Broncos to play for State Championship
This Week
Broncos defeat New Deal, 75-56
By Sandy Anderberg
The 2017 Clarendon Broncos are flying high as they enter into the State Tournament in San Antonio this Friday, March 10.
The Broncos’ determination and ‘never quit’ strategy paid off in the Regional tournament, and they are hoping for the same in the state tournament.
Clarendon will take on Thorndale in the first round that will be played Friday, March 10, at 10:00 a.m. in the Alamodome in San Antonio. The
Broncos are going in 30-2 and Thorndale is posting a 27-9 season record. The Championship game will be played at 1:30 pm on Saturday, March 11.
This is the Broncos’ first return to the state tournament since 2011, and they earned the right to the tournament by owning the court against two very tough teams at the Regional Tournament in Levelland this past weekend.
They defeated second ranked Anthony on Friday in the first round and knocked off New Deal in the Championship game. The Broncos struck early against both teams and commanded the momentum in each game. Earlier in the week, they were able to punch their ticket to the Regional tournament by defeating a good Panhandle team for the third time this season.
On Tuesday, the Broncos got by the Panthers by the score of 51-44. The Broncos jumped on them early and took an 18-5 lead after the first quarter of play. At one point in the second quarter, the Broncos were up 25-5, but a momentum change allowed Panhandle to begin to get back into the game. The Broncos held a 32-20 lead at the break, but the Panthers closed the gap to seven after the third period. The Broncos were determined, however, and held on to get the seven-point win.
The Panther defense was all over Marshal Johnson, but he still managed 12 points from his post position. Colt Wood put in 11 and Chance Lockhart added 10. Bryce Grahn helped with nine, Bear Smith had six, and Keandre Cortez put in three.
That win took the Broncos to the Regional Tournament where they faced off against number two-ranked Anthony in the first round. They were determined and sent the Wildcats packing at 68-64.
The Broncos would not succumb to playing the underdog and quickly set a precedent in the first quarter of play against Anthony. They were able to take a 17-11 lead, which left the Wildcats struggling to get any offense going. Anthony was able to close the gap somewhat in the second half, but all game long, the Broncos picked away at the Wildcats’ offense with their stellar defense to shut them down. The Broncos did suffer from too many fouls and too many missed free throws, but they were able to overcome those adversities and get the win.
“We were able to get enough stops to win the game,” coach Brandt Lockhart said. “We had two players foul out and the rest of the team stepped up.”
After defeating Anthony, the Broncos had the confidence they needed and were determined not to lose their momentum in the tournament. They went out and demolished New Deal 75-56.
Offensively, things were rolling the Broncos way as they took an early 25-12 lead after the first eight minutes. In that time period, the three-ball was flowing with six three-pointers made by Smith, Grahn, Wood, and Lockhart. That scoring frenzy left the Lions helpless as they tried to get something going on their offensive end. But once again, the Bronco defense was on fire and New Deal could do little to get the Broncos out of their rhythm.
Clarendon was also able to limit their fouls against the Lions and in turn shot 67 percent from the bonus line. Their scoring stats were impressive as well. Five Broncos finished in double figures. That is just one more example of the dominance the Broncos executed on the court against the Lions. “We shot the ball really well,” Lockhart said. “We made 11 three pointers for the game. We did a good job of moving the basketball. I was very proud of the way we played and effort.”
Lockhart led the way with 21 and Wood put in 14. Smith added 13, and Grahn and Johnson each had 12. Jacob Jeffers went three for four from the line to add three points and K. Cortez was perfect from the charity stripe at two for two.
Check ClarendonLive.com and facebook.com/TheEnterprise for breaking news on the Broncos’ state tournament appearance.
Grant pays for new patrol vehicle for sheriff’s office
A new patrol vehicle is on the job in Donley County thanks to a grant from the governor’s office through the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission.
Deputy Miranda Betts says the new 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe that she has nicknamed Archie is loaded with all the latest equipment and will have no problem catching those who might try to evade a ticket.
“It will definitely run,” she says.
