Waurika Junior High Thinclads Compete at Wynnewood

By

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April 18, 2019

On Tuesday the Waurika seventh grade and junior high track squads traveled to Wynnewood to compete in a track meet.

No team scores were kept in the meet that featured four divisions.

Leading the way for the junior high girls’ team was Libi Simmons who captured gold medals in the 100 meter hurdles and the high jump.

Kynlee Waters placed in two events for the Lady Eagles. She was fourth in the 300 meter hurdles and fifth in the 100 meter hurdles. Corley Coffin captured fifth place in the 300 hurdle events.

Aubree Showalter also placed in two individual races. She was fourth in both the 800 meters and the 1,600 meters.

Bailey Romero earned third place in the long jump for the lady Eagles.

In the weight events, Mackinze Taylor was fourth and Alana Lewis was fifth in the discus and Cassidie Berry finished sixth in the shot put.

Three relay squads placed for the Lady Eagles during the meeting.

The 1,600 meter relay team of Waters, Simmons, Trish Julian and Showalter earned fourth place.

In the 400 meter relay the squad of Simmons, Tracy Ballard, Coffin and Romero came in fifth place.

The 800 meter relay team of Coffin, Ballard, Faith Hill and Romero turned in a sixth place finish for the Lady Eagles.

Trent Arellano was the top performer for the junior high boys. He won the gold medal in the long jump.

Matt Arriola placed in two events. He was second in the long jump and fourth in the high jump.

Treyton Torrez also placed in the high jump earning a silver medal.

The Waurika seventh grade teams also competed in the meet and the results are listed below:

7th Grade Girls

1,600 Meter Relay: 6. Waurika (Niecsa Camarillo, Destiny Foster, Reese Reynolds, Sadie Smith)

7th Grade Boys

Long Jump: 3. Carson Williams

High Jump: 3. Carson Williams

100 Meters: 4. Carson Williams

Cowboy Nine Drops Twinbill to Turner

By

Trey Smart

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April 11, 2019

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After an extended time off because of scheduling conflicts the Ryan Cowboy baseball squad was back in action Tuesday at Larry Ninman Field.

The Cowboys hosted Turner in a doubleheader and Ryan found itself on the wrong side of the scoreboard in both games.

The Falcons defeated the Cowboys, 12-2, in the pair of contests that ended early because of the run rule.

Ryan is slated to be back in action today at Larry Ninman field when the Cowboys play host to Grandfield. The high school game will start around 6 p.m.

Grandfield’s only win this season came in an earlier meeting with the Cowboys.

The Cowboys close out the regular season with a twinbill with Waurika on Monday. The doubleheader will start at 4 p.m. at the Ryan diamond.

The Eagles have two wins over the Cowboys in an earlier meeting.

Following the final two regular season games the Cowboys will travel to Sterling for the Class B District Tournament.

No other details were provided on the pair of losses to Turner.

Ryan Softball Seniors Recognized at Last Home Game

By

Trey Smart

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April 11, 2019

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It has been a busy few days for the Ryan Cowgirl slow-pitch softball squad.

Last Thursday the Ryan Cowgirl slow-pitch softball team battled through pool play to advance to the championship game where they fell to Grandfield, 8-1.

Ryan advanced to the finals by defeating Wilson, 9-8, and handing Temple a 10-0 setback in the one-day tournament.

Grandfield earned a spot in the title game with a 10-5 victory over Geronimo and a 6-5 win over Thackerville.

Ryan hosted its own tournament for the first time at Larry Ninman Field and it featured five other schools divided into two pools. The winner of each pool played in the finals.

On Monday, the Cowgirls dropped their second straight game, 12-2, to Wilson. Wilson’s junior high squad nipped the Cowgirls, 8-7.

Tuesday’s game with Empire was postponed when Empire had only eight players. It was slated to be the final home game for the Cowgirls so seniors Emilee Martin and Laken DeBoard were honored after the junior high game.

The Cowgirl junior high squad defeated Empire, 9-3.

The Cowgirls were to have continued the season today competing in the 17-team Fletcher Invitational.

Ryan was to have met Bray-Doyle today at 10 a.m. The winner was to have met the winner of Verden and Fletcher at 12:15 p.m.

A loss by the Cowgirls would have them playing tonight at 5 p.m. A win in any game on Thursday would guarantee Ryan to be in action on Friday.

In the game with Wilson on Monday, the Lady Eagles took charge with five runs in the top of the first and held on to a 5-0 lead through two innings.

In the top of the third, the Lady Eagles exploded for seven more runs to hold a 12-0 lead.

