2017 LeFlore County SPRING SPORTS GUIDE STORIES TEAM PICTURES SCHEDULES

Transcription

1 2017 LeFlore County SPRING SPORTS GUIDE STORIES TEAM PICTURES SCHEDULES

2 PAGE 2...SATURDAY, MARCH 18, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS Front row, from left Cameron Duncan, Creed Smith, Mason Barcheers, Atticus Pate, Christian Scott, Peyton Owens, Quincy Pate and Kagan Stockton. Middle row Christian Duncan, Rece Ward, Aiden Alexander, Ethan Brown, Jaden Collins, Wyatt Snapp, Jordan Collins and Carson Cheek. Back row Coach Chris Duncan, Hunter Sole, Clay Cross, Bryson Myers, Dawson Perry, Ben Klutts, Cade Smith, Landon Billy, Easton Francis, Kass Fenton, Jarrett Gregory and coach Andy Perdue. Not pictured Kale Barcheers, Hunter Mondy, Josh Neal, Kaleb Nixon. PDN photo by David Seeley Poteau Pirates look to make state once again The Poteau Pirates made the Class 4A State Tournament last spring, and they hope to do so again this spring. The Pirates have opened the season at 4-1, winning their first four games of the season, all district games. The Pirates (17-16 last season) return nine players who saw varsity action a season ago Kale Barcheers, Rece Ward, twins Jaden and Jordan Collins, Ben Klutts, Dawson Perry, Clay Cross, Carson Cheek and Bryson Myers. Myers, Klutts, Cade Smith and Jaden Collins likely will see the bulk of the pitching duties. Myers won his first two starts, while Smith and Klutts won their respective opening starts. This season will be a unique one for the Pirates. Just like the Lady Pirates fast-pitch softball team last fall, the Pirates will be in a district, playing a home-and-home series essentially with the other district foes in District 4A- 8, which is comprised of Broken Bow, Checotah, Idabel, Muldrow, Roland and Sallisaw. The top four teams will make the postseason, while the other three will see their seasons end when the regular season concludes. The Pirates have already swept Muldrow and Idabel for a 4-0 mark in the district. The Pirates will seek a 6-0 start to district play with a home-and-home series Monday and Tuesday with Broken Bow. Check out the Diamond Notes Column every week in Tuesday editions

3 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2017 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 18, PAGE 3 Poteau Lady Pirates primed for spring season The Poteau Lady Pirates are ready for success on the softball field this spring. Ten of the roster members are coming off last spring s fastpitch season in which the Lady Pirates won the 2016 LeFlore County Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament. They were 7-12 last spring and going last fall. Three seniors Michayla Hambrick, Taylor Nixon and Bayli Soriano are back from a season ago, being joined by other returnees Ashlyn Morris, Allison Hartley, Callie Hambrick and Kaylee Nixon. Rounding out the roster are Jill Cochran, Coral Hinson, Lexi Weaver, Shelby Lawrence, Xena Graham, Robin Hampton and Cheyenne Hengl. The Lady Pirates will be coached by last fall s assistant coach, Devin Cochran, and football assistant coach Jason Prescott. We have seven returning starters and an experienced group of seniors, and we re adding some promising freshmen, Cochran said. This team had the ability to score a lot of runs and be solid defensively. Front row, from left Taylor Nixon, Michayla Hambrick and Coral Hinson. Second row Jill Cochran, Lexi Weaver, Ashlyn Morris and Callie Hambrick. Third row Kaylee Nixon, Bayli Soriano, Shelby Lawrence and Allison Hartley. Back row Coaches Jason Prescott and Devin Cochran. Not pictured Xena Graham, Robin Hampton and Cheyenne Hengl. PDN photo by David Seeley 2100 S. BROADWAY, POTEAU, OK Serving LeFlore County 804 N. Broadway Poteau, OK (918)

4 PAGE 4...SATURDAY, MARCH 18, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2017 LeFlore County Baseball Schedule March 20 Poteau at Broken Bow, 4 Leflore at Heavener, 5:30 Panama at Wister, 4 Panola at Howe, 4 Wilburton at Pocola, 4:30 Arkoma at McCurtain, 5 Cameron at Sallisaw- Central, 4 Whitesboro at Hartshorne, 4 Buffalo Valley at Rattan, 4 Keota at Kinta, 4 March 21 Broken Bow at Poteau, 5 Wister at Spiro, 5 Mansfield, Ark., and Kinta at Howe, 2 (Mansfield vs. Howe, 2 ; Mansfield vs. Kinta, 3:30 ; Kinta vs. Howe, 5 ) Red Oak at Pocola, 4 Arkoma at Gans, 4 Cameron at Porum, 5:30 Leflore at Webbers Falls, 5:30 Haworth at Smithville, 5:30 Keota at McCurtain, 5 March Poteau at McLoud Tournament, Cameron, Panama and Buffalo Valley at Crowder Demon Classic, Spiro at Okay Tournament, Whitesboro at Boswell Tournament, Wister at Oktaha Tournament, Red Oak at Rattan Tournament, Smithville Tournament, March 23 Talihina at Heavener, 4 Arkoma at Kinta, 5 Leflore at Oktaha, 4:30 March 24 Cameron at Pocola. 4 Heavener at Spiro, 5 March 25 Gore at Pocola, 1 March 27 Poteau at Checotah, 4:30 Sallisaw-Central at Cameron, 5 Stigler at Heavener, 4:30 Clayton at Howe, 4 Gore at Panama, 4 Antlers at Talihina, 4 Buffalo Valley at Leflore, 4:30 Vian at Pocola, 4 Arkoma at Keota, 5 Spiro at Stilwell, 4:30 Wister at Tushka, 4:30 Smithville at Panola, 4:30 March 28 Checotah at Poteau, 4:30 Talihina at Howe, 5 Red Oak at Wister, 4 McCurtain at Panama, 4 Panola at Whitesboro, 4 Arkoma at Chouteau- Mazie, 5 Cameron at Gans, 4 Leflore at Porum, 4 Good Luck to All Area Teams! Nina Welch OFFICE MANAGER Open: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm 600 N Broadway, Poteau, OK Phone: Fax: anchor_2001@yahoo.com Now Accepting Debit Cards Pocola at Muldrow, 4:30 Wright City at Smithville, 4:30 Buffalo Valley at Calvin, 4 Keota at Panola, 5 March Arkoma at Gore Tournament, Cameron and Howe at Gans Wood Bat Tournament, Spiro at Dewar Dragon Classic, March 30 Poteau at Stigler, 4:30 Whitesboro at Heavener, 4:30 Panama at Pocola, 4 Leflore at Oktaha, 4:30 Red Oak and Coweta at Muskogee, 4 (Red Oak vs. Coweta, 4 ; Red Oak vs. Muskogee, 6 ) Smithville at Broken Bow, 4 Buffalo Valley at Battiest, 7 March 31 Red Oak at Poteau, 4:30 Pocola at Heavener, 4 Buffalo Valley at Talihina, 1 Hartshorne at Wister, 4 April 1 Smithville at Whitesboro, 10 a.m. Arkoma at Gore Tournament, Cameron at Gans Wood Bat Tournament, Spiro at Dewar Dragon Classic, April 3-8 LeFlore County Tournament, April 3 Webbers Falls at Keota, 5:30 McCurtain at Smithville, 4:30 Soper at Buffalo Valley, 4 Red Oak at Rock Creek, 4 April 4 Wilburton at Talihina, 4:30 McCurtain at Keota, 5:30 Hartshorne at Red Oak, 4 Buffalo Valley at Wright City, 4:30 Smithville at Battiest, 5 April 6-8 Talihina at Atoka Wood Bat Tournament, Red Oak at Tulsa Victory Christian Tournament, Smithville at McCurtain County Tournament, April 6 Webbers Falls at Cameron, 5:30 Wilburton at Buffalo Valley, 4 April 7 Howe and Arkoma at Cameron, 4 (Howe vs. Cameron, 4 ; Howe vs. Arkoma, 5:30 ; Arkoma vs. Cameron, 7 ) April 10 Roland at Poteau, 4:30 Gans at Howe, 4 Wilburton at Panama, 4 Chouteau-Mazie at Pocola, 4:30 McAlester at Spiro, 5 Wister at Red Oak, 4 Arkoma at Gore, 5 Cameron at McCurtain, 5 Heavener at Hartshorne, 4:30 Talihina and Indianola at Buffalo Valley, 4, (Talihina vs. Buffalo Valley, 4 ; Talihina vs. Indianola, 6 ; Indianola vs. Buffalo Valley, 8 ) Whitesboro at Panola, 4 Kinta at Keota, 5 Valliant at Smithville, 4:30 April 11 Poteau at Roland, 4:30 Leflore at Whitesboro, 5:15 Quinton at Howe, 4:30 Buffalo Valley at Panama, 4 Cameron at Smithville, 4 Spiro at Muldrow, 5 Gore at Keota, 4:30 Red Oak at Vian, 4 April Poteau and Buffalo Valley at Coal Miner s Classic in Hartshorne, Wister Tournament, Cameron, Pocola and Red Oak at Sallisaw-Central Shootout, April 13 Howe at Cameron, 4 Spiro at Dewar, 4:30 Battiest at Smithville, 6 Keota at Canadian, 4 April 14 Cameron and Quinton at Panama, 4 (Quinton vs. Panama, 4 ; Cameron vs. Quinton, 5:30 ; Cameron vs. Panama, 7 ) (See BASEBALL, Page 6)

