SIGNING DAV 2021 CENTRAL TEXAS ATHLETES' DESTINATIONS
FOOTBALL Kate Schulle, Cedar Park, Trinity ANDERSON SOCCER Kelby Hickerson, TE, Midwestern State Breanna Bowen, Round Rock, Dallas AUSTIN HIGH Baptist Abrion Boudreaux, DL, Trinity Valley Kylie Bush, liberty Hill, Tabor (Kan.) BASTROP College Brett Rice, DB, Mary Hardin-Baylor Isabella Cruz, Hendrickson, Midwestern Cayden Scott, DT, Hardin-Simmons State BOWIE Audrey Davis, Austin High, Northwest Thanio Bright, DB, Claremont McKenna ern (Okla.) State (Calif.) College Anna Dunch, Round Rock, Texas State Jason Gaines Jr., WR, Texas A&M Laren Gradt, Vandegrift, Southwestern Kingsville Tatiana Jerman, New Mexico State CEDAR PARK Madison Johnson, Hendrickson, Texas Gunnar Abseck, WR, UT-Permian Basin Lutheran Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor• Xjavier Martinez, Hendrickson, UT-Tyler Hunter Hewitt, DL, Southern Arkansas Sebastian Martinez-Santana, Glenn, Le Logan Shaw, LB, Trinity Georgetown's Nate Denney, taking a handoff from Carson Herman, signed a Tourneau Univ. CEDAR RIDGE letter of intent Wednesday to play at Yale. He was among more than 130 Central Madi McMahand, Round Rock, Oklaho Isaac Cobb, LB, Trinity Valley Texas high school athletes to sign with colleges RODOLFO GONZALEZ FOR STATESMAN ma Dominic Fuentes, DB, Friends (Kan.) Mason Munoz, Hendrickson, Mary Har Univ. din-Baylor Brett Hartgrove, LB, Midwestern State Aden Nava, WR, University of Chicago Jack Gullett, OL, TCU• Kaya Pehrson, Vandegrift, Texas Tech Corban Hutcherson, OL, Angelo State Judge Niland, OL, Columbia Matthew Lee, OL, Air Force Kameryn Roehrig, Cedar Park, Schreiner Joaquin Sandoval, QB, Baker (Kan.) Lucas Rudich, DE, University of Alberta Michael Mastrodicasa, DB, Baylor• Univ. Univ. Austin Spille, OT, Saint Anselm (N.H.) Caleb Sanders, WR, Mary Hardin-Baylor Addi Taylor, Bastrop, Concordia Univ. DEL VALLE College Austin Skoglund, LB Tyler Junior Col Yasmine Taylor, Hutto, Texas A&M Anthony Mosqueda, DB, Texas Wesley LAMPASAS lege Commerce an Lane Haviland, TE/WR, Navarro College Rickey Sweeney, DL, Mary Hardin-Bay Reagan Williams, Round Rock, Mary DRIPPING SPRINGS Owen Seaver, DE, Angelo State lor Hardin-Baylor Coleman Chapman, PK, Black Hills State Hayden Waldrip, OL, Hardin-Simmons VISTA RIDGE SOFTBALL (S.D.) LBJ Kyle Brown, QB, West Texas A&M Lexie Aleman, Austin High, Concordia Carter King, WR, Dordt (Iowa) Univ. Michael Barr, WR, Texas College WESTLAKE University Jack Masters, Ol, South Dakota School Davontae Bickham, DB, Texas A&M Hayden Bray, DL, Oklahoma• Jayda Lafluer, Austin High, St. Edward's of Mines Kingsville Stoney McGuire, QB, West Texas A&M Heaven Medina, Austin High, New Mex- EASTVIEW Danny Davis, DB, Texas A&M-Kingsville Zane Minors, RB, Texas• ico Highlands Tanner Ballew, QB, Wayland Baptist Daqwon Donaldson, RB, West Texas Lucas Mireur, DB, Columbia Hannah Reiley, Elgin, Texas A&M Inter ELGIN A&M Michael Taaffe. DB, Texas* national Jordan Hood, NG, Southeastern Okla Kejon Hudspeth, DL, Texas College WIMBERLEY Karina Serna, Austin High, Alvin Com homa State Brendan Jones DL, Columbia Christian Marshall, WR, West Texas A&M munity College Devin Manor, WR, West Texas A&M Jaikeam Maxwell, DB, West Texas A&M Jaxon Watts, WR, Central Arkansas Katelynn Truelove, Glenn, Northeast Lyndon Rangel, SS, Mary Hardin-Baylor Omarion Neal, LB, Texas College "'preferred walk-on Texas CC GEORGETOWN Treylin Needom, OL, Texas College OTHER SPORTS SWIMMING Brandon Bradford, WR, Missouri Valley LEANDER BASEBALL Marco Khalil, Glenn, University of St. College Garrett Landry, QB, Midwestern State Joey Baran, Anderson, Incarnate Word Mary (Kan.) Saul De la Rosa, DB, Southern Nazarene LIBERTY HILL Brooks Berry, Round Rock, Cisco Col Charlotte Langdon, Glenn, Henderson (Okla.) Bryce Rampy, FS, Hardin-Simmons lege (Ark.) State Nate Denney, RB, Yale Blake Simpson, RB, Hardin-Simmons Mason Bowers, Rouse, Mid Michigan JC Addie Orris, Vandegrift, Air Force Tyler Fithian, WR, Southern Nazarene MANOR Reece Dunn, Dripping Springs, East Claire Rogillio, Anderson, Gannon (Okla.) Wilfred M inor, OT, UT-Permian Basin Texas Baptist (Penn.) University Trey Flores, OL, Southwestern Univ. MCNEIL Ryan Kimball, Dripping Springs, Hendrix Sarah Rogillio, Anderson, LINC-Wilming Brian Hargrove, OL, Hardin-Simmons Damien Allumbaugh, DB, Dayton (Ark.) College ton Dre Langhorne, LB, Navarro College Mekhai Coleman, RB/DB, Hardin-Sim Kyler Kirkpatrick, Round Rock, Texas TRACK/CROSS-COUNTRY Noah Maidlow, LB, Southern Nazarene mons State Kaitlyn Childress, Vandegrift, LMU (Okla.) KJ Duncan, LB, Millikin (Ill.) Univ. Andrew Kithil, Rouse, Wharton JC Ayanna Donwerth, Liberty Hill, Baylor Hunter Springer, LB, McPherson (Kan.) Jalen Mosley, DB, Texas A&M-Kingsville Lawson Knight, Round Rock, Western Gemma Goddard, Vandegrift, Texas College Keegan Patty, DB, East Texas Baptist Texas Coll. A&M Ayden Valencia, S, Southern Nazarene Univ. Austin Manguia, Round Rock, Navarro Ben Kim, Anderson, Trinity (Okla.) NORTHEAST EARLY COLLEGE College Maddie Livingston, Dripping Springs, GLENN DeCorey Eason, RB, Masabi Range Mason Schronk, Round Rock, McMurry TexasA&M Jamal Collins, DL, Southwestern (Minn.) College Univ. Emma Saia, Vandegrift, Texas A&M Dominic Sullivan, CB, Blinn College REGENTS Thomas Soto, Round Rock, Univ. of Madison Tafoya, Dripping Springs, Port HENDRICKSON Griffin Clausen OL Trinity Dayton land (Ore.) State Deonte Bowie, DL, Blinn College Jacob Votaw, OL, Texas Tech* Lucas Sparshu, Rouse, Mid Michigan JC Jack Woods, Cedar Park, Brigham Trey Lowrey, LB, Fitchburg (Mass.) State ROUND ROCK BASKETBALL Young Jordan Oldoerp, QB, Southern Nazarene Ty Dillon, DB, West Texas A&M Graci Harris, Georgetown, John Brown VOLLEYBALL (Okla.) Luke Dodds, DL, TCU (Ark.) Univ. Amanda Baker, Glenn, Kansas Wesleyan HUTTO Seth Ford, QB, West Texas A&M Jazra Williams, Vista Ridge, Southwest Kindsee Escamilla, Liberty Hill, Cisco Braylon Sugg, LB, West Texas A&M Israel Morgan, RB, Navarro College ern Assemblies of God Univ. College Joseph Teagle, DB Iowa Wesleyan Carson Otworth, SS, West Texas A&M BEACH VOLLEYBALL Ali Meyer, Vista Ridge, Hardin-Simmons Detrick Williams, DL Iowa Wesleyan SMITHVILLE Elizabeth Cortez, Anderson, Texas Zahria Parker, McNeil, Gonzaga LAKE TRAVIS Chris Sanders, RB, Texas A&M-Kings A&M-Corpus Christi Deandra Pierce, Austin High, Texas Marcelo Alanis, RB, University of Chi ville GOLF Lilli Wilkins, Liberty Hill, Lamar cago VANDEGRIFT Trevor Mierl, Anderson, Cameron (Ok NOTE: Area coaches, ifyou see omis Raleigh Erwin, DT, Columbia Logan Arnold, DB, Mary Hardin-Baylor la.) Univ. sions from your school, please send to Wesley Erwin, LB, Air Force Academy Ryan Back, QB, Trinity Prayaag Oruganti, Vandegrift, Emory Rick Cantu at [email protected] Gary Gordon, RB, Baker (Kan.) Univ. Charlie Fournier, PK, Southwestern (Ga.) Univ. -RickCantu HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL Benson puts on a show as Bowie beats Lake Travis
John Harris Having the experience ofa broken nose American-Statesman Correspondent isn't something most would like to go USA TODAY NETWORK through in life, but it's something Georgetown senior Aaron Bizzell leaned LAKEWAY - Bowie senior guard Col on Friday. eton Benson put on a shooting display Nearly n months after breaking his against Lake Travis that won't be soon nose in the first round ofthe 2020 play forgotten. offs, Bizzell broke it again after taking Bensonscored 35ofhisgame-high42 some accidental contact from Liberty points inthe second half, breaking open Hill players late inthe first quarter. a tight contest and igniting the visiting Bizzell wanted to return to the key Bulldogs' 75-58 win Friday in a key Dis District 25-5A game at Georgetown High trict 26-6A matchup. School, but the coaching staff wouldn't ulfyou're a fan ofbasketball, no mat let him without the mask he used a year ter what side you're on, Bowie or Lake ago. So Bizzell's mom left herjob as the Travis, youprobably enjoyed thatperfor game's scorekeeper, drove home, got the mance tonight. That young man had a maskandreturnedbythefourthquarter. heck of a game," Bowie coach Celester Georgetown trailed 30-27 when Biz Collier said about his team captain. zell returned to the floor with his mask. Benson's offensive arsenal featured Hescored six straightpoints ofhis team ridiculously long 3-pointers, pull-up mi high 16 to give the Eagles a 33-30 lead drange jumpers and forays to the basket midway through the quarter, and they initiated by ball fakes and aided by nevertrailed again. screens. Benson was also deadly from Georgetown's defense kept it in the thefoul line, converting all eight ofhisat game before Bizzell's string of points Bowie guard Coleton Benson drives to the basket between Lake Travis' Jake tempts. starteda 15-3 runtoendthecontest. The Stephens, left, and Cash Clayton on Friday. JOHN GUTIERREZ/FOR STATESMAN "When they worried about his shot, Eagles yielded only 19 points the final he went to the hole," Collier said. "When three quarters, with Anthony Sierras theyworried abouthimgoingtothehole, scoringseven over a four-minute stretch Wolves that stretched a narrowlead into looking for thetallest player onthecourt, he hit them with the pull-up. Whenthey late in thethird and earlyinthe fourth to a nine-pointvictory Friday atWeiss High Cameron Jackson. The freshman with worried aboutthe pull-up, he shotthe 3. givethe Panthers their lead. School in pfiugerville. the appropriate Twitter handle of "He had a lot ofthings going for him." Sierras finished with17 pointsandKa Weiss coach Russell Miller said he @boardmancam bas contributed to The win avenged a 64-51 home lossto din Knight had n to lead Liberty Hill usually tells his players toholdthe ball in much of Weiss' success since corning Lake Travis on Jan. 5 and gives the Bull (15-5, 4-3), which justexited quarantine. those late-gamesituations when leading into the lineup at the start ofDecember. dogs (ll-5, 5-4) confidence heading into - Colby Gordon, American-States and milk the clock. The Wolves havelostjustonegame since the stretch run ofdistrict play. man Correspondent "Tonight I just let them play, and it then. "This was a big-time win for us," said Weiss 72, Bastrop 63: Tyson Why paid off," Miller said OnFriday, Jackson finished with sev Benson, whowill continuehisbasketball brew's clap resonated around the gym. Mason's 3-pointer turned what had en points, buthis main contribution was career at Army next year. "Hopefully, we The sound replaced the shouts of en been a four-point game a minute earlier creating space for Wolves' shooters. He can win the rest ofour games." couragement coming from the Bastrop into a 69-59 lead for the Wolves. Mason also acted as a rim-protecting defensive Benson, who scored 22 ofBowie's 23 bench players. With the Bears on a and his teammates remained composed anchor to help Weiss build an n-point fourth-quarter points, turned his coach comeback charge, the Weiss junior had to win their fifth straight game and re lead to end the third quarter. He picked into a spectator along withtherestofthe just hit a crucial 3-pointer to keep them main undefeated inthe new year. Utiliz up a pair ofblocks inthe final quarterto fans in attendance. at bay. Teammate Jarrnaine Mason soon ingthe inside-outgametobuilda leadin seal the win. "When you've got a player who's in provided the dagger. In transition, Kaleb the secondhalf, theWolves (9-5, 6-1Dis Mason finished with a game-high 31 that kind of groove, coacbing's over," Lewis kicked the ball out to Mason on a trict18-5A) fended offBastrop (6-10, 2-6) points. Collier said. "You get out ofhis way.n two-on-one break, and he let it fly. for the second time this season. - Aro Majumder, American-States Georgetown 43, Liberty Hill 33: The long 3 capped a late run by the Weiss came out in the third quarter man correspondent Westlake, Lake Travis boys offto fast starts in 26-6A