The Cowgirls got their only runs of the game in the bottom of the third. Savannah Lashley and Samantha Good each had base hits and eventually came around to score.

However, the Cowgirls went down in order in the bottom of the fourth and the game ended on the run rule.

In the first two innings of the tourney title game the Cowgirls went down in order, while the Lady Bearcats left four runners stranded, but took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second.

But, in the top of the third the Cowgirls managed to put a run on the board as Carter Combs reached base and scored on Lashley’s RBI-ground out to knot the game at 1-1.

Grandfield answered in the bottom of the fourth with a seven-run uprising and held off the Cowgirls in the top of the fifth to secure the title.

The Cowgirls scored in every inning in the encounter with Temple in the tourney.

In the first inning, Good walked and scored on Brooke Charmasson’s RBI-double that gave Ryan a 1-0 advantage.

The Cowgirls increased the lead in the second inning with a pair of runs. Lindsey Reake singled and eventually scored on Laken DeBoard’s RBI-single. DeBoard crossed the plate later in the inning and Ryan held a 3-0 lead.

Another pair of runs in the third inning put the advantage at 5-0 for the Cowgirls. Emilee Martin and Reake each singled and then Justyce Keith walked. Successive walks by combs and DeBoard drove in the two runs as the Cowgirls left the bases full to end the inning.

The Cowgirls added another two runs in the fourth inning. Kodi Duke got an infield single and she scored on Good’s double. Charmasson drove home Good with a double. The inning concluded with two Cowgirls stranded.

In the fifth inning, the Cowgirls got three runs – all after two outs. Lashley reached base and Grace Stamper came in to run for her. Duke followed with a single and Good picked up two RBI’s with a base hit. Good scored on Charmasson’s hit to set the final margin.

Keith got the shutout in the circle for the Cowgirls.

The Cowgirls picked up a dramatic win in the first game of the tournament.

Wilson took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning, but the Cowgirls recorded seven runs in the bottom of the inning to take the lead.

Martin started off the inning with a base hit and then Madisen Rhoads followed with a two-run homer run. After two outs, Combs got an infield hit and DeBoard and Lashley followed with hits. Duke drove in another run with a base hit that was followed by a grand slam by Good to give Ryan a 7-2 lead.

It didn’t take the Lady Eagles long to answer. After one out, four consecutive Wilson batters reached base and scored. After two were out an infield hit produced another run and the game was tied at 7-7.

In the bottom of the third the Cowgirls got a solo home run from Martin giving the Cowgirls an 8-7 advantage.

Wilson tied the game in the top of the fourth to tied the score at 8-8 and set up the dramatic win for the Cowgirls.

The Cowgirls were retired in order in the bottom of the fourth and Wilson did the same in the top of the fifth.

Good led off the bottom of the fifth with a walk and moved to third on Charmasson’s double down the left field line. Martin’s single scored Good giving the Cowgirls the victory.

Waurika Senior Night

By

Curtis Plant

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February 16, 2019

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Waurika honored their seniors at the last home game of the season this past Friday evening.

Here are their profiles.

Gatlin Black (Basketball) was escorted by Wilma Rickard. He is the son of Chad and Miranda Black. He has attended Waurika schools his whole life. His school activities included, Football, Basketball, FFA and Student Council. His fondest memories of his school days are hanging out with his friends in the parking lot. After he graduated he plans to go to college in Louisiana and get a degree in Petroleum Engineering.

Zachary Brown (Basketball & Powerlifting) is the son of Michele Salazar. He has attended Waurika Schools his whole life. His school activities/awards included, baseball, basketball, football, new comer of the year in football, and all conference outfielder in baseball. His fondest memories of his school days would be football season, and the boys winning the prank war, not the girls. After he graduated he plans to play baseball at Murray State or taking over the Richardson Ranch.

Colton Byant (Basketball & Powerlifting) is the son of Michael and Heather Bryant. He has attended Waurika School his whole life. His school activities included, Football for 4 years, Track for 4 years, XC for 3 years, Basketball for 3 years, and Powerlifting for 2 years. His fondest memories of school days are making it to the State Quarterfinals his last year in football and freezing in Mrs. Allen’s classroom. After he graduates he plans to attend college and major in Education and become a coach.

Austin Dyer (Basketball & Powerlifting) is the son of Bobby and Lisa Dyer. He has attended Waurika Schools for two years. His school activities included, Baseball, Basketball, Football, FFA, and Yearbook. His fondest memories of his school days were freezing in Mrs. Allen’s class everyday. After he graduates he want to become a game warden, and go play baseball somewhere.

