'Dogs claim critical 22-1A showdown over Bears - February 13, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Timpson now needs help to force play-in game

Garrison's Chris Chandler (center) battles Timpson's John Jacobs (0) for a rebound during Friday night's District 22-1A game in Bulldog Gymnasium. The 'Dogs won the game, 41-34. (Photo by John Krueger)

GARRISON -- The Timpson Bears forced 28 turnovers Friday night and put themselves in prime position to solidify the third and final playoff spot in District 22-1A D-I. But what the Bears couldn't overcome in their own inability to hit free throws - Timpson connected on only 7-of-25 (28%) - and the Bulldogs work on the boards as Garrison cashed in a 41-34 win before a near-capacity crowd here in Bulldog Gymnasium.

Now it's Garrison (6-7) which is control of its playoff destiny heading into the final night of the regular season on Monday. The Bulldogs, who are in third place (5-4) in the league, with a one-game lead over Timpson (8-18, 4-5 district), can clinch a playoff spot with either a win at Shelbyville (5-17, 2-7 district) on Monday at 6:15 p.m. or a Timpson loss at Beckville (1-20, 0-9 district) at 7:15 p.m.

Garrison's Jake Christian (with ball) goes up for a shot in traffic as he is covered by Lorenzo Young (right) and Brandon Castillo (left) during Friday night's District 22-1A showdown in Bulldog Gymnasium. (Photo by John Krueger)

Should Timpson defeat Beckville and Shelbyville knock off Garrison, the Bears and Bulldogs would once again be tied for third place in the league standings and they would be forced to play a one-game play-in game on Saturday for the postseason spot.

No.4-ranked Tenaha (16-3) has already sewn up the District 22-1A D-I championship with a spotless 9-0 mark. The Tigers cruised past Beckville, 73-26, on Friday and complete the regular season at home Tuesday night against Gary. The Bobcats (17-11) are the second-place team and have already clinched the playoffs. Gary is currently 7-2 in district play and will be the second-place representative from the district.

The Bears, who had their opportunities to win the contest, turned the ball over 23 times, but their press kept them in the game in the third quarter, forcing 11 Bulldog turnover in the stanza as THS outscored Garrison 16-11 to pull within 31-27 to begin the final stanza.

With the partisan crowd screaming at a fevered pitch, it appeared as if the Bears might come all the way back to get the win. But the Bears, who hit only 3-of-9 free throws in the third stanza, converted only 3-of-7 in the fourth and Hunter Key and Chris Chandler knocked down four points apiece to lift Garrison to the win.

"You just can't miss that many free throws and expect to win," said Timpson head coach Cody Anthony. "I feel bad for the kids because they really worked

Timpson head coach Cody Anthony talks to his team during a second-half timeout in Friday nights' District 22-1A game between the Bears and the Garrison Bulldogs. The 'Dogs took the upperhand in the race for third spot in the league with a 41-34 win. (Photo by John Krueger)

hard to get this win. They played great defense and created the turnovers with the press, but we just couldn't finish the game off.

"Good teams make free throws in close games and are able to get close wins. We didn't do that tonight. Now we need help to get in (to the playoffs."

Garrison, which hit 15-of-24 (62.5%) from the charity stripe, was led in scoring by Key, who scored eight points in the third quarter and finished with 16. William Rogers pitched in 10 points, while Chandler scored six, Andrew Russell scored five and Jake Christian scored four points.

Lorenzo Young had the hot hand for Timpson, dumping in nine points in the third quarter and 14 in the second half. Young led all scorers with 20 points, while Dimric Caraway and Jaylin Rhodes each scored four, Tevin Brown scored three and John Jacobs dropped in two points.

Lady Bears claim playoff berth - February 13, 2012
By Stephen Ewing
Sports Correspondent

Timpson tops Garrison in play-in matchup, 41-34

Timpson post players LaToya Cartwright (left) and Tammi Harris (right) sandwich a Garrison post player during Saturday afternoon's District 22-1A D-I play-in game in Dragon Gymnasium. The Bears won the game, 41-34. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

SHELBYVILLE -- It took an extra game to get there, but for the first time in seven years, the Timpson Lady Bears are headed to the basketball playoffs. They got into the postseason by knocking off arch-rival Garrison, 41-34, in a District 22-1A D-I play-in game here at Dragon Gymnasium Saturday evening.

