Here's the verbatim release from the UIL:
On the recommendation of Dr. David Lakey, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, and in consultation with Texas Education Agency Commissioner Robert Scott, the University Interscholastic League is altering its schedule of events due to the outbreak of the swine flu in Texas. Effective immediately, all UIL interscholastic competition is suspended until May 11.
“The health and safety of our student activity participants is of the utmost importance,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “Taking every possible precaution to prevent the further spreading of this disease is an important contribution to the welfare of our great state, and altering the schedule of our events is a way to keep our participants safe.”
As this is a fluid situation, the UIL tentatively releases the following schedule for UIL regional and state events affected by this situation.
Academic State Meet
The UIL Academic State Meet, originally scheduled for May 7-9, will be rescheduled at a later date. The Conference 4A and 5A One-Act Play competition will continue as
previously scheduled on May 15-16. All other conferences competing in One-Act Play will be rescheduled. A schedule of the Academic State Meet, including One-Act Play, will be posted on the UIL web site once finalized.
Texas State Wind Ensemble Festival
The Texas State Wind Ensemble Festival, originally scheduled for May 9, has been
cancelled. The UIL staff will consult with the 16 participating schools to determine whether or not to reschedule the event at a later date.
Regional Track Meets
All UIL regional track meets originally scheduled for this weekend, May 1-2, have been cancelled. The state track and field meet will be extended to a three-day format to include semifinal heats. The meet is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 14-16.
Semifinal qualifiers will be based on the district track meet results. Each region will be represented at the state meet by the top four performances in each event for all conferences.
Hand-held times will be converted to fully automatic times as defined by the National Federation of State High School Association rules. A revised track and field state meet schedule will be posted on the UIL web site no later than Friday, May 1. Qualifiers to the UIL state track and field meet will be posted on the UIL web site on Wednesday, May 6.
Golf State Tournament
The UIL golf state tournament will take place at the previously scheduled times beginning May 11.
Tennis State Tournament
The UIL tennis state tournament will take place at the previously scheduled times beginning May 11.
Baseball and Softball
No interschool games will take place until May 11 for either softball or baseball. Below is an altered playoff schedule for both sports.
Softball, then Baseball
District Certifications: April 28; May 19
Bi-District Deadline: May 16(1 game or 2 out of 3); May 23 (1 game or 2 out of 3)
Area Deadline: May 19 (1 game only); May 26 (1 game only)
Regional Quarterfinal Deadline: May 23 (1 game or 2 out of 3); May 30 (1 game or 2 out of 3)
Regional Semifinal Deadline: May 26 (1 game only); June 2 (1 game only)
Regional Final Deadline: May 30 (1 game or 2 out of 3); June 6 (1 game or 2 out of 3)
State Tournament: June 4-6; June 10-13
And we thought the rain was the biggest of our problems!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Still much to be decided for playoffs
Gonna warn all of you now to take a deep breath. :)
Just got off the phone with Spring Branch ISD athletic director Paige Hershey, who ran down all the scenarios for me regarding this weekend's softball bi-district games. In an ideal world, we'd know everything, but thanks to the storms we don't.
And according to the radar, big storms are on their way AGAIN today! Ugh.
In any case, here's what we know (sort of) coming out of the 17-5A vs 18-5A coaches meeting this morning:
- The only definite series is 18-5A winner Spring Woods against 17-5A fourth-place team Seven Lakes. Game 1 is at 7 p.m. Friday at SW, Game 2 is 2 p.m. Saturday at SL, and an if-necessary third game will follow Game 2.
- Here's where it gets fun: Memorial and Spring Woods will play their postponed game from Friday this afternoon. If Memorial and Stratford are tied for second place after today, they'll play it off tomorrow.
But if Memorial and Spring Woods are rained out today, they will play tomorrow and the Mustangs and Spartans will have to flip for second and third because district certification deadline is tomorrow.
Still following? Good.
Here are the scenarios for Memorial and Stratford this weekend. Plans are in place for the following matchups but they aren't definite:
If it's ...
- Memorial at Katy Taylor, 5:30 Friday.
- Memorial at Cinco Ranch, 6 p.m. Friday.
- Stratford at Cinco Ranch, 6 p.m. Friday.
- Stratford at Katy Taylor, 7 p.m. Friday.
All those would be one-game playoffs.
Take a deep breath!
19-5A and 20-5A coaches were to meet tonight, Bellaire coach Brien Tuffly told me. 15-5A and 16-5A are figuring everything out today. 23-5A and 24-5A still have two seedings up in the air: Elkins and Clements will play for first in 23 at 3 p.m. today at Clements; Brazoswood and Clear Creek are playing for second in 24 this afternoon.
Hopefully - HOPEFULLY - everything will be decided by the end of the night.
In any case, we'll pass on any news the minute we hear anything.
Just got off the phone with Spring Branch ISD athletic director Paige Hershey, who ran down all the scenarios for me regarding this weekend's softball bi-district games. In an ideal world, we'd know everything, but thanks to the storms we don't.
And according to the radar, big storms are on their way AGAIN today! Ugh.
In any case, here's what we know (sort of) coming out of the 17-5A vs 18-5A coaches meeting this morning:
- The only definite series is 18-5A winner Spring Woods against 17-5A fourth-place team Seven Lakes. Game 1 is at 7 p.m. Friday at SW, Game 2 is 2 p.m. Saturday at SL, and an if-necessary third game will follow Game 2.
- Here's where it gets fun: Memorial and Spring Woods will play their postponed game from Friday this afternoon. If Memorial and Stratford are tied for second place after today, they'll play it off tomorrow.
But if Memorial and Spring Woods are rained out today, they will play tomorrow and the Mustangs and Spartans will have to flip for second and third because district certification deadline is tomorrow.
Still following? Good.
Here are the scenarios for Memorial and Stratford this weekend. Plans are in place for the following matchups but they aren't definite:
If it's ...
- Memorial at Katy Taylor, 5:30 Friday.
- Memorial at Cinco Ranch, 6 p.m. Friday.
- Stratford at Cinco Ranch, 6 p.m. Friday.
- Stratford at Katy Taylor, 7 p.m. Friday.
All those would be one-game playoffs.
Take a deep breath!
19-5A and 20-5A coaches were to meet tonight, Bellaire coach Brien Tuffly told me. 15-5A and 16-5A are figuring everything out today. 23-5A and 24-5A still have two seedings up in the air: Elkins and Clements will play for first in 23 at 3 p.m. today at Clements; Brazoswood and Clear Creek are playing for second in 24 this afternoon.
Hopefully - HOPEFULLY - everything will be decided by the end of the night.
In any case, we'll pass on any news the minute we hear anything.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Thompson new Langham Creek coach
Just got the heads-up from Joel Weckerly at Cy-Fair ISD that Cypress Falls offensive coordinator Todd Thompson is the new head football coach/campus athletic coordinator at Langham Creek.
Story will be posted ASAP.
Story will be posted ASAP.
Monday, April 13, 2009
His final stop?
Good article by Joshua Buckley of the Galveston County Daily News on former Nimitz coach David Suggs, who is one of three finalists for the head football coach/campus athletic coordinator position at Galveston Ball.
Read the article here.
My favorite Suggs quote is this: “Granted, there are tremendous amounts of quality athletes in Florida. But overall organization (of Texas programs) is light years difference. Being a head coach in Texas is a tremendous job.”
Read the article here.
My favorite Suggs quote is this: “Granted, there are tremendous amounts of quality athletes in Florida. But overall organization (of Texas programs) is light years difference. Being a head coach in Texas is a tremendous job.”
Sunday, April 12, 2009
A taste of this week
It's yet another big week at The Athlete's Connection. And in lieu of the Action Update we can't bring you right now, I suppose this will have to do!
We had plenty of huge games last week, not to mention a team in the state soccer semifinals, and this week we get some more big rivalries AND championships - the track and field kind.
Schedules can change at the last minute, but you can virtually rest assured we'll have plenty of coverage from the 15-5A, 17-5A, 18-5A and 23-5A track and field championships, as well as games such as Stratford-Memorial baseball (Tuesday) and Cy-Fair-Cypress Woods softball (Friday). We have two full weeks remaining in the softball season and three in baseball before the final round of postseason action for 2008-09 picks up.
Remember you're allowed to request games for us to cover. Some of you do that, and we certainly appreciate it! Just make sure you do it *at least* 10 days in advance; calling us the day of or before a game is never advised. :)
And also, it's great to see our growing community on Facebook. Visit our AC page here and if you're a Facebook member, become a fan!
Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!
We had plenty of huge games last week, not to mention a team in the state soccer semifinals, and this week we get some more big rivalries AND championships - the track and field kind.