Oliva Ralls (Powerlifting) is the daughter of Danny and Jacinda Ralls. She has attended Waurika Schools for two years. Her school activities included, Track, FCCLA, Powerlifting, Cheer, and Softball. Her fondest memories from her school days were moving here and making memories and friends that could last a lifetime. After she graduates she is going to college at Cameron University to get a degree in Nursing.

Aaron Nitka ( Basketball) is the son of Daniel and Sloan Roberson, and Michael Nitka. He has attended Waurika schools for eleven years. His school activities/awards included, Baseball, Football, Basketball, Beta, NHS, FFA, All-State eight man Football, Oilfield All Conference Baseball, ad All- District Football. His fondest memories from his school days were stealing the Smart Board Remote from Mr. Brown. After he graduates he plans to be a Physical Assistant.

Madison Roberson (Basketball) is the daughter of Kasey Elliot, Daniel and Sloan Roberson. She has attended Waurika Schools for four years. Her school activities/Awards included, Southern 8 Conference MVP, Daily Oklahoman honorable mention Allstate, Valedictorian of Class 2019, Scored 1,000 career points as a junior, cross country, student council, NHS, OHS, and gifted and talented. Her fondest memories from her school days included, spending the summer going to camps with the basketball girls, and making Lexie do hilarious things to strangers. After she graduates she plans to become a Radiology Technologist.

Katelyn Washburn (Basketball) is the daughter of Becky and James Washburn. She has attended Waurika Schools for two years. Her school activities/awards included, basketball, FCCLA, yearbook, and All-American Cheer. Her fondest memories from her school days were when some of us students were having a war on sarin wrapping, and putting stuff on our vehicles, Boys vs. Girls. (Girls won). After she graduates she plans on going to NOC to cheer and get her degree in English.

Madison Christian (Manager & Powerlifting) is the daughter of James and Amy King. She has attended Waurika Schools for five years. Her school activities/awards included Powerlifting, softball, cheer, track, and All-American Cheer. Her fondest memories from school days were having Melissa come to school here and having all the friends that I have. After she Graduates she plans on going to the National Guard.

Ryan Senior Night

By

Curtis Plant

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February 16, 2019

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Recently, Ryan honored their senior basketball players. They include:

(Player far left) Holland Carter,

Holland’s parents John and Cheryl Carter.

(Center) Travis Fristoe, parents Charles and Jaunita Fristoe (not pictured) His other parents, Clint and Christa Rollins, are in the picture.

(Far right) Laken DeBoard, Laken’s parents, Regina Reimer Darwin DeBoard.

Photo by Sheree hanson

Cowgirls, Cowboys Drop Contests to Tough Foes to Start 2019

By

Trey Smart

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January 10, 2019

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Ryan’s Cowboy and Cowgirl roundballers in two nights this week faced two tough assignments to start the 2019 portion of the schedule.

On Tuesday, Ryan hosted Big Pasture and the Cowgirls fell to 14th-ranked Big Pasture, 43-32, while the boys dropped a 78-26 decision to Class B’s sixth-ranked Rangers.

On Monday, Ryan dropped a pair at Empire as the Cowgirls lost to 20th-ranked Empire, 57-34, while the Cowboys were hammered, 70-36, by the Bulldogs.

The Cowgirls will take a 6-7 record into next week’s action, while the Cowboys are now 4-9 for the season.

The Ryan squads will return to action on Monday when they host Oklahoma School for the Deaf on Raymon West Court.

On Tuesday, the Cowboys and Cowgirls will travel to Ringling to battle the Lady Blue Devils and Blue Devils.

One week from Friday the Cowboys and Cowgirls will play host to Frederick – the newest member of the Southern

Eight Conference.

In the home contest with Big Pasture, the Cowgirls actually led after the first quarter, 6-4, and maintained the margin at the intermission, 16-14.

However, in the second half Big Pasture’s Katelynn Laminack and Maddison Rivers found the range from the field and led the Lady Rangers’ rally.

Laminack had eight of Big Pasture’s 12 third-quarter points to give the Lady Rangers a 26-24 lead heading to the fourth quarter.

Rivers got hot from behind the arc in the final frame as the Lady Ranger connected on three treys and scored 10 of the 17 Big Pasture points to aid the Lady Rangers in taking command of the game.

The Cowgirls were still close late in the game and had a chance to cut the lead to only four but missed a layup and that forced the Cowgirls to foul in the final minute and Big Pasture connected on four of seven tries from the charity stripe to extend the lead and pick up the win.

Samantha Good finished with 18 points for the Cowgirls, but was the only player to score in double figures.

