Here are the boys area track bests through April 28 (top 15 in each event):
Category: Goldthwaite Eagles
FINAL Big Country Regular Season Baseball Statistical leaders for 2024 (through April 25)
Here are the area’s baseball statistical leaders through April 25.
Statistics are from throughout the Big Country Preps circulation area as submitted by coaches. These lists will be continually updated as we receive more submissions.
Big Country Baseball Statistical leaders (through April 18)
Here are the area’s baseball statistical leaders through April 18.
Statistics are from throughout the Big Country Preps circulation area as submitted by coaches. These lists will be continually updated as we receive more submissions.
Big Country Softball Statistical Leaders (through April 11)
Here are the area’s softball statistical leaders through April 11.
Statistics are from throughout the Big Country Preps circulation area as submitted by coaches. These lists will be continually updated as we receive more submissions.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Wall’s Jones takes five district titles and our Player of the Week
While we normally try to share the love in our Big Country Preps Player of the Week column, five district titles in one week isn’t easy to sidestep.
And while Wall’s Briggs Jones has already pulled down our award once this year, he earned a second with his showing at the District 6-3A meet in Clyde last week by sweeping the long jump (23-2), the triple jump (44-10.75), the 200 meters (21.92), the 100 meters (10.72) and assisting the 800 relay team to gold with a 1:29.68 split.
Big Country Baseball Statistical Leaders (Through April 4)
Here are the area’s baseball statistical leaders through April 4.
Statistics are from throughout the Big Country Preps circulation area as submitted by coaches. These lists will be continually updated as we receive more submissions.
Big Country Softball Statistical Leaders (Through April 4)
Here are the area’s softball statistical leaders through April 4.
Statistics are from throughout the Big Country Preps circulation area as submitted by coaches. These lists will be continually updated as we receive more submissions.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jim Ned senior takes this week’s award
While no-hitters are fairly common in high school baseball and softball, they generally put you at the top of the list where our Big Country Preps Player of the Week is concerned.
Toss in a solid performance at the plate and you’re looking at a virtual shoe-in for the top spot.
That is the case this week with Jim Ned senior Jake Rushing, who shut out Coahoma last week with a dominating no-hitter that featured 12 strikeouts.
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.”
Big Country Baseball Statistical Leaders (Through March 28)
Here are the area’s baseball statistical leaders through March 28.
Statistics are from throughout the Big Country Preps circulation area as submitted by coaches. These lists will be continually updated as we receive more submissions.
Big Country Softball Statistical Leaders (Through March 28)
Here are the area’s softball statistical leaders through March 28.
Statistics are from throughout the Big Country Preps circulation area as submitted by coaches. These lists will be continually updated as we receive more submissions.
Evan Ren’s 2024 Gym Rat Team: The hardest-working players in the Big Country!
Scoring and rebounding is only part of the story when it comes to basketball. Behind the scenes and beyond the view of the public, is where character is often measured. And it is with our Big Country Preps Gym Rat Team that we salute the individuals who exude the most of it.
This team isn’t about who the best players are, though some of the area’s top players are on this list.
The Gym Rat team is about effort, discipline, toughness, coachability and selflessness — traits that coaches love above all else and upon which championship foundations are built.
It is for that reason that our Gym Rat team is selected entirely by area coaches, described in their own words. And Big Country Preps is absolutely honored to present these individuals to you — the best “team players” (boys and girls) that the area had to offer during the 2023-24 season.
Players are listed in no particular order.
Enjoy.
2024 All-Big Country Preps Boys Basketball Rising Stars Team: The top freshmen and sophomores in the area!
Here is our 2024 All-Big Country Preps boys basketball Rising Stars team, comprised of the top freshmen and sophomores in the area. For the rest of this year’s boys and girls basketball selections, click the links below.
- Girls Superlative Award Winners
- Girls First Team
- Girls Second Team
- Girls Third Team (w/ honorable mention)
- Boys Superlative Award Winners
- Boys First Team
- Boys Second Team
- Boys Third Team (w/ honorable mention)
- Gym Rat Team: The toughest, hardest-working teammates in the Big Country! (Sunday)
2024 All-Big Country Preps Girls Basketball Rising Stars Team: The top freshmen and sophomores in the area!
Here is our 2024 All-Big Country Preps girls basketball Rising Stars team, comprised of the top freshmen and sophomores in the area. For the rest of this year’s boys and girls basketball selections, click the links below.
- Girls Superlative Award Winners
- Girls First Team
- Girls Second Team
- Girls Third Team (w/ honorable mention)
- Boys Superlative Award Winners
- Boys First Team
- Boys Second Team
- Boys Third Team (w/ honorable mention)
- Boys Rising Stars Team (area’s top underclassmen)
- Gym Rat Team: The toughest, hardest-working teammates in the Big Country! (Sunday)
BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Wall junior has huge day in San Angelo to capture our award
Wall junior Briggs Jones may be on the verge of a major breakout season in area track and field.