Schedules can change at the last minute, but you can virtually rest assured we'll have plenty of coverage from the 15-5A, 17-5A, 18-5A and 23-5A track and field championships, as well as games such as Stratford-Memorial baseball (Tuesday) and Cy-Fair-Cypress Woods softball (Friday). We have two full weeks remaining in the softball season and three in baseball before the final round of postseason action for 2008-09 picks up.
Remember you're allowed to request games for us to cover. Some of you do that, and we certainly appreciate it! Just make sure you do it *at least* 10 days in advance; calling us the day of or before a game is never advised. :)
And also, it's great to see our growing community on Facebook. Visit our AC page here and if you're a Facebook member, become a fan!
Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!
This week's event schedule
MONDAY
Baseball
Houston Christian at Kinkaid, 5 p.m.
Track and Field
District 23-5A championships at Hall Stadium, 3 p.m.
TUESDAY
Baseball
Milby vs. Bellaire at Butler, 4:30
Aldine at Waltrip, 5 p.m.
St. Thomas at Houston Christian, 6 p.m.
Alief Taylor at Hastings, 7 p.m.
Cinco Ranch at Katy, 7 p.m.
Cypress Ridge at Cypress Creek, 7 p.m.
Cypress Springs at Cypress Falls, 7 p.m.
Cypress Woods at Jersey Village, 7 p.m.
Dulles at Hightower, 7 p.m.
Eisenhower at Humble, 7 p.m.
Elkins vs. Clements at Frankie Field, 7 p.m.
Elsik at Spring Woods, 7 p.m.
Fort Bend Austin at Travis, 7 p.m.
Katy Taylor at Seven Lakes, 7 p.m.
Kempner at Fort Bend Marshall, 7 p.m.
Lamar vs. Westside at Butler, 7 p.m.
Langham Creek at Cy-Fair, 7 p.m.
Mayde Creek at Morton Ranch, 7 p.m.
Northbrook at Strake Jesuit, 7 p.m.
Stratford at Memorial, 7 p.m.
Willowridge at Fort Bend Bush, 7 p.m.
Lutheran North at Second Baptist, 7:30
Boys lacrosse
Houston Christian vs. Bellaire at Bayland Park, 7 p.m.
Katy vs. Fort Bend at Old Kempner Stadium, 7 p.m.
Memorial at Strake Jesuit, 7 p.m.
St. John's vs. Lamar at South Campus Sports Association, 7 p.m.
Kingwood at Episcopal, 7:30
SWLC vs. Katy Taylor at Firethorne, 8 p.m.
Softball
Madison vs. Bellaire at Butler, 4:30
St. Agnes at Duchesne, 4:30
Houston Christian at St. Pius, 5 p.m.
Fort Bend Bush at Clements, 6 p.m.
Cypress Creek at Cy-Fair, 6 p.m.
Cypress Ridge at Cypress Falls, 6 p.m.
Cypress Springs at Cypress Woods, 6 p.m.
Fort Bend Austin at Hightower, 6 p.m.
Langham Creek at Jersey Village (varsity only), 6 p.m.
Katy at Seven Lakes, 6:15
Mayde Creek at Katy Taylor, 6:15
Morton Ranch at Cinco Ranch, 6:15
Elsik at Memorial, 6:30
Nimitz vs. Eisenhower at Aldine Complex, 6:30
Northbrook at Stratford, 6:30
Sam Houston vs. Westside at Butler, 6:30
Spring Woods vs. Hastings at Alief Complex, 6:30
Dulles at Kempner, 7 p.m.
Elkins at Fort Bend Marshall, 7 p.m.
Travis at Willowridge, 7 p.m.
Track and Field
District 15-5A championships at Cypress Falls, 3:15
District 17-5A championships (girls field) at Morton Ranch
District 18-5A championships at Crump Stadium, 3:30
District 19-5A championships at Plummer Middle School
District 20-5A championships at Barnett Stadium, 4:30
District 23-5A championships at Hall Stadium, 3 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Boys lacrosse
Klein at Westside, 6 p.m.
Cinco Ranch at St. Thomas, 7:15
Clear Lake at Kingwood, 8 p.m.
Softball
Lamar vs. Milby at Barnett, 6:30
Track and Field
District 15-5A championships (running preliminaries) at Cypress Falls, 4:30
District 17-5A championships (boys field) at Morton Ranch
District 18-5A championships (varsity field) at Crump Stadium, 3:30
District 19-5A championships at Plummer Middle School
District 20-5A championships at Barnett Stadium, 4:30
THURSDAY
Baseball
Concordia Lutheran at St. John's, 4:30
St. Pius at Houston Christian, 6 p.m.
Boys lacrosse
Katy at Memorial, 6 p.m.
SWLC vs. Bellaire at Bayland Park, 7:30
Track and Field
District 15-5A championships (running finals) at Cypress Falls, 6 p.m.
District 17-5A championships (running finals) at Morton Ranch, 6 p.m.
District 19-5A championships at Plummer Middle School
District 23-5A championships (running finals) at Hall Stadium, 3 p.m.
FRIDAY
Baseball
Bellaire vs. Madison at Butler, 4:30
Fort Bend Baptist at St. John's, 4:30
Beaumont Kelly at St. Thomas, 6 p.m.
Second Baptist vs. Westbury Christian at Bayland Park, 6 p.m.
Aldine at Atascocita, 7 p.m.
Clements at Fort Bend Marshall, 7 p.m.
Cy-Fair at Cypress Ridge, 7 p.m.
Cypress Creek at Cypress Woods, 7 p.m.
Cypress Falls at Langham Creek, 7 p.m.
Fort Bend Bush at Fort Bend Austin, 7 p.m.
Hastings at Stratford, 7 p.m.
Hightower at Elkins, 7 p.m.
Jersey Village at Cypress Springs, 7 p.m.
Katy at Morton Ranch, 7 p.m.
Katy Taylor at Cinco Ranch, 7 p.m.
Kempner at Willowridge, 7 p.m.
Mayde Creek at Seven Lakes, 7 p.m.
Memorial at Northbrook, 7 p.m.
Nimitz vs. Eisenhower at Lansford Field, 7 p.m.
Spring Woods at Alief Taylor, 7 p.m.
Strake Jesuit at Elsik, 7 p.m.
Travis at Dulles, 7 p.m.
Boys lacrosse
Houston Christian vs. Cy-Fair at Goodson Middle School, 7:30
Kingwood vs. Lamar at South Campus Sports Association, 7:30
The Woodlands at Strake Jesuit, 7:30
Friendswood vs. Katy Taylor at Firethorne, 8 p.m.
Softball
Sam Houston vs. Lamar at Delmar, 4 p.m.
Westbury Christian at Second Baptist, 4:30
Episcopal School of Dallas at St. John's, 5 p.m.
St. Pius at St. Agnes, 5 p.m.
Fort Bend Austin at Travis, 5:30
Cy-Fair at Cypress Woods, 6 p.m.
Cypress Falls at Cypress Creek, 6 p.m.
Cypress Springs at Langham Creek, 6 p.m.
Elkins at Hightower, 6 p.m.
Jersey Village at Cypress Ridge, 6 p.m.
Cinco Ranch at Mayde Creek, 6:15
Katy Taylor at Katy, 6:15
Seven Lakes at Morton Ranch, 6:15
Aldine vs. Eisenhower at Aldine Complex, 6:30
Elsik vs. Northbrook, 6:30
Memorial at Alief Taylor, 6:30
Stratford at Spring Woods, 6:30
Clements at Dulles, 7 p.m.
Fort Bend Bush at Fort Bend Marshall, 7 p.m.
Kempner at Willowridge Willowridge, 7 p.m.
Chavez vs. Bellaire at Butler, 8 p.m.
Beaumont Kelly at Houston Christian
Track and Field
District 18-5A championships (running finals) at Crump Stadium, 5:30
District 19-5A championships (running finals) at Plummer Middle School
District 20-5A championships (running finals) at Barnett Stadium, 5 p.m.
SATURDAY
Baseball
Lamar vs. Milby at CLC, 10 a.m.
Westside vs. Sam Houston at Delmar, 10 a.m.
Stratford at College Park, Noon
Cinco Ranch at Morton Ranch, 2 p.m.
Elkins at Travis, 2 p.m.
Fort Bend Austin at Dulles, 2 p.m.
Fort Bend Bush at Kempner, 2 p.m.
Fort Bend Marshall at Hightower, 2 p.m.
Katy Taylor at Mayde Creek, 2 p.m.
Seven Lakes at Katy, 2 p.m.
The Woodlands at Memorial, 2 p.m.
Westfield vs. Aldine at Lansford Field, 2 p.m.
