Sports

Italy suffered a disappointing overtime loss, 56-53, to fourth place Groveton on Friday in the Class 2A Bi-District playoffs.

He was pointed and he was sometimes gentle, but he was always honest and fair. As for his humor, it was often barbed yet never mean-spirited.

Early to mid-spring semester, January through March, is when schools often make many football head coaching changes. This year is no exception.

     Eight unanswered points in the second overtime settled a hard-fought, Bi-District boys basketball playoff as Kaufman edged Ennis, 74-69, at North Mesquite High School.

Eight unanswered points in the second overtime settled a hard-fought, Bi-District boys basketball playoff as Kaufman edged Ennis, 74-69, at North Mesquite High School.

Monday night at North Mesquite a pair of Lions will do battle on the hardcourt when Ennis meets Kaufman. Whoever roars loudest and best will advance in the state boys basketball playoffs. The 6:30 p.m. bi-district tipoff will take place across I-635 from Town East Mall (18201 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Mesquite, TX 75150), with the victor advancing to the area round next weekend. Athletic Director Don Drake announced the pairing earlier in the week, and said tickets will be available at the door, $5 for adults, $3 for students. The Lions have a penchant for fast starts, so plan to arrive early. Second year HC Roynal Bridgeforth believes a solid turnout could make the difference and “if you have been waiting to jump on the bandwagon, now is the time.”

New HC Desmond Guy must’ve brought a spatula when he arrived for his first season in Italy. After inheriting a squad that went 7-12 a year ago, they were flipped over by Guy and, like pancakes, stacked up high to go 18-6 in all games and 8-2 to win their first district championship in a decade.