Sports
Why Savannah Bananas tickets cost more than Dodgers vs. Yankees
In a region where baseball is king, the long-awaited rematch of last year’s World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees is unfolding. Ohtani. Judge. Two of the game’s best, facing off once more.
But just down the 5 Freeway in Anaheim, the home of Disney, the hottest ticket in baseball this weekend belongs to a stilted pitcher, juggling infielders and a yellow-suited, top hat-wearing carnival barker.
For back-to-back nights, more than 45,000 fans packed the Big A to see the Savannah Bananas — a team born from a small-time collegiate summer team that became a tour de force that has forever changed baseball. It was one stop during the Bananas’ most audacious barnstorming effort since their baseball traveling show hit the road just a few years ago.
The Savannah Bananas celebrate amid confetti after beating the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday.
(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)
These tickets were only available through a lottery — reserved months in advance. And when they went on sale, all were gone in an instant. The only way in was through the resale market, where just hours before first pitch on Friday, the lowest price (fees and taxes included) for a pair of tickets on StubHub was $209.52.
Meanwhile, two lowest price StuHub tickets for the Dodgers versus Yankees game were available for $171.72.
All for the sake of “Banana Ball.”
This baseball game is a ballyhoo. One rooted in the thrills, energy and pageantry of early 20th-century carnivals, but with a 21st-century twist — the atmosphere of a TikTok reel brought to life. It’s the showmanship of Ringling Brothers Circus combined with the athletic flair of the Harlem Globetrotters.
But above all, it’s a brand built on Walt Disney’s blueprint— not just to entertain, but to make the audience feel.
“When you look at all the touch points — the joy, the fun, the dancing, the celebrating — and think about all the different stages, just like Walt, we think about all the stages: from the parking lot to the plaza, to the upper deck, to the dugouts,” said Bananas owner Jesse Cole, the man in the top hat. “How do we make someone feel something?”
Instead of lounging in a cushy, air-conditioned owner’s suite, Cole is in the dugout hours before showtime — a Disney-like archetype, his energy as vibrant as his layered, all-yellow suit, braving the afternoon heat.
Savannah Bananas founder and owner Jesse Cole leads the crowd in a cheer as his team takes on the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday.
(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)
“Nonstop,” Cole said, describing Banana Ball in a nutshell. Refusing to sit, not wanting to lose an ounce of edge, he added, “It’s all about energy. We want to give people energy, delivering it every second, from the moment we open the gates at two o’clock until the last fan leaves at 11.”
While gates opened at 2 p.m., fans began arriving as early as 11 a.m. — clamoring for a shot at Banana-themed merchandise, many leaving the team tents with bags in both hands. In the parking lot, two young boys passed the time playing catch, gloves in hand.
As the afternoon wore on and the temperature climbed to 91 degrees, crowds trudged through the heat, some seeking refuge beneath the oversized Angels helmets at the stadium entrance, all for a chance to meet their favorite Banana Ballers. At the pregame plaza party, fans collected autographs, posed for photos and presented handmade gifts to players.
Savannah Bananas mascot Split marches through the crowd before the team’s game against the Firefighters at Angel Stadium Friday.
(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)
When the gates opened, the LaCaze family pointed out their 9-year-old daughter’s favorite player, David “DR” Meadows. Decked out in her signed Meadows jersey, Carrigan LaCaze ran into his arms, with glove and oversized baseball clutched tightly and began speaking with him as if they were old friends.
“I ran to DR, and we started hugging and just started talking for a while because I missed him,” Carrigan LaCaze said. “Tomorrow is actually one year on the dot since I met him.”
A Christmas road trip planned around the holidays, the family of four traveled across three states from their home in Alexandria, La., to Anaheim for two reasons: to visit Disneyland and see the Bananas. It was their second game — the family first saw the Bananas in the club’s hometown of Savannah, Ga., when Carrigan, who is battling cystic fibrosis, was granted a Make-A-Wish experience so meaningful it was a no-brainer to relive it.
“It’s great,” her father, Pierre LaCaze, said of the player interactions. “We’ve gotten to keep track with some of them during the course of the year. We come back, we see them again. You know they’re truly about the fans.”
