February 2022

Eagles, Mustangs reach Area round

Body 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.
The Canton Eagles punched their ticket to the Area round with a 53-40 dismissal of Sunnyvale in the bi-district round. Courtesy photo

Edgewood, Martins Mill reach Regional Tournament

Body 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 Edgewood Lady Dogs continued to prove themselves as one of the top programs in all of East Texas reaching the Regional Quarterfinals for a fourth consecutive season. Photo by Dusty Goodwin

Playoff field comes into focus

Body 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.

All-State

Body 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.
All-State

Tigers snap Canton’s district winning streak

Body 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.
Above, Kody Alexander turned back what could have been a potential game-winner by Van on Tuesday night, helping Wills Point secure a 42-39 win in the process. Right, Marc Battle and the Wills Point Tigers finished the regular season with a 3-1 record against their two biggest rivals, Canton and Van. Photos courtesy of WPHS Yearbook staff

Three compete at Bullard Invitational

Body Lifters representing Canton, Fruitvale and Van made their way to Bullard last week, continuing their 2022 season at the annual Bullard Invitational Powerlifting Meet.

Three advance to Area round

Body 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.

Tigers host annual powerlifting meet

Body 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.
The Wills Point powerlifting program hosted schools from all across East Texas last week for the annual Tiger and Lady Tiger Invitationals. Wills Point finished as runners-up in the varsity boys event and third place finishers in the varsity girls event. Photo courtesy of WPHS Yearbook staff

Ben Wheeler to host Van Zandt tribute

Body 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.

Bonnie Modlin

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