As 2025 draws to a close, the high school athletics scene in Harrison and Marion Counties has left an indelible mark, showcasing remarkable achievements and thrilling moments. Athletes from the region have not only excelled at the state level but have also ignited school spirit and community pride. Here are ten standout moments from a year filled with exceptional performances.
Honorable Mentions
Before diving into the top highlights, it’s important to acknowledge some notable achievements. The Jefferson boys basketball team reached the regional finals with an impressive record of 28-5, finishing 10-1 in District 13-3A. They claimed the district title before losing to the eventual state champion, Tatum. In a gripping defensive showdown, Marshall triumphed over Mount Pleasant with a final score of 7-3, thanks to a touchdown scored by Justin Murry after a fumble recovery. Additionally, in the bi-district round of the 2025 Class 3A Division I softball playoffs, Jefferson’s Chloe Wood hit a grand slam in the top of the 11th inning, sealing a thrilling 16-15 victory against Redwater.
Elysian Fields’ Allison O’Brien made her mark at the state tennis tournament in San Antonio, reaching the quarterfinals in the 2A girls singles bracket.
Top Ten Moments of 2025
10. **Logan Jackson’s Hole-in-One**
Marshall’s Logan Jackson achieved a remarkable hole-in-one at the Wood Hollow Golf Tournament in Hallsville, tying for fourth place among 80 participants.
9. **Harleton’s Volleyball Debut**
For the first time, Harleton introduced a high school volleyball program, led by coach Megan Roberts. The team faced tough competition but finished with an 11-22 record, concluding the season on a nine-game winning streak.
8. **Hallsville Lady Cats’ Undefeated Season**
The Hallsville Lady Cats volleyball team enjoyed their best season since 2018, finishing with a record of 31-10 and an unblemished 16-0 in District 10-5A. They clinched the district title before being eliminated by Lucas Lovejoy in the Class 5A Division II bi-district round.
7. **Jefferson’s Basketball Revival**
The Jefferson Lady Bulldogs basketball program celebrated its first district championship in 25 years, under the guidance of coach Mark Allen. With a record of 24-11 and a perfect 10-0 in District 13-3A, they advanced to the area round of the Class 3A Division playoffs after defeating Atlanta, eventually falling to Malakoff.
6. **The 1000 Club**
This volleyball season saw three athletes reach a significant milestone, achieving over 1,000 in various stats. Elysian Fields senior Madison Owens and Hallsville junior Kaycin Farrell both surpassed 1,000 kills, while Marshall junior libero Danika Cantu achieved over 1,000 digs.
5. **Harleton’s Historic Game**
In an extraordinary baseball playoff game, Harleton’s Carson Wallace pitched a no-hitter while Mason Clark secured a walk-off single, leading the Wildcats to a decisive 10-0 victory over Alba-Golden in five innings.
4. **Dramatic Playoff Showdown**
Despite facing two weather delays and a tornado warning, Elysian Fields prevailed over Garrison in a nail-biting overtime match, winning 55-54 in the Class 2A Division I area round of the football playoffs. The game lasted nearly five hours and was marked by both teams exchanging leads until Elysian Fields clinched victory with a successful extra point.
3. **Cross Country Excellence**
Elysian Fields’ Lady Jackets qualified as a team for the Class 2A cross country state championship in Round Rock. Notably, Cara Sims broke a state record by 11 seconds, finishing with a time of 11:13.7. Individual qualifiers included Harleton’s Lindsay Ipock and Waskom’s Hadlee Thompson on the girls’ side, and Braedon Glennen-Lovvorn representing the boys.
2. **Hallsville Lady Cats’ State Journey**
The Hallsville Lady Cats softball team surprised many by advancing to the state championship after overcoming formidable Dallas-Fort Worth teams in the playoffs. They ended their season with a record of 36-6-1, securing the runner-up trophy after losing to Montgomery Lake Creek in the Class 5A Division II title game.
1. **Track and Field Triumphs**
Elysian Fields and Marshall athletes excelled at the Class 2A and Class 5A track and field state championships in Austin. Cara Sims set a new Class 2A record in the 3200 meters with a time of 10:47.51 and later broke the 1600 meter record as well. The Marshall boys’ team placed second overall in Class 5A, highlighted by DJ Goudeau winning gold in the 400 meters with a time of 47.34.
As the high school athletics season concludes, these remarkable achievements reflect the dedication, talent, and spirit of the young athletes in East Texas, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the future.