Willowridge vs. Clements at Frankie Field, 2 p.m.
St. Thomas at Brazoswood, 6 p.m.
Boys lacrosse
Klein vs. SWLC at Westchester Academy, 10 a.m.
Cinco Ranch at Westside, Noon
Fort Bend at Kingwood, Noon
Rugby
State tournament in Dallas
SUNDAY
Rugby
State tournament in Dallas
Baseball
Houston Christian at Kinkaid, 5 p.m.
Track and Field
District 23-5A championships at Hall Stadium, 3 p.m.
TUESDAY
Baseball
Milby vs. Bellaire at Butler, 4:30
Aldine at Waltrip, 5 p.m.
St. Thomas at Houston Christian, 6 p.m.
Alief Taylor at Hastings, 7 p.m.
Cinco Ranch at Katy, 7 p.m.
Cypress Ridge at Cypress Creek, 7 p.m.
Cypress Springs at Cypress Falls, 7 p.m.
Cypress Woods at Jersey Village, 7 p.m.
Dulles at Hightower, 7 p.m.
Eisenhower at Humble, 7 p.m.
Elkins vs. Clements at Frankie Field, 7 p.m.
Elsik at Spring Woods, 7 p.m.
Fort Bend Austin at Travis, 7 p.m.
Katy Taylor at Seven Lakes, 7 p.m.
Kempner at Fort Bend Marshall, 7 p.m.
Lamar vs. Westside at Butler, 7 p.m.
Langham Creek at Cy-Fair, 7 p.m.
Mayde Creek at Morton Ranch, 7 p.m.
Northbrook at Strake Jesuit, 7 p.m.
Stratford at Memorial, 7 p.m.
Willowridge at Fort Bend Bush, 7 p.m.
Lutheran North at Second Baptist, 7:30
Boys lacrosse
Houston Christian vs. Bellaire at Bayland Park, 7 p.m.
Katy vs. Fort Bend at Old Kempner Stadium, 7 p.m.
Memorial at Strake Jesuit, 7 p.m.
St. John's vs. Lamar at South Campus Sports Association, 7 p.m.
Kingwood at Episcopal, 7:30
SWLC vs. Katy Taylor at Firethorne, 8 p.m.
Softball
Madison vs. Bellaire at Butler, 4:30
St. Agnes at Duchesne, 4:30
Houston Christian at St. Pius, 5 p.m.
Fort Bend Bush at Clements, 6 p.m.
Cypress Creek at Cy-Fair, 6 p.m.
Cypress Ridge at Cypress Falls, 6 p.m.
Cypress Springs at Cypress Woods, 6 p.m.
Fort Bend Austin at Hightower, 6 p.m.
Langham Creek at Jersey Village (varsity only), 6 p.m.
Katy at Seven Lakes, 6:15
Mayde Creek at Katy Taylor, 6:15
Morton Ranch at Cinco Ranch, 6:15
Elsik at Memorial, 6:30
Nimitz vs. Eisenhower at Aldine Complex, 6:30
Northbrook at Stratford, 6:30
Sam Houston vs. Westside at Butler, 6:30
Spring Woods vs. Hastings at Alief Complex, 6:30
Dulles at Kempner, 7 p.m.
Elkins at Fort Bend Marshall, 7 p.m.
Travis at Willowridge, 7 p.m.
Track and Field
District 15-5A championships at Cypress Falls, 3:15
District 17-5A championships (girls field) at Morton Ranch
District 18-5A championships at Crump Stadium, 3:30
District 19-5A championships at Plummer Middle School
District 20-5A championships at Barnett Stadium, 4:30
District 23-5A championships at Hall Stadium, 3 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Boys lacrosse
Klein at Westside, 6 p.m.
Cinco Ranch at St. Thomas, 7:15
Clear Lake at Kingwood, 8 p.m.
Softball
Lamar vs. Milby at Barnett, 6:30
Track and Field
District 15-5A championships (running preliminaries) at Cypress Falls, 4:30
District 17-5A championships (boys field) at Morton Ranch
District 18-5A championships (varsity field) at Crump Stadium, 3:30
District 19-5A championships at Plummer Middle School
District 20-5A championships at Barnett Stadium, 4:30
THURSDAY
Baseball
Concordia Lutheran at St. John's, 4:30
St. Pius at Houston Christian, 6 p.m.
Boys lacrosse
Katy at Memorial, 6 p.m.
SWLC vs. Bellaire at Bayland Park, 7:30
Track and Field
District 15-5A championships (running finals) at Cypress Falls, 6 p.m.
District 17-5A championships (running finals) at Morton Ranch, 6 p.m.
District 19-5A championships at Plummer Middle School
District 23-5A championships (running finals) at Hall Stadium, 3 p.m.
FRIDAY
Baseball
Bellaire vs. Madison at Butler, 4:30
Fort Bend Baptist at St. John's, 4:30
Beaumont Kelly at St. Thomas, 6 p.m.
Second Baptist vs. Westbury Christian at Bayland Park, 6 p.m.
Aldine at Atascocita, 7 p.m.
Clements at Fort Bend Marshall, 7 p.m.
Cy-Fair at Cypress Ridge, 7 p.m.
Cypress Creek at Cypress Woods, 7 p.m.
Cypress Falls at Langham Creek, 7 p.m.
Fort Bend Bush at Fort Bend Austin, 7 p.m.
Hastings at Stratford, 7 p.m.
Hightower at Elkins, 7 p.m.
Jersey Village at Cypress Springs, 7 p.m.
Katy at Morton Ranch, 7 p.m.
Katy Taylor at Cinco Ranch, 7 p.m.
Kempner at Willowridge, 7 p.m.
Mayde Creek at Seven Lakes, 7 p.m.
Memorial at Northbrook, 7 p.m.
Nimitz vs. Eisenhower at Lansford Field, 7 p.m.
Spring Woods at Alief Taylor, 7 p.m.
Strake Jesuit at Elsik, 7 p.m.
Travis at Dulles, 7 p.m.
Boys lacrosse
Houston Christian vs. Cy-Fair at Goodson Middle School, 7:30
Kingwood vs. Lamar at South Campus Sports Association, 7:30
The Woodlands at Strake Jesuit, 7:30
Friendswood vs. Katy Taylor at Firethorne, 8 p.m.
Softball
Sam Houston vs. Lamar at Delmar, 4 p.m.
Westbury Christian at Second Baptist, 4:30
Episcopal School of Dallas at St. John's, 5 p.m.
St. Pius at St. Agnes, 5 p.m.
Fort Bend Austin at Travis, 5:30
Cy-Fair at Cypress Woods, 6 p.m.
Cypress Falls at Cypress Creek, 6 p.m.
Cypress Springs at Langham Creek, 6 p.m.
Elkins at Hightower, 6 p.m.
Jersey Village at Cypress Ridge, 6 p.m.
Cinco Ranch at Mayde Creek, 6:15
Katy Taylor at Katy, 6:15
Seven Lakes at Morton Ranch, 6:15
Aldine vs. Eisenhower at Aldine Complex, 6:30
Elsik vs. Northbrook, 6:30
Memorial at Alief Taylor, 6:30
Stratford at Spring Woods, 6:30
Clements at Dulles, 7 p.m.
Fort Bend Bush at Fort Bend Marshall, 7 p.m.
Kempner at Willowridge Willowridge, 7 p.m.
Chavez vs. Bellaire at Butler, 8 p.m.
Beaumont Kelly at Houston Christian
Track and Field
District 18-5A championships (running finals) at Crump Stadium, 5:30
District 19-5A championships (running finals) at Plummer Middle School
District 20-5A championships (running finals) at Barnett Stadium, 5 p.m.
SATURDAY
Baseball
Lamar vs. Milby at CLC, 10 a.m.
Westside vs. Sam Houston at Delmar, 10 a.m.
Stratford at College Park, Noon
Cinco Ranch at Morton Ranch, 2 p.m.
Elkins at Travis, 2 p.m.
Fort Bend Austin at Dulles, 2 p.m.
Fort Bend Bush at Kempner, 2 p.m.
Fort Bend Marshall at Hightower, 2 p.m.
Katy Taylor at Mayde Creek, 2 p.m.
Seven Lakes at Katy, 2 p.m.
The Woodlands at Memorial, 2 p.m.
Westfield vs. Aldine at Lansford Field, 2 p.m.
Willowridge vs. Clements at Frankie Field, 2 p.m.
St. Thomas at Brazoswood, 6 p.m.
Boys lacrosse
Klein vs. SWLC at Westchester Academy, 10 a.m.
