Lady Eagles Claim Southwest Shootout Tournament Title

Sports

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December 16, 2022

…Waurika downs host school in title game

Three wins in three days gave the Waurika Lady Eagles the tournament championship of the Southwest Shootout hosted by Chattanooga last weekend.

The Lady Eagles rolled to wins over Big Pasture and Grandfield and then held off the host school in the title game, 51-47.

It was the second year in a row the Lady Eagles have won this tournament – defeating Chattanooga both times in the championship game.

The Waurika boys had a tougher time in the tourney as they fell to Alex in the first round and then edged Grandfield in the consolation semifinals before falling to Chattanooga in the consolation finals.

Lady Eagles 65, Lady Rangers 20

There was never any doubt in this first-round contest last Thursday as Waurika roared to a 23-2 first quarter advantage.

Six different Lady Eagles scored in the first quarter including Liberti Simmons’ nine points.

The Lady Eagles increased the lead at the half by outscoring the Lady Rangers, 14-6, and Waurika went to the locker room with a 37-8 advantage.

In the third quarter, the Lady Eagles continued the surge with a 17-7 run that left Big Pasture trailing, 54-15.

Waurika increased the final margin by outscoring the Lady Rangers, 11-5, in the final frame.

Four Lady Eagles scored in double figures led by Simmons who had 21 tallies. Aubree Showalter added 11 points and Jasmine Henry and Cassidie Berry each poured in 10 points.

Alex 56, Eagles 47

Despite Treyton Torrez ripping the nets for 30 points, the Eagles fell in the first round to the Longhorns.

The contest was close throughout, but ultimately the Longhorns held off the Eagles.

Alex held a slim 10-9 advantage after one quarter, but stretched the lead to 24-15 at the intermission.

The Longhorns increased the lead to 39-28 by outscoring the Eagles, 15-13, in the third quarter.

The Eagles tried to rally in the fourth quarter and outscored the Longhorns, 19-17, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit established through the first three quarters.

Malachi Dodson was the only other Eagle in double figures with 10 points and only four Eagles scored in the contest.

Lady Eagles 61, Grandfield 38

In Friday’s semifinal contest, the Lady Eagles used a strong second half performance to earn a spot in the championship game.

The Lady Eagles were able to build a 15-11 lead in the first quarter and upped the advantage to 31-23 by outscoring the Lady Bearcats, 16-12.

Simmons led the offensive attack in the first half as she scored 21 of her game-high 30 points in the first two periods.

The third quarter proved to be a difference maker as Waurika outscored the Lady Bearcats, 17-7, to carry a 48-30 lead into the final quarter.

The Lady Eagles extended the lead in the fourth quarter with a 13-8 scoring edge that set the final margin.

No other Waurika player scored in double figures, but the Lady Eagles had a total of eight players enter the scoring column in the contest.

Eagles 58, Grandfield 57

In Friday’s consolation semifinal game, a buzzer-beater by Torrez lifted the Eagles to the one-point win and a spot in the consolation finals.

The Eagles trailed the Bearcats, 16-15, after one quarter.

Grandfield had a big second quarter as they outscored the Eagles, 20-9, to hold a 36-24 lead at the half.

The Eagles heated up, however, in the third quarter behind an 11-point outburst by Torrez.

Waurika used the big third quarter to outscore Grandfield, 19-13, and cut the deficit to 49-43 heading to the final period.

The game was back and forth throughout the final quarter and Grandfield took a 57-56 lead with less than five seconds left on the clock.

Here is where Torrez took over the game. Torrez took the inbounds pass and dribbled the length of the court before pulling up for a 16-foot jumper that was nothing but net lifting Waurika to the victory.

Torrez finished with 31 points and Jake Smart added 15 points for the Eagles.

Lady Eagles 51, Chatty 47

In the championship game on Saturday evening, the Lady Eagles nailed a couple of free throws in the final minute to seal the tourney title.

Waurika held an 8-7 lead after the first period and both teams scored 13 points each in the second quarter that gave Waurika a slim 21-20 edge at halftime.

Chattanooga managed to outscore the Lady Eagles, 12-11, in the third quarter that knotted the score heading into the final quarter at 32-32.

The Lady Eagles outscored the Lady Warriors, 19-15, in the final frame to earn the tourney title.

With the Lady Eagles clinging to a 49-47 advantage, Beckah Mastka stepped to the free throw line and nailed two of two free throws that established the final margin. It was Mastka’s only two points of the game.

Simmons paced the Lady Eagles in scoring for the third game in three days as she finished with 18 points. Showalter added 11 points and Berry had 10 points – including six points in the fourth quarter.

Chatty 53, Eagles 46

The Eagles fell behind the Warriors in the first quarter and struggled throughout the rest of the contest.

The Warriors opened up a 13-5 advantage after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Warriors increased the lead by outscoring the Eagles, 14-13, to gain a 27-18 advantage at halftime.

The Warriors increased the lead in the third quarter with an 18-11 scoring advantage that left the Eagles trailed, 45-29.

The Eagles put on a rally in the fourth quarter by outscoring the Warriors, 17-8, but it was not enough and the Warriors earned the consolation title.

Torrez finished the game with 29 points, but no other Eagle managed to get into double figures.

