Category: Winters Blizzards

FINAL Big Country Regular Season Softball Statistical leaders for 2024 (through April 18)

Here are the area’s softball statistical leaders through April 18.

With the end of the regular season, this will be our FINAL softball leaders posting for 2024. 

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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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BIG COUNTRY PREPS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: With Windthorst vanquished, Ivan “The Terrible” hath seized thy weekly accolade

It’s always nice to see numbers that match a nickname. And in the case of our Big Country Preps Player of the Week, there’s no worries in that department. 

Roscoe junior running back Ivan “The Terrible” McCann takes the accolade for the week ending Nov. 18 after helping the Plowboys to a stunning 50-22 win over Windthorst in the 2A DI area round.  

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Buck Powell

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. 

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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.

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DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I WEEK 11 REPORT: Hawley wins district title; Stamford takes No. 2 seed; Olney tops Winters

Hawley 28, Cisco 17 — The Bearcats (8-2, 6-0) clinched the district title with a difficult road win over Cisco. 

Keagan Ables threw for 187 yards and two scores to lead Hawley, which will open postseason play against Anthony on Thursday at 6 p.m. in Wink. 

Cisco was led by Kannon Orsagh, who threw for 119 yards and one score and by Dillon Silva, who rushed for 125 yards on seven carries. 

The Loboes (4-6, 4-2) finished the regular season with the No. 3 seed. They will face Ozona in the bi-district round on Friday  at 7 p.m.  at Colorado City’s Wolf Stadium. 

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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. 

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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.

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DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I WEEK 10 REPORT: Cisco, Colorado City, Hawley all collect wins in Week 10

Cisco 38, Anson 19 — The Loboes kept their district title hopes alive with a win over Anson on the road. 

Kannon Orsagh threw for 109 yards and two scores and Gus Hart rushed for 74 yards and another TD to lead Cisco, which needs to defeat league-leading Hawley next week to give itself a chance at the No. 1 seed.  

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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. 

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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.

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DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I Week 9 Report: Blizzards avoid first winless season in 100 years; Hawley, Stamford both post wins

Winters 48, Colorado City 7 — The Blizzards (1-8, 1-4) rolled up 374 yards rushing to earn their first win of the year. 

Alejandro Garcia rushed for 164 yards and four scores and Chris Martinez rushed for 166 yards and two TDs to lead Winters, which avoided its first winless season in 100 years with the win. 

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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. 

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DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I WEEK 8 REPORT: Stamford tops Cisco on the road; Anson clinches playoff spot; Hawley beats Winters

Stamford 28, Cisco 13 — The Bulldogs set themselves up for a potential district title showdown with Hawley with a tough win at Cisco. 

Christian Duran rushed for 73 yards and three scores and threw for 128 yards to lead Stamford (6-0, 3-0), which put the game away with two fourth quarter touchdowns. 

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BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Hico hosts Dawson with high playoff seeds in the balance (w/ Evan Ren’s Big Country Picks)

LAST WEEK: 41-7, .854
SEASON TOTAL: 307-71, .812

 Big Country Preps makes a point of sharing the love and we look for opportunities to take our Game of the Week to as many different places that make sense each year. 
Yet since our inaugural season in 2018, a rebuilding Hico football team missed our spotlight game for five straight seasons. 

That drought ends this week when BCP visits Hico for the first time as the Tigers (5-2, 2-1 District 10-2A DII) host Dawson (5-1, 2-0) in a crucial matchup with high seed implications.

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DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I Week 7 Report: Loboes win third straight; Anson, Hawley both get Ws

Cisco 40, Olney 13 — Kannon Orsagh had 216 yards passing for three TDs on only six completions and rushed for 48 yards on only 10 carries to lead Cisco to a lopsided road win. 

Cisco (3-4, 3-0) has now won three straight district games after an 0-4 start against a brutal non-district schedule. 

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DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I WEEK 6 REPORT: Stamford, Anson, Cisco notch wins while Hawley takes its bye week

Stamford 58, Olney 16 — Christian Duran was a perfect 10 of 10 through the air for 197 yards and three scores and added a rushing TD to lead the Bulldogs (5-0) to a rout of Olney.  

Olney finished with only 191 yards in total offense and was forced into three turnovers. 

The Cubs fell to 2-2.

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BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Yellow Jackets head to Brownwood to face archrival

LAST WEEK: 46-12, .793
SEASON TOTAL: 229-61, .789

More often than not, Big Country Preps makes an appearance at the annual Stephenville-Brownwood matchup. Because more often than not, it produces a game worthy of one of Texas’ top rivalries. 