Rainer Easton, 11, tries to catch a yellow “Banana Ball” from the stands before the Savannah Bananas take on the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday.
(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)
The Bananas don’t sell tickets. They sell connections, moments and memories.
For Cole, meetings are a constant brainstorming session on how to keep fans engaged and interacting. That’s how he measures success. He says when the focus shifts to transactions, the game begins to lose its meaning.
“Our success is not judged by revenue,” Cole said. “It’s not judged by sales. It’s judged by the moments we create.”
But the numbers don’t lie.
The last time the Bananas came to Southern California, they played in front of 5,000 fans at LoanMart Field in Rancho Cucamonga in 2023 — a far cry from now selling out 18 major league ballparks and three football stadiums with capacities over 70,000.
Fans fill the stands as the Savannah Bananas take on the Firefighters in front of a sold out crowd Friday at Angel Stadium.
(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)
Attendance has soared year after year. Last season, the Bananas drew one million fans. This year, that number is expected to double, with more than three million people on the waitlist for their ticket lottery. Every game since February has sold out and every date in June and July is as well.
Michael and Melinda Schulteis, a husband and wife from Mission Viejo, were there the last time the Bananas came to town. When they heard the team was returning, they knew they couldn’t miss it.
“The intimate atmosphere at the last event was great,” Melinda Schulteis said. “But I’m curious, because they do such a good job putting on events, what touches are they going to add to still keep it close and intimate and give us another great experience?”
As the Bananas’ success and reach have grown, spilling out from cozy minor league parks into stadiums not built for intimacy, the games still feel like family gatherings. Whether serenading players with stadium anthems like Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” or the waving of phone lights to Coldplay’s “Yellow,” the crowd moves in sync, no matter the tune.
While they’re a privately owned team and don’t disclose revenue figures, they’ve confirmed generating millions. Much like their box office appeal, their social media reach extends into the millions as well.
The Savannah Bananas perform a kick line before taking on the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday.
(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)
Their antics — choreographed dances, lip-synced walk-ups, backflip outfield catches — have attracted nearly 10 million followers on TikTok, almost double the combined total of the Dodgers and Angels. That viral mastery, and the parasocial bonds it fosters, is part of what makes every game feel tight-knit.
With his glove by his side, hoping to catch a foul ball for an out — one of the many offbeat rules of Banana Ball — Michael Schulties was disappointed he missed his favorite player, RobertAnthony Cruz, whom he first discovered on social media through his baseball coaching channel, better known as “Coach RAC.”
Cruz, who drew the longest meet-and-greet line, is a former minor leaguer in the Nationals’ farm system and a local — born just an hour away in Fontana. The game was a homecoming for Cruz, who joined the Bananas in 2023.
With more than 70 family members and friends in attendance — and even more social media direct messages asking for tickets — playing in big league stadiums has become a dream come true, especially for a former minor leaguer whose baseball ambitions nearly died when he never got the call to the show.
Savannah Bananas pitcher Correlle Prime delivers at Angel Stadium on Friday.
(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)
Behind all the gimmicks, wackiness and absurdity, the roster is still filled with ballplayers — many of them with unrealized MLB dreams — now finding a second life through Banana Ball. And for Cruz, it’s the happiest he’s ever been in the sport.
“I never would have imagined playing in this capacity,” Cruz said. “Banana Ball didn’t even exist when I was pursuing my dream of professional baseball. To be here, to see a sold-out crowd at a stadium that I went to growing up all the time, it’s very special.”
As the team travels the nation, sold-out crowds and newfound stardom have become the norm for Cruz.
“I’m not surprised by anything anymore,” Cruz said. “If you told me that we’re playing on the moon next year, I’d be like, ‘All right, cool. Let me know when and where, and I’ll be there’ … I wouldn’t be surprised if this thing continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.”
Despite their growing success, the Bananas’ brand of baseball remains polarizing — an easy target for detractors of zaniness, gatekeepers of fun and opponents of pizzazz who either don’t understand it or refuse to see its appeal.
“Anybody that criticizes this, we’re not for them,” Cole said. “There’s tradition in baseball, perfect. They’ve got Major League Baseball. … For people that want to come out and have fun, not take themselves too seriously and see something they’ve never seen before — and hopefully see the greatest show in sports — we built something for you.”