Our Big Country Player of the Week not only won five medals at the coveted Angelo State Spring Break meet, but he broke two solo school records and helped break a third. It seldom gets much better than that.
Aside from setting school marks in the long jump at 23-9.5 (for gold) and the triple jump at 45-2 (for gold), Jones was part of the 800 relay team’s silver medal performance of 1:28.49 — another Wall school mark.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jayton’s Gentry takes this week’s award
Big moments attract big-time players and our Big Country Preps Player of the Week, certainly made the most of his opportunity over the weekend.
After scoring nine points, grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing four assists in a state semifinal win over Fayetteville last Thursday, Jayton sophomore Colt Gentry, saved his best for last in a 60-53 win over Benjamin in the 1A boys state title game on Saturday.
Gentry charted a team-high 19 points to go with six boards, four assists, a steal and a block to help the Jaybirds to the state title and earn state tourney MVP honors in the process.
It was his second straight week of huge performances under pressure, the first of which helped the Jaybirds win the regional tournament.
GAME STORY: Patient, poised Martin’s Mill overcomes big Goldthwaite start in 2A state semi
SAN ANTONIO — The key stat in Friday’s 54-43 Class 2A state semifinal win for Martin’s Mill over Goldthwaite nearly required a double take to spot.
Facing an early 11-4 deficit, the Lady Mustangs used a disciplined, poised offensive approach to rally for the win at the Alamodome, committing a miniscule five turnovers in the process.
CLASS 2A STATE PREVIEW: Goldthwaite set for showdown with No. 4 Martin’s Mill in first state appearance since 2000
It’s been more than 20 years since a Goldthwaite girls basketball team last played in a state tournament.
The Lady Eagles’ opponent for Friday morning’s Class 2A state semifinal, fourth-ranked Martin’s Mill, has closed 17 of the past 19 seasons at state, including each of the last four.
Considered an underdog by many, GHS will be at significant disadvantage to the Lady Mustangs (34-5) where state tournament experience is concerned, a fact coach Angie Hermesmeyer readily acknowledges. But the longtime Goldthwaite mentor feels her team matches up favorably in several other key areas.
To show that, though, the No. 8 Lady Eagles (34-3) will first need to prove they can handle the pomp and circumstance of the state tournament environment, something Hermesmeyer feels could be as big a challenge as the formidable Martin’s Mill squad itself.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Anson freshman takes the spotlight
It may be a little too early to label Anson freshman softball pitcher Kayme Elrod as a star in the making. But our Big Country Preps Player of the Week is off to a pretty good start.
Last week her performance was nothing short of startling, both offensively and defensively.
In the circle, Elrod finished with a 5-0 record with a five-inning no hitter, a 0.77 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 27 innings of work.
GAME REPORT: Goldthwaite holds off furious fourth-quarter rally to down rival San Saba, earn state berth
BUDA — The eighth-ranked Goldthwaite girls basketball team is headed to the state tournament for the third time in program history and first since 2000, after knocking off archrival San Saba 54-50 in the Region IV-2A championship game Saturday at Buda Johnson High School.
The Lady Eagles, who improved to 3-0 on the season against the No. 19 Lady Armadillos, used a 30-point first half to take a double-digit lead into the break and held off a furious San Saba rally in the final quarter to push their season record to 34-3.
The victory, which followed a 49-31 region semifinal win over Mumford on Friday, earns Goldthwaite a Class 2A state semifinal matchup with No. 4 Martin’s Mill (34-5) next Friday.
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.
FEATURE: Goldthwaite girls, Coach Hermesmeyer feel “sky is the limit” for playoff potential
If you’ve avidly followed the bouncing ball over the past several seasons, you might be aware that the Goldthwaite Lady Eagles have evolved into one of the region’s standard bearers on the hardwood.
Coach Angie Hermesmeyer has assembled a program that routinely challenges for district titles and generally looms as one of the area’s tougher outs once postseason play begins.
This year, the Lady Eagles are 30-3 overall after going a perfect 12-0 in District 29-2A play. And get this: Goldthwaite hasn’t lost a game in 2024.
So, Hermesmeyer was asked, what is a fair expectation of this incarnation of the Lady Eagles on the eve of her team’s area-round playoff game against Kenedy at 7 p.m. Friday at Ingram Moore High School?
PHOTO GALLERY: Goldthwaite-San Saba basketball doubleheader (101 images)
Digital photos, prints and keepsakes may be purchased by clicking the link below. The “BigCountryPreps.com” watermark will be removed from all purchased photos.