Cinco Ranch at Westside, Noon
Fort Bend at Kingwood, Noon
Rugby
State tournament in Dallas
SUNDAY
Rugby
State tournament in Dallas
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Carter, Wilkerson finish high school careers strong at GHAGBCA All-Star games
BY CHAD WASHINGTON
The Athlete's Connection
The Greater Houston Area Girls Basketball Coaches Association’s All-Star Game featured two different games that had one star shine for the last time as a high schooler, while the other had a player have one of the best performances in her career.
In the first game, the Terry Farrell All-Stars defeated the Pat McKenna All-Stars 69-66 as Westfield guard Gevenia Carter scored 16 points, including three 3-point shots. Carter, who averaged 18 points and 10 steals this past season, played in her final high school game before heading to Central Florida next season.
“It was just an honor to be here,” Carter said. “A lot of girls came here and we all just came out and had fun.”
Hightower guard and Texas State recruit Diamond Ford also had 16 points, including a couple of steals that she turned into layups in the fourth quarter to help the Farrell All-Stars to increase its lead. College Park guard and Texas Tech signee Monique Smalls had 14 points to lead the McKenna All-Stars.
In the second game, Willis guard Brittany Wilkerson led the Glenn Tucker Smith All-Stars beat the Rennie Chaney All-Stars 87-71. Wilkerson, who averaged only 10 points per game this past season, scored 20 in her final high school game.
“I was feeling really good, I just wanted to get out here and have some fun and play like I always play and get my teammates involved,” Wilkerson said.
Westside forward Donna Dike was 10-of-10 from the free-throw line and scored 16 for the Smith All-Stars, while Westfield forward Simone Hopes had 11 points to lead the Chaney All-Stars.
---
Chad Washington can be reached at (281) 404-4953 or cwashington@athletesconnection.com.
The Athlete's Connection
The Greater Houston Area Girls Basketball Coaches Association’s All-Star Game featured two different games that had one star shine for the last time as a high schooler, while the other had a player have one of the best performances in her career.
In the first game, the Terry Farrell All-Stars defeated the Pat McKenna All-Stars 69-66 as Westfield guard Gevenia Carter scored 16 points, including three 3-point shots. Carter, who averaged 18 points and 10 steals this past season, played in her final high school game before heading to Central Florida next season.
“It was just an honor to be here,” Carter said. “A lot of girls came here and we all just came out and had fun.”
Hightower guard and Texas State recruit Diamond Ford also had 16 points, including a couple of steals that she turned into layups in the fourth quarter to help the Farrell All-Stars to increase its lead. College Park guard and Texas Tech signee Monique Smalls had 14 points to lead the McKenna All-Stars.
In the second game, Willis guard Brittany Wilkerson led the Glenn Tucker Smith All-Stars beat the Rennie Chaney All-Stars 87-71. Wilkerson, who averaged only 10 points per game this past season, scored 20 in her final high school game.
“I was feeling really good, I just wanted to get out here and have some fun and play like I always play and get my teammates involved,” Wilkerson said.
Westside forward Donna Dike was 10-of-10 from the free-throw line and scored 16 for the Smith All-Stars, while Westfield forward Simone Hopes had 11 points to lead the Chaney All-Stars.
---
Chad Washington can be reached at (281) 404-4953 or cwashington@athletesconnection.com.
Jersey Village capitalizes on Lamar's late miscues for non-district win
By HEATHER BURR
The Athlete's Connection
It was a nice day for baseball as Jersey Village traveled to Lamar for a non-district Saturday afternoon game.
With the stands full and the pressure off, the game was a chance for some players to rest and others to excel.
“We like to get in the mindset of staying fresh and keep a third pitcher fresh,” Falcons coach Robb Jensen said. “This gives us confidence in some kids that don’t get to throw to step up and compete in a good game.”
A good game it was as Jersey Village took a 7-4 victory.
The Falcons got an early lead on Riley Wathen's two-out solo home run in the first.
“Riley would be the first to stand out,” Jensen said. “He’s been our leader and four-hole hitter. He’s doing a great job for us at the plate.”
Lamar tied it in the bottom of the inning when Marquis Kindle doubled and pitcher John Williamson singled him home.
The Redskins went ahead 2-1 in the second when pitcher Neal Dennison homered, then added two more in the fourth. Judson Bartlett walked with the bases loaded, then Hunter Sellers scored on a passed ball.
But Jersey Village answered big-time in the fifth.
Matt Moore had an RBI when he reached second on an error. Catcher Lance Siragusa reached third on an error, allowing two more runs to cross the plate. Siragusa crossed the plate for the Falcons’ fifth run on a ground ball from Tyler Cox.
“Siragusa leads the team with four home runs,” Jensen said. “He’s been swinging the bat real well.”
Jersey Village got two more insurance runs in the seventh.
“This is big for our kids to come in and face a quality opponent like Lamar,” Jensen said. “It’s a good confidence booster for our kids to come back and get this game.”
The Falcons are tied for fifth in district 15-5A with a record of 3-5, one game behind fourth-place Cypress Creek.
“Maybe this will springboard us in district,” said Jensen, whose team faces Cypress Woods on Tuesday. “They (Woods) were the favorite of the district going in. We played them well and lost 4-3 in the first round. We’ve got our ace Riley Wathen going against them so hopefully we’ll get a win. He gives us a certain sense of confidence when he’s on the mound.”
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Heather Burr can be reached at (713) 339-4400 or info@athletesconnection.com.
The Athlete's Connection
It was a nice day for baseball as Jersey Village traveled to Lamar for a non-district Saturday afternoon game.
With the stands full and the pressure off, the game was a chance for some players to rest and others to excel.
“We like to get in the mindset of staying fresh and keep a third pitcher fresh,” Falcons coach Robb Jensen said. “This gives us confidence in some kids that don’t get to throw to step up and compete in a good game.”
A good game it was as Jersey Village took a 7-4 victory.
The Falcons got an early lead on Riley Wathen's two-out solo home run in the first.
“Riley would be the first to stand out,” Jensen said. “He’s been our leader and four-hole hitter. He’s doing a great job for us at the plate.”
Lamar tied it in the bottom of the inning when Marquis Kindle doubled and pitcher John Williamson singled him home.
The Redskins went ahead 2-1 in the second when pitcher Neal Dennison homered, then added two more in the fourth. Judson Bartlett walked with the bases loaded, then Hunter Sellers scored on a passed ball.
But Jersey Village answered big-time in the fifth.
Matt Moore had an RBI when he reached second on an error. Catcher Lance Siragusa reached third on an error, allowing two more runs to cross the plate. Siragusa crossed the plate for the Falcons’ fifth run on a ground ball from Tyler Cox.
“Siragusa leads the team with four home runs,” Jensen said. “He’s been swinging the bat real well.”
Jersey Village got two more insurance runs in the seventh.
“This is big for our kids to come in and face a quality opponent like Lamar,” Jensen said. “It’s a good confidence booster for our kids to come back and get this game.”
The Falcons are tied for fifth in district 15-5A with a record of 3-5, one game behind fourth-place Cypress Creek.
“Maybe this will springboard us in district,” said Jensen, whose team faces Cypress Woods on Tuesday. “They (Woods) were the favorite of the district going in. We played them well and lost 4-3 in the first round. We’ve got our ace Riley Wathen going against them so hopefully we’ll get a win. He gives us a certain sense of confidence when he’s on the mound.”
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Heather Burr can be reached at (713) 339-4400 or info@athletesconnection.com.
Friday, April 10, 2009
STATE SOCCER: Katy falls in semifinal; The Woodlands downs Clear Lake
By DAVE PURPURA
The Athlete's Connection
The Katy boys soccer team’s improbable ride to state ended Friday.
Five-time state champion Plano, making its first state tournament appearance in nine years, shut out the Tigers 3-0 in the first of two 5A semifinals Friday afternoon at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown.
The Tigers, who had played three consecutive overtime games to earn their first state berth, managed to get a few good scoring chances early in the second half but few in other parts of the game.
Katy finished 17-4-5. They defeated perennial powers Strake Jesuit, Kingwood and Elsik in the first three rounds of the postseason, then ousted undefeated Clements in the regional semifinals and survived Westside in a shootout in the regional final.
Plano (24-3-5) will play Klein Oak or Brownsville Lopez in the state championship game at 6 p.m. Saturday. Oak and Lopez played Friday’s second semifinal.
The Wildcats came out the aggressor and took a 1-0 lead just less than 18 minutes in, when Danny Hahn scored off a Ryan Brown assist. It was only the third regulation goal the Tigers had allowed this postseason.
The Wildcats stayed quicker in the second half and finally punched in an insurance goal with about eight minutes left, when Andrew Von Woesik tucked his shot into the side of the net of an assist from Dillon Powers.
Powers, a Notre Dame signee, netted Plano’s third goal with five minutes left.
