Sports

January 12, 2017 - Carthage, Texas – The Panola College men’s basketball game defeated Region 14 foe, Jacksonville College here Wednesday night, 75-71. With the victory, Panola raises their record to 12-5 and 4-2 in Region 14 play. “We got back to our identity tonight, half-court defense.” Head coach Grant McMillan stated. “It is really fun to watch this group fly around. I was proud of their effort all night.” He Added.

Panola used steady shooting from the three point line in the first half to claim a four point half time lead, 44-40. In the first half the Ponies netted, seven three-pointers. In a slower paced second half, Panola gradually increased their lead to 12 points, 59-47 with 11:07 remaining in the half. Jacksonville made a strong comeback effort but never got any closer than four points.

Tyonte Robertson’s led the Ponies in scoring with 24 points. Robertson netted six three-pointers in the victory and made all six of his free throw attempts. Devyn Wilson continued his strong play netting 13 points and Tope Arikawe recorded a double-double in the victory with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Keith Hayes also scored in double figures with 10. Panola shot 18-21 from the free throw line for the game and held Jacksonville to 31 second half points.

The Ponies will continue Region 14 play when they head to Baytown, Texas to take on Lee College this upcoming Saturday, January 14th. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM on the campus of Lee College.

Submitted by Adam Blaylock

Tenaha Special Events Center, January 10, 2017

Tuesday saw the Tenaha Tigers Varsity Basketball Team win their first District 22 2A contest of the year by a close 57-55 score, at home, over the Shelbyville Dragons. The Dragons led a lot of the game which was tied as late as the last three seconds of the contest.

Jordan Boykins hit a 3-pointer to give Shelbyville an early 3-0 lead in the first quarter. Three minutes later, he gave his team a 6-2 advantage with another deep 3-point bucket. Boykins hit his third 3-pointer with just seconds left in the opening period and SHS held a 16-9 advantage going into the second quarter of play.

Boykins hit two more 3-pointers in the second frame but Tenaha was able to outscore the Dragons by a 13-11 margin during the period. Shelbyville took a 27-22 advantage into the midway break at halftime.

By the conclusion of the third period Tenaha had narrowed the Dragon’s lead to three points by narrowly outscoring them 18-16. SHS took a 43-40 lead in to the final quarter of the game.

Tiger Trai Gardner scored ten of his team-high 25 points during the final period including a final, off balance bucket, with 2 seconds remaining. The score, and a last second steal, gave THS a two-point lead at the final buzzer.

JaQualin Franks scored ten points for the Tigers. Shelbyville had three players in double digits, Jordan Boykins scored 17 points, Trez Barnes added 15, and Cole Ferguson scored twelve, 10 of his points were down the stretch during the final quarter of play.

Tenaha will travel to Woden High School where Junior Varsity will begin a 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 13. Varsity will follow.

The Dragons have an away game at Woden on Tuesday, January 17 at 8 p.m

Tenaha Special Events Center, January 10, 2017

Tuesday night saw the Tenaha Lady Tigers Varsity Basketball team gain a 71-31 win over the visiting Shelbyville Lady Dragons. Tenaha gained an early 11-2 lead and took a 19-4 lead into the second period of play.

The Lady Tigers got 13 points from twin-tower-posts’, Arlicia and Calicia Roland, during the second stanza, to pull away to a 38-11 lead by the midway point of the ball game.

Scores early, by the Roland twins and Brooke McClure, helped the Lady Tigers extend their lead to 45-12 by the midway point of the third quarter.

The Lady Dragons bounced back with scores from Bailey Rabalais, Madison Taylor and Jasmine Osby , during the third stanza, but SHS still trailed 21-54 going into the final period.

Calicia Roland hit a bucket with 6:52 left in the final period which gave THS a 35 point lead. Lady Tiger, Kia Suell gave Tenaha a 40-point lead, at 69-29, with just over one minute remaining in the contest.

The Lady Tigers were led by Arlicia Roland with 18 points, Calicia Roland 14 and Bianca Davison had 13. The Lady Dragons were led by Jakyra Ross with 9 points, Madison Taylor 8, and Kennedy Parker scored 4.

Tenaha is 3-0 in District 22 2A action and will travel to Woden High School Friday, January 13 with Junior Varsity action starting at 4:30 p.m. Varsity will follow. Head Coach Garry Davison stated: “We will now face our toughest road game with Woden who is also unbeaten. We will get our kids prepared and plan to play our best.”