County Judge John Howard said the Edward Bryne Justice Assistance Grant awarded $99,211 to the county to cover most of the cost of vehicle, all of Betts’ salary for fiscal year 2017, and all the costs of supplies, equipment, and fuel for the vehicle.
Howard did most of the paperwork for the grant, but he says it was really a collaborative effort between his office, Sheriff Butch Blackburn, and DPS Sgt. Chris Ward to gather the information for the application.
The county retired a patrol truck as trade-in for the new vehicle, which the judge says is better suited to the job of the highway safety officer.
“This is a highway pursuit vehicle,” Howard said. “It is more stable and more capable and fits in better with us complementing DPS efforts on the highway.”
The judge said the county will be applying for continuing grant funds for the next four years to help cover a portion of Betts’ salary. Those funds, if approved, would decline over time – 80 percent next year then 60, 40, and 20 percent.
The Tahoe will have about a three- to four-year service life with the county before it needs to be traded off while it still retains a good value, Howard and Blackburn both said. At which time the county might be able to apply for another equipment grant to fund its replacement.
Howard said Donley County’s grant was ranked first out of seven applications reviewed by the PRPC.
“Given our position, we have to be smart about seeing opportunities like this to save the county money,” Howard said. “Someone is going to get this money, so we might as well apply for it.”
Howard also said that the county is grateful for the job Betts has been doing to patrol the highways, and Betts says she is thankful for the new vehicle.
“I would like to thank Butch and Judge Howard for their work on this grant, and for helping me have the best most up to date equipment possible to do the job,” Betts said.
CC offers honors program
High school students taking dual credit classes from Clarendon College will have new opportunities for success through a new Honors College program starting this fall.
Honors College students would receive priority advising and get specialized transfer advising from both Texas Tech University and West Texas A&M University and have opportunities to attend transfer days at both universities.
“We’re very excited about the opportunity to meet with these students and help them be successful,” said CC President Robert Riza. “This gives them an opportunity to leave home, adjust to college life, get their core classes completed or finish an associate’s degree, and then transfer to a university.”
The program, approved by the Board of Regents last month, will waive tuition and fees for college hours equal to the number of dual credit hours completed for CC students from outside of Donley County. Those students would be required to live in student housing on the Clarendon campus and could not combine their waiver with other CC institutional scholarships.
Donley County resident high school students are also eligible for the Honors College without being required to live on campus, but their tuition and fees will not be waived. Instead, local students already enjoy a 12-hour tuition cap put in place by the Riza administration two years ago, and they can take advantage of local and CC institutional scholarships.
Students in the Honors College will be expected to participate in community service hours, and those who qualify will be inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society during the fall semester.
To be eligible for the Honors College, students who graduate high school in May or June must have passed at least 24 semester hours of dual credit academic course work at CC and have at least a 2.5 GPA. Specialized admission is available for those with fewer than 24 hours.
“The reality is these are our students already through dual credit, but the Honors College designation will be a select group that will get priority treatment and opportunities that other students might not have,” Dr. Riza said.
The program will be overseen by CC instructor Charla Crump, who sees the Honors College as a special opportunity for students as well as a chance for the community to get more involved with the students.
“I’m really excited about the community service opportunities,” Crump said. “This will give these kids a chance to give back to the community, and people love our college kids. Some kids haven’t gotten that, and it looks good on a résumé.”
Crump also said the residency requirement for students outside of Donley County is a good opportunity for them to experience residence hall life before they go to a large university, and the Honors College will focus on kids completing their core classes so they don’t have to take those in a large class setting at the university.
For more information about the Honors College program at Clarendon College, contact Charla Crump at 806-874-3571.
Preservation Texas honors Mulkey
Clarendon’s Mulkey Theatre project was recognized with a Preservation Texas “Honor Award” during a ceremony and reception at the Grand Lodge of Texas in Waco last Monday, February 27.
Preservation Texas Executive Director Evan Thompson honored the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation’s efforts to save the 1946 theatre, which was listed as one of the Most Endangered Places in Texas in 2012.
