2025 PH BASKETBALL TIPOFF

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025 H1

High School Basketball is Back! featuring:

Plainview

A bernathy

H ale Center

L ockney C otton Center P etersburg Tulia

Olton

K ress

F loydada

H2 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

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PLAINVIEW

Expectations high for 2025-26 Lady Bulldogs the Lady Bulldogs have a short pre-district schedule. As of Nov. 16, they’d competed in a couple fter an impressive showing of scrimmages and games in 2024-25, the expectaagainst Slaton and Seminole. tions for the 2025-26 PlaThe Lady Bulldogs will inview Lady Bulldogs are high. compete in two more non-disEach of the top four teams in trict games on Nov. 18 against the district made deep playoff Trinity and Nov. 24 against runs. The Lady Bulldogs won Pampa before the start of the their first area championship district schedule. There are four in four years and they hope to tournaments on the schedule make playoffs again this year. this year as well. The first is The Lady Bulldogs ended the Frenship Tournament from their season with an overall 22- Nov. 20-22. The rest are inter13 record last season and a 9-7 spersed between district games. record in one of the state’s more District play begins Dec. 2 competitive districts. against Tascosa and continues The team is in a district with through Feb. 10.

Amarillo, Amarillo Caprock, This will be Coach Adrian Amarillo Palo Duro, Amarillo Alfaro’s fifth year leading the Tascosa, Lubbock, Lubbock Lady Bulldogs.

Cooper, Lubbock Coronado and With many athletes expected to return to the roster this seaLubbock Monterey. son, the Lady Bulldogs should With so many teams as one of the state’s larger 5A districts, be quite a team to watch.

Ellysa Harris Plainview Herald

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Plainview girls basketball stamped its ticket to the playoffs with Tuesday’s 47-46 win over Lubbock (Feb. 4).

Multiple Plainview defenders converge to contest a shot against Pampa (Nov. 25, 2024).

File Photo Reece Nations/Plainview Herald

Lady Bulldog Galilea Morales dribbles away from a Slaton defender (Nov. 1, 2024).

File Photo Reece Nations/Plainview Herald

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025 H3

PLAINVIEW

Plainview boys basketball fell to Lubbock High, 55-50, Tuesday night (Feb. 4).

File Photo Reece Nations/Plainview Herald

Expectations high for Plainview Bulldogs as basketball season begins Tim Ritter Special to the Herald

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ptimism is high surrounding Plainview Bulldogs basketball for the 2025-2026 season.

Under the leadership of head coach Karson Hembree, “the outlook for this upcoming season is to start building and installing the culture that we envision for the future of this program.”

Plainview returns three lettermen from a year ago, two of which are seniors Dominic Fulton and Jordan Porter. Porter and Fulton are four-year lettermen for Plainview.

Last season, Plainview finished 13-16 overall and 3-13 in District.

“On top of that, we look to compete at an extremely high level in our pre-district and into the heart of the season.

We will lean on our senior leadership to help guide us throughout this season.”

Fulton, according to Hembree, will continue to be a player to watch, coming off a first-team All-District season in 2024-2025. He averaged 19 points and 6.5 rebounds last year, and will be looking to add to his highly successful career this year.

“Dominic is an athletic guard who scores at all three levels and is a constant presence on defense,” Hembree said.

Porter, another fouryear letterman, has the ability to defend and score at an extremely high level, Hembree said.

“Jordan is a dynamic player that effects the game on both ends of the floor,” Hembree added.

Other players to watch

are Ethan Lopez and Jae’Breon Wideman.

“Ethan Lopez, another returning senior, is looking to make the jump to really being a major contributor with his defensive presence and his ability to play at a high pace,” Hembree said.

“Jae’Breon Wideman … we are hoping for a lot of success from him as he makes the jump from JV to Varsity.”

The strength of Plainview going into the season, according to Hembree, will be its depth at the guard position.

“Our guard depth will allow us to play at a great pace and trust these guards to handle the ball,” Hembree said. “Our group will have to adjust to playing at this new pace and executing at a level that is required to win basketball games in this area.”

Of course, it’s about “Finding a Way” that will identify Plainview going forward.

“We are always trying to Find a Way to get better,” Hembree said. “Whether that’s being the best teammate, excelling in the classroom and winning games.”

Hembree’s offensive and defensive philosophies change from season to season based on the players returning.

“Defensively, we will play a high tempo aggressive man-to-man defense.

This is something that is on our identity and who will look to be for years to come,” Hembree said.

“Our offense plays off our defense. We will play at a fast-paced transition that adjusts to what the defense is playing. This year and the years to come, we will be able to

keep this mentality offensively while also allowing us the ability to adjust to our players from year to year.”

Plainview’s schedule is very competitive and one that Hembree believes will challenge his team.

“We will be playing an extremely competitive non-district that will prepare us for a strong and deep district. We open on Nov. 14 at home against Levelland,” Hembree said.

“We will play teams like Canyon, Lubbock Cooper Liberty, West Plains, Dumas and Snyder throughout the non-district. Tournaments wise, we will be going to San Angelo to play in the Doug McCutheon Tournament on Dec. 4-6, where we will continue to play some very good competition with some 6A teams and a highly ranked 4A team.

