Sports Year in Review 2021
The year 2021 seemed to fly by faster than previous years. It literally feels like I wrote the Year in Review for 2020 yesterday.
With a new year comes positive outlooks and subtle hopes that things will change for the better.
On the world stage we are now facing COVID-19 Part III I believe, and each day we pray that the end to this pandemic comes sooner than later.
Aside from the obvious COVID restrictions sports here have returned to normal for the most part.
A lot can happen in a year and 2021 was no different. There are many things to remember about local sports and people in 2021.
TED THOMPSON
The passing of Ted Thompson last January reverberated from our little slice of Texas to the NFL.
Thompson, a former Atlanta Rabbit five-sport standout, made his way from the Pineywoods to the executive offices for both the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers.
Thompson served as the Packers’ GM from 2005-17, and during that time Green Bay went 125-82-1 in regular-season play, reached the playoffs nine times and won the NFC North on six occasions.
Over his career, Thompson won two Super Bowl titles, XXXI in 1997 and XLV in 2011, and was named
NFL Executive of the Year by his peers in 2007 and 2011. In 2018 the Packers announced that Thompson would be inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.
Four days after his Hall of Fame induction on May 4, 2019, Thompson revealed that he had been diagnosed with an autonomic disorder.
Thompson passed away Jan. 20, 2021, at the age of 68. On Sept. 20, 2021, during halftime of the Packers’ Monday night game against the Detroit Lions, Green Bay honored Thompson by unveiling his name on the facade of the stadium in the northeast corner.
DAIMION COLLINS
Atlanta’s Daimion Collins had a superb year in terms of growth.
The big man helped lead the Rabbs’ basketball team deep into the playoffs, and he also qualified for state in the high jump.
Along the way to showing up on campus at Kentucky, Collins was named to the Naismith Trophy High School Player of the Year mid-season team, just one of 25 players to make the list.
He was also nominated to McDonald’s All-American Game, played in the Hoops for Autism game, garnered MaxPreps Texas High School Basketball Player of the Year honors, was named to rosters in both the Iverson Classic and the Jordan Brand Classic, named a Naismith Third Team All-American and was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Texas.
As of this article Collins has played in 12 games for the Wildcats, is 23-of-36 from the field, 7-of-9 from the charity stripe, has accrued 53 points, has 14 offensive rebounds, has 19 defensive rebounds and has 16 blocks (second most on the team).
BEN SCHARNBERG
Atlanta legendary coach Ben Scharnberg was inducted into the Fox Sports Texarkana Hall of Fame, Aug. 26.
In his first year as Athletic Director/Head Football for Atlanta Coach Scharnberg turned around a 1-9 program from the previous season and took the Rabbs to an 8-2 record.
In his third season at the helm of the Rabbit Express Scharnberg led Atlanta into the playoffs for the first time since the 1983 season.
The very next year in 1990 the Rabbs went 10-0 and undefeated in district play for the first time since 1978.
In 1994 the Rabbits lost the first two games of the season and then reeled off 13 consecutive wins, which included the “Game of the Century” against Jefferson, en route to the school’s first state football appearance.
The Rabbs lost to a tough Sealy team in the 1994, 3A title game but did win it all in the 2003, 3A title game with a 34-0 win over Marlin.
In his Atlanta coaching career Scharnberg was 149-82-2 and overall was 172-90-3.
His honors and accolades are numerous and include being named District Coach of the Year 11 times, securing a State title, a State appearance, three Area championships, 14 District championships, 11 Bi-District championships and 17 years in the playoffs.
He led the Rabbs to undefeated seasons in 1991 and 2001 which are two of the seven in AHS history.
After a long, successful 20 years Coach Scharnberg retired in 2007.
ATLANTA HALL OF FAME
The Atlanta Athletics Hall of Fame received three new inductees before the Rabbits’ football game against White Oak. The Class of 2021 included Marcus Hatley, Ashlee Anderson and Phillip Epps.
Hatley excelled at both football and basketball and led the 1974 Rabbits to the State basketball tournament for only the second time in school history.
Epps caught the eye of Green Bay Packers coach Bart Starr. Joining the Pack he would play eight seasons and conclude a brilliant NFL career with the New York Jets. He also earned the title of the NFL’s Fastest Man.
Anderson made an instant impact in three sports as a freshman.
She earned four letters each in Volleyball, Basketball and Softball. She led the basketball team to the playoffs earning a selection to the Coaches All Star game.
