Sports

The Van Lady Vandals bounced back from a tough loss against Lindale to get back on the winning track as they dominated Mabank on ‘Military Appreciation Night’ at home, 63-48, Jan. 30.

The Van Vandals and the Canton Eagles were well represented on the District 8-4A, Division 2, All-District Football Team recently announced. Van Senior Jose Suarez was selected as the ‘Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year’ as he shared the honor with Carthage junior Kash Courtney.

davidb@vanzandtnews.com High school administrators, athletic directors, and coaches in Van Zandt County and across the state of Texas will be anxiously awaiting word on what district realignment will look like for the next two school years as the Texas University Interscholastic League is scheduled to release information at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1. District realignment is announced every two years by the UIL.

The Van Vandal boys’ soccer team turned in an impressive performance Jan. 23 as they shut out Mineola, 3-0. Guadalupe Sanchez scored a brace. Both of Guadalupe’s goals were assisted by Brayan Colorado. Isaiah Colorado scored the third goal of the night with an assist from Diego Mendoza.

Against the defending Class 4A state champion Brownsboro Bearettes Jan. 19, the Van Lady Vandals stayed within striking distance but in the end, could not overtake Brownsboro on its home court as the Bearettes dealt the Lady Vandals a tough 38-34 defeat.

In a contest that was postponed 24 hours due to bad weather, the Van Lady Vandals had few issues with visiting Cumberland Academy as Van dominated, 79-19, Jan. 17.

Van Lady Vandal basketball senior Landry Jones was recently named as the ‘Ford Tough Female Athlete of the Month’ for December in Class 4A for the state of Texas. Jones is picking up right where she left off last season when she was selected as the ‘Most Valuable Player’ on the District 16-4A All-District team.

The Van Lady Vandals improved their season record to 13-6 and their district mark to 4-1 with impressive road victories at Athens Jan. 9 and Mabank Jan.

The Canton Eaglettes dominated the Cumberland Academy Lady Knights in Tyler, 56-10, Jan. 5 behind Allison Rickman’s 18 points.

The Wills Point Tigers continued their winning ways as they resumed district play Jan. 2 with a 5646 victory at home over the Community Braves.