Colby Gordon Special to Austin American-Statesman USA TODAY NETWORK THE WEEK IN PREVIEW
Team ofthe Week: Westlake The Chaps (5-2-1, 2-0 District 26-6A) opened district play with two shutouts, defeating Del Valle, 2-0, and San Marcos, 4-0. Abron Gil recorded both clean sheets in goal, with Eddie Scott and Oliver Peace scoring against the Cardinals and Raghav Sharma and Zack Burd (see below} finding the net vs. the Rattlers. Honorable mention: Lake Travis The Cavs (ll-0-1, 3-0) stayed unde feated with wins over San Marcos, 5-0, and Hays, 5-3. Alex Bethke (see below) played well in both games. In the win over the Rattlers, Calum Toker, David Arellano, Gabe McNabb and Bernie Vargas Lopez scored and McNabb, Ty Lawrence and Ben Para nidharan (2) provided assists. Drew Snodgrass recorded the shutout in goal. Against the Rebels, Bethke and Paranidharan recorded goals, and McNabb and David Arellano had as sists. Player of the Week: Alex Bethke, Lake Travis Bethke, a junior striker, had four goals and two assists as the Cavs took wins over San Marcos and Hays. Be thke had a hat trick and an assist vs. the Rebels and had one goal and one assist against the Rattlers. Honorable mention: Zack Burd, Westlake
See BOYS, Page SA tin High is on quarantine until Feb. 10 Boys and has not played any district games. Ga.me ofthe week: Bowie at West Continued from Page 6A lake Bowie has some impressive oondis Burd, a senior midfielder, scored trict wins, and it can make an early three goals in the Chaps' 4-0 win over statement that this is not a two-team San Marcos. race for the district title with a win or tie The rest ofthe district against Westlake. The Chaps, mean Bowie (6-2-1, 1-0) defeated Del Valle, while, can grab a key win and defend 1-0, as Dillon Alpert's goal and Landon their home pitch. Crawley's clean sheet led the Bulldogs. Schedule ... Akins (1-0 district) defeated Hays, Tuesday: Akins atDel Valle; SanMar 2-0.... Beau Reinich scored twice and cos at Hays Edson Gonzalez found the net once for Wednesday: Bowie at Westlake Hays (2-3-2, 0-2) in its 5-3 loss to Lake Friday: Hays atWestlake; Lake Travis Travis. Gonzalez and Cooper Cawley at Del Valle had assists .... Del Valle and San Marcos Saturday: Bowie at Akins are both 0-2 in district play, while Aus- Coleton Benson puts on show Bowie boys race initiated by ball-fakes and aided by screens. Benson was also deadly from past Lake Travis the foul line, converting all eight of his attempts. John Harris "When they worried about his shot, Special to Austin American-statesman hewenttothehole," Collier said. "When USA TODAY NETWORK they worried about him going to the hole, hehit themwiththepull-up. When LAKEWAY - Bowie senior guard Col they worried about the pull-up, he shot eton Benson put on a shooting display the three. against Lake Travis that won't be soon "He hada lotof things going for him." forgotten. It would be an oversimplification to Benson scored 35 of his game-high describe Benson's shooting perfor 42 points in the second half, breaking mance as merely spectacular. In this opena tightcontestandignitingthevis game, the 6-foot-1-inch sniper couldn't iting Bulldogs' 75-58 win on Friday in a be guarded, no matter how many de key District 26-6A matchup. fenders stood in his way. "lfyou're a fan ofbasketball, no mat "I work on that in the gym every day," ter what side you're on, Bowie or Lake said Benson, who will continue his bas Travis, you probably enjoyed that per ketball career at Army next year. formance tonight. That young man had Thewinavenged a 64-Slhomeloss to a heck ofa game," Bowie coach Celester Lake Travis onJan. 5 andgivesthe Bull Collier said about his team captain. dogs (ll-5, 5-4 in 26-6A) confidence Lake Travis Cavaliers guard Leo Denning passes the ball to his center Miguel Benson's offensive arsenal featured heading into the stretch run of district Mantilla Pacchiano, right, during the second period at the District 26-SA boys ridiculously long3-pointers, pull-up mi basketball game on Jan. 29 at Lake Travis High School. JOHN GUTIERREZ FOR drange jumpers and forays tothebasket See BENSON, Page 8A STATESMAN second place in 26-6A: "We were in Benson good defensive position. Most of his perimeter shots were tough shots, but Continued from Page 6A he's a good shooter. You tip your hat to him and move on." play. Benson didn't take over until fellow "This was a big-time win for us," seniorL.D. !Butler, who scored17points Benson said. "Hopefully, we can win in the first half, was limited by foul the rest of our games." trouble in the second half. Benson, who scored 22 of Bowie's After Lake Travis chopped an ll 23 fourth-quarter points, turned his point deficit to 50-46 late in the third coach into a spectator along with the quarter, Benson stepped up big-time, rest ofthe fans in attendance. scoring 19 straight points giving the "When you've got a player who's in Bulldogs a 71-54 lead. that kind of groove, coaching's over," "We needed Coleton to step up for Collier said. "You get out ofhis way." us," Collier said. Said Lake Travis coach Clint Baty, Senior Cash Clayton led Lake Travis whose Cavaliers (13-4, 8-2) remain in with 17 points. Benson, Bowie get big win over Lake Travis in 26-6A Colby Gordon Benson finished with 14 points. Special to Austin American-Statesman Honorable mention: LD Butler, USA TODAY NETWORK Bowie; Elijah Rogers, Del Valle Butler, a senior post, averaged 23 THE WEEK IN REVIEW points on the week. He scored 25 points against Lake Travis and led the Bulldogs Team ofthe Week: Bowie with 21 points againstAkins. TheBulldogs (14-4, 7-3 District 26-6A) Rogers, a senior guard-forward, had an impressive week with wins over scored four points inthe final 16 seconds Akins, 67-41, and Lake Travis, 75-58, to to lift the Cardinals (9-8, 5-5) to a 50-49 pullonegamebehindthe Cavs in thebat win over SanMarcos and keep theirplay tle for second place in the district stand off hopes alive. His offensive putback ings. pulled Del Valle within one, then after Coleton Benson and LD Butler (see the Cardinals forced a turnover, Rogers below) combined for 67 points in thewin made a shot in the paint with less than over Lake Travis. Against the Eagles, twosecondsleft to give Del Valle thevic Nate Thompson scored 12 points and tory. The winning basket came when Cade Holzman added 10 points. Rogers made a backdoor cut and re Honorable mention: Westlake ceived a nice pass from Elijah Gonzales. The Chaps (20-1, 10-0) continued to Rogers finished the game with 11 points roll through the district with victories and seven rebounds. It capped offa nice againstHays, 71-38, andAkins, 72-46. KJ week for him as he bad16 points and six Adamshad 30points, Eain Mowat added rebounds in a loss to Lake Travis. ll points and Blake Nielsen chipped in The rest ofthe district nine points inthewinagainsttheRebels. Lake Travis (13-4, 8-2) defeated Del InthewinovertheEagles, Adams tallied Valle, 58-46, behlnd19 points from Aar 15 points, Mowat and Cade Mankle each onJacoband14pointsfrom Miguel Man finished with 14 points and both Dono tilla. In the Joss to Bowie, Cash Clayton van Santoro and Preston Clark added tallied 17 points and Jacob added 13 nine points. points.... San Marcos (7-8, 5-5) downed Bowie's Coleton Benson, a senior guard who will play at Army next year, may The win against Akins marked West Austin High, 65-55, as Malik Presley had have had his finest day as a prep as he scored 42 points on the road in the win at lake coach Robert Lucero's 200th, which 19 points and Kaden Gumbs added 14 Lake Travis Friday. JOHN GUTIERREZ FOR STATESMAN leads leads the program. points. The Rattlers also defeated Akins, Player ofthe week: ColetonBenson, 71-63, behind Presley's 33 points and 10 THE WEEK IN PREVIEW trict title with a win in the Battle of the Bowie points from E:xaviao Harris.... Jackson Lakes, while the Cavs will be looking to Benson, a senior guard who will play Deutsch scored 20 points to lead Hays Games ofthe week: Hays atDel Val beat their rival on their home floor. at Armynext year, mayhavehadhis fin (8-14, 3-7) to a 46-34 win over Austin le (Tuesday); Westlake at Lake Travis Other games est day as a prep as he scored 42 points High. Dominique Smithledthe Maroons (Friday) Tuesday: San Marcos at Bowie; Aus onthe roadinthe winatLake Travis Fri (5-12, 1-9) with 16 points.... In Del Valle's It looks like the fourth playoff spot is tin High at Westlake; Lake Travis at day. He was virtually unstoppable after loss to Lake Travis, Gonzales bad 13 going to come down to Del Valle, Hays Akins; Hays at Del Valle the break as he scored 35 points in the points andfour assists, while against the and San Marcos, so this is a must-win Friday: Bowie at Hays; Westlake at second half, 22 coming in the fourth Rattlers he had n points, five rebounds game for boththe Rebels and Cardinals. Lake Travis; Del Valle at Austin High; quarter alone. In the win over Akins, and four assists. Westlake clinches a share ofthe dis- Akins at San Marcos HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER
remains atop the standings while out CORNER KICKS Fab Fives scoring district foes 12-1 in four district In Class 6A, unbeaten Vandegrift re Class 6A matches.... The Trojans picked up a 3-1 mains No. 1 in the state poll conducted 1. Vandegrift 11-0 win Tuesday over Northeast, which just by MaxPreps. After the Vipers' hard came out of a quarantine last week. The fought 1-0 win over Stony Point last 2. Lake Travis 10-0-1 Raiders impressed in nondistrict play Friday, Ethan Dac:aret found the goal 3. Bowie 6-2-2 with wins over Austin High and Connal twice in a 3-0 win over Cedar Ridge on ly, and senior Uriel Andrade has already Monday and scored again in a 3-1 vic 4. Westlake 5-3-2 delivered two winning goals.... Navarro tory over McNeil on Tuesday. The Vi 5. Westwood 6-2-3 goalie Diego Torres made 13 saves on pers lead District 25-6A with 15 points. 17 shots on target in a 1- 1 tie with ... Stony Point (12 points) remains sec Class SA Crockett and 3-0 loss to Anderson last ond after Alan Rivera and Edward Espi 1. Dripping Springs 8-0-3 week, and he anchored a stout defen noza scored in a 2-1 win Tuesday over sive effort in a 3-0 win over LASA on Vista Ridge. ... Westwood (nine points) 2. Weiss 7-0-1 Wednesday. routed rival Round Rock 4-1 Tuesday. 3. Rouse 8-1- 1 In Class 4A and below, Taylor moved up Pol Marza, a sophomore forward, to No. 3 while Eastside Memorial re scored against the Dragons and has five 4. Anderson 7-1-1 mains No. 11. The District 25-4A rivals goals in the Warriors' past three match 5. East View 6-1-1 are scheduled to meet in district play es, including a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Feb. 12.... In the state's private school Huttoon Friday.... In District 26-6A, Class 4A and others poll, St. Michael's ranks No. 12 while lake Travis remains No. 3 in the state Danny Serna and the East View boys 1. Tayior 8-0-1 Regents is No. 13. rankings after a 5-3 win over Hays on soccer team enter the Statesman's PLAYER OF THE WEEK Friday. Junior Alex Bethke had a hat Class SA rankings this week after a win 2. Eastside Memorial 6-1-2 trick and an assist against the Rebels.... over rival Georgetown last Friday. 3. Wimberley 7-2-1 Adam Knutson, junior, Dripping In a battle for second place behind Lake HENRY HUEY FOR STATESMAN Springs: An All-Central Texas performer Travis, Westlake and Bowie drew 0-0 4. Regents 6-2 as a sophomore, the playmaking mid Tuesday. No. 22 Bowie has six shutouts 5. St. Michael's 11-2-2 fielder had a goal and an assist as the this season, including a 1-0district win Gonzalez - for its play against a dy Tigers picked up a crucial 2-1 win over against Del Valle on Saturday.... West namic Alamo Heights attack. The Tigers Alamo Heights on Tuesday. lake keeper Ahron GIi has three clean (12 points in 26-SA) lead Alamo Heights "free-kick golazo." ... In District 25-SA, GAMES OF THE WEEK sheets in three district matches.... Del and New Braunfels Canyon by two Cedar Park continues to make strides Valle went scoreless in two matches last points entering this weekend. ... Weiss, under first-year coach Evan Foxworth. Friday week while senior captain Beto Lemus which has moved up to No. 12 in the The Timberwolves topped Liberty Hill Marble Falls at Liberty Hill, 7:15 p.m. missed time after contact tracing for state poll, remained unbeaten with 3-1 Tuesday behind a hat trick from Rouse at East View, 7;15 p.m. the coronavirus, but he returned Tues shutout wins in District 18-SA play Eugenio Guzman-Martinez. ... In other Vandegrift at Vista Ridge, 7:30 p.m. day against Akins and scored his sixth against Bastrop and Connally. Anchored 25-5A action, No. 23 Rouse improved to Lake Travis at Del Valle, 7:45 p.m. goal of the season in a 3-2 win over by senior centerback Jesus Martinez, 8-1-1 overall as Davin Fontenot scored Tuesday Akins. the Wolves have allowed just four goals two goals in a 3-1 win over Glenn on Lehman at Dripping Springs, 7:15 p.m. In Class SA, Dripping Springs moved up in their eight matches this season.... Tuesday. The Raiders have already dou Westwood at Stony Point, 7:30 p.m. to No. 7 in the state poll after a critical Manor picked up its first win in 18-SA bled their win total from last year, when Please submit stats, news, scores and 2-1 win over No. 19 Alamo Heights in Tuesday against Elgin 3-1. Coach Cesar they went 4-10-1.... Leander entered player of the week honors to Thomas District 26-SA. Coach Josh Hill credited Silvagarcia credited sophomore mid the week ranked No. 24 but fell to Mar Jones at [email protected] by his backline - Jair Ortega, Adrian fielder Jesus Sanchez for "keeping the ble Falls 1-0 in a 25-SA contest Tuesday. noon Wednesday. Chiang, Ian Driggers and Javier midfield in order" as well as his ... In District 17-5A, No. 18 Anderson - Thomas Jones HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL
TIP-INS In Class 6A, Westlake moved up a spot to No. 5 in the state poll con ducted by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. The Chaps beat Austin High 67-45 Tuesday in a District 26-6A contest, extending their district winning streak to 62 games. Robert Lucero, the pro gram's all-time leader in coaching victories, picked up his 200th win with the Chaps against Akins last Friday.... Lake Travis, which had surged to within a game of West lake in the standings by winning eight of its first nine district Bowie guard Coleton Benson scored 42 points in a win at Lake Travis games, has dropped two in a row, last Friday and had 30 points in a win over San Marcos on Tuesday to last Friday's 75-58 loss to Bowie earn the American-Statesman's player ofthe week award. and Tuesday's 54-51 setback to JOHN GUTIERREZ FOR STATESMAN Akins.... Behind player of the week Coleton Benson, Bowie leap frogged San Marcos for third place Fab Fives the offseason UIL realignment, are in 26-6A.... Dameron Williams unbeaten in District 20-4A and are scored 17 points as Del Valle Class 6A outscoring district opponents by topped Hays 65-63 in overtime 1. Westlake 21 -1 an average of90-46.... Austin May Tuesday. The Cardinals are in a or Steve Adler declared Jan. 29 virtual tie with Bowie for third 2. Round Rock 19- 3 Freddie Roland Day in honor of the place and a game ahead of San 3. Hutto 16-4 longtime LBJ coach. Roland has led Marcos.... In 25-6A, No. 19 Round the Jags to 23 consecutive district Rock remains in first place, and 4. Bowie 15-4 titles and three state tournaments. second-place Hutto exited a quar 5. Lake Travis 13-5 A Lockhart native, Roland has antine Thursday against West guided the LBJ program since the wood.... Westwood halted Vista Class SA 1996-97 school year.... Blanco Ridge's four- game winning streak 1. Hendrickson 15-4 remains No. 13 in the Class 3A poll Tuesday 80-54 to pull within a and has won 10consecutive game of Cedar Ridge for third 2. Manor 16-4 games, including a 71-51 victory place in the 25-6A standings. Zach 3. Georgetown 15-6 over Lago Vista on Tuesday,... St. Engelshad 18 points for the War Michael's is No. 10 in the TAPPS riors, who had their best scoring 4. Glenn 16-3 Class SA poll, Hill Country Christian output of the season. 5. Weiss 11- 5 is No. 5 in the TAPPS 3A poll, and In Class SA, Weiss forced a three Marble Falls Faith is No. 2 in the way tie atop District 18-SA with a Class 4A and others TAPPS 2A poll. thrilling 45-44 win over No. 17 1. LBJ 11-6 PLAYER OF THE WEEK Hendrickson on Wednesday. Jar maine Mason hit a pair of clutch 2. Blanco 18-1 Coleton Benson, senior, Bowie: free throws in the waning mo 2. Lampasas 17- 4 The sharpshooting guard scored ments to seal the win.... No. 18 42 points in a win at Lake Travis Manor, the other team at the top 4. Hill Country Christian 15-3 last Friday and followed that offen of 18-SA, will visit Hendrickson on 5. St. Michael's 12-7 sive explosion with 30 points in a Friday.... In District 25-SA, Treash win over San Marcos on Tuesday. aunleak scored 22 points as No. GAMES TO WATCH 23 Glenn remained atop the stand 17-SA .... High- scoring Mccallum ings with a 70-56 win over Liberty forward Rob Wade committed to Friday Hill on Tuesday. The Grizzlies are UT-Dallas last week. ... Dripping Westlake at Lake Travis, 7:30 p.m. locked in a battle with No. 22 Springs senior point guard Jayden Georgetown at Glenn, 8 p.m. Georgetown for first place. The Guevara had 24 points on 50% Manor at Hendrickson, 8 p.m. teams will meet Friday at Glenn. ... shooting in a 45-32 win over Leh Saturday Anderson remains perfect in Dis man on Saturday and had 19 points Northeast at McCallum, 1 p.m. trict 17-SA and leads Northeast while making all five 3-point shots Monday and Mccallum by two games. The in a 76-46 win over Seguin on Hutto at Round Rock, 6 p.m. No. 24 Trojans topped Lockhart Tuesday. The Tigers have moved Weiss at Manor, 6 p.m. 51 -39 Tuesday.... Jordan Dunn and into second place in District 26-SA. Ja'Rayl Peoples each scored 18 In Class 4A, Elijah Thomas explod Please submit news, notes and points for Crockett in Tuesday's ed for 39 points and six steals as player of the week nominations to 81-40 win over LASA. The Cougars No. 14 LBJ raced away from New [email protected] by are tied with Lockhart for the Tech 90-57 Tuesday. The Jaguars, Wednesdays at noon. fourth and final playoff spot in who dropped down to Class 4A in - Thomas Jones HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL NET NOTES Fab Fives Vista Ridge used a last-second basket to slip past Cedar Ridge 48-47 in the Class 6A battle for first place in District 25-6A. 1. Austin High 16-1 With just over two weeks left in the season, the battle for the final two play 2. Vista Ridge 12-4 off spots took an interesting turn as 3. Cedar Ridge 13-3 four teams are tied for the final two playoff spots with 4- 5 records after 4 . Lake Travis 14-6 Stony Point beat Westwood 63-36, 5. Westlake 15-7 McNeil beat Vandegrift 51-50 and Hutto beat Vandegrift 39-33. Class SA Vista Ridge had a balanced attack led 1. Cedar Park 16-1 by Alea Pinai with 12 points, Aniyah Burke with 11 and AJ Marotte with 10. 2. Hendrickson 17-2 Cedar Ridge got 12 points and 10 3. Georgetown 20-4 boards from Lexi Alexander while Ma laysia DePrisco added nine points for 4. Anderson 13-7 the Raiders. Westwood, Vandegrift, 5. Connally 11-7 McNei-1 and Stony Point are all 4-5. Last season the district had four teams in a Class 4A and Others playoff for the final two spots when 1. Burnet 19-2 Cedar Ridge and Vandegrift won the berths (over McNeil and Westwood) 2. La Grange 10-4 behind Vista Ridge and Hendrickson. Cedar Park's Shelby Hayes scored 16 po,ints and grabbed eight rebounds in the 3. Luling 12-8 McNeil beat Vandegrift by a single Timberwolves' win over Georgetown last week. JOHN GUTIERREZ FOR STATESMAN point despite a 28-point effort from 4. Lago Vista 13-7 Viper guard Skye O'Rourke. Stony 5. Blanco 14-5 Point shocked Westwood with solid charges, had two steals with eight as vis who added 10 points to give the offense led by Ariana Rosado with 23 sists," Cedar Park coach Donny Ott said. Leopards four players with double dig points while Nariyah Buggs added 14 In the first and fourth quarters, Cedar its. Round Rock Christian, which fell to the powerful 6-foot- 2 forward scoring points and Ana Garza scored nine Park limited Georgetown tojust one 8-2. got 18 points, six rebounds and 16 points and grabbing eight rebounds points and grabbed nine rebounds. offensive rebound for each 8-minute eight steals from CJ Jaramillo. while rejecting or contesting multiple "The team did an excellent job of exe segment. Cedar Park led 13- 1 to start The battle for first place in 25-3A will attempted Eagle shots in the paint. cuting the game plan, making the nec the game and Georgetown was unable take place Tuesday at Lago Vista as the Hayes is averaging a double-double on essary adjustment from our first round to mount a rally to recover. co- leading Vikings host once-beaten the season and is the inside presence game versus Westwood," Stony Point In District 18-5A play, Hendrickson Blanco. The teams both won to set up that has helped the Timberwolves to head coach Julie Walker said . "We blitzed Weiss 82-48 for their 17th con their rematch as Lago Vista used a 22-6 their lofty ranking. played with intensity on both ends of secutive win as standout forward Zoe first quarter scoring run to defeat Llano TEAM OF THE WEEK the floor. They earned the win and I am Nelson