Then, we will finish out tournament season by playing in the famous Caprock Classic in Lubbock on Dec. 29-31.”

Hembree said by the time District rolls on, he sees the following outlook: “I see our district being extremely competitive night in and night out.

You will have teams like Amarillo High and Palo Duro that are coming into the season pre-ranked, but we also have teams like us (Plainview), Lubbock Monterey, Lubbock Cooper, Lubbock Coronado and Tascosa who are going to be in the mix battling with Amarillo High and Palo Duro,” Hembree said.

“I see this district being one of, it not, the most exciting and competitive districts in the area and possibly the state.”

H4 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

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TULIA

New Lady Hornets coach looks forward to building sturdy foundation with young team Ellysa Harris Plainview Herald

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hen the new Tulia Lady Hornets hit the court against Idalou to start their first basketball game of the season, new head coach Andra French was happy with the efforts she saw.

The Lady Hornets are a younger squad this year with a majority of the players classified as freshmen and sophomores.

Just two juniors grace the roster and they sat out last year due to injury. Tulia has no senior players this season.

That’s OK by French.

She expects that fact to present both good and challenging aspects as the team’s season gets underway.

On the one hand, her athletes don’t have much experience with the varsity game. On the other hand, they’re learning together.

If all goes well this season, no matter the outcome at the end, they’ll be stronger for it as they head into the next few years with more experience.

“They’re very coachable, very excited to learn,” French said of her team.

Against that Idalou team, she said, she witnessed a team that didn’t quit even when the score wasn’t favorable. The Lady Hornets kept their heads up and gave it their all until the final buzzer.

“They didn’t quit that whole game,” she said.

The girls are young and hungry and that’s the team she hopes shows up every night as the season really gets underway.

Sage Grove

Kimberley Joven

They’ll need that drive.

“I feel really good about the schedule,” French said.

The Lady Hornets are set to face a lot of more local talents ahead of district play. After facing Idalou, a team that advanced to the state semifinals last spring, the Lady Hornets faced Lockney, then Muleshoe. The Springlake-Earth Tournament is set for Nov. 20-22, then the Tulia will face Hale Center on Dec. 2.

The team’s pre-district schedule includes a mix of teams from 1A to 3A,

which is Tulia’s classification.

“Each classification is a powerhouse in a different way,” French said.

Nazareth’s tournament is on the schedule for Dec. 4-6, followed by a face off against Plains on Dec. 9, then Floydada on Dec. 12.

The Lady Hornets will face San Jacinto Christian on Dec. 16, then Hale Center again on Dec. 19. Lockney is on the schedule again for Dec. 30.

The Lady Hornets are set to kick off 2026 with a game against Abernathy

on Jan. 2, then Floydada again on Jan. 6.

It’s those teams they’re set to face twice before district that French is particularly excited about.

“I think the top three on my list for this year are Lockney, Floydada and Hale Center,” she noted.

That’s the best way to gauge improvement and she’s anxious to show off the growth of the Lady Hornets through the season.

District will be a tough battle for Tulia. For the second year, the Lady

Hornets will compete against a dominating Dalhart team that took first place in the district in 2024-25 and Bushland, which took second last season. Dalhart went to the regional finals last season while Bushland and Childress both went one round deep in post-district play.

Other competitive district opponents include Childress and River Road.

Reflecting on the schedule and her team, French said the Lady Hornets are focused on three aspects:

fundamentals, self-discipline and increasing their basketball IQ. She hopes to build a solid foundation to promote growth in all aspects for her young team.

As French, herself, embarks on her 14th year as a varsity basketball coach, she’s ready to get going.

“I love them already,” she said of her team.

“They don’t have ‘quit’ in them. I mean, they will leave it all on the court. I know you hear that a lot.

They are so hungry and so driven.”

PLAINVIEW HERALD | MYPLAINVIEW.COM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025 H5

TULIA

Hornets look to be more competitive in district Tulia finished last year a shade under .500 with a 16-18 overall record. In ast basketball season district, they finished fifth didn’t quite go the out of six after going 3-7. way the Tulia boys The Hornets tipped had hoped, but they’ll be off the new season Nov. looking to turn around 18 against Clarendon, their shortfalls in district which took place after this play this year. special basketball section’s The Hornets’ 2024-25 deadline. started on a four-game District play begins Jan. hot streak, then became 16 at River Road. a mixed bag of wins and The Texas Association losses through December. of Basketball Coaches They picked up in January didn’t pick Tulia to finish with another four-game run of wins before heading in the top four in District 1 this year. Childress is into their slate of 1-3A expected to lead the way, opponents, which put the followed by Canadian, brakes on a chance at the postseason.

Bushland and Dalhart.

Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald

L

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H6 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

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LOCKNEY

Lockney boys look to rebound after tough 2024-25 forget, allowing the Steers to put up more than 100 points each game. new season means Experience could turn a fresh start for the things around for Lockney Lockney High School this year. Haygen Lefevre boys basketball team, and was the lone senior last after a difficult 2024-25, season. For the 2025-26 the Longhorns will be glad season, six seniors are to start anew. expected on the squad, The boys’ squad ended including Dahlen Silva, last year at 7-20 overall Daniel Alvarado, Josiah and 4-7 in district play Cuellar, Aatrayu Leal, and started the season with seven straight losses Johnny Gonzales and Julius Rosales. before notching a win Their first test is set for against Kress.

Nov. 22 at home against The Longhorns only Seagraves.

District play managed a winning streak kicks off Jan. 16 at Faronce last season when they put up a pair of wins well.

The Texas Association against District 3-2A of Basketball Coaches has foes Bovina (65-54) and Sudan (58-48). However, the Longhorns finishing fourth in district for the its games against district rival Farwell were ones to 2025-26 season.

Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald

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Daniel Alvarado

Evan Salazar

Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Boys Preseason Rankings Trevor Hawes, Special to the Herald

Each year, the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches ranks the top 25 boys basketball teams in each class in the University Interscholastic League.

CLASS 1A 1. Jayton 2. Gordon 3. Texline 4. Brookeland 5. Huckabay 6. Perrin Whitt 7. Fayetteville 8. Coolidge 9. Whitharral 10. Wells 11. Kennard 12. Groveton

Centerville 13. Slocum 14. Lorenzo 15. Water Valley 16. Munday 17. May 18. Nazareth 19. Wildorado 20. Richards 21. McLean 22. Robert Lee 23. McMullen County 24. Avery 25. Benjamin CLASS 2A 1. Martins Mill 2. Lipan 3. Hearne 4. Ropes 5. Graford 6. Tom Bean

7. Marlin 8. Waco Meyer 9. New Home 10. Port Aransas 11. Abernathy 12. Mumford 13. Gruver 14. San Augustine 15. Thorndale 16. Slidell 17. Gary 18. Goldthwaite 19. Lindsay 20. Olton 21. Frankston 22. Plains 23. Hawkins 24. Clarksville 25. Big Sandy

CLASS 3A 1. Westwood 2. Paradise 3. Cole 4. Slaton 5. Mexia 6. Liberty Eylau 7. Crystal City 8. Onalaska 9. Iowa Park 10. Hitchcock 11. London 12. Shallowater 13. Jefferson 14. Poth 15. Palmer 16. Ponder 17. City View 18. Aransas Pass 19. Hooks 20. Orangefield 21. East Chambers

22. Jim Ned 23. Peaster 24. Lytle 25. Tatum CLASS 4A 1. Dallas Kimball 2. Hou Wheatley 3. Estacado 4. LaMarque 5. Kennedale 6. Hou Yates 7. Dallas Carter 8. Hou Washington 9. Panther Creek 10. Krum 11. Wimberley 12. Stafford 13. Paris 14. Randall 15. Brock 16. Dallas Lincoln

17. Austin LBJ 18. Burkburnett 19. Somerset 20. Chapel Hill 21. La Vega 22. Dallas Roosevelt 23. West Plains 24. Bridge City 25. Davenport CLASS 5A 1. Bmt United 2. Frisco Memorial 3. Birdville 4. CC Veterans Memorial 5. Bmt West Brook 6. Red Oak 7. Mans Timberview 8. SA Wagner 9. FB Marshall 10. Ellison

11. The Colony 12. Friendswood 13. Mans Summit 14. SA Jay 15. Amarillo 16. Highland Park 17. Lufkin 18. Frisco Heritage 19. Melissa 20. Alamo Heights 21. Iowa Colony 22. Denton 23. PA Memorial 24. Palo Duro 25. Leander Glenn CLASS 6A 1. Duncanville 2. North Crowley 3. Katy Seven Lakes 4. SA Brennan 5. Atascocita

6. Lancaster 7. Allen 8. Katy Jordan 9. Denton Guyer 10. Steele 11. Mans Lake Ridge 12. Conroe Grand Oaks 13. Austin Westlake 14. Little Elm 15. Converse Judson 16. Arl Martin 17. Cy Falls 18. College Park 19. Pearland 20. Mesquite Horn 21. Vandegrift 22. Summer Creek 23. SA Harlan 24. Waxahachie 25. Odessa Permian

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025 H7

LOCKNEY

Lady Longhorns start fresh for 2025-26 season Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald

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he Lockney girls are entering the 2025-26 basketball season after a very difficult year prior.

The Lady Longhorns notched just three wins — none of which came in district 3-2A games.

The season officially starts at home against Seagraves High School on Nov. 22. Distrct play tips off Jan. 9 against Sudan.

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches doesn’t predict Lockney finishing within the top four in district this year.

File Photo Reece Nations/Plainview Herald

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H8 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

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KRESS

Kress fell to Spur 42-35 in the regional semifinal playoff round (Feb. 18).

File Photo Reece Nations/Plainview Herald

Lady Roos already dominating this season Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald

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he Lady Roos’ winning ways have continued from the jump this season.

On Nov. 8, the Kress girls basketball team put on a dominating performance against Amherst, putting up a whopping 71 points and allowing

just 10.

They followed this up with a 42-32 victory of Sunray.