The Cowgirls were only 7-16 from the free throw line and shot only 36% from the field during the game.

Defensively, the Cowgirls recorded 10 steals and only suffered three turnovers in the contest.

The Rangers proved why they are worthy of their high ranking in Class B as they jumped on the Cowboys for a 52-8 advantage at halftime after rolling up 30 points in the second quarter.

The Cowboys, who have suffered from shooting woes the entire season, were never in the game. Ryan hit only 27% from the field – including only one of 14 from beyond the arc.

In the third quarter, the Cowboys scored more than in the first half, but Big Pasture continued to build the lead and led 72-17 heading to the fourth quarter.

The Rangers managed only six points in the final frame, while the Cowboys managed nine points to set the final margin.

The Cowboys had only 10 attempts from the free throw line, but connected on only three of them for 30%.

Grayson Tomberlin led the Cowboys in scoring with 11 points.

On Monday, the Cowgirls could never get anything going in the first quarter against Empire. Meanwhile, Empire exploded for 29 first-quarter points to hold a 29-3 lead at the end of the period.

The Cowgirls actually outscored the Lady Bulldogs, 31-28, over the remaining three quarters, but could not overcome the poor start.

Three Ryan starters were battling illnesses. Good and Lily York shared scoring honors with 11 points each, but only three other Cowgirls found the scoring column in the game.

The Cowboys suffered the same fate as the girls’ squad as a poor first-quarter showing left the Cowboys with no chance to win.

The Bulldogs stormed to a 20-3 first quarter lead and although Ryan trimmed the deficit to 32-21 at the half, the Bulldogs outscored Ryan, 38-15, over the final two quarters.

Tomberlin finished with 13 points for the Cowboys and was the only Ryan player to score in double figures.

Big Pasture 43, Ryan 32

(Girls)

Big Pasture 4 10 12 17–43

Ryan 6 10 8 8–32

RYAN – Samantha Good 6-4-18, Juliet Spangler 3-1-7, Lily York 2-2-6, Bailee Martin 0-1-1. PF: 17. Three-pointers: Good 2.

Big Pasture 78, Ryan 26

(Boys)

Big Pasture 22 30 20 6–78

Ryan 3 5 9 9–26

RYAN – Grayson Tomberlin 5-0-11, Trey Bryant 2-1-5, Travis Fristoe 2-1-5, Kane Howard 1-0-2, Andrew Villerreal 1-0-2, Caleb Perrin 0-1-1. PF: 12. Three-pointers: Tomberlin.

Empire 57, Ryan 34

(Girls)

Ryan 3 10 12 9–34

Empire 29 13 4 11–57

RYAN – Samantha Good 4-3-11, Lily York 3-4-11, Juliet Spangler 1-4-7, Alicen Williams 1-0-3, Carter Combs 0-2-2. PF: 15. Three-pointers: Spangler, York, Williams.

Empire 70, Ryan 36

(Boys)

Ryan 3 18 6 9–36

Empire 20 12 15 23-70

RYAN – Grayson Tomberlin 3-5-13, Kane Howard 4-0-9, Andrew Villerreal 2-0-4, Daniel Alsup 1-0-3, Gunner Phillips 1-0-2, Kalen Weldon 1-0-2, Travis Fristoe 1-0-2, Landen Alexander 1-0-2. PF: 13. Three-pointers: Tomberlin 2, Howard 2, Alsup.

Waurika Roundballers Split Games with Central High

By

Trey Smart

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January 10, 2019

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Waurika began the new year by taking on a couple of Stephens County foes and managed to split a pair of games with Central High Tuesday night after dropping a twinbill to Empire last Friday.

Playing on the home court Tuesday night, the Lady Eagles dropped a 52-43 decision to Central High, while the Waurika boys held off Central High, 42-35, to snap a three-game losing streak.

Last Friday at Empire the Lady Eagles fell, 56-51, while the Waurika boys dropped a 51-41 decision to the Bulldogs.

Waurika begins play today in the Black Diamond Invitational at Rush Springs. The Lady Eagles were to have played Sterling at 1:30 p.m., while the boys were to have followed with a 3 p.m. contest against 20th-ranked Roff.

Both squads will continue play in the tourney on Friday and Saturday.

The Eagles and Lady Eagles will play host to Walters on Tuesday night with tipoff set for 6:30 p.m.

Heading into today’s tourney action the Lady Eagles are 8-5 on the season. The Waurika boys sport a 4-8 record heading into the tournament.

At home on Tuesday night, the Lady Eagles trailed Central High, 11-10, after one period, but rallied with a strong second quarter to carry a 27-22 advantage into the locker room at the half.

