The frankston citizen archives

Congratulations, Indians, Area champs

Region III Quarterfinalists

—  Courtesy Photo

Area Champ Indians fall 54-35

to Martins Mill in Quarterfinals

The Frankston Indians basketball team, Area Champions, fell to the Martins Mill Mustangs 54-35 in the Region III Quarterfinals Tuesday, Feb. 28 in Athens to finish with an impressive 20-14 season, advancing from third seed in District 19-2A to the third round of the playoffs, Indians Coach Scotty Albritton reported.

The Indians gave the Mustangs a challenge at times during the playoff game, tying their opponents 11-11 in the second quarter and posting a 14-13 edge in the fourth. However, a 15-5 Martins Mill first and 13-5 third period gave them enough to secure their victory.

Alex Tyner’s 20 points, Jak Kinder’s 18 points and Nate Reiser’s 12 points proved key to the Mustangs’ victory. They combined for 9 three-point goals to go with 7 of 9 free throws to help their effort.

The Indians’ defense held the remainder of the Mustang roster to only 4 points.

Leading scorer for the Indians was senior Caleb Ramsey with 13 points, on two three-pointers, three inside and a free throw. Sophomore Jake Westbrook had 10 points with two three pointers, one inside and a 2 of 2 trip to the free throw line. Senior Kody Loebig hit two three-pointers for 6 points. Freshman A.J. Donnell was 2 of 2 at the line and sank a basket up close for 4 points. Senior Benton Allen had a two-point goal in the fourth quarter for 2 points.

It was the final high school basketball game for seniors Austin Carr, Allen, Kason Newport, Loebig, Ramsey and Ke’Aundre Barnes.

Indians secure convincing 57-30

win over Crawford in Area play

The Frankston Indians basketball team came on the court and took an early lead over the Crawford Pirates and went on to win the Class 2A Area game 57-30 on Friday, Feb. 24 at the neutral site at Corsicana High School, according to a report by Indians Coach Scotty Albritton.

The 19-2A third seed Indians will advance to the Class 2A Region III Quarterfinals for the second straight year and will meet 19-2A second seed Martins Mill at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 in Athens.

The Indians led the Pirates 14-6 at the end of the first quarter, but the Pirates came back to score a 16-12 second quarter to cut the Tribe lead to 26-22 at halftime.

A smothering defense contributed to holding the Pirates scoreless in the third quarter while the Indians were scoring 13 points to swell their lead to 39-22 going into the final quarter. The Indians dominated the Pirates 18-8 in that fourth quarter to secure their convincing 27-point victory.

Senior point guard Caleb Ramsey led Indians scorers with 24 points on a three-point goal and six baskets closer in and was 9 of 11 from the free throw line. Sophomore Jake Westbrook scored 11 points on three 3-pointers and 2 of 4 free throws. Benton Allen sank three baskets inside and was 2 of 2 at the line for 8 points. Kody Loebig had 7 points on two three-point baskets and a free throw. Freshman A.J. Donnell hit a basket up close and added a free throw for 3 points and Kason Newport was 2 of 2 at the free throw line for 2 points. Ke’Aundre Barnes also sank a two-pointer.

The Indians big second half 31-8 margin was key to the win, along with a defense which held the Pirates to single digits in three of the four quarters.  

Indians post overtime victory

47-42 in Class 2A bi-district

The Frankston Indians outscored the Centerville Tigers 8-3 in overtime Tuesday night, Feb. 21 to come away with a Class 2A Bi-District victory 47-42 on the neutral court at Fairfield High School, according to a report by Indians Coach Scotty Albritton.

The Indians will now go into the Area playoffs against District 17-2A first seed Crawford Friday, Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Corsicana High School, Coach Albritton said.

It was a hard-fought game all the way, as the Centerville team won the first quarter 11-8 but the Indians came back to take the second period 13-5 to lead 21-16 at halftime. The Tigers came back in the third quarter to outscore the Tribe 12-9 and narrow the Indians lead to 30-28 going into the fourth quarter.

Centerville took an 11-9 edge in the final regular period to knot the score at 39-39 and force an overtime. It was in that overtime that inside goals by Benton Allen, Kason Newport and Caleb Ramsey and free throws by Newport and Ramsey gave the Tribe their 8-3 overtime advantage and ultimate 5-point victory.