scored 18 points and grabbed 46-23. Vikings sophomore Sophia Read Austin High: The Maroons moved up to extremely proud of their efforts." her 1,000th career rebound. Erika Sua led the offense with 22 points while No. 4 in the state poll by winning four In 26-6A play, Lake Travis defeated Del rez also added 18 points while Amahjia Esther Long added nine points in the consecutive games after coming off a Valle 77-42 as Raeven Boswell scored Lovings scored 11 points. Earlier in the win. Blanco tuned up for the rematch by quarantine shutdown. In a display of 22 points while Mia Galbraith added 11 week the Hawks beat Bastrop 86- 11. racing past Ingram Moore 68- 14. Blanco balance, the Maroons not only swept points with eight rebounds and five Connally stayed in second place with a head coach Matt Karnes went to his the week but had three different play steals. In the Cavaliers' 68-34 win over single district loss as the Cougars will bench early and the Panthers were led ers as leading scorers. Austin High beat Bowie, Kate Gordon led the offense finally play Hendrickson for a second in scoring by Presley Young and Mead Bowie 59-41 as Sadie Swift scored 17 with 18 points. Boswell had 14 points time this week in the post-quarantine ow Schlinke with 12 points apiece. Emi points and nabbed seven steals while while Galbraith contributed eight schedule. Connally beat Manor 64- 56. lee Larue added 10 points. Blanco won Aubrey Reid added 16 points. The Ma points, seven assists and six rebounds. Pflugerville beat Manor 62-44 as Aali the first meeting with Lago Vista, but roons defeated Hays 66-43 as Shanel In a 25-5A marquee matchup, Cedar yah Holmes scored 18 points wit h six the Panthers' only district loss came on Reid led the way with 17 points while Park defended the basket intensely in rebounds. Jaida Gomez and Aamaria the road 42-28 at Comfort. Swift and Aubrey Reid had 12 points its 39-20 win over a solid Georgetown Wright scored 11 points each for the State Polls: Cedar Park remains first in each. Jade Clack scored 22 in a 60-52 team. The Timberwolves denied the Panthers while Jordynn Watts had nine the Texas Girls Coaches Association win over Del Valle, then had 15 as the Eagles good looks at the basket and points, six rebounds and five steals in Class 5A polls while Austin High is No. 4 team beat San Marcos 59-56. Aubrey their pressure defense limited the nor the win. Earlier Pflugerville blasted in the Class 6A rankings. Vista Ridge Reid had 13 points against Del Valle and mally excellent shooting Georgetown Elgin 75-31 while Weiss blistered Bas moved up to No. 12 in 6A, while Lake 12 against San Marcos while Shanel Reid team to less than 30 percent from the trop 76-31 . Travis and Westlake are tied at No. 25. scored 13 in the win over San Marcos. field. For Cedar Park, Alisa Knight had La Grangejunior Aysia Grant scored 20 In Class SA, Hendrickson is slotted at GAMES TO WATCH 12 points, six rebounds and four steals points and grabbed 11 rebounds with No. 7 and Georgetown checks in at No. Tuesday while Molly Ly had five points and three eight steals as the Class 4A Leopards 11. Class 4A Burnet (No. 17) fell outof Blanco at Lago Vista, 6:15 p.m. rebounds, providing a huge spark off won their sixth consecutive game 72-35 the top 10 as the Bulldogs lost in dis Westlake at Austin High, 7 p.m. the bench. Shooting guard Gisella Maul over Round Rock Christian Academy. La trict play to Salado. Anderson at Lockhart, 7 p.m . posted four points, two assists, two Grange has averaged a 35-point margin PLAYER OF THE WEEK Hutto at Stony Point, 8 p.m. steals and four rebounds. of victory in its last six games. Sopho Shelby Hayes, junior, Cedar Park: The Pflugerville at Hendrickson, 8 p.m. "Sarai Estupinan was unbelievable mores Madi Fritz (12 points, 10 re top-ranked Timberwolves won their Westwood at Vista Ridge, 8 p.m. running the point for us this afternoon bounds) and Camille Gonzales (13,7) 54th straight district game by beating Butch Hart despite not scoring. She took two huge were joined by sophomore Keslyn Da- top-10 ranked Georgetown 39-20 with Isela Ramirez, dribbling the ball against Cedar Park earlier this season, scored two goals as the state-ranked Pflugerville girls soccer team shut out Elgin 5-0 Friday to improve to 2-0 in District 18-5Aand 7-2 on the season. HENRY HUEYfOlt STATESMAN
Pflugerville girls soccer cruises to district wins
Butch Hart turning talent and have a tremendous Spedal to AUctln Amer1Can--statecman defender in their lineup in centerback USA TOOAY NETWORK Brianna Ramirez. •1 am really please overall with the Isela Ramirez and Isabella Alamo waywe are playing; Harvey said. "Bri scored two goals each and Kaitlynn anna IsIsamazing, always a stepahead Melton added a goal as the state and has superb knowledgeofthe game ranked POugerv\lle gWs so«er team and analysis of the speed. She does a shut out Elgjn 5-0 Friday to Improve to great job." 2-0 in District18-SA and7-2 onthe sea On the season, POugerville has out son. scored its dlstrlct opponents Il-0 and Coach Mike Harvey's team bas lost all opponent 35-5. only to powerhouses Lake Travis and Weiss each notched victories last Cedar Park and are the early district fa week against Manot Weiss prevailed vorites. 5-2 behind four first-half goals wblle "Both Cedar Park and Lake Travis Connally defeated the Mustangs 2-1 In have great de4nses that work well to a close contest Jane Datashvilll scored gether and are difficult to find seams, the first goal on a rocket into the upper (but) they weregood matches; Harvey comer of the net, then Vicky Torres said about the pairof1-0 losses. notchedthe match winneroffa penalty Despite those two narrow setbacks, kick. Pllugerville looks like a formidable foe Hendrickson is ona quarantine and for anydistrictsquadwitha bevyofre- resumes play thls week. Back in action, Hendrickson stretches win streak to 17
Butch Hart then we do OK," Hendrickson coach Special to Austin American-Statesman Norma Sierra said earlier this year. USA TODAY NETWORK The Hawks have made three straight Class 6A regional tournaments before With its quarantine over, Hendrick dropping to Class 5A in the biennual son's girls basketball team continues to UIL realignment last week. fly high. Hendrickson looks like it will be Picking up where they left off in mid joined by the other three teams in the January, the Hawks stretched their win Pflugerville school district. Connally ning streak to 17 games by beating Bas (11-7, 9-1) is in second place in the dis trop 86-Il and Weiss 82-48 in District trict after beating third-place Pfluger 18-SA action last week. Senior standout ville (14-7, 9-3) twice, while Weiss (8-11, Zoe Nelson garnered career rebound 7-5) is in fourth place. number 1,000 in the win over Weiss Connally, which beat Manor 64-56 while scoring 18 points in the victory. and Bastrop 76-31 last week, has only Guard Erika Suarez also added 18 points, lost to Hendrickson in district play, and while Amahjia Lovings scored npoints. the Cougars get their rematch with Hendrickson (17-2, 9-0 District Hendrickson this week. 18-SA), ranked No. 7 in the latest Texas Pflugerville beat Manor 62-44 last Girls Coaches Association Class SA week as Aaliyah Holmes scored 18 poll, dropped its first two games to 6A points with six rebounds. Jaida Gomez powers Cedar Ridge and Westlake be and Aamaria Wright scored 11 points fore going on a streak that includes sev each for the Panthers, while Jordynn eral significant victories over likely Watts had nine points, six rebounds Class 6A playoff qualifiers Vista Ridge, and five steals in the win. Pflugerville Cibolo Steele and Lake Travis. blasted Elgin 75-31 earlier in the week. "We schedule tough early andseems Manor (4-12, 3-7), Elgin (4-Il, 2-7), like we always lose the first couple of Cedar Creek (4-13, 1-7) and Bastrop (2- games as we get ourselves together, 19, 1-11) round out the district standings. Hendrickson head coach Norma Sierra, whose team resumed action last week after a coronavirus quarantine, has led her team to 17 consecutive wins entering this week. STEPHEN SPILLMAN FOR STATESMAN HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER
CORNER KICKS In a frantic District 26-6A match, Bowie and Westlake played to a 3- 3 draw as Chap Mia Fuss scored twice and Addie Bray added a goal while goalkeeper Lily Smith endured a barrage of Bull dog attacks. "The girls played well. LIiy Erb scored twice with assists from Tristyn Cabello and Julia Everett. Naya Tillisch scored Round Rock's Alycia Buenaventura an unassisted goal," said Bowie coach celebrates after scoring the only goal Carrie Hoffman-Howell, adding Bowie Friday. HENRY HUEY FOR STATESMAN goalkeeper Izzy Detrich had 15 saves. on Westlake beat Hays 3-0 on goals by Fuss, Bray and Annika Fredell with Fab Fives Fuss and Evan Biles adding assists and Class 6A Smith recording the shutout in goal. 1. Round Rock 8-1 Lake Travis blanked Austin High 4-0 as Cavaliers goalkeeper Peyton Urban 2. Lake Travis 7-1-2 notched the shutout getting strong 3. Westlake 8-0-1 defensive support from defender An nabelle Goff. Scoring for the Cavaliers 4. Westwood 4-1- 3 were Sofie Pistone and Andy Holder 5. Vandegrift 5- 2-1 with a goal each. Maddie Wright net ted two goals in the win. Class SA In 25-6A, Vandegrift returned from a 1. Georgetown 11-1 1-0 loss to Round Rock with a win over Stony Point and a thunderous shutout 2. Pflugerville 7-2 of McNeil 5-0 as Kaya Pehrson had 3. Liberty Hill 9- 2-2 two goals and an assist, Cameron Patton added two goals and Laren 4. Dripping Springs 8-1-1 Gradt scored. Recording assists were 5. McCallum 4-0-1 Kennedy Babb, Aspen Crowl, Evan Ormond and Elise Putnam. Class 4A and Others Round Rock blanked Cedar Ridge 2-0 1. Giddings 11-0 as Alicia Buenaventura and Tatiana Jerman each scored, and the Dragon 2. Wimberley 13-3 defense preserved the shutout. McNeil 3. St. Michael's Academy 6-1 beat Vista Ridge as Avery Stewart scored on an assist by Rachel Borra. 