By Donnie A. Lucas

The Albany Youth Basketball League played games on the road last Saturday, with the final day of double elimination bracket play tournaments to be held this Saturday for the boys’ teams. The girls’ teams will be unable to compete due to conflicts.

The fifth grade boys won both games against Jim Ned teams last weekend.

Albany beat the Jim Ned Blue 20-15. Scoring were Clay Chapman 15 and Aiden Vickers 5.

Albany also defeated Jim Ned Red 37-5. Scoring were Clay Chapman 19, Aiden Vickers 16, and Akunda Mugoya 2.

By Sandy Morris

The Moran varsity girls and boys basketball teams are both in the middle of district competition with both teams hosting Cross Plains on Friday, Jan. 29.

Both teams are scheduled to travel to Rising Star on Friday, Feb. 5. 

Lady Bulldog 

Basketball

The varsity girls basketball team lost the contest with Cross Plains 62-20. 

Johnnie Hise was the leading scorer with eight points, followed by Emily Murk with six points, Hannah Noble with five points and Alli Scott with one point. 

By Sandy Morris

Even though it’s still cold outside, it isn’t too soon to start thinking about spring sports, and the Albany Girls Softball Association is ready for action.

Jacey Shack, president of AGSA, said board members met last Wednesday, Jan. 27 and set registration dates and fees. 

“Registration forms are available at the schools or on the Albany Softball Facebook page,” said Shack. “All forms are due back to the schools by Friday, Feb. 12.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Workouts for softball and baseball have started in the last week, with track practices starting Monday for high school.

With basketball season still in session, there will be some overlap especially on the boys side. The Lady Lions will play their final game of the season on Friday, but the boys’ varsity has a game next Tuesday and then will move on to the playoffs.

The softball team is scheduled to open the season on Saturday in Snyder for a four-team scrimmage starting at 10:00 a.m. They will also play at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

By Sandy Morris

Albany High School athlete Wesley Estridge continues to have an exceptional season at area powerlifiting meets, improving his state ranking after posting a personal best last week. 

Estridge traveled to Snyder Jan. 28 to compete in his third powerlifting event of the year, bringing home two gold medals.

The Albany senior won first place in his Super Heavy Weight (SHW) division and was named “Outstanding Lifter.”

By Donnie A. Lucas

Three of the five junior high teams ended the season on Monday with wins over Stamford.

Both girls teams won in Stamford, with the White team wrapping up a 7-2 season and the Red team finishing with a 5-3 record.

The White team earned a 41-14 victory over Stamford.

Albany 11 10 4 14 - 41

Stamford 4 0 1 6 - 14

Scoring for Albany were Kaisley Bartee 1, Caroline Chapman 10, Mimi Ivy 4, Alli McDaniel 4, Avarie Myrick 8, Cheyenne Hebel 2 and Bralee Clark 12.

The Red team picked up a 40-10 win.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Three Albany volleyball players have been selected for positions on the Texas Sports Writers Class 2A All-State team.

The annual recognition was released Jan. 30 for the 2020 volleyball season.

Junior Sarah Beth Cotter was picked for first team middle blocker.

Two seniors were also honored with third team selections, including Alli Hill at middle blocker and Torie Fuentes at the libero position.

By Sandy Morris

Registration continues for Albany Little League teams, including T-ball, Coach Pitch, Little League Majors and Minors, Intermediate, and Junior League, and will end on Monday, Feb. 8.

Students at Nancy Smith Elementary had forms sent home last week, with the deadline to return registration forms by the Feb. 8 deadline.

Junior high students will be able to pick up forms in the school office. Completed paperwork needs to be returned to the school by Feb. 8.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lady Lion basketball team split games last week with district teams, with the regular season coming to an end on Friday.

Albany traveled to Anson on Tuesday, suffering a 69-34 loss to fall to 3-8 in district action.

The final game on the schedule pits the Lady Lions against the visiting Lady Bulldogs from Stamford on Friday. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. The JV game will follow at 7:15 p.m. in the auxiliary gym.

The varsity girls traveled to Hamlin on Jan. 22, bringing home a 49-37 win.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Lion basketball team suffered a second district loss to Cisco on Friday, but is still holding on to a third place finish in the district race at this point.

Albany traveled to Anson on Tuesday, defeating the Tigers, who were previously the district leaders, 59-54. Details were not available at press time but will be reported next week.