Sports

By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon varsity baseball team aced out the Shamrock Irish last week in a district game that ended with a gigantic 12-2 win for the maroon and white. The first three innings of play set the tempo for the game and gave the Broncos the early edge they needed to slam the Irish.

The first inning was huge for the Broncos as Dusty Rice posted a solo homerun while Caleb Cobb and Rowdy Speed each slammed an RBI double. Rice had a total of four RBIs on three hits for the Broncos.

Defensively, Chance McAnear was on the mound for the Broncos and did a stellar job as he struck out nine batters while only allowing one run on four hits and three walks in his six innings.

The Broncos’ third inning sealed the win as the added another four runs. Cobb scored early in the inning and Rice doubled and scored Brandon Miller, McAnear, and Diego Santos. Later, Trevor Cobb pounded a triple that scored Dillon Nickell.

On Saturday, the Broncos fell short to Follett and lost 2-5 with Rice on the mound in a game that could have clinched a playoff spot and possible tie for first, according to Elam.

“The bats didn’t show up,” Elam said. “I was extremely disappointed in the effort and results. Our hitting is better than what we showed on Saturday and am still waiting for consistency from many.

“I was very pleased in the pitching of Dusty Rice,” Elam said. “He threw strikes and kept us in the game.”

The Broncos (11-6, 6-3) have finished their regular season and hope to advance to post-season play.

Hedley athletes competed in district tennis matches last week, and five students are advancing.

Competing in district tennis for the Owls in boys singles were Brandon Evans, placing 3rd and Wyatt Wheatly placing 4th. Girls’ singles competitors were Kristen Liner and Marike Tiddens, who got first place and will be going to the regional meet this week.

The boys’ doubles duo of Bryan Evans and Nicco Bennett got second in district, earning their spot at regionals. Kyle Lindsey and Diego Souza, also a boys’ doubles team got fourth in district.

Clay King and Kassie O’Dell played mixed doubles along with the sibling mixed doubles duo of Austin and Kati Adams, who placed second as well. Kortney Burton and Charlie Neeley made up a girls doubles team along with Becca Butler and Bailey Wood.

Competing in the district meet were schools from Ft. Elliott, Darrouzett, Follett, Groom, Hedley, Higgins, Kress, Lefors, McLean, Miami, Silverton, and Valley.

By Sandy Anderberg

The Lady Broncos finished third in the Area Track Meet at Panhandle last week with 92 points behind Panhandle who took the top spot. The Broncos finished in seventh with 31.5 total team points. The top four in each event earned the right to advance to the Regional meet that will be held in Levelland on Friday, April 26.

Senior runner Audrey Shelton not only blew away the field by a minute in the 3200-meter run, she broke her own record with a fast time of 12:13.49.

Shelton won the 1600-meter run in a time of 5:44.78. Sprinter Sarah Luttrell won the 100-meter dash in a time of 13.21, and Corey Barker won the boys’ 100-meter dash at 11.20. Jentry Shadle topped the field in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 16.92, and Amanda Powell advanced with a first-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles at 49.03. Charles Mason jumped to a 20’5 ¾” win over the field in the long jump to advance. Luttrell will also advance in the long jump with her second-place finish at 16’4″ and finished fourth in the 200-meter with a time of 28.06 to move on.

Also advancing will be the Lady Broncos’ 800-meter relay. Glory Bryley, Amelia Weatherton, Deborah Howard, and Luttrell finished fourth in that relay at 1:55.17. Powell will advance in the 100-meter hurdles after taking third place with a time of 17.36 and Rowdy Speed will move on after finishing fourth in the discs with a throw of 119’10″. Trajen Johnson will advance in the high jump in fourth with a leap of 5’8″, and Diego Santos’ third-place finish at 10’ in the pole vault will allow him to compete in the Regional meet. McKayla Cartwright finished third in the shot put with a toss of 34’5 ¾” to advance, and Abby Johnson advanced in the 400-meter dash in third with a time of 1:03.94.

Also competing, but not moving on: Cartwright Discus 5th 92’1″; Powell high jump 6th 4’4″; Johnson 200-meter dash 7th 28. 60; Weatherton 100-meter dash 6th 13.79; Bryley 100-meter 14.02; Adam Topper shot put 6th 41’9 ¾”; Cedric McCampbell triple jump 8th 36’4″.

By Sandy Anderberg

The Bronco baseball team stayed the course against a good Claude team at home Saturday and defeated them 5-4. Earlier in the week, the Broncos clobbered West Texas High 14-4.

The Broncos made a huge statement in the opening inning of the WT game and scored nine runs in three innings to take a commanding lead. Trevor Cobb hit a two-run double and an RBI double by Rowdy Speed catapulted the Broncos to the lead and defensive plays by Cole Ward stopped a Comanche attempt to score in the inning. Speed would rack up two more RBIs from two hits later in the game.

Pitcher Dusty Rice (3 1/3 innings) got the win for the Broncos striking out eight and walking five. He only gave up four hits. Chance McAnear was also on the mound for the Broncos and was hitless just under two innings. He allowed no runs or walks and struck out one batter.

