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Tourney winners
Team makes history with great season
After recording a stellar season, the Clarendon Bronco basketball team was denied a shot at the State title after a disappointing loss to Tenaha in the semi-final game in Austin last Thursday.
Despite the loss, the Broncos had a great run this season and inspired a new-found spirit in the community. Each of the players on the 2011 Bronco varsity team and the ones who were moved up from the junior varsity squad represented their school, parents, fans, and community in a way that had not been exhibited in a long time. They brought a sense of excitement and pride to their fans that will not soon be forgotten.
The Broncos were ranked number one going into the semi-final game against Tenaha as they had been all year. But too many missed shots plagued the Broncos, and they fell 59-72. Tenaha would eventually finish second to Eula in the finals.
The Broncos were on fire in the opening period and led by seven in the middle of the second quarter. But the Tigers took control of the momentum and got hot from the field as they went on a 14-1 run to gain the lead.
Tenaha is a quick team like the Broncos, and coach Brandt Lockhart noted that they got to a lot of loose balls that the Broncos usually grabbed. Clarendon struggled with too many turnovers in the last of the second quarter, and Lockhart said that the Broncos settled down against the press in the second half, but their shooting went cold.
Clarendon staged a comeback late in the game, but could never overcome Tenaha’s lead.
“Our guys played well,” Lockhart said. “The key moment in the game was when we got down in the first half and then had trouble scoring in the third. They played hard and did everything we asked of them all year. They are a great group of guys to coach, and I am very proud of them.”
Senior leader Johnny Gaines left it all on the court and finished with 31 points and 16 rebounds. Chris Crump had seven points and nine rebounds, and Brayden Phillips added seven points and two rebounds. Sophomore Cole Ward put in five points with one rebound, and Justin Shillings had four points and one rebound. Daniel West helped with four points and five rebounds, and Mike Crump had one point and grabbed six rebounds. Wes Williams and Adam Topper also contributed in the game.
Gaines, Mike and Chris Crump, Phillips, Shillings, and West played their last basketball game as Clarendon Broncos and will be sorely missed. They have played together since junior high and dreamed of reaching the state tournament. The fact that they accomplished that goal their senior year gives hope as to the caliber of teams in the future at Clarendon High School.
Three boards to have competitive elections this year
Three local governments will hold competitive elections this spring, while three other governments might cancel their elections due to a lack of candidates.
The City of Clarendon, the Clarendon ISD, and the City of Hedley have contested races and will hold elections.
Clarendon Mayor Larry Hicks has filed to run for his office again, and three candidates are running for the two open aldermen’s positions – incumbent Janice Knorpp former aldermen Tommy Hill and Terry Noble.
Clarendon ISD has three candidates for two trustees’ positions up this year. Incumbent Weldon Sears is seeking re-election, and Che Shadle and former board member Renee Betts have also filed as a candidate.
The City of Hedley has four candidates for its three alderman positions – incumbents Tonya Metcalf, Travis Ruthardt, and David Wells and challenger Michelle Copelin.
Hedley ISD and the Donley County Hospital District each has one candidate for each position, while the City of Howardwick has only one candidate filed. Each of those governments may end up canceling their elections if no write-in candidates emerge in the next few days.
Hedley ISD had four positions open and four candidates declared. Incumbents Ted Wright, Tonja Ruthardt, and Karen Watt were all seeking re-election; and Bobby Lindsey also filed to run.
Donley County Hospital Board Directors Wayne Tubbs (Place 1) and Melinda McAnear (Place 3) are seeking re-election, and Bob Watson has filed to run for Place 2.
Howardwick has only candidate at this time. Mayor Del Essary is seeking another term, but there were no candidates file for the two aldermen’s positions up this year.
Positions on city boards of aldermen and the hospital board are two-year terms, and school board terms are for three years.
Write-in candidates can file through March 21. Election Day will be Saturday, May 14, 2011.
Video: Broncos fall to Tenaha Tigers
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPCmhmKQh3k
Watch the journey of the State Semi-Finalist, the Clarendon Broncos, as they take on the Tenaha Tigers Thursday morning.
Broncos fall to Tenaha
Roll over
Go Bronchos!
Hooting for the Broncos
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