Central High managed to take the lead after three quarters, 41-39, and outscored the Lady Eagles, 15-4, in the final quarter to get the upset win.

Madison Roberson paced the Lady Eagles in scoring with 20 points and was a perfect eight for eight from the charity stripe.

The Eagles managed a 7-5 advantage after one quarter against the Bronchos and extended the lead in the second quarter as Waurika outscored Central High, 14-7, to hold a 21-12 lead at the break.

Despite Central High hitting three treys in the third quarter, the Eagles were able to pad the lead by outscoring the Bronchos, 12-9, and take a 33-21 lead into the final quarter.

Central High mounted a rally in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles held off the Bronchos despite struggling from the free throw line.

The Eagles hit seven of 14 attempts from the charity stripe and had only one field goal in the final quarter, but it was enough to secure the win.

Kevin Garcia led the Eagles in scoring with 10 points, but six other Eagles contributed to the scoring column.

The 20th-ranked Empire girls fell behind the Lady Eagles, 10-4, in the first quarter as Roberson accounted for eight of Waurika’s 10 points.

The two squads battled on even terms in the second quarter and the Lady Eagles held a slim 28-22 lead at the break.

The third quarter is where the tide turned for the Lady Eagles as Empire outscored Waurika, 18-8, to overcome the deficit and take a 40-36 lead heading to the fourth quarter.

In the final frame, Empire’s Korrie Allensworth scored eight of the team’s 16 points and helped hold off the Lady Eagles’ rally attempt for the win.

Empire’s only loss coming into the game was to seventh-ranked Ft. Cobb-Broxton and the five-point loss by Waurika was the closest victory for Empire during this season.

Roberson finished with 23 points and was the only Waurika player in double figures.

In the boys’ game at Empire, the Eagles suffered from a poor shooting night from the field and the free throw line.

The Eagles hung with the Bulldogs throughout the game, but Empire was able to increase the lead after every quarter.

Empire held a narrow 10-8 lead after one quarter and increased it to 25-20 by intermission.

The Bulldogs managed a 12-10 advantage in the third quarter to head into the final quarter with a 37-30 lead.

The Eagles could never get a serious rally going in the final quarter.

Waurika shot only 33% from the field and were woeful at the free throw line hitting only nine of 21 charity tosses for 42.9%. The Eagles did not connect on a three-point basket in the game.

Aaron Nitka paced the Eagles in scoring with 16, while Cache Arellano added 11 points.

Central High 52, Waurika 43

(Girls)

Central High 11 11 15 15–52

Waurika 10 17 12 4–43

WAURIKA – Madison Roberson 6-8-20, Gracie Walling 4-0-8, Tallin Mora 3-0-7, Faith Roberson 2-0-6, Madison Dees 1-0-2. PF: 19. Three-pointers: F. Roberson 2, Mora.

Waurika 42, Central High 35

(Boys)

Central High 5 7 9 14–35

Waurika 7 14 12 9–42

WAURIKA – Kevin Garcia 4-2-10, Aaron Nitka 4-1-9, Turner Mora 3-2-8, Cache Arellano 2-1-6, Hunter Wesberry 0-3-3, Bryson Hernandez 1-0-2. PF: 17. Three-pointers: Arellano.

Empire 56, Waurika 51

(Girls)

Waurika 10 18 8 15–51

Empire 4 18 18 16–56

WAURIKA – Madison Roberson 8-7-23, Tallin Mora 3-1-8, Asia Smith 2-4-8, Gracie Walling 2-0-4, Lexie Streeter 0-4-4, Faith Roberson 1-0-2, Madison Dees 1-0-2. PF: 13. Three-pointers: Mora 3.

Empire 51, Waurika 41

(Boys)

Waurika 8 12 10 11–41

Empire 10 15 12 14–51

WAURIKA – Aaron Nitka 6-4-16, Cache Arellano 4-3-11, Turner Mora 2-2-6, Payton Fletcher 3-0-6, Hunter Wesberrry 1-0-2. PF: 11. Three-pointers: None.

Waurika, Ryan Basketball Squads Look Forward to Rest of Season

By

Trey Smart

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January 3, 2019

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The second half of the high school basketball season gets under way this coming weekend and the teams from Ryan and Waurika are looking to improve over the first few weeks of the 2019 season.

Waurika will take the court first in 2019 with a Friday doubleheader at Empire. Waurika returns to action on Tuesday (January 8) as the Eagles and Lady Eagles will host Central High.