The formula works. And again, the numbers don’t lie.
The Savannah Bananas’ Jackson Olson celebrates a Troy Glaus base hit while the Bananas take on the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday. Comedian Bert Kreischer celebrated behind the Bananas in the dugout.
(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)
Yes, the Savannah Bananas’ brand of baseball is far too outlandish ever to be compared to the major leagues — from flaming baseballs, rump-shaking umps and dress rehearsals. That’s the point. It all feels like something conjured from the wildest dreams of the late Bill Veeck’s imagination found a home, in a good way.
With many of the Banana Ball’s 11 rules — like an automatic strike when hitters step out of the box or ejecting bunting hitters because bunting “sucks” — are grounded in some sports-based logic, the innovations remain sacrilegious to baseball purists.
But for a fleeting moment in December, Major League Baseball and Banana Ball were almost linked.
In Banana Ball, the Golden Batter rule allows teams, once per game, to send their best hitter to the plate regardless of where they fall in the batting order.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred caused a stir when he floated a potential seismic rule by floating, making an offhand comment about the golden batter rule. Manfred later clarified it was merely “a very preliminary conversation” among members of the league’s competition committee and had not been formally discussed by the full ownership group.
A far-fetched idea, but Manfred has ushered in sweeping changes, from the widely praised pitch clock to the more contentious extra-inning “ghost runner.”
“Anything that’s best for the fans, I’m all in,” Cole said of its potential. “I know Major League Baseball won’t do it because of traditions, but … we’ve had a lot of fun doing it.”
The Firefighters run on the field before taking on the Savannah Bananas at Angel Stadium on Friday.
(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)
But MLB would be behind the Bananas, who already introduced their version of the rule last season with a typical flair and showmanship. Their spin on it is a batter summoned from the dugout wearing a James Brown-esque cape and a gleaming golden helmet — an honor that went to Joe Lytle, who came to bat in the top of the ninth for the Bananas’ Anaheim opponent, the Firefighters.
Ultimately, in a game where the score isn’t the end-all, be-all — but the fun is — the Bananas beat the Firefighters 5–2.
Like any other Bananas game, the festivities took center stage. It began with the “First Peel,” a signature ceremony in which a young fan bites into a banana to declare whether it’s good or bad — setting the tone for the night.
Heisman Trophy winner and USC legend Matt Leinart threw out the ceremonial first spiral (because, of course, he did). And in true fashion, Angels World Series MVP Troy Glaus made a surprise cameo as a pinch hitter.
But what was more important was the trip to Anaheim, a fitting one for Cole and Co.
The team that opened its season lip-syncing “Be Our Guest” from the Disney classic “Beauty and the Beast” — and its owner, cut from the same theatrical cloth as Disney — were celebrated a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland.
Savannah Bananas founder and owner Jesse Cole provides color commentary during the baby race between innings at Angel Stadium on Friday.
(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)
Greeted by fans in yellow gear, Cole’s creation — the Bananas — marched in step down Main Street U.S.A., alongside Walt’s own — Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck.
“When I walked underneath the castle and over the bridge and in front of thousands of people, they were all there for us,” Cole said. “Then I look and see Walt’s statue, holding the hand of Mickey, and I see that and I’m like, ‘This is special.’”
It was a full-circle moment for Cole, who became “immersed in the magic” after his first trip to Disney World as a kid — and who now says, “In a perfect world, I’d play catch with Walt on Main Street.” Serendipity.
“For me, that was an emotional moment — to know that we have worked so hard to create something that means something to people, that they come from all over the country just for a chance to see us,” Cole added.
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When watching St. Thomas More’s volleyball team play, it’s hard not to notice Eleanor Guidry.
As the Cougars’ libero, Guidry wears a different uniform color than her teammates, but that’s not the only reason the defensive specialist stands out.
Guidry often makes difficult digs look routine and has established herself as the anchor of the Cougars’ defense.
“She’s so consistent and she has great range,” coach Jessica Burke said of the 5-foot-6 senior. “She has great platform awareness, can put the ball and manipulate the ball how she wants. She takes up a lot of space in serve-receive and defense, so that helped take the pressure off some of our kids that were new to the passing unit.”