Timpson improves to 10-14 overall, 6-5 in district. They finish the regular season in third place in the league. The Lady Bulldogs drop to 8-15 overall, 5-6 in district play.

Timpson guard Jakelia Caraway (3) looks to pass the ball to a teammate while being guarded closely by Garrison's Shamika Nickols (left) during Saturday afternoon's District 22-1A play-in game in Shelbyville's Dragon Gymnasium. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

The Lady Bears will now face the Cushing Galkats Tuesday at Woden High School in a Class 1A D-I bi-district matchup. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m., with Timpson being the visiting team. The Galkats are 20-8 on the year, finishing second in District 21-1A with a 6-2 record.

The Lady Bears didn't start off their play-in game looking like a team that was playoff bound. They were shut out in the first period, as the Lady 'Dogs' tough man-to-man defense allowed only five shots from the floor. Meanwhile, Garrison's Jaemee Lilly and Rexanna Powers were finding the basket to push their team out to a 7-0 lead at the end of the quarter.

The Lady Bears came alive in the second quarter, however, after they surrendered the opening basket, which put them down 9-0. That's when Timpson head coach Keith Prather 'lit the fuse' on junior guard Jakelia Caraway and stepped back to watch the fireworks. Caraway responded by scoring 15 points in the second quarter, including all 11 of the points from the floor to lead a 13-0 run. That powered Timpson to a 18-11 lead at halftime.

After the break, the Lady Bulldogs seemed to regroup, but were only able to match the eight points scored by the Lady Bears, and the fourth period began with Timpson up 26-19.

Lady Bear senior post Tammi Harris rose to the occasion, scoring six of her eight points for the game in the fourth quarter. All six of her fourth quarter points came on put-backs after offensive rebounds. The Lady Dogs kept the pressure on, and a trey from Garrison's Tatum Greer closed the gap to five points. But GHS starters Powers and Josia Berry both fouled out, leaving Garrison without their two best outside shooters.

Garrison's Hannah Kimbrough (5) battles Timpson's Tammi Harris (32) and LaToya Cartwright (22) for a rebound during Saturday's District 22-1A play-in game at Dragon Gymnasium. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

Teams have found out they have to shoot well to beat Timpson, because Tammi Harris and fellow senior Latoya Cartwright always seem to come down with their share of the defensive rebounds. That was the case on this night as the pair made the Lady 'Dogs pay for their 9-of-27 (33%) shooting performance from the floor.

Harris pulled down seven defensive and four offensive boards, while Cartwright grabbed nine and eight, respectively. With Timpson so dominant on the defensive boards that there were very few put-back points to be had by the Lady Bulldogs. The Lady Bears made the most of each possession, running time off of the clock before cashing in with baskets that kept Garrison at bay.

Timpson Head Coach Keith Prather was ecstatic over the victory.

"This is huge, not just for our team, but for the school and the community," the coach explained. "I'm so proud of these kids for working so hard to make this happen.

"I think our girls were just a little bit nervous to start off and that put us in a hole. This is their first time in a playoff atmosphere, and it took a little while to realize that we just needed to settle down and play our game. Once we did that, we were fine."

Prather went on to praise his team's senior leaders.

"Tammi (Harris) and Latoya (Cartwright) play so hard in the paint," Prather praised. "When the other team misses shots, I just know one of them is going to come down with the ball. Then they get it in Jakelia's (Caraway) hands, and she's just a big-time player."

As usual, Caraway led the way for Timpson, scoring 24 points, while grabbing four rebounds and three steals. She also dished out three assists. Harris added eight points to go with 11 rebounds and three steals.

Cartwright went 2-for-2 from the free throw stripe, while pulling down 17 rebounds. Rachel Reeves added six points and Harley Martin scored one while dishing out five assists.

Overall, the Lady Bears shot 16-of-38 (42%) from the floor, combined with 7-of-14 (50%) at the charity stripe.

Jaemee Lilly led the Lady Bulldogs with 11 points and six rebounds. Shamika Nichols added seven points, to go with four steals and three rebounds. Josia Berry tossed in six, while Tatum Greer and Rexanna Powers scored four apiece. Garrison made 15 of 24 (63%) free throw attempts to go with 9 of 27 (33%) floor shooting.