5 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2017 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 18, PAGE LeFlore County Slow-Pitch Softball Schedule March 20 Talihina at Pocola, 5:30 Panama at Keota, 4:30 Bokoshe and Cave Springs at Gans, 5 (Bokoshe vs. Cave Springs, 5 ; Bokoshe vs. Gans, 6:15 ) Cameron at Panola, 4 Heavener and Canadian at Crowder, 5 (Heavener vs. Canadian, 5 ; Heavener vs. Crowder, 6:15 ) Leflore at Antlers, 4:30 Whitesboro and Tushka at Kiowa, 5 (Whitesboro vs. Tushka, 5 ; Whitesboro vs. Kiowa, 6:15 ) Wister at Porum, 4:30 Talihina at Hartshorne, 5:30 Smithville at SE Oklahoma Classic at Broken Bow, March 21 Howe and Poteau at Wister, 4 (Howe vs. Wister, 4 ; Poteau vs. Howe, 5 ; Poteau vs. Wister, 6 ) Talihina at Panama, 6 Pocola and Indianola at Bokoshe, 4 (Pocola vs. Bokoshe, 4 ; Pocola vs. Indianola, 5:15 ; Indianola vs. Bokoshe, 6:30 ) Red Oak at Heavener, 4 Cameron and Moss at Canadian, 3:30 (Cameron vs. Canadian, 3:30 ; Cameron vs. Moss, 4:45 ) Whitesboro and Clayton at Buffalo Valley, 5 (Whitesboro vs. Buffalo Valley, 4 ; Clayton vs. Whitesboro, 6:15 ; Clayton vs. Buffalo Valley, 7:30 ) Smithville at SE Oklahoma Classic at Broken Bow, March Poteau, Cameron, Panama, Wister and Keota at Red Oak Tournament, March Leflore and Smithville at Soper Tournament, March 23 Arkoma at Bokoshe, DH, 4 Whitesboro and Keota at Howe, 4 (Whitesboro vs. Howe, 4 ; Whitesboro vs. Keota, 5 ; Keota vs. Howe, 6 ) Panama at Heavener, 5 Oktaha at Pocola, 5 March 24 Canadian at Whitesboro, 4 Heavener and Eufaula at Checotah, 4 (Heavener vs. Eufaula, 4 ; Heavener vs. Checotah, 5:15 ) Arkoma at Roland, 4:30 March 27 Poteau at Tahlequah, 4:30 Whitesboro at Leflore, 4 Roland at Cameron, 4 Hartshorne at Heavener, 5:30 Buffalo Valley at Talihina, 5 Arkoma and Quinton at Porum, 5 (Arkoma vs. Porum, 5 ; Arkoma vs. Quinton, 6:15 ) Bokoshe at Panola, 4 Howe at Smithville, 4 Panama at Red Oak, 5 Wister at Warner, 5 Wilburton at Keota, 4 March 28 Sallisaw at Poteau, 4:30 Arkoma at Whitesboro, DH, 4 Heavener at Pocola, 5:30 Howe and Wilburton at Panama, 4 (Howe vs. Panama, 4 ; Howe vs. Wilburton, 5 ; Wilburton vs. Panama, 6 ) Keota at Wister, 4:30 Porum at Bokoshe, 4:30 Cameron at Gore, 5 Leflore at Buffalo Valley, 4 Talihina at Antlers, 5 Tushka at Red Oak, 5 Smithville and Haworth at Wright City, 4:30 (Smithville vs. Wright CIty, 4:30 ; Smithville vs. Haworth, 5:45 ) March Howe Lady Lions Classic, March 30 McCurtain at Bokoshe, 4 March 31 Wister at Durant/Caddo Festival, April 1 Howe Lady Lions Classic, April 3 Heavener at Talihina, 5 Howe and Rattan at Red Oak, 4 (Howe vs. Red Oak, 4 ; Howe vs. Rattan, 5 ; Rattan vs. Red Oak, 6 ) Arkoma and Okay at Porum, 4 (Arkoma vs. Porum, 4 ; Arkoma vs. Okay, 5:15 ) Bokoshe at Quinton, 4:30 Cameron at Roland, 4 Leflore and Gore at Mc- Curtain, 5:30 (Leflore vs. McCurtain, 5:30 ; Leflore vs. Gore, 6:45 ) Panama and Checotah at Warner, 4:15 (Panama vs. Warner, 4:15 ; Panama vs. Checotah, 5:30 ) Whitesboro at Panola, 4 Wister and Smithville at Fort Towson Festival, Keota at Muldrow, 4:30 April 4 Poteau at Hartshorne, 4:30 Howe and Leflore at Whitesboro, 4 (Howe vs. Whitesboro, 4 ; Howe vs. Leflore, 5 ; Leflore vs. Whitesboro, 6 ) Wister at Panama, 5 Bokoshe at Kinta, 4:30 Heavener at Wilburton, 5:30 Pocola and Roland at Sallisaw-Central, 4:30 (Pocola vs. Sallisaw- Central, 4:30 ; Pocola vs. Roland, 5:45 ) Smithville at Battiest, 5:30 April 6 Poteau and Muldrow at Sequoyah-Tahlequah, 5:30 (Poteau vs. Muldrow, 5:30 ; Poteau vs. Sequoyah-Tahlequah, 7 ) Panama and Battiest at Howe, 4 (Panama vs. Howe, 4 ; Panama vs. Battiest, 5 ; Battiest vs. Howe, 6 ) Leflore at Wister, 4 Heavener at Stigler, 4:30 Pocola and Hartshorne at Wilburton, 5:30 (Pocola vs. Wilburton, 5:30 ; Pocola vs. Hartshorne, 6:45 ) Talihina at Buffalo Valley, 5 Whitesboro at Smithville, 4:30 Porum at Keota, 4:30 Red Oak at Dewar, 4 April 7-8 Heavener, Howe, Leflore, Whitesboro and Smithville at Battiest Tournament, April 7 Poteau at Stilwell, 4:30 Red Oak at Panama, 1 Wilburton at Wister, 4:30 April LeFlore County Tournament, at Poteau Area Recreational Complex, April 10 Red Oak at Poteau, 5 McCurtain at Keota, 4 Smithville at Panola, 4:30 April 11 Leflore at Smithville, 4:30 McCurtain at Red Oak, 5 Keota at Wilburton, 4:30 April Wister and Red Oak at Caney Tournament, April 13 Panola at Cameron, 4:30 Talihina at Stigler, 4 (See SOFTBALL, Page 9)