Shelbyville falls to 0-3 in conference play and will face Woden at WHS on Tuesday, January 17, at 6:30 p.m. 

January 10, 2017 - Lufkin, Texas – The Panola College men’s basketball team defeated Angelina College here Monday Night, 82-77. The victory raises the Ponies record to 11-5 and 3-2 in Region 14 play. “It was really fun to watch our guys battle all night long.” Mentioned head coach Grant McMillan. “Angelina kept coming at us in waves and we stayed steady and continued to execute.” He added.

A consistent offensive output saw the Ponies take their biggest lead of the game 29-17 midway through the first half. Angelina closed the half on a 13-9 run to cut into the Panola lead at halftime, 38-30. Angelina continued to cut into the lead the second half and eventually took a 5 points lead with 6:00 minutes remaining in the game. A Devyn Wilson three pointer gave Panola a 78-76 lead with 2:08 remaining. Panola never relinquished the lead in route to the victory.

Tope Arikawe led the way for Panola netting 24 points on 11 of 15 shooting. Marlon Taylor scored 21 points and Devyn Wilson continued his hot shooting netting 5 three-pointers in the victory. Tyonte Robertson recorded a team high nine assists. The Ponies shot 54 percent from the field and forced 15 Angelina turnovers.

Another quick turnaround for Panola as they host Jacksonville College this upcoming Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM in Arthur Johnson Gymnasium on the campus of Panola College.

Submitted by Adam Blaylock

January 6, 2017 Carthage Bulldogs Gymnasium - Friday, January 6, 2017, saw the visiting Center Lady Roughriders Varsity Basketball team fight back after trailing 15-2 to the Carthage Lady ‘Dogs at the conclusion of the first period. The Lady ‘Riders fought their way back into the ballgame but eventually lost by a narrow 42-38 margin. The game was the District 16 Class 4A opener for both teams. Center is now 1-7 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Carthage is 8-3, 0-1.

Center trailed 13-0 with just 1:43 left in the first quarter when MaKayla Hubbard sank two free throws to give CHS their first and only points of the opening stanza.

The second period saw Center out-score the Lady Bulldogs 8-7 and fight their way to within 10-22 of Carthage at the midway intermission.

Makayla Rankin scored twice for the Lady Roughriders, during the third period, but CHS still found themselves trailing Carthage 36-22 going into the final period of play.

Guard Taylor Nichols hit a bucket to start the fourth quarter and pull Center to within 24-36. She also banked in a 3-pointer with 6:22 left in the contest to pull CHS to within 27-36 of the Lady ‘Dogs. Additional scores, during the fourth period, by Nichols, Malaisha Cartwright, Shanya Williams, and Anijah Harper helped the Lady Roughriders get back into the contest but ultimately Carthage tightened up defensively and was able to hold on for the 4-point win, despite a last second 3-point bomb sank by Center’s Malaisha Cartwright.

Scoring for the Lady ‘Riders were:  Taylor Nichols with 9 points, JaKayla Weathered and Malaisha Cartwright with 5 points each, and MaKayla Hubbard with four points.

Center Head Coach Arianna Rodriguez will regroup the Lady ‘Riders who will play their next conference game next Tuesday, January 10, at home against the Rusk Lady Eagles. Tip off will be at 5 p.m. for sub-varsity, with varsity following.

In Junior Varsity action on Friday, the Lady Bulldogs led the Lady Roughriders 23-17 at the end of the third quarter and pulled away to a 36-26 win at the final buzzer.

Update: Tip-off for tomorrow's contest is scheduled for 6:00 PM on the campus of Panola College. 


January 5, 2017 Carthage, TX – The Panola College men’s basketball team defeated ETBU JV here Wednesday night, 103-59. With the victory, the Ponies raise their record to 10-4. “I thought at times tonight we played some of our best basketball of the year.” Stated head coach Grant McMillan. “We haven’t played a game in 26 days and you never really know what might happen with such a long break.” He added.

Tyonte Robertson dishing out one of his game high 11 assists.With the score knotted up a 6, Panola went on a ferocious 45-21 run to end the half. TJ Killings came off the bench and scored 13 of his game-high 15 points in the opening period. The second half saw much of the same as Eric McGill scored eight straight Panola points to start the half. Panola’s bench scored 63 total points in the victory.