Guidry finished last season with 651 digs, 42 aces, 42 assists and a 2.23 pass rating on 802 attempts this past season.
“El makes the hard things look easy and that’s the mark of a really good player,” Burke said. “She’s not flashy. She doesn’t do more than she needs to do. She reads extremely well, so she is in the right place at the right time. She has great range, so if she is hitting the floor then she is making a big play. It’s a play that most liberos wouldn’t even get to.”
In 2025, Guidry helped lead the Cougars to a 41-5 record and a fifth consecutive Division II state championship. For her efforts, she was named the Acadiana Advocate volleyball team’s Most Valuable Player.
“I think it is well deserved,” Burke said. “This kid works so hard all of the time. She takes zero days off and she has zero quit. Anything I ask her to do, she does it. Any adjustments I ask her to make, she makes them. It’s hard sometimes for people to recognize the libero because they’re just first contact. They don’t get the big kill or they’re not running the offense as a setter, but they’re so integral to a great team.”
Blue Bell/TSWA Class 5A All-State Volleyball Team
Published 9:13 am Sunday, January 4, 2026
LONGVIEW – Division II champion Cedar Park earned both top superlatives with the release of the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 5A All-State Volleyball Team.
Voting was conducted by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and media members from around the state.
COACH OF THE YEAR: Lori McLaughlin, Cedar Park
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Joy Udoye, Cedar Park
FIRST TEAM
Middle blockers: Brooklyn Bailey, Highland Park; Sienna Benavides, Cedar Park; Chesney McCullough, Lufkin
Outside hitters: Joy Udoye, Cedar Park; Kaitlyn Hutchins, Lake Belton; Harper Korenek, A&M Consolidated
Setter: Blair Thiebaud, College Station
Libero/Defensive Specialist: Ann Kruz, Cedar Park
SECOND TEAM
Middle Blockers: Rihanna Bryant, Weiss; Aliah Earls, Red Oak; Zandria Johnson, Brownsville Rivera
Outside hitters: Nadiya Shelby, Friendswood; Sarah Floyd, Highland Park; Mya Cheatum, Cedar Park
Setter: Katelyn Hughes, Cedar Park
Libero/Defensive Specialist: Gigi Whann, Highland Park
THIRD TEAM
Middle Blockers: Jacey Owen, Smithson Valley; Kendall Kruesler, New Braunfels; Kaelyn McLean, Tyler
Outside hitters: Kaycin Farrell, Hallsville; Lexi Anderson, Frisco Centennial; Alexis Elsey, Argyle
Setter: Kingsley Minus, New Braunfels
Libero/Defensive Specialist: Berkeley Bates, Smithson Valley
HONORABLE MENTION
Middle Blockers: Ava Wood, Lake Belton; Knlee Smith, Marshall; Haddie Mock, Abilene Wiley; Kylee Fernandez, Hallsville; Emersyn Fink, Frisco Liberty; Taryn Stiger, Texas High; Kaitlyn McCracken, Belton
Outside hitters: Alyssa Todd, Aledo; Ja’lee Flores, Tyler; Lily Holzbauer, Whitehouse; Shaylie Schaefer, New Braunfels; Akira Smallwood, Lufkin; Hannah Baker, Argyle; Danielle Whittier, Walnut Grove; Kaelee Berkley, Aledo; Jaiden Harris, Frisco Liberty; Zoeh Cereceres, El Paso Chapin
Setter: Madison Bingham, Lake Belton; Aleciara Smallwood, Lufkin; Jill Vinal, A&M Consolidated; Ava Jackson, Weiss; Kyndal Newton, A&M Consolidated; Madison Victoriano, Frisco Centennial; Amelia Albright, Georgetown
Libero/Defensive Specialist: Hayden Jeffers, New Braunfels; Teagan Barnett, Argyle; Haley Nash, College Station; Haley Patton, Friendswood; Ashley Go, Weiss
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – North Dakota State wrestling placed four wrestlers into the Southern Scuffle semifinals on the opening day on Saturday at McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. 125 Ezekiel Witt, 149 Max Petersen, 174 Max Magayna and 184 Aidan Brenot all went undefeated to earning a spot in the semis Sunday morning.
