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 that championship foundations are built upon.
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 2025-26 season.
Players are listed in no particular order.
Enjoy.
With weather postponements forcing Tolar to play three games last week, there was positive in an otherwise hectic week: It gave one of THS’ athletes the opportunity to showcase a remarkable run of consistency. 
You have to appreciate a player who can contribute big numbers in several different ways. And in the case of our Big Country Preps Player of the Week, such players have an advantage when it comes to taking down our weekly award. 
There are memorable shooting nights. Then there are shooting nights one is unlikely to ever forget.
Mason 22, San Saba 0 — The Armadillos’ final opportunity to win the District 14-2A DI title ended here with a loss to Mason.
San Saba 34, Holland 0 — Luke Tharp rushed for 171 yards and three scores and Jason Everett rushed for 99 yards and one score on only 13 carries to lead San Saba to a rout of Holland. 
The Bulldogs (4-3, 1-1) earned a surprising district win on the road as a 16-point underdog. 
Slowly but surely, the Cooper Cougars have emerged as one of the most explosive teams in the Big Country. And in its latest exploit, CHS rolled up 517 yards in total offense in a 66-16 win over Lubbock Cooper. 
San Saba 47, Johnson City 21
A year ago, the Ruston, La., Bearcats brought 11 DI players to the Lone Star State and beat three quality programs in Longview (21-10), Midland Legacy (38-6) and Stephenville (63-17). Yet they finished 11-3 with three losses to Louisiana teams and failed to win their state title. 
San Saba 17, Hamilton 14 — Jason Everett and Luke Tharp combined for 205 yards rushing and one score to help lead the Armadillos to a huge upset over Hamilton. 
Wylie junior Haddie Mock was at her very best against difficult competition last week, helping the Lady Bulldogs to wins over seventh-ranked 3A Bushland (25-8) and 21st-ranked 4A Stephenville last week. 
San Saba 56, Katy St. John XXIII 7 — The Armadillos had an easy time with St. John XXIII, rushing for 463 yards as a team.
Goldthwaite 49, San Saba 34 — The Eagles quickly built a 35-7 halftime lead in the 108th “Battle of the River” before holding off a late San Saba rally attempt. 
Junction 20, San Saba 6 — The Eagles improved to 2-0 with a dominating defensive effort, limiting San Saba to 155 yards in total offense. 
Milestones catch our eye when selecting our Big Country Preps Player of the Week, as do great weekly performances. But when both occur at the same time, you can rest assured that player will be in the running for the top spot. 
San Saba 27, Grape Creek 12 — Luke Tharp rushed for 142 yards and two scores and Jason Everett added 74 yards rushing and another touchdown to lead the Armadillos to a win in their season opener.
SAN SABA — After a great run of success that saw San Saba post a 35-5 record from 2018 through 2020, the Armadillos fell victim to the numbers game over the next three seasons, falling to 11-20 overall. 