6 PAGE 6...SATURDAY, MARCH 18, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2017 LeFlore County Soccer Schedule March 21 Poteau at McAlester, 5:30 and 7:30 Heavener at Westville, 5 and 7 March Heavener at Stilwell Tournament, March Poteau boys at Wagoner Tournament, March 27 Wagoner at Heavener, 5:30 and 7:30 March 30 Greenwood, Ark., at Poteau, 5 and 7 March 31 Heavener at Stilwell, 5:30 and 7:30 April 4 Poteau at Hilldale, 5:30 and 7:30 Heavener boys at Hugo, 5 Heavener girls at Keys (Park Hill), 5 April 7 Stilwell at Poteau, 5:30 and 7:30 Fort Gibson at Heavener, 5 and 7 April 11 Poteau girls at Porter Consolidated, 5:30 April 13 Hilldale at Heavener, 5 and 7 April 14 Poteau at Fort Gibson, 5:30 and 7:30 April 18 Keys (Park Hill) girls at Poteau, 5:30 Hugo boys at Poteau, 7:30 Atoka at Heavener, 5 and 7 April 21 Heavener at Poteau, 5:30 and 7:30 April 25 Poteau at Atoka, Heavener girls at Porter Consolidated, 5:30 BASEBALL Howe and Milburn at Battiest, 1 (Howe vs. Battiest, 1 ; Howe vs. Milburn, 2:30 ) April 15 Beggs at Spiro, 1 April 17 Sallisaw at Poteau, 4:30 Arkoma and Wilburton at Spiro, 3:15 (Arkoma vs. Spiro, 3:15 ; Arkoma vs. Wilburton, 5:30 ; Wilburton vs. Spiro, 7:45 ) Eufaula at Heavener, 4:30 Braggs at Leflore, 4:30 Wright City at Wister, 5 Whitesboro at Clayton, 4 Buffalo Valley and Clayton at Antlers, 5 (Buffalo Valley vs. Clayton, 5 ; Buffalo Valley vs. Antlers, 7 ) Keota at Gans, 4 April 18 Poteau at Sallisaw, 4:30 Talihina at Panama, 4 McCurtain at Howe, 4 Union Christian Academy at Arkoma, 4 Leflore and Battiest at Panola, 4 (Leflore vs. Panola, 4 ; Leflore vs. Battiest, 6 ) Stigler at Pocola, 4 Wister at Hartshorne, 4 Smithville and Achille at Fort Towson, 4:30 (Smithville vs. Fort Towson, 4:30 ; Smithville vs. Achille, 6 ) April 20 Poteau at Wister, 4:30 Howe at Talihina, 4 Stigler at Panama, 4 Roland at Pocola, 4:30 April 21 Heavener at Poteau, 4:30 Panama at Howe, 4 Muskogee at Spiro, 5 Muldrow at Wister, 4:30 Pocola at Hartshorne, 4:30 Talihina and Savanna at Coalgate, noon (Talihina vs. Savanna, 2:30 ; Talihina vs. Coalgate, 5 ) April Arkoma, Cameron, Howe, Keota, Red Oak and Smithville at Class A District Tournament, Leflore, Whitesboro and Buffalo Valley at Class B District Tournament, April 24 Poteau at Spiro, 5 Heavener at Howe, 4 Sallisaw-Central at Pocola, 4 Chouteau-Mazie at Wister, 4:30 Panama at Vian, 4 Red Oak at Roff, 3:30 April 25 Keys (Park Hill) at Spiro, 5 April Poteau at Class 4A Bi-District Tournament, Heavener and Spiro at Class 3A District Tournament, Panama, Pocola, Talihina and Wister at Class 2A District Tournament, Arkoma, Cameron, Howe, Keota, Red Oak and Smithville at Class A Regional Tournament, Leflore, Whitesboro and Buffalo Valley at Class B Regional Tournament, May 1 Sallisaw-Central at Spiro, 4 May 4-6 Poteau at Class 4A Regional Tournament, Heavener and Spiro at Class 3A Regional Tournament, Panama, Pocola, Talihina and Wister at Class 2A Regional Tournament, Arkoma, Cameron, Howe, Keota, Red Oak and Smithville at Class A State Tournament, Leflore, Whitesboro and Buffalo Valley at Class B State Tournament, May Poteau at Class 4A State Tournament, Heavener and Spiro at Class 3A State Tournament, Panama, Pocola, Talihina and Wister at Class 2A State Tournament, The Poteau Daily News is your best source for local sports coverage in LeFlore County

7 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2017 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 18, PAGE 7 ROSTERS The Poteau Lady Pirates soccer team is on the left with roster players Darci Kuck, Ashtan Jackson, Dominique Webster, Katy Leary, Brianna Battiest, Haylie Langworthy, Bryce Vickers, Itzel Sanjuan, Jennifer Camargo, Rachel Delgado, Gwen Clark, Emma Sandstoe, Jody Stidham, Desiree Maden, Casie Morgan, Viviana Delgadillo, Becky Guerrero, Allison Matos, Callie Nash and coaches Shanna Hall and Chase Caldwell. The Poteau Pirates are on the right with roster players Bryce Anderson, Jack Buckles, Keaton Canada, Garrett Clark, Kaegan Clark, Kyle Cobb, Luis Gonzalez, Jeremy Gutierrez, Kyson Hardaway, Daniel Krehl, Ollie Lagrand, Luke Lancaster, Roger Montelongo, Brandon Moore, Keagan Neal, Bryce Palmer, Alexis Rojo, Johan Salazar, Luis Vasquez, Braden Vera, Jackson Webster and coaches Neto Silva, Kyle Hardaway and Kyle Matos. Photos by Lauren Peck Poteau soccer teams seek another playoff run Both Poteau High School soccer teams made the playoffs to make LeFlore Country have a representative in both the boys and girls Class 4A playoffs last season. The Lady Pirates were 8-4 last year and earned their firstever home playoff match in school history. They return 15 members from that team seniors Darci Kuck, Dominique Webster, Katy Leary, Brianna Battiest, Haylie Langworthy, Itzel Sanjuan, Gwen Clark, Emma Sandstoe and Viviana Delgadillo to go with juniors Ashtan Jackson, Jody Stidham, Desiree Maden, Casie Morgan, Becky Guerrero and Allison Matos. Jackson is currently injured, but likely will be the starting Poteau, Heavener golfers ready for action The Poteau and Heavener high school golfers are anxious for success this spring on the fairways and greens. The Pirates return four golfers from last spring s team that finished seventh at the Class 4A State Meet Ryan Ward, Bryson Terry, Justun Coyle and Jeremiah Loggains. Rounding out the boys golf roster for Poteau coach Mike Thomas are Luke Wheat, Jameson Shackleford, Trent Fassio and Nick Jackson. The Lady Pirates bring back four of the five golfers who were a part of last spring s 11th-place finishers at state Shelli Cobb, Randalyn Rice, Ashlynn Smith and Dru Martin. Rounding out the roster for Poteau girls coach Randall Wheat are Callie Shore, Sara Johnson, MaryAnn Attee and Skye Parker. The Heavener Wolves and Lady Wolves will have two golfers each. Braxton Sullivan and Jacob Davis will represent the Wolves for the second straight spring, while the trio of Journey Perdue, Gracie Summers and Ashlyn Moody will represent the Lady Wolves. The boys are a small squad but very competitive, Heavener coach David Long said. The girls are young but they have lots of experience in junior golf. It wouldn t surprise me if we have at least one boy and girl make state. goalkeeper once back healthy. She had 53 saves last spring. Sandstoe, who signed on the afternoon of the season opener with Bacone College, had 14 goals last spring, while Clark had nine goals, Matos five goals, and Webster and Battiest each had a goal. We have four returning starters with two others having lots of field time and experience, said Shanna Hall, who is taking over the head coaching duties from longtime coach Jim Erwin after being his assistant for the previous six years. We re excited for the year, and the teamwork being utilized. Chase Caldwell will be Hall s assistant coach this season. The Pirates were 13-2 last season, and they return 10 players from that squad seniors Bryce Anderson, Jeremy Gutierrez, Luke Lancaster and Keagan Neal, junior Kaegan Clark and sophomores Garrett Clark, Kyson Hardaway, Roger Montelongo, Brandon Moore and Bryce Palmer for coach Kyle Hardaway, who is acting head coach in absence of head coach Neto Silva. Former Pirate Kyle Matos, who was the goalie on the 2013 state championship team, is the assistant coach. The Poteau Daily News is your best source for local sports coverage in LeFlore County