This year is no exception as Stephenville travels to famous Gordon Wood Stadium for the Big Country Preps Game of the Week. 

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DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I Week 5 Report: Cisco snaps five-game losing streak, Ables wins No. 100, Stamford gets W

Cisco 36, Colorado City 7 — With a brutal non-district schedule featuring likely 3A playoff teams now behind them, the Cisco Loboes settled in to face their first 2A DI opponent in their district opener. 

In the process, they snapped a five game losing streak dating back to last year’s postseason loss to eventual state champion Hawley. 

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BIG COUNTRY PREPS GAME OF THE WEEK: Sweetwater plays host to Clyde in battle of unbeatens

LAST WEEK: 44-11, .800
SEASON TOTAL: 183-49, .788

Some weeks are just loaded with competitive area games and Week 5 of the 2023 season falls squarely into that category. 

This week’s menu features six or seven games that under normal circumstances, would qualify for our Big Country Preps Game of the Week. This forces us to push some great matchups aside to select our spotlight game. 

This week, we go with a battle of unbeatens — Class 3A Division I Clyde (4-0) at Class 4A Div. II Sweetwater (4-0) — at the famed Mustang Bowl at SHS. 

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DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I WEEK 4 REPORT: Anson edges Haskell, Hawley falls to Albany in battle of state champs

Anson 21, Haskell 20 — It all boiled down to turnovers in this tough Anson road win, with the Tiger defense charting five takeaways to key the victory. 

Corey Layne rushed for 49 scores and two TDs to lead the Anson offense. 

Haskell (0-3) was led by Haegen Pinkerton’s 70 yards passing and 107 yards rushing.  He added two rushing TDs. 

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DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I WEEK 3 REPORT: Stamford improves to 3-0; C-City, Anson earn first wins

Stamford 27, Ballinger 0 — Christian Duran threw for 205 yards and two TDs and rushed for 71 yards and another score as Stamford improved to 3-0.

Ballinger (0-3) got most of its yardage through the air, with Cade Stube and Kyson Weathers combining on a 14 of 27 effort for 198 yards. 

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DISTRICT 4-2A DIV. I WEEK 1 REPORT: Stamford the lone district winner in Week 1

Stamford 48, Hamlin 6 — Kaston Vega rushed for 120 yards and three scores and Cle Whitfield rushed for 100 yards and another score to lead Stamford to a big win in the return of coach Wayne Hutchinson. 

Stamford outgained Hamlin 417-110 while forcing the Pied Pipers into a pair of turnovers. 

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WINTERS FEATURE: Strong group of seniors hoping to lead Blizzards resurgence in 2023

It’s no secret that the Winters football team has struggled in recent years. Undersized compared to their peers, the Blizzards have won just three games combined over the past two seasons competing in difficult Class 2A Division I districts.

But if you think the WHS players are allowing those struggles to impact their expectations for or excitement surrounding the 2023 season, you would be mistaken.

Led by a feisty group of seniors, whose belief in coach Matt McCarty and each other remains as strong as ever, the Blizzards are hoping to turn some heads and change some minds this fall.

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2023 WINTERS FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Returning talent has Blizzards hopeful for better showing this fall

Playing in one of the state’s toughest Class 2A Division I districts with limited numbers, the Winters Blizzards will have their work cut out for them if they hope to reach the playoffs in 2023.

But with the bulk of his talent back from last year’s 1-9 team, coach Matt McCarty is hoping for noticeable improvement this fall.

WHS returns 16 of its 20 letterman from last year’s squad, including eight offensive and nine defensive starters. And it’s that experience that has a Blizzards squad still light on size and depth optimistic heading into the season.

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COUNTDOWN TO TWO-A-DAYS: The Winters Blizzards … 27 days to two-a-days

Football is just around the corner, and we at BigCountryPreps.com are committed to bringing you the information you need to prepare for your favorite team’s season.

We’ll be releasing our Big Country Preps Preseason Football Preview, the most comprehensive look at the upcoming Big Country football season anywhere, on Wednesday, Aug. 16. But you won’t have to wait until then to sate your gridiron appetite.

Leading up to the first day of fall football practice on Aug. 1, we’ll be spotlighting each 11-man team in the area and posing some of the key questions they’ll face in 2023 as part of our annual “Countdown to Two-a-Days” series.

We continue in Class 2A Division I with the Winters Blizzards. On Wednesday we will take a look at the Bangs Dragons, followed by the Coleman Bluecats on Thursday.

Continue reading “COUNTDOWN TO TWO-A-DAYS: The Winters Blizzards … 27 days to two-a-days”