Six Indians scored during the contest, compared to five for the Tigers. Two Centerville players accounted for 29 of the Tigers’ points while the Indians’ scoring was fairly balanced.

Leading scorer for the Indians was senior guard Caleb Ramsey with 13 points on four inside baskets, a three-point goal and a 2 of 2 trip to the free throw line. Senior   Benton Allen got 9 points on three scores close in and a 3 of 6 free throw performance. Kason Newport scored 8 on a three-pointer, two inside baskets and a free throw. Sophomore Jake Westbrook had 7 points, including a three-point goal, a bucket inside and 2 of 2 at the line. Freshman A.J. Donnell and senior Kody Loebig each scored 5, Donnell on two inside and a free throw and Loebig on a three-pointer and a two-point basket.

The scoring by Allen, Newport and Ramsey in the overtime were key to the win.

Congratulations, Maidens, 2A Area Champs

Region III Quarterfinalist

— FISD Courtesy Photo

Lady Flyers down Maidens

in Region III Quarterfinals 

The 2022-23 Frankston Maidens basketball team saw a successful Class 2A playoff run end on Tuesday, Feb. 21 as the formidable LaPoynor Lady Flyers defeated the Maidens 58-39 in the Region III Quarterfinals at Athens High School, according to reports from coaches, Maidens Coach Christi Coker and Lady Flyers Coach Jammie Maze.

Up until the Quarterfinals game, the two teams, neighbors on U.S. 175, had each defeated one another in district competition and had chosen a coin toss instead of a playoff for second seed when they ended tied in second place in the 19-2A standings.

“We had a great playoff run,” Coach Coker said, “but LaPoynor is tough to beat twice.”

Lady Flyers Coach Maze termed the quarterfinals game as a “very tough game against a very well coached team”. He said Frankston is very difficult to play against.

The Lady Flyers used the shooting of Kitty Eldridge and Markayla Hurd and three-pointers by Bre Howard, Payton Maze and Tmia Mitchell and the Maidens got goals from Mya Mitchell and Ja’Shalyn (Shay) Hatton in a first quarter when LaPoynor held a 19-12 lead. Things were closer in the second period as the Lady Flyers held a 13-10 margin to lead at halftime 33-22. The two teams tied in the third period 10-10 to give LaPoynor a 43-32 lead. The Lady Flyers secured their win with a 15-7 fourth quarter.

Mya Mitchell led Maidens scorers with 11 points on five inside baskets and a free throw and Shay Hatton had 10 points on five baskets near the goal. Kaylee Davis had 5 points on a three-point basket and one inside. Kaysie Nabors and Desirae Hatton each had 4 points, Nabors with an inside goal and two free throws and Desirae Hatton with a three-pointer and a free throw. Wila Davis had a three point basket and Bandy Bizzell a two-pointer.

According to available statistics, Mitchell led the Maidens in rebounds with 17 followed by 12 for Shay Hatton. Desirae Hatton had 6. Mitchell and Nabors each had blocks and Wila Davis had 5 assists.

Tmia Mitchell led Lady Flyers scorers with a season high 18 points with six baskets inside, a three-pointer and 3 of 6 at the free throw line. Eldridge was second with 17, hitting 6 of 9 from close range, a three-point basket and two free throws. Hurd had 10 points on four inside goals and a 2 of 2 trip to the line. Howard had 7 points, thanks to two 3-pointers and a free throw. Maze had 4 points on a three-point basket and a free throw. Kendall Garcia had a single 2-point goal.

Eldridge had 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals. Howard had 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. Maze had 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a block and 2 steals. Mitchell had 3 rebounds, a block and 4 steals. Hurd had 3 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals.

Coach Maze had words of praise for his team.

“Our girls gave a great effort tonight,” he said. “They competed for every point.”

He said the Lady Flyers were led by Mitchell’s season high 18 points.

Maidens win Area Playoff contest

32-28, eye Region Quarterfinals

The 19-2A third-seeded Frankston Maidens basketball team outscored the first seeded Crawford Lady Pirates of District 17-2A by 8–4 in overtime to take a 32-28 Class 2A Area Championship on Friday, Feb. 17 at the neutral Fairfield High School Gymnasium, according to Maidens Coach Christi Coker.

The win allows the Maidens to advance to the Regional Quarterfinals for a rematch with the 19-2A second-seeded LaPoynor Lady Flyers on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Athens High School.

