Sports

While Graham High School cheerleaders are often seen on the sidelines cheering the Steers and Lady Blues to victory, this weekend provided the cheer team an opportunity for competition. GHS cheer competed at the 2023 Spirit State Championships, which was held Jan. 12-14, at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

Sponsored by English, journalism and yearbook teacher McKenzie Shook and with help from assistant coach Tracy Pippins, the 21-member team has been preparing to compete against other 4A Division II school from across the state.

The Graham Steers continued its turnaround season Tuesday, Jan. 10 when the team closed out its non-district schedule at Gainesville High School.

With a 70-60 win over the Leopards, the Steers entered the district schedule with an overall record of 13-11.

After struggling to shoot recently, the Steers regained form just in time to begin district play. Levi May hit five 3-pointers while Keion Shead found his shot on the inside.

The Graham Lady Blues faced a tough task Tuesday, Jan. 10 in their home district opener. Hosting the 4A No. 8-ranked Stephenville Honeybees, the Lady Blues walked away with reasons for optimism despite finishing the night with a 36-15 loss.

The Honeybees entered the match-up as winners of 11 straight games and scored an average of 47 points per game during the winning streak. The Lady Blues have struggled offensively throughout the season, but have seen consistent growth on the defensive end of the court.

Monday was a high-scoring night for Graham High School soccer. The Steers and Lady Blues traveled to Sweetwater and returned home with a combined 10 goals. The Lady Blues opened the night with a 6-0 win over the Lady Mustangs. The Steers closed the night with a 4-0 win over the Mustangs.

Lady Blues 6, Lady Mustangs, 0

Five Lady Blues found the back of the net, led by two goals from Madi Wilde. Macee Wilde, Sophia Schlieper, Olivia Pettus and Mai Bara joined Madi on the score sheet. Marisa Ortegon earned assists on two goals.

The Lady Blues participated in their first tournament of the season last week. Finishing with a 3-1 record, the Lady Blues finished third in the Springtown tournament taking place Jan. 5-7.

After dropping their opening game 2-0 to Decatur, the Lady Blues bounced back with wins over Western Hills, Collegiate Academy and Life Oak Cliff.

Through five games, the Lady Blues have a record of 3-1-1.

Decatur 2, Lady Blues 0

Hitting shots proved to be problematic for the Graham Steers Friday, Jan. 6 when the team hosted Wichita Falls High School. Steers head coach Kris Hise said poor shot selection led to several missed shots as the Steers were defeated 62-45.

Although the results might not show it, the Graham Lady Blues have shown growth while dealing with adversity and growing pains during the 2022-2023 season.

Lady Blues coach Kyle Wood has been focusing on the team’s defense efforts and it was on display at times during the Lady Blues’ 35-15 loss Tuesday, Jan. 3 at Seymour.

Both the varsity and junior varsity Graham Steers opened 2023 with big wins Tuesday, Jan. 3. Both teams traveled to Burleson for a neutral-site game against Kerens.

The JV Steers foreshadowed the varsity game with a 23-point victory. The varsity Steers followed with a 28-point win.

Varsity 69, Kerens 41

When the Steers met the Bobcats last season, the Steers earned their last of three wins with a 51-49 win. This year, they entered the game with 11 wins and looking for their 12th following a 58-53 win last week at Millsap.

Graham High School soccer opened their seasons at home Tuesday against Fort Worth Carter Riverside, with both games ending in a tie.

Lady Blues 1, Riverside 1

The Graham Lady Blues opened the 2023 season Tuesday, Jan 3 when they hosted Fort Worth Carter Riverside. After struggling defensively and giving up a goal in the first half, the Lady Blues improved in the second half to even the match and end with a 1-1 tie.

The Lady Blues junior varsity red team fought off a late surge Tuesday night at Seymour to open 2023 with a win over the JV Lady Panthers, 26-25. After taking a seven-point lead into halftime, the Lady Panthers fought back to tie the game twice in the fourth quarter. The Lady Blues held on for the win.