CAMPBELL ATKINS The Madisonville men’s soccer team tied with Rockdale 2-2 in a standalone road matchup Friday and fell 2-1 at Hempstead Jan. 19. Goals were scored by Juan Torres and Vladimir Morales in the win and Torres in the loss. The team’s Tuesday matchup against Splendora at MHS was rescheduled for Friday. (Pictured: Ryan Kinsey)

CAMPBELL ATKINS The North Zulch men’s basketball team cruised to an 81-36 district victory over Fayetteville at NZHS Friday. Emory Broussard (pictured) logged 40 points to lead the Bulldogs in scoring, including six three-pointers. The Bulldogs returned to the court Tuesday to battle Buckholts on the road.

Kimberly Sue Ledbetter; 41 years, 1 month, 26 days; of Palestine, TX; passed away on Saturday; January 16, 2021 in Palestine, TX. Her visitation is scheduled for Saturday; January 23, 2021 from 10-12 at Day Funeral Home Chapel in Madisonville, TX with the funeral to follow at noon. Kimberly will be laid to rest with her family at Hopewell Cemetery in Normangee, TX following the funeral. Rev. Jim Jackson will officiate.

The Madisonville women’s basketball team picked up back-to-back district victories over Connally Jan. 19 and Mexia Friday after an 0-4 start to league play. The Lady Mustangs continued their second round of district in La Vega Tuesday.

George W. Dodson, 78, of North Zulch, TX; passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at his home in North Zulch, TX surrounded by his loving and caring family. George was born July 15, 1942 in Houston, TX and was a member of Iola Missionary Baptist Church in Iola, TX. He loved spending time with his grandsons, family, and friends; reading his Bible and telling tall tales. On April 15, 1961; he married Shirley Jean Alexander in Springfield, MO and she preceded him in death on Thursday, January 21, 2010.

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.

The North Zulch women’s basketball team dropped their second matchup in district play with a 68-56 home loss to Fayetteville Friday. It was the team’s second loss to Fayetteville this season, likely setting them up for a second place finish in district.

A basketball play by Tra’Dayja Smith received airplay on ESPN. The Madisonville High School graduate’s play was featured Jan.

The Madisonville powerlifting squad, coached by Heath Brittain, took first place in their season-opening meet in Leon Jan. 20 with 35 total points.