STATE MARCHING CONTEST
Both Atlanta’s Big Bad Band from Rabbit Land and Queen City’s Band of Champions had successful marching seasons by all accounts.
After solid performances at regionals, where Atlanta finished second overall and QC third, both bands earned entry into the state marching contest at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
At the state contest QC ended up placing third overall and Atlanta placed fifth.
No matter the outcome, being a top 5 band in all of Class 3A is something to be proud of.
KELDYN SCHUBERT
Keldyn Schubert broke a 1A-6A state basketball record for career assists with 1,149, helped McLeod seal up backto-back undefeated district championships and go three deep in the state playoffs.
For his outstanding play he earned the MVP award on the All-District list and was invited to play in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) 1A-4A All-Star game in San Antonio.
KYM SHEPPARD
Kym Sheppard had a great year in 2021 as she nailed down District 14-AAA All-District honors as the district’s Outstanding Rebounder and All-Academic honors in basketball, was named Longview Orthopedic Clinic Association’s Athlete of the Week and earned MVP honors in volleyball.
LADY RABBS VOLLEYBALL
Lady Rabbs claimed its first undefeated season in school history and was crowned bi-district, area, and regional champs as they beat Mineola, Waskom and Harmony.
Sophomore Kym Sheppard was named district MVP, junior Rylie Patillo was named Most Valuable Setter, junior Kaylon Partain was named Most Valuable Libero and Coach Quen Banks was named Coach of the Year.
TYRELL KING
After another solid season senior lifter Tyrell King punched his ticket to state after nailing down a regional championship in the THSPA Region III Division II meet at Henderson High School Mar. 11.
King totaled 1,725 pounds lifted in the 308-pound weight class which made him a regional champion and also earned outstanding lifter of the meet honors on the heavy platforms and outstanding bench press of the meet honors on the heavy platform.
Tyrell King finished off a great career competing at the Texas High School Powerlifting Association State Meet in Abilene, Mar. 27.
Tyrell squatted 650, benched 410 and dead lifted a personal-best 605 pounds which tied him for fifth place out of 16 lifters in the 308-pound weight class.
Tyrell King and Trey Adams were both named to the THSPA Academic All-State First Team.
L-K POWER
Linden-Kildare’s Landon Liles and Michael Lane competed at the State Powerlifting meet in Abilene.
Both lifters did an outstanding job representing their school and competed at the highest level.
Landon Liles competed in the 275-pound weight class and totaled 1,465. He finished sixth in the state. Michael Lane competed in the 132-pound weight class and totaled 770 pounds. Good enough for an 11th place finish.
DANIEL HARDIN
Daniel Hardin, a QCHS senior won first place in both of his classes with his two steers at the Cass County Cattleman’s Association Livestock Show. He also won the title of GRAND CHAMPION, and received a banner and a belt buckle. Hardin became the first student to earn back-toback GRAND CHAMPION honors in county history.
STATE TRACK
Atlanta’s Daimion Collins had a pretty solid season in the high jump and placed first at regionals, Bloomburg freshman Jacee Glasgow nailed down a spot in Austin after placing first overall in the 100m hurdles, Queen City sophomore Cassidy Johnson placed second overall in the triple jump to secure a spot in Austin, Linden-Kildare senior Tawin Patterson placed second overall in the 100m dash to qualify for state and McLeod senior Keldyn Schubert placed third in the 300m hurdles but advanced to state as well.
ANDREA LEE
Our very own UFC fighter Andrea Lee finished off 2021 with a bang.
Late in 2019, Lee lost a fight to Joanne Calderwood and followed that up with two consecutive losses in 2020. When 2021 rolled around Lee was ready to stop the skid and get back to form.
With a new team of trainers and fighters Lee surpassed her old form and took down Antonina Shevchenko in impressive fashion at UFC 262, and caused UFC Vegas 42 opponent Cynthia Calvillo to call it quits after two full rounds due to a broken orbital bone.
BLOOMBURG TRIO
Three local riders qualified to compete in the Vegas Tuffest Jr. World Championship, Dec. 1-6.
Wylie Jo Hodges, Howard Green and Copper Stevens were just three of nearly 950 competitors from
27 different states including Hawaii and four provinces in Canada who competed at the Mike and Sherrylynn Johnson, Vegas Tuffest Jr. World Championship which is held the first weekend of the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
ELIZABETH BICKHAM
Elizabeth Bickham hit the bullseye in 2021 and won a second consecutive archery championship.