On the following weekend, the Waurika teams will be competing in the Black Diamond Invitational at Rush Springs. The Lady Eagles face Sterling at 1:30 p.m., while the Eagles will play Roff at 3 p.m. Both games are Thursday, January 10.

Ryan will wait until Monday, January 7 to get back into action. The Cowboys and Cowgirls will travel to Empire and then the following night will return to Raymon West Court to host Big Pasture.

The two girls’ teams from Ryan and Waurika have managed winning records in the first part of the season, while the Cowboys and Eagles have struggled a bit.

The Lady Eagles will take an 8-3 record into 2019 and have already surpassed last season’s win total of six. Coach Kalee Baxter’s squad won three of its last five games before the Christmas break.

Despite the winning record, the Lady Eagles have room for improvement as they maneuver through the remainder of the regular season and prepare for the post season.

A stern test awaits the Lady Eagles when they return to the court against Empire as the Lady Bulldogs are 8-1 on the season and ranked 19th in Class A.

The next two opponents will provide good opportunities for wins as Central High sports a 3-7 mark and Sterling is 6-5.

“The beginning of our season has been very successful and we are proud of the momentum the girls have had,” said Baxter.

“The second half of our season always consists of some pretty challenging teams. We are hoping to continue to improve and we are ready to face those challenges head on,” said the second-year Lady Eagle mentor.

Madison Roberson has been the pace setter for the Lady Eagles on the offensive end of the court as she has been the leading scorer in all but one of the Waurika games this season.

“We have grown tremendously, but our growth isn’t finished yet,” added Baxter in reflecting on the first part of the season.

The Waurika boys have had somewhat of a difficult time making the adjustment from an extended football season. Most of the contributors to the Eagle roundball squad were also major contributors in the Eagles’ run to the quarterfinals in football.

Waurika has a 3-7 record heading into the 2019 portion of the season.

Coach Joe Masoner’s squad has an excellent chance to improve that mark in the first couple of contest of 2019 as Empire and Central High both hold 3-6 records at the holiday break.

In the Eagles’ seven losses, it has been the inability to score that has hampered the squad.

But, while the Eagles have not seen the success that would have liked, they are just one win away from equaling has season’s total of four victories.

Aaron Nikta has been the primary scorer for the Eagles, but Kevin Garcia, Cache Arellano and Nick Alvarado have also shown the ability to score.

The Eagles will have a tough test in the first round of the Black Diamond Tournament as they will face Roff, the 20th-ranked team in Class A. The Tigers have an 8-5 mark heading into the 2019 portion of the schedule, but have faced a number of ranked teams.

At Ryan, the basketball season has gotten off to a difficult start as construction on the gym has hampered practice time. However, the work on the gym will not continue until have the home portion of the season has been completed.

The Cowgirls entered 2019 with a 6-5 record and won three of the last five contests before Christmas.

In the first game against Empire, the Cowgirls will take on Class A’s 19th-ranked Lady Bulldogs. Empire had an 8-1 mark before Christmas.

The difficult schedule will not let up for the Cowgirls as they will return to the court the following night to host Big Pasture. The Lady Rangers are 10-3 and ranked 15th in Class B.

The Cowgirls have seen some improvement. They are only two wins away from equaling the total number of wins in 2018.

Lily York has been the offensive spark plug for Coach Steve Spangler’s crew, but Samantha Good and Juliet Spangler are also averaging over 10 points a game.

“If we can have those three girls score consistently with each other, we will have a chance to be pretty good,” noted Spangler.

“It has been a month of ups and downs in the early part of the season and we have had too many games where we can’t put the ball in the basket,” said Spangler.

“We are working to improve our ability to shoot with consistency and to maintain our defensive intensity,” said Spangler when asked about what the squad has been working on during the holiday break from the schedule.

“We come back to face our two hardest games of the season against Empire and Big Pasture and if we can gain confidence in those games the rest of the schedule should give us a chance to compete,” Spangler said.

The Cowboys under first-year coach Austin Masoner have managed a 4-7 mark before the holidays. Ryan closed out December with losses in four of its final five games.

However, the Cowboys are just one win away from equaling the total number of wins in 2018.

For the Cowboys the one thing that has proved to be a challenge is putting the ball in the basket. In nearly every contest, the Cowboys have not managed to shoot better than 30% from the field. And, free throw shooting has not been a whole lot better.

Ryan scored 51 points in victories over Sacred Heart, Texas and Temple, but in seven of the 11 games this season the Cowboys have not managed to break the 40-point mark.

The Cowboys will try to get on the winning track as they travel to Empire for the first game in 2019. The Bulldogs are 3-6 on the year, so if the Cowboys can improve on their shooting, they would have an excellent chance to pick up a win.

