By Sam Waller

Albany’s Haily Cox will get to continue her softball career at the next level after signing a letter of intent with Cisco College in December.

“I love having the chance to keep playing the sport I grew up playing,” Cox said. “It’s a great opportunity for me. Right now, I just hope my senior season goes out with a bang.”

By Sam Waller

Albany Youth Basketball fifth and sixth grade teams tip off their 2023 season Saturday, Jan. 7, with games at Hawley and Jim Ned.

Organizer Lauren Peacock said more than 40 players have signed up for the program this year.

“We have 10 to 11 kids on each team,” she said. “There was a great turnout. Lots of kids are ready to play their games and get on the court.”

By Sam Waller

Albany’s Little Dribblers basketball season is gearing up for its 2023 season with player registration getting underway next week.

Organizer Joe Tidwell said registration forms should be available at Nancy Smith Elementary School when classes resume next Tuesday, Jan. 10.

“If we can get the forms back by Friday, Jan. 13, that would be best, but no later than Monday, Jan. 16,” Tidwell said.

The program is open to boys and girls age 8 through fourth grade. Second graders must turn 8 by Feb. 28 to be eligible.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions basketball team entered the 2023 portion of the schedule with a 3-2 record after getting the season off to a belated start because of the football team’s state-championship run.

The Lions tipped off their season with a 44-37 loss to Haskell on Tuesday, Dec. 20, just six days after the final football game, in the District 10-2A opener for both teams.

By Sam Waller

Three members of the Albany Lady Lions volleyball team were recognized for their efforts in 2022 by bigcountrypreps.com.

Middle blocker Kiana Roberson and setter Abi Hale were named reserves on the All-Big Country Preps third team, while senior outside hitter Ella Webb earned a spot on the website’s Max Effort team.

The Lady Lions posted a 24-8 record and a share of the District 6-2A championship before their season ended with a bi-district loss to Sonora.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions look to build on momentum gained from their holiday tournament as they resumed District 10-2A play with a win on Tuesday.

After going 2-2 and earning the top spot in the bronze bracket at the May tournament, played Tuesday-Thursday, Dec. 27-29, the Lady Lions (8-11 overall, 1-3 district) started the 2023 portion of their schedule Tuesday, Jan. 3, with a close 38-37 win Hamlin. Details will be reported next week.

After an open date on Friday, Jan. 6, Albany resumes district play Tuesday, Jan. 10 at home against Stamford.

By Sam Waller

Moran’s Connor Hail was named first-team punter on the Texas Six-Man Coaches Association All-Region IV Division II team.

Hail, a junior, averaged 26.1 yards on 16 attempts with a long kick of 47 yards. Six of his punts were downed inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.

The team was selected by a vote of coaches from the region’s four districts with 11 schools represented. Loraine, which reached the state finals, had 10 selections, including Coach of the Year, Offensive MVP and Defensive MVP.

By Sam Waller

The Moran Lady Bulldogs endured a rough week, dropping two games by large margins.

On Tuesday, Dec. 13, Moran lost 72-12 at Rotan. Alyssa Allred led the Lady Bulldogs with five points, followed by Kacenda Thompkins with four, Alli Scott with two, and Neveah Huskey with one.

On Friday, Dec. 16, the Lady Bulldogs dropped a 34-15 decision at Brookesmith. Allred again led Moran in scoring with seven points. LeAnna Sikes, Alayna Baker, Samantha Hinkle, and Thompkins each had two points.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions basketball team entered its final game before the holiday break still in search of their first District 10-2A win.

After dropping district games to Cisco and Hawley last week, the Lady Lions hosted Haskell on Tuesday, Dec. 20, losing 41-30. Details will be reported in the Jan. 5 edition of The Albany News.

“I feel like we’re at a standstill,” Lady Lions coach Tate Thompson said. “We’re still trying to find some roles for people and find a groove.”

By Sam Waller

Just five days after the Albany Lions won the Class 2A Division II state championship in football, eight athletes moved to the basketball court for a late start to the next sports season.

With one short practice to get the team ready, Albany played its first basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 19, losing to Haskell 44-37 at home in the District with their District 10-2A opener for both teams.