gregory also had a big night for the Tigers. He finished with 82 yards on 15 carries, with most of it coming in the third quarter after picking up just 33 yards at the half.

"You've got to give Reginald and Chavis a lot of credit for the way they played," Tenaha head coach Terry Ward said. "Reginald was tough to stop all night and Chavis had a tremendous third quarter, which was really huge for us."

Nathan Burkhalter was the blue collar worker for the Bulldog 'ground and pound' offense. He finished the night with 182 yards and two touchdowns on the ground on 17 carries. C.J. Henderson added 36 yards on 10 carries.

Tenaha's Demon Horton (4) fights for extra yardage after making a catch while Garrison's Hunter Key (6) tries to make the tackle during Friday night's Top 10 showdown in Garrison. The Tigers won the game, 21-20, to remain undefeated at 4-0. (Photo by John Krueger)

The game actually came down to a missed extra point in the fourth quarter. But that didn't mean there wasn't plenty of other action leading up to it.

Garrison led 14-6 at the half on a pair of Burkhalter touchdowns in the second quarter. He finished the half with 128 yards on just nine carries.

But Tenaha took the second half kickoff and drove 79 yards in seven plays to tie the game when Davis scored from five yards out on a keeper. Darius Hill had actually scored on the third play of the half on a 40-yard pass from Davis, but he taunted the defender and was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Davis finished the drive four plays later and the 2-point pass from Davis to Shaquille Mitchell tied the score at 14-14 with 8:08 left in the third.

A Garrison turnover on its next possession was turned into a 33-yard drive by the Tigers when Davis hit Mitchell on a 15-yard TD pass. The PAT by Edgar Flores created a 21-14 Tenaha lead with 4:57 left in the third.

The teams traded possessions until the Bulldogs' Dustin Morrow forced a 4-yard Tenaha punt and the 'Dogs turned it into a score when Dustin Strahan scored on a quarterback sneak five yards out with 5:26 remaining.

After the 66-yard drive, Burkhalter attempted the point after, but it was wide right, leaving Garrison one point short, 21-20.

Garrison got the ball back with 3:09 remaining on its own 17-yard line, but could only pick up one first down before Strahan was intercepted by the Tigers' Keontas Davis to end the threat.

Both teams had trouble hanging on to the ball in the early minutes of the game. There were three turnovers in he first eight minutes of the game. The last one by Garrison was turned into a Tiger scored when they moved 46 yards in five plays before Davis hesitated and then bolted 25 up the middle on a quarterback draw. The point after failed, but THS led 6-0 with 1:56 left in the opening period.

Early in the second quarter the Tigers had to punt deep in their end of the field and a bad snap resulted in the 'Dogs taking over at the Tenaha 14-yard line. Burkhalter followed the blocks of Kord Bradshaw, Quin Gates and Brian Wright into the endzone from four yards out. Bradshaw's extra point gave the Bulldogs a 7-6 lead with 9:30 remaning in the half.

Two possessions later Burkhalter got free on a 62-yard run to build the Garrison lead to 14-6 with 7:23 left in the half.

GAME AT A GLANCE

SCORING BY QUARTERS

INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS
Rushing
Tenaha: Reginald Davis 21-113 2TD; Chavis Gregory 15-82; Shaquille Mitchell 1-0; Team 2-(-49). Garrison: Nathan Burkhalter 17-182 2TD; C.J. Henderson 10-36: Dustin Strahan 7-22 TD; Jake Christian 1-(-1); Logan Clark 1-(-2); Team 1-(-2).
Passing
Tenaha: Reginald Davis 6-9-0 92 Yards TD. Garrison: Dustin Strahan 3-6-1 21 yards.
Receiving
Tenaha: Demon Horton 2-19; Darius Hill 1-38; Shaquille Mitchell 1-15; Octavius Griffith 1-12; Chavis Gregory 1-8. Garrison: Hunter Key 2-12; Nathan Burkhalter 1-9.
Records
Tenaha 4-0. Garrison 3-1