Both teams turned the ball over 16 times.

Elsewhere in district action, the Beckville Lady Bearcats will take on New Summerfield Tuesday at 6:30 pm at Masters Gymnasium on the campus of Kilgore College. The Tenaha Lady Tigers, champions of District 22A, will face the winner of the bi-district game between West Sabine and Slocum. The date and site for that game has yet to be determined.

Lady Rangers hand Fillies critical conference loss - February 13, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Panola College freshman Lanese Bough (5) gets a hand on the shot of Kilgore's Victoria Billingsley (21) during the second half of Saturday afternoon's Region XIV matchup in Arthur Johnson Gymnasium. The Fillies lost a close one, 72-68. (Photo by John Krueger)

CARTHAGE -- It wasn't an critical game to win to earn a postseason conference berth for the Panola College Fillies, but a win in Saturday's Region XIV matchup here at Arthur Johnson Gymnasium could have gone a long way toward securing that eighth spot.

Panola College freshman Atoe Jackson (with ball) tries to get a shot off over the outstretched hand of a Kilgore College defender during Saturday's Region XIV matchup with Kilgore College. The Lady Rangers won, 72-68. (Photo by John Krueger)

But Panola College will have to be satisfied, at least for now, for holding on to a slim one-game lead over ninth-place Jacksonville College in the race for the eighth and final spot in the league's postseason tournament with five games left in the regular season as Kilgore College escaped with a 72-68 win.

Panola (9-14), sits at 3-9 in Region XIV action, trailing seventh-place Blinn College (16-7, 5-7 conf.) by two full games and leading ninth-place Jacksonville (5-18, 2-10 conf.) by one game. The Fillies do, however, hold the tiebreaker with Jacksonville as they swept the conference series with the Lady Jags.

"This wasn't a must-win situation for us, but it would have been a big win for us," said Fillies head coach Tracey Stellato after the game. "We've been playing very well the last three games and it would have been an opportunity to get this win and give ourselves some room between us and Jacksonville."

Panola College posted four players in double figures for the contest, led by Oditte Odisho's 15 points. Sophomore Chastity Taylor added 14 points, while freshman Lanese Bough dropped in 13 and freshman Atoe Jackson added 12 points. Freshman Electra Roberts was the only other Panola College player to score, dropping in eight points.

Lauren McKinney did most of the damage for Kilgore, scored 16 of her game-high 24 points in the second half. Bianca McGee scored 15 points, Aundrea Gamble added 13 and Alicia Johnson chipped in eight points.

Kilgore sealed the win at the charity stripe. After the teams were tied at 33-33 at intermission, the Lady Rangers held a distinct advantage at the free throw line as only three fouls were called on Kilgore in the final 20 minutes. Panola finished in the double bonus as the Lady Rangers hit 8-of-10 (80%) from the line in the final 20 minutes and 14-of-18 (77.8%) for the game. The Fillies only attempted five free throws all afternoon, hitting four of them.

Panola College will be on the road on Wednesday night, taking on Tyler Junior College at 5:30 p.m. in another Region XIV matchup. The Fillies will then return home on Saturday to take on Paris Junior College at 2 p.m. in the breast cancer

Panola College freshman Rebecca Kolawole (25) scrambles for a loose ball on the floor, while teammate Atoe Jackson (11) looks on during Saturday's Region XIV matchup with Kilgore College. (Photo by John Krueger)

awareness 'Play4Kay' contest.

Lady Rams lifters stand out - February 13, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Joaquin junior powerlifter Olivia Worsham shows off the plaque she received Thursday as the Best Overall Lifter in the girls' division of the Huntington Powerlifting Meet. (Photo by Brian Gandy)

They might be small in number, but Joaquin female powerlifters Olivia Worsham and Loren Johnson make the most of their time in competition. Once again the pair competed well in their respective their weight classes Thursday at the Huntington Powerlifting Meet, as Worsham took top honors and Johnson placed third.

Worsham was honored as the Best Overall Lifter among female athletes at the meet as she set a personal best with 710 total pounds lifted in the three events.

Worsham squatted a maximum of 270 pounds, then proceeded to bench press 140 pounds and dead lift 300 pounds to secure her personal record.