In the team competition, the Bison sit in second overall out of 28 teams with 79 points. NDSU trails Penn State (82.5) by just 3.5 points headed into the final day.
NDSU has 10 total wrestlers remaining in the event, with six Bison in consolation bracket matches to begin Sunday. 141 Devon Harrison, 157 Gavin Drexler, 165 Boeden Greenley, 184 Andrew McMonagle, 197 Devin Wasley and 285 Drew Blackburn-Forst are all one win from reaching the placing rounds in the consolation bracket.
Brenot led the Bison with three bonus-point victories on Saturday, beginning with a major decision over NC State’s Rylan Breen, before a tech fall against Bellarmine’s Tristin Green and another major decision over Greyson Meak of Penn. In the quarterfinals, Brenot had the only takedown in a win over Dylan Newsome of Virginia to reach the semis.
Witt, Petersen and Magayna also started off with multiple bonus-point victories. Witt started off with a tech fall over Morgan State’s Julian Dawson, before a pin of The Citadel’s Gylon Sims. Witt then recorded a 4-0 win over Chattanooga’s Ty Tice to reach the quarterfinals. The redshirt freshman reached the semis with a win over Navy’s Andrew Binni, but Witt needed sudden victory. In the extra period, Witt recorded a takedown and nearly got the slap of the mat before time expired, recording an 8-1 win.
Magayna also recorded a pin against Colt Campbell of Appalachian State in the quarterfinals. The redshirt freshman started the day with a 13-0 major decision over Chattanooga’s Brody Murray. In the quarterfinal, Magayna picked up another shutout with a 3-0 win over Davidson’s Tyson Sherlock. Magayna did not allow a point from his opposition, outscoring them 19-0 on Saturday.
Petersen started his day with a major decision over Kelly Dunnigan of Penn, before securing a tech fall over Little Rock’s Kyle Lew. Petersen fell behind in the quarterfinal, but stormed back and defeated The Citadel’s Carson DesRosier 14-8 to reach the semis.
Harrison and Drexler also reached quarterfinal matches for the Bison on Saturday. Harrison started off with a tech fall over Presbyterian’s Ryan Luna and then advanced after #8 Aaron Nagao of Penn State medically forfeited out. Harrison recorded the opening takedown in the quarters, but fell to #19 Haiden Drury of Utah Valley 7-3.
Drexler allowed just one point before the quarterfinal, recording a shutout decision over Virginia’s Nate Richards before a 10-1 major decision over Chattanooga’s Alex Hutchcraft. Drexler then won a 2-0 decision over Brown’s Ethan Mojena.
Greenley, McMonagle, Wasley and Blackburn-Forst all dropped their second match of the day but survived and advanced to Sunday with a pair of wins on the back side of the bracket. All four wrestlers responded to defeat with a bonus-point decision, as Greenley and McMonagle had major decisions and Wasley and Blackburn-Forst recorded tech falls. Wasley and Blackburn-Forst also had major decisions in their opening matches.
133 Tristan Daugherty and 141 Michael Olson each recorded two wins before being eliminated, while 285 Shilo Jones had one victory with a pin in his opening match.
125 Ostin Blanchard, 141 Peyton Moore, and 197 Adam Cherne led eight wrestlers who competed at the Soldier Salute in Coralville, Iowa on Saturday. The trio each picked up a victory.
The Bison will be back in action on Sunday, as the Southern Scuffle gets back underway at 9 a.m. CT. The Soldier Salute is set to get underway at 11 a.m. with Bison wrestlers in action, moving to the Silver bracket.