For second-year coach Jerry Cathey, it’s been an exciting start. “But we don’t want to get too big on ourselves or too small. We have to take it one game at a time and learn from every game.”

The Lady Roos fin-

ished 8-4 in 4-1A play last year, placing third in district. They made a deep run in the postseason, recording a 44-29 win against Wildorado in the bi-district round.

Kress beat Booker in the area round, allowing just a dozen points while putting up 52 of their own.

Spur got the best of

them in the regional semifinals. The Lady Roos finished the 2024-25 season at 23-11 overall.

Kress has lost several starters, but one returner who is already making an impact in her senior year is Addy Reed.

“Addy is a rebounding machine,” Cathey said.

“She’s a Texas farm

girl who knows how to work.”

Drue Searsy and Avery Goss join Reed as senior leaders, and while they didn’t get much court time last season, they’re already stepping up, Cathey said. “Drue in particular got to learn from Rylee Webb, who is one of the best players we’ve ever had.”

District play starts about a month earlier than usual for the Lady Roos. They’re on the road Dec. 12 to face Happy.

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches has the Lady Roos slated to finish second in 4-1A play behind Nazareth and ahead of Happy and Silverton, respectively.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025 H9

KRESS

Roos ready to flip their misfortunes Bentley said, who joins the Roos after several years at Plainview. ast year was a tough “These kids are working one for the Kress hard, they’re coachable boys, but they’re and they’re good in the looking to turn their classroom. About all we misfortunes around have to worry about is under a new coach. setting plays and winThe 2024-25 squad ning games.” finished the season Bentley is leaning on at 5-22 overall. The seniors Drew Morphis Kangaroos marked just and Jaden Galvan. two wins against district “Drew is coming back opponents, both against after taking his junior Lazbuddie, a team that year off because of a was blanked in District shoulder injury,” Bent4-1A play and whose ley said. “He’s a good lone win came against shooter and handles the Kress in a non-district ball really well.” tournament game.

Galvan, who also plays center on the footThe new year means ball team, was summed a fresh start and fresh hopes for the Kangaroos up in two words: Die“We’re trying to make hard Roo. “He’ll do anything you a complete turnaround,” Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald

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M

ask him to do,” Bentley said. “He’s a leader on the field, and he’s already bringing that to the court.”

The Kangaroos began their season Nov. 14 against Wilson; however, the result was not available before deadline. District play begins Jan. 6 at Springlake-Earth, which made it to last year’s postseason.

Kress isn’t expected to finish their district campaign in the top four this season, according to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.

Nazareth is predicted to finish first, followed

by Happy, Springlake-Earth and Hart.

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Nazareth traveled to Kress for district basketball contests on Tuesday (Jan. 12, 2024) with both the girls and boys teams facing-off.

File Photo Don Brown/For The Herald

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H10 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

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HALE CENTER

Lady Owls start new season strong Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald Alyssa Ashby

Laikyn Gonzales

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he Hale Center girls are looking to repeat last year’s success and are already off to a strong start this season.

The Lady Owls topped Ralls in dominating fashion with a 77-22 win Nov. 8, then traveled to Brownfield three days later and topped the cubs 44-32.

Like the boys’ squad, the Hale Center girls advanced to the playoffs last season but fell 77-41 in the bi-district round to

a tough Abernathy team that went undefeated in District 4-2A and lost just two games on the road.

The loss capped off a solid season for the Lady Owls, who went 18-11 overall and 6-4 in 3-2A Hale Center brings back a trio of seniors: Alyssa Ashby, Aalexiz Martinez and Rylei Ramirez.

District play tips off Jan. 9 at Farwell.

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches has Hale Center picked to finish third in District 3-2A, behind Olton and Farwell.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025 H11

HALE CENTER

Hale Center boys look to make another playoff run Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald

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ale Center boys basketball entered the playoffs last season with high hopes, but their year ended in heartbreak.

The Owls, who finished 2024-25 at 20-11 overall and 7-3 in District 3-2A play, fell to a tough Abernathy 51-49 in the 2A Division I playoffs.

Returning to the postseason might be a bit challenging with the loss of five seniors this year; however, the Owls have four in replacement: guards Carter Gonzales, David Hinojosa and Ryan Mesquite and forward Kauner Cerbantez Hale Center starts the new year with a fivepack of home games, beginning with Tahoka on Nov. 24. District play starts Nov. 16 at Olton.

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches has Hale Center picked to finish third in District 3-2A, behind Olton and Farwell.

Carter Gonzales

Hale Center Owls basketball again defeated Lockney this season, 97-54 (Jan. 31).

File Photo Don Brown/For The Herald

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H12 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

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O LT O N

Fillies off to a strong start this season Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald

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he Olton girls basketball team has already started the 2025-26 season on a positive note.

The Fillies marked a win Nov. 11 on the road against Ropes and are looking to keep that momentum going as they eye another run in the postseason.

Olton fell to New Deal in an overtime heartbreaker last year in the bi-district round, which ended the girls’ season at 23-10 overall and 7-3 in District 3-2A play.

