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Sports

Lions starve Owls in fourth, 47-35

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Last year was a magic carpet ride for Joshua basketball. An area doormat for decades, the Owls won 4-of-their-last-5 to finish in a three-way for third in District 14-5A. They would play the winner between Ennis and Red Oak in a play-in doubleheader for the two-remaining playoff berths.

Ennis roared, Palmer barked, Italy jousted through foes

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Judging this year’s strength of schedule on last year’s record can be a valid litmus test. While teams change players from year-to-year, coaching systems are more predictable.

Ennis opponents entering this fall had a 44-50 .468 record. Their itinerary turned out to be the easiest 10-games in the Big 5. Facing only four teams who made the playoffs did little to prepare them for the post-season.

Local bucketeers open district play this week

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Big 5 teams in Eastern Ellis County are tipping-off the start of the second half of their varsity basketball season this week with games in their respective districts.

For Palmer, they have 14 district games. Ennis, Ferris, Italy and Avalon have 12. That translates into 6 or 7 home contests. Now is the time, through early February, to catch your local hoopsters in action.

SOC wins state, thumps Liberty Hill, 23-14

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What they lacked in offense, No. 5 ranked South Oak Cliff (15-1) more than made up for with an outstanding defense to earn a 23-14 victory over Liberty Hill (13-3) before 45,000 at AT&T Stadium to earn the Class 5A state championship last weekend.

It was the first crown for a Dallas ISD team in six decades, and the Bears, who have assembled several impressive teams under HC Jason Todd, had an outstanding defense that anchored the Golden Bears high-scoring offense (50.5 ppg). That carnivorous collection of defenders yielded just 13.1 ppg

UIL prepares state for new district alignments

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On February 3, 2022, the University Interscholastic League officials will announce two major news items, the classifications and district alignments that affect all high schools during 2022-2024.

Football, volleyball and basketball teams aren’t necessarily in the same districts that all other sports will be placed. However, the alignments introduced that day will be for the aforementioned sports. Others will be announced in March. More information about UIL alignments can be found at https://www.uiltexas.org/alignment.

THE BIG 5 BASKETBALL

ENNIS

Ferris trio leads All-Big 5 volleyball

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Eastern Ellis County volleyball had plenty of impressive seasons among the Big 5 teams, none more than Class 4A Ferris. Under HC Kyla Menefee, the Yellowjackets enjoyed a 24-10 season, which included a playoff win over North Dallas. That was an increase of 18 wins over the 2020 team.

Credit Menefee’s coaching, the ball distribution of 5’2, senior setter, Zyara Harrison, and a wall at the net. Leading the way was 5’11 outside hitter, Callie Ralston. The senior had a standout season in kills, hitting percentage, and a hot service game.

Ennis hoopsters are at Midlothian on Dec. 21

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Holidays are for shopping, families, football, and for basketball fans, tis the season for hooping. HC Roynal Bridgeforth has the Ennis varsity Lions off to their best start in years. Following a 6-1 beginning, they were 7-5 heading into Friday’s home tilt with the Class 5A West Mesquite (4-7) Wranglers.

The tune-up will serve as preparation for Tuesday’s District 14-5A debut at Midlothian (7-8). The contest tips off at 7:30 p.m. and Coach Bridgeforth welcomes a contingent of maroonclad fans.

The Lions then play 4 or 5 games during a Dec. 27-28 tournament in Mesquite.

Lady Lions rise from cellar to finish 5th

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Ennis had a marked turnaround season this fall, though 9-16 may not turn many heads. A last place finish a year ago was topped by taking fifth among seven teams in District 14-5A. They won two of their last three matches to solidify their place behind Midlothian (37-8), Red Oak (22-21), Joshua (23- 18) and Cleburne (11-22).

Fourth year HC Kelly Henderson had three senior players chosen by district coaches, led by lone First Teamer, Ja’Mya Williams. The 5’9 Middle Hitter/ Blocker was known for her 26” vertical leap, which elevated to her to a number of gigantic kills.

Jackets netters place 5 on All-District team

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Ferris had the most success of all Big 5 volleyball teams, producing 24 wins and a Bi-District victory to boot. Veteran HC Kyla Menefee saw her Yellowjackets perform at a steep grade higher than the 6-11 record they had in 2020.

The feisty Menefee credited the dedication and improvement in the individual performance of players, which led the Black and Orange to winning 18 matches without a single lost set.

In the playoffs they swept North Dallas, 3-0, 25-12, 25-9 and 25-11. However, they ran into a buzz-saw in Celina (42-2) in the Area Round, losing in three sets.