SCORING SUMMARY
1st Quarter
1:56 - Tenaha: Reginald Davis 25-yard run (Edgar Flores PAT NG (left)), 6-0.
2nd Quarter
9:30 - Garrison: Nathan Burkhalter 4-yard run (Nathan Burkhalter PAT), 6-7.
7:23 - Garrison: Burkhalter 62-yard run (Burkhalter PAT), 6-14.
3rd Quarter
8:08 - Tenaha: Davis 5-yard run (2 pt. pass from DeAndre thomas to Shaquille Mitchell), 14-14.
4:57 - Tenaha: Davis 15-yard pass to Mitchell (Flores PAT), 21-14.
4th Quarter
5:26 - Garrison: Dustin Strahan 5-yard run (Burkhalter PAT NG - Right), 21-20.

‘Riders Bucked by No. 3-Ranked Lions, 51-15 - September 19, 2011
By Ryan Goodwin, Sports Correspondent

Center set to host Carthage this week

The eyes of Texas were certainly upon the Center Roughriders Friday night as they battled the defending Class 3A D-I state champion Henderson Lions. The Roughriders, named after the First United States Volunteer Calvary created by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War, were unable to maintain the reins this Friday night at the newly renovated Roughrider Stadium in Center, falling to the Lions, 51-15.

The ‘Riders received their second loss of the season, moving to 2-2 on the year, while No.3-ranked (Associated Press) Henderson remained perfect with a 4-0 record.

Center, which scored within the first minute of play last year against Henderson. was looking to gain a lead early again this year. “Just as in any other game, it is really important to go out and execute early,” said head coach Kevin Goodwin before the game. “But executing for the first 10 minutes of the game isn’t enough. What I would really love is for this team to figure out how to play for four complete quarters.”

The 'Riders didn’t jump out to an early lead, but they played well early, limiting the explosive Henderson offense to only two scores on their first six drives. But the strong play of Center’s defense wasn’t able to last all four quarters and the Lions took advantage of great field position and a tired opponent to pile up 526 yards of total offense.

On its first offensive possession of the game, Center used a 'Wildcat' formation, putting senior running back Johnny Sudds into the game as quarterback. Also in the backfield were running backs Miles Netherly and K.J. Garrett, who had a breakout game against Arp last week. The Wildcat quarterback led the ‘Riders to a quick first down, but the drive stalled after a snap found its way into the backfield for a 15-yard loss. The Center punt then traveled only 12 yards and Henderson took over on the ‘Rider 31.

Two plays later Lion wide out Jacoby Hodge darted into the end zone to take a 7-0 lead with 9:38 left in the first quarter.

Center then exchanged three and out drives with the Lions until the ‘Rider offense took control of the ball at its own 20-yard line. Junior Cody Carleton, receiving his first start for the Roughriders after the injury of senior quarterback Cameron Cloudy, handed the ball off to Garrett who was met by a pride of Lions. Garrett disappeared into the pile of Henderson players, but the pile quickly began to move up field, Garrett refusing to be brought down. On the next play Garrett again received the ball, made a wise cut towards the sideline, and raced 70 yards until brought down at the 4-yard line.

Center was unable to put the ball in end zone, but junior Felipe Parra nailed a 25-yard field goal to bring the score to 7-3.

Center's K.J. Garrett (14) and Johnny Sudds (left) bring down a Henderson runner for a short gain during Friday night's game at Roughrider Stadium. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

Henderson answered on the ensuing kickoff when Hodge decided to bring the ball out of the end zone and raced forward for an 84-yard return. Running back Jay O’Neal added his first touchdown of the night on the next play with a 16-yard run.

With the score standing at 14-3 and the second quarter beginning, the ‘Rider offense once again went three-and-out, but a 31-yard Parra punt set the Lions’ offense at their own 25. Henderson marched 75 yards on 10 plays, picking up five first downs and taking only three minutes off the clock. O’Neal capped the drive with an 11-yard TD. He finished the game with 110 yards on 13 carries and three 'house calls.'