Johnson placed third in the 165-lb. class after she squatted 160 pounds, then bench pressed 95 pounds and reached a maximum of 190 in the dead lift. All three lifts, along with her total weight of 445 pounds, were personal bests.

The pair will be back in action Thursday, competing at the Diboll Meet, which begins at 4 p.m.

West leads Dragon lifters at Huntington meet - February 13, 2012
By John Krueger
Sports Correspondent

Shelbyville Dragon Tyler West led his squad to a fifth-place overall finish Thursday, while the Lady Dragons placed fourth as the two teams competed at the Huntington Powerlifting Meet.

West earned Best Lifter honors in the light platform, as he won the 132-pound class.

In other boys' action, Shelbyville Darren Shedd placed third in the 114-lb. class, while Cade Copelin came in fourth. Chris Valencia won the 220-lb. class, while Julian Johnson posted the fifth spot.

The Dragons placed fifth out of 10 teams, scoring 20 points.

In girls' action, the Lady Dragons scored 14 points and came in fourth.

Tameria Lathan won the 105-lb. class, while Jakera Land secured top honors in the 181-lb. weight class.

Both Shelbyville teams will compete in the Diboll Meet Thursday at 4 p.m.

SFA duo leads Ladyjacks over UTSA, 73-64 - February 13, 2012

NACOGDOCHES - Following a crushing loss at Nicholls State on Wednesday, the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks responded with a convincing start-to-finish 73-64 victory UTSA Saturday evening at William R. Johnson Coliseum.

The Ladyjacks (16-7, 6-4) avenged a 50-46 loss at UTSA back in mid-January with a superb defensive effort on Saturday, limiting the Roadrunners to just 34 percent shooting (16% in the 1st half) and forcing 19 turnovers.

Offensively, SFA freshman forward Tierany Henderson came off the bench to score a career-high 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting, which included 3-of-4 from three-point territory. Henderson was joined in double-figure scoring by senior guard Tammara Marion, who contributed 19 points of her own while making 9-of-10 from the charity stripe. Her performance was a stark contrast to the team's loss in January to UTSA when the Roadrunners' Simone Young limited Marion to a season-low seven points.

UTSA (7-16, 3-7) was led in scoring by Judy Jones, who returned from a leg injury in the early moments to match Marion and Henderson's game-high 19 points.

SFA gradually took control of the game in the first half, opening up a 17-6 lead at the 8:29 mark following a rainbow three-pointer from Ashlee Mells, forcing UTSA to call a timeout to stop momentum.

The Ladyjacks kept pilling on however, pushing the lead to 18 points (33-15) just seconds before the halftime buzzer went off when Porsha Roberts converted a three-point opportunity with a layup and a foul on Young.

UTSA shot just 16.7 percent (5-of-30) from the field in the first 20 minutes and were only 3-of-10 at the free throw line.

Henderson scored 11 of her 19 points in the first half on 4-of-5 shooting, followed by five points apiece from Brittney Matthew, Mells and Roberts.

The Roadrunners actually outscored SFA 49-40 in the second half and got as close as 67-61 with 38 seconds remaining but the Ladyjacks made all six of their free throws to put the finishing touches on a 73-64 victory.

The Ladyjacks bench once again outscored their opponents (29-21), and although she only scored three points, Annette Davis established a career-high with 13 big rebounds. Matthew also recorded six more assists, marking the sixth time in her last seven contests that the freshman guard dished out five or more assists.

SFA will be looking to carry over their momentum next Wednesday, Feb. 15 when they travel to UT-Arlington for a 7p.m. tipoff. That game will be carried on the radio on Q107.7 FM with the pregame show starting at 6:45 p.m.

'Jacks hold off UTSA rally, 59-51 - February 13, 2012

SAN ANTONIO, Tx - The Lumberjacks got 19 points from Antonio Bostic and never trailed, taking a 59-51 win over UTSA on Saturday afternoon at the Convocation Center.

The `Jacks (14-10, 8-3 SLC) opened the game on a 14-3 run and led by as much as 15 at the break before holding on in the final minutes to win for the fourth consecutive time in San Antonio and avenge a loss to UTSA (15-10, 7-4 SLC) earlier in the season in Nacogdoches.

