Author: Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Stamford’s Brady, relays hitting their stride 

As soon as Stamford’s football season came to an end, Jared Brady wanted to know when track season started.

The senior Bulldog loves track more than any sport. He’s a returning state qualifier who runs the 100 and both sprint relays. And he’s looking forward to ending his high school track career with another trip to Austin.

“This year I’ve put in blood, sweat and tears to making it this far, and I’m not done yet,” Brady said. “Medaling in Austin would mean that I’ve proven to everyone that I am a winner and that I can push beyond my limits.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Tutter, Brock seniors hitting their stride 

Brett Tutter is conflicted when it comes to these last few weeks of track season.

The Brock senior is excited about the possibility of getting back to state for the third time.

But he readily admits to being bummed that his days competing as an Eagle with his buddies are almost over.

Tutter and the Eagles are coming off a strong showing at last week’s District 8-3A Meet in Dublin. Not only did Tutter win the 100 with a season-best time of 10.71 seconds, but he also anchored both sprint relays to gold.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Goldthwaite’s Jernigan ready to defend state hurdles titles

Photos provided by April Wetzig 

GOLDTHWAITE — Lainey Jernigan is excited to begin the next chapter of her life as a member of Angelo State’s track team.

But before Jernigan moves on, the Goldthwaite senior still has her sights set on defending her two Class 2A state titles in the hurdles.

“Going out as a double state champion would mean the world to me,” Jernigan said. “It would represent all of my years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice in this sport. It would also mean so much to my teammates, coaches, family and supporters who have been with me every step of the way.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: May’s Amanda Harrell begins her battle for state meet return

Amanda Harrell’s senior season of track has only just begun.

But the May senior fully expects it to last until May 4. That’s the date of the Class 1A UIL state meet in Austin.

Harrell left state last year with a second-place finish in the discus, but she’s hoping for a gold this time around in what would be her third trip to state.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Sanderson’s growth helps Goldthwaite find groove 

Luke Sanderson has always been an all-around standout on the basketball court.  

But it wasn’t until the Goldthwaite junior changed his approach that the Eagles could reach their potential.

Sanderson’s growth as a decision-maker and trusting teammate is a crucial reason why Goldthwaite has become a threat when the Region IV-2A playoffs begin this week.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Lavender, Eagles adjusting well to new roles

By Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

Austin Lavender has grown up around the game he loves.

The Brock junior is the prototypical coach’s kid. He remembers all the trips taken to gyms across the state. He recalls walking down the stairs while his mom was coaching at SMU and watching Hall of Famer Larry Brown lead a practice.

“Whether it was going to games, going to practices, riding on the bus, or flying on the plane with the team, I was always around the game I loved,” Lavender said. “I was fortunate to be able to be around and watch players at the collegiate level and see what it takes to get there.”

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Hawley football standout Ramon proving to be equally dangerous in hoops

By Zach Duncan, special to Big Country Preps

At least once every game, Diontay Ramon leaves Hawley boys basketball coach Mitch Ables shaking his head.

“He’s so explosive that sometimes when you’re watching him, he does something that’s just ridiculous,” Ables said. “Whether it’s a block or maybe he hits his head on the backboard. He hasn’t had many dunks this year, but he had a good one against Hamlin.”

Ramon is best known around the Big County for his football exploits. He caught 82 passes for 1,545 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Bearcats last fall and is currently deciding on where he’ll play the sport in college.

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Jim Ned girls propelled by a mix of veterans and youth

Jim Ned lost to eventual 3A state champion Holliday in last year’s regional finals.  

The Lady Indians brought back starting guards Riley Grohman, Lexi Wishert and Gracee Cooley among seven returning lettermen.  

They’ve helped Jim Ned pick up where it left off in the 2023 playoffs. The Lady Indians are ranked No. 2 in the state with only a pair of losses to Class 4A No. 1 Glen Rose.  

An exciting postseason is expected in Taylor County. But longtime coach Hunter Cooley said the Lady Indians don’t draw on last year’s near-miss with state as a motivating factor.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Merkel’s Darby doubling as point guard who can score

Kooper Darby was already going to have a sizeable role in his final season at Merkel.  

But when the Badgers lost Maddox O’Malley to a broken fibula in the last football game, it put even more pressure on Darby’s shoulders.  