The Lady Flyers and the Maidens will be meeting for the third time in the 2022-2023 season. The two teams had met in district play with the Lady Flyers winning the first game early and the Maidens winning the second 46-44 in a thriller. The two teams ended the district schedule tied at 7-3, but, in lieu of a playoff, a coin toss gave the second seed to the LaPoynor girls.

In reaching the Area game, the Maidens had won over  Groveton 43-33 in bi-district play and the Lady Flyers defeated Jewett Leon 42-26 in the round one game.

The Lady Flyers advanced on Friday to the Regional Quarterfinals with a 54-34 win over Bremond. That game story will be in a separate article.

For the Maidens against their Area opponent, Crawford, each team held the other  to single digits in every quarter. The Maidens led 9-4 in the first quarter and 7-5 in the second to lead 16-9 at halftime. Thr Lady Pirates attempted a comeback in the third quarter, outscoring the Maidens 9-4 to narrow the Frankston lead to 20-18. 

In the fourth quarter, the Lady Pirates outscored the Maidens 6–4 to send the game into overtime tied 24-24.

In overtime, the Maidens held Crawford to an inside basket and a couple of free throws while the Frankston girls got 2-point baskets each, by Kaylee Davis, Mya Mitchell and Wila Davis and a free throw each by Ja’Shalyn (Shay) Hatton and Wila Davis. That 8-4 Maidens performance in the overtime gave the Maidens their 4-point win.

Kaylee Davis led Maidens scorers with 10 points on five inside goals, including one in overtime. Shay Hatton had 6 points on two inside baskets and a couple of free throws. Wila Davis had 4 points, three in overtime. Mya Mitchell had 4 points on a couple of inside buckets. Mariyah Hatton and Desirae Hatton each had 3 points on three-point baskets. Bandy Bizzell got 2 points on an inside goal.

Maidens defeat Groveton 43-33

in Class 2A Bi-district contest

The Frankston Maidens basketball team captured a 2A Bi-District championship Tuesday, Feb. 14 by defeating Groveton 43-33 at Elkhart in the first round of the playoffs and now moves into the second round Area game against Crawford, according to a report by Maidens Coach Christi Coker.

The Maidens are now 13-11 overall.

The Crawford game has been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17 at the Fairfield High School Gym. The Maidens will be the home team. Crawford goes into the game with a 14-8 overall record. They had finished 11-1 for second place in District 17-2A.

The Maidens went into the first round as third seed from District 19-2A even though they had ended in a tie with LaPoynor at 7-3 for second place in the district. Because each team had defeated the other in their two district meetings, the teams chose a coin toss rather than a playoff for the second seed. LaPoynor won the toss and was awarded second seed.

LaPoynor will play Bremond in their Area game at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17 at Corsicana.

In the Maidens-Groveton game, the score was close in three quarters, but the Maidens moved out for the 10-point win in the final period. In the first quarter, the Maidens led 13-12 but Groveton came back with a 9-7 second period to lead 21-20 at the half. Groveton padded their lead in the third quarter with an 11-9 advantage to lead 32-29. However, the Maidens held the Groveton team to only a free throw in that final period while scoring 14 points. Those points came on 6 points by Wila Davis, a three-pointer by Desirae Hatton, two free throws each by Mariyah Hatton and Ja’Shalyn (Shay) Hatton and a free throw by Mya Mitchell.

Leading scorer for the Maidens was Wila Davis with 13, including two 3-pointers, two inside and three free throws. Mitchell had 11 points, 10 in the first half and Shay Hatton had 10 points, 8 in the first three quarters. Kaylee Davis had 4 points, thanks to a 2 of 2 trip to the free throw line and an inside goal. Desirae Hatton had 3 on that key three-pointer. Mariyah Hatton had two free throws in the fourth quarter.

19-2A selects All-District players,

coach for boys basketball honors

The Class 2A State Runnerup LaPoynor Flyers received top selections on the 2022-2023 District 19–2A All District Boys Teams announced the week of March 13 following the state playoffs.

Frankston and Martins Mill also figured largely in the selections.

Named Most Valuable Players were Cooper Gracey (24) and Dijuan Whitehead (32), LaPoynor seniors.

Offensive Player of the Year selected was Sophomore Jak Kinder (11). Defensive Player of the Year named was Senior Alex Tyner (0). Both are of Martins Mill, Region III Finalist.