Darius Gardner joined Bostic in double figures with 10 points and four assists, but also canned two three-point buckets in the final two minutes of the game to keep the `Runners at bay. In all SFA tied a season high with eight three-pointers, led by three apiece from Gardner and Bostic.

Jonathan King led SFA on the glass with eight rebounds for the second consecutive game, adding eight points as well. Bostic hauled in five boards and had four assists in playing the entire game for the third time in his last six games.

SFA forced 14 Roadrunner turnovers in the first half on its way to a 34-19 lead behind 13 points from Bostic, but UTSA opened the second half with a 9-2 run that quickly cut the Lumberjack lead to single digits; however, SFA had answers of its own throughout the final period and held a four-point lead with under three minutes to play before Gardner's shots provided just enough cushion to keep UTSA away.

The Lumberjacks will look to make it three in a row on Wednesday when it hosts league-leading UT-Arlington at William R. Johnson Coliseum.

Lady Riders Flex Muscles, Claim Home Event - February 5, 2012
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Members of the Center Lady Rider powerlifting team show off their first-place
plaque after Thursday night's competition in Roughrider Gymnasium. The Lady
Riders scored 45 points to outlast Huntington by one point. (Photo by John Krueger)

Center takes nine-team event, outlasting Devilettes

Center Lady Rider powerlifter Chakera Ingram deadlifts while being encouraged by coach Donna Shannon (backright) during Thursday night's powerlifting meet in Center. Ingram won the 148-lb. Class. (Photo by John Krueger)

Led by four first-place finishes, the Center Lady Riders outlasted a Huntington team that dominated the lightweight divisions and posted the meet's Best Lifter for the heavy platform Thursday night to clip the Devilettes as the CHS took a one-point victory here at the Center Powerlifting Meet in Roughrider Gymnasium.

The Lady Riders claimed the spot in the nine-school event, scoring 45 points, registering two second and two third-place finishes, along with a fifth place to go along with the four first-place lifters.

Huntington was right behind Center, securing 44 points, as the two teams from District 18-3A easily outdistanced the rest of the field. The Devilettes posted three first-place finishers, including Ashlyn Reece's 915 total pounds in the 220-lb. class which earned her the Best lifter in the heavy platform. HHS also had two second and fourth-place finishes and three third-place postings.

Center Lady Rider powerlifter Kadijah Cooper struggles with a squad weight during Thursday night's powerlifting meet in Center. The Lady Riders won their division. (Photo by John Krueger)

Elysian Fields was a distant third in the girls' division, scoring 17 points, while Hemphill placed fourth with 15, Cushing placed fifth with 14, Shelbyville came in sixth with 13, Joaquin finished seventh with eight points and San Augustine scored one point for eighth. Diboll did not score.

Cushing's Kaitlain Link recorded 650 total pounds in the 105-lb. class and was named the Best Lifter in the light platform competition.

In addition to Reece claiming top honors in the 220-lb class, Center's Lucero Espinosa finished with 665 pounds, Laci Beasley of Elysian Fields was third with 455 pounds, Rachel Andrews of Center was fourth with 420 and Harlie Sanford of San Augustine took fifth with 410 pounds.

Elysian Fields' Bria Wilbert took the 220-plus lb. class with 965 pounds.

Huntington's Kendra Shurley won the 198-lb. class with 745 total pounds, with Jessica Edwards of Center coming in a distant second with 630 pounds.

Shelby County athletes took the top three spots in the 181-lb. class, with Gaby Mireles of Center winning the event with 635 pounds, Jakera Land posted 560 pounds for Shelbyville and took second and Lady Dragon Amanda Lindsey came in third with 475 pounds.

Center's Kristin Gilchrist captured top honors in the 165-lb. class, lifting 575 total pounds, with Meena Wise of Hemphill tallying 565 pounds for second, Jasmine Belin of Center coming in third with 555, Hemphill's Margaret Butler finishing fourth with 480 and Joaquin's Loren Johnson had a fifth-place showing with 410 pounds.

Chakera Ingram won the 148-lb. weight class with 770 pounds, while Lauren Cryer was second (550), Kayla Welch of Hemphill was third (495), Huntington's Sarah Holcomb posted fourth (495) and Center's Requanah Patton was fifth (465).

Joaquin Lady Ram lifter Olivia Worsham won the 132-lb. class with a total weight of 680 pounds, easily taking first place from Huntington's Taylor Williams, who lifted 410 pounds. Center's Kyishia Garrett placed third with 395 pounds.

