February 2022

The field of local playoff competitors was cut in half last week as both Canton and Martins Mill earned bi-district round wins, while Edgewood and Grand Saline suffered narrow setbacks. CANTON EAGLES The Canton Eagles made their way to Rains High School on Monday night, clashing with the Sunnyvale Raiders in the bi-district round for the third time in four seasons.

The possibility of at least one Van Zandt County basketball program reaching the State Tournament in San Antonio was kept alive and well last week with both Edgewood and Martins Mill rolling on with two playoff victories each.

The field of playoff competitors is nearly set for Van Zandt County boys basketball programs with bi-district round action slated to begin around the state Feb. 21-22.

Left, Van standout Maci Jones capped her senior year by being named to the Texas Sports Writers Association All- State Third Team at the middle blocker position for her play during the 2021 season. Coach Ashton Carpenter stated, “Maci is very deserving of this recognition. She has been a key component in our program and has been so fun to watch perform on the court.” Right, despite splitting her time playing both the outside hitter and setter positions for the Van Lady Vandals in 2021, Bella Thompson was recognized as an Honorable Mention All-State performer as an outside hitter by Texas Sports Writers Association. Coach Ashton Carpenter noted, “I am so proud of her and appreciative of what she has done for Vandal volleyball.” Photos by David Kapitan

The Wills Point Tigers kept themselves in the thick of this year’s playoff race last week, winning games against rivals Canton and Van to force a playin tournament Feb. 17-18.

Lifters representing Canton, Fruitvale and Van made their way to Bullard last week, continuing their 2022 season at the annual Bullard Invitational Powerlifting Meet. Lindale posted the top finish in the varsity girls division with 48 points while Whitehouse placed second with 35 points, Gladewater Sabine third with 30 points, Canton fourth with 29 points, Chapel Hill fifth with 25 points, Rusk sixth with 23 points, Fruitvale seventh with seven points, Van eighth with five points, Arp ninth with two points and Pollok Central 10 th with zero points.

Van Zandt County was well represented this week with four local programs, the Canton Eaglettes, Edgewood Lady Dogs, Martins Mill Lady Mustangs and Van Lady Vandals, all beginning their respective playoff runs.

The Wills Point High School athletic department rolled out the red carpet last week, welcoming powerlifters from across the area for the annual Wills Point Tiger and Lady Tiger Invitational Meets. Wills Point finished second overall at the Tiger Invitational Meet with 30 points, behind Quinlan Ford in first with 46 points and ahead of 11 other schools in attendance.

The Van Zandt Arts & Cultural District Foundation presents the fourth annual Tribute to Townes Van Zandt from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, March 6 at The Forge Bar & Grill in historic downtown Ben Wheeler. The late Townes Van Zandt is often referred to as the most influential Texas songwriter of the 20th century.

Bonnie Jean Modlin, 84, of Edgewood, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, in Tyler.