4. Hyde Park Baptist 6-1 Borra then scored a goal herselffor the 5. IDEA Montopolis 4- 2-1 winning margin. The Mavericks and Vista Ridge played to a 2-2 draw Mon Unbeaten Class 4A Giddings remains day. ranked No. 1. Wimberley moved upto Westwood blanked Vista Ridge 3-0 as No. 7 in the Class 4A polls while Gateway Skyler Zinnecker, Colleen Wyrick and Prep is No. 25. IDEA Academy fell to No. Alsllnn Concannon each scored for the 25. Warriors while Hailey Martinez dom Georgetown is the top Central Texas inated the midfield. Weiss beat Manor 5-2 and Connally 6-0 Class SA school at No. 6 with Dripping in District 18-SA play. In the win over Springs checking in at No. 8 followed by Manor, the Wolves were paced by Cedar Park (11) and Pflugerville (14). Sarah Rogers' two goals and a single Liberty Hill claims No. 19. In Class 6A, goal each by Alicia Warthen, Karleyn Round Rock is No. 5 while Westlake fell Judge and Lelny DK-Ngakoue. Coach to No. 10. Westwood (11) and Lake Travis Kelsey Hill has the youthful squad play (15} roundout the local teams. ing solid soccer as Weiss faces a formi PLAYER OF THE WEEK dable d istrict schedule that includes state-ranked Pflugerville and Bastrop. Cameron Patton, freshman, Vande Weiss was back on the pitch Tuesday grift: Patton recorded a hat trick as the and blanked Connally as Judge and Vipers beat Stony Point coming offa Sophia Reyes each had two goals quarantine shutdown. Patton, who has while Warthen and DK-Ngakoue added p layed on the Lone Star Development a goal each. and N~tional Development programs, is In District 25-5A, Liberty Hill had a a scoring phenom and added t wo more magnificent effort as the Panthers goals in the Vipers' Tuesday night win took down Cedar Park 2-0 on goals by over McNeil. Mykenna Russo and Piper Tabor with TEAM OF THE WEEK Athena Brown adding an assist. The Panthers are tied with Georgetown a Round Rock: The state-ranked Dragons 6-0 winner over East View for first ' edged district rival and previously un place in district standings. beaten Westwood 1-0 on a goal by Aly Liberty Hill had a fierce 1-0win over cia Buenaventura, who also had the Rouse a.s Tabor scored offan assist by only goal as the Dragons edged Van Kaylie Fowler. Keeper Kylee Bush had degrift 1-0. Dragon goalkeeper Breanna an excellent night notching the shut Bowen notched the shutout over West out. Cedar Park blanked Leander 4-0 wood while Madison McMahand AJ as Madi Adams, Emma Stalllngs, Mayock and Haleigh Ager spark~d the Quinn Brooke and Macy Kriesel got on defensive efforts. Round Rock's only loss the scoring sheet. of the season is 1-0to No. 1 Prosper. In 4A play, Giddings blanked Waco MATCHES TO WATCH Connally 5-0 as Cici Wolridge slammed home three goals while Maklnley Ky Friday leberg and Zoe Essman added a goal Ann Richards vs. McCallum at Burger each and keeper Maci Boyd managed Annex, 6 p.m. a shutout. Georgetown at Leander, 7:15 p.m. State Polls: Six local girls soccer teams Hutto at Round Rock, 7:15 p.m. are ranked in the Top 10 of their re San Antonio Veterans at Dripping spective classifications in the state Springs, 7:15 p.m. polls released by the Texas Girls Bowie at Lake Travis, 7:45 p.m. Coaches Association this week. Butch Hart, American-Statesman correspondent Lake Travis, Westlake girls remain unbeaten in 26-6A
Colby Gordon goal. Lake Travis has yet to allow a goal Westlake (7-0-1, 4-0-1 District 26-6A) 5-0 shutout of Akins. In addition to Special to Austin American-Statesman indistrict play. stayed undefeated with a 3-0 win over Coho's performance, Abigail Hall had USA TODAY NETWORK Player of the Week: Addie Bray, San Marcos and a 3-3 tie with Bowie. twogoals and twoassists and Caye Kal Westlake Apart from Bray, Annika Fredell scored bacber produced an assist. ... Soriah THE WEEK IN REVIEW Bray, a sophomore, had three goals and Bella Mendo:ra had two assists in Banda scored off a pass from Kirn Calle and an assist during the week for the the win over the Rattlers, with Lily tano to lead San Marcos (4-2, 1-2) to a Team ofthe week: Lake Travis Chaps as they tied Bowie and shut out Smith producing the shutout in goal. 1-0 win over Hays. Caitlin Tims had 14 The Cavs (7-1-2, 3-0 District 26-6A) San Marcos. Bray scored twice against Mia Fuss scored twice against the Bull saves and recorded the shutout for the went 2-0 on the week with shutouts of the Ratters and had a goaJ and assist dogs and Emily Weiner also had an as Rattlers .... Del Valle was in quarantine. Hays, 2-0, andAustin High, 4-0. Maddie against the Bulldogs. sist.... Bowie (3-3-2, 0-0-2) received Wright scored twice against the Ma Honorable mention: Chandler two goals from Lily Erb and a goal from THE WEEK IN PREVIEW roons, with Sofie Pistone and Andy Cohn, Austin High Naya Tillisch against the Chaps. Goalie Holder also finding the net, while Hold Cohn, a senior, had three goals and Izzy Dietrich made15 saves, withassists Games ofthe week: San Marcos at er and Finley Schoenbeck had goals an assist in the Maroons' 5-0 win over coming from Tristyn Cabello and Julia Austin High (Tuesday); Bowie at Lake against the Rebels. Peyton Urban Akins. Everett. ... Austin High (1-5-1, 1-2-1) earned both clean sheets for the Cavs in The rest ofthe district earned its first win ofthe seasonwith a See GIRLS, Page 7 A Girls
Continued from Page 6A
Travis (Friday) It's early, butthe winner of the San Marcos-Austin High game takes a small stepahead ofthe restofthe pack fighting for a playoff spot. Lake Travis has a chance to gain points on Westlake with a win against Bowie since the Chaps tied the Bull dogs last week. Meanwhile, a Bowie win vaults the BulJdogs into the dis trict title race. Schedule Tuesday: Hays at Westlake; San Marcos at Austin High; Akins at Bowie Friday: Westlake at Akins; Austin High at Hays; Del Valle at San Marcos; Bowie at Lake Travis In 'one of best games we've had,' Cavs trounce Westlake Colby Gordon Special to Austin American-Statesman USA TODAY NETWORK
LAKEWAY - This is the kind ofLake Travis team Cavs coach Kevin Bussinger envisioned for the year. Having been through two quarantin es that sandwiched the school's holiday break, the Cavs went through a portion ofthe schedule earlier inthe seasonthat never allowed them to get into any kind ofa rhythm as they practiced less than five times in a six-week period. Finally getting into a somewhat reg ular routine last week, Lake Travis played its best basketball ofthe season as it routed rival Westlake, 60-35, Sat urday at Lake Travis High School in a margin of victory that may stun those outside ofthe Cavs' locker room. "I give as much creditto being able to practice three days ina row this weekas anything;' Bussinger said. "We were fi nally able to work on and get better at some ofthethings we're doing. And part ofit is that this is such a big game, the kids were really up for it." When Raeven Boswell and Mia Gal braith are both at the top of their game for Lake Travis, the Cavs will give any team fits, and both were certainly on Saturday. Galbraith scored a game-high 25 points andBoswell tallied19 points, and theduo providedthe game's key runlate in the third quarter. With the Cavs holding a 38-33 lead, their smallest since the first quarter, Galbraith hit a 3-pointer, then had a transition layup offa Westlake turnover. Boswell converted an old-fashioned 3- point play momentslater after Lake Tra vis forced another turnover, and when Galbraith hit a pair offree throws their next possession, the Cavs' advantage was up to15 and Westlake never made a serious run to get back in the game. "Raeven and I work really well to Gianna Anglolet, left, reacts to the foul call for Westlake in the first quarter of a gether," Galbraith said. "As a team, this District 26-6A game against Lake Travis Jan. 30 at Lake Travis High School. Lake Travis opened up their scoring in the fourth period to run away from Westlake See GAME, Page 7 A by a final score of 60-35. PAUL KNIGHT FOR STATESMAN Kolkhorst and eight points from Gal The win pulls the Cavs even with Grune braith to take a 26-14 lead into halftime. Westlake in the loss column for second The contest sped up in the third place in the district standings and Continued from Page 6A quarter with the teams combining for marked their fifth straight victory, but 42 points. Westlake (15-7, 10-2) rallied justbeating their rival was the most im was definitely one of the best games behind 12 points from Peyton Freier portant factor after the game. we've played because we communicat muth to pull within five, but then Gal "It feels amazing and awesome to ed a lot on both sides of the flooL We braith and Boswell took over and Lake winthis game," Boswell said. "I'm really entered with the mindset to wln.n Travis milked away a lot of the fourth happy for this team.ff Lake Travis (14-6, 8-2 District 26-6A) quarter. The Cavs kept their defense up Freiermuth finished with 12 points led from start to finish, using a full inthefourth, holrung the Chaps to a sin and LaQuayla Chambers-Wells added court press to either force turnovers or gle free throw andended up closing out eight points to lead Westlake, which get the Chaps out of sync offensively, the game on a 22-2 run. won't have to wait long for another shot then varied its half-court defense be "It's never over when you play them," at the Cavs as thetwo meet again Friday tween man-to-man and djfferent Bussinger said. "They made a big run in at Westlake. zones. the third, and I think we showed some "We know they'll come out motivat "We've been working onthe pressfor maturity we haven't shown the rest of ed," Bussinger said. ''When Westlake some time," Boswell said. "We made the year. We just hada great effort over and Lake Travis get together, it's always some adjustments for thls game and it all.n going to be competitive and, at times, turned out pretty welLn Ferrell finished with seven points for emotional. It's going to be a situation Ahead 10-5 after the first quarter, the Lake Travis, which also had to over where we might have to weather some Cavs built a double-rugit lead behind 3- come an injury to starting guard Lexi runs, and we'll have tocontinue to show pointers from Peyton Ferrell and Claire Clements in the second quarter. maturity." Lake Travis girls make claim for 2nd in 26-SA Colby Gordon
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Team ofthe Week: Lake Travis The Cavs (14-6, 8-2 District 26-6A) went 3-0 on the week and clinched a playoff spot with wins over Del Valle 77- 42, Bowie 68-34 and Westlake 60-35. Mia Galbraith (see below) played well the entire week, with Raeven Boswell averaging 18.3 points in the three wins and Kate Gordon tallying18 points in the win over Bowie. Honorable mention: Austin High The Maroons (16-1, ll-0) pushed their winning streak to 15 games and stayed perfect in district play with a 4-0 week. Austin High defeated San Marcos 59- 56, Del Valle 60-52, Hays 66-43 and Bowie59-41 Jade Clack scored 15 points, Shanel Reid tallied 13 points and Aubrey Reid had12 points to lead the way against the Rattlers. Against the Rebels, Shanel Reid recorded a double-double of 17 points and10 rebounds, Sadie Swift and Aubrey Reid both had 12 points and Clack finished with ll points. Clack poured in 22 points and pulled down 10 rebounds for a double-double in the win over the Cardinals, with Aubrey Reid adding 13 points and eight rebounds, Kemah Shaw scoring nine points and Mia Galbraith, a sophomore guard for Lake Travis, had the top performance in the district's biggest game of the week with Senaida Barrientos chipping in eight 25 points in the Cavs' win over Westlake. She hit two 3-pointers, sank nine of 10 free throws and scored seven points in points. Swift's 17 points and Aubrey Lake Travis' key 10-0 run late in the third quarter. PAUL KNIGHT FOR STATESMAN Reid's16 points paced Austin High in the win over Bowie. Player ofthe Week: Mia Galbraith. points, seven assists, six rebounds and THE WEEK IN PREVIEW Lake Travis seem to be battlingitout for Lake Travis four steals in limited minutes. second. San Marcos would need the Galbraith, a sophomore guard, had The rest ofthe district Games of the Week: Westlake at Cavs to lose all three games to have a the top performance in the district's big Westlake (15-7, 10-2) topped Hays, Austin High (Tuesday); Lake Travis at chance at being anything other than the gest game ofthe week with 25 points in 42-38, as Gianna Angiolet scored 12 Westlake (Friday); Lake Travis at San fourth seed. the Cavs' win over Westlake. She hit two points, LaQuayla Chambers-Wells add Marcos(Saturday) Other games 3-pointers, sank nine ofl0 free throws ed10 points, and Janie Hudson chipped The district's four playoff teams are Tuesday: Akins at Lake Travis; West and scored seven points in Lake Travis' in nine points .... San Marcos (ll-5, 6-5) known - Austin High, Lake Travis, San lake at Austin High; Bowie at San Mar key 10-0 run late in the third quarter. downed Del Valle, 76-46, behind Angeli Marcos and Westlake - but the final cos; Del Valle at Hays Against Del Valle, Galbraith finished na Sotelo's 21 points and six steals and week will determine the seeding. The Friday: Bowie at Hays; Lake Travis at with ll points, eight rebounds and five Vivian Hernandez's 14 points. Maroons can take the district title with a Westlake; Austin High at Del Valle; San assists while playing less than a half, win.Tuesday against Westlake or Friday Marcos at Akins and in a win over Bowie, shetallied eight against Del Valle, while Westlake and Saturday: Lake Travis at San Marcos Trustees: Keep 'innovation' status
