Dospapas, Milton named Athletes of the Week

The past week of Graham High School sports was all about one word, playoffs. Many athletes shined in games that either had major playoff implications, or in actual playoff games. 

The Lady Blues softball team punched their ticket to the postseason with a win over Mineral Wells and faced off against the Snyder Lady Tigers. 

The Steers baseball team picked up a huge sweep over the Glen Rose Tigers to punch their ticket to the postseason. They will be taking on the Lubbock Cooper Liberty Patriots on May 2-3. 

Finally, the tennis teams also had strong outings with high placing finishes and playoff advancements. There were two athletes in this field of teams that excelled above the rest. 

The Graham Leader is recognizing Mason Milton of the Steers and Jade Dospapas of the Lady Blues as this week's Athletes of the Week. 

Jade Dospapas, Lady Blues Varsity Tennis

The words “state tournament” have been ringing out rather frequently from Graham athletes these past few weeks. 

Jagger Nees was the first athlete to have his name marked in that prestigious category as he advanced to the state tournament in Golf.

Dospapas is moving one step closer to be selected for the elite honor of representing Graham in this way. She earned her spot in the regional tournament for tennis by finishing as the girls singles runner up at the district tournament. 

Dospapas accomplished this by advancing all the way to the championship match against Rose Cordes of Stephenville. 

While Dospapas was ultimately not able to best Cordes in this bout, she will have another opportunity potentially as they are both advancing. 

Dospapas and tennis head coach Matt Birdwell are expecting a strong performance as this is a stage she is very familiar with as a junior. 

“As a freshman she qualified for regionals and made it to the second round,” Birdwell said. “Last year she also qualified for regionals and got fourth place. I think we are both expecting her to do well.” 

The regional tournament for tennis takes place on May 9-10 where Dospapas will be representing her hometown community with pride. 

 

Mason Milton, Steers Varsity Baseball 

The Graham Steers varsity baseball team is filled with veteran leadership up and down the board. The team overall has eight seniors who have led the way at all positions on the field. 

One of those seniors is starting third baseman Mason Milton. 

Milton has been a consistent defensive presence for the Steers at his spot, but he really came through in Graham’s win with his bat Friday, April 25 against the Glen Rose Tigers. Late in the game, the Steers were tied 3-3 and Milton came through with the game winning hit. 

The senior put ball-to-barrel and ripped a two run double to give the Steers a 5-3 lead which proved to be insurmountable. 

“Mason was able to put a good swing on the ball in his last at bat and get a big two out RBI double,” Head coach Allen McGee said. “He has developed into a very good defender and finds ways to get big RBI or bunts down.” 

McGee went on to say that Milton also has proven to be very versatile for the team with the ability to play multiple positions. They’ll need that versatility as they head into the biggest stage of their season.