Along the way she finished first in several competitions. HOMECOMING ROYALTY
Atlanta – Destinee Wells (Queen), D.K. Parker (King) Bloomburg – Braylee Harrist (Queen), Colby Hancock (Beau)
Linden-Kildare – Sydney Hampton (Queen), Maleki Castleberry (King)
McLeod - McKenzie Bishop (Queen), Silas Murdock (King)
Queen City - Keaton Simpson (Queen), Quiyon Ellison (King)
SIGNINGS
ATLANTA
Tianna Lawson signed with Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Okla., where she will play volleyball.
Caleb Hamilton signed to play football for Avila University in Kansas City, Mo.
Kelby Smith signed his letter of intent to play baseball at Cameron University in Lawton, Okla.
Jordan Hodge signed with Grambling University to play softball.
Cooper McClure signed with Southern Illinois University to play baseball.
Destinee Wells signed with Mountain View College where she will play volleyball.
L-K
Vincent “Puff ” Peters Jr. signed his letter of intent to play football at Kilgore College.
MCLEOD
Keldyn Schubert signed with St. Mary’s University in San Antonio on a basketball scholarship.
QC
Damir Rascoe signed with Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri to play football.
Kieran Droddy signed a letter of intent to play football at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn.
RUSTON HARGETT
A $4,000 scholarship was awarded to Ruston Hargett of Linden-Kildare FFA by the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s Calf Scramble Scholarship Committee.
Hargett participated in the 2020 Fort Worth Stock Show Calf Scramble program making him eligible for the scholarship program.
FISHING
Carson Dillinger and Dylan Benson put together an impressive resume of victories on the Ark-La-Tex Bassmaster Tournament Trail in 2021 which prepared them for the Arkansas State Championship on Lake Dardanelle.
The tag team of Dillinger and Benson finished in first place in four of the five regular season Ark-La-Tex Bassmaster Tournaments and earned them a spot in the Arkansas State Championship.
In the championship round the duo brought their 2-day total to 21.39 pounds, and it brought the Arkansas State Championship to the Ark-La-Tex Bassmaster Tournament Trail. Carson and Dylan earned a berth into the B.A.S.S. Bassmaster High School National Championship.
BATTITUDE
Atlanta Area 10U/12U Softball Team Battitude won State Runner Up in the USA Softball of Texas National Girls Fastpitch Tournament held in The Woodlands. On April 12, Marcus McPherson, one of four team coaches, passed away suddenly at the age of 38. The girls dedicated the season to him.
ATLANTA
Here is a look back at some of the highlights from 2021 for Atlanta’s sports programs and student-athletes.
Atlanta punter Cooper McClure was selected as a Third Team Punter for the Class 3A All-State football team by the Texas Sports Writers Association.
Atlanta’s varsity boys’ basketball team hadn’t been to the fourth round of the state playoffs in 25 years, but that all changed after the Rabbs topped a tough Mineola team in the quarterfinals.
That came on the heels of wins over Winnsboro and Arp.
Atlanta’s varsity boys’ track team has owned its own relay since its inception back in 1996.
The 26th running of the Atlanta Lions Club/Gordon Pynes/Runnin’ Rabbs Relays went off without a hitch Mar. 13, and when the dust had settled and the final points tallied Atlanta had won the day with a point total of 217.
Atlanta’s girls’ track program competed in the Atlanta Lions Club/Gordon Pynes/Runnin’ Rabbs Relays Mar. 13, as well and the JV team placed first overall and the varsity girls’ placed third.
Atlanta’s junior high boys’ athletic program sealed up district championships on Mar. 29, when both the seventh and eighth grade tracksters won district crowns.
Both groups of young Rabbs have won district championships in football, basketball, cross country and track which isn’t easy to do.
Atlanta’s varsity boys’ track program won its 30th district title in 33 years on Apr. 7, at the District 14-3A track meet, the Lady Runnin’ Rabbs rolled up 131 points en route to a championship and the JV boys’ team claimed a district title as it earned 247 points.
Two Atlanta baseball players received Class 3A All-State accolades from the Texas Sports Writers Association. Jackson Warren was named both a Second Team Second Baseman and an Honorable Mention Relief Pitcher, and teammate Cooper McClure was named an Honorable Mention Shortstop.
Atlanta’s girls’ and boys’ cross country teams both won district championships and advanced to regionals in the process.
The Atlanta Middle School boys’ cross country team won district and the girls’ team finished second by two points in a very close race.