The Broncos sealed their win in the bottom of the fourth scoring five more runs as Adam Topper ripped a single that scored Cobb.

“We hit the ball better today and defense was able to make plays,” coach Brad Elam said.

The Broncos used early momentum to gain a head start on Claude on Saturday, but let them back in the game at the end of the third. But Clarendon did not quit and was not going to be denied a win as they continued to stay focused.

They were able to gain one run in the fourth and put up two more in the sixth to take a one-run lead after the Mustangs scored one run in the fifth.

“What a great game,” Elam said. “We avenged a 2-21 whipping the last time we played them. (It) was a very satisfying win and Adam (Topper) pitched a tremendous game. We can always count on Adam to keep us in a game and give us a chance to win.”

Elam went on to say that Topper pitched seven good innings and only had to throw 80 pitches. Elam was pleased with the Broncos’ defensive effort in the win.

“We made plays on defense, including our fifth double play, almost turned a sixth,” Elam said. “Pitching and defense was the key and we preformed well.”

Elam was just as pleased with the Broncos’ hitting.

“We are improving every game,” Elam said. “The last time we played them, we didn’t hit very well, but this time, we were able to put runs on the board.”

Dusty Rice had two stolen bases and scored twice and Dillon Nickell had tow big hits including a double and he singled in the go ahead run in the sixth. Charles Mason, pinch runner, scored a run in the sixth on a passed ball. Cobb reached base twice and scored two runs. Cole Ward came up with a big two RBI single in the first inning and also played good defense when he made a game-saving catch in the fence in left field.

“I am very pleased with the effort and the win,” Elam said.

The wins put the Broncos at 10-5 on the year and 5-2 in District. As of press time, the Broncos and Mustangs were tied for the top spot in the District race.

The Broncos be on the road to Follett on Friday, April 19, at 4:00 p.m. and play their last regular season game at home on Monday, April 22, against Booker.

Lady Broncos softball results were not available at press time.

By Sandy Anderberg

The Lady Broncos made a big statement in their quest for post-season play Friday at Booker, defeating them 7-4 and earning a key district win. Head coach Gary Jack was pleased with the win especially after a heartbreaking loss to Follett earlier in the week.

“Jency Burton did a great job pitching and hitting for us,” Jack said. “Taylor Gaines had the big hit of the game with an inside the park home run. It was a tough game with tough wind conditions at 30 mph.”

Also doing a good job at the plate was Maci White, Skyler White, Audrey Shelton, and Haley Ferguson. Shelton was also behind the plate catching for Burton.

Earlier in the week, the Lady Broncos fell to Follett 0-13. Follett was able to get the early advantage on the ladies in the first inning of play. After holding them to no runs in the next two, the ladies allowed their opponent to open the game up in the fourth.

“We never got anything going and their pitcher was just too good that day,” Jack said.

The Lady Broncos are currently 9-3 on the year and 5-2 in District play. They will take on Claude at home on Saturday, April 13, at 2:00 p.m.

By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos had things rolling in their match up with a state-ranked team, but were unable to get their bats going at a crucial time in their 5-6 loss to Booker last week.

“(We) missed a golden opportunity to beat the #8 ranked team in the state and move into a tie for first place,” coach Brad Elam said. “We had the lead until the third inning and needed a couple of crucial hits to retake the lead but were unable to get them.”

According to Elam, the Broncos scored all five of their runs in the first four innings and failed to get anybody across the plate in the last three. Despite the loss, the Broncos played hard and several players ended the game with decent stats.

Dusty Rice reached base all three times including an RBI double and scored one run. Dillon Nickell reached base twice with one RBI and two scored runs. Ryan Isbell had an RBI, and Diego Santos and Chance McAnear each scored runs.

“We are just not getting the big hits when we need them, and we are making too many errors,” Elam said. “We made six costly errors that resulted in most of their runs. (But) Adam Topper pitched another excellent game.”

The Broncos defeated Follett 5-4 earlier in the week with Rice getting the win.

The Broncos will take on Claude at home on Saturday, April 13, at noon and travel to Shamrock on Tuesday, April 16, at 4:00 p.m.

By Sandy Anderberg

Audrey Shelton, Sarah Luttrell, Jentry Shadle, and Amanda Powell all claimed a first place finish in their respective events in the District track meet held in Panhandle last week.

The Lady Bronco team finished second behind Panhandle with 137 total points. Shelton claimed gold twice in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs with a time of 12:37.17 in the 3200 and a time of 5:45.12 in the 1600.

Luttrell topped the field in the 100-meter dash with a finals time of 13.34, and Shadle took the top honor in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 16.90. Powell bested everyone in the 300-meter hurdles to claim first at 48.45. The Lady Bronco 800-meter relay ran second to Panhandle with a time of 1:55.05.

Members of the relay are Glory Bryley, Amelia Weatherton, Luttrell, and Deborah Howard. The top four finishers in each event earned the right to advance to the Area Meet to be held Friday, April 12, in Panhandle.