Waurika 51, Chattanooga 47

(Girls Championship)

Waurika 8 13 11 19—51

Chattanooga 7 13 12 15—47

WAURIKA – Liberti Simmons 6-5-18, Aubree Showalter 3-4-11, Cassidie Berry 4-2-10, Jasmine Henry 4-0-8, Jaci Gholson 0-2-2, Beckah Mataska 0-2-2. TOTALS: 17-15-51. PF: 18. Three-pointers: Simmons, Showalter.

CHATTANOOGA – Madelynn Burns 5-818, Jacilayne Cassell 5-2-12, Makayla Burns 4-1-9, Rayleigh Garrett 1-1-3, Gracen Wolf 1-0-3, Mia Wyatt 1-0-2. TOTALS: 17-12-47. PF: 19. Three-pointers: Wolf.

Waurika 61, Grandfield 38

(Girls Semifinals)

Grandfield 11 12 7 8—38

Waurika 15 16 17 13—61

GRANDFIELD – Alexis James 4-2-10, Kamri Vann 2-4-8, Emma McCasland 1-2-6, Kaylan Carman 1-3-5, Taylor Romero 2-0-5, Olivia Coody 1-0-2, Hallie Knox 1-0-2. TOTALS: 12-11-38. PF: 19. Three-pointers: Romero.

WAURIKA – Liberti Simmons 11-6-30, Aubree Showalter 2-4-9, Beckah Mataska 2-2-7, Jaden Adams 2-0-4, Cassidie Berry 1-2-4, Skylar Adams 1-0-3, Jaci Gholson 1-0-2, Jasmine Henry 1-0-2. TOTALS: 21-14-61. PF: 19. Three-pointers: Simmons 2, S. Adams, Showalter, Mataska.

Waurika 65, Big Pasture 20

(Girls Quarterfinals)

Big Pasture 2 6 7 5—20

Waurika 23 14 17 11—65

BIG PASTURE – Kyleigh Martin 1-3-5, Kaydi Skinner 2-0-5, Ashlynn Powell 2-0-4, Danika Biggs 0-1-1, Madi Brown 0-2-2, Charley 1-1-3. TOTALS: 6-7-20. PF: 13.

WAURIKA – Liberti Simmons 9-3-21, Aubree Showalter 4-0-11, Jasmine Henry 5-0-10, Cassidie 5-0-10, Skylar Adams 3-0-8, Jaci Gholson 1-1-3, Beckah Mataska 0-2-2. TOTALS: 27-6-65. Three-pointers: Showalter 3, Adams 2.

Chattanooga 53, Waurika 46

(Boys Consolation Finals)

Waurika 5 13 11 17–46

Chattanooga 13 14 18 8–53

WAURIKA – Treyton Torrez 8-10-29, Malachi Dodson 3-0-9, Jake Smart 1-1-3, Isaac Camarillo 1-1-3, Carson Williams 1-0-2. TOTALS: 14-12-46. PF: 21. Three-pointers: Dodson 3, Torrez 3.

CHATTANOOGA – Jack Denny 3-5-14, Jackson Franks 4-2-14, Owyn McCoin 2-5-9, Michael Paddyaker 3-0-7, Cooper Loftin 2-1-5, Corbin Robbins 1-0-2, Trevor Holt 0-1-1, Kadyn Crossan 0-1-1. TOTALS: 15-15-53. PF: 19. Three-pointers: Franks 4, Denny 3, Paddyaker.

Waurika 58, Grandfield 57

(Boys Consolation Semifinals)

Grandfield 16 20 13 8–57

Waurika 15 9 19 15—58

GRANDFIELD – JaQuavious Brown 8-1-19, Lance Wood 6-0-14, Ayden Miracle 4-0-9, Zavey Davis 2-2-7, Hunter Vann 3-0-6, Jacob Storm 1-0-2. TOTALS: 24-4-57. PF: 18. Three-pointers: Brown 2, Wood 2, Miracle.

WAURIKA – Treyton Torrez 13-4-31, Jake Smart 6-2-15, Gavin Torrez 3-0-6, Isaac Camarillo 1-2-4, Malachi Dodson 0-2-2. 23-10-58. PF: 10. Three-pointers: T. Torrez, Smart.

Alex 56, Waurika 47

(Boys Quarterfinals)

Alex 10 14 15 17—56

Waurika 9 6 13 19—47

ALEX – Konner Shebester 5-4-18, Kyler Craddock 5-3-13, Kyler Boatright 4-2-12, Ryder Doty 1-8-11, Nick Brandon 1-0-2. TOTALS: 16-17-56. PF: 9. Three-pointers: Shebester 4, Boatright 2, Doty.

WAURIKA – Treyton Torrez 12-6-30, Malachi Dodson 4-0-10, Gavin Torrez 2-0-5, Carson Williams 1-0-2. TOTALS: 19-6-47. PF: 16. Three-pointers: Dodson 2.

Waurika Wins Fourth Game of the Season

By

Curtis Plant

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March 22, 2018

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Waurika played host to Grandfield last Thursday evening and came away with their fourth victory of the season.

Pitcher Seth Waid led the Eagles out on the field to begin the opening inning. Seth had a great start by striking the first batter out.