Continue reading “PHOTO GALLERY: Goldthwaite-San Saba basketball doubleheader (101 images)”
GAME STORY: Goldthwaite sweeps vital doubleheader at San Saba
SAN SABA — It was a big night in the enemy camp for the Goldthwaite basketball teams on Friday, handing archrival San Saba a pair of convincing losses in a crucial District 29-2A varsity doubleheader.
The Goldthwaite Lady Eagles (28-3, 11-0) opened the evening with 59-42 win to clinch first place in the district standings. The GHS boys (17-9, 8-1) followed with a 56-40 win in the nightcap to pull into a first-place tie with Johnson City.
For the Lady Dillos (27-5, 9-2) the loss ended their hopes of forcing a tie with Goldthwaite atop the district standings. The San Saba boys (17-13, 6-4) have now slipped from contention for the No. 2 seed, but retain sole possession of third place.
THIS WEEK IN BOYS BASKETBALL: Several district leads on the line in loaded area slate
As a fan of high school basketball, I generally have no trouble finding area matchups I find interesting. Browsing this week’s slate, I had more trouble finding games that weren’t.
As we continue to barrel toward the boys basketball playoffs, we’ll see a number of Big Country district races take shape this week as league leads will be on the line in a number of marquee matchups.
If, like me, you enjoy hoops action, there should be plenty to pique your interest on both Tuesday and Friday. Here’s a look at the week to come:
Big Country Boys Basketball Statistical Leaders (through Jan. 25): Scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, FT Pct., pass deflections and blocks
Below are the current season statistical leaders for Big Country boys basketball through Jan. 25.
This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the regular season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.
Big Country Girls Basketball Statistical Leaders (through Jan. 25): Scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, FT Pct., pass deflections and blocks
Below are the current season statistical leaders for Big Country girls basketball through Jan. 25.
This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the regular season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.
Evan Ren’s 2023 True Grit Team: The toughest, hardest-working players in the Big Country!
Most high school football teams have that one player acknowledged by the coaching staff as the prime example of what a teammate should be.
He’s the guy who seldom misses any practice time and is a regular in the weight room. He’s early to arrive. He’s late to leave and takes pride in being coachable, though he seldom needs direction.
He always sets the right example for younger players. He doesn’t complain and above all else, he’s tough enough to make all the aforementioned traits consistently possible.
Know someone like that? Here is where they are honored.
Welcome to Big Country Preps’ “True Grit” team — a collection of area players nominated by their head coaches and Big Country Preps staff, who exemplify the character traits football mentors want throughout their roster.
Big Country Boys Basketball Statistical Leaders (through Jan. 11): Scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, FT Pct., pass deflections and blocks
Below are the current season statistical leaders for Big Country boys basketball through Jan. 11.
This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the regular season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.
Big Country Girls Basketball Statistical Leaders (through Jan. 11): Scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, FT Pct., pass deflections and blocks
Below are the current season statistical leaders for Big Country girls basketball through Jan. 11.
This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the regular season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.
PHOTO GALLERY: Evan Ren’s top 100 football photos for 2023
Digital photos, prints and keepsakes may be purchased by clicking the link below. The “BigCountryPreps.com” watermark will be removed from all purchased photos.
Continue reading “PHOTO GALLERY: Evan Ren’s top 100 football photos for 2023”
BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Stephenville’s Butchee takes the top spot
We freely admit that more offensive players take our Big Country Preps Player of the Week than do defenders.
But a great defensive performance can, indeed, take the top spot and that is the case with this week’s award winner: Stephenville sophomore linebacker, Hudson Butchee.
With the Yellow Jackets squaring off with perennial power Celina in the Region II-4A DI semifinals, Butchee played like a man possessed in a 7-3 Stephenville win.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Hico’s Powell takes this week’s accolade
Big numbers are always great to have when we decide the winner of our Big Country Preps Player of the Week award. Solid numbers across multiple tasks are even better.
That was the case with this week’s spotlight player, Buck Powell, of Hico, who helped the Tigers to a 47-14 rout of Maud in the Class 2A DII bi-district round on Friday.
2023 BIG COUNTRY PREPS BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW: The area’s top teams in each class throughout the BCP coverage area
With a new season of boys high school basketball poised to begin, it’s time to take a look at what the Big Country will produce on the court.
Below you will find our top teams in each classification in the Big Country Preps coverage area, from Big Spring in the West, to Brock in the east and from Brady in the south to Munday in the north.
Our rankings of the top teams in each class are given, along with a season outlook, cataloguing our expectations for each club.
Here’s our preview. We’ll see you on the road.