Individual results: shot put: McKayla Cartwright 2nd 34’3 ¾”, Karlee Adams 9th 23’11 ¼”; discus: Cartwright 2nd 93’3”, Adams 10th 53’; high jump: Powell 2nd 4’6”; long jump: Luttrell 16’9 ½”; triple jump: Howard 5th 30’6”; 800-meter dash: Samantha Sanderson 7th; 300-hurdles: Shadle 6th 56.48; 100-meter hurdles: Powell 2nd 17.45, Emberli Holland 7th 20.41; 100-meter dash: Weatherton 3rd 13.72, Bryley 4th 13.81; 400-meter dash: Abby Johnson 3rd 1:07.52, Sanderson 6th 1:10.00; 200-meter dash: Luttrell 3rd 26.99, Johnson 4th 28.95, Bryley 6th 28.46; JV: Maria Urfels 3200 14:12.01 and 1600 22.99.

By Sandy Anderberg

Sprinter Corey Barker topped the field of 100-meter runners in the District track meet held last week in Panhandle.

Barker had a time of 11.43 to take the number one spot. The Broncos finished with 50 points and placed fifth as a team in the meet. The top four finishers in each event earned the right to advance to the Area Meet to be held Friday, April 12, in Panhandle. The sprint relay finished fifth with a time of 46.74 and was run by Jonah Sell, Barker, McCampbell, and Mason.

Individual results: shot put: Adam Topper 4th 40’6 ¼”, Austen McNelly 6th 38’4″; discus: Rowdy Speed 3rd 120’5″, Topper 5th 111’6″, McNelly 6th 109’01″; long jump: Charles Mason 4th 20’8″, Brandon Miller 10th 16’7 ¼”; triple jump: Cedrick McCampbell 4th 38’1 ½”; high jump: Trajen Johnson 3rd 5’8″; pole vault: Diego Santos 3rd 10’; 800-meter dash: Santos 5th 2:18.24, Zach Cornell 8th 2:22.17, Caleb Cobb 11th 2:28.98; 100-meter dash: Miller 10th 12.19; 400-meter dash: Sell 7th 59.72, Santos 9th 1:02.20; 200-meter dash: McCampbell 8th 24.76. JV: Austin Lowery 5th 1600-meter run.

Hedley High School and Junior High athletes competed in track and field events in Silverton last week.

For the high school Clay King took 4th place in 110 hurdles, and Salem Shelp was 3rd place in shot put. The junior high girls took second place overall with 113 points. Individual results were as follows:

Girls Sprint Relay- 2nd place – Kenlee Lambert, Shaelyn Owitti, Briley Chadwick, and Cheyenne Smith.

800 M Run- Kylie Wood- 1st place; 100 Hurdles- Makinzie Hinton- 3rd place; 100 M Dash- Kallie Lindsey, Cheyenne Smith, and Crystal Ramirez; 800 Relay- Kylie Wood, Kallie Lindsey, Briley Chadwick, and Shaelyn Owitti; 400 M Dash-3rd place- Kenlee Lambert; 200 M Dash-Kallie Lindsey, Crystal Ramirez; 200 M Hurdles-4th place- Makinzie Hinton; 1600 M Relay- Kenlee Lambert, Shaelyn Owitti, and Kylie Wood.

Discus-Madison Shelp-5th place, Kallie Lindsey-3rd place; Shot Put- Madison Shelp- 2nd place, Kallie Lindsey-1st place, Crystal Ramirez; Long Jump- Shaelyn Owitti, Briley Chadwick-5th place; High Jump-Kylie Wood-1st place, Shaelyn Owitti- 4th place; and Triple Jump- Kenlee Lambert- 6th place.

In the boys’ division, results were: 100 M Dash-Frankie Ramirez, Casey McCleskey; 200 M Dash- Frankie Ramirez-3rd place; Discus-Caylor Monroe- 6th place; Shot Put- Caylor Monroe; and Long Jump-Frankie Ramirez- 6th place.

By Sandy Anderberg

The Lady Bronco softball team racked up two big wins last week and senior slugger Audrey Shelton was a huge part of their 25-5 win over Claude.

According to head coach Gary Jack, Shelton busted the game open when she homered in the second with bases loaded.

“We hit the ball extremely well and run-ruled them in four innings,” Jack said.

Jency Burton hit a solo homerun in the third inning, and Maci White, Jentry Shadle, Skyler White, Taylor Gaines, Audra Thomas, Savannah Topper, and Haley Ferguson all hit the ball well with multiple hits.”

Offense was not the only thing the Lady Broncos had going for them in the dominating win. The Lady Broncos’ defense was spot-on as well.

“Our defense was good and Jency pitched well with Audrey catching,” Jack said.

On Friday, the Lady Broncos posted a shutout win over McLean leaving them in the dirt at 19-0. The entire game only took 50 minutes according to Jack.

“We played a pretty good game with everyone contributing,” Jack said. “This ended the first half of District play with us going 4-1 and 8-2 overall.”

The ladies will be on the road to Booker on Friday, April 5, at 4:00 p.m and be at home on Monday, April 8, taking on West Texas High also at 4:00 p.m.