Grandfield would eventually score three runs before reaching their third out.

Jordan Watkins was the first to make it to base for the Eagles. Watkins scored soon thereafter by stealing home from third.

Colton Bryant (the base stealer) was the designator runner for Gatlin Black. Bryant stole second and third and then made it to home.

Bryson Hernandez scored as well and that ended the first inning tying the score 3-3.

Waurika held up defensively early. Seth stopped a grounded hit and pitched it to Michael Bryant getting the runner out at first.

Seth struck another batter out.

Grandfield finally got a runner across home plate. It was their only score of the second inning.

Michael Bryant caught a pop fly putting the Eagles back up to bat.

Hunter Wesberry was the first up to bat for the Eagles at the bottom of the second. Hunter was hit by the pitch and went to first and stole second. He would eventually score.

Zac Brown was the next Eagle to score.

Gatlin Black had a base hit. Colton Bryant came in again as his designated runner.

Waurika struck out before another score, but Waurika was not in the lead 5-4.

Grandfield scored twice early in the top of the third. It would be the last time they would do so.

However, the Eagles were able to make a triple play later in the inning. Great ball handling forced runners out at third and first.

Gatlin had said he was “just going to get a base hit” while he was in the dugout. He did that more than once.

At the bottom of the third Michael Bryant was the first up to bat. Austin Dyer batted second.

Kevin Garcia was the last up at bat. Waurika had failed to score so they trailed 5-6.

Once again, Michael Bryant caught a pop fly that resulted in Grandfield’s first out of the fourth inning. He would do that again later in the inning to give Grandfield their third out.

Hunter Wesberry was the first to bat for Waurika at the bottom of the fourth.

As hard as they tried, the Eagles still failed to score before their third out.

Austin Dyer went to the pitcher’s mound at the top of the fifth inning. Austin dispensed of batters rather quickly throwing strikes with quite a bit of heat.

The fifth inning was the turning point for Waurika.

Gatlin Black was the first up to bat and landed the ball just inside the left field wall. That put Black on second base. Colton Bryant came in as his designated runner again. Colton would steal bases and tie up the game with his score.

Hunter Wesberry went to bat with the bases loaded. He was able to RBI Bryson Hernandez. That score put Waurika ahead. That would be the last time Waurika would score.

Neither team scored again and the game ended with Waurika winning with the score 7-6.

The beautiful evening sky over the Waurika Ball Game.

High School Sports Cancellations Tough For Teams, Individuals

By

Trey Smart

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April 2, 2020

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With last week’s decision by the state school board to dismiss live instruction at schools across the state came the disappointing news that all high school sports for the remainder of the school year would be canceled.

This meant that promising seasons for Waurika in baseball, boys track and girls track came to a close.

At Ryan it meant the end of the slow-pitch softball season and also track for boys and girls. The Ryan Cowgirls had posted a win in its first meet of the season and the season was shaping up to be a good one with a senior-laden team.

So while the teams were disappointed to not be able to compete the remainder of their scheduled season, it was more of a bitter disappointment for the seniors on those teams as they saw their athletic careers come to a close.

“I hate it for our seniors (the cancellation of the schedule),” said Waurika athletic director Everett Hodges. “A lot of memories are made in their high school careers.”

Ryan athletic director Tony Tomberlin echoed the sentiments of Hodges.

“I feel bad for all the kids playing spring sports, especially the seniors,” Tomberlin noted. “For all of them this would have been their last opportunity, whether they continue to the next level or not, to play high school sports.”

“Unfortunately the seniors this year will miss that chance,” Tomberlin added. “It is something these kids will never get back.”

At both schools there were seniors looking forward to put a crowning achievement on their sports careers.

At Waurika, however, the impact of no spring sports has its effect economically.

Waurika annually will host a number of track meets including two high school meets that attract a number of schools’ participation.

“Track has always been a money making sport for us,” Hodges said. “I hate that we are missing out on that.”

At both schools a small loss of revenue will be incurred as baseball season at Waurika and slow-pitch softball season at Ryan were lost although the admissions to most of those contests will barely cover expenses of hiring umpires and providing equipment.

But, it is also during this time that an opportunity for student-athletes to learn a certain perspective about sports.

Sports, while important and can teach life lessons, are not nearly as important as we sometimes would like to think.

The current athletes at Ryan and Waurika will come to understand that the health and well-being of people is more important than a game.

“Back in World War II seems to be the only time they shut a lot of things down in sports,” Hodges reflected. “That almost seems like those times – times of war.”

The impact of the loss of the games and competition pales in comparison to life and death circumstances which some in our state and nation are facing.

“I think I will really notice the lack of sports as we get into the end of season time frame,” said Tomberlin.

“If it carries on into football season, I really will notice and I think everyone else will as well,” added Tomberlin who will look forward to his third season at the helm of the Cowboy football program.

While the disappointments and void of no high school sports is real, the reality of a bigger life lesson learned during this time stands a bit larger than a game or track meet.

At some point in the future the student-athletes who have been impacted will come to realize that truth.

Participation In High School Sports Still A Popular Decision for Teens

Sports

By

Trey Smart

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May 25, 2018

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Over the next four weeks sports writer Trey Smart will take a look a trends of participation in high school sports and its impact.