8 PAGE 8...SATURDAY, MARCH 18, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS Howe Lady Lions expect success to carry over from basketball Front row, from left Julianne Ford, Jade McCoy, Winter Nakedhead, Shyann Benson and Brittany Earls. Back row Coach Dennis Shoup, Nicholas Ford, Marc Lopez, Marlene Miller, Shaelena Bacon, Tanner Scott and Hattie Lloyd. Not pictured Lari Coker and Geren Dalton. Photo by Cindy Mitchell Howe track team has numbers for this season Under new Howe track coach Dennis Shoup, the Howe Lions and Lady Lions have some depth this spring. The Lions will have four runners Nicholas Ford, Marc Lopez, Geren Dalton and Tanner Scott. The Lady Lions have 10 runners on board, Marlene Miller, Shaelena Bacon, Hattie Lloyd, Julianne Ford, Jade Mc- Coy, Winter Nakedhead, Shyann Benson and Brittany Earls and Lari Coker. Front row, from left Sydnie Womack, Cheyanna Poindexter, Jodi Tubby, Lauren Ford, Shelby Gullick and Zoe Nation. Back row Justyn Lynn, Taya Kellogg, Jalei Oglesby, Morgan Hillebrand, Braden Dorsey, Shaelena Bacon, Morgan Turner and Abby Davidson. Not pictured Coaches Mike Womack and Taggart Lockhart PDN photo by David Seeley The Howe softball team is hoping the success the Lady Lions have had the last two basketball seasons with trips to state will brush of onto their softball team. The Lady Lions were last spring, and they expect even more success this spring. The Lady Lions return six starters from last spring s squad, four of whom are seniors Lauren Ford, Braden Dorsey, Taya Kellogg and Morgan Hillebrand. Also back are junior Abigail Davidson and sophomore Jalei Oglesby. A new face this spring is Justyn Lynn, who played on last spring s Class 3A state championship Wister Lady Wildcats team. Freshmen Sydnie Womack, Angela Price and Zoe Nation also expect to make contributions. We have a good group of returning players to go along with a good group of freshmen, first-year head coach Mike Womack said. We should have a chance to win some games this spring. Check us out online for all the latest breaking local news, sports, entertainment, opinion polls, trending topics, bookings, deals, special sections, Mini-Penny, Shopper s Guide and TV show listings via TV LINK magazine. Front row, from left Colby Butler, Tanner Scott, Braydon McCoy, Diego Sanchez, Mehmet Duezdoel, David Evans, Abduaziz Masoliev and Carson McGee. Back row Coach Jon Sockey, Brant Denton, Matthew Johnson, Michael Dean, Tyler Singleterry, Tyler Sockey, Trevor Sockey and Trey Nation. Photo by Cindy Mitchell Howe Lions will be experienced this spring The Howe Lions expect to see some success this spring after an season last fall. The Lions return several players from last fall s squad. Back are twin brothers Tyler and Trevor Sockey, Braydon McCoy, Brant Denton, Diego Sanchez, Michael Dean, Trey Nation, Carson McGee, David Evans, Colby Butler and Tanner Scott. Rounding out the roster are Matthew Johnson, Tyler Singleterry, Mehmet Duezdoel and Abduaziz Masoliev.

9 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2017 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 18, PAGE 9 SOFTBALL Gore at Keota, 4:30 Buffalo Valley at Clayton, 4 April 14 Battiest at Whitesboro, 4 Arkoma at Porum, 4 Idabel at Smithville, 4:30 April 17 Poteau at Sallisaw, 4:30 Cameron and Stigler at Pocola, 4:30 (Pocola vs. Stigler, 4:30 ; Cameron vs. Stigler, 5:45 ; Cameron vs. Pocola, 7 ) Howe and McCurtain at Heavener, 4 (Howe vs. Heavener, 4 ; Howe vs. McCurtain, 5 ; McCurtain vs. Heavener, 6 ) Keota and Kinta at Bokoshe, 4 (Keota vs. Bokoshe, 4 ; Keota vs. Kinta, 5:15 ; Kinta vs. Bokoshe, 6:30 ) Stringtown and Buffalo Valley at Whitesboro, 4 (Stringtown vs. Whitesboro, 4 ; Buffalo Valley vs. Stringtown, 5:15 ; Buffalo Valley vs. Whitesboro, 6:30 ) Sallisaw-Central at Wister, 4:30 Leflore at Clayton, 4:30 Oktaha at Red Oak, 4:30 April 18 Howe and Broken Bow at Poteau, 4 (Howe vs. Poteau, 4 ; Howe vs. Broken Bow, 5 ; Broken Bow vs. Poteau, 6 ) Pocola and Muldrow at Panama, 5 (Pocola vs. Panama, 5 ; Pocola vs. Muldrow, 6:15 ; Muldrow vs. Panama, 7:30 ) Talihina at Pocola, 5:30 Smithville and Clayton at Whitesboro, 4 (Clayton vs. Whitesboro, 4 ; Smithville vs. Clayton, 5:15 ; Smithville vs. Whitesboro, 6:30 ) Arkoma at Keota, 4 Cameron at Red Oak, 5 Bokoshe and Panola at McCurtain, 4 (Bokoshe vs. McCurtain, 4 ; Bokoshe vs. Panola, 5:15 ) Heavener at Oktaha, 5 April 20 Tahlequah at Poteau, 4 April Class A, B, 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A District Tournaments, April 21 Fort Gibson at Poteau, 4:30 Heavener at Sapulpa, 4:30 April 24 Poteau and Battiest at Heavener, 4 (Poteau vs. Heavener, 4 ; Poteau vs. Battiest, 5:15 ; Battiest vs. Heavener, 6:30 ) April 25 Poteau at Roland, 4:30 Heavener and Muskogee at Warner, 5 (Heavener vs. Muskogee, 5 ; Heavener vs. Warner, 6:15 ) Red Oak at Sequoyah-Tahlequah, 4:30 April Class A, B, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A Regional Tournaments, May 2-3 Class A, B, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A State Tournaments, Have you visited the Poteau Daily News website today? Heavener soccer teams look to end playoff drought The Heavener High School soccer teams are hoping to end their playoff droughts this season. The Lady Wolves, who were 6-7 last season, return 10 players from a season ago Marisol Vasquez, Kayle Huckaby, Erika Hernandez, Jackie Aguero, Areli Jimenez, Bailey Olive, Yisel Martinez, Iris Martinez, Haley Cripps, Winter Lowery and Kim Lopez. Rounding out the roster are Selsa Jacinto, Ana Vasquez, Lucy Martinez, Mason Shupert, Jessy Moreno, Celine Carlson, Jayda Janway, Nora Martinez, Natalia Medina, Jennifer Guerrero, Laney Tiffee and Destiny Sanchez. The Wolves, who were 3-10 last spring, will be young as they only return three players from a season ago Ruben Rodriguez, Jorge Beltran and Dawson Adrean. Chris Lopez, Abraham Castillo, Cesar Ramirez, Joel Bustillos, Enrique Luna, Leonel Gavina, Josh Davis, Cody Gonzales, Lucio Garcia, Amadore Marginez, Julio Federico, Maliek Lira, Francisco Hernandez, Miguel Garcia, Michael Gomez, Daniel Vasquez, Chrystian Martinez, Mario Diaz, Noe Alvarado, Marisio Gavina and Marcus Salazar round out the roster. Keep up-to-date with local weather, current events, breaking news, exclusive videos and clips not available anywhere else! No news organization on the planet covers LeFlore County news better than we do!