“The final score of that game doesn’t really tell whole story of the game,” coach TJ Fly said.

Olton was down 27-18 entering halftime, and it seemed like New Deals’ hot hands couldn’t be stopped.

“We made no adjustments at halftime,” Fly said. “I trusted in the girls, they trusted in the game plan and they went to work.”

Being so close to winning a gold ball left Fly bummed for days after the loss. He tried to shift focus to the track and field season. “But the girls came up to me and said they were already eager to start getting ready for next year. They said they believed they could win multiple gold balls. Getting so close against New Deal developed a huge belief in themselves. It’s remarkable.”

Kambri Ruiz, Llama Ramirez and Aime Beelitz return to guide the squad as seniors.

“Kambri is a two-year starter on varsity,” Fly said. “I call her My Con-

Kaybree Ramon

stant because I never have to worry about what she’s doing. She’s so coachable and so eager to win.”

Ramirez played a reserve role the past few seasons, but she’s ready

to step up. “Llama sets up a lot of plays and alters shots,” Fly said. “And she gets after it on defense.”

Beelitz returns to the squad after taking off her junior year to focus on

Halow Gorman

track. “Aime is a one-ofa-kind athlete,” Fly said.

“She’s a talented volleyball player and has gone to regionals in high jump.

Watch her, and you’ll think she can jump out of

the gym. She doesn’t care about accolades or the spotlight. She just makes sure everything she does benefits the team.”

The Fillies’ first district matchup this year is Jan.

9 at Bovina.

Olton finished last season at second in District 3-2A, and that’s where the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches predicts they’ll end this year.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025 H13

O LT O N

Mustangs eye repeat of last year’s district dominance Center, falling by a mere three points.

They made a deep run opes are high for in the playoffs last year, the Mustangs of knocking off Neal Deal Olton High School in the bi-district round to have a strong 2025-26 Stinnett West Texas in season, and it’s not just the regional semifinal from the players and contest. Their season coaches. ended in the regional The Olton boys are finals, falling by just ranked 20th in the Texas two points to Reagan Association of BasketCounty. ball Coaches’ preseason Olton’s season tipped rankings, and TABC pre- off Nov. 15 at home dicts they’ll finish first against Anton, and disin District 3-2A play trict play begins Jan. 16 The Mustangs finished against Hale Center. out the 2024-25 season Seniors on the boys at 28-5 overall and were squad this year include a dominating 9-1 in Sebastian Sparkman, district. Their lone 3-2A Matias Flores and Ryan Vega. loss came against Hale Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald

H

Good Luck This Season!

Let’s Go Kress Kangaroos!

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H14 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

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FLOYDADA

Whirlwinds look to repeat dominant district performance Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald

T

he Floydada boys basketball team will have high hopes of replicating their strong 2024-25 as the new season gets ready to tip off.

The Whirlwinds finished last year 23-12 overall and had a dominating run against its District 4-2A opponents, finishing second behind New Home. Floydada finished district play at 10-2, one loss suffered against New Home and the other against third-place finisher Abernathy.

Floydada won a competitive bi-district game against Farwell but couldn’t get past the

Gruver Greyhounds in the area round.

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches has Floydada finishing fourth in district this year behind New Home, Abernathy and New Deal, respectively.

The Whirlwinds graduated a corps of five seniors last season. Manny Delafuente, Enrique Hartline and Jimmy Castillo have moved up as senior leaders.

The Whirlwinds’ season started Nov. 14 against District 7-1A power Lorenzo; however, results weren’t available before press time. District play starts Jan. 2 against Tahoka.

Hale Center beat Floydada 65-64 Tuesday evening.

File Photo Reece Nations/Plainview Herald

Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Girls Preseason Rankings Trevor Hawes, Special to the Herald

Each year, the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches ranks the top 25 girls basketball teams in each class in the University Interscholastic League.

CLASS 1A 1. Nazareth 2. Broaddus 3. Eula 4. Westbrook 5. Neches 6. Brookeland 7. Borden County 8. Saltillo 9. Jayton 10. Whitharral 11. Spur 12. Irion County 13. Texline

14. Newcastle 15. Hermleigh 16. Gorman 17. Turkey Valley 18. Zavalla 19. Garden City 20. Avinger 21. Huckabay 22. McMullen County 23. Sands 24. Nueces Canyon 25. San Isidro CLASS 2A 1. Martins Mill 2. Nocona 3. Panhandle 4. San Saba 5. La Poynor 6. Leon 7. Mason 8. Cisco 9. Goldthwaite

10. Lipan 11. New Home 12. Clarendon 13. Tenaha 14. Flatonia 15. Whiteface 16. Chireno 17. Hawkins 18. Lindsay 19. Roscoe 20. Ozona 21. Stratford 22. Seymour 23. Muenster 24. Spearman 25. Douglass CLASS 3A 1. Fairfield 2. Kountze 3. Tuscola Jim Ned 4. Winnsboro 5. Paradise

