Sports

Avery O’Neal of North Zulch poses in front of the Bulldog logo Friday after she raised $100 for the school’s basketball program through their Shoot-athon fundraiser event. The event allows sponsors to pledge a dollar amount per made free throw by a specific Bulldog or Lady Bulldog player. CAMPBELL ATKINS

The North Zulch High School basketball program continued their Shoot-athon fundraiser this week, in which players on all levels shoot free throws in order to raise money for the program’s needs. The event, which is still currently underway, has garnered numerous sponsors as each player shoots 100 shots to earn money based on their successes.

The Madisonville women’s soccer team began district play Tuesday with a home matchup against Diboll at MHS. They will also host Hudson Friday in their second district matchup. Other league opponents for the Lady Mustangs in 2021 include Livingston, Palestine, Crockett, New Waverly and Westwood. (Pictured: Jaylen Downard) CAMPBELL ATKINS

Madisonville athletes Grace Williamson and Brad Rudis were slated to sign with Temple College and Texas A&M University, respectively, Wednesday to continue their volleyball and baseball careers at the collegiate level. MHS planned to hold a brief ceremony Wednesday morning in the competition gym to celebrate their accomplishments with immediate family and friends in attendance. Standard COVID-19 protocols were followed. CAMPBELL ATKINS

The Madisonville men’s basketball team knocked off top-ranked and undefeated district foe La Vega at MHS Jan. 26 by a score of 69-68 to conclude their first round of league play. The victory over La Vega, who entered the matchup ranked 19th in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ (TABC) Class 4A poll, resulted in confidence as well as pure jubilation for the Mustangs in the aftermath.

The Madisonville men’s basketball team split a pair of district matchups with a home loss to Connally at MHS Jan. 19 and a road victory over Mexia Friday. The Mustangs were 2-2 entering Tuesday’s home bout with undefeated La Vega, which concluded their first round of district

CAMPBELL ATKINS (Left) Madisonville baseball players Cody Borgfeld, Brad Rudis and Rayce Hudson take turns practicing their swings at MHS Monday. The Mustang varsity baseball team is scheduled to open their season with an exhibition matchup in Franklin Feb. 6. (Right) Madisonville’s Sidnie Smith tosses the ball around during a drill at MHS Monday. The Lady Mustangs’ varsity softball team is scheduled to open their season with a home scrimmage against Normangee Tuesday.