In the 123-lb. class, Kadijah Cooper of Center lifted 600 total pounds to claim top honors, with Alexis Gooch finishing second with 525 pounds and Jessica Waller of Huntington coming in third with 445 pounds.

Cushing's Brittany Standley won the 114-lb. class with 515 pounds, while Center's Brianna Suell was second with 400 total pounds and Josey Wingo of Center came in third with 380. Kelli Wheeler of Elysian Fields was fourth with 330 pounds in the event.

Link won the 105-lb. class and was followed by Shelbyville's Tameria Lathan, who lifted 475 pounds. Georga Cappa of Huntington was third with 425 pounds and Samantha Wafer had 390 pounds to claim fourth.

Huntington swept the 97-lb. class, with Christina Capps winning first with 405 pounds, Patsey Elrod coming in second with 395 and Krissa Nunn securing 350 pounds for third place.

Center will return to action next Thursday when the 'Riders and Lady Riders take part in the Huntington Meet.

'Riders Claim Ninth Straight Meet Title - February 5, 2012
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

The Center Roughrider boys powerlifting team show off their first-place
plaque after Thursday night's Center Powerlifting Meet in Roughrider
Gymnasium. The 'Riders posted 39 points, compared to 31 for
second-place Huntington. (Photo by John Krueger)

Center's Liker, Stanley claim top honors in their classes

Center's Aaron Liker throws up a weight in the 242-lb. bench press competition Thursday night in Roughrider Gymnasium. Liker won his weight class with 1,415 total pounds. (Photo by John Krueger)

Center's Aaron Liker and Garrett Stanley captured top honors in the 242-lb. and 165-lb. weight classes, respectively, to lead the Roughriders to their ninth straight meet title as they edged second-place Huntington Thursday night at the Center Powerlifting Meet here in Roughrider Gymnasium.

The 'Riders secured just two first-place finishes, but won the event on the strength of five second-place nods as they scored 39 team points. Huntington, which had a meet-high three first-place finishes, posted 31 points to come in second.

Center boys powerlifting head coach Tracy Adair said the larger number of schools made the competition tougher this week.

"It helps (competing in the larger meets) because the kids get to see other people and more competition," Adair stated. "Last week went to a meet with six teams and tonight we had 11, so it's a lot harder and the athletes have to step up more.

"Elysian Fields had some good lifters and so did Huntington, but our guys stepped up and really made up some ground in the dead lift. They did a great job."

Joaquin's Austin Underbrink won the 275-lb. class to help the Rams to a third-place finish overall, as the team scored 22 points. Shelbyville was fourth with 14 points, as Tyler West was named the Best Lifter in the light platform as he secured top honors in the 132-lb. class and Chris Valencia won the 220-lb. class.

Shelbyville powerlifter Tyler West was named the Best Lifter in the lightweight division at Thursday's Center Powerlifting Meet in Roughrider Gymnasium. West won the 132-lb. weight class with 985 total pounds. (Photo by John Krueger)

Elysian Fields placed fifth with 12 points, Diboll and Timpson both scored seven points for the sixth and seven spots. Garrison, Hemphill, Cushing and San Augustine all competed, but failed to register any points.

Elysian Fields lifter Kevin Jones was named Best Lifter in the heavy platform as he won the 181-lb. class, totaling 1,295 pounds. He was followed by K.J. Garrett and Drew Diverdi of Center, who posted totals of 1,185 and 1,005 pounds, respectively. San Augustine's Alex Renfro placed fourth in the class with 945 pounds and Diboll's Bubba Cook was fifth with 940 pounds.

Following Underbrink in the 275-lb. class was Javaris Rankin of Center, who lifted 1,215 pounds, and Ince Spencer of Hemphill, who posted 1,200. Rhett Golden of Joaquin placed fourth with 1,195 pounds and Jacob Slaughter of Huntington lifted 1,185 pounds to place fifth.

Liker posted a total of 1,415 pounds in the 242-lb. class to take top honors, with Zach Wildes of Joaquin placing second with 1,070 and Luis Ramos of Diboll coming in a distant third with 840 pounds.

Jon Serrato of Diboll lifted 1,285 pounds for the heavyweight division, with Hunter Fountain of Elysian Fields coming in second with 900 total pounds.