DISTRICT 5-2A DIV. I WEEK 11 REPORT: Torres fuels Coleman to blowout win over Bangs
Coleman 42, Bangs 0 — Brayden Torres passed for 183 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 91 yards and two more scores to lead the Bluecats to a blowout win over the Dragons.
Coleman (8-2, 5-1), which also got a 58-yard touchdown run and a TD reception from Hunter Lackey, scored 21 points in each of the first two periods, ending the competitive phase of the game before halftime.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Wylie, Cooper clash in burgeoning rivalry game
LAST WEEK: 47-5, .903
SEASON TOTAL: 438-91, .827
With the column hitting at more than 90 percent accuracy last week, we now close the regular season on the upswing and with something uncommon: A local Big Country Preps Game of the Week.
While our weekly picks column generally highlights the top area game outside of the Abilene city limits, this week seems to call for us to stay at home with rivals Wylie (6-3, 3-1) and Cooper (4-5, 3-1) fighting for sole possession of the No. 2 seed in District 2-5A Division II.
Big Country Volleyball Statistical Leaders (as submitted by area coaches through Oct. 31)
NOTE: This will be our final installment of Big Country Volleyball Statistical Leaders for the 2023 season
Big Country Preps is publishing area volleyball statistical leaders each Tuesday at 7 p.m. roughout the regular season.
This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the remainder of the season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.
DISTRICT 5-2A DIV. I WEEK 10 REPORT: Coleman runs away from De Leon; Tolar clinches district title
Coleman 35, De Leon 7 — Brayden Torres passed for 229 yards and a touchdown, while Jadin Jackson rushed for 61 yards and two scores and had a 57-yard TD pass to help the Bluecats pull away for a comfortable win over the Bearcats.
Brent Bouldin added 56 yards rushing and both Blaze Hronek (8-121, 1 TD) and Hunter Lackey (7-116) topped the 100-yard receiving mark for Coleman (7-2, 4-1), which led 20-7 by halftime.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Bulldogs, Bearcats meet with district title in the balance
LAST WEEK: 44-7, .862
SEASON TOTAL: 391-86, .820
It really didn’t take long for people to start talking about the Hawley – Stamford matchup in 2023. In fact, this one was on our calendar as a possible Game of the Week before the season even started.
Who will win? That depends on who you speak with. Our Twitter poll is split virtually down the middle and even the computers see this one as a near tossup.
Stamford (7-0, 4-0 District 4-2A DII) enters this game scarcely challenged, rolling over the opposition by an average tally of 45-8. Hawley (6-2, 4-0), on the other hand, comes in with some battle scars after a brutal schedule featuring Jim Ned, Lubbock Roosevelt and Albany.
Big Country Volleyball Statistical Leaders (as submitted by area coaches through Oct. 24)
Big Country Preps is publishing area volleyball statistical leaders each Tuesday at 7 p.m. roughout the regular season.
This database will be continually updated for our subscribers throughout the remainder of the season, using only those statistics submitted by area coaches.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Big Spring’s Kavien Ford lands the top spot
Every now and then, the biggest performances come at precisely the right time. And in the case of our Big Country Preps Player of the Week, that couldn’t be more true than it is now.
With his team laboring through a five-game losing streak and in danger of losing a playoff spot, Big Spring’s Kavien Ford came up with one of the best performances we’ve seen this year when he rushed for 374 yards and seven scores on 39 carries in a 63-43 win over San Angelo Lake View.
The win put Big Spring (2-6, 1-1) in a three-way tie for second place with one game remaining in the regular season. It also kept Lake View in sole possession of last place.
DISTRICT 5-2A DIV. I WEEK 9 REPORT: San Saba rallies past Goldthwaite; Hamilton edges De Leon
San Saba 40, Goldthwaite 35 — Ethan Gonzales ran for 139 yards and two touchdowns and Lane Millier added 85 yards and a score on the ground and 92 yards and another TD through the air to lift the Armadillos to a thrilling win over the Eagles.
Behind that duo and Skylar Romero, who had a 52-yard touchdown catch, San Saba (3-6, 2-3) rallied from a 28-14 third-quarter hole and a 35-28 fourth-quarter deficit to outlast Goldthwaite for the win.
BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Stephenville hosts China Spring (w/ Evan Ren’s Big Country Picks)
LAST WEEK: 40-8, .833
SEASON TOTAL: 347-79, .814
As Week 9 of the 2023Texas High School football season gets underway, there are multiple high-profile games that would qualify as our Big Country Preps Game of the Week.
But we’re settling for a rare Thursday night matchup at Tarleton State University where seventh-ranked 4A DI Stephenville (5-2, 1-0) will play host to fourth-ranked China Spring (6-2, 2-0) in a game will give the victor sole possession of first place in District 5.
Picking who wins it may come down to throwing darts, but I do believe China Spring has one key advantage.