10 PAGE 10...SATURDAY, MARCH 18, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS ROSTER Here are the Poteau Pirates track team. Members are Shay Scott, Caleb Skelton, Nathan Ulmer, Jameson Shackleford, Jayden Mankin, Tyler Broom, Justice Stacy, Nick Marshall, Dauntay Warren, Gunnar Thompson, Josh Smith, Jarod Vineyard, Mathew Alvarado and Preston Duncan. There was no Lady Pirates team photo submitted by press time. Photo by Lauren Peck Poteau track teams look to run for the gold this spring The Poteau High School track teams are looking to run for gold this spring. The Pirates, under new coach John Thompson, will have at least 14 guys out this spring. Shay Scott, Caleb Skelton and Nathan Ulmer are slated to run in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, while Jameson Shackleford, when not golfing, and Jayden Mankin will see action in the 400-meter dash and will be in the 110-meter hurdles as Mankin will be the lone 300-meter hurdler for the time being. Tyler Broom, Justice Stacy and Nick Marshall will run in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs. Caleb Skelton will do the high and long jumps, while Dauntey Warren will join him as a long jumper. Gunnar Thompson, Josh Smith, Jarod Vineyard and Mathew Alvarado will be the discus and shot put throwers for the Pirates. Scott, Skelton, Shackleford and Preston Duncan are the top candidates for the 400-meter relay, while Scott, Mankin, Duncan and Ulmer are the top runners on the 800-meter relay team. Duncan, Broom, Shackleford and Stacy are the front-runners for the 1,600-meter relay. The Lady Pirates return four state qualifiers high jumper Myeka Bluford, discus thrower Kayleigh Shankle who ran in the Class 4A State Cross Country Meet last fall and three runners off the 3,200-meter relay team, Shankle, Kylanna Hardaway and Madison Williamson.

11 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2017 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 18, PAGE 11 ROSTER Here are the Arkoma Mustangs baseball team. Members are Colton McBride, Cade Weatherton, Seth Key, Jason Pryor, Caleb Bise, Tanner Sanders, Jay Tate, Matthew Harmon, Dillion Cope, Chris Call, Mykiah Oosahwe, Dalton Ellison, Alex Huang, Ian Lenard, Calvin Howington, Isaiah Cobbe and Blake Chambers. Coaches are Mark Weatherton and Paul Cates. Photo by Jodi Olson Arkoma Mustangs a veteran squad this spring The Arkoma Mustangs hope their veteran squad will help lead them to a winning record in The Mustangs were last spring but won the school s first-ever baseball district championship. The Mustangs retrurn 10 players from a season ago. Back are seniors Seth Key (.440 batting average last season), Matthew Harmon (.257), Caleb Bise (.284), Daylan Conzley (.117) and Tanner Sanders (.217), juniors Jason Pryor (.223) and Isaiah Cobbe (.232) and sophomores Colton Arkoma Lady Mustangs will be young, but experienced The Arkoma Lady Mustangs will be a young squad this spring, but an experienced one. Of the 13-player roster, eight of them played for the Lady Mustangs during the fast-pitch season last fall Chloe Ulrich, Skyla Paul, Josslyn Beesley, Raegan Sanders, Mackenzie Farrar, Maddie Carlile, Kaylee Moore and Tyra Beaver. Rounding out the roster are Sommer Carlile, Madisen O Neal, Emily Brown, B.J. Lang and Vanessa Tenconi. Editor s note: No preseason information was available on the Arkoma track teams or the Bokoshe Lady Tigers softball team by press time. McBride (.241), Mykiah Oosahwe (.191) and Cade Weatherton (.333). Rounding out the roster are seniors Dillon Cope (.107 batting average in 2016) and Cash Womack (.231), juniors Blake Chambers and Harley McAlister, sophomore Ian Lenard and freshmen Jay Tate, Austin Smith and Kris Dean. We re returning every starter from last year s first-ever district championship team, said Arkoma coach Mark Weatherton, now in his ninth year. Seth, Jason and Colton make us a very strong pitching rotation. We need a couple more guys to step in and give us some quality innings, but we have plenty of candidates to fill those spots with the likes of Cash, Dillon, Isaiah, Daylan, Mykiah, Caleb, Tanner and Matthew who all have experience on the mound. Editor s note: Bokoshe will not have a varsity baseball team this spring. POTEAU TAG AGENCY Jordan Keller,Tag Agent Wishes All LeFlore County Teams A Successful Season Titles Tags Driver s License Notary Voter Registration Driving Record Custom Tags Boats Liens Now Accepting Debit and Credit Cards for Motor Vehicle Transaction 2801 N. Broadway #3, Poteau Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 1st & 3rd Saturdays from

12 PAGE 12...SATURDAY, MARCH 18, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS Front row, from left Astrid Sandberg, Faith Gotes, Dakotha Battice, Kenzie Shires, Megan French and Jay Tran. Middle row Amber Battice, Loren Ford-Rogers, Hannah McCormack, Abbi Hambrick and Morgan Cooper. Back row Samara Cassuci, Sarah Billingsley, Reilli Whitehead, Brinley Butler, Chandra Shoptease and Dacey Cloud. Not pictured Coaches Custis Curry and Roger Hoffman. Photo by Stephanie Battice Cameron girls a veteran bunch this spring season The Cameron Lady Yellowjackets bring back eight players from last spring s squad. Returning are sisters Dakotha and Amber Battice, Kenzie Shires, Loren Ford-Rogers, Abbi Hambrick, Dacey Cloud, Sarah Billingsley and Brinley Butler for firstyear softball coach Curtis Curry. Rounding out the roster are Astrid Sandberg, Faith Gotes, Megan French, Jay Tran, Hannah McCormack, Morgan Cooper, Samara Cassuci, Reilli Whitehead and Chandra Shoptease LeFlore County Golf Schedule March 20 Heavener girls at Keys (Park Hill) Invitational in Tahlequah, March 21 Heavener boys at Broken Bow Invitational, March 22 Poteau girls at Canadian Invitational, at Aarowhead Golf Course, 9 a.m. March 23 Poteau JV and JH boys at Keys (Park Hil) Invitational, at Cherokee Trails Golf Course in Tahlequah, 9 a.m. March 24 Heavener girls at Wewoka Invitational, March 27 Poteau boys at McAlester Invitational, 8 a.m. March 27 Poteau JV and JH boys at Hilldale Invitational, at Muskogee Country Club, 9 a.m. Front row, from left Amy Craig, Payton Thornburg, Emma Baker, Bethany Albertson, Zoey Fuller, MacKenzie Jones and Emily Sinclair. Back row Abby Duke, Ivy Green, Keelie Glory, Morgan Francis, Summer Perkins and Sammie Kuhns. Not pictured Coaches Mark Reichert and Eric Ladd. Photo by Mark Reichert Pocola softball girls back in action this spring After taking the 2016 spring season off due to lack of numbers, the Pocola Lady Indians are back on the field this spring. The three players with the most experience out this spring are senior Sammie Kuhns who signed last fall to play collegiately with Eastern Oklahoma State College and juniors Summer Perkins and Morgan Francis. Rounding out the roster are Taesha Sharrod, Payton Thornburg, Abby Duke, Zoey Fuller, Bethany Albertson, Emma Baker, Chloe Damato, Ivy Green, Mackenzie Jones, March 28 Poteau girls and Heavener girls at Roland Invitational, at Ben Geren Country Club in Fort Smith, Ark., 9 a.m. March 29 Poteau girls at Oktaha Invitational, at Fountainhead Golf Course, 9 a.m. March 30 Poteau boys and Heavener boys at Roland Invitational, at Ben Geren Country Club in Fort Smith, Ark., 9 a.m. April 1 Poteau boys at Fort Gibson Invitational, at Sequoyah State Park Golf Course, 9 a.m. April 3 Poteau JV and JH Invitational, at Choctaw Country Club, 9 a.m. Poteau girls at Stigler Invitational, at Brier Creek Golf Course, 10 a.m. (See GOLF, Page 13) Amie Craig and Keelie Glory. We ll have a lot of new faces on the field, said Mark Reichert, who is in his second season as coach of the Lady Indians and will coach them for the first time in a slowpitch season. We re just hoping to compete and have fun.

