Big weekend

Stroud’s Madison Ham and Callie Sellers from Meeker, above, compete in the Tiger Track Classic at Stroud on Saturday. Photo/Brian Blansett. Ham won the 400 meters and Sellers won the 800 meters and 1600 meters at Prague on Friday.

Dale, NRC, Stroud retain rankings

The Dale Lady Pirates, shown above after winning the Harrah Tournament over the weekend, remain ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 4A and held a 12-0 record through Monday. North Rock Creek is 10-2 and ranked No. 6 in Class 5A.

Mark Howard Memorial

The annual Mark Howard Memorial Tournament in Chandler was played in a wide variety of weather - cold, wind, sunshine. Stillwater won the tournament, beating Byng 3-2 in the championship game. McLoud went 3-1 in the tournament, Chandler was 2-2 and Meeker was 1-3.

Coming out of the gate fast

Area slow pitch teams wrapped up the first full week of the season with three teams ranked in the Top 16. Dale is ranked No. 1 in Class 4A with Stroud ranked No. 13. North Rock Creek, playing slow pitch for the first time, is ranked No. 6 in Class 5A.

Dale’s runs end in semis

Dale High School boys’ basketball Coach Jeff Edmonson called it “a disappointing loss,” and Girls Coach Eric Smith said, “it was hard to take.” The two veteran coaches were referring to their teams’ semi-finals losses in the state tournament.

Full steam for baseball, softball

Area baseball and softball teams got in a lot of games before going on spring break this week. Above, Chandler’s Grace Husley slides into second while Davenport shortstop Maloree Byford takes the throw. Chandler won, 8-5.

Photos from state tournament

Above, Dale’s Danyn Lang applies full-court press during the Lady Pirates’ first-round game against Hooker. Right, Dallen Forsythe (10) drives through a congested lane against Howe in the semifinals and, far right, joins brother Dayton (33) in a trap. 

Driving to state

Both of the Dale High School basketball teams are headed to the state tournament and each will be in action today (Thursday). It’s at least the third straight year the teams have qualified for the state tourney, though last year’s tournament was canceled on the day it was to start due to COVID-19.