“The Mulkey Theatre has been restored through the leadership of the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation,” Thompson said. “They have shown tremendous vision in their community, and what’s more important is that it has become magnet for the community again and the Mulkey is a centerpiece for fun activities in the spring.”
Since 2012, the theatre’s exterior has been completely rehabilitated, the former Mulkey barber shop is now the city’s official visitor center and is the home of the CEDC and Chamber of Commerce office, the lobby and concessions area has been refurbished, and accessible seating and bathroom facilities have been developed. Fundraising for further interior renovations is ongoing.
The Mulkey was one of 19 historic restoration and rehabilitation projects honored last week. The 2017 Honor Awards recognize successful efforts to save irreplaceable and authentic endangered historic places in Texas.
“We’re proud to recognize projects as diverse as small houses from the mid-1800s in central Texas to a landmark twentieth century hotel in Dallas,” said Preservation Texas President W. Dwayne Jones of Galveston. The Honor Awards ceremony was part of the 2017 Preservation Texas Summit, which included field sessions and educational presentations and workshops covering a range of historic preservation issues, including midcentury modern architecture, historic sacred places, adaptive use of vacant buildings, new approaches to historic districts, cemetery preservation, and window and masonry repair, among other topics.
Accepting the award on behalf of the Mulkey was CEDC Secretary/Treasurer Roger Estlack. Also attending the summit was Ashlee Estlack.
Donations to the Mulkey project can be made to the Clarendon Community Fund, PO Box 906, Clarendon, TX 79226.
Broncos end game with River Road in tie
By Sandy Anderberg
The Bronco baseball team took on River Road last Monday at home and finished the game tied with the Wildcats 10-10.
The Broncos held an early advantage when Kade Hunsaker’s hit scored one run.
The game swung back and forth until the third when RR scored three runs. But the Broncos held their own and never let their opponent out of their sight. Andy Davis and Payton Havens each drove in two runs for the Broncos to help keep the game close.
The Broncos will be at home Thursday, March 16 against San Jacinto beginning at 1:00 p.m. and will travel to Kress on Friday, March 17.
Neita Carol Casteel
Neita Carol Casteel, 72, died Tuesday, February 28, 2017, in Amarillo.
Memorial services were held Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon with Rev. Larry Capranica, officiating.
Cremation & arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Neita was born April 29, 1944, in Lakeview to C.I. and Vera Johnson Casteel. Neita lived most of her life in Clarendon. She was a great cook and enjoyed cooking for her family. Neita was a loving Mother, Granny Neita and GiGi to family. She was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Clarendon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 brothers and 1 sister.
She is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline Leeper and husband Tommy of Clarendon; 2 sons, Chris Phillips and wife Mitzi of Amarillo, Steven Phillips and wife Stephanie of Amarillo; brother Kenneth Casteel of Houston; 2 sisters, Rose Lee Watson of Clarendon and Elizabeth Smith of Denton; 6 grandchildren, Bridgette Matthews, Adam Leeper, Kylie Hall, Quinton Phillips, Trey Phillips, and Shealee Carlisle; 7 great grandchildren, Laylah Leeper, Charlie Grace Leeper, Shay Lee Hall, Riley Phillips, Tripp Carlisle, Kannon Carlisle and Ayden Alfonsa.
The family request memorials be sent to any domestic violence center.
Joy Lee Martin
Joy Lee Martin, 84, died Friday, March 3, 2017, in Amarillo.
Services were held on Monday, March 6, 2017 at 2:00 pm in Flomot Memorial Park Cemetery in Flomot, Texas.
Arrangements were under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon
Joy Lee Martin was born on March 13, 1932, in Turkey to Fletcher Wynn and Erma Pearce Wynn. She married Leslie Jerrel Martin on January 20, 1950, in Turkey. For the last 59 years she was a resident of Clarendon where she attended the First United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Mule Skinners, Red Hat Club, Pathfinders, and was a Girl Scout Leader. She enjoyed reading, sewing, coloring, cooking, and writing. She did beautiful needle work and was a great storyteller.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 4 brothers; and 2 sisters.
