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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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)