All 14 Ponies who suited up saw minutes and were led by TJ Killings who netted 15 points. Devyn Wilson added 13 points. Chan Williams-Bey came off the bench and scored 12 points and Eric McGill also scored in double figures adding 11. Tope Arikawe and Marlon Taylor both chased down double-digit rebounds and Tyonte Robertson dished out 11 assists. As a team, Panola dropped in 10 three-pointers and recorded 20 steals in the victory.

Panola will host Region 14 for Lamar State College-Port Arthur this upcoming Friday. Tip-off is set for 6:30 PM at Arthur Johnson Gymnasium on the campus of Panola College.

January 4, 2017 - The Fillies played Louisiana College on Tuesday the 3rd to open the 2017 year and jumped out of the gym with a win. With a final score of 94-49, the Fillies hit double digit wins and are now 10-3 overall.

The Fillies started the game on a 14-2 run before ending the first quarter 29-10. “It was good for us to get our legs back after the break. We had too many turnovers and still have some preparation to do for conference play, but I am happy we got this win” stated Head Coach Eddie Kite.After the first quarter, the Fillies never slowed down, and outscored the Wildcats in every quarter.

Some hot shooting by Freshmen Patience Okpe and Stefany Lourenco carried the team all the way, combining for 41 points on the night. Patience also led the team in assists with 6 and Stefany lead the team in steals with 8. Sophomore Charlynn Perry added 13 and Freshman Waynenecka Wynn had 12.

The Fillies continue with games during the winter break on Thursday, January 5th, 2017 at Baton Rouge Community College at 6pm.

Submitted by Nalani Hernandez

November 28, 2016 - Joaquin Youth Basketball will begin registration in December. The league is open to girls and boys in grades 1-6. The registration fee is $40 per child.

Registration will be held on the following dates:

  • Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 1:00-3:00 at First Baptist Church Haslam
  • Tuesday, December 6th, 2016 4:30-6:00 at First Baptist Church Haslam
  • Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 5:00-6:30 at First Baptist Church Haslam  ****FINAL DATE

Practice will begin the week of January 9th. The first game is scheduled for January 21st .

Please contact Yolanda Bledsoe with any questions at 936-572-0016

December 31, 2016 - The 8th Annual Holiday Hoops Classic was held on December 28, 29 and 30th.

2016 Holiday Hoops Hall of Fame Inductees 
Saltillo Lady Lion Victoria Stretcher

In the early days of Holiday Hoops, fans knew what they were going to see when the Saltillo Lady Lions came to town; disciplined, fundamental, almost even surgical basketball.  From the tournament’s first year in 2009 through 2012, no one dominated the field quite like the Lady Lions.  

The three time tournament champions annually swept through the competition behind the consistent strength of their inside, go-to layer, Victoria Stretcher.
Though Victoria towered over most opponents, she exemplified what it meant to be a complete player by often serving as a ball handler and great passer.  She also was the preeminent rim protecting defender at Holiday Hoops in those early years.

Victoria was named to the All-Tournament team four consecutive years and was the Most Valuable Player in 2011.  In her senior year, Victoria once again was fell in the Semi-Finals and subsequently finished 3rd by defeating White Oak.
However, the Holiday Hoops experience prepared the Lady Lions for bigger things as later that spring, Victoria led her team all the way to the State Tournament in Austin where they would finish Runner-Up to Witharral in the Class A State Title game.  
Tenaha Lady Tigers’ Coach Garry Davison

Intense…Passionate…Winner…That pretty much sums up Holiday Hoops Hall of Famer Garry Davison.  Coach Davison led the Saltillo Lady Lions to three championships and a 3rd place finish in the first four editions of the tournament.  

He joins Duane Joubert of Kountze as the second three-time Holiday Hoops winning coach.  After his remarkable run at Saltillo, Davison was lured to Tenaha to take the Lady Tiger program to new heights.  And, that is exactly what he has done.  

In less than four seasons in Tenaha, Coach Davison has taken the Lady Tigers twice to the Regional Tournament. And, for the first time in school history, the Lady Tigers were recognized by the polls as the number one ranked team in Texas under his leadership.  Coach Davison also led the Lady Tigers to the first trophy win for Tenaha in Holiday Hoops by defeating Chireno for 3rd place in 2015.  He was able to lead the Lady Tigers to Runner Up in this year’s Holiday Hoops Tournament.

