This is the third annual baseball/softball edition of Varsity Preview, and all three issues have one thing in common: We are talking about Stamford playing in the Class 2A state softball tournament. The Lady Bulldogs won a state title in 2021 and lost a one-run heartbreaker in the semifinals in 2022 behind pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez, who is now starting for the Texas Lady ... Read More
2023 Basketball First Look
Trying to figure out who will be the Big Country’s best basketball teams by the time the playoffs roll around in February and March is a little like predicting the weather in West Texas: You think you have a pretty good idea but there are always going to be some surprises. While fans don’t really start paying close attention to the basketball races until ... Read More
Breckenridge Boys Basketball
The Breckenridge boys basketball team was 11-22 overall and 3-9 in District 7-3A a year ago. But the Buckaroos return seven lettermen and four starters from last season’s squad. And they are now in a newly configured District 8-3A. “We will have a lot of seniors and will be part of another tough district in 8-3A,” said third-year Breckenridge coach Brent Lucas. ... Read More
Hamlin Girls Basketball
New Hamlin girl basketball coach T.J. Fly said the Lady Pipers will be “older and very athletic” this season, relying on their speed and quickness to overcome a lack of height. Hamlin returns eight lettermen and three starters from last year’s team that finished 1-11 in powerful District 10-2A. Samantha Gonzalez, a 5’6” senior guard, provides that ... Read More
Coleman Boys Basketball
The Coleman boys basketball team went three rounds deep in the playoffs a year ago, finishing 18-14 overall and earning District 8-2A’s top spot in the postseason. Coleman coach Cameron Lowman believes his Bluecats will be a contender for the district title again this season. “We will be bigger, better defensively and more experienced,” said Lowman. “Our team ... Read More