Some things have changed on the high school sports scene over the past 20 or so years.

What hasn’t changed is the passion by participating athletes to perform well, represent their school and celebrate successes.

Overall participation in high school sports is not down, but it is down for a few sports. This is mainly due to student athletes choosing to focus on one on two sports.

Certainly there are always going to be young men and women that are just not athletes. They, like this writer, missed out on the athletic genes or they do not have an interest in sports.

Those students have chosen other paths such as band, drama, vocal music, Future Farmers of America or academics in which they can excel.

They are to be commended just as much as those that tend to get a little more publicity because of their achievements on the field, court, diamond or track.

Research shows that participation in high school sports has increased 28 consecutive years.

In 1971 – the first year a statistic is available – 3,960,952 student athletes participated in high school sports across the nation.

However, the latest figure available (2017), shows 7,963,535 high school athletes participated in sports.

This increase has been led by an increased number of participants in girls’ sports and by the number of sports being offered at the high school level.

The top three sports that showed increased participation nationwide were soccer, track and field (outdoor) and cross country.

Ryan and Waurika have both been offering cross country for a number of years, but it is a relatively new sport at the two schools.

One sport is down in overall participation across the nation – 11-man football. But, involvement in six-man and eight-man football has increased over the years.

One of the reasons for a decline in 11-man football in Oklahoma is that schools in rural areas are moving to eight-man football from 11-man football because of decreased population.

No doubt the same thing is happening in Texas and other states that play eight-man and six-man football.

Two or three schools per year in Oklahoma make the switch to eight-man football from 11-man football.

Plus, many schools that choose to start a football program begin at the eight-man level and then eventually move to 11-man football, while other schools stay at the eight-man level.

That has been true in southwest and south-central Oklahoma dating back to the late 1970’s when Ryan made the switch from 11-man to eight-man football. It has continued as recent as last year when Empire dropped to eight-man football.

One of the reasons for the increased participation in high school athletics across the nation over the years is the number of sports offered by schools both large and small.

Waurika and Ryan both offer around 12 sports. Some sports come and go such as golf and softball and even track and field at Ryan.

Nationwide, 60 different sports are offered by various schools around the country. Obviously, with more sports offered at a given school, participation in sports will increase.

The number one sport nationwide for boys is basketball. That is followed by outdoor track and baseball.

In girls’ sports, basketball is also the top sport followed by outdoor track and volleyball.

Another fact that influences the nationwide statistics is the fact there were more high school students in 2017 than in 1971.

Population certainly has an impact on participation. An increased number of high school students automatically results in increased participation on the national level.

Next Week: A Look at Reasons High School Sports Participation Varies

Cowgirls Split Games; Cowboys Drop Two Games

By

Trey Smart

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January 29, 2020

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It has been a busy last few days for the Ryan Cowboy and Cowgirl basketball squads.

After playing in the Healdton Tournament over the weekend, the two squads had regular season games at Bray-Doyle on Monday and Geronimo on Raymon West Court at Ryan on Tuesday.

Ryan continues the busy schedule as the regular season begins to come to a close. The Cowboys and Cowgirls are slated to travel to Turner tonight and will return to action at Grandfield on Monday. Action begins at 6:30 on both nights.

In Tuesday’s contests, Geronimo took a 41-37 decision over the Cowgirls, while the Blue Jays completed the sweep with a 58-42 victory over the Cowboys.

The Cowgirls and Cowboys split the twinbill with Bray-Doyle. The Cowgirls picked up a 55-42 win over the Lady Donkeys, while the Cowboys dropped a tough 45-35 loss to Bray-Doyle.

One of the highlights on Tuesday night was a second Cowgirl was cited for joining the 1,000-point club during this season. Lily York, who reached the mark earlier, was honored after scoring her first points of the night.

The Cowgirls, however, struggled throughout most of the game on Tuesday against the Lady Blue Jays. Geronimo established a 10-5 lead after the first quarter and then found themselves trailing, 23-14, at the intermission.

In the third quarter, the Cowgirls mounted a rally with a 17-5 run that saw Ryan take the lead at 31-28 after three quarters.

However, the task of playing five games in six nights caught up with the Cowgirls in the fourth quarter as they could not maintain the lead and Geronimo outscored the Cowgirls, 13-6.

Samantha Good, the other Cowgirl to reach the 1,000 point plateau, was the top scorer for the Cowgirls with 13 points, while Juliet Spangler added 11 tallies.

The Cowgirls have now lost six of the last seven meetings with the Lady Blue Jays.

The Cowboys fell to Geronimo for the sixth time in the past seven meetings and it was their fourth straight loss of this season.

The game was essentially decided in the first quarter as Geronimo used a 17-3 run to build a big lead.

The Cowboys were able to trim the deficit to 26-19 by halftime, but could not continue the rally.

The Blue Jays outscored the Cowboys, 19-11, in the third quarter to lead 45-30 and ensure there would be no come-from-behind success for the Cowboys on this night.

Andrew Villerreal and Landen Alexander each had 10 points for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys struggled at the free throw line as they connected on only 12 of 23 attempts from the charity stripe.

