The Albany Lady Lions faced a challenging test last week in district play, when they traveled to Cisco on Tuesday, Jan. 13 to face the state’s No. 3-ranked team.Albany fell 88-21, but head coach Ashlyn Bevel said the team showed positive development despite the loss.

What began as a crowded local leaderboard ended with a single winner after the final whistle of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.Five participants finished the bracket challenge tied after the first round, quarterfinals and semifinal games.

The Albany Lions boys basketball team worked through a pair of difficult shooting nights last week but still came away with two district wins, defeating Haskell 62-50 on the road on Jan. 6 and Abilene TLCA 65-45 at home on Jan. 9.

The Albany Lady Lions split district games last week, losing to Haskell and defeating TLCA.They lost to Cisco on Tuesday night 21-88, with details to be published next week.The girls will continue district play this week, hosting Anson on Friday, Jan. 16. The JV girls will tip off at 4 p.m.

Albany senior Tristan Howe was named the 2025 Big Country Blitz Class 2A Division II Defensive MVP after a dominant season in the trenches for the Lions.

The Albany Lions closed out the pre-district schedule with a perfect 4-0 showing at the Windthorst Tournament before opening district play with a hard-fought home win over Stamford, continuing a strong start to the 2025-26 season.

The Albany Lady Lions traveled to Haskell on Tuesday, Jan. 6, for district basketball action.The girls lost 21-52, with full results to be reported next week.The Lady Lions secured their first district win of the season last Friday, Jan.

The Albany Lions boys basketball team went 4-0 to win the Lingleville Tournament last week, highlighted by steady scoring and strong defensive pressure throughout the three-day stretch.

Albany Lady Lions varsity and junior varsity teams were active on the court last week, highlighted by a varsity win over Munday.The Lady Lions lost Tuesday’s game 36-51 at Hawley. Details will be reported next week.Albany varsity lost to Aspermont 63-23 on Dec.

Welcome to The Albany News College Football Playoff Pick ’Em Challenge! To enter, simply fill out your bracket and submit a photo of it by December 19 at 5:00 p.m. Entries may be emailed to news@thealbanynews.net, texted to (325) 238-6128, or dropped off at The Albany News office.