Little Dribblers sign-up begins

By Kathy Thomson

Signup is underway for Little Dribblers basketball and local boys and girls from eight years old through fourth grade are invited to join.

“Players must be at least eight years of age on Jan. 1,” said organizer Clint Chapman.

Parents need to complete, sign, and return the registration form along with the $30 entry fee to either the Nancy Smith Elementary School office or to Chapman by Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Albany News

8th grade teams to play today

By Donnie A. Lucas

The eighth grade Cubs and Lady Cubs will travel to Cross Plains on Thursday (today) for games tipping off at 5:00 p.m.

The junior high teams have been idle since Dec. 16 prior to the Christmas break.

Only the two eighth grade teams will face off against Cross Plains since the Buffs only have one junior high team each for boys and girls.

Albany News

Lady Bulldogs to start district

By Kathy Thomson

The Lady Bulldogs played three basketball games over the last couple of weeks, winning in Newcastle on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and then dropping matches on Dec. 20 and Dec. 30.

Newcastle

Moran held on to a close 30-29 victory over the Lady Bobcats.

“The girls jumped out to an early lead and never gave it up,” said head coach John Hughes. “Newcastle made it interesting towards the end, but the girls showed some grit and got it done. They now have three wins, beating their total from last year.”

Lady Lions to play in DeLeon this Friday

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lions won a pair of games in the week before the Christmas break and have played several matches during the last week as basketball action resumed.

Albany hosted a four-team tournament last week, winning two out of three rounds as they continue to prepare for the opening of district.

The varsity was on the road to Goldthwaite on Monday, suffering a hard-fought 48-41 loss. Details will be reported next week due to an early deadline.

Boys to host tournament

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lion basketball teams closed out the fall semester with a set of games in Comanche on Dec. 20, with the varsity falling short while the two JV squads posted victories.

The varsity will host six other area teams in a two-day tournament on Friday and Saturday, with games starting at 10:00 a.m. on both days. 

Albany will play Winters on Friday in the first game, followed by a 12:40 p.m. match against San Saba.

Youth basketball to start Jan. 11

By Donnie A. Lucas

Local fifth and sixth graders who signed up for local youth basketball teams have started practicing in preparation for the first tournament of the season on Jan. 11.

According to coach and league coordinator Clint Chapman, 37 students signed up for the four teams designated for fifth and sixth grade boys and girls.

“The teams have already started practicing, so we will not be able to take any late registrations since those kids would already be too far behind,” Chapman said.

Lions pick up 1 superlative, 15 first team honors

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lion football team earned a total of 25 spots on the 7-2A All-District teams, dominating the first team picks with 15 positions.

Albany only captured one superlative honor this season in deference to Hamlin winning the district race and the Lions coming in as the second place team for the first time in 12 seasons.

Lady Lions to host holiday tourney

By Donnie A. Lucas

The varsity Lady Lions won two out of three games at the Breckenridge Tournament last weekend, beating both Dublin and TLCA before falling to the hosting Lady Bucs in the third round.

Albany hosted Guthie on Tuesday, picking up a 43-37 win to improve to 11-4 for the season. Details of the game will be reported in the next issue of the News.

The Lady Lions will travel to Throckmorton on Friday for a 2:00 p.m. game before starting the Christmas holiday.

3 boys teams to be on road Friday

By Donnie A. Lucas

Last week was very busy for boys basketball, with the varsity playing in the Hico tournament and the two JV teams entered in the Jacksboro tournament.

All three high school boys teams will travel to Comanche on Friday for games starting 4:00 p.m. Following the a mandatory five-day break for Christmas, the varsity Lions will host a six-team tournament set for Jan. 3-4, including Winters, Hico, Jayton, San Saba, Wellington, and Albany. Games will start both days at 10:00 a.m.

JV boys play in Jacksboro, lose 3 of 4 in tournament

By Donnie A. Lucas

The two Lion JV teams played a combined total of nine games last week, hosting a pair of bouts on Tuesday and playing in the Jacksboro Tournament.

The JV teams will travel to Comanche on Friday for games starting at 4:00 p.m. before the holiday break begins.

The JV team suffered a one-point loss to Early on Dec. 10, followed by falling in three games out of four in Jacksboro.

Despite a big fourth-quarter effort, the JV lost 40-39 to Early.

Albany News