March 2023

1937-2023 A service to celebrate the life of James Palmer “Jerry” Thormahlen was scheduled for Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers in Lubbock.

The Van Vandals found themselves in two markedly different games over the past week, clashing with Daingerfield in an offensive slugfest before battling White Oak in a closely contested pitchers duel. The Vandals would earn a hard fought split against their two opponents as they continue preparations for the start of District 16-4A play.

The Wills Point Lady Tiger powerlifting program was well represented at the Class 4A Division II Meet March 17, sending three lifters to compete against the state’s best at the Comerica Center in Frisco.

DAVID KAPITAN sports@vanzandtnews.com The Grand Saline Lady Indians gave their playoff hopes a needed boost this week, downing Lone Oak 5-1 March 21 to notch their second win in District 12-3A play. Neither team could make much headway offensively in the early going, keeping the score at 0-0 heading into the bottom of the third inning.

Harding University announced the hiring of Weston Jameson as its new head men’s basketball coach March 16. Jameson, a former assistant coach for the women’s basketball programs at Abilene Christian University and Arkansas State University, will return to Harding where he previously served as a women’s assistant coach for five seasons. He will be replacing former coach and current athletic director Jeff Morgan, who retired from coaching after 30 seasons earlier this month.

The University Interscholastic League’s Lone Star Cup is awarded annually to six high schools, one in each of the six UIL classifications (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A). The award honors the best overall athletic and academic programs in Texas based on their team performance in district and state championships.

The Canton Eaglettes improved upon their already stellar 15-4 record this week, winning both scheduled contests to improve to 17-4. Canton would open the week with a Wednesday matinee on the road against Henderson.

The Edgewood Lady Dogs hit the road March 17, traveling to Lone Oak to take on the Lady Buffaloes in a matchup of District 12-3A foes. Edgewood would seize control of the contest, plating five runs in the first two innings on their way to an 8-4 win.

Wills Point High School standout student-athlete Cole Roberts was joined by his family, friends and WPISD faculty as he signed his letter of intent with Northeast Texas Community College. Roberts, who also excelled as a member of the Tiger football team, will spend his next two years competing as a student-athlete on the NTCC Rodeo Team.

DAVID KAPITAN sports@vanzandtnews.com The Grand Saline Indians continued to make their way through District 12-3A play last week, traveling to Lone Oak to clash with the Buffaloes March 21. Grand Saline would put together a dominant effort offensively in the game, racing out to an early lead and never looking back in a 15-5 rout.