In Monday’s game at Bray-Doyle, the Cowgirls got off to a slow start.

Really it was more like an awful start as the Lady Donkeys built a 17-7 lead early in the game, but the Cowgirls rallied through the next three quarters to secure the win.

Free throw shooting can make a difference in a game as many contests are won and lost at the charity stripe.

One of the reasons for the slow start by the Cowgirls was only 4 of 12 shooting from the free throw line – a 33% mark.

Meanwhile, Bray-Doyle was a perfect six of six at the free throw line and that helped the Lady Donkeys to gain the early lead.

But, one of the key factors in the Cowgirl rally was sharper shooting at the free throw line in the second half as they connected on 13 of 16 free throws.

The Cowgirls actually took a narrow 20-19 lead into the intermission.

A 14-6 run in the third quarter helped the Cowgirls get control of the game as they led, 34-25, heading into the final quarter.

The Cowgirl offense came alive in the fourth quarter with 21 points and while they gave up 17 to the Lady Donkeys, the Cowgirls secured the 13-point win.

Three Cowgirls were in double figures. York was the top scorer for the Cowgirls with 20 points – including six of six free throws in the final quarter.

Good contributed 13 and Spangler added 11 points for the Cowgirls.

The 55 points against Bray-Doyle by the Cowgirls is the most since the 1992 season and the two teams have split the last six meetings.

There was no come-from-behind story for the Cowboys, however, as Bray-Doyle was able to pick up its first win of the season.

The Donkeys sped to a 19-8 lead after the first quarter and managed to thwart any hope of a Cowboy rally.

Marshall Loveday led the Donkey offensive output in the first quarter with 12 of his game-high 19 points coming in the initial quarter.

The Cowboys cut into the lead before the half with an 11-6 advantage in the second quarter to leave the deficit for the Cowboys at 25-19 at the half.

It was a brutal third quarter that sealed the Cowboys’ fate as they managed only three points in the quarter. The Donkeys were able to extend the lead to 34-22 at the end of the period.

The Cowboys were able to gain a 13-11 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter, but could not overcome the Bray-Doyle lead.

Below average free throw shooting helped prevent any hope of a Ryan comeback as the Cowboys connected on only nine of 20 free throws for the game.

Villarreal and Grayson Tomberlin paced the Cowboys in scoring with eight points each.

The Cowboys have now lost three straight to the Donkeys.

Coach Norman West Recognized/Field named in his honor

By

Curtis Plant

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November 15, 2018

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The West name is synonymous with sports in Jefferson County. Friday evening fans, friends and former players were on hand at Cy Sloan Memorial stadium to express their appreciation for Coach Norman and Louise West and family for their contributions to both education and sports by naming the Waurika football field “Norman West Memorial Field”.

Senator Chris Kidd reads a citation during the ceremony honoring Coach Norman West for his year’s of service. Photo by Adam Brinson

Norman West graduated from Ryan High School in 1959. He attended and played football at Southeastern State University. In 1963 West graduated from college Since that time he and his wife have spent their lives as educators. Coach West has led sports teams for 39 years. Two of those years were spent in Paoli. Louise has always been by Norman’s side. They even worked track meets together after retirement.

Coach West moved to Waurika in 1965 and served as the head basketball coach for the boys and girls. He also served as the assistant football coach. At that time, there were only two coaches on the coaching staff. During fifteen seasons, his teams had a 75% winning record.

Over the years, West also coached track and even helped revive the baseball team during the 1980s. He pioneered the concept of a seventh grade only team. This concept is still used in junior high athletics across the area today.

For several years, West served as the middle school principal.

He chaired the Waurika Summer Youth program for 11 years and as president of the Southern 8 Conference for 12 years.

West spent several years as the Waurika Athletic Director. During that time he oversaw the building of the track and baseball facility.

Norman and Louise have two sons: Quana and Byron.

Quana is married to Sharon. He is a school administrator in Wichita Falls.

Byron is the head football coach and athletic director at Henrietta High School.

The Wests also have five grandsons: Hayden, Zack, Parker, Grady, and Quade. Their two great-grandsons are Reece and Ramsey.

During Friday evening’s ceremony, State Senator Chris Kidd presented Coach West with a citation from the state senate.

The field was painted with words “Norman West Memorial Field” by former Head Coach and accomplished artist, Glenn Howard.

Artwork by Coach Glenn Howard
Photo by Adam Brinson

Athletic Director Everett Hodges presented not only the initial idea for the honor to be bestowed upon coach West, but also served as master of ceremonies for the night’s events.

Mr. Nat Lunn, Waurika High School Principal supported the project from the beginning as well as Waurika Schools Superintendent, Cody Simmons.

Former players and current players pay their respects to
Coach Norman West at last Friday’s football game.
Photo by Adam Brinson

At the end of the ceremony, Superintendent Cody Simmons unveiled a new sign at the east end of the field designating the facility as “Cy Sloan Memorial Stadium and Norman West Memorial Field.”

Ryan Girls Cagers Garner More Honors

By

Trey Smart

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May 2, 2020

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Post season awards continue to come in for three Ryan girls’ basketballers.

