Sports

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.

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.

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.

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.

Coming off a 7-15 record in 2020, Italy volleyball enjoyed a turnaround season in which the Lady Gladiators posted a 16-9 mark, their first above .500 effort since 2015.

Another productive volleyball season at Avalon saw the Eagles finish second in District 15-2A to state finalist, Blum (36-13), and qualified for the playoffs.

Fourth-year HC Melanie Barnes led a young Palmer varsity through a tough 11-19 season. It did not lack for progress and promise, especially considering the core that will return next season.

Credit patience and time for the success Tony Hernandez has enjoyed at small-town Avalon.

A costly turnover inside the five-yard line cost No. 12 Italy (10-3) a tying touchdown in the closing minutes of a 20-13 third round loss to No. 4 Crawford (13-0) in Alvarado.