Southern Scuffle Championship Bracket Wrestlers
125 | Ezekiel Witt | 4-0
W over Julian Dawson (Morgan State); TF 20-5
W over Gylon Sims (The Citadel); Fall 6:44
W over Ty Tice (Chattanooga); Dec 4-0
W over Andrew Binni (Navy); SV 8-1
Greg Diakomihalis (Cornell)
149 | Max Petersen | 3-0
W over Kelly Dunnigan (Penn); MD 12-1
W over Kyle Lew (Little Rock); TF 17-1
W over Carson DesRosier (The Citadel); Dec 14-8
Connor Pierce (Penn State)
174 | Max Magayna | 3-0
W over Brody Murray (Chattanooga); MD 13-0
W over Colt Campbell (Appalachian State); Fall 1:15
W over Tyson Sherlock (Davidson); Dec 3-0
Caden Bellis (Penn)
184 | Aidan Brenot | 4-0
W over Rylan Breen (NC State); MD 18-6
W over Tristin Greene (Bellarmine); TF 20-4
W over Greyson Meak (Penn); MD 15-2
W over Dylan Newsome (Virginia); Dec 4-2
#25 Caleb Campos (American)
Southern Scuffle Consolation Bracket Wrestlers
141 | Devon Harrison | 2-1
W over Ryan Luna (Presbyterian); TF 16-1
W over #8 Aaron Nagao (Penn State); MFF
L to #19 Haiden Drury (Utah Valley); Dec 7-3
Kyren Butler (Virginia)
157 | Gavin Drexler | 3-1
W over Nate Rickards (Virginia); Dec 7-0
W over Alex Hutchcraft (Chattanooga); MD 10-1
W over Ethan Mojena (Brown); Dec 2-0
L to Jonathan Ley (Navy); Dec 5-2
Tanner Peake (Davidson)
165 | Boeden Greenley | 3-1
W over Tavian Camper (Chattanooga); Dec 11-6
L to Dylan Elmore (Navy); Dec 8-2
W over Jack Conley (Michigan State); MD 17-4
W over Mason Steffanelli (Virginia); Dec 9-5
Nick Sanko (Virginia)
184 | Andrew McMonagle | 3-1
W over Brant Cracraft (Campbell); SV 10-7
L to #22 Jaden Bullock (Virginia Tech); SV 4-1
W over Jakob Gilfoil (Army); MD 14-5
W over Ryan Boucher (Michigan State); Dec 4-2
Caleb Uhlenhopp (Utah Valley)
197 | Devin Wasley | 3-1
W over Martin Cosgrove (Penn); MD 9-1
L to Payton Thomas (Navy); Dec 4-2
W over Teage Calvin (American); TF 17-1
W over #29 Wolfgang Frable (Army); Dec 5-0
#31 Kael Wisler (Michigan State)
285 | Drew Blackburn-Forst | 3-1
W over Oscar Williams (Maryland); MD 14-2
L to #18 Brady Colbert (Army); MD 12-1
W over John Pardo (Penn); TF 15-0
W over #30 Alex Semenenko (Brown); MFF
Lucas Stoddard (Army)
Southern Scuffle Eliminated Wrestlers
133 | Tristan Daugherty | 2-2
L to Max Leete (American); Dec 8-2
W over Fernando Dominguez (Presbyterian); TF 16-1
W over Kyle Montaperto (Virginia); Dec 4-3
L to Geronimo Rivera (Utah Valley); SV 8-2
141 | Michal Olson | 2-2
L to #22 Tom Crook (Virginia Tech); MD 8-0
W over Joe Fongaro (Appalachian State); SV 4-1
W over Will Anderson (Chattanooga); Dec 4-2
L to Gable Porter (Virginia); MD 8-0
165 | Porter Craig | 0-2
L to Dakota Morris (Army); Dec 10-4
L to Tavian Camper (Chattanooga); Dec 7-5
285 | Shilo Jones | 1-2
W over John Pardo (Penn); Fall 2:35
L to #24 Connor Barket (Duke); SV 9-6
L to Oscar Williams (Maryland); Dec 4-3
Soldier Salute Gold Bracket Results
125 | Ostin Blanchard | 1-2
W over Cameron Stinson (North Carolina); Dec 11-9
L to Mack Mauger (Missouri); MD 8-0
L to Joey Cruz (Iowa); Dec 4-2
125 | Kody Tanimoto | 0-2
L to Hank Benter (Missouri); Dec 7-0
L to Carson Dupill (South Dakota State); MD 13-4
141 | Lawson Eller | 0-2
L to Dyson Dunham (VMI); MD 10-1
L to Jace Roller (Missouri); MD 13-0
141 | Peyton Moore | 1-2
L to Nick O`Neill (North Carolina); Fall 3:29
W over Sam Sutton (Tarleton State); Fall 2:04
L to David Saenz (Wyoming); Dec 9-3
149 | Zytavius Williams | 0-2
L to Scott Robertson (Nebraska); Dec 6-3
L to Kael Voinovich (Iowa); MD 20-7
165 | Dante Hutchings | 0-2
L to CJ Torres (Iowa); Dec 8-4
L to Kyler Knaack (Northern Iowa); Dec 4-2
174 | Luke Hoag | 0-2
L to Leister Bowling (Iowa); Dec 4-2
L to Melton Powe (Iowa State); MD 11-2
197 | Adam Cherne | 1-2
L to Anthony Harris (Oklahoma); MD 12-3
W over Grant Anderson (Bellarmine); MD 11-3
L to Gunner Henry (Wyoming); Dec 2-1
SAN ANTONIO, Tx. – HCU women’s basketball team battled with a late comeback, but UIW held to secure a 56–52 Southland Conference win Saturday afternoon at the McDermott Center.