GIRLS: The Woodlands 2, Clear Lake 0
Kylie Cook and Kelsey Bass scored for the Highlanders (27-1-3), who didn’t allow the Falcons a shot on goal and handed Lake (22-1-4) its first loss of the year.
Cook scored from about 20 yards away with less than 14 minutes left in the first half, then Bass added the insurance with 10 minutes to go.
The Highlanders were the only team to shut out the Falcons this year. They did it twice, the first time in a scoreless tie in the Kilt Cup in early January.
The Woodlands will play Coppell in the girls final at 4 p.m. Saturday. Coppell knocked off nationally-ranked San Antonio Reagan 1-0, scoring in the final minute of the second overtime.
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Dave Purpura can be reached at (281) 404-4958 or dpurpura@athletesconnection.com.
The Athlete's Connection
The Katy boys soccer team’s improbable ride to state ended Friday.
Five-time state champion Plano, making its first state tournament appearance in nine years, shut out the Tigers 3-0 in the first of two 5A semifinals Friday afternoon at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown.
The Tigers, who had played three consecutive overtime games to earn their first state berth, managed to get a few good scoring chances early in the second half but few in other parts of the game.
Katy finished 17-4-5. They defeated perennial powers Strake Jesuit, Kingwood and Elsik in the first three rounds of the postseason, then ousted undefeated Clements in the regional semifinals and survived Westside in a shootout in the regional final.
Plano (24-3-5) will play Klein Oak or Brownsville Lopez in the state championship game at 6 p.m. Saturday. Oak and Lopez played Friday’s second semifinal.
The Wildcats came out the aggressor and took a 1-0 lead just less than 18 minutes in, when Danny Hahn scored off a Ryan Brown assist. It was only the third regulation goal the Tigers had allowed this postseason.
The Wildcats stayed quicker in the second half and finally punched in an insurance goal with about eight minutes left, when Andrew Von Woesik tucked his shot into the side of the net of an assist from Dillon Powers.
Powers, a Notre Dame signee, netted Plano’s third goal with five minutes left.
GIRLS: The Woodlands 2, Clear Lake 0
Kylie Cook and Kelsey Bass scored for the Highlanders (27-1-3), who didn’t allow the Falcons a shot on goal and handed Lake (22-1-4) its first loss of the year.
Cook scored from about 20 yards away with less than 14 minutes left in the first half, then Bass added the insurance with 10 minutes to go.
The Highlanders were the only team to shut out the Falcons this year. They did it twice, the first time in a scoreless tie in the Kilt Cup in early January.
The Woodlands will play Coppell in the girls final at 4 p.m. Saturday. Coppell knocked off nationally-ranked San Antonio Reagan 1-0, scoring in the final minute of the second overtime.
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Dave Purpura can be reached at (281) 404-4958 or dpurpura@athletesconnection.com.
All-District-15-5A girls soccer
Region II finalist Cypress Creek took two superlative awards on the all-District 15-5A girls soccer teams announced this week.
Sophomore Sarah LaLanne was named Most Valuable Midfielder, and coach Kathy Fling was named Coach of the Year.
Creek went undefeated in district and lost to The Woodlands in the regional final.
Other superlative awards went to Cy-Fair senior Samantha Brenz for Most Valuable Forward, and Jersey Village senior Yosselyn Aguilar as Most Valuable Defender.
The first team, second team and honorable mention picks are as follows:
FIRST TEAM
Forwards: Terah Parker, sr., Cypress Creek; Sydney Curry, jr., Cy-Fair; Kristie Riegel, sr., Cypress Falls; Sarah Guerrero, jr., Jersey Village.
Midfielders: Cat Abitua, jr., Cypress Creek; Lynsey Curry, fr., Cy-Fair; Molly Baker, sr., Cypress Woods; Joceline Quiceno, jr., Cypress Woods; Alison Boone, jr., Langham Creek.
Defenders: Gretchen Hollas, sr., Cypress Creek; Lauren White, so., Cypress Creek; Alex Weidenheft, jr., Cy-Fair; Kelsey Schad, sr., Cypress Woods; Alyssa Cowie, sr., Cypress Woods; Kelley Poblette, jr., Langham Creek.
Goalkeepers: Michelle Kloss, jr., Cypress Creek; Ryan Smith, sr., Jersey Village; Danielle Licarione, jr., Langham Creek.
SECOND TEAM
Forwards: Amanda Biega, sr., Cypress Creek; Hannah Lewis, jr., Cypress Woods; Isabella Carrasco, so., Cypress Woods; Kadie Walaszczyk, fr., Jersey Village.
Midfielders: Ashley Blackwell, jr., Cypress Creek; Sydney Frielinghausen, jr., Cy-Fair; Jordan Hopper, jr., Cypress Falls; Angele Aitwal, jr., Cypress Ridge; Kim Ekholm, jr., Cypress Springs; Becca Spence, sr., Cypress Woods.
Defenders: Rachael Swerdon, fr., Cypress Creek; Aileen Fitzgerald, sr., Cy-Fair; Lindsey Wells, so., Cy-Fair; Kerrie Prieto, jr., Cypress Falls; Cali Davis, jr., Cypress Woods; Michelle Petrarca, fr., Langham Creek.
Goalkeepers: Callie Hasselbring, so., Cypress Ridge; Patty Walrath, jr., Cypress Woods.
HONORABLE MENTION
Margaret Fleming, jr., Cypress Creek; Jaclyn Wahlberg, sr., Cypress Creek; Cailyn Trapani, so., Cy-Fair; Marcia Kaiser, jr., Cy-Fair; Jennifer Swanstrom, jr., Cypress Falls; Victoria Voigt, so., Cypress Falls; Madison Knisley, jr., Cypress Falls; Sanmai Gbandi, sr., Cypress Ridge; Evelyn Fajardo, sr., Cypress Ridge; Katarina Casas, jr., Cypress Ridge; Cynthia Diax, sr., Cypress Springs; Jessica Leiva, sr., Cypress Springs; Megan Snelling, sr., Cypress Woods; Emilee Hoenes, jr., Cypress Woods; Arielle Fike, sr., Jersey Village; Raven White, sr., Jersey Village; Carolyn Parker, fr., Langham Creek; Diana Ramirez, jr., Langham Creek; Tiffany Titone, so., Langham Creek.
Sophomore Sarah LaLanne was named Most Valuable Midfielder, and coach Kathy Fling was named Coach of the Year.
Creek went undefeated in district and lost to The Woodlands in the regional final.
Other superlative awards went to Cy-Fair senior Samantha Brenz for Most Valuable Forward, and Jersey Village senior Yosselyn Aguilar as Most Valuable Defender.
The first team, second team and honorable mention picks are as follows:
FIRST TEAM
Forwards: Terah Parker, sr., Cypress Creek; Sydney Curry, jr., Cy-Fair; Kristie Riegel, sr., Cypress Falls; Sarah Guerrero, jr., Jersey Village.
Midfielders: Cat Abitua, jr., Cypress Creek; Lynsey Curry, fr., Cy-Fair; Molly Baker, sr., Cypress Woods; Joceline Quiceno, jr., Cypress Woods; Alison Boone, jr., Langham Creek.
Defenders: Gretchen Hollas, sr., Cypress Creek; Lauren White, so., Cypress Creek; Alex Weidenheft, jr., Cy-Fair; Kelsey Schad, sr., Cypress Woods; Alyssa Cowie, sr., Cypress Woods; Kelley Poblette, jr., Langham Creek.
Goalkeepers: Michelle Kloss, jr., Cypress Creek; Ryan Smith, sr., Jersey Village; Danielle Licarione, jr., Langham Creek.
SECOND TEAM
Forwards: Amanda Biega, sr., Cypress Creek; Hannah Lewis, jr., Cypress Woods; Isabella Carrasco, so., Cypress Woods; Kadie Walaszczyk, fr., Jersey Village.
Midfielders: Ashley Blackwell, jr., Cypress Creek; Sydney Frielinghausen, jr., Cy-Fair; Jordan Hopper, jr., Cypress Falls; Angele Aitwal, jr., Cypress Ridge; Kim Ekholm, jr., Cypress Springs; Becca Spence, sr., Cypress Woods.
Defenders: Rachael Swerdon, fr., Cypress Creek; Aileen Fitzgerald, sr., Cy-Fair; Lindsey Wells, so., Cy-Fair; Kerrie Prieto, jr., Cypress Falls; Cali Davis, jr., Cypress Woods; Michelle Petrarca, fr., Langham Creek.
Goalkeepers: Callie Hasselbring, so., Cypress Ridge; Patty Walrath, jr., Cypress Woods.
