Sports

ERA – With one day of practice in his tank, Jacksboro boys basketball coach Aaron Bass had to be a bit nervous about what to expect from his squad in Tuesday night’s season opener.

While the host Hornets led by one, 25-24, at the half, the first-year mentor had to be pleased with the final two quarters where his Tigers mounted a comeback and posted a 53-37 victory. Bass said his squad played much better defensively in the second half.

BRYSON – Slidell came to town Tuesday night and used a quick start to overcome the Cowboys, which suffered a 69-34 loss to the visitors.

Slidell, fresh off a win in the Perrin Tournament over the weekend took a 17-5 lead after one and extended the lead to 32-12 at the half. The Greyhounds outscored Bryson 16-11 and 21-11 over the final two frames.

Bryson was held to 26 percent shooting and was just 1-12 from three-point land while Slidell hit 46 percent from the floor and outrebounded Bryson 48-30.

After a slow start, Jacksboro’s girls' basketballers continue down the winning path, getting their sixth victory in a row Tuesday night with a convincing 59-37 triumph over Irving Ranchview at JHS Gym.

The Tigerettes are now 8-3 for the season while the Class 4A Lady Wolves drop to 5-10. Jacksboro Coach Todd Matlock said the streak is due to lots of little things.

After a successful 11-2 season, which ended last week in the Class 3A Division II regional semifinals, Jacksboro received accolades of the all-district variety as the All-District 5-3A DII teams were released.

The Tigers didn’t receive any superlatives such as offensive or defensive player of the year but placed a number on both the first team offense and defense.

First Team

On the offensive line were KC Rater and Gabino Ramos. Senior Dalton Harp was a selection at tight end as was Luke Dixon at wingback.

FRISCO – A tough way to end a tremendous season.

Jacksboro and New Diana locked into a battle royale Thursday evening in the Region II-3A regional semifinals. In a game where every point would end up counting, New Diana’s Andy Prazak’s extra point with 12 seconds left would prove the game-winner in a 49-48 Eagle win at the Ford Center.

GORMAN – Bryson and Jonesboro fought for four quarters in their Class A area round matchup Friday night here but the Eagles pulled away in the final two stanzas in a 72-58 win over the Cowboys, who finish at 9-3.

The squads were tied at six after one and 28 at the half before Jonesboro scored 22 points in each of the final two quarters with Bryson scoring 16 and 14, respectively. The Cowboys put up a respectable 436 yards offensively but had no turnovers defensively.

With not even three days of practice in the books, Jacksboro’s eighth grade ‘A’ boys basketball team hit the floor Monday evening vs. visiting Bowie. The visiting Jackrabbits took control in the opening minute, closing the first frame on a 12-0 run and made it stick in a 44-16 win at JHS Gym.

Tanner Burby’s free throw in the early going would be the lone point for the Purple. Bowie played suffocating defense and was able to turn it into easy hoops. Bowie led 14-1 after one.

In its season opener, Jacksboro Middle School’s 7th ‘A’ boys basketball team came out and gave three quarters of solid effort before the lack of practice time showed vs. visiting Bowie Monday evening, allowing the Jackrabbits a tougher than it looked 49-36 win at JHS Gym.

WICHITA FALLS – If Jacksboro could play all teams from the city, they might have an undefeated season.

The Tigerettes went to 2-0 vs. schools here with a 56-42 win over Hirschi Tuesday evening to even their record to 3-3 for the season. Jacksboro had previously beaten WF Rider earlier this month.

Tigerette Coach Todd Matlock said his girls were able to keep things under control vs. a team that wanted to run and gun.

When most of your opponents run the ball, it’s a bit easier knowing what to expect.

When your opponent throws the ball for 351 yards a game it poses a bit of a different challenge.

Jacksboro will have to face the challenge head on tonight as the Tigers face probably the most prolific passing team it has seen in many a year in New Diana in a Class 3A Division II regional semifinal Thursday at 7 at the Star in Frisco. Tiger Coach Brannon Rodgers says having to face a passing team poses a different set of challenges.