The Atlanta eighth grade football team finished the season as back-to-back undefeated district champions. The Rabbs outscored opponents 316-112, averaged 40 points per game on offense, gave up only 14 points per game on defense and compiled an overall record of 15-0-1 over the last two seasons.
Carson Dillinger and Justin Pierce led the way for the Atlanta High School Fishing Team at Lake O’ Pines on Oct. 16. Dillinger and Pierce paced the field of 130 boats to take first place with five fish for 15.5 pounds.
Atlanta High School’s Carson Dillinger and Justin Pierce placed first in the THSBA tournament. They each received a $1,000 scholarship, a $250 gift card and a plaque.
Atlanta’s softball team picked up where it left off; by winning another championship.
Just a little over a week since its undefeated district title, the Lady Rabbs claimed the bi-district championship after dismantling Winnsboro.
For softball All-District, Atlanta junior Jordan Hodge was a unanimous pick as the district’s MVP, freshman Tori Clayton was named Offensive Player of the Year and Coach Tobie Dunlap and staff were named Coaching Staff of the Year.
Atlanta’s baseball team had a very successful season. After winning a district championship the Rabbs rolled into the fifth round of the state playoffs better known as the regional finals. Three seniors from that Rabbit squad were invited to play in the Red River Fellowship of Christian Randall Mason, Kelby Smith and Jackson Warren were integral players for the Texas team who beat the Arkansas team 16-3.
BLOOMBURG
Here is a look back at some of the highlights from 2021 for Bloomburg’s sports programs and student-athletes.
Bloomburg’s Lady Wildcats’ basketball squad had a solid season with a youthful group.
It’s no surprise that four of the Lady ’Cats earned All-District honors recently.
Freshman Jacee Glasgow was named Newcomer of the Year, freshman Cassie Glasgow was named to the All-District First Team, Haylee Breedlove was named to the All-District First Team and Kenzie LaDuke was named to the All-District Second Team.
Bloomburg’s girls’ golf team notched first place in the district tournament and earned a trip to regionals in Waco.
Bloomburg students and staff cheered on and congratulated the athletes who advanced to regionals. Golf regional qualifiers, coached by Mr. Fomby, were: Jolie Greer, Presley Duibisson, Morgan Haworth and Synthia Rico. Tennis regional qualifiers, coached by Ms. Roark, were: Morgan Haworth in singles and Presley Duibisson and Evie Douglass in doubles. Track regional qualifiers, coached by Mr. Jones, were sisters Cassie and Jacee Glasgow.
Bloomburg’s softball team beat Yantis and Neches to claim both bi-district and area titles, and then topped Saltillo in the regional semi-finals.
LINDEN-KILDARE
Here is a look back at some of the highlights from 2021 for Linden-Kildare’s sports programs and student-athletes.
Linden-Kildare’s Vincent “Puff ” Peters was named an Offensive Honorable Mention Guard for the Texas Sports Writers Association’s Class 2A All-State football team when the list was released Feb. 22.
Linden-Kildare’s track program hosted the Bill Hines Relays Mar. 11, and the varsity girls’ team placed first overall. For the guys Tawin Patterson placed first in the 100m dash, and in the high jump Jay Birmingham placed first.
Both programs of Linden-Kildare golf competed in the District 16-2A tournament and the ladies’ team had a fantastic day and walked away as district champions. Not only did they claim the team championship, they also took the top 4 individual scores. The men’s team competed well and finished in second place overall as a team. L-K had two boys that placed in the top 6 individually.
Linden-Kildare’s baseball team battled Alba-Golden last weekend, May 7-8, in a 3-game series. The Tigers lost game one by a close score of 1-0, but won the series and the bi-district crown after posting identical 7-4 wins in both games two and three.
Linden-Kildare’s cross country teams from high school down had a very good finishes at district.
For the varsity girls’ team, Madilyn Bynum advanced to regionals, the entire boys’ team moved on to regionals after placing third overall and the junior high Lady Tigers were crowned district champions.
Linden-Kildare AD Kyle Freeman had spoken about the need for much-needed upgrades to the L-K weight room and during the season new weight benches, weights and racks were installed. The flooring has been upgraded and air conditioning was on the way.
Linden-Kildare tennis has successful campaign after the girls’ team won the district team championship and the boys’ team finished as team co-champions with McLeod. This was the third consecutive year for both the boys and the girls to win the district team titles.
At regionals Bynum and Palmer qualified for the UIL State Tournament that was held in San Antonio May 20- 21.