The 6-foot-3 senior has certainly rose to the occasion, averaging 27.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and four assists as Merkel fights for a playoff berth in District 6-3A.  

“He’s had to put the ball in the hoop for us a lot more,” Merkel coach B.C. Lee said. “Every time he puts the ball on the ground, he’ll have multiple guys trying to shut him down. Every night he gets the other team’s best defender, which makes what he’s doing even more impressive.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Eastland’s Wesley lighting up opposition, leading Lady Maverick resurgence

By Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps  

Eastland is the biggest girls basketball surprise in the Big Country this year.  

And if you’re searching for how the Lady Mavericks made such a turnaround in a short stretch, look no further than Mya Wesley.  

The 5-foot-6 combo guard is making up for lost time. After playing JV last season because of her transfer from Stephenville, Wesley is averaging 23.2 points and shooting 44 percent from the field as a senior.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Versatile Gray, Eula’s all-time leading scorer, hopes to play at next level

By Zach Duncan, special to Big Country Preps
Photos contributed by Becky Cauthen   

Clayton Gray has been a mainstay on Eula’s boys basketball team the past four years.  

Coach Shae Sanford has watched his 6-2 guard/forward improve every year. And now Eula’s coach is witnessing Gray blossom into a well-rounded player for the No. 15 Pirates.  

“We’ve known since he was a freshman that he could score from a lot of different areas, but we needed him to improve his rebounding and on the defensive end,” Sanford said. “He’s a kid who puts in the time ever since junior high. He spends hours and days in the weight room, and it’s fun to see it pay off.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Stephenville’s Chamberlain enjoying seamless transition 

Photos courtesy of Valerie Hill 

Stephenville lost two senior all-state players from last year’s regional semifinalist basketball team that won 32 games.  

The Honeybees also lost junior point guard Lucy Espinoza before the season began to a torn ACL.  

But Stephenville also gained a valuable senior. After playing in two state tournaments at nearby Huckabay, Chayni Chamberlain has stepped up to the 4A level and not missed a beat.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Brock’s Mathews showing the versatility her coach had hoped for

A Swiss Army knife. 

That’s what Brock girls coach Alex Stephenson wanted junior Keira Mathews to become this season.  

Already a proven commodity with her scoring and rebounding abilities, Mathews accepted her coach’s challenge, and it has paid off for the No. 13 Lady Eagles.  

In addition to averaging 12 points and 11 boards, Mathews is chipping in five assists and four steals a game for a young Brock team that is currently undefeated in district.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

SIDEBAR: Defense, special teams key in Benjamin’s title game win over Oglesby

ARLINGTON — Grayson Rigdon always gives Benjamin a chance to win every game the Mustangs play.  

Rigdon’s offensive heroics will deservedly generate the most headlines from Benjamin’s 82-34 victory over Oglesby Wednesday afternoon at AT&T Stadium.  

But a couple defensive and special teams sequences allowed the No. 1 Mustangs to get much-needed separation as they defended their Class A Division II title. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

SIDEBAR: Matlock proud of Westbrook’s season despite falling short in bid for three-peat

ARLINGTON — Westbrook had title game experience on its side Wednesday in the Class 1A Division I championship against Gordon.  

However, the Wildcats didn’t have a speed advantage. And that’s a main reason their chance of three-peating ended with 3:45 left in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium as the Longhorns’ 1-2 punch of Stryker and Riley Reed paved the way for a 70-20 victory.  

Despite the program’s first playoff loss in 15 games, Westbrook coach Homer Matlock was pleased with how his team conducted itself all season long. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Westbrook hopes Gilbreath is adjusted enough in new role to allow for third straight state title

Westbrook will be looking to claim its third consecutive Class A Division I state title Wednesday against Gordon at AT&T Stadium.  

However, the Wildcats’ leading rusher will be making his first appearance as a player at AT&T Stadium. That’s because senior Keegan Gilbreath is finishing up his first six-man campaign after starting at quarterback for Class 2A Seymour the past three years.  

It’s been a season of unsureness and acclimatization for Gilbreath, but his adaptability and diligence has paid off. Gilbreath has rushed for 1,456 yards and 36 touchdowns as part of a 1-2 backfield punch with Grayson Jeffrey.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Albany dominant from start to finish in region final rout of Collinsville

IOWA PARK — Albany didn’t need any last-minute heroics Thursday night at Hawk Stadium.  