Co-Newcomers of the Year chosen were Gunner Douglas (3), Cayuga freshman, and Mann Scott (2), LaPoynor sophomore.

Named Sixth Man of the Year was A.J. Donnell (4), Frankston freshman.

LaPoynor Coach Jim Reid was honored as Coach of the Year.

LaPoynor and Frankston each had three players named to the First Team and Martins Mill had two.

Named to the First Team from Quarterfinalist Frankston were Senior Benton Allen (3), Senior Caleb Ramsey (12) and Sophomore Jake Westbrook (22).

LaPoynor First Team selections were Senior Evan Almeida (23), Senior Matt Driskell (11), and Sophomore Cort Reid (12).

Martins Mill’s two players on the First Team were Freshman Travis Baber (23) and Senior Nate Reiser (5).

Cayuga also placed two players on the First Team: Senior Chase Hearrell (4 and Junior Whit Jenkins (2). Sophomore Musiq Gunnell (4) of Kerens was also chosen for the First Team.

Frankston had two players and LaPoynor one on the Second Team. Selections from Frankston were Seniors Kody Loebig (11) and Kason Newport (10). LaPoynor selection was Junior Daniel Scott (30). Martins Mill selection was Senior Isaac Jenkins (41). Cross Roads had three selections: Sophomore Riley Brown (5), Senior Bub Latham (10) and Junior Graham Story (3). Cayuga’s two selections were Senior Bo Barrett (23) and Sophomore Dominic Johnson (1). Kerens placed Senior James Easley (23).

Selected for Honorable Mention were Senior Ke’Aundre Barnes and Sophomore Tyler Rogers of Frankston and LaPoynor’s was Junior Jackson Young (3). Cayuga had three: Marcus Thompson, Ben Winkel and Steven Wingfield.

Academic All-District Selections included nine from LaPoynor and seven from Frankston. Cayuga had six.

Frankston selections were seniors Kason Newport, Austin Carr, Benton Allen and Caleb Ramsey; sophomores Tyler Rogers and Jake Westbrook, and freshman Davis Holladay.

LaPoynor selections were seniors Evan Almeida, Matt Driskell and Cooper Gracey; sophomore Cort Reid; juniors Casey Ruiz and Daniel Scott; sophomore Mann Scott; junior Jackson Young; and senior Dijuan Whitehead.

    

District 19-2A players listed

in State, Region III Honors

LaPoynor’s Cooper Gracey and Dijuan Whitehead were named to the Texas Assn. of Basketball Coaches All-State Tournament list after playing for the State runnerup Flyers in the State Class 2A Finals on Saturday, March 11 at San Antonio.

Statewide All-State 2A selections are yet to be announced.

The two Flyers players were also named to the TABC Region III All-Region team along with Evan Almeida.

Frankston’s Caleb Ramsey, point guard for the Region III Quarterfinalist Indians, was also selected on the All-Region team.

Two other District 19-2A players also made the coveted All-Region team. They are Martins Mill standouts Jak Kinder and Alex Tyner.                                   Ramsey goes to the hoop.

— Courtesy Photo

Frankston, LaPoynor girls excel

for 19-2A All-District selections

The Frankston Maidens and LaPoynor Lady Flyers received numerous selections for District 19-2A All District Girls Honors in 2022-2023 and Tmia Mitchell of LaPoynor was selected as Defensive Co-Player of the Year among Superlatives, according to a list announced Monday, March 6.

Sophomore Mattie Dollar was selected as Most Valuable Player for the State Semifinalist Martins Mill Lady Mustangs. Her teammate, junior Kate Lindsey, was named Offensive Player of the Year and another teammate, Libby Rogers shared honors with the Regional Finalists Lady Flyers’ Mitchell for Defensive Player of the Year.

Regional quarterfinalist Frankston’s sophomore Wila Davis and senior Ja’Shaylyn (Shay) Hatton and LaPoynor juniors Payton Maze and Kittie Eldridge were named to the First Team. Two Martins Mill seniors, Mattie Burns and Zoey Venrick also received First Team honors. Joining them were Cayuga senior Claire Drinkard and Cross Roads sophomore Brook Locke.

Named to the Second Team were Frankston juniors Bandy Bizzell and Mya Mitchell while LaPoynor sophomore Bre Howard and senior Markayla Hurd made that list. Martins Mill freshman Alli Vaughan joined Kerens junior Tiana Hall, Cayuga senior McKenzie Legard and Cross Roads sophomore Alanah Logan on the Second Team.