In the 198-lb. class, Jacob Cartwright of Huntington claimed top honors with 1,235 pounds, while Center's Kiounis Williams was second with 1,205 and Colby Simmons of Elysian Fields was third with 1,150 pounds. Nathan Sears of Center also had 1,150 pounds and was awarded fourth place, while Zach Mason of Joaquin placed fifth with 1,120 total pounds.

Valencia lifted 1,150 pounds to win the 220-lb. class, with Derrick Thomas of Center coming in second with 1,115 pounds, with Alex Moreno of San Augustine coming in third with 1,080 pounds, Michael Presley of Hemphill secured 1,040 for fourth, Braden Jett of Elysian Fields was fifth with 1,010 pounds.

Huntington's William Cross won the 114-lb. class with 765 pounds, with Center's Kais Cooper coming in second with 705, Elysian Fields' Caleb Bush posting the third spot with 565 pounds. Shelbyville's Darren Shedd and Cade Copelin placed fourth and fifth, respectively, tallying 510 and 455 points apiece.

Benny Zuniga of Timpson won the 123-lb. class with 715 points, edging Huntington's B.J. Wafer by five pounds. Garrison's Clayton Barlow was third with 600 pounds, Center's Brayan Ruiz was close behind with 595 pounds and Fred Torres of Timpson lifted 590 for fifth.

West ran away with the 132-lb. class with 985 pounds, with Rhobles Armando of Joaquin coming in second with 830 and Bruce Barlow of San Augustine placing a close third with 820 pounds. Justin Adkison of Garrison placed fourth with 790 pounds and Howard Watts of San Augustine secured 755 pounds for fifth.

Huntington's Broderick Dickerson and Konner Innerarity were first and second, respectively, in the 148-lb. class, totaling 790 and 785 pounds for the night. Shelbyville lifter Blayze Kowalski was third with 755 pounds, Jacob Knight of Huntington earned fourth with 730 and Taylor Long of Elysian Fields was fifth with 665 pounds.

Garrett Stanley of Center easily won the 165-pound class, lifting 1,035 pounds. Joaquin's Dean Andrew was second with 995 pounds, Diboll's Carlos came in third with 985 pounds, Tyler Jackson of Timpson lifted 890 for fourth and Tanner Evett of Huntington came in fifth with 885 pounds.

Ponies drop cross-over matchup with Lee, 70-58 - January 25, 2012
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Panola College freshman post player Alonzo Murphy puts up a shot in the paint during earlier season action. The Ponies dropped a 70-58 Region XIV North Zone contest to Lee College Saturday. (Photo by John Krueger)

The Panola College Ponies came up short in a Region XIV cross-over matchup with Lee College on Saturday, falling by a 70-58 count, while hitting 38.9% from the field and committing only 12 turnovers.

The Ponies dropped to 7-10 on the season, losing for the third time in four games. Panola, which is a member of the North Zone, dropped to 7-10 on the year, 1-6 in Region XIV action.

The Ponies are currently in sixth place in the seven-team zone. Trinity Valley (13-5) sits in the top spot with a 6-1 mark followed by Paris (12-4) and Kilgore (12-4), which are both 4-2 in conference play. Navarro (12-6) is in third place at 4-3, with Tyler Junior College (10-6) sitting at 3-4 and Bossier Parish (2-16) holding a 0-7 record in league play.

Lee improved to 13-5 on the season and is 3-4 and in a two-way tie with Jacksonville for fifth place in the South Zone.

Robert Lee had the hot hand for the Ponies against Lee, hitting 10-of-14 from the field, including 9-of-10 from inside the three-point arc. He scored 26 points, while pulling down 10 rebounds and picking up a pair of steals.

No other Panola player scored in double figures. Zieyik Estime connected on only 4-of-12 from the field, scoring nine points, while Issac Mack, Ashton Harrell and Breion Beaver pitched in five points apiece, Alonzo Murphy and JaRon Denmark were held to three each and Lonnie McElwain scored two.

In addition to Lee's 10 boards, Murphy pulled down eight, Harrell hauled in five and Estime grabbed four.

The Ponies hit 17-of-37 (45.9%) from inside the three-point arc and 21-of-54 from the field, while connecting on 12-of-21 (57.1%) from the charity stripe.