A week after dodging Muenster, the top-ranked Lions manhandled No. 4 Collinsville from the beginning, scoring the first 31 points in a 52-14 victory.  

Adam Hill led the charge with 223 rushing yards and four touchdowns, but the Lions defense also made a statement by picking off quarterback Logan Jenkins three times and holding the Pirates 38 points below their season average.  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

BREAKING: Albany’s Adam Hill commits to Texas Tech

Adam Hill has his sights set on Albany defending its Class 2A Division II state football championship. 

But one of the Big Country’s best players also knows where he’ll call home after graduation. 

Hill committed to Texas Tech on Sunday afternoon, choosing to make his decision now rather than waiting closer to the NCAA Division I football’s early signing period set for Dec. 20. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Comanche rallies to eliminate Henrietta, win bi-district title

SPRINGTOWN – Layden Welch wanted redemption. 

The Comanche quarterback felt like he had let his squad down after his fumble led to Henrietta taking the lead late in the third quarter of a hotly contested Region II-3A Division II bi-district game. 

With the Bearcats holding all the momentum, Welch made amends with an 89-yard touchdown pass to Kyler Beaty with 5:34 remaining that was the difference in the Indians’ 26-21 victory. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

BCP GAME OF THE WEEK: Clyde makes statement in 60-36 rout of previously unbeaten Vernon

VERNON — Clyde is a different team this season. 

In case anyone had forgotten that, the Bulldogs’ performance Friday night against Vernon in the Big Country Preps Game of the Week served as a stark reminder.

A battle of unbeatens turned into a blowout as Clyde scored early and often, routing the Lions 60-36 in a District 3-3A Division I opener. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Gentry thriving as Stephenville’s biggest weapon

Down to its third-string quarterback and with its top running back banged up, Stephenville needed a play to be made last week in a tie game against Brownwood. 

That Tristian Gentry was the Yellowjacket who stepped up, catching a bubble screen and scoring from 65 yards out with 5:53 remaining, should be no surprise to anyone. 

A year after racking up 1,110 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, Gentry is well on his way to smashing those numbers during a junior season that also includes a commitment to Texas Tech. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Big Spring’s Franklin on pace for another record-setting season 

By Zach Duncan, special to Big Country Preps 

Zeyire Franklin is once again one of the Big Country’s top wideouts. 

A year after setting a Big Spring school record in receiving yards, Franklin is on pace to top that mark. In five games, Franklin has recorded 34 catches for 613 yards and six touchdowns. 

Franklin’s production is no surprise to the Steer faithful, but what has been a pleasant development is the emergence of fellow senior Jose Munoz, whose 48 catches easily lead the area. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Albany’s Hill becomes focal point of offensive attack

By Zach Duncan, special to Big Country Preps

Before this season, Albany supporters would probably agree that Adam Hill made the biggest impact on the defensive side. 

After all, that’s where Hill generated the most headlines last year, earning first-team Texas Sports Writers Association honors at defensive end. 

Hill is still a menace at chasing quarterbacks for the No. 1 Lions, but the senior has also seen an increased offensive workload through non-district. Hill’s 825 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns are among the Big Country leaders as Albany has turned to him as the feature back. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Young Goldthwaite team beginning to live up to coach’s expectations

By Zach Duncan, special to Big Country Preps

Andy Howard knew Goldthwaite would be much improved this season. 

A second year in new schemes, tremendous mental growth and defensive progress were all reasons for the Eagles’ development. 

It didn’t take long for Howard’s beliefs to be verified. Playing highly ranked Crawford within 14 points in Week 1 didn’t snap Goldthwaite’s losing streak, but it proved to be the start of the turnaround. 

“Going into that Friday night, our motto was to believe,” Howard said. “I felt like we had a high-caliber team, but you’ve got to go out there and prove it. Our kids believed all week and kids executed at a high level. I’m not big on moral victories, but we wanted to continue to use that momentum and apply it for the last two weeks.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Sweetwater newcomer not a distraction for Mustang football … even though she’s a girl

Photos contributed by Michael Harbour

CJ Cox had always wanted to try playing football, but she’d never really had an opportunity. 