HONORABLE MENTION
Margaret Fleming, jr., Cypress Creek; Jaclyn Wahlberg, sr., Cypress Creek; Cailyn Trapani, so., Cy-Fair; Marcia Kaiser, jr., Cy-Fair; Jennifer Swanstrom, jr., Cypress Falls; Victoria Voigt, so., Cypress Falls; Madison Knisley, jr., Cypress Falls; Sanmai Gbandi, sr., Cypress Ridge; Evelyn Fajardo, sr., Cypress Ridge; Katarina Casas, jr., Cypress Ridge; Cynthia Diax, sr., Cypress Springs; Jessica Leiva, sr., Cypress Springs; Megan Snelling, sr., Cypress Woods; Emilee Hoenes, jr., Cypress Woods; Arielle Fike, sr., Jersey Village; Raven White, sr., Jersey Village; Carolyn Parker, fr., Langham Creek; Diana Ramirez, jr., Langham Creek; Tiffany Titone, so., Langham Creek.
Area notes: Bartlett steps down at Cinco Ranch; Creek OC headed to Waco
By CHAD WASHINGTON and DAVE PURPURA
The Athlete's Connection
It was a job Danny Ramsey had dreamed of landing for his first head-coaching gig.
The former Cypress Creek offensive coordinator was named the new head coach at Waco High School on Wednesday.
Ramsey, 34, also coached the offensive line and assisted in calling plays for a Cougar offense that averaged 505 yards and more than 40 points per game last season. Cy Creek lost to Klein Oak in the Class 5A Division II area playoffs last season, 49-21.
“Every position that I’ve taken, I consider myself the head coach of whatever I’m charged with,” Ramsey told the Waco Tribune-Herald. “I was head coach of offense at Cy Creek all the way down to head coach of the English class that I taught at Cypress Creek High School. It’s just being given the chance to be in charge of something bigger.”
Creek head coach Greg McCaig said he was sorry to see Ramsey leave his program but happy for the athletes at Waco High.
“Danny creates an environment where our kids want to be there,” McCaig said. “We had 23 senior offensive linemen. We run the spread offense, and we’re only able to use five offensive linemen, so he was able to keep 18 kids excited about being there. Kids worship him.”
Before joining McCaig’s staff in 2004, Ramsey was an assistant coach at Marlin, Houston Christian and Spring.
Ramsey takes the reins of the Waco football program from Johnny Tusa, who compiled a 181-87-2 record and guided the Lions to the Class 4A Division II state final in 2006 and the 5A Division II state semifinals in 1991.
Tusa resigned as the Lions’ head football coach and campus athletic coordinator in February after 23 seasons at the school and 29 in the district.
Bartlett retires at Cinco Ranch
Eric Bartlett, who led the Cinco Ranch girls basketball team to five straight district championships, six postseason appearances and a 54-game district winning streak, recently announced his retirement.
Bartlett was 165-77 in eight seasons with the Cougars and is 468-292 overall; he spent 22 years at his alma mater, Humble, before coming to Cinco – the last 16 as head coach.
The Cougars won their fifth consecutive district title this year and advanced to the regional quarterfinals. In 2007-08, they went 30-8 and advanced to the regional championship game, where they lost to eventual state champion Cy-Fair.
Cinco – which was winless in district the year before Bartlett’s arrival – won 54 straight district games from 2005-08, a streak that was snapped this season by Katy Taylor.
End notes
Strake Jesuit’s Joey Brooks and St. Thomas’ Blake Jolivette played in the Capital Classic at American University on Thursday night, and their U.S. All-Star Team lost 129-98 to the Capital All-Stars, a team comprised of Washington, D.C.-area standouts. The U.S. team, which consisted mostly of Division I commits, shot only 14-of-43 from the field and had only six fast-break points. Jolivette will play at American; Brooks is committed to Notre Dame. … Former Seven Lakes standout Brandon Provost plans to transfer from Air Force, according to RCSSports.com. He scored only two points all season, appearing in 18 games.
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The writers can be reached at (281) 404-4958 or dpurpura@athletesconnection.com.
The Athlete's Connection
It was a job Danny Ramsey had dreamed of landing for his first head-coaching gig.
The former Cypress Creek offensive coordinator was named the new head coach at Waco High School on Wednesday.
Ramsey, 34, also coached the offensive line and assisted in calling plays for a Cougar offense that averaged 505 yards and more than 40 points per game last season. Cy Creek lost to Klein Oak in the Class 5A Division II area playoffs last season, 49-21.
“Every position that I’ve taken, I consider myself the head coach of whatever I’m charged with,” Ramsey told the Waco Tribune-Herald. “I was head coach of offense at Cy Creek all the way down to head coach of the English class that I taught at Cypress Creek High School. It’s just being given the chance to be in charge of something bigger.”
Creek head coach Greg McCaig said he was sorry to see Ramsey leave his program but happy for the athletes at Waco High.
“Danny creates an environment where our kids want to be there,” McCaig said. “We had 23 senior offensive linemen. We run the spread offense, and we’re only able to use five offensive linemen, so he was able to keep 18 kids excited about being there. Kids worship him.”
Before joining McCaig’s staff in 2004, Ramsey was an assistant coach at Marlin, Houston Christian and Spring.
Ramsey takes the reins of the Waco football program from Johnny Tusa, who compiled a 181-87-2 record and guided the Lions to the Class 4A Division II state final in 2006 and the 5A Division II state semifinals in 1991.
Tusa resigned as the Lions’ head football coach and campus athletic coordinator in February after 23 seasons at the school and 29 in the district.
Bartlett retires at Cinco Ranch
Eric Bartlett, who led the Cinco Ranch girls basketball team to five straight district championships, six postseason appearances and a 54-game district winning streak, recently announced his retirement.
Bartlett was 165-77 in eight seasons with the Cougars and is 468-292 overall; he spent 22 years at his alma mater, Humble, before coming to Cinco – the last 16 as head coach.
The Cougars won their fifth consecutive district title this year and advanced to the regional quarterfinals. In 2007-08, they went 30-8 and advanced to the regional championship game, where they lost to eventual state champion Cy-Fair.
Cinco – which was winless in district the year before Bartlett’s arrival – won 54 straight district games from 2005-08, a streak that was snapped this season by Katy Taylor.
End notes
Strake Jesuit’s Joey Brooks and St. Thomas’ Blake Jolivette played in the Capital Classic at American University on Thursday night, and their U.S. All-Star Team lost 129-98 to the Capital All-Stars, a team comprised of Washington, D.C.-area standouts. The U.S. team, which consisted mostly of Division I commits, shot only 14-of-43 from the field and had only six fast-break points. Jolivette will play at American; Brooks is committed to Notre Dame. … Former Seven Lakes standout Brandon Provost plans to transfer from Air Force, according to RCSSports.com. He scored only two points all season, appearing in 18 games.
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The writers can be reached at (281) 404-4958 or dpurpura@athletesconnection.com.
Five-run inning helps Elkins edge Clements
By CHAD WASHINGTON
The Athlete's Connection
After losing 9-0 to Clements more than a month ago, there was much more than the District 23-5A lead on the line for the Elkins softball team on Thursday night.
Pride and tradition also were up for grabs.
A five-run fifth inning, sparked by a two-RBI double by senior third baseman Amber Garza, helped the Knights to a 5-1 win in a battle between two of the top-ranked teams in the state. Elkins, who is ranked No. 6, moves into a tie atop the district with the second-ranked Rangers.
“Clements is a playoff-caliber team and are expected to do well in the playoffs,” Elkins coach James McClanahan said. “It was a good match to see where we’re at and what we still need to work on.”
After Clements (25-5, 12-1) scored a run in the top of the fifth, a couple fielding errors helped the Knights to put two runners on with no outs. Shortstop Donielle Breaux got a hit and reached second base after a throwing error by Clements catcher Erin Dooley. Then Elkins outfielder Kelsey Thorton grounded to second, but made it to first as Rangers first baseman Ally Ensor dropped the ball.
After Breaux stole home on a double steal, Elkins first baseman Jena West then laced a single to center field that scored Thorton to put the Knights ahead 2-1.
After second baseman Stephanie Harris beat out an infield hit, Garza then came up and belted a 1-2 pitch from Clements pitcher Liz Paul into the left-center field that brought home pitcher Nicole Gremillion and Harris to put the Knights up 4-1. Centerfielder Chelsea Kovich came up next and hit a RBI single to score Garza for the Knights’ last run.
“(Liz) is a really good pitcher, and I knew I just had to put the ball in play,” Garza said. “I just told myself, ‘Line drive, line drive,’ and that’s what I hit.”
Gremillion made the lead stand up by retiring six of her last seven batters. She ended the game giving up only four hits and no walks while striking out three.
