By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High tennis team got its first taste of outside competition Wednesday, April 20, with more than 30 players competing against opponents from Winters at the Albany courts.“The junior high tennis season is very short,” coach M.J. Reneau said.

By Melinda L. LucasThe list of honor students in the 2022 Albany High School senior class was released last week, naming Luke Ivy as valedictorian and Sarah Cotter as salutatorian.Ivy, son of Paul and Ginny Ivy, has a near-perfect four-year average of 99.586.

By Sam WallerSarah Cotter returned to the girls singles final at the Class 2A state tennis tournament this week, dropping just five games in a trio of straight-set victories to claim the gold medal.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Ministerial Alliance is again spearheading local participation in the National Day of Prayer.The local event will be held at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, May 5 at Bank Park.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions split a pair of games last week in the final full week of the regular season.On Tuesday, April 19, the Lions fell 10-4 to third-ranked Anson in a game that decided the top two spots in District 8-2A.

By Sam WallerMoran’s freshman and junior students participated in an aquatic biology field day earlier at Texas State University in San Marcos.Moran science teacher Matthew Hise said the program provided a general overview of different kinds of environments.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Lady Bulldogs qualified four athletes in eight events to regional competition at last week’s area meet.The area meet, held Wednesday, April 20 at May, matched athletes from Moran’s District 13-1A against those from District 14-1A.

Parents of Albany High School graduating seniors are reminded to gather baby pictures for The Albany News’ upcoming graduation section.Pictures are due by the end of next week, on Thursday, May 5, if possible.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions split their final two District 8-2A softball games last week and start the playoffs this week.Albany defeated Gorman 7-0 on Tuesday, April 19 on senior night at Webb Park before falling 7-5 on Friday, April 22 at Cisco.

By Donnie A. LucasIt wasn’t exactly a case of lighting striking twice, but it was close.The first time the Albany Lion Band earned a Sweepstakes Award for earning Division I ratings in marching, sight reading, and concert contests was in 1962.