That changed last spring when Cox was finishing up her sophomore year at Sweetwater. That’s when she surprised head football coach Russell Lucas by asking if she could kick for the Mustangs. 

“I’ve never had a girl on our football team, but I laid out the expectations. Show up all the time and work really hard,” Lucas said. “If you do those things, you’ll have the same chance as everybody. I’m not going to give preferential treatment or discriminate against you because you’re a female.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Jim Ned impressive in road win over eighth-ranked Holliday

HOLLIDAY – It took Jim Ned the final three minutes of the first half to turn a deficit against Holliday into a comfortable lead. 

Turnovers helped the Indians gain a halftime advantage at Eagle Stadium, and a pair of third-quarter interceptions paved the way for Jim Ned to slam the door on Holliday for a 40-22 victory Friday night. 

It was another quality win for the Indians (2-0), who were 0-2 at this point a year ago. It also snapped Holliday’s 30-game regular season winning streak. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GOLDTHWAITE FEATURE: Wetzig emerges as leader up front for Eagles

After Goldthwaite finished last season winless, AJ Wetzig told himself he wasn’t going to let that happen again. 

The senior set goals not only for himself, but Wetzig also set goals for his fellow linemen to be more physical. 

“I know that we are going to be a much more aggressive and physical team this year,” Wetzig said. “We told ourselves that the only way we can improve is to work extremely hard in the offseason, and believe me, we have.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

2023 GOLDTHWAITE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Eagles have high expectations in 2023

Andy Howard is still looking for his first win as Goldthwaite’s head football coach. 

Let’s rephrase that. Howard is awaiting his first win on the scoreboard after taking over the Eagles last year. Even though Goldthwaite went 0-10 against one of the toughest schedules in the state, Howard saw many off-field gains. 

“I kept telling the kids every week, we’re not winning on the scoreboard, but we’re winning in our program,” Howard said. “I wanted to see growth daily within our program. You have to learn to overcome the little losses, but we were able to grow throughout the football season.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME REPORT: Coahoma tops Santa Gertrudis 4-2 to claim second softball state title

The special moment that had been a year in the making could begin as soon as Kaedyn Lee secured the fly ball in right field. 

Coahoma, which had come so close to winning it all the previous year, could finally celebrate on the infield at McCombs Field. 

The Lady Bulldogs captured the Class 3A state championship Thursday afternoon with a 4-2 victory over Santa Gertrudis Academy. It’s Coahoma’s second softball title in school history with the other coming in 1998. 

Continue reading “GAME REPORT: Coahoma tops Santa Gertrudis 4-2 to claim second softball state title” →

by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME REPORT: Hermleigh softball routs D’Hanis to claim first state championship

Call it dominance. Call it revenge. Call it a transcendent performance from Summer Smith. 

However you decide to label it, the Hermleigh softball team earned the right to be called Class 1A state champions Wednesday afternoon after overpowering D’Hanis for a 9-0 victory at the University of Texas’ McCombs Field. 

It’s the Lady Cardinals’ first state softball championship, and it comes almost a year to the day since Hermleigh suffered a 6-2 defeat against the Cowgirls in last year’s title game. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME REPORT: Wells pitches Bulldogettes to 1-0 win over Rains in Class 3A state semifinals

A fifth-inning single that didn’t even leave the infield. 

That was the only hit Coahoma ace Hannah Wells surrendered Wednesday afternoon during a Class 3A state semifinal against Emory Rains. 

Wells’ domination in the circle combined with Baylor Wright’s RBI single in the second inning were the difference as the Bulldogettes kept their state championship hopes alive with a 1-0 victory at the University of Texas’ McCombs Field. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME REPORT: Como-Pickton too much for Stamford in 7-1 state semifinal win

Como-Pickton struck for three runs against Stamford in the first inning Tuesday night in their Class 2A state semifinal. 

With ace Mattison Buster hitting her spots, that was more than enough run support for the Lady Eagles, who picked up a 7-1 victory at McCombs Field in Austin. 

Como-Pickton (38-2) advances to face Weimar in the 2A championship set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, while the Lady Bulldogs (27-7-1) had their successful season end in the semifinals for the second straight year. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME REPORT: Big fifth inning fuels Hermleigh past Dodd City, earns Lady Cards rematch with D’Hanis

Hermleigh is once again a victory away from its first state softball title. 