Holiday Hoops Scholarship Recipients 2016

Mikkah Hacket (Alto Yellow Jackets) coached by Augustus Moore III
(Name Not Supplied) (Carlisle Indians) coached by Cal Goss
DeAndrea Traylor (Carthage Lady Bulldogs) coached by Linda Brooks
Tori Tollett (Centerville Lady Tigers)
(Name Not Supplied) (Central Heights Lady Blue Devils) coached by Danielle Templeton
(Name Not Supplied) (Cushing Galkats) coached by Jason Davis and Marion Garret
Fallon Hilliard (Dodd City Lady Hornets) coached by Alex Stephenson
(Name Not Supplied) (Elysian Fields Lady Jackets) coached by Wayne Carter
Dylan Parker (Elysian Fields Yellow Jackets) coached by Chaston Pruitt
Dayton Bell (Garrison Bulldogs) coached by Alex Cloudy
(Name Not Supplied) (Gary Lady Cats) coached by Mitchell Skeen
Blake Cranford (Gary Bobcats) coached by Jimmy Wallace
Mary Echols (Harleton Lady Wildcats) coached by Shanna Johnson and Torriin Bush
Hana Bonner (Joaquin Lady Rams) coached by Carrie Obregon
Justin Hooper (Joaquin Rams) coached by Kevin Yates
Kiara Cole (Kountze Lionettes) coached by Travis Williams
TJ Stanford (Kountze Lions) coached by Duane Joubert
LaDarius Arnett (Laneville Yellowjackets) coached by Joshua Jones
Hannah Massey LaPoyner (Lapoyner Lady Flyers) coached by Gary Grahn
KeAndre Eldridge (Lapoyner Flyers) coached by Dean Nuckolls
Sarah Callaway and Maddie McGee (Lipan Lady Indians) coached by Amber Branson
Derrick Cook (Lion Indians) coached by Brent Gaylor
Hailey Celsur (Martin’s Mill Lady Mustangs) coached by Tommy Cross
Alexsys McElroy 9Martinsville Lady Pirates) coached by Robert Bristow 
Kase Hooper (Martinsville Pirates) coached by Donal Mayhugh
Chase Silvey (Milano Eagles) coached by Justin Hales
Brendon Washington (Oakwood Panthers) coached by Chris Kuykendall 
Lynzee Faulkner (Sabine Lady Cardinals) coached by Sara Cantrell
River Bennett (Sabine Cardinals) coached by Keith Taylor
Leandra Wilson (San Augustine Lady Wolves) coached by Dee Randle
Cordel Moore (San Augustine Wolves) coached by Tory Barnes
Trez Barnes (Shelbyville Dragons) coached by David Schmitt
Makayla Bickerstaff (Slocum Lady Mustangs) coached by Dustin Bates
Brook McClure (Tenaha Lady Tigers) coached by Garry Davison
TK Gardner (Tenaha Tigers) coached by Greg Jenkins
Josh Islet (Thorndale Bulldogs) coached by John Cover
(Name Not Supplied) (Timpson Lady Bears) coached by Joshua Jourdan
(Name Not Supplied) (White Oak Ladynecks) coached by Desiree Hutchins-Boyett
Anthony Hoyt (White Oak Roughnecks) coached by Brett Cloud

Girls’ Tournament Winners
Consolation- Lipan Lady Indians
All Tournament-Maddie McGee
5th Place – Centerville Lady Tigers
All Tournament - Sara Stutzman
4th Place-Dodd City Lady Hornets
All Tournament-Fallon Hillliard
3rd Place- LaPoynor Lady Flyers
All Tournament-Jas Mitchell
All Tournament- Te’Aire Hambrick
2nd Place-Tenaha Lady Tigers
All Tournament- Brook McClure
All Tournament- Calecia Roland
All Tournament- Bianca Davison
1st Place- Martin’s Mill Lady Mustangs
All Tournament- Hailey Celsur
All Tournament- Abbie Orrick
Winning Coach-Tommy Cross
Girls’ Tournament MVP
Tournament MVP- Mollie Daniel

Boys’ Tournament Winners
Consolation-Shelbyville Dragons
All Tournament- Trez Barnes
5th Place- Sabine Cardinals
All Tournament-Will Shawn
4th Place – San Augustine Wolves
All Tournament- Q. Borders
3rd Place- Kountze Lions
All Tournament- TJ Stanford
All Tournament- Jeremiah Barker
2nd Place- Tenaha Tigers
All Tournament-Trai Gardner
All Tournament-Ja’Qualin Franks
1st Place- Lipan Indians
All Tournament-Tate Phillips
All Tournament- Santana Martinez
Winning coach Brent Gaylor
Boys’ Tournament MVP
Tournament MVP Derrick Cook

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