Sarah Asch public schools to opt out around the district's fi Austin American-Statesman of certain requirements nances, accountability The Lake Travis school USA TODAY NETWORK that are otherwise man ratings and student per dated by the state, ac board also voted on an formance. The district The Lake Travis school cording to the district's updated compensation aJso wants to ensure that board voted to start the legal counsel, Amber plan for administrators, the funding continues at renewaJ process for the King. In Lake Travis, this which defined the pay the level set out by House district's designation as a included moving up the scale for the new chief BiJI 3 in the last legislative "district of innovation." start of school in August of police position. session, since that fund The designation was to begin summer break ing metric benefits the originally approved in before Memorial Day, the new plan in tandem district. December 2016 after the which King said better fits with the legislative ses Amber King, the district's general counsel, spoke in The board also voted program was created in the community's needs. sion. to the board about the process of renewing the Lake on an updated compen the Legislature the year The current innova The board also ap Travis' 'district of innovation' designation. The board sation plan for adminis before. tion plan expires in De pointed an innovation voted to start that renewal process. SARAH ASCH trators, which defined the The designation, cember but King said she plan committee com pay scale for the new which districts are eligi wants to start the renew prised of the members of chief of police position. ble for if they have an ac aJ process now so the dis the existing Academic Jessica Putonti and Lau islative priorities that This role will be on the countability rating ofC or trict can be sure not to Committee on Education, ren White. were presented at last same salary scale as sev higher and develop an in run out of time to com among severaJ others, in The board also voted month's meeting. Many eral director positions ln novation plan, allows plete it, and can construct cluding board members to pass the district's leg- of those goals center the district, such as direc- tor of fine arts or of spe cial services, and has an annual salary range of $85,097 to $122,713. The board also voted tocall theupcoming trus tee election on May 1 in which Places 1 and 2 will be on the ballot. The board also saw several presentations, in cluding a preliminary budget overview for next school year. Assistant Su perintendent for Busi ness and Operations Pam Sanchez explained that the eight-month budget process usually starts in January and there are quite a few factors that could still change what the final budget looks like. "'We are going into this preliminary projection with the assumption that we are going to use cur rent school funding law, which is HB3, assuming no changes and no in creases to the basic allot ment or funding to public education," she said. The current projection also assumes that the district continues to gain back students who did not emoll at the start of the school year, a process that has already started to happen, Sanchez said. Student enrollment is the biggest unknown factor that could sway the bud get, she said. The district is also waiting for property val ues in the areatobe reap praised by thecountyand is expecting to see an in crease in property tax revenue in response. Sanchez said she expects the amount the state col lects from the district in recapture payments to increase slightly next year. The preliminary budget does not include salary increases for staff. Sanchez expects toreturn to the board with more specific updates monthly as more Information is available about property value and legislative ac tion. The board was also presented with an updat ed policy regarding secu rity personnel that was rewritten to allow for the establishment and oper ation ofan internal police department. This policy is different from the po lice department's proce dure manual, which is also being developed and will be presented to the board in the coming months. Near the end of the meeting, the board went into executive session to heara grievance filed by a staff member on Nov. 30. The grievance was heard in the form of a written submission and after re turning to regular session theboard voted touphold the administration's de cision in the case and de ny the grievance. No fur ther information is avail able to the public about the nature of the com- LAKE TRAVIS SCHOOLS
Round Rock school district Police Chief Jeffrey Yarbrough poses outside Round Rock High School. The district opted to form its own police department rather than maintain contracts with local law enforcement. SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AMERICAN-STATESMAN District the latest to form police unit Joins others in region despite call for less cops Sarah Asch Austin American Statesman USA TODAY NETWORK
The Lake Travis school district board oftrustees voted inDecemberto start the process of forming a district police department, making it one of several Central Texas districts to take that step despite recent pressure from activists calling for fewer police on campuses. Proponents of internal school po lice departments say they are less ex pensive than contracts with local law enforcement agencies and provide better outcomes for students. Howev er, those who favor removing police from schools say that internal depart ments make that goal all the more challenging to accomplish. Lake Travis Superintendent Paul Norton said the district plans to hire five school resource officers and a po lice chief, up from the three officers that the Travis County sheriff's office provides the district. "The biggest benefit in having the police department is the officers will be employees of the district," he said. "It allows us to determine the training the officers receive and it also allows us to have consistent employees inour police department.:" To startthe department, the district must apply for approval from the
See POLICE, Page 2B seen arrest numbers go down since the or might not want police in schools. 2017-18 school year, each officer cost the Police school policedepartmentwasaccredited However, he said that becauseTexas law district about $]1,241 a month. This in May. requires officers to respond to certain of school year, that number was $14,696. Continued from PageJ.!!_ The departmenthas only had one ar fenses oncampus, such as drug posses Sexton said that as more districts rest this year compared to126 arrests by sion, it is better to have internal officers form their own departments, the more Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, sheriff's deputies during the 2018-19 responding who have been trained to expensive it becomes for the remaining which requires all new agencies to go school, although some of those repre work with studentswithdifferent identi school systems to contract with the through the same accreditation process. sent multiple charges for the same inci ties more effectively. county. This year, the county removed13 That includes an application and onsite dent, Sexton said. He also pointed out Norton said that the concerns of ac school resource officers positions, along inspection, according to Gretchen Grigs that the pandemic means schools have tivists pushing to remove police from with two related sergeant positions, by, the commission's director ofgovern not been operating normally this year, schools were discussed when the board when Del Valle and Manor started inter ment relations. A number of other local which affects activity, including arrests. approved the department. He said the nal departments, according to Alex Bra districts have gone through this process For those intent on removing police district plans tocontinuemonitoring the den, a seniorbudgetanalyst atthe coun in the past year, including Round Rock, from schools, lower arrest numbers are demographics of students who have ty. Staff who used to work at schools Manor and Del Valle. not good enough. Andrew Hairston, the contact with police and ensure the de were reassigned to fill otheropenings, he In Round Rock, where the district de school-to-prison pipeline project direc partment has equitable practices. said. Braden said the county is not al partmentreceived accreditation in June, toratTexas Appleseed, said thatinternal The View requested data about the lowedto make money onthesecontracts Police Chief Jeffrey Yarbrough said his departments makeitmuch more difficult demographics of students involved in with school districts or to subsidize force operates under a unique model to untangle schools from policing. police action in Lake Travis schools in school-based law enforcement. withthe goal of keeping students out of "It further legitimizes school policing the past and was told that information The Eanes, Leander and Lake Travis the criminal justice system. The depart because they're school employees," he was not available. school districts still have contracts with menthas18 officersand10 social workers said. "It makes itdifficult in this moment Norton also pointed outthattheinter the sheriff's office, which were renegoti across 55 campuses. Yarbrough said his ofdeep reckoning to push for the aboli nal police departments will cost taxpay ated for the beginning ofthis year. department has had zero arrests this tion ofthese structures." ersless than district contracts with local The Lake Travis school district hopes school year, addingthat he feels it is im Lower arrest rates and better youth law enforcement. This was also true in tohavethe newdepartmentup andrun portant for school police officers to have focused