The next night the Cowboys will face probably their toughest challenge of the season as Big Pasture comes to town. The Rangers are 12-1 and are ranked sixth in Class B.

Waurika will also look forward to competing in the Stephens County Tournament at Central High later in January.

The Cowboys’ final tournament action before the playoffs will be at the Bulldog Bash hosted by Healdton later in the month.

Ryan Opens Season with Split at Homecoming Contests

By

Trey Smart

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November 30, 2018

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It was the season opener for the Ryan Cowboys and Cowgirls Tuesday night and both games came down to the wire.

The Cowgirls fell to Grandfield, 34-32, while the boys picked up a 37-31 victory over the Bearcats.

Ryan begins play today in the St. Jo, Texas Tournament. The Cowgirls will play Alvord, Texas in the first round, while the Cowboys are set to play Paradise, Texas junior varsity.

Both teams will return to action on Friday.

The Cowgirls trailed 11-10 after the first quarter, but managed to tie the game at the half, 17-17, despite hitting only three of 11 from the free throw line.

The Lady Bearcats managed to outscore the Cowgirls, 8-6, in the third quarter setting up a dramatic ending to the contest.

That two-point edge ended up being the difference in the game as the two teams battled on even terms in the fourth quarter.

The Cowgirls had a game-winning three-pointer rim out at the buzzer.

Samantha Good led the Cowgirls in scoring with 14 points. Lily York was the only other Cowgirl in double figures as she finished with 10 points.

Free throw shooting, which hampered the Cowgirls most of the 2018 season, was the Achilles heel for Coach Steve Spangler’s squad in the season opener. Ryan connected on only seven of 17 from the charity stripe in the game.

In the boys’ contest, the Bearcats looked like they would run the Cowboys out of the gym.

The Bearcats took a 7-2 lead after the first quarter and increased the lead to 20-11 at intermission.

The two teams played on even terms in the third quarter and the Cowboys entered the fourth quarter trailing, 29-19.

However, in the final frame, the Cowboys caught fire and outscored the Bearcats, 18-2, to capture the victory.

The game did not exactly feature great shooting. The Cowboys managed to shoot 36% from the field but were only one of nine from the three-point line.

The Bearcats were much worse. Grandfield connected on only nine of 35 two-point field goal attempts and only connected on two of 25 three-pointers for a dismal 18% from the field.

The Cowboys might have stayed closer in the first half, but they made only three of 11 free throws and finished the game hitting only 25% from the line.

Defensively, the Cowboys had 10 steals and out-rebounded the Bearcats, 42-34.

Grayson Tomberlin led the Cowboys in scoring with 15 points and was the only Cowboy in double figures.

Cowboy coach Austin Masoner garnered his first coaching win with the victory over Grandfield.

After competing in the tournament at St. Jo, the Cowboys and Cowgirls will be off until one week from today when they begin play in the Black and Gold Classic at Wilson.

GRANDFIELD 34, RYAN 32 (Girls)

Grandfield 11 6 8 9–34

Ryan 10 7 6 9–32

RYAN – Samantha Good 6-2-14, Lily York 4-1-10, Alicen Williams 1-4-6, Lilybet Harmon 1-0-2. TOTALS: 12-7-32. Three-pointers: York.

RYAN 37, GRANDFIELD 31 (Boys)

Grandfield 7 13 9 2–31

Ryan 2 9 8 18–37

RYAN – Grayson Tomberlin 6-2-15, Skyler Parkhill 3-1-7, Andrew Villerreal 2-1-5, Brock Smith 2-0-4, Travis Fristoe 2-0-4, Landon Alexander 1-0-2. TOTALS: 16-4-37. Three-pointers: Tomberlin.

Waurika Squads Split Doubleheader with Geronimo in Opener

By

Trey Smart

-

November 30, 2018

0

Waurika opened the 2019 season on the road Tuesday night as the Eagles and Lady Eagles traveled to Geronimo.

The Lady Eagles won a thriller, 44-43, while the Waurika boys fell to Geronimo, 45-35.

Both teams will be in action tomorrow night when Waurika will play host to Elmore City-Pernell. Tipoff is 6:30 for the girls’ game at the Waurika gym.

The Lady Eagles trailed Geronimo much of the first quarter until Madison Roberson completed a traditional three-point play to knot the score at 10 with 2:56 remaining in the initial period.

Waurika ended the quarter with five straight points and held a 17-12 lead.

