By Sam Waller

The Albany Lions baseball team split its first two District 8-2A games last week and now make their first home appearances in district plan.

The Lions (3-2-3 overall, 1-1 district) hosted Stamford on Tuesday, March 25. Results will be reported next week. Albany faces a new district opponent at 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 28 when Abilene TLCA visits.

On Tuesday, March 18, the Lions rolled to a 22-4 victory at Haskell, they fell just short Friday, March 21 in a 7-6 loss at Anson.

March Madness is underway, and The Albany News is inviting you to take part in our Bracket Challenge! Inside this week’s paper, you’ll find the full NCAA Men’s Tournament bracket to fill out and submit. We know some games have already been played, including the First Four (March 18-19) and some First Round matchups (March 20-21), but don’t worry—just consider those games as free points and keep going!

By Sam Waller

Members of the Albany Lions and Lady Lions track and field teams cut their spring break short Saturday, March 15 to compete at the Buckaroo Relays at Breckenridge.

The teams return to action Thursday, March 20 (today) at Haskell. Albany hosts the Roarin’ Lions Relays on Thursday, March 27, the final meet before the District 10-2 meet on Wednesday, April 2 at Cisco.

By Sam Waller

The Albany tennis program returned to competition following spring break Tuesday, March 18 at the Abilene High tournament.

Results will be reported next week.

Albany’s next outing is Monday, March 24 at Vernon with two more tournaments on the schedule before the District 10-2A tournament on Monday-Tuesday, April 21-22 at Abilene’s Rose Park Tennis Center.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions softball team was holding its own Tuesday, March 11 in its second District 8-2A outing before a freak accident brought the game to an early end.

Lady Lions pitcher Carisa Barrera was struck in the face by a line drive in the top of the fourth inning. The game was ended at that point with Hawley awarded a 9-6 win.

By Sam Waller

After a week off for spring break, the Albany Lions baseball team returned to action this week with the start of District 8-2A play.

The Lions opened the league schedule Tuesday, March 18 at Haskell. Albany will visits Anson at 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 21.

“We’re going to be out on the road Tuesday and Friday,” coach David Fairchild said. “This is where it starts, this short five weeks.”

By Sam Waller

Albany’s Myleigh Leveridge placed third individually Monday, March 17 at the Hawley tournament, shooting 118 at Hawley Golf Club, while the Lions second boys team made improvement.

The first boys team played Wednesday, March 19 at the Jim Ned tournament at Shady Oaks Golf Course, site of the District 10-2A tournament. Albany will play Monday-Tuesday, March 24-25.  The girls division plays Monday with the boys on Tuesday.

The district tournament is scheduled for Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1.

By Lynsi Perry Musselman

Tucker Balliew, eighth grade athlete at Wylie West Junior High and son of Kristen and Slone Balliew and Alex and Ross Green, has two first place wins to start the 2025 track season. Slone Balliew and Alex Green are 2007 graduates of Albany Junior Senior High. 

By Sam Waller

Albany Junior/Senior High selected three cheer squads at tryouts Friday, March 7 with varsity, junior varsity and junior high units determined for the 2025-26 school year.

The program will be under the direction of girls coaches Lauren Peacock and Ashlyn Bevel who are taking over from Nickie Leveridge.

By Sam Waller

The Albany Lady Lions softball team endured another weather cancellation last week, but bounced back with two big wins, the latter against Abilene TLCA in the District 8-2A opener.

The Lady Lions (6-1 overall, 1-0 district) played its second district game Tuesday, March 11 against Hawley in their final game of spring break week. Details will be reported next week. Albany resumes its normal schedule Tuesday, March 18 at Haskell.