Juliet Spangler, Samantha Good and Lily York – members of this past season’s Ryan Cowgirl basketball team that went 14-10 on the year – were honored by The Sunday Oklahoman newspaper.

The paper handed out its annual all-state and Super 5 girls’ basketball players in Oklahoma last Sunday.

The three Ryan standouts were all named on the honorable mention list of the Class A Super 5 team.

Spangler, Good and York were part of 32 girls selected to receive honorable mention status from all Class A high schools around the state.

Good – the team’s leading scorer this past season – finished with a scoring average of 14.7 and she was 16th in the state among the leading scorers in Class A for the 2020 season.

Samantha Good and her family Photo by Sheree Hanson

Right behind Good in the scoring list was Spangler who finished 17th in the state among Class A scorers with her 14.2 average.

York, who averaged 13.7 points a game, came in at 19th among the Class A girls in scoring average.

Lily York and her family. Photo by Sheree Hanson

The only school across the state to have more players make honorable mention Super 5 in Class A was Glencoe. Ryan joined Canute and Ripley that had three players on the list.

The Super 5 honorable mention selections were from all freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors in Class A.

On Monday, the three girls were also honored by the Oklahoma Girls High School Coaches Association.

York, Spangler and Good were selected to the All-District Team for the Small West. The girls were named to the squad from all over western Oklahoma’s smaller schools.

The three girls, who have all committed to play at the next level, were among 31 senior girls selected to the team from the western side of the state.

Juliet Spangler and her family. Photo by Sheree Hanson

Explosive Wilson Offense Buries Cowboys in District Bout

By

Trey Smart

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November 8, 2019

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The Wilson Eagles came into Ryan last Friday night and unleashed a powerful offensive attack in rolling to a 68-22 victory over the Cowboys at Bob Givens Sports Complex.

With the win, the Eagles are guaranteed second place in District B-4 and a home playoff game in the first round of the post-season.

The Cowboys will try to rebound from the loss in the final regular season game as they travel to Central High Friday to meet the Bronchos. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

The game Friday is critical to both teams’ playoff hopes.

Last Friday Wilson used its team speed to its maximum potential as several receivers ran open through the Ryan secondary throughout the game that ended near the end of the third quarter.

Wilson rolled up 518 total yards and 313 yards were through the air – the fourth highest passing yards by an opponent in school history.

The Cowboys, however, contributed to Wilson’s success by failing to cover a pair of kickoffs and giving up the ball once on an interception and once on a fumble.

Wilson took the opening kickoff of the game and promptly marched 56 yards on five plays with Hayden Mantooth racing 27 yards on the ground for the first score of the game. Logan Schaaf ran for the two-point conversion giving Wilson an 8-0 lead with 10:17 left in the first quarter.

The Cowboys could not produce a first down on their first possession and were forced to punt and Wilson took possession at its own 36.

On first down Schaaf found a wide open Sane Honea – his favorite target of the night – for a 64-yard scoring play. Axson Hunsiker caught the two-point conversion pass and with 7:36 left in the first quarter the Eagles held a 16-0 advantage.

The Cowboys answered with a 63-yard drive on just three plays as Grayson Tomberlin scampered 45 yards for a score. Tomberlin ran for the two points and Ryan had cut into the Wilson lead with 6:11 showing in the first quarter.

The two teams exchanged punts and Wilson got the ball again at the Cowboy 40. In just four plays the Eagles found the end zone with Mantooth skirting 23 yards for the touchdown. The pass for two points was broken up by Tomberlin, but Wilson had a 22-8 lead with 1:07 left in the first quarter.

It was the second quarter that the wheels really fell off for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys had a drive going, but facing a third and three at the Eagle 43, Tomberlin scrambled around before trying to hit a receiver and Manthooth stepped in front and intercepted the ball for Wilson giving the Eagles possession at their own 34.

The Eagles drove the 66 yards for the score, but it took eight plays. The Eagles converted two third downs along the way including the scoring play which was a 23-yard pass from Schaaf to Hunter Wyatt. Honea caught the two-point conversion pass and with 5:52 to play in the half the Eagles were in command with a 30-8 advantage.

On the kickoff by the Eagles the ball bounced pass the Ryan returner and Mantooth was right there to cover the loose ball for the Eagles.

This miscue, however, did not cost the Cowboys as five plays later Mantooth fumbled and Walter Snider came up with the ball for the Cowboys at the Ryan 11.

Andrew Villerreal broke off a 52-yard run to spur the drive that covered 89 yards in eight plays. Villerreal carried the pigskin in from four yards out and with 1:29 left the Cowboys had trimmed the lead to 30-14.

Wilson answered the score quickly as Schaaf hit Kaden Barron for a 61-yard touchdown pass and after Schaaf passed to Tommy Wright the Eagle lead increased to 38-14 with only 1:07 left before intermission.

On the kickoff, the Cowboys did not handle the ball cleanly and Caylen Fulton recovered the loose ball for the Eagles.

Three plays later Schaaf hit Honea from 16 yards out for a touchdown and then passed to Mantooth for the two points to increase the lead to 46-14 with 34 seconds showing on the clock.

This meant the Eagles scored 16 points within 33 seconds to end the half and essentially seal the win.