Meanwhile, Paul was strong in her first four innings of work, striking out seven batters while giving up only two hits. None of the runs scored were earned, but she gave up six hits with no walks and struck out eight.
The Rangers’ lone run came when outfielder Erin Daniels got a one-out double and scored when outfielder Sarah Dilley beat out a grounder to shortstop. Daniels scored from second and slid head-first into home plate to beat out the throw from first.
Elkins (26-4, 12-1), which has won district the last two years and five of the last six years, are in position again to win it again. But McClanahan and the Knights are focused on the ultimate goal, which the Knights won in 2003 and 2004.
“District championships are important, but it has no bearing on our ultimate goal of getting to the state tournament,” McClanahan said.
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Chad Washington can be reached at (281) 404-4953 or cwashington@athletesconnection.com.
The Athlete's Connection
After losing 9-0 to Clements more than a month ago, there was much more than the District 23-5A lead on the line for the Elkins softball team on Thursday night.
Pride and tradition also were up for grabs.
A five-run fifth inning, sparked by a two-RBI double by senior third baseman Amber Garza, helped the Knights to a 5-1 win in a battle between two of the top-ranked teams in the state. Elkins, who is ranked No. 6, moves into a tie atop the district with the second-ranked Rangers.
“Clements is a playoff-caliber team and are expected to do well in the playoffs,” Elkins coach James McClanahan said. “It was a good match to see where we’re at and what we still need to work on.”
After Clements (25-5, 12-1) scored a run in the top of the fifth, a couple fielding errors helped the Knights to put two runners on with no outs. Shortstop Donielle Breaux got a hit and reached second base after a throwing error by Clements catcher Erin Dooley. Then Elkins outfielder Kelsey Thorton grounded to second, but made it to first as Rangers first baseman Ally Ensor dropped the ball.
After Breaux stole home on a double steal, Elkins first baseman Jena West then laced a single to center field that scored Thorton to put the Knights ahead 2-1.
After second baseman Stephanie Harris beat out an infield hit, Garza then came up and belted a 1-2 pitch from Clements pitcher Liz Paul into the left-center field that brought home pitcher Nicole Gremillion and Harris to put the Knights up 4-1. Centerfielder Chelsea Kovich came up next and hit a RBI single to score Garza for the Knights’ last run.
“(Liz) is a really good pitcher, and I knew I just had to put the ball in play,” Garza said. “I just told myself, ‘Line drive, line drive,’ and that’s what I hit.”
Gremillion made the lead stand up by retiring six of her last seven batters. She ended the game giving up only four hits and no walks while striking out three.
Meanwhile, Paul was strong in her first four innings of work, striking out seven batters while giving up only two hits. None of the runs scored were earned, but she gave up six hits with no walks and struck out eight.
The Rangers’ lone run came when outfielder Erin Daniels got a one-out double and scored when outfielder Sarah Dilley beat out a grounder to shortstop. Daniels scored from second and slid head-first into home plate to beat out the throw from first.
Elkins (26-4, 12-1), which has won district the last two years and five of the last six years, are in position again to win it again. But McClanahan and the Knights are focused on the ultimate goal, which the Knights won in 2003 and 2004.
“District championships are important, but it has no bearing on our ultimate goal of getting to the state tournament,” McClanahan said.
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Chad Washington can be reached at (281) 404-4953 or cwashington@athletesconnection.com.
Softball recap: Lamar 7, Westside 4
The Lamar softball team outdueled Westside for the second time this year, defeating the Wolves 7-4 at Butler Sports Complex Thursday night.
Lamar pitcher Bianca Lilly allowed nine Westside hits over seven innings, but the left-handed sophomore gave up only three earned runs and she struck out 13.
Lamar collected its first four runs off senior Taylor Reekwald, who took the loss and gave up five hits in four innings.
Tied 1-1 going into the fourth, Lamar broke the game open when Gessenia DeLaCruz led off with a single to center field.
Reekwald walked Bethany Kelm, then Sandra Gallegos reached on an unsuccessful fielder’s choice to load the bases.
Seven-hole hitter Logan Rogers then stroked the Redskins only extra-base hit, a line-drive double over the outstretched glove of Westside third baseman Emily Sage, scoring two. Gallegos later scored the third run of the inning on a passed ball.
Lamar added three more unearned runs in the fifth inning as junior Becky Brune relieved Reekwald. The Westside defense got shaky as Lilly reached on a dropped strike, her sister and third baseman Brittany Lilly made it to first on a bunt single, and DeLaCruz reached on errors to lead off the inning. Bianca Lilly scored on a throwing error, Gallegos knocked in Brittany Lilly with a single down left field line, and Gallegos stole home.
Westside completed the night’s scoring in the bottom of the fifth, as Margaret Lee knocked in one run with a double up the middle and Reekwald drove in two with a double to left center. Other Westside offensive highlights included doubles by Sage in the fourth and Kaitlin Thomas in the second.
The win gives Lamar sole possession of second place in District 20-5A with a record of 6-2. Westside falls into third place at 6-3.
Lamar pitcher Bianca Lilly allowed nine Westside hits over seven innings, but the left-handed sophomore gave up only three earned runs and she struck out 13.
Lamar collected its first four runs off senior Taylor Reekwald, who took the loss and gave up five hits in four innings.
Tied 1-1 going into the fourth, Lamar broke the game open when Gessenia DeLaCruz led off with a single to center field.
Reekwald walked Bethany Kelm, then Sandra Gallegos reached on an unsuccessful fielder’s choice to load the bases.
Seven-hole hitter Logan Rogers then stroked the Redskins only extra-base hit, a line-drive double over the outstretched glove of Westside third baseman Emily Sage, scoring two. Gallegos later scored the third run of the inning on a passed ball.
Lamar added three more unearned runs in the fifth inning as junior Becky Brune relieved Reekwald. The Westside defense got shaky as Lilly reached on a dropped strike, her sister and third baseman Brittany Lilly made it to first on a bunt single, and DeLaCruz reached on errors to lead off the inning. Bianca Lilly scored on a throwing error, Gallegos knocked in Brittany Lilly with a single down left field line, and Gallegos stole home.
Westside completed the night’s scoring in the bottom of the fifth, as Margaret Lee knocked in one run with a double up the middle and Reekwald drove in two with a double to left center. Other Westside offensive highlights included doubles by Sage in the fourth and Kaitlin Thomas in the second.
The win gives Lamar sole possession of second place in District 20-5A with a record of 6-2. Westside falls into third place at 6-3.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Cypress Woods at Cypress Creek softball
By HEATHER BURR
The Athlete's Connection
It was a roller coaster ride for the Cypress Woods and Cypress Creek softball teams Thursday night as they battled for the top spot in District 15-5A.
With highs and lows for both teams and even a weather delay that might have had some bearing on the outcome, Cypress Woods came out with a 5-3 win.
Trailing 3-2 in the top of the seventh, the Wildcats’ final at-bat was put on hold for about 45 minutes because of lightning. It was just enough time for the players to take off their shoes and get cozy in their cars.
But what would the delay mean for the Cougars, who had the momentum, and the Wildcats, who were battling for their lives?
“I wasn’t sure if we were going to respond or not after the break,” Woods coach Cliff Bond said. “Taking a break that long doesn’t really affect a batter as much as I think it does a pitcher.”
Cypress Creek had trailed 2-0 after the third then tied the Wildcats in the fourth with a base hit from Tori Sheppard and an RBI from Kayla Irvin. The Cougars then took the lead in the sixth when Sheppard reached base again and Jackie Heffernan had an RBI double.
“I think it helped us because we got to take a break and sit down and think,” Bond said.
They must have thought about big hits and scoring runs because that’s what the Wildcats did in their last at-bat.
With one out, Kristina Cordova reached base for the fourth time. Alexandria Dawson had a base hit, moving Cordova to third. Then Jettie Thompson came up with the winning triple and on an error reached home for three RBIs and a two-run lead.
“Kristina Cordova is probably the ultimate competitor on our team,” Bond said. “She’s always going to give everything she’s got. And for Jettie Thompson, I’ve never seen her nervous at any at bat. This is probably the second game she’s won for us. She’s a real clutch hitter for us this year.”
Pitcher Katherine Moreno struck out her fourth batter to start the bottom of the inning. An error allowed Brandi Virgil to reach first then she took second on a base hit from Erin Duhon. Two fielding plays ended the Cougars’ at-bat and the game.
“Cy Creek is a tough team,” Bond said. “They hit the ball extremely well and that’s what we were really worried about coming into this game.”
“Everybody just stayed calm and we came out and played our best,” Cordova said. “There’s nothing more we can ask of our team than to come out and play hard.”