Panola will return to action at home Wednesday night, hosting South Zone leader Lamar State-PA (14-4, 6-1 conf.) in another cross-over game in Arthur Johnson Gymnasium. The tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

Lady Riders fall short to Hudson, 59-56 - January 25, 2012
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Center senior guard Lakia Shepherd (with ball) goes up for a layup during Tuesday night's game against Central. The Lady Riders began this week with a 2-6 District 18-3A record, then defeated Central, 49-44. (Photo by Ray Jackson)

The drive for a playoff spot in District 18-3A hasn't been an easy one for the Center Lady Riders. on Friday night they dropped a 59-56 decision on the road to Hudson, falling back to 2-6 against league competition.

"We played well, it was just that we had some breaks go against us," Center head coach Tracy Kincade said of the loss to the Lady Hornets. "We are really going to be good in the future because the girls are busting their tails to get better."

Lakia Shepherd was the leading scorer for Center in the setback. She poured in 21 pounds, while hauling in a team-high 13 rebounds. Shepherd also added four steals and four assists, drawing praise from her coach.

"Kia is a dominating player that does everything and more," the coach stated.

Lacie Evans, on a sophomore, added 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists to the effort. Ashley Sigler just missed double-digit scoring, dropping in nine points, while picking up three steals.

Kemi Cleveland scored seven points, seven rebounds and eight steals. Kincade said she continues to be a very good defensive player and a game leader on the floor.

Cassie Bush scored two points, added a rebound and a steal and blocked two shots, while being in foul trouble most of the night.

Tyvonna Harper, who moved up from the junior varsity, scored three points. Kincade said he's really looking forward to good things from her in the near future.

Center took an 11-9 lead at the end of the first period, but the Lady Hornets had a 15-10 advantage on the scoreboard in the second quarter to surge in front, 24-21 at the break.

Hudson extended the lead to 43-37 heading into the fourth quarter and the Lady Hornets held off a late surge by Center to record the win to improve to 5-3 in district.

The Lady Riders came back strong on Tuesday night with a 49-44 win over Central at home to improve to 12-11 on the year, 3-6 in District 18-3A action with three games remaining in the regular season. Center is in fifth place and is two games out of third place.

Miscues hurt 'Riders in loss to Hudson - January 25, 2012
By John Krueger, Sports Correspondent

Center turns ball over 36 times in league setback

The Center Roughriders picked a bad time to turn the ball over as they went on the road to Hudson Friday night and gave the ball up 36 times in a 66-47 setback to the Hornets in Hornet Gymnasium.

The setback hurt the Roughriders' playoff chances as they dipped to 8-17 on the year and 3-3 in District 18-3A victory. But Center did bounce back Tuesday night at home to knock off Central, 61-51, to move within a game of third place. Center still controls its own playoff destiny.

In the setback to Hudson, only two Center players managed to score in double figures, with Cameron Cloudy hitting 5-of-8 from the field for 13 points. DeJalen Preston converted 5-of-11 field goals for 11 points.

Myles Netherly chipped in five points to the cause.

Center did force 23 Hudson turnovers and outrebounded the Hornets, 41-26.

The Roughriders hit 20-of-53 (38%) field goals and struggled at the free throw line, converting only 4-of-18 (22%).

McCollister was the leading rebounder for Center, pulling down 12 boards, with Darron Bolton and Preston each adding seven and Netherly tallying six.

Center finished the game with 16 steals and nine assists.

Hudson caught the Roughriders off guard in the opening period, moving out to a 21-8 lead at the end of the quarter. But the 'Riders came back strong in the second quarter, pouring in 23 points, while limiting the Hornets to just seven to take a 31-28 lead at the half.

Although Center had momentum on its side in the second quarter, Hudson was able to grab it back in the third quarter, scoring 22 points, while CHS was limited to 10, and the 'Riders fell behind 50-41 heading into the final stanza.

The 'Riders didn't have an answer for the Hornets in the fourth as they were outscored 16-6 and took the district setback with a 19 deficit.

The Roughriders will return to action on Friday night when they travel to Huntington for another key matchup. Center has five games remaining in the regular season. The Red Devils are currently 5-1 in District 18-3A play and in second place, one-half game behind league leader Jasper.