There was no scoring in the third quarter until almost halfway through the period.

Wilson ran the lead to 54-14 with a six-play, 37-yard drive that followed a Ryan fumble. Wyatt scored from the one and Schaaf ran for the two points with 7:18 showing remaining in the third quarter.

The Cowboys refused to quit, however, and after forcing the Eagles to turn the ball over on downs Ryan took the ball at its own 37-yard line. On first down Tomberlin took off up the middle and then cut to the right side and outran the Wilson defense for a 63-yard score. Caleb Perrin caught a pass from Tomberlin for the two-point conversion to narrow the gap to 54-22 with 4:32 left in the quarter.

Wilson closed out the game with a seven-yard scoring run by Schaaf and a 57-yard pass from Barron to Honea. When the Eagles’ Barron ran for the two points, the game was ended.

Honea dominated the receiving corps for the Eagles with six catches for 217 yards and three scores.

Tomberlin finished with 164 yards rushing on just 17 carries and Villerreal ended up with 120 yards on 14 carries for the Cowboys who rushed for 290 total yards.

Five Cowboy senior football players took the field for the final time at Bob Givens Sports Complex. Jonathan Clark, Parker Carey, Villerreal, Gunner Phillips and Snider made their final appearance at home in a Cowboy uniform and were introduced before the game as part of Senior Night festivities.

COWBOY CORRAL: The playoff picture for the Cowboys is unclear heading into Friday’s meeting with Central High….The only sure thing is that Ryan must win over the Bronchos to have a chance to make the post-season – and they must win by 10 points or more….A Ryan win and an Empire loss to Waurika would make a three-way tie in the district for third place and Empire would take third based on the point tiebreaker system….A Central win would give the Bronchos third place and Empire would take the fourth spot because of the win over the Cowboys earlier in the season….Central High would gain fourth place in the district if the Cowboys win by less than 10 points….Ryan now trails the series with Wilson, 13-8…..The first meeting in football between the two schools came in 1920…Wilson has won four of the last five meetings and seven of the last 10 dating back to 1970….The 68 points scored by the Eagles is the most ever against Ryan eclipsing the 54 points scored in 1965 against the Cowboys….The 90 points scored by both teams is the most ever in the 21-game series….The 22 points scored by Ryan is the third most against Wilson in a losing cause….This was the fourth game this season that Tomberlin and Villerreal have each rushed for 100 or more yards.

Game in Figures

WHS RHS

First Downs 18 13

Yards Rushing 30-205 32-290

Yards Passing 313 15

Passes 11-16 2-9

Passes Int. By 1 0

Fumbles, Lost 2-1 3-2

Punts 1-45 2-31

Penalties 4-35 5-37

SCORE BY QUARTERS

Wilson 22 24 22 x—68

Ryan 8 6 8 x—22

WILSON- Hayden Mantooth 27 run (Logan Schaaf run), 10:17, 1st Quarter

WILSON -Shane Honea 64 pass from Schaaf (Axson Hunziker pass from Schaaf), 2:36, 1st Quarter

RYAN – Grayson Tomberlin 45 run (Tomberlin run), 6:11, 1st Quarter

WILSON – Mantooth 23 run (pass failed), 1:07, 1st Quarter

WILSON – Hunter Wyatt 23 pass from Schaaf (Honea pass from Schaaf), 5:52, 2nd Quarter

RYAN – Andrew Villerreal 4 run (run failed), 1:29, 2nd Quarter

WILSON – Kaden Barron 61 pass form Schaaf (Tommy Wright pass from Schaaf), 1:07, 2nd Quarter

WILSON – Honea 16 pass from Schaaf (Mantooth pass from Schaaf), :34.6, 2nd Quarter

WILSON – Wyatt 1 run (Schaaf run), 7:18, 3rd Quarter

RYAN – Tomberlin 63 run (Caleb Perrin pass from Tomberlin), 4:32, 3rd Quarter

WILSON – Schaaf 7 run (pass failed), 3:08, 3rd Quarter

WILSON – Honea 57 pass from Barron (Barron run), :36.5, 3rd Quarter

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

WILSON: Rushing – Hayden Mantooth 13-131, Logan Schaaf 2-36, Kaden Barron 5-26, Hunter Wyatt 5-12; Passing – Schaaf 10-15-256-0, Barron 1-1-57-0; Receiving – Shane Honea 6-217, Caylen Fulton 2-15, Barron 1-61, Wyatt 1-23, Mantooth 1-(-3).

RYAN: Rushing – Grayson Tomberlin 17-164, Andrew Villerreal 14-120, Caleb Perrin 1-6; Passing – Tomberlin 1-8-5-1, Villerreal 1-1-10-0; Receiving – Tomberlin 1-10, Villerreal 1-5; Tackles – Villerreal 11, Try Bryant 7, Tomberlin 7, Gunner Phillips 6, Jonathan Clark 5, Skyler Wickware 4, Perrin 3, Walter Snider 3, Parker Carey 3.

Lady Eagles’ Rally Comes Up Short Against Bray-Doyle

By

Trey Smart

-

September 21, 2018

0

It has been a rough season for the youthful and inexperienced Waurika fast-pitch softball squad.