13 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2017 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 18, PAGE 13 Pocola Indians seek success this spring The Pocola Indians are looking to better their.500 baseball season from last spring in which they went The Indians, who opened their season by winning four of their first five games, return 13 players from a season ago, which should make them very experienced. Returning are Dillon Nguyen, Dakota Wofford, Zack Glory, Kyler Ree, Jacob Miller, Jadyn Riggs, Cole Wofford, Tatum Lomon, Hunter Taylor, Hagan Jones, Garrett Brown, Seth Taylor and Kyler Helms. GOLF April 5 Poteau Girls Invitational, at Choctaw Country Club, 10 a.m. Poteau JV boys and Heavener boys at Stigler Invitational, at Brier Creek Golf Course, 10 a.m. April 6 Poteau JV and JH boys at Canadian Invitational, at Aarowhead Golf Course, 9 a.m. April 8 Poteau boys at Eufaula Classic, at Fountainhead Golf Course, 8:30 a.m. April 10 Poteau boys at Tahlequah Invitational, at Cherokee Springs Golf Course, 9 a.m. April 11 Poteau girls at Tahlequah Invitational, at Cherokee Springs Golf Course, 9 a.m. April 13 Poteau Boys Invitational, at Choctaw Country Club, 9 a.m. April 17 Poteau boys at Hilldale Invitational, at Muskogee Country Club, 8 a.m. Poteau girls at Keys (Park Hill) Invitational, at Cherokee Springs Golf Course in Tahlequah, 9 a.m. April 18 Heavener girls at Class 3A Regional From left Seth Taylor, Hagan Jones, Brandon Forrest, Dillon Nguyen, Zack Glory, Kawliga Brewer, Jaimison Brewer and manager Logan Montgomery. Back row Kyler Helms, Carson Cox, Jacob Miller, Dakota Wofford, Jadyn Riggs, Derek Carter, Kyler Ree, Cole Wofford, Garrett Brown, Tatum Lomon and Hunter Taylor. Not pictured Coaches Eddie Combs and Clint Beesley. PDN photo by David Seeley Rounding out the roster are Brandon Forrest, Kawliga Brewer and Jaimison Brewer. Editor s note: No preseason information was presented on the Pocola track teams by press time. Qualifier, at TBA, April 24 Poteau boys at Class 4A State Preview, at Lake Hefner North Golf Course in Oklahoma City, 8:30 a.m. Heavener boys at Class 3A Regional Qualifier, at TBA, April 25 Poteau girls at Class 4A Regional Tournament, at TBA, Heavener girls at Class 3A Regional Tournament, at TBA, April 27 Poteau boys at Pryor Invitational, at Pryor Creek Golf Course, 8 a.m. May 1 Poteau at Class 4A Regional Tournament, at Cherokee Springs Golf Course in Tahlequah, 8 a.m. May 3-4 Poteau girls at Class 4A State Tournament, at Lake Hefner Golf Course in Oklahoma City, Heavener girls at Class 3A State Tournament, at TBA, May 8-9 Poteau boys at Class 4A State Tournament, at Lake Hefner North Golf Course in Oklahoma City, Heavener boys at Class 3A State Tournament, at TBA, Front row, from left Callee Dunigan, Kylee Free, Morgan Alexander, Carylssa Sanchez, Makenzie Wilson, Jaycee White and Shaylan Duncan. Middle row Rachel Roach, Gracie Pate, Shelby Smith, Ashlyn Moody, Lillian Smith, Savannah Newman and Makaylee Wilson. Back row Coach Rodale Sanders, Jazmine Lopez, Haylee Benefield, Emily Yandell, Lakota Vickers, Abbi Moody, Rilegh Pate, Christian Schiffner, Sydney Crase and coach Trevor Smith. Photo by Craig Hall/The Heavener Ledger Heavener girls seek fourth straight trip to state tournament The Heavener Lady Wolves made the Class 5A State Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament last spring and have made state for three straight softball seasons, dating back to October They return four of their top hitters from last season s 27-7 spring squad juniors Emily Yandell (.542, 13 home runs last spring), Abbi Moody (.489, 12 homers) and Shelby Smith (.440, one homer) along with sophomore Rilegh Pate (.426, three homers). Rounding out the roster are twin sisters Makenzie and Makaylee Wilson, Lakotah Vickers, Jasmine Lopez, Sydney Crase, Carlyssa Sanchez, Kylee Free, Haylee Benifield, Gracie Pate, Savannah Newman, Callee Dunigan, Shaylan Duncan, Lillian Smith, Ashlyn Moody [when not golfing for the Lady Wolves], Jaycee White, Christian Schiffner, Morgan Alexander and Rachel Roach. With three consecutive trips to the state tournament [combining slow- and fast-pitch seasons], these girls know what it takes to win, Heavener coach Rodale Sanders said. We re planning on going again this year.

14 PAGE 14...SATURDAY, MARCH 18, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS Talihina baseball team to be young, but enthusiastic The Talihina Golden Tigers will be a youthful bunch, but an enthusiastic group. The Golden Tigers were a season ago, but return three players from that squad this season. Returning starters are senior infielder/pitcher Domnick Shedd, junior infielder/pitcher Dillon Hunter and sophomore infielder/pitcher Kyler Baugh. Two other key players veteran coach Jon Bradberry is counting upon are junior infielder/outfielder/pitcher Wyatt Harger and sophomore catcher/pitcher Trevor Whitehead. Rounding out the roster are Ryker Baughman, Cooper Wright, Jon Grogan, Austin Fenton, Chipper Jones and Garrett Dyson. We re a very young team that will give it their all at all times, Bradberry said. It will be a rough beginning. Hopefully, we will go out every day and compete with everyone. Editor s note: No preseason information was reported on Talihina s slow-pitch softball or track teams prior to press time. Front row, from left Trevor Roberts, Tucker LeMay, Sawyer Adams and Ricky Morris. Back row Ethan Adams, Bobby Rose, Avery McCarley, Corban Culley and Ian Baxter. Not pictured Coach Bryan Cartwright and Micah Gibson. Photo by Bryan Cartwright Whitesboro boys a young bunch this season The Whitesboro Bulldogs baseball team graduated just three seniors from last year s squad. So, the good news is there will be six returning starters, but the not-so-good news is that only two of them are seniors Sawyer Adams and Avery McCarley. They will have to produce for us, Whitesboro coach Bryan Cartwright said. The other four are sophomores Ethan Adams, Tucker LeMay, Bobby Rose and Corban Culley. In fact, seven of the roster players are sophomores, as Ethan Adams, LeMay, Rose and Culley will be joined among the sophomore corps by Trevor Roberts, Micah Gibson and Ricky Morris. All the sophomores will be the center of my team for the next couple of years, Cartwright said. There s only one freshman, Ian Baxter, but he could very well be a sleeper. I m looking for him to do some good things, Cartwright said. The Dogs were last spring and got to the Class B Regional Tournament loser s-bracket final last spring before being beaten by Leflore, before the Savages lost to Red Oak in the regional finals. Last fall, the Bulldogs were 16-9 last fall but got only as far as the Class B Regional Tournament. I think our team will go as far as our arms develop, Cartwright said. We need our bats to wake up and start hitting the ball with confidence. I think we ll compete with most teams in the state, but we just need to hit better. We re putting a lot of effort into it. I hope it gets going by the end of the year. If it does, we ll be a tough out.