6. Idalou 7. Jourdanton 8. Gunter 9. Canadian 10. West 11. Corpus Christi West Oso 12. Little River Academy 13. Malakoff 14. Tidehaven 15. Hitchcock 16. Hooks 17. Bells 18. Shallowater 19. Grandview 20. Dalhart 21. Comanche 22. Wall 23. Coahoma 24. Bishop 25. Clyde

CLASS 4A 1. Dallas Lincoln 2. Decatur 3. Waco La Vega 4. Canyon 5. Fredricksburg 6. Bridge City 7. Cuero 8. Mabank 9. Sunnyvale 10. Brock 11. Hamshire-Fannett 12. SA Davenport 13. Lago Vista 14. Canton 15. Houston Wheatley 16. Burkburnett 17. Seminole 18. Bridgeport 19. Frisco Panther Creek 20. Godley

21. Sinton 22. Jarrell 23. Madisonville 24. La Vernia 25. Wimberley CLASS 5A 1. Denton Ryan 2. Amarillo Tascosa 3. SA Wagner 4. Argyle 5. Frisco Memorial 6. Liberty Hill 7. Red Oak 8. Mt Belvieu Barbers Hill 9. Amarillo High 10. Mansfield Summit 11. Lubbock Monterey 12. Georgetown 13. Leander Glenn

14. Cedar Park 15. Frisco Wakeland 16. Abilene Wylie 17. Tyler 18. Comal Pieper 19. Highland Park 20. Bastrop 21. Corpus Christi Flour Bluff 22. Lucas Lovejoy 23. Beaumont West Brook 24. Midlothian Heritage 25. SA Houston CLASS 6A 1. FW Boswell 2. Summer Creek 3. Lancaster 4. North Crowley 5. Ft. Bend Hightower

6. Cibolo Steele 7. Cypress Springs 8. Plano East 9. Duncanville 10. Frenship 11. Austin Westlake 12. Denton Guyer 13. Denton Braswell 14. Converse Judson 15. Pearland Dawson 16. San Marcos 17. SA Johnson 18. South Grand Prairie 19. Cedar Hill 20. Flower Mound 21. Clear Brook 22. CE King 23. SA Brennan 24. Conroe Grand Oaks 25. Desoto

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025 H15

FLOYDADA

Lady Winds to face another tough district schedule Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald

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he Lady Winds don’t get to choose the district they’re in, and 2025-26 is setting up to be another season with stiff competition.

The Floydada girls ended last year at 5-7 in District 4-2A behind an undefeated Abernathy, a two-loss New Home and a four-loss New Deal.

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches has New Home, New Deal and Abernathy ending this year at one, two and three in district with the Lady Winds rounding out the fourth spot.

Even a fourth-place finish can mean moving to the postseason, happened last year for the Lady Winds, though they were pitted against a tough Farwell squad in the bi-district round and fell 71-29.

Floydada is off to a bit of a rocky start to the new season. The team fell 59-31 to Sundown on Nov. 8.

They followed with a second loss, this time to Lubbock Christian on Nov. 14, putting up only 13 points and allowing 63.

The Lady Winds looked strong against O’Donnell on Nov. 15, marking their first win of the year with a score of 44-36.

District play starts Dec. 16 against Ralls.

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A B E R N AT H Y

Abernathy hopeful for another playoff run this season Tim Ritter tritter@hearstnp.com

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ptimism runs high around Abernathy Antelopes boys basketball under head coach Drew Thompson.

Abernathy’s motto and team identity centers on Thompson’s mission statement to his Antelopes.

“One thing we try to live by is our attitude and effort, bringing a great attitude daily and great effort in practice will take you a long way,” Thompson said.

With 8 returning players from a 2024-25 team that advanced to the Region I-2A Semifinals, Thompson sets high expectations for this year’s squad.

“We are really looking forward to the upcoming season. We feel the next two years we can really make some deep runs,” Thompson said.

“With this junior class that we have, two of them started as freshmen two years ago and another playing significant minutes. Our sophomore class is loaded with talent, as well, so we feel like the time is now for us and we’ve been waiting for these years to come.”

Thompson will lean on the leadership of junior Darion Duvall, who as a Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region selection a year ago and a member of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and Plainview Herald Super Teams.

“He (Duvall) was also Plainview Herald and Lubbock A-J Newcomer of the Year as a freshman two years ago,” Thompson said.

Another talented junior is Dre Minfield, who Thompson is expecting great things in 2025-2026. Minfield was second-team All-District last year and “we really look for him to excel this season offensively.”

“Junior Jagger Wiley is also a returning All-District player and we really look for him to continue to be a great leader,” Thompson said.

“Sophomore Kolt Micheletti was the

District Utility Player of the Year and really played well down the stretch for us last season.

“Sophomore Case Micheletti missed last season due to an injury, but we look for him to make an immediate impact both offensively and defensively.”

Thompson’s offensive and defensive philosophies going into the new season will light up the scoreboard and put the clamps on opponents with stifling pressure.

“Offensively we will look to play a little more up-tempo than we have in the past because of the quickness and speed that we have,” Thompson said. “Defensively, we will look to pressure more to force the pace that we want to play at.”

When asked if Thompson’s philosophies change from year to year, the seasoned head coach said, “It definitely changes year to year based on players and depth.”