Henderson scored again within the next 30 seconds of play after Center was unable to gain a single yard on three passing attempts. This time it was quarterback LaBradford Barnes who connected with Lamarcus Brown for a 15-yard touchdown. Barnes had an impressive night, finishing the game 13-of-26 through the air with 272 yards and a pair of TDs.

With the scoreboard reading 27-3, Henderson added another score after Center’s Carleton fumbled and Henderson’s Stephen Reese recovered the rock on Center’s 16. Two plays later O’Neal picked up his final touchdown to bring the score to 34-3 with 6:00 remaining in the half.

Barnes picked up his second passing touchdown with 3:55 left in the half after connecting with Jacoby Hodge for a 73-yard house call.

On Center’s very next play on offense, K.J. Garrett tried to breathe life into his team when he received only his third carry of the half, which he took 80 yards down the field for a ‘Rider touchdown. A failed 2-point conversion attempt kept the score at 41-9 in favor of Henderson.

The Lion offense got right to work on its next possession, picking up three first downs before Johnny Sudds stepped in the way of a Barnes pass, intercepting it before the ball popped loose of his hands. Center’s Nathan Sears came away from the resulting pile up and his third fumble recovery of the year.

Miles Netherly picked up a 19-yard first down run for the ‘Riders, but they were unable to score before the end of the half.

Center's K.J. Garrett (14) follows the block by Travor Hubbard (65) for a gain during Friday night's game at Roughrider Stadium. Garrett ran for 177 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

Another quick Lion touchdown came only 54 seconds into the second half when Davondrick Biggers plowed in the end zone for a 1-yard TD following a 55-yard Barnes pass.

Center responded with its best offensive drive of the night, picking up four first downs on 12 plays. This was also Carleton’s most impressive drive. On the seventh play of the drive he hummed a 14-yard pass to Tony McCollister who made an outstanding diving catch for an important first down. On the following play, Carleton broke free up the middle for a 16 yard run.

The ‘Riders were unable to pick up another first down, but on the fourth play of the following Henderson drive Miles Netherly picked up a fumble and raced 15 yards for a touchdown, bringing the score to 48-15.

The final score of the night came after both teams traded unsuccessful drives. The Lions kicker, who missed a 35-yard field goal attempt earlier in the game, was able to put the ball through the uprights on 20-yard attempt. The game would end with the score remaining 51-15.

Garrett had another stand-out night, finishing the contest with 177 yards on 11 carries, but Center was only 6-of-23 through the air for 26 yards.

“Now all we can do (as a coaching staff) is just go home, wake up early tomorrow morning and get to work putting a plan together,” said a heavy-hearted coach Goodwin after the game. “We have to get right to work putting together next week’s plan, that’s the bottom line. It’s all we can do.”

Friday night’s game against Henderson marked the beginning of a three-game stretch against 3 teams that played in 3A state championship games last year. Next week Center will square off against Class 3A D-II defending champs, the Carthage Bulldogs, at home.

Then Center will travel to Chapel Hill to take on the No.1 ranked (AP) Bulldogs, who lost to Henderson in the state championship last season and defeated Center twice last year, once in non-district play and once in the first round of the playoffs.

GAME AT A GLANCE

SCORING BY QUARTERS

INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS
Rushing
Henderson: Jay O'Neal 13-110 3TD; Dylan Culp 15-86; Trey Vallier 3-36; Jacoby Hodge 2-16 TD; Davondrick Biggers 2-4 TD; Lamarcus Brown 2-2. Center: K.J. Garrett 11-177 TD; Cody Carleton 8-24; Mike Netherly 6-19; Johnny Sudds 7-0 TD.
Passing
Henderson: LaBradford Barnes 13-26-1 272 yards 2TD. Center: Cody Carleton 6-23-1 26 yards.
Receiving
Henderson: Justyn Mapps 3-46; Lamarcus Brown 3-35 TD; Jacoby Hodge 2-82 TD; Jay O'Neal 1-5; Other 2-104. Center: Tony McCollister 3-17; Augustine Johnson 2-4; Shaquille Ingram 1-2.
Records
Henderson 4-0. Center 2-2.