Sports

BELLVILLE – Brahmas boys soccer scraped out a victory February 24 at Brahmas Stadium by a final score of 2-1. Bellville struck first with a goal later in the first half that was matched by Hempstead about midway through the second half, then Bellville netted a clutch goal in the final minutes to protect home field. "I don't think we played particularly well,” said Bellville head boys soccer coach Ben Powell.

BELLVILLE – Texas Independence is this weekend.

KATY – The La Grange High School boys basket- ball team put up a good fight against Yates High School Feb. 20 at Katy High School, but were defeated by a final score of 78-62. The Lions quick offense and pressure on defense gave them the slight edge, but La Grange was able to hang tough with scoring from their premier players. "I was just contemplating whether or not are we gonna be able to get into our offenses,” said La Grange head boys basketball coach David Cooper.

SEALY – First-year Sealy girls varsity basketball coach Brateicka Mock recently won the Class 4A District 25 Coach of the Year award for her impressive 22-23 season.

LA GRANGE – La Grange High School hired Kyle Cooper last Friday as their new head football coach and athletic director. Cooper previously coached at Ponder High School and led the country in passing yards per game with an average of 425 passing yards per game. He was also an assistant coach at Mount Vernon High School in 2019 and 2020 under former Baylor University head coach Art Briles.

Local archer wins grand championship at HLS&R

The Faith Academy High School girls basketball team recently earned a state title after winning four games en route to the state championship victory on Feb. 17. Players who stepped up big for the Lady Knights were Rachel Kuespert and Ja'Kasia Ragston, who scored in double figures for the majority of the tournament. As Faith Academy won their final game by a score of 34-4, the state trophy was ul timately won by their defense.

Weimar hosts first track meet of the year on chilly day

GIDDINGS – Lady Bulldog basketball competed in their first playoff game against Thorndale High School Feb. 14 at Buffaloes Gym in Giddings and won a nail-biter by a final score of 5149. Flatonia's offense was in full force and they led for the major ity game as a result. Thorndlae was able to hang in with their long-range shooting, but Flato - nia's ability to convert their halfcourt sets, along with hitting free throws, ultimately won them the game. “Just staying focused on what we do," said Flatonia head girls basketball coach Robert Gray on his mindset down the stretch.

lumbus High School girls basketball team edged out a close one against Crystal City High School Feb. 16 at North East ISD Gym in San Antonio by a final score of 51-50. Lady Cards senior point guard Treasure Upson logged four points, sophomore center Ally Tribe had 16 points, and junior shooting guard Karlee Mathis scored 19 points and hit four three-pointers.

GIDDINGS – The La Grange High School boys soccer team defeated Giddings High School in penalty kicks Feb. 17 at Buffaloes Stadium. Giddings scored the first goal, then the Leopards were able to respond with a header on a corner kick to tie the game and ultimately outshoot the Buffaloes in penalty kicks.

La Grange boys gofl takes on Caldwell tourney

Flatonia High School boys basketball ended their season with a blowout win against Ga- nado by a final score of 114-47. Flatonia had five players in double figures with the leading scorer being senior guard Holden Kloesel with 35 points. The Bull - dogs then won their first playoff game vs Thrall, also in blowout fashion, with a score of 89-56. The team had five players in double figures for scoring again with Kloesel being the leading

Columbus host golf tourney with few area teams

The Fayetteville High School boys basketball team and Columbus High School girls basketball team both earned district championships for the 2022-2023 season.

SCHULENBURG – The Schulenburg High School boys basketball team went up against Flatonia High School in a barn burner that came down to the last shot in overtime. Schulenburg’s execution throughout the game was near perfect and Flatonia held their own with big shots and productive offense. “Flatonia is a great team,” said Schulenburg head boys basketball coach Rich Hoogendoorn.

BELLVILLE – The Bellville High School boys basketball team faced off against Royal High School where the Brahmas fought hard all game to send the match into overtime on a buzzer beater, which led to dominating the overtime period for a 72-60 win at Brahmas Gym February 10. “I felt coming in that I just liked our matchup,” said Bellville head boys basketball coach Mason Loiodice.

SAN ANTONIO – Cardinal and Leopard swimming made a showing at the UIL State Swimming Meet Feb. 9 and 10 at Josh Davis Natatorium & Bill Walker Pool in San Antonio.

La Grange makes appearance at Rice Powerlifting Meet

By BRIAN PIERSON Banner Press Sports

LA GRANGE – Leopard boys hoops put on a great showing against a solid Giddings High School team Feb. 3 at Leopards Gym by defeating the Buffaloes with a final score of 54-27. Giddings made some nice plays and moves to the basket, but La Grange’s offense was at near perfection with their drives to the rim and shot making.