Woods will face Cypress Springs on Tuesday, the same day Creek plays Cy-Fair.
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Heather Burr can be reached at (713) 339-4400 or info@athletesconnection.com.
The Athlete's Connection
It was a roller coaster ride for the Cypress Woods and Cypress Creek softball teams Thursday night as they battled for the top spot in District 15-5A.
With highs and lows for both teams and even a weather delay that might have had some bearing on the outcome, Cypress Woods came out with a 5-3 win.
Trailing 3-2 in the top of the seventh, the Wildcats’ final at-bat was put on hold for about 45 minutes because of lightning. It was just enough time for the players to take off their shoes and get cozy in their cars.
But what would the delay mean for the Cougars, who had the momentum, and the Wildcats, who were battling for their lives?
“I wasn’t sure if we were going to respond or not after the break,” Woods coach Cliff Bond said. “Taking a break that long doesn’t really affect a batter as much as I think it does a pitcher.”
Cypress Creek had trailed 2-0 after the third then tied the Wildcats in the fourth with a base hit from Tori Sheppard and an RBI from Kayla Irvin. The Cougars then took the lead in the sixth when Sheppard reached base again and Jackie Heffernan had an RBI double.
“I think it helped us because we got to take a break and sit down and think,” Bond said.
They must have thought about big hits and scoring runs because that’s what the Wildcats did in their last at-bat.
With one out, Kristina Cordova reached base for the fourth time. Alexandria Dawson had a base hit, moving Cordova to third. Then Jettie Thompson came up with the winning triple and on an error reached home for three RBIs and a two-run lead.
“Kristina Cordova is probably the ultimate competitor on our team,” Bond said. “She’s always going to give everything she’s got. And for Jettie Thompson, I’ve never seen her nervous at any at bat. This is probably the second game she’s won for us. She’s a real clutch hitter for us this year.”
Pitcher Katherine Moreno struck out her fourth batter to start the bottom of the inning. An error allowed Brandi Virgil to reach first then she took second on a base hit from Erin Duhon. Two fielding plays ended the Cougars’ at-bat and the game.
“Cy Creek is a tough team,” Bond said. “They hit the ball extremely well and that’s what we were really worried about coming into this game.”
“Everybody just stayed calm and we came out and played our best,” Cordova said. “There’s nothing more we can ask of our team than to come out and play hard.”
Woods will face Cypress Springs on Tuesday, the same day Creek plays Cy-Fair.
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Heather Burr can be reached at (713) 339-4400 or info@athletesconnection.com.
Strake Jesuit at Memorial baseball
By DAVE PURPURA
The Athlete's Connection
The Strake Jesuit baseball team entered Thursday night’s game at Memorial eager to, if not confident they could, atone for a nine-run loss to the Mustangs three weeks ago.
The Mustangs summarily drubbed the Crusaders 9-5 and left Mustang Park in a familiar position – firmly on top of their district.
“This is a huge win,” said Memorial starting pitcher Nick Bergmann. “They came here to beat us but we stepped up and just kept hitting and won the game. Each game excites us and motivates us more and more to keep winning.”
M.P. Cokinos and Michael Ratterree hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning and Bergmann held the Crusaders to one run through the first six innings as Memorial (19-3, 8-0) strengthened its hold on District 18-5A to two games ahead of Strake Jesuit and Stratford.
“We got on them early; that’s what we talked about all week,” Mustangs coach Jeremy York said. “We were fortunate we could make things happen early. …
“Every game we win puts distance between us and someone else. That’s our objective, to just go out and take care of business. If we do that, we’ll be in great shape.”
Memorial hosts Stratford on Tuesday night.
Cokinos hit his team-leading ninth home run, Ratterree his seventh.
“He just threw a changeup over the middle of the plate, I waited on it and got it out to left. And the wind was blowing,” Ratterree said.
“They swing the bats well, and anytime you have them in the (Nos. 3 and 4 spots) you have to be careful with them or they can turn a game around in a hurry,” York said. “We have other guys in the lineup who can do it as well. We were fortunate.”
Memorial added three standup doubles from Carter Burgess, David Holland and Daniel Neumann in the second to take a 4-0 lead, then blew the game open with another run in the third and four in the fourth.
Bergmann allowed seven hits while striking out nine, walking one and hitting a batter in 6 2/3 innings.
Strake Jesuit (12-8, 6-2) fell back into a tie for second-place with Stratford, a tie the Crusaders had broken with a one-run victory over the Spartans on Tuesday night.
Patrick Blizzard’s solo home run in the fourth inning was the most offense the Crusaders could muster until Evan Fichter’s grand slam in the seventh. They finished with six hits.
“I just wanted to get that last out,” said Bergmann, who was pulled immediately after the slam with one out remaining.
Family Day upcoming
The Mustangs are holding their annual Family Day festivities April 18, when they host The Woodlands.
Activities include face painting, baserunning for kids 12 and younger run the bases following the varsity game, and a raffle. Meal deals also will be available.
Admission is $2 for children and adults; youths age 5 or younger are admitted free.
The junior varsity game begins at 10 a.m.; the varsity game is at 2 p.m.
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Dave Purpura can be reached at (281) 404-4958 or dpurpura@athletesconnection.com.
The Athlete's Connection
The Strake Jesuit baseball team entered Thursday night’s game at Memorial eager to, if not confident they could, atone for a nine-run loss to the Mustangs three weeks ago.
The Mustangs summarily drubbed the Crusaders 9-5 and left Mustang Park in a familiar position – firmly on top of their district.
“This is a huge win,” said Memorial starting pitcher Nick Bergmann. “They came here to beat us but we stepped up and just kept hitting and won the game. Each game excites us and motivates us more and more to keep winning.”
M.P. Cokinos and Michael Ratterree hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning and Bergmann held the Crusaders to one run through the first six innings as Memorial (19-3, 8-0) strengthened its hold on District 18-5A to two games ahead of Strake Jesuit and Stratford.
“We got on them early; that’s what we talked about all week,” Mustangs coach Jeremy York said. “We were fortunate we could make things happen early. …
“Every game we win puts distance between us and someone else. That’s our objective, to just go out and take care of business. If we do that, we’ll be in great shape.”
Memorial hosts Stratford on Tuesday night.
Cokinos hit his team-leading ninth home run, Ratterree his seventh.
“He just threw a changeup over the middle of the plate, I waited on it and got it out to left. And the wind was blowing,” Ratterree said.
“They swing the bats well, and anytime you have them in the (Nos. 3 and 4 spots) you have to be careful with them or they can turn a game around in a hurry,” York said. “We have other guys in the lineup who can do it as well. We were fortunate.”
Memorial added three standup doubles from Carter Burgess, David Holland and Daniel Neumann in the second to take a 4-0 lead, then blew the game open with another run in the third and four in the fourth.
Bergmann allowed seven hits while striking out nine, walking one and hitting a batter in 6 2/3 innings.
Strake Jesuit (12-8, 6-2) fell back into a tie for second-place with Stratford, a tie the Crusaders had broken with a one-run victory over the Spartans on Tuesday night.
Patrick Blizzard’s solo home run in the fourth inning was the most offense the Crusaders could muster until Evan Fichter’s grand slam in the seventh. They finished with six hits.
“I just wanted to get that last out,” said Bergmann, who was pulled immediately after the slam with one out remaining.
Family Day upcoming
The Mustangs are holding their annual Family Day festivities April 18, when they host The Woodlands.
Activities include face painting, baserunning for kids 12 and younger run the bases following the varsity game, and a raffle. Meal deals also will be available.
Admission is $2 for children and adults; youths age 5 or younger are admitted free.
The junior varsity game begins at 10 a.m.; the varsity game is at 2 p.m.
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Dave Purpura can be reached at (281) 404-4958 or dpurpura@athletesconnection.com.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Poll results
From last week's poll ... voting was about as close as I figured.
17-5A: Katy, Cinco Ranch, Seven Lakes all strong
26.3%
15-5A: Cy Creek, Cy Woods, Cy-Fair tied for first
23.4%
18-5A: Spring Woods, Memorial set to meet for first place
19.7%
20-5A: Bellaire-Lamar-Westside three-way rivalry
14.6%
23-5A: Clements, Elkins each have 20 wins already
10.2%
Other
5.8%
17-5A: Katy, Cinco Ranch, Seven Lakes all strong
26.3%
15-5A: Cy Creek, Cy Woods, Cy-Fair tied for first
23.4%
18-5A: Spring Woods, Memorial set to meet for first place
19.7%
20-5A: Bellaire-Lamar-Westside three-way rivalry
14.6%
23-5A: Clements, Elkins each have 20 wins already
10.2%
Other
5.8%
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