15 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2017 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 18, PAGE 15 Heavener Wolves in rebuilding stage as former coach returns The Heavener Wolves are in a rebuilding year as they welcome back former veteran baseball coach Ray Glover. The Wolves were 4-17 last spring, and return four starters from that team senior Matt Dueschel, juniors Connor Place and Jordan Terry and sophomore Jack Dueschel. Senior Jacob Davis, junior Brayden Tolleson and freshmen Brandon Crase and Graceon Huggins also should make contributions this season. We re in a rebuilding year after graduating Dillion May and Corry Duncan, Glover said. Both saw extensive time on the mound. We re hoping to see Jacob Davis fill this gap. Front row, from left Roxy Blagg, Ashley Johnson, Haylee Himes and Shaylee Davis. Back row Lana Putman, Ashten Bailey, Aubrey Arnold, MaKyLa Thompson and Lizzie LeMay. Photo by Debora Putman Youth will be served for Whitesboro Lady Bulldogs The Whitesboro Lady Bulldogs softball team went last spring but saw their season end in the district tournament on their own field. Last fall, they were Not only will the Lady Bulldogs be dealing with quick exits in their last two softball seasons, they also will have to deal with graduation hitting them hard. However, they do return four players who saw action last year Ashten Bailey, Aubrey Arnold, Lizzie LeMay and Roxy Blagg. Whitesboro is welcoming a former Talihina Lady Golden Tiger, Haylee Himes, to the mix. Rounding out the team are Lana Putman, MaKyla Thompson, Ashley Johnson and Shaylee Davis. Editor s note: No preseason information was available on the Whitesboro track teams by press time. Check out Diamond Notes weekly in Tuesday editions of the Poteau Daily News Heavener track teams featuring couple of future collegiate runners The Heavener High School track teams will feature a couple of future college signees this spring. For the Lady Wolves, Barbara Johnson, who won the Class 3A State Cross Country Meet last fall, signed with East Central University. Johnson was a state track qualifier individually in the 800-meter and 3,200-meter runs, while being part of the 3,200-meter relay along with Iris Martinez, Selena Ibarra and Laura Culpepper all whom are scheduled to be back, along with 100-meter state qualifier Kelli Morgan. The Wolves also have a soon-to-be runner with Nathan Binns, who signed with the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma earlier this month.

16 PAGE 16...SATURDAY, MARCH 18, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS Front row, from left Tanner Thompson, Dakota Eaves, Rowdy Downs, Drew Butler, Hunter Sebo, Tanner Muskrat, Trevor Banhart and Bryce Armstrong. Back row Bryant Cline, Jacob Mantooth, Dawson Restine, Tristan Thompson, Connor Tackett, Chance Timms and Derek Carroll. Not pictured Coaches Chris Gollihare and Randy Darneal. Photo by Belinda Westfall Panama baseball team young, but talented The Panama Razorbacks will be a young but talented squad this spring on the diamond. The Hogs, who were last spring, return six starters from a season ago senior center fielder/pitcher Tristan Thompson, senior second baseman/pitcher Derrick Carroll, junior third baseman Jacob Mantooth, junior catcher Dawson Restine, sophomore shortstop/pitcher Chance Timms and sophomore center fielder/pitcher Rowdy Downs. Sophomore outfielder Tanner Thompson, sophomore first baseman/pitcher Connor Tackett, freshman outfielder/ pitcher Trevor Banhart and freshman utility player/pitcher Hunter Sebo also are expected to make contributions. Front row, from left McKenzie Harper, Mikah Rothermel, Sarah Harp and Rayven Billings. Back row Cassidy Ward, Katrina Wright, Ciara Johnson, Maci Goines, Aubrey Powell, Kristen Watson, Shanoe Teague and McKenna Murdock. Not pictured Players Taryn Thornhill, Sydnee Haynes and Kennadee Hale as well as coaches Carrie Covey, Billy Leaptrot and Jamie Hoffman. Photo by Belinda Westfall Panama softball girls seek success this spring The Panama Lady Razorbacks are looking for a successful spring season on the diamond after a 15-8 season last spring. The Lady Backs return senior pitcher Mikah Rothermel, who is one of four seniors on the team joining McKenzie Harper, Sarah Harp and Rayven Billings. Rounding out the roster are Cassidy Ward, Sydnee Haynes, Taryn Thornhill, Katrina Wright, Ciara Johnson, Maci Goines, Aubrey Powell, Kristen Watson, Shanoe Teague, Kennadee Hale and Makenna Murdock. Cameron boys will be young under new coach PANAMA HARDWARE Hwy 59, Panama, OK Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 Saturday 8 a.m Doneva Fout Mobile Home Supplies The Cameron Yellowjackets will have only three seniors and five returners who saw a lot of varsity action last fall. The Jackets, who were 3-18 last spring and 1-19 last fall, the latter was under new coach Brandon Wood. Cameron returns five players who saw varsity playing time last season seniors Britain Wilson and Kealton Johnson and juniors Jordan Cannon, Jagger Harley and Jeremy Humphries. Rounding out the roster are senior Brandon Hooper and freshmen Branson Castillo, L.T. Booth, Zeus Price, Jacob Gotes, Kole ROSTER Britain Wilson, Kealton Johnson, Brandon Hooper, Jordan Cannon, Jagger Harley, Jeremy Humphries, Kolby McGee, L.T. Booth, Zeus Price, Jacob Gotes, Kole Hadley and Branson Castillo. Coaches Brandon Wood and Jeremy Williams. Photo by Brandon Wood Hadley and Kolby Mc- Gee. Overall, we re very young, but a promising squad, Wood said. I m looking for marked improvements by the end of the season.

17 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2017 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 18, PAGE 17 Front row, from left Shaelyn Green, Makayla Lee, Lindsey Hudlow, Kenzie Pope, Raelyn Harrell, Katrina Hudlow and Summer Barnett. Back row Courtney Lee, Abree Singleterry, Masey Brannon, Madison Vaden, Megan Luman, Haylee Newman and coach Diana Hames. Not pictured Kristen Brown. Photo by Suzie Cormier New coach hoping to guide Leflore girls to success this spring on the diamond For the second time in as many years, the Leflore Lady Savages softball team will be under the guidance of a new coach as Diana Hames takes over the Tiffany Luttmer who was the new coach last year. The Lady Savages were last fall, and they return six starters from last fall s team seniors Shaelyn Green and Masey Brannon, junior Madison Vaden, sophomores Kenzie Pope, Abree Singleterry and Summer Barnett. However, about half of the Lady Savages are freshmen, six to be precise Megan Luman, Haylee Newman, Mikayla Lee, Katrina Hudlow, Lindsay Hudlow and Makayla Lee. Rounding out the roster are sophomores Raelyn Harrell and Courtney Lee This is a very young team, Hames said. There s a lot of inexperience but a good amount of talent as well as excellent leadership from our two seniors [Green and Brannon]. I m very optimistic about having a solid finish toward the end of the season. Have you checked the Poteau Daily News website lately? In addition to current weather and news of all kinds, there are videos of local events. Check it out! Front row, from left Dakota Benson, LeeRay Gwin, Jackson Woodall, Stetson Adams, Hunter Durant, Jett Carver, Luke Jackson and Kurtis Martin. Back row Ryan Green, Hagen Earls, Mason Warren, Blake Crase, Dawson Warren, Conner Luce, Hunter McGowen, Wyatt Gibson and coach Mark Warren. Photo by Suzie Cormier Leflore boys primed another trip to state The Leflore Savages baseball team got to the Class B State Tournament last fall, and they re primed to make a push for a return trip this spring. The Savages, who were 20-6 last spring and last fall, return five starters from last year s team senior pitcher/infielder Blake Crase, senior twin utility players Dawson and Mason Warren, sophomore pitcher/ infielder Hagen Earls and sophomore catcher/outfielder Stetson Adams. However, the remaining players are freshmen utility players Jeff Carver, Hunter Durant and Jackson Woodall, outfielder Wyatt Gibson, pitcher/ infielder Luke Jackson and catcher/ infielder/pitcher Ryan Green. Rounding out the roster will be Connor Luce, Hunter McGowen, Dakota Benson and Kurtis Martin. Have a Great Season!