The Lady Cardinals broke open a scoreless Class 1A state semifinal with a seven-run fifth inning, claiming a 9-3 victory over Dodd City on Tuesday afternoon at McCombs Field in Austin. 

And once again, D’Hanis will be standing in Hermleigh’s way of a championship. The two teams will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday in a rematch of last year’s 1A title game that the Cowgirls won 6-2. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Bulldogettes’ dominant run fueled by last year’s state tournament heartbreak

A week. 

That’s how long the Coahoma softball team took off after last year’s heartbreaking 6-5 loss to Hallettsville in the Class 3A state championship game. 

The Bulldogettes returned to work over the summer with one goal — making another trip to Austin and taking care of unfinished business. They haven’t relaxed much since. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Hawley left-hander Balch a tone-setter in strong Bearcats rotation

When Westyn Balch takes the mound for Thursday’s regional semifinal series opener against Ropes, he’ll feel right at home. 

The Hawley junior is no stranger to setting the tone in a Game 1. Balch has victories over Coleman, Christoval and Stamford this postseason, compiling a 1.87 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 15 innings. 

Hawley coach Jamie Seago knows he has three quality starters he can rely on. It’s one of the reasons the Bearcats (23-9) are still playing. 

And he also knows what to expect from his left-hander every time out. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

GAME STORY: Strosnider’s two home runs fuel hit parade as Brock sweeps Holliday

IOWA PARK — Sawyer Strosnider admitted he didn’t get all of the ball during his first home run in Friday night’s Game 2 against Holliday. 

But the Brock junior left no such doubts in his next at-bat, smashing a two-run homer that broke a tie game in the fourth inning. 

Strosnider’s knocks were two of the 10 extra-base hits Brock collected in a windy 20-7 victory that advances the Eagles to the Region I-3A semifinals. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Gordon hurdlers Reed, Crowe set for state after special regional meet moment

Photo/video contributed by Gordon coach Mike Reed

The picture of Gordon’s Stryker Reed crossing the finish line in the 110-meter hurdles two weeks ago at regionals says it all. 

As soon as Reed steps across the white stripe, he turns to his right to celebrate teammate Kaden Crowe also locking up his state berth with a second-place finish. 

The two Longhorn freshmen are great friends away from the track and fierce competitors between the lines. Now they’ll get to race together one more time this season Saturday night at the Class 1A track meet in Austin. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Breckenridge boys track hoping to make another strong showing at region meet

The Breckenridge boys track team is peaking at the right time. 

That’s good news for Mark Young’s Buckaroos as they head into the Region I-3A Meet this Friday and Saturday at Abilene Christian University. 

Young has a special place in his heart for the mile relay, an event he ran during his college days at ACU. That explains why he was still pumped up a couple days after Breckenridge ran an area-best 3 minutes, 22.79 seconds at last week’s Districts 7/8-3A area meet. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Young, tight-knit Brownwood softball team excited to make playoff return

At the end of every practice and game, Brownwood’s softball team breaks out shouting the word “family.” 

First-year head coach Cherita Munguia believes that mantra has been an important one for a squad that often starts five sophomores and a freshman. 

“They love each other fiercely and play like a family,” Munguia said. “They’re extremely hungry, are super coachable and have an energy that’s unmatched. It’s been a really exciting journey.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Brock leaning on Lewis’ experience heading into postseason play

Zach Lewis is ready to leave everything on the court these next couple weeks. 

The Brock senior point guard’s competitive basketball days are numbered as he’ll be attending business school at Texas A&M next fall. 

After playing a crucial role on the Eagles’ state-qualifying team two years ago and nearly leading Brock back to San Antonio last year, Lewis is well-versed in high-stakes postseason games. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Albany’s Hill not just a standout football player

Adam Hill was a key member of Albany’s state championship football team last fall. 

The junior lined up at running back, played tight end in certain sets and even was occasionally a fullback. Hill was also a defensive end for the Lions after playing strong safety the previous year. 

Hill’s versatility can also be seen on the basketball court. He’s a bigger guy who can handle the ball well. Hill pounds the glass with his 6-foot-2 frame and has worked hard to improve his outside shooting. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Wall’s Armstrong finally back to full strength after frustrating injuries

Everson Armstrong’s junior season was both trying and ironic. 