The Lady Eagles dominated the second quarter. Waurika outscored Geronimo 8-1 in the first six minutes of the second quarter and went to the locker room with a commanding 28-16 lead after Asia Smith’s three-pointer with six seconds showing on the clock.

Geronimo rallied in the third quarter and a 6-0 spurt to end the period cut Waurika’s lead to 35-33.

Waurika extended the lead to 38-33 on Gracie Walling’s layup with 6:46 left in the game, but Geronimo scored the next six points to grab the lead at 39-38 with 2:47 left in the contest.

A free throw by Geronimo’s Lottie Deere gave Geronimo a 40-38 advantage with 2:24 left and Smith tied the game with a short jumper with just over two minutes left.

The teams traded turnovers and with 58 seconds to play Jade Bessemer nailed a three-pointer to put Geronimo back in front, 43-40.

The Lady Eagles got within one when Roberson got an offensive rebound and put the ball in the basket leaving Waurika trailing, 43-42, with 33.5 seconds left.

The final 30 seconds had both teams scurrying. Waurika had not committed enough fouls to send Geronimo to the free throw line.

Madison Dees made two big plays to end the game. Dees got a steal with 15 seconds left and was fouled with 11.3 showing on the clock. She missed both free throws, but Roberson grabbed the rebound and missed.

Dees was right there to get the miss and put the ball in the basket with 5.3 seconds showing.

The Lady Blue Jays turned the ball over to help preserve the Waurika win.

Roberson was outstanding for the Lady Eagles and dominated the inside. She finished with 22 points and Gracie Walling chipped in 11 points.

Geronimo stayed in the game by taking advantage of 23 Waurika turnovers. The Lady Eagles held the edge in rebounds, 34-23.

In the boys’ contest, it appeared Waurika would record a sweep as the Eagles led after one, 13-10 and held onto the lead at halftime, 20-17.

Geronimo got two free throws to open the third quarter, but Waurika reeled off six straight points for a 26-19 advantage with 5:13 left in the quarter when Turner Mora put back a missed shot.

That would be the largest lead of the game for Waurika.

Kevin Garcia got a layup off an inbounds play with 1:46 left to give Waurika a 31-25 lead, but Geronimo closed the third quarter on a 7-0 run and took a 32-31 lead when Jadyn Taylor hit a 14-footer at the buzzer.

The Eagles never recovered. Taylor opened the fourth quarter with a bucket before Cache Arellano tied the game at 34-34 with a trey at the 6:09 mark.

Arellano moved the Eagles in front for the final time by converting one of two free throws putting Waurika on top, 35-34, with 5:50 left. That would be the final point scored by the Eagles.

Geronimo finished the game on an 11-0 run which was fueled by excellent free throw shooting by the Blue Jays. Geronimo hit seven of nine free throws to seal the victory.

The game was somewhat sloppy with Waurika committing 25 turnovers and Geronimo recording 23 turnovers. Waurika dominated the boards with a 42-28 advantage.

The Eagles showed the effects of just a couple of practices after having ended the football season last Friday.

Waurika will hit the road again Tuesday when they travel to Temple and then one week from today the basketball squads will begin play in the Comet Classic at Velma-Alma.

WAURIKA 44, GERONIMO 43 (G)

Waurika 17 11 7 9-44

Geronimo 12 4 17 10-43

WAURIKA – Asia Smith 3-0-7, Faith Roberson 0-1-1, Tallin Mora 1-0-2, Hope Cummings 1-0-2, Madison Dees 1-0-2, Gracie Walling 4-3-11, Madison Roberson 8-5-22. TOTALS: 18-9-45. Three-pointers: Smith.

GERONIMO – Elizabeth McCarthy 6-1-15, Hailey Werger 1-0-2, Jade Bessemer 2-1-7, Precious Reeder 3-6-12, Lottie Deere 3-1-7. TOTALS: 15-9-43. Three-pointers: McCarthy 2, Bessemer 2.

GERONIMO 45, WAURIKA 35 (B)

Waurika 13 7 11 4-35

Geronimo 10 7 15 13–45

WAURIKA – Turner Mora 1-0-2, Aaron Nitka 3-4-10, Payton Fletcher 1-0-2, Kevin Garcia 2-0-4, Cache Arellano 6-2-17. TOTALS: 13-6-35. Three-pointers: Arellano 3.

GERONIMO – Jadyn Taylor 3-1-7, Collin Barvientos 1-0-2, Wyatt Johnson 1-2-4, Christian Ussery 7-5-22, Billy Allen 1-0-3, Spencer Jones 1-3-5, David Leveille 1-0-2. TOTALS: 15-11-45. Three-pointers: Ussery 4, Allen.

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