Sports

The Newcastle Bobcats and Garner Longhorns met Friday in Bryson for a tie breaker match determining who secured a playoff spot. With a dominating 49-33 win, Newcastle inched its way into the playoffs. 

The two teams had met previously in January with Newcastle winning the first game easily with a score of 46-26, but fell in the second matchup 56-54. 

The Bobcats used their experience with the team to their advantage and started their game Friday, Feb. 14 in control.

The Ladycats winning streak continued Thursday with a 37-28 win over the Dodd City Lady Hornets securing the area championship for Newcastle.

The two teams met Thursday, Feb. 13 at Gainesville High School and things started as they have with games in the past for the Ladycats, with them ahead.

Newcastle held Dodd City to only six points in the first quarter but were also held to 15 points from Kenzie King, Camren Mallory, Catherine Youngblood and Mattie Dollar.

Graham’s soccer programs have broken into their district schedules and student athletes are making crucial moves on the field to lead their teams to victory.

While the weather has been on a rotating schedule of warm to cold, that hasn’t stopped Graham’s students from giving their all on the field or court the last week. 

This week, The Graham Leader recognizes Adi Pinkston of the Lady Blues and Victor Pardo of the Steers as Athletes of the Week.

Adi Pinkston, Lady Blues soccer

If this season has proven one thing it is that even when they are down, the Steers are never calling the game. Despite a late-game push from Graham, the Stephenville Yellow Jackets came out on top with a 50-35 win.

The first half for the Steers was a struggle offensively as the Yellow Jackets defense held a tight grip around the net and kept Graham from penetrating. 

Winning has become a common occurrence for the Newcastle Ladycats and their first taste of the playoffs was no different. Newcastle came out on top over Forestburg with a final score of 56-31.

Accounting for over half of the points for the Ladycats during the game Monday, Feb. 10 was Mattie Dollar, who has been a driving force for the team all season.

It’s not often you see a team score 22 points in one quarter while holding the opposing team to only one point, but that’s just how things started Monday in Wichita Falls. 

The Lady Blues achieved a 5-0 blowout win over Burkburnett last week and a district victory for the team.

The star of the game Friday, Feb. 7 was Adi Pinkston, who brought three shots for the Lady Blues on free kicks. Overall, head coach Casey Weil said the team came together during the game.

After falling 5-1 in their district opener to Bridgeport, the Graham Steers flipped the script and brought a 5-1 victory over Burkburnett at home.

The Steers went into their second district game Friday, Feb. 7 with victory on their mind. With three points from Easton Hedge and two from Victor Pardo, head coach Tim Wankowicz said all scoring was key to a victory.

Eight Graham High School student athletes were honored this week as they signed their intent to play sports for colleges and move on to the next step in their lives.

GHS held the signing day ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 5 and family, friends, students and the community came out in support of the athletes.

It was a time for celebration with family members crowding the tables decorated for each athlete and their accomplishments.

Athletic Director Clay McChristian opened the event and explained why it was important to recognize the students.

Newcastle’s basketball teams are at the end of their district run and athletes have been busy showing off their skills on the court.

While the Ladycats look to their bi-district matchup next week, the Bobcats are hoping to secure a spot in the playoffs. Both teams had athletes make plays across the court during their recent game against Woodson.

Jacob Omundi of the Newcastle Bobcats and Mattie Dollar of the Newcastle Ladycats have been named Athletes of the Week for their recent athletic performances.

Jacob Omundi, Bobcats basketball

It was a game that had everyone on the edge of their seats as the Newcastle Bobcats and Woodson Cowboys traded control all the way until the end. Despite their push, Newcastle lost control of the game and fell 58-68.

The two standouts for the game were Keyton Newland and Jacob Omundi who contributed 22 points and 18 points, respectively. Their combined efforts across the two halves helped to keep points on the board and Newcastle in the game.