Six Frankston players were selected for Honorable mention. They are Lynsie Bizzell, Mariyah Hatton, Kaylee Davis, Kaysie Nabors, Desirae Hatton and Kaysiah Burnett. LaPoynor selection was Adriana Estrada. Cross Roads had four selections, Cayuga three and Kerens two.

Maidens Coach Christie Coker named six players for Academic All-District (90 and above average). They are Lynsie Bizzell, Kaylee Davis, Bandy Bizzell, Ja’Shalyn Hatton, Wila Davis and Kaysie Nabors.

Maidens’ Lynsie Bizzell, who must be a senior, was named to the Texas Assn. of Basketball Coaches Academic All State (92) and Texas Girls Coaches Assn. (94). She also was named for the Tyler Area Basketball Officials Scholarship Award

Ja’Shalyn Hatton was named to the Azalea All Star West Team, set to play at Tyler Junior College on April 1 at 5:30 p.m.

Martins Mill was first seed from 19-2A. LaPoynor and Frankston tied for second place in the district but were second and third seed respectively. Cayuga finished as fourth seed in the playoffs.

19-2A girls on Region III  

TABC basketball team 

Frankston’s Wila Davis, a standout for the Regional Quarterfinalist Maidens, was named to the TABC 2A  Region III All-Region girls team.

Also selected were LaPoynor’s Kitty Eldridge, Bre Howard, and Payton Maze, members of the Region III Class 2A Finalist Lady Flyers. Martins Mill, State runnerup, had five players chosen for the All-Region team. They are Mattie Burns, Mattie Dollar, Kate Lindsey, Libby Rogers and Zoey Venrick. — Courtesy Photo                                                        Wila on the move.

SEASON GAMES

   Flyers outscore Indians 60-55;

   both teams head to Bi-District

The Frankston Indians gave the Class 2A top-ranked LaPoynor Flyers a close basketball game all the way Tuesday night, Feb. 14 but the Flyers pulled ahead in the last quarter to take a 60-55 win on the Flyers home court at the Nichols-Corley Gymnasium on the LaPoynor campus, according to reports from coaches, Scotty Albritton for the Indians and Jim Reid for the Flyers.

The 19-2A third-seeded Indians (17-13, 5-5) now go into 2A Bi-district play against District 20-2A second seed Centerville (18-11, 8-2) on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. at Fairfield High School.

On Tuesday the two teams battled to 14-13 in first quarter with the Indians having the edge going into the second quarter. Free throws helped the Flyers to take a 13-8 advantage in the second period. The Flyers sank 6 of 7 at the line while the Indians had 4 of 7. The Flyers were also more prolific from the field, hitting two inside and a three-point basket compared to two inside baskets for the Tribe. The Flyers led at halftime 26-22. 

The Indians came back strong in the third quarter, outscoring the Flyers 17-12 and going into the fourth quarter with a 39-38 lead. Things were “nip-and-tuck” in the fourth quarter with each team leading or tying the other. Cort Reid’s perfect 6 of 6 trip to the free throw line and Cooper Gracey’s 10-point performance and three inside goals by others from the field gave the Flyers a 22-16 edge. That outpaced the key performance by the Tribe’s Caleb Ramsey who was 5 of 6 at the line and Tribe freshman A.J. Donnell’s three inside goals and a couple of goals inside and a free throw by others.

Ramsey led Indians scorers with 23 points, thanks to 9 free throws and 7 inside baskets. Kody Loebig had 7 points on a three-pointer and two inside goals. Donnell’s three inside baskets and Ke’Aundre Barnes’ three baskets up close gave each 6 points. Sophomore Jake Westbrook sank two inside for 4 points and senior Kason Newport had 4 on a three-pointer and a free throw. Senior Benton Allen had 3 on an inside basket and a free throw. Sophomore Tyler Rogers had a two-pointer.

The Flyers had three players in double figures. Evan Almeida joined the 1,000 Point Club for scoring during his high school career. 

In the Tuesday game, Gracey had 18 points on 2 three-pointers and 4 inside baskets along with 4 of 4 at the free throw line. Dijuan Whitehead scored 14 points on 4 inside and 2 three-point baskets. Cort Reid had an inside goal and 10 of 14 at the line for 12 points. Evan Almeida had three inside and two free throws for 8 points. Matt Driskell had two inside baskets and two free throws for 6 points and Mann Scott had a single two-pointer.