She is survived by 2 sons Mitchell Martin and wife Mary of Clarendon and Scott Martin and wife Shonda of Clarendon; 1 daughter Jayne Martin McElroy and husband Kick of China Spring; 3 sisters Edna, Inez, and Glenda Ray; 5 grandchildren Jessica Lee Hughes, Shanon Martin, Wyndi McElroy Klement, Magen McElroy Allen, and Damon McElroy; 11 great grandchildren Luke McElroy, Zach McElroy, Jacob Klement, Caitlin Klement, Martin Klement, Irene Joy Allen, Jaynice Allen, Dustin Thomas, Lee Tolbert, Mitchell Parry, and Brooke Martin; 2 great-great grandchildren Kinsleigh Thomas and Ryker Thomas.
Broncos win Area Championship
Defense was the name of the game in the Broncos’ Area matchup with Farwell last Friday night. The Broncos
grabbed a 46-36 win over the Steers at Tascosa High School and earned the right to continue their post-season play.
The Broncos took control of the game early on and held a five-point lead after one. But the Steers made up a little ground by halftime to get within three. Clarendon’s defense stayed solid, however, and they were able to stand their ground. The Broncos’ turned up their defensive heat in the second half of play and were able to shut down the Steers. A huge fourth quarter for the maroon and white gave them the 12-point win. Marshal Johnson was solid once again and finished with a double-double. The senior post made good on 18 points and 14 rebounds.
“We did a great job of playing defense and getting offensive rebounds,” head coach Brandt Lockhart said. “The kids did a great job of executing our defensive game plan.”
Colt Wood also finished in double figures with 11, which included two three-pointers and five for six from the free throw line. He also had one deflection. Chance Lockhart had one three-pointer and finished with seven points. Bryce Grahn put in five points and added 11 rebounds, four assists, one deflection, and three steals and Bear Smith had three points with three assists. Keandre Cortez had two points in the game.
Earlier that week, the Broncos stopped Vega in the Bi-District round with a 56-48 win. The Broncos began the game slowly as cold shooting plagued them through the first half of play. They found their rhythm in the second half and were able to out play their opponent after tying the game at 40 all one minute into the third period. From there, the Broncos were able to do what they do best; play solid defense to get the win. They were able to handle Vega’s 6’8” post player with great defense. “We did a good job playing defense, especially in the fourth quarter” Lockhart said. “We were able to get stops in the fourth quarter and turn them into easy baskets.”
Johnson and Grahn led the scoring with 12 each and Wood followed closely with 11. Johnson also grabbed seven rebounds and Grahn had six rebounds, three assists, and six steals. Wood had three deflections in the game. Smith put in nine points with six rebounds, four steals, and two points, while Lockhart had six points with six rebounds and three assists. Damarjae Cortez had two points and Jacob Jeffers finished with two.
Blood drive to benefit Williams
A blood drive will be held Monday, March 6, to benefit Clarendon second grade teacher Amber Williams.
The drive, organized by Clarendon High School senior Marshal Johnson, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clarendon ISD Video Conference Room in the Administration Building.
Williams is battling leukemia and taking treatments through MD Anderson in Houston. Johnson heard from his mother about her situation and wanted to do something.
“I knew about the blood center; and when I talked to the lady there, she was very helpful,” he said. “We want to try to get 50 pints of blood, and my understanding is that would be a record in Clarendon.”
Johnson said Williams gets blood transfusions as part of her treatment, but in addition to blood, monetary donations will be taken at the drive also to help Williams and her family as the deal with the ongoing expense of her fight with cancer.
The drive is being sponsored by Clarendon Family Medical Center, Greenbelt Electric Coop., and Greenbelt Water Authority. Every blood donor will receive a special t-shirt commemorating Williams’ fight.
All blood donors must have a valid photo ID and must be at least 17 years old. Sixteen-year-olds can donate with a parent’s permission.
Johnson says an appointment is not required, but donors wishing to save time can schedule an appointment to give blood by calling 331-8800 or going online to yourbloodinstitute.org.
People who cannot attend but wish to donate money can do so at the CISD Administration Building or by calling Johnson at 806-205-0147.
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