The Wall basketball player ran into a wall early in his first scrimmage. The result was that Armstrong snapped part of his arm, missing the first couple months. 

That injury combined with a broken thumb once he returned kept the Wall guard from becoming a dominant force during the 2021-22 season. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Comanche’s Martinez a standout in multiple categories

Photos courtesy of Santos Gomez

As Richard Pringle walked off the floor a couple months ago after telling his Comanche boys basketball team he would be retiring after the season, senior Miguel Martinez jogged up and put his arm around him. 

“Looks like we’re going out together,” the point guard told Pringle. 

That timing isn’t by coincidence. Pringle had thought about calling it quits at the end of the 2021-22 season, but he admitted Martinez was one of the main reasons he hung around this season. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Versatile Smith putting on a show for dangerous Coleman team

Braxton Smith spent the fall as a dynamic receiver and defensive back for Coleman’s football team. 

But from a young age, Smith’s favorite sport has been basketball. 

“Basketball has always been my happy place,” Smith said. “The success we had in football has made me want to keep pushing and striving to become better and better because settling for less is not an option.”  

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Highland’s Taylor Allen closing high school career on a high note

Photos courtesy of Kevin Wright 

Taylor Allen has accomplished many impressive feats during her four years playing basketball at Highland. 

The 5-foot-8 standout has earned all-state honors during her first three seasons. By averaging 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists this year, a fourth all-state nod seems like a lock. 

Allen has led the Lady Hornets to the regional tournament and has already signed to play basketball at Division II powerhouse Lubbock Christian. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Hermesmeyers spearheading all-around team effort in Goldthwaite

GOLDTHWAITE — The Goldthwaite girls basketball program’s motto this year is “US.” 

It stands for “Unified Squad,” and that unselfish approach is one main reason why the Lady Eagles enter the week with a 23-3 record and are No. 21 in the Class 2A rankings. 

While coach Angie Hermesmeyer wants this season to be about the team more than any individual, it’s worth noting the growth of a certain individual she shares a residence with. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Stamford’s Applin finishing her high school career on a strong note

Graduation hit Stamford’s girls basketball team pretty hard after a historical run to the Class 2A state championship game. 

But coach Joe Crabb knew that with point guard Laylonna Applin still suiting up, the Lady Bulldogs would always have a chance. 

Applin has continued being the heart and soul of Stamford’s team her senior season, averaging 19.7 points, four assists and 6.2 steals per game. 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Throckmorton’s Cunningham living up to expectations

Photos courtesy of Michael Leal 

Grant Gooch foresaw the possibilities right away during his first Throckmorton basketball practice more than two years ago. 

Gooch noticed a talented forward named Lily Cunningham and right away challenged the freshman to diversify her offensive game. 

“It was during the first half of our first workout, and I said I wanted her to work on her 3-point shooting then,” Gooch recalled. “She was a little shocked, but she has bought in 100 percent. She’s been able to focus on growing her game from the post to getting to the rim to being a deadly 3-point shooter.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Cisco’s Fox a top threat from beyond the arc, but is an underrated defender

Justice Fox enjoys letting it rip from 3-point range. 

But the Cisco senior’s favorite part of the sport doesn’t have anything to do with shooting the basketball. 

The 5-foot-8 shooting guard takes a lot of pride in her defense for the Lady Loboes, who are ranked No. 19 in the latest TABC rankings. 

“I love offense, but I honestly would have to say defense is what I like better,” Fox said. “I just love getting to help my team with the defensive side of the game. I usually guard some really good athletes, and when I guard them well, it just makes me feel confident on how I defend.” 

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by Zach Duncan, Special to Big Country Preps

FEATURE: Benjamin sophomore leading Mustangs to historic season

Main photo courtesy of Naomi Skinner

Grayson Rigdon makes playing six-man football look about as easy as anyone can.  

While defenders labor to chase him, the Benjamin sophomore glides around the field. Rigdon even occasionally slows down before hitting the turbo button and zooming past helpless pursuers.  

After leading Strawn to a state title as a freshman, Rigdon’s on track to do the same thing at Benjamin as the Mustangs are in the state semifinals for the first time in 45 years. They’ll play Whitharral at 3 p.m. Saturday with a chance to make history.  

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