Sports

Speed thrills, at least it does in Italy. Now ranked No. 18 in the state, the Gladiators improved their wonlost record to 18-3 on Tuesday with a blowout of Meridian, 101-31.

A great start and a never-say-die finish wasn’t enough for Ennis to defeat Midlothian in a 66-53 home setback on Tuesday. The Lions jumped out to an exhilarating 7-0 lead, though the process included four missed free throws, a bugaboo that would spell doom the rest of the night.

Former Ennis star and Texas A&M University recruit, Kade Bragg, has recovered from an injury to his left arm that led the Aggies to withdraw his scholarship. He has subsequently rehabbed and enrolled at Weatherford College.

Ennis officially opened pre-season camp on Jan. 21 in preparation of the 2022 season. Ranked in the Top Thirty by Texas High School Baseball, Head Coach Kellen Monreal has an impressive core returning from the team that went 21-15-2.

Junior forward Hunter Ruffin (No. 5), exhibited skills on both ends of the floor and his selfishness was on full display. He scored seven points against Midlothian, making all three of his shots, including a triple.

Another thriller, another close shave. Basketball ‘til the buzzer can be exhilarating. Trouble is, finishing games with the same execution as displayed through most of the game has not come easy for an Ennis team that should be much better than their record.

Having never won a district title in football in school history, the odds of the Palmer Independent School District replacing its grass surface with an artificial carpet were unlikely. Afterall, the high school has long been known for its successful baseball and basketball programs as well as some impressive girls athletic teams. Not so on the gridiron.

Ennis Athletic Director Don Drake confirmed the annual Lions football banquet has changed venues. Instead of a meal at the Tabernacle gym, the event will forego a meal and begin directly with an awards ceremony.

HC Desmond Guy had the Olde Gold on a roll last winter, but this season’s hoopsters could top their accomplishments from 2020. Ranked No. 18 in the state, they appear to have both feet on the pedal and no brake in sight.