training doesnotchangethefact other districts, although many districts ning for next schoolyear andhas started training on working with young people. that students ofcolor are often still dis inthe areaincreased security budgets in the accreditation application, Norton "Tactics thatareused on the streetsto proportionately the targets ofpolice ac the wake of high profile shootings like said. If all goes to plan, the district will address adultswereatonetimethesame tion, Hairston said. the one in Parkland, Fla., in 2018. withdraw from its contract with Travis tools they brought into schools," hesaid. "Even if there isn't physical contact The Del Valle school district started County for school resource officer ser "You can't police sixth grade the same between an officer and a young person, operating its police department last vices effective next year. way you police Sixth street." just them being in the building speaks spring and projects it will spend Sexton said one benefit ofstarting a In Round Rock, the school district de volumes,"hesaid. "Coming offof2020,if $299,280 less annually compared to the school police department in Central Tex partment also provides consistency, folks are really serious about reckoning cost of a contract with the county. The as is the other districts that are available whichwaslacking before in a school sys withthehistoryofsystemicracisminthe district also spent about $319,100 on to offer advice. tem that spans two counties and previ United States ... for the first time in mod start up costs. "There are so manyfolks thatarewill ously had contracts with three different em history, don't feed into the notion The amount that the Travis County ing to be a resource," he said. "Ifyou are law enforcement agencies, Yarbrough that young people need to be policed." sheriff's office charges districts for one looking to start a department, don't be said. The Manor district chief of police, Yarbrough said that as a Black man, school resource officer per month has afraid to reach out and utilize the re Shane Sexton, said the district also has heunderstandswhycommunitiesofcol- been steadily rising each year. For the sources that are available to you." PUBLIC NOTICE: Lake Travis ISO will be accepting sealed bids for Screen Print ing and Embroidery
Bid # 21-022 RFP - SCREEN PRINTING AND EMBROIDERY - 10/31/2024, 2:00pm Documents may be obtained by log ging in to the District's electronk pur ch~in9 website: ltisdschools.ionwave.net 2/4, 2/8/21 ------0000622042-01 Student group focuses on mental health advocacy
Sarah Asch peers, and they have decided to do dents the tools they need to talk about All four girls were drawn to do this Austin American-Statesman something about it. mental health, and empower people to work because of their own experiences USA TODAY NETWORK Yvette El-Hage, Sophie Cotto, Mada address their own mental health needs. with mental health. Coito and Wright lyn Wright and MacKenzie Cude have The initiative's name comes in part both talked about moving to Lake Travis A group of seniors at Lake Travis launched the Breathe Initiative, a club from the idea that it is important to take from other school districts and how that High School are not OK with stress and that promotes mental health awareness a step back and take a breath when you anxiety being the norm among their and advocacy. Their goal is to give stu- are struggling. See ADVOCACY, Page 2A use those extracurriculars as outlets," able talking to adults about this." said that is all the more reason to have Advocacy she said. "But also in my classes, I know The girls are also hoping to host a the conversation. kids who aren't a part of those things kickoff event to get the word out, and "I know that being from Texas, and Continued from Page 1A and they have a hard time." have been considering trying to plan a the (Lake Travis) community itself, the She hopes the Breathe Initiative will drive-in movie to bring people together mental health stigma is real and it's very motivated them to bring better mental help level the playing field so everyone to talk about mental health while stay difficult to combat certain mindsets," health support to the high school and has the support they need. ing socially distanced. she said. "Even though there's people the community. Cude said she faced The initiative is inits early stages and "Some ofthe other things we want to who will step up, there's so many more particular struggles last year. the girls recently presented their idea to do were things I saw at my old school, people who will try to tum a blind eye." "My junior year was very, very hard the school board. They plan to launch a like therapy dogs for midterms week To fight the stigma, the girls are ask on me. I was in four (Advance Place student survey to assess mental health and a peer rnentorship support system ingthe wider community to get involved ment classes) and varsity sports and needs and help generate program ideas for om freshmen and new students," with their events and efforts to draw this andthat, and basically I was feeling with the help ofLacey Branker, a district Coito said. '~ust trying to implement lit more attention to the issue. like people were like 'yeah, you feel that social worker. tle things that are going to encourage ''The whole idea is to make this a way but it's normal,"' she said. "It Branker said she serves as an advisor community at our school." community-based thing where we start shouldn't be normal." to the students intheir peer-led efforts. Wright said another big goal is to in the school and bring it to everyone," El-Hage has seen how some students "Studies have shown that adoles recruit more students to join the effort Coito said. have better coping mechanisms for cent-to-adolescent education and sup and keep it going after the four founders Added El-Hage, "We really just want stress and anxiety than others. port works," she said. "Because there graduate this spring. to learn and grow together because "Being part of extracurriculars, I've are stigmas related to mental health, The girls know theywill come against that's how we can create a healthier really gotten to see bow different kids young people don't always feel comfort- stigma around mental health, but Cude community, mentally especially." Romance in a pandemic
Lake Travis residents Hilary and Franco Coniglione, pictured with their son, opened Bluebonnet Picnic Co. in January. BLUEBONNET PICNIC CO. Picnic company adds The Sweetwater/Bee Cave residents tions include charcuterie boards for ro run a luxury, pop-up picnic establish mance packages, as well as brunch fare spark to Valentine's Day ment, Bluebonnet Picnic Co., and have and sandwiches for tea parties. Pack partnered with Spicewood Vineyards to ages are priced from $175, with most Leslee Bassman bottle up romantic packages for couples three-hour sessions costing $300 for Special to Austin American-Statesman this month. two or four participants to $650 for USA TODAY NETWORK The premise is for guests to choose a eight participants. venue and picnic offering, with Blue "Think about ifyou were togo to Mo Got Valentine's Day plans during a bonnet setting up the event ahead ofar rocco, sitting on the ground with a pandemic? If not, Hilary and Franco Co rival time, and including food, games, bunch of layers of rugs," Hilary Coni- niglione are hoping their unique Lake place settings, tables and seating. Travis business can help. Cleanup is left to the staffand food op- See PICNIC, Page 3A "Itis an outdoor experience so ifyou Picnic do want to get together with your girl friends butyoudon't wanttohave lunch Continued from Page 1A inside somewhere, you can feel a bitsaf er;' Conig)ione said. "We have been glione said of the picnic vibe that overwhelmed with people who are very stemmed from a trip to Morocco she terrified of coronavirus, and under took about a year ago. standably so, who are booking with us.n Open less than a month, the new Picnics canbe setup in a home back business already has booked events for yard if residents don't feel comfortable February - including a setup at a local leaving the house for a break from the ranch - and is slated to provide a "CO monotonous routine over the past 11 VID-friendly" giant teacher apprecia months, she said. tionpicnic for 77Rough HollowRlemen The company doesn'thave a liquor li tary School staff members in May. cense yet, but Coniglione said it has "You get to have all ofthe fun and do partneredwithSpicewood Vineyards as none of the work,n said Hilary Coni "a preferred venue," enabling wine to be g)ione, whose background is in market included at onsite picnics. The Coni ing. gliones were married atthe venueabout Although the picnic business con three-and-a-halfyears ago, she said. cept is popular in California, Arizona "For the most part, a lot ofpeople are and Nashville, Tenn., she said, it's per Lake Travis-based Bluebonnet Picnic Co. offers picnic setups - including seeing this as an exciting opportunity fect for the western Travis County mar seating, place settings, food and games - for clients in a venue or site of their during the pandemic," Hilary Coni ket of Lakeway, Bee Cave, Spicewood, choosing. BLUEBONNET PICNIC co. glione said. West Lake Hills and Rollingwood. For more information, see "We live in such a beautiful place and bluebonnetpicnic.com. weliveina place where people love tobe a romantic picnic, for a fun girls day, for project." outdoors," Coniglione said. "To me, the a couple's hangout. That, for us, is why As a contactless event, the company Hill Country is the perfect backdrop for we choseto staycloseto home withthis was primed for a pandemic start. _ notice to bid