But, the Lady Eagles suffered their narrowest defeat of the season to Bray-Doyle, 10-8, Monday on the Lady Donkey’s home diamond.

In the second game with Ninnekah, the Lady Eagles fell, 7-2

The Lady Eagles were to have met Temple Tuesday.

Today Waurika begins play in the Class A District Tournament at Ringling. The Lady Eagles were to have met Wilson at 12 noon today and the loser of that game was scheduled to face Ringling at 1:30 p.m.

The winner of the first game was scheduled to meet Ringling at 3 p.m.

The tournament is double-elimination with the championship game scheduled for 4:30 p.m. today and an “if necessary” game at 6 p.m.

In Monday’s action, the Lady Eagles spotted Bray-Doyle an 8-0 lead after the third inning.

In the top of the fourth, the Lady Eagle’s bats came alive.

Gracie Walling reached on an error and scored on Kaci Reynold’s RBI-single. Madison Roberson, who singled and Reynolds scored on Landry Forsyth’s double to center field.

Tallin Mora also singled and eventually scored on Hope Cummings’ ground out cutting the Bray-Doyle lead to 8-4.

The Lady Donkeys extended the lead to 10-4 in the bottom of the fourth and that proved to be the difference in the game.

Waurika refused to give up despite the deficit. Faith Roberson led off the rally with a triple and scored on Walling’s single to left. M. Roberson and Reynolds singled with Walling scoring on Reynolds’ single.

M. Roberson scored on Mora’s ground out and Reynolds crossed the plate on Forsyth’s single to cut the margin to 10-8, but the rally ended with a fly out.

In the second game of the three-way meeting at Bray, Ninnekah got off to a 1-0 lead after scoring in the top of the third.

Ninnekah added five more runs in the top of the fourth inning to move in front, 7-0.

The Lady Eagles managed two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Destiny Barnes singled and advanced to third on M. Roberson’s single. Barnes scored on an error and M. Roberson scored on a wild pitch.

After holding Ninnekah scoreless in the top of the fifth, the Lady Eagles got a one-out single from F. Roberson, but the next two Lady Eagles were retired to end the game.

Various Factors Hamper The Start of Spring Sports for Cowboys, Eagles

By

Trey Smart

-

March 8, 2018

0

Scouting the Jefferson County sports scene while wondering if March Madness is really about tracking spring sports or about NCAA basketball!

Between weather, playing conditions and a bevy of extra-curricular activities that keep students busy in the spring, some spring sports have had trouble getting under way.

Such is the case for slow-pitch softball and baseball at Ryan High School.

The Cowboy nine was scheduled to take the field for the season-opener last Thursday, but playing conditions on Larry Ninman Field were not up to par after recent rains and the game with Temple was postponed.

The Cowboys were scheduled to begin the season at Turner today with the first pitch scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

Now the home opener is slated for Monday as the Cowboys will play host to Comanche and will wrap up the pre-spring break part of the schedule next Tuesday by traveling to Grandfield.

For the Cowgirl slow-pitch softball team, the season was scheduled to begin last Monday against Lawton Christian, but because a number of the players were attending the State Beta Club convention in Oklahoma City, the game was canceled.

The Cowgirls were to open the season last Tuesday by hosting Grandfield in a Southern Eight conference clash and those results will appear in next week’s paper.

The first road game for the Cowgirls will be next Tuesday when they will travel to Temple. The softballers will wrap up the pre-spring break part of their schedule on March 15 when they will host Big Pasture.

Waurika was able to get its baseball season started but had its first two contests rained out.

The Eagles opened the season with a 16-8 loss to Frederick on the Bombers’ home diamond and then had another game postponed before dropping a twinbill at Central High, 16-4 and 7-6.

Waurika faced Empire Monday in its home opener for the 2018 season, but dropped a 5-1 decision to the Bulldogs.

The Eagle nine was to have begun play today in the Southwest Donkey Invitational at Bray-Doyle. Waurika was to have met Wynnewood in the first round.

The tournament forced a postponement of Friday’s scheduled contest between Ryan and Waurika that was on tap to be played at Ryan.

The Eagles will return to the diamond on Monday at Dickson and then return home to face Grandfield one week from today before taking time off for spring break.

As always check social media or with your local school to stay up with any last-minute changes in the schedule for baseball, slow-pitch softball, track and golf at the two Jefferson County schools.

Sports

Ryan, Waurika Draw Tough District Assignments

Face of Eight-Man Football in Oklahoma Undergoing Change

Cowboys, Cowgirls Go Winless In Bulldog Bash

Ryan Senior Night

Woods and Waters June 7 2018

Lady Eagles Claim Southwest Shootout Tournament Title

Waurika Wins Fourth Game of the Season

High School Sports Cancellations Tough For Teams, Individuals

Participation In High School Sports Still A Popular Decision for Teens

Cowgirls Split Games; Cowboys Drop Two Games

Coach Norman West Recognized/Field named in his honor

Ryan Girls Cagers Garner More Honors

Explosive Wilson Offense Buries Cowboys in District Bout

Game in Figures

Lady Eagles’ Rally Comes Up Short Against Bray-Doyle

Various Factors Hamper The Start of Spring Sports for Cowboys, Eagles

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