18 PAGE 18...SATURDAY, MARCH 18, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS STATE S SECOND BEST The Spiro Lady Bulldogs track teams pose with the Class 3A state runners-up from last season s state meet. With all members of the team back this season, they should be a favorite to win the state title this season. Photo Courtesy Kayla Carrington Spiro girls primed to make state title run The Spiro Lady Bulldogs were the Class 3A State Track Meet runners-up last spring, and saw three of their relay teams win state titles. The good news for coach Kayla Carrington, all the girls on last year s team are back. Kaici Phillips, Jimmie Pool, Hannah Tobler and Abena Sey won the 400-meter relay state title, while Phillips, Pool, Tobler and Miriah Steele were the members of the 800-meter relay state champs. Steele, Pool, Sey and Tobler won state gold in the 1,600-meter relay. Another state qualifier back for the Lady Bulldogs is Jasmine Hopkins, who was 10th in the 300-meter hurdles at state. The Bulldogs are expected to have all four of their state qualifiers back. Brent Stout was in the 400-meter dash at last year s Class 3A State Meet, while he was a part of the state-qualifiying 400-meter relay team with Landon Moore, Adam Harrison and Deontei Braggs. ROSTER Here is the Spiro Bulldogs baseball team. Players are Cade Blankenship, Drew Dixon, Dylan Ridenour, Drake McConnel, Trenton Goins, Antonio Johnson, Brevon Harper, Malik Roberson, Keegan Caldwell, Daniel Howery, Bradlee Chronister, Ethan Caldwell, Logan Farmer, Alex Demato and Garrett Cox. Coaches are D.J. Gist and Rod Kimmel. Photo Submitted by D.J. Gist Spiro baseball ready for another successful spring The Spiro Bulldogs were last season but saw their season end one stage short of the Class 3A State Tournament as they lost in the loser s-bracket final of the regional tournament. The Dogs return five starters from a season ago senior pitcher/first baseman Drew Dixon (.260 batting average last season), senior pitcher/shortstop Trenton Goins (.360), junior outfielder Antonio Johnson, junior catcher/pitcher Brevon Harper, junior utility player/ pitcher Bradlee Chronister and junior infielder Ethan Caldwell. Senior outfielder Daniel Howery, junior infielder Dylan Ridenour and junior outfielder Cade Blankenship also are expected to make great contributions this season. Rounding out the roster are Drake McConnell, Keegan Caldwell, Logan Farmer, Alex Demato and Garrett Cox. Editor s note: There will not be a slow-pitch softball team for Spiro this year LeFlore County Track Schedule March 21 Poteau, Arkoma, Heavener, Howe, Pocola, Spiro, Talihina and Whitesboro at Wilburton JH Invitational, March 23 Poteau, Arkoma, Heavener, Pocola, Spiro, Talihina and Whitesboro at Wilburton Invitational, 10 a.m. March 27 Pansy Kidd Middle School Invitational, March 28 Poteau Invitational, 1 Arkoma at Mansfield [Ark.] Invitational, March 31 Poteau at Alma [Ark.] Airedale Relays, 4 April 4 Heavener Invitational, 10 a.m. April 6 Heavener JH Invitational, April 7 Poteau and Spiro at Hilldale Invitational, 10 a.m. April 11 Heavener at Waldron [Ark.] JH Invitational, Pocola and Whitesboro at Warner Invitational, April 13 Heavener at Waldron [Ark.] Invitational, April 14 Poteau and Spiro at Checotah Invitational, 9 a.m. April 18 Whitesboro at McAlester JH Invitational, April 20 Poteau at McDonald Relays, at Fort Smith, Ark., 3:30 (See TRACK, Page 19)

19 POTEAU DAILY NEWS 2017 Spring Sports Guide SATURDAY, MARCH 18, PAGE 19 TRACK April 21 Arkoma, Heavener and Spiro at Beaver Bend Relays at Broken Bow, April 29 Poteau at Class 4A Regional Meet, at TBA, 8:30 a.m. Heavener and Spiro at Class 3A Regional Meet, at TBA, 8:30 a.m. Howe, Pocola and Talihina at Class 2A Regional Meet, at TBA, 8:30 a.m. Arkoma at Class A Regional Meet, at TBA, 8:30 a.m. Whitesboro at Class B Regional Meet, at TBA, 8:30 a.m. May 5-6 Poteau at Class 4A State Meet, at TBA, 8:30 a.m. Heavener and Spiro at Class 3A State Meet, at TBA, 8:30 a.m. Howe, Pocola and Talihina at Class 2A State Meet, at TBA, 8:30 a.m. Arkoma at Class A State Meet, at OKC Western Heights High School, 8:30 a.m. Whitesboro at Class B State Meet, at OKC Western Heights High School, 8:30 a.m. May 17 Meet of Champions, at Lions Stadium in Moore, Wister boys look to win state this spring The Wister Wildcats will look to win the Class 2A State Tournament this spring. Last spring, they were 27-9 but lost to Silo in the state semifinals after they were 25-8 last fall and lost to Byng in the Class A State Baseball Tournament. The Cats are seeking their fifth straight state-tournament appearance, dating back to the 2015 Class 2A State Tournament in May The Cats will be a very senior-ladened team, having six of them and five being returning starters shortstop/pitcher Jake Sconyers, outfielder/pitcher Koby Midgley, pitcher/ third baseman Scotty Gibson, first baseman/pitcher Ethan Billings and second baseman/pitcher Grant Shipman. Junior pitcher/ outfielders Cash Balentine and Bryar Ward are the other returning starters. After taking the fall season off to run cross country, senior Kolton Lynn is back for this spring. Also on the roster are third baseman/catcher Seth Hill, outfielders/ pitchers Kendon Thornburg and Jeffery Morris, outfielder/catcher Caleb Speers and second baseman/outfielder Braeden Cepeda. Rounding out the roster are Austin Brooks, Kadin Repass, Kaden Mc- Beth, Niclas Timms, Colten Terry, Brock Garrett, Front row, from left Rodrigo Passos, Braeden Cepeda, Brock Garrett, Dylan Schafer, Kadin Repass, Kaden McBeth and Bryar Ward. Middle row Caleb Stacy, Jeffery Morris, Caleb Speers, Jake Sconyers, Grant Shipman, Cash Balentine, Kaiden Jackson and Kolton Lynn. Back row Niclas Timm, Austin Brooks, Seth Hill, Colten Terry, Ethan Billings, Scotty Gibson, Koby Midgley, Arsen Khanin. Not pictured Coaches John McAlester and George Midgley. Photo by Deb Gibson Kaiden Jackson and Caleb Stacy. Pitching will be the team s strength once again, led by the trio of Gibson, Lynn and Balentine. The team s speed also is exceptional.

20 PAGE 20...SATURDAY, MARCH 18, Spring Sports Guide POTEAU DAILY NEWS ROSTER Players are Stevee McMillin, Tristin Hagelberger, Hunter Gibson, Ayme Warren, Cailey Yochum, Kati Patterson, Ally Davis, Faith Shadwick, Blair Hagelberger, Camila Caloete, Kimberlyn Carpenter, Harley Gregson and Kenlei Duvall, with coaches Kristie Jo Morgan and Stacey Gibson. Photo by Deedra McMillin Wister girls look to repeat as Class 3A state champions this spring The Wister Lady Wildcats softball team has made it a habit of late of ending their seasons, slow-pitch or fastpitch, at state tournaments. The Lady Cats have made six straight state-tournament appearances dating back to the slow-pitch season of Last spring, they finally got over the hurdle and won the Class 3A state title, then went and got to the Class 2A state semifinals before losing to Latta. The Lady Cats only lost two players from last year s team, fast-pitch catcher and All-Stater Kyla Brown, who is a freshmen on the Carl Albert State College Lady Vikings next spring, and second baseman Sooner Vanhook, who was a slow-pitch All-Stater with Brown, who was the SP pitcher last spring. Senior Stevee McMillin, who signed last fall with the Oklahoma Christian University of Science and Arts, will be the new slow-pitch pitcher. Also back from last spring s state championship team are seniors Tristan Hagelberger, Carl Albert State College signee Hunter Gibson and Ayme Warren, who spent the last two seasons at Leflore after play- ing her freshman season with the Lady Wildcats to go with junior Cailey Yochum and Ally Davis. Rounding out the roster are Kati Patterson, Faith Shadwick, Blair Hagelberger, Camila Caloete, Kimberlyn Carpenter, Harley Gregson and Kenlei Duvall. The Poteau Daily News is your best source for local sports coverage in LeFlore County