Bid I 21-012 Custodial Se Mike Craven 2. Who .,.Texas' commitments/ 10 . Hayden Conner, OT, Katy Taylor, 3 Austin Atnerkan-Statesman signed players for 2021? stars, signed USA TODAY NET'WOAK IL Byron Murphy n, OT, DeSoto, 3 stars, Name, Pos., H1gh School, Rating, Sta• signed tus 12. Juan Davis, ATH, Everman, 3 stars, L Ja"l'avion Sanders, ATH, Denton Ryan, signed Our sixth annual 20 for 20 recruiting 5 stars, signed 13. GunnarHelm,TE, ChenyCreek(En proje<.1 tackles 20 questions heading 2. JD Coffey, S, Kennedale, 4 stars, glewood, Colo.), 3 stars, sign<.-d into national signingdayon Wednesday. signed 14. Barryn Sorrell, OE, Holy Cross (New Who's going to win the state? a. JamietJohnson, CB, JohnMuir(Pasa Orleans, La.), 3 &tals, signed Who arethe top prospects left on the dena, Cali[), 4 stars, signed 15. Charles Wright, QB, Austin High, 3 board? 4. Derrick Hams Jr., OE, New Caney, 4 stars, signed stars, signed 16. Casey cam, WR, warren Easton 1. Wilt Texas sign a top-10 dass? 5. Jocdon n1omas, OE, Pl>rt Arthltr Me (New Orleans, La.), 3 stars, signed morial, 4 stars, signed rr. Max Merril, OT, Strake Jesuit, 3 No. Texas hasslgnedatop-lO dassthe 6. Terrence Cooks, OLB, Alvin Shadow stars, signed lastthreeyears, buttheLonghorns won't Creek, 4 stars, signed 18. lsatie Pearson, P, ProKlck Australia, overcome n disappointing season ond 7. Morice Blackwell, OLB, ArlingtonMar 3 stars, s igned the coaching change. Texas signed 18 tin, 4 stars, signed 19. Ishmael lbmhecm, CB, Dallas Kim players in December, theclassranks!Ith 8.JadenAlexls, WR, Monarch (Pompano ball, 4 stars, committed In the country. Beach, Fla.), 4 stars, signed 20. Kelthron Lee, WR, Bryan Rodder, 3 Ifthe LOnghoms close strongonsign 9. Jonathon Brooks, RB, Hallettsville, 4 ing day, theycould sneak into the top 15. stars, signed See TEXAS, P119e 3C and six Interceptions. He was a first only four-starprospecttosignearly who 15. Who are the Austin Texas team all- shine is now. Cole is eagerto get started because she has no clue what she will be Upon Further Review this fall at the next level but opportuni doing after she graduates. The clock is Rick Cantu ties for high school seniors are dissolv ticking. Austin American-Statesman ing during the age ofCOVID-19. Getting recognition became difficult - - --- USA TODAY NETWORK From coast to coast, the pandemic for athletes such as Cole because college has created seasons of uncertainty. coaches have not been permitted to Whilethe NCAA has allowed its athletes watch high school competition since From the time she played in a YMCA to have an extra year ofeligibility, young last spring. These athletes have not league as a third grader, Avery Cole men and women who aspire to take been permitted to visit college campus looked forward to the day she would their places have largely gone unno es. Unless an athlete has been labeled a Cedar Park middle blocker Avery Cole wear a college volleyball uniform. ticed. four- or five -star talent, there is a good is among many high school athletes For the middle blocker from Cedar Cole represents high school students chance they might never play in college. who are hoping to obtain scholarships Park High, that time has come. Accord who anxiously wait for the phone to during a time of fewer opportunities. ing to her life schedule, her moment to ring. Her future remains unclear See CANTU, Page 2C PAUL KNIGHT FOR STATESMAN Hendrickson coach Chip KIiiian said football players who might be good enough to play in college are not getting attention because they are not allowed visits and scouts can't watch. JOHN GUTIERREZ FOR STATESMAN diamond in the rough from high school. Cantu Former Baylor and Lake Travis High quarterback Charlie Brewer serves as an example how the current Continued from Page 1C climate helps college football players but denies a po tential college recruit an opportunity. "Life isn't easy," Cole said. "There's a lot oftruthto Although Brewer played four seasons at Baylor that old saying. As athletes we have had to learn how without a redshirt year, hecan play in2021by utilizing to check and adjust. In a time that is so uncertain, the NCMs eligibility relief, which allowed players to perhaps a scholarship may not come in 2021 but participate last season without it counting against could present itself in 2022." their eligibility because of circumstances stemming The issue touches every sport. From football and from the pandemic. volleyball to baseball and track and field, manyhigh He entered the transfer portal and recently accept school athletes are in a holding pattern. ed an offer from utah. In the meantime, high school seniors will have to "This will only get worse because coaches have staypatient. Hendrickson football coach Chip Killian shorter leashes to win, and theywilllook for quick fix and Hutto coach Brad LaPlante said the problem for es inthe portal," said Austin High coach Mike Rosen the class of2021 began during the spring of2020. thal, a Notre Dame All-America offensive tackle who During a normal year, an average of50-75 college spent eight seasons inthe NFL. "A lot ofthese kids are football coaches andscouts would visit Hendrickson committing to places they have never visited and to during spring football practice, Killian said. In 2020, coaches they have never shaken hands with." coaches and scouts were not permitted to see spring For many college athletic programs, the issue is practiceorattendgames inthefall. No onegot a close money, Rosenthal said. Football teams from Power look at marginal college talent. Five conferences can still offer scholarships to a full At Hutto, inquiries into the Hippo football team class of incoming freshmen. Smaller athletic depart are down about 75%, LaPlante said. ments might not be able to "fund or absorb" the extra Georgetown coach Chuck Griffin said he spends a year of eligibility and keep their own players rather significant amount oftime each year discussing his than sign a high school recruit. players with college football teams. This year has "It's a tough year being a high school senior," Burnet been different. football coach Jerod Rye said. "It is definitely a strange recruiting year," Griffin Cedar Park's Cole is keeping her goal ofplaying col said. "I talked with an assistant coach from the lege volleyball alive by continuing to train. She tells (Southeastern Conference) lastweek, and he said he herselfthat her day will come. didn't even know what to do with himself. He went "I haven't given up hope to play in college," Cole hunting for thefirst time in15 years because hehas so said. "I know that we are all in the same boat and we much time on his hands." are all going through this together. If I keep working Several Central Texas coaches said college teams hard, sending highlight reels and continue to commu are paying more attention to the NCAA transfer por nicatewithcollege recruiters, I know intime Iwill have tal to find established players rather than finding a my dream come true." Westlake running back Zane Minors rushed for nearly 1,700 yards and 23 touchdowns this past season. One of those scores came on a 75-yard run In the championship game win over Southlake Carroll. MATT STRASEN FOR STATESMAN Westlake duo out to JDake JDark at Texas Taaffe, Minors join walk-ons Sarkisian sees as 'big priority' Danny Davis serve as a homecoming for Taaffe. Now Austin American-Statesman it will just be a home game. USA TODAY NETWORK Last weekend, Taaffe announced that he would not sign with Rice and in Michael Taaffe can keep Sept.18 cir stead would head to Texas as a preferred cled on his calendar. walk-on. He11 be walking on with the That's the day the Texas Longhorns Longhorns alongside Westlake team are scheduled to host Rice at Royal mate Zane Minors, a running back who Memorial St adium, a nonconference backed away from a previous pledge to clash that's surely of interest to the Yale. Westlake senior, a talented defensive Westlake seniors Michael Taaffe, left, "Obviously, I'm going to have to work back who committed to the Owls in and Zane Minors will both walk on at to earn my spot and to earn that November. Texas after decommitting from other That game, however, will no longer schools. PAUL BRICK FOR STATESMAN See TEXAS, Page 4C Ohio State - in the Class 6A Division I throw behind the recruitment of walk their recmitment. (Both players also Texas finale. ons. Texas' new coach described the had contact with their new position Meanwhile, Minors (5 feet 10, 180 walk-on program as "a big priority." coaches, Gideon and Stan Drayton.) Continued from Page~ pounds) totaled ).696 yards and 23 Fullback Jonathan Arnosa, offensive As a walk-on, Taaffe is well aware touchdowns this past season. One of lineman Gregory Christine and tightend that he is no longer the "big dog in the scholruship," Minors said this week. those scores came on a 75-yard run in Daniel Kanczugowski were former school." He hopes toone day regain that "But I'm as happyas Icanbe. I'm a Texas the championship game. walk-ons who started during Sarki status. Make nomistake; Taaffe and Mi Longhorn. I'm a UT football player. "(I'm) just a guy that's going to out sian's tenure at Washington. He was an nors believe they can eventually com That's my dream come true." work anyone andisgoing tobe inthe fa assistant at USC when he saw Trojans pete for playing time. On Wednesday, Texas celebrated the cilities 24/7," Taaffe said. "I might notbe linebacker Clay Matthews III transform IfTaaffe needs a sourceofinspiration, national signing day additions ofthree the fastest or the strongest, but a guy from an underrecruited walk-on into a he might just need to look at a nearby players from Bryan, Dallas and that's goingtolearnthedefensive mind first-round draft pick. campus. Eight years ago, Lake Travis sen Mansfield. Keithron Lee, Ishmael Ibra set and everything that (UT special So finding a diamond inthe rough is a ior Baker Mayfield walked on at Texas heemand David Abiara aren't the Long teams) coach (Blake) Gideon tells me to perk ofa good walk-on program. Sarki Tech and instantly became the starting horns' only newcomers, though. do." sian also noted that better walk-ons quarterback. After a falling out with the Some prospects have decided they'll "Wherever Coach needs me to play, mean a better scout team, which leads coaching staff, he left Lubbock and be~ join theLonghorns but payfor theirown whether thatbe special teams or some to better reps for everyone in practice. came a walk-on for the second time. education. Flower Mound'sBert Auburn thing else, I'm all for it;' Minors said. "When that mutual respect occurs At Oklahoma, Mayfield went on to be is arriving as a walk-on kicker. Quarter "I'm there for the team. I'm going to be a (between starters and walk-ons), that's come a three-timeconference champion. back Cole Lou.rd, a three-star recmit team player." when you've really got a great locker He won the Heisman Trophy in 2017. In from California, will walk on as well. Former Texas coach Tom Herman of room. That's when you've got a great 2018, the Cleveland Browns selected him Then there's Taaffe and Minors, who ten expressed pride in the health of his team," Sarkisian said. "The quality of with the first pick ofthe NFL draft. won state championships in each ofthe walk-on program. This past season, Kai the walk-on player enhances that." Lake Travis, ofcourse, is Westlake's past two seasons atWestlake. Moneybecame a regular in UT's receiv Under Herman, thewalk-on program bitter rival. There is also no love lost be Taaffe is a two-time recipient ofthe er rotation. Linebacker Cort Jaquess was shepherded by John MichaelJones, tween Texas and Oklahoma. But game statetitle game's defensive MVP awrud. started in the 2019 Alamo Bowl. Justin an assistant director of player person recognizes game. He went viral last month for a one Mader has been the Longhorns' deep nel, and BobShipley, the directorof high "I think what he did, I can't say that I handedinterceptionofa pass thrown by snapper since he arrived on campus in school relations. Sarkisian said Shipley don't look up to him," Taaffe said of Southlake Carroll wunderkind Quinn 2018. will probablyshiftinto a different role at Mayfield. "He capitalized (on his oppor Ewers - thenation's No. 1 recruit for the On Wednesday, Steve Sarkisian was Texas soon. Taaffe and Minors, though, tunities). That's exactly what I want to 2022 class, who's already committedto asked how much weight he likes to both said Jones was the key figure in do."