Looking at the strengths and areas to work on in the preseason, Thompson expects to focus more on getting to the glass.

“Our strengths will be experience and speed,” Thompson said. “We will need to rebound well because we are not as big as we’ve been in the past.”

Abernathy’s competition in non-district and pre-Christmas tournaments will go a long way in preparing the Antelopes for district play.

“Non-district and tournament play, we try to schedule the different styles we will see in district and playoffs to see what works the best against those styles,” Thompson said.

“Our district is a very competitive district with New Home, Floydada, New Deal, Tahoka, Post and Ralls.

We think that the teams to watch of those will be New Home, who has been to the state tournament 3-of-4 years and won the district 8 years in a row.”

Abernathy opens the 2025-2026 season at 1:45 p.m. on Nov. 24 at Littlefield.

Abernathy boys basketball lost 65-54 to Ropes in the Class 2A District 1 Region 1 final (Feb. 25, 2025).

File Photo Reece Nations/Plainview Herald

The Abernathy Antelopes took down Spearman, 49-44, in this season’s area championship playoff matchup (Feb. 21, 2025).

File Photo Reece Nations/Plainview Herald

PLAINVIEW HERALD | MYPLAINVIEW.COM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025 H17

A B E R N AT H Y

Abernathy Lady Lopes gunning for a trip to State Tourney Abernathy reached the Area round of the playoffs, where they lost 53-47 to ew coach … new Panhandle. expectations … same Zepeda inherits five winning tradition for returning letterwinners the Abernathy Lady Lopes from the 2024-2025 team, basketball program. including 6-foot-2 senior Adam Zepeda steps in power forward Emmerson to take over for Mikey Easterwood and 5-foot-5 Marshall, who was an All- junior shooting guard BreState guard and All-Big anna Shorter.

12 player at Texas Tech “Our expectations are to University. compete for a district title Zepeda has 14 years of and a make a deep playoff coaching experience with run,” Zepeda said.

13 as a head coach at FloyZepeda’s offensive and dada, Lockney and Hart. defensive philosophies For the Lady Lopes, will definitely change due Zepeda brings excitement to his new players in the and experience to the program.

Class 2A tradition-rich Among the five returnprogram. ing letterwinners, Zepeda “We return a lot back receives 5-0 sophomore this year so we will try and point guard Elli Waldrip, build off the success they 5-6 junior small forward had last year,” Zepeda Kendal Miller, Shorter, 5-0 sophomore shooting said.

Abernathy finished 26-9 guard Lilyanna Adames overall and 12-0 in district and Easterwood.

“Our strengths will under Marshall. Also, Tim Ritter tritter@hearstnp.com

N

be our leadership and our depth,” Zepeda said.

“Learning a new system will be a weakness for us; but the more we play, the better off we will be.”

Zepeda wants the Lady Lopes to inherit this identity … “Toughest Team Wins.”

“We will hang our hat on our defense this year,” Zepeda said.

Schedule wise, Abernathy’s non-district will consists of tough competition against Nazareth, Randall and Clarendon. “(District wise) New Home will be tough and we will have to play our best to compete with them,” Zepeda said.

“New Deal made a deep run last year and they return most of their team back. New Deal will be tough in our district.”

Abernathy tips off the season at 1:15 p.m. on Nov. 8 against Nazareth.

Breanna Shorter

Wishing the Lockney Longhorns and All Area Basketball Teams A Great Season!

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H18 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

PLAINVIEW HERALD | MYPLAINVIEW.COM

PETERSBURG

Lady Buffs bring strong experience to new year Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald

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heir new season may have started with a loss, but considering the strong year the Lady Buffs are coming off of, it’s not a harbinger of things to come.

The Petersburg girls dropped its season opener 38-20 at Ropes on Nov. 8, but this is a situation they’ve been in before.

Look no further than their cold start to 2024-25: a loss to Valley followed by a losses to Ropes and Hale Center. Petersburg would ultimately end the season at 17-12 overall but their strong District 7-1A play — with just two losses in 10 games — sent them to the playoffs.

The Lady Buffs lost by a mere three points against Motley County in the bi-district round in a tough, low-scoring affair.

What they bring this season is experience, with Ezariah Nava and Cady Mendez bringing senior leadership to the squad.

“Ezariah is a really good

The Lady Buffs got plenty of practice scoring after dominating Wilson 60-8 at home on Friday (Jan. 31).

File Photo Reece Nations/Plainview Herald

perimeter shooter, and Cady is just excellent everywhere on the court,” coach Tommy Simmons said. “They’re both solid defenders and great leaders.”

Simmons said juniors Kenlee Vaughn and Kynlee Ovalle will also be a force on the court. With similar first names, Simmons explained how he communicates with

each.

“Kenlee goes by Vaughn,” he said. “Kynlee’s jersey number is 3, so that’s what I call her,” which he added is fitting because, “She shot a lot of threes last year, and she’ll do the same this year.”

On that opening loss, Simmons said Petersburg just has to go to work and get better every game.

“We have a tough pre-disThe Texas Association trict schedule, and that of Basketball coaches have should really prepare us well taken notice. The Lady for district play,” he said.