MCLEOD
Here is a look back at some of the highlights from 2021 for McLeod’s sports programs and student-athletes.
One of the more notable games for McLeod’s varsity boys’ basketball team entering 2021 was a meeting between two top 10 teams.
The No. 6 McLeod Longhorns versus No. 8 Rivercrest and the billing lived up to the hype.
To that point Rivercrest was undefeated, but McLeod won the game 60-56. The second game between the two teams was just as fun as McLeod beat the Rebels 58-55.
McLeod’s boys’ team also blasted Clarksville 92-51, Detroit 71-35, Clarksville 89-31, Linden-Kildare 68-46 and James Bowie 61-28. With the win over L-K, McLeod finished the regular season schedule as back-to-back undefeated district champions.
In the playoffs the Longhorns beat Quinlan-Boles and Lindsay before being upset by Wolfe City. With a wonderful cast of players Coach Steven Lambeth led the Longhorns deep into the playoffs once again which netted him Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year.
The Lady Longhorns had a solid season also as they hammered Clarksville 72-17, James Bowie 88-11, Detroit 75-52, Clarksville 55-34 and Rivercrest 63-31.
McLeod wrapped up an undefeated district slate Jan. 29, with the win over Rivercrest.
After the championship victory the Lady Longhorns and Head Coach Casey Schubert cut down the nets.
In the playoffs the Lady Longhorns beat Quinlan-Boles 66-60 before losing to a tough Alvord team 75-48.
McLeod’s baseball team outscored Cumby 25-3 in two games which sealed a bi-district championship, and the Longhorns defeated Cayuga to win an area title.
QUEEN CITY
Here is a look back at some of the highlights from 2021 for Queen City’s sports programs and student-athletes.
The Queen City High School Band of Champions competed at a Pre-UIL Contest in Pleasant Grove and received all 1s and was praised by the judges for their performance.
Queen City’s Cedric Davis sat in second place in the Region 3, Division 2 standings and was invited to compete at the Regional Meet in Henderson, Mar. 11, for a chance to compete at the state meet in Abilene on Mar. 27.
Queen City powerlifters competed Jan 14, at the Maud Invitational Powerlifting Meet. The Bulldogs took 17 boys and one girl to the event.
Overall, the Queen City boys’ team placed first against the 12 other schools present which included juggernaut Texas High. The lone Lady Bulldog Erica Lavoie placed fourth in her respective weight class.
Queen City hosted its inaugural Bulldog Power Meet Feb. 13.
QC’s boys’ powerlifting squad placed first overall and ahead of lifters from Overton, Harleton and Clarksville. For the ladies Erica Lavoie placed first in her weight class.
Queen City’s track program hosted the J.K. Hileman Relays Mar. 11.
The varsity and junior varsity boys’ teams both claimed titles for the second consecutive meet, and the girls’ team placed third overall. The ladies missed first place by just seven points in a very tight race.
The Queen City Bulldog Tennis Team represented QCHS well in the District Tournament as Clare Wong walked away with first place in the Women’s Singles Division. Keaton Simpson took third place in Women’s Singles, and Tyttan Neff captured third place in the Men’s Singles. Clare advanced to the Regional Tournament.
The Queen City Lady Bulldogs’ golf team placed first in the District Golf Tournament at Oak Grove Golf Club and advanced to the Regional Tournament. Claire Bates was the individual champion, Lauren Carrell placed third, Halle Worthington fourth, Allyson Hamilton fifth, Aubrie Kiser eighth and Rylee Blythe ninth.
Queen City’s track programs won titles at the Gerald Pinkham Relays Apr. 1, in DeKalb.
The varsity boys outdistanced the field with 100 points, and the varsity girls rolled up 134 points in its win.
Queen City edged Linden-Kildare, 32-28, in the Cass County Clash.
The Queen City Cross Country Teams traveled to DeKalb for the District meet. The boys’ team placed second overall which earned them a trip to the Regional Meet in Grand Prairie and runner Trent Granberry was also the 10th place individual medalist.
Mason Campbell - Grand Champion Goat Exhibitor, first in both of his classes, fourth in sale order with his second goat; and Kylie Parker - Reserve Grand Champion Rabbit Exhibitor, second in sale order with rabbit, made great strides at the Cass County Livestock Show.
Queen City sophomore Mason Campbell took part in the Chill on the Hill Junior Livestock Show in Mt. Pleasant last weekend and earned Reserve Grand Champion and Junior Market Goat honors.
For softball All-District, Queen City freshman standout Trinity Oden was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year.