Coach Reid said the Flyers had 31 rebounds, 16 assists, 5 blocks and 4 steals. Driskell had 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Whitehead had 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. Almeida had 5 rebounds, 3 assists, a block and a steal. Gracey had 5 rebounds, an assist, 2 blocks and a steal. Reid had 3 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal. Mann Scott had a rebound and an assist. Jackson Young had a rebound.

 Indians celebrate Senior Night

with big win over Cross Roads 

The Frankston Indians varsity celebrated Senior Night with a convincing 78-33 victory over Cross Roads in their home finale at the Robert Loper Coliseum Friday night, Feb. 10.

They are now 17-12 on the season and in third place in District 19-2A with a 5-4 record.

Frankston seniors were recognized, and in return they accounted for 54 of the Indians’ points. Honored were Austin Carr, Benton Allen, Kason Newport, Kody Loebig, Caleb Ramsey and Ke’Aundre Barnes. (See Picture of Seniors honored HERE )

Senior Caleb Ramsey, who on Tuesday, Feb. 7  had scored his 1,000th point of his high school career, was given a basketball by Indians Coach Scotty Albritton with markings signifying the accomplishment.

Underclassmen did their part in the victory as well, scoring 24 points.

Notable was the Indians performance from 3-point range. They scored what may have been a season high of 15 baskets from outside. Seniors contributed 9 of those three-pointers.

They also sank 15 shots on the inside and scored 3 of 6 points from the free throw line.

Every Indians player who saw action scored, three in double figures.

As usual, the Indians’ defense held their opponents, this time to 33 points, starting with 22-7 in the first quarter and 25-4 in the second to lead 47-11 at halftime.  They had a 19-11 third quarter and a 12-11 fourth quarter to secure their 45-point victory.

Senior Kody Loebig led scorers with 13 points on three 3-pointers and a couple of goals inside. Senior Caleb Ramsey added to his career total with 12 points on two 3’s and three 2’s. Freshman A.J. Donnell had 10 points with two three-pointers and a couple of inside baskets. Senior Ke’Aundre Barnes had four goals under the basket and a free throw for 9 points. Senior Kason Newport had three 3-pointers for 9 points. Senior Benton Allen had 8 points on a couple of inside baskets and a 2 of 2 trip to the line. Sophomore Jake Westbrook sank two from three-point range for 6 points. Sophomore Tyler Rogers had a three-point basket and another inside for 5 points. Senior Austin Carr had a three-point goal as did freshman Davis Holladay.

(See Video Clip of Varsity action HERE )

Earlier in the evening, the Indians Junior Varsity increased their season record to 12-7 with a 44-33 win over their Cross Roads counterparts. They led 20-17 at halftime and had a 24-16 second half to secure the win.

Devin Allen and Peyton Jaco each scored 11 points, Allen with three 3-pointers  and one inside and Jaco with two 3’s plus 3 of 6 free throws and an inside goal. Carson Bizzell had 6 points on three inside baskets. Tristan McCoy, Bo Donnell and Hudson Smith had 5 each, McCoy and Donnell with a three and a two each and Smith with two inside and a free throw. Joseph Allen had a free throw.

Maidens head to 2A Bi-District

after victory over Cayuga 39-27

The Frankston Maidens varsity is going into the Class 2A playoffs as third seed and will play Groveton on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. at Elkhart in a Bi-District game after closing out their season with a 39-27 win over Cayuga, according to Maidens Coach Christi Coker.

The Maidens finished their district and regular season Tuesday, Feb. 7 on the familiar court at the Robert Loper Coliseum before a huge Senior Night crowd.

Honored just prior to the game with the Cayuga varsity girls, two seniors on the team, Ja’Shalyn (Shay) Hatton and Lynsie Bizzell.

The Maidens finished District 19-2A competition with a 7-3 record, tied with the LaPoynor Lady Flyers, but a coin toss replaced a playoff for seeding and the Lady Flyers won the toss and occupy the second seed going into the playoffs.

The Maidens and the Lady Flyers had traded wins during the district schedule and both had lost twice to the first seed Martins Mill which finished 10-0 in district play. Finishing in fourth place and taking fourth seed in the playoffs was the Cayuga Lady Wildcats at 4-6. 