UIW (6-6, 4-1 SLC) opened the game with an early advantage, but the Huskies answered with points from Jordan Jackson and Grace Booth to keep the score tight early. A three-pointer from Sidney Carr midway through the first quarter brought HCU within one, and the Huskies closed the quarter trailing just 14–12.
The Huskies (4-8, 2-3 SLC) opened the second quarter with Jo Oly scoring twice, while Kamryn McLaurin added a pair of free throws following a drive to the basket. A three-pointer from Tove Caesar late in the half cut the deficit to one possession, but UIW responded to take a 29–25 lead into the break.
The Cardinals gained separation in the third quarter, opening with a pair of baskets and a three-pointer to build momentum. McLaurin scored on a layup early in the period and later added a free throw, but UIW stretched its lead to 43–33 entering the fourth quarter.
HCU responded with its strongest stretch of the game in the final quarter. Dasia Hyams scored on a fast-break layup to open the quarter, and McLaurin followed with consecutive baskets and a free throw to trim the margin. Jackson added a layup in transition and converted two free throws with under two minutes remaining, pulling the Huskies within one point.
With 50 seconds left, Hyams scored inside and converted the ensuing free throw to tie the game at 51–51. UIW answered with a three-pointer on the next possession, then closed the game at the free-throw line to maintain the lead in the final seconds.
McLaurin led the Huskies with 11 points, five rebounds, and five steals. Jackson finished with 10 points and six rebounds, while Caesar added seven points. Hyams and Oly each scored six off the bench, and Booth pulled down four rebounds. Houston Christian totaled 32 rebounds and scored 30 points in the paint.
Huskies continues Southland Conference play on Thursday traveling to Beaumont to face Lamar at 6:30 p.m.
FIRST TEAM
Ava Hebert, Teurlings Catholic
Ana-Camille Melancon, Westminster Christian
Marvel Potier, St. Thomas More
Valerie Brown, Notre Dame
Grace Alexander, Lafayette Christian
Amelie Trappey, Catholic-N.I.
Avery Monica, ESA
Eleanor Guidry, St. Thomas More
AC Hebert, Teurlings Catholic
Zsofia Pekar, Southside
Meg Griffin, Ascension Episcopal
Audrey Wheeler, St. Thomas More
Jade Guidry, Northside Christian
Kate Trahan, Notre Dame
Laila Gauthier, Westminster Christian
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Eleanor Guidry, St. Thomas More
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jessica Burke, St. Thomas More
SECOND TEAM
Ava Smith, St. Edmund; Ella Larpenteur, Lafayette High; Aubrey Smith, Iota; Bailey Smith, Rayne; Emmy Habetz, Southside; Demi Barrett, Lafayette Christian; Morgan Dunn, St. Thomas More; Carsyn Fontenot, Teurlings Catholic; Lillian Guidry, Notre Dame; Lauren Conroy, ESA; Kelis Burgess, Southside; Mackenzie Batiste, Catholic-N.I.; Isabella Guy, Westminster Christian-Opelousas, Jr.; Ali Louviere, Highland Baptist; Addison Prejean, Acadiana Renaissance.
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