Buffs are predicted to finish

second in District 7-1A this year, behind O’Donnell but ahead of Lorenzo and Crosbyton, respectively.

Buffaloes aim to build on foundation going 4-6. However, they managed to go two deep into the playoffs, topping heir record might Guthrie in the bi-district not have shown it, round but falling to a but the Petersburg tough Loop squad in the boys basketball team has area round. a good foundation to build The Texas Association upon heading into this of Basketball Coaches has season. taken notice.

The Buffaloes ended TABC predicts that Pe2024-25 with an overall tersburg will finish second record of 11-17, and they in District 7-1A play this finished District 7-1A season behind Lorenzo and ahead of O’Donnell play in fifth place after Trevor Hawes Special to the Herald

T

and Crosbyton, respectively.

The Buffaloes’ new season picked up right where it left off: against Loop.

This special basketball section was published before the matchup.

Petersburg will be tested when district play starts Jan. 16 against Lorenzo. TABC ranked the Hornets 14th in its Class 1A preseason rankings.

PLAINVIEW HERALD | MYPLAINVIEW.COM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025 H19

COTTON CENTER

Coach Winn aims to change Lady Elk culture at Cotton Center Ellysa Harris Plainview Herald

C

onsistency will be key for this year’s Cotton Center Lady Elk basketball team.

New head coach Kala Winn says the team is young with high potential – and that’s shown in moments. She hopes to showcase a new Lady Elk team reflecting a shift in culture.

Her team is working hard to do just that and she can’t wait to see how they progress through the season.

“We show flashes of how good we can be, but we’re still working on finding consistency from game to game—and even within games,” Winn noted.

That will be important as the season gets underway. As of Nov. 16, the team defeated Wilson and Southland, stayed within 3 points of Panhandle Christian Homestead Educators – Amarillo and competed well against O’Donnell and Lockney in

scrimmages, according to Winn.

“We have competed with every team we have played with,” Winn said.

In the next few weeks, the 1A team will face a few 2A teams. A contest against Lockney is set for Dec. 2 and a game against Smyer is on the schedule for Dec. 9. They play Southland on Dec. 16 and then Bovina, another 2A team, on Dec. 19.

“We’re excited to compete against every match up,” Winn noted.

District play starts in January with Whitharral on Jan. 9, then Amherst on Jan. 13. A contest with Meadow is set for Jan. 16 followed by Anton on Jan. 20 and Wellman-Union on Jan. 23. Then they play each district opponent again once every few days until Feb. 10.

Winn will look to the team’s two seniors, Andee Nelson and Kylee Prutzman to lead the Lady Elks.

In recent weeks, she’s noticed leadership qualities in some juniors as well.

“My aim is for opponents who’ve seen the Lady Elks before to notice the shift in our culture, our intensity, and our overall standard of play,” Winn said.

She wants to guide the team to its first playoff appearance in a long time, she added.

“These girls impress me every day. At one of the smallest schools in Texas, they’re stretched in every direction, representing Cotton Center with pride in everything they do,” Winn said. “They juggle roles as daughters, sisters, caretakers, and community members—all while giving their best on the court.

They’re exceptional young ladies with potential far beyond basketball. What I admire most is that, despite the coaching changes they’ve endured, they continue to lean in, believe in what we’re building, and take responsibility when they recognize old habits creeping in. They’re spirited, resilient, and genuinely fun to be around.”

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H20 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025

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COTTON CENTER

Cotton Center Elks hope for fresh start this season Ellysa Harris Plainview Herald

I

t’s a new year with new goals for the Cotton Center Elks.

After a disappointing ending to the 2024-25 season, the Elks are preparing for a season to really showcase what they’re learning.

The Elks will have four returning athletes from the previous season, four new ones and a lot to prove. Assistant Coach Lupe Hernandez said the team’s overall goal is simply to improve and grow.

“Our team is young,” said assistant coach Lupe Hernandez. “We have no seniors and one junior.”

The team will look to that junior, Nehemiah Delagarza, to lead and do great things.

Hernandez said not to count other teammates out so quickly, though.

“Right now, Nehemiah has started stepping into that leader role,” he said.

“I’ve also seen a couple other athletes try to take on that role. It’s just a learning process right now.”

The key will be to get

the team to play cohesively.

The Elks started their season with an appearance at a tournament in Dawson before preparing to take on the West Texas Tornadoes on Oct. 18.

They play Smyer on Dec. 9 and Southland on Dec. 16 before taking on Bovina on Dec. 19.

“We have a very short pre-season,” noted Hernandez.

But teams like Whitharral and Wellman are always competitive opponents and the Elks were expected to encoun-

ter them in Dawson.

District play starts Jan. 16 for the boys. Meadow is the first district opponent followed by Anton on Jan. 20, Wellman-Union on Jan. 23, Whitharral on Jan. 27, Amherst on Jan. 30, then another round with each district opponent every few days until Feb. 17.

It’ll be a tough schedule, Hernandez added, but the young team is hungry and ready to prove themselves.

“There is a fire in them and I hope it gets stronger,” he said.

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