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(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The Graham Leader recognizes Cooper Wilde as this week's Athlete of the Week. Wilde scored six points in the Steers 57-52 victory Monday, Dec. 22 against the Vernon Lions in the Wichita Falls Classic.

Reyes, Wilde named Athletes of the Week

Graham athletics is currently in their holiday break but that does not mean there were not impressive performances to be highlighted by its athletes.

This week, The Graham Leader is recognizing Gabbie Reyes of the Lady Blues and Cooper Wilde of the Steers as this week’s Athletes of the Week.

Gabbie Reyes, Lady Blues Basketball

The Lady Blues played one game late in the week before the holiday break Friday, Dec. 19 against the Ballinger Lady Cats.

(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Brodie Martin looks to pass the ball to one of his teammates in one of the Steers previous matchups. Martin put up 12 points in the Steers 57-52 win Monday, Dec. 22 against the Vernon Lions.

Steers go into holiday break with win over Vernon

The Graham Steers basketball team played a game right before the holiday break in the Wichita Falls Classic against Vernon.

It was a hard fought game and Graham went into the break on a high note defeating the Lions 57-52. 

The game took place Monday, Dec. 22 and there were solid scoring performances all around. After the first quarter, The Steers doubled the Lions in scoring to take a 16-8 lead. 

Bryce Martin hit three midrange jumpers to score six points while Thomason Burkett matched that scoring total with a two pointer and four free throws. 

(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Marci Faulk stands with her gold ball celebrating reaching the 500th career win mark. Faulk has served as the head coach for both the Graham Lady Blues and Bryson Cowgirls volleyball teams throughout her career.

Faulk honored for 500 career wins

As the year in Graham starts to come to a close, it’s easy to look back on community accomplishments, especially in the world of athletics. 

However, while athletes are often celebrated for their achievements on and off the court, it’s also important to recognize those that lead them. 

On Monday, Dec. 15,  Lady Blues volleyball head coach Marci Faulk walked into her office to the sight of a large golden trophy which recognized her for reaching 500 career wins as head coach for both the Lady Blues and also formerly of the Bryson Cowgirls. 

(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Rae’Lynn Bennett passes the ball to a teammate Thursday, Dec. 18 against the Mineral Wells Lady Rams. The Ladycats will pick things up Tuesday, Dec. 30 against Baird on the road.

Ladycats drop game to Mineral Wells in hard-fought contest

The Newcastle Ladycats played their final game before the holiday break against the Mineral Wells Lady Rams late last week. 

Unfortunately for the Ladycats, they were not able to pick up the victory.

The Ladycats fell Thursday, Dec. 18 to the Lady Rams 32-16. The lone scorers in the game were Kenzie King and Camren Mallory. 

The Ladycats struggled with turnovers early in the first half and were trailing after the first quarter 16-4. 

(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The Lady Blues separated after clinching a playoff berth Friday, April 18. The Lady Blues will look to have another strong season in 2026.

Lady Blues gearing up for 2026 softball season

As the new year approaches, so does a fresh slate of winter and spring sports. One of those sports that is approximately a month away is the start of a new Lady Blues softball season. 

Last season, the Lady Blues had their playoff run come to an end in the first round against the Snyder Lady Tigers. Fortunately for Graham, they will be gaining back a lot of experience from last year's roster. 

(ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The Graham Leader is recognizing Bryce Martin of the Steers as this week’s Athlete of the Week. Martin scored six points in the Steers victory Friday, Dec. 12 over the Valley View Eagles.

Pettus, Martin named Athletes of the Week

The Graham Steers basketball team continued action this week with their hometown hosted Red White and Blue tournament while soccer also kicked off their opening scrimmage matches against the Sanger Indians. 

The Graham Leader is recognizing Ella Pettus of the Lady Blues and Bryce Martin of the Steers as this week’s Athletes of the Week. 

Ella Pettus, Lady Blues Soccer

(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The Steers celebrate with their area championship trophy Friday, Nov. 21. Several members of the Steers were selected for all-district awards to honor their excellence as athletes as well as students.

Steers honored with all-district awards

The Graham Steers just finished another successful football season where their mantra was to prove the doubters wrong. 

They achieved that goal by taking a team that graduated over 20 seniors from the season prior all the way to the regional round of the playoffs. The Steers were rewarded for their success this year with all-district awards. 

Athletes from all across the roster were recognized as exceptional athletes as well as students. 

(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Tara Dawson plays up on defense Tuesday, Dec. 16 against the Memorial Lady Mavericks. Dawson scored six points in the Lady Blues 52-41 win over the Lady Mavericks.

Lady Blues stay composed to pick up victory over Memorial

The Lady Blues picked up a victory early this week over the Wichita Falls Memorial high school basketball team despite dealing with adversity. 

The team never lost the lead and picked up the victory 51-42. 

The game took place Tuesday, Dec. 16 and after the first quarter the Lady Blues led 12-4. Addyson Weaver had the most points in the quarter with seven on three midrange jumpshots and a free throw make. 

Ava Street backed up Weaver in the scoring department by adding a three pointer and and two pointer to finish the quarter with five points. 

(ALEX HAVARDANSKY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) McKynley Corley dribble the ball passed a defender Tuesday, Dec. 16 against the Memorial Lady Mavericks. Corley scored two points in the Lady Blues 42-26 win over the Lady Pirates.

JV Lady Blues take down Memorial in early week matchup

The JV Lady Blues played an early week matchup this week against the Wichita Falls Memorial Lady Mavericks and made the hometown crowd proud. 

The Lady Blues defeated the Lady Mavericks 42-26 in the contest. There was solid scoring performances all across the stat sheet during the game Tuesday, Dec. 16. 

The Lady Blues ended the first quarter with six points to lead by four with a 6-2 lead. 

Maddyx Marin led the way with four points on two midrange jumpers while Addyson Gober also added a two point shot. 

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