The Cayuga game finale for the Maidens was not easy, but the Frankston girls sank timely baskets and played a tight defense to come away with the victory.

A couple of baskets inside by Ja’Shalyn (Shay) Hatton and Wila Davis, a three-pointer by Kaylee Davis and a couple of free throws gave the Maidens a 9-8 first quarter edge. A couple of three-point goals by Desirae Hatton, an inside basket by Mya Mitchell and a goal up close and a couple of free throws by Wila Davis gave the Frankston girls a 12-9 second quarter advantage and a 21-17 halftime lead.

The two teams matched scoring at 9-9 in the third quarter allowing the Maidens to preserve a four-point edge going into the final quarter. That’s when the Frankston girls held Cayuga to only a free throw while inside baskets by Wila Davis and Desirae Hatton and timely free throws by Kaylee Davis, Kaysiah Burnett and Wila Davis secured the win with 9 points and a 12-point victory.

Wila Davis ended with 15 points on six inside baskets and 3 of 4 free throws. Two 3-point goals in the second quarter and a key inside goal in the fourth gave Desirae Hatton 8 points. Mya Mitchell and Kaylee Davis each had 5 points, Mitchell with a couple of baskets close in and a free throw and Davis with a three-pointer and 2 of 4 at the line. Shay Hatton got 4 with a couple of baskets inside. Lynsie Bizzell and Kaysiah Burnett each had a free throw.

See Varsity Picture HERE

Earlier in the evening, the Maidens Junior Varsity finished their district schedule with a 3-3 record and the season with an 11-6 mark, downing Cayuga 28-11.

The JV girls built up a 25-8 lead going into the fourth quarter and held on to take the win.

Caylin Freeman led scorers with 12 points. Briley Jimenez had 6, Ondreia Renfro 4 and Hailey Pizano and Kennedi Musselman 3 each.

Junior varsity competiton ends with the regular season finale.

Cayuga edges Indians 38-36;

Ramsey scores 1,000th point

The Frankston Indians varsity basketball team fell behind early and Cayuga ended up with a 38-36 victory over the District 19-2A third place Tribe on Tuesday night, Feb. 7 at the Robert Loper Coliseum.

The bright spot for the Indians on the night was the recognition of senior Indians point guard Caleb Ramsey for scoring his 1,000th high school career point during the game. Tribe Coach Scotty Albritton congratulated him on the accomplishment.

“It’s just an awesome accomplishment for him to be able to reach this milestone,” the coach said. “Caleb has come such a long way since his days of starting at point guard as a freshman.”

Coach Albritton said Ramsey had not only grown physically and mentally, but also as a player who “ knows what I want out of him and the team”.

“Caleb is a selfless player…he works to get everyone involved,” the coach said. “He is the captain of our difficult defense by making different slide calls.”

Ramsey led the team in scoring in the second half when the Indians attempted to come back from their early deficit. Nine of his 11 points came in the second half when the Indians fought to only a two-point loss.

Things didn’t go well in the first quarter for the Indians as they could only score two points while Cayuga was scoring 14. The Tribe came back in the second quarter to score 10 while Cayuga only got 7, but they trailed 21-12 at the half.

The Indians were edged 8-10 in the third quarter to trail 31-20 going into the fourth quarter. Despite their 16-7 performance in that final quarter, they came up short in overcoming the early Cayuga scoring.

As noted before, Ramsey led Indians scorers with 11 points on four inside goals and a 3 of 3 trip to the free throw line, all but 2 points in the second half. Kody Loebig scored 8, on four inside baskets, three in that crucial fourth quarter. Benton Allen and Jake Westbrook each had 7 points, Allen on three baskets inside and a free throw and Westbrook on a three-pointer and two near the goal. Ke’Aundre Barnes had a single inside goal and Kason Newport a single free throw.

The Indians ended the night with a 4-4 district standing and 16-12 on the season.

Earlier in the evening, the Indians Junior Varsity fought back late in their game with Cayuga for a 29-21 overtime win. They trailed 2-9 in the first quarter but outscored Cayuga 10-3 in the second to tie things at 12-12 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Wildcats JV pulled ahead 17-14 but the Indians JV outscored Cayuga 7-4 to tie the game at 21-21 at the end of regulation play. The Indians JV shut out Cayuga in the overtime to win by eight points.