District Champion
in Tennis
by John Boyer

At the Goldfield Tennis Center on Thursday and Friday last week, the Ponder Lion tennis team met with the seven other teams from district 13-2A to compete in the spring district tournament.

With much competition stemming from the increasing experience of the players around the district, Ponder’s varsity boys team did remarkably well, taking home 3rd place overall, and junior singles player Colton Ream won the district champion title and will play at the Regionals tournament, hosted by Tarleton University on the 21st of this month. Other boys competing included Travis Watson and his partner Taylor Gonzales, singles-player Jonathon Smith, and Nathan McPherson and Brent Fletcher played mixed doubles with their respective partners Sarah Ream and Yvonne Michaud.

The varsity girls team fared well also, with junior Carlee Garza winning 3rd in girls singles. Also competing on the girls team were sophomore Ashley Britt and her partner senior Ashley McBride, singles player Chelsea Redd, and partners Lizzy Schofield and Jessyca Thomas.

“I feel satisfied with what we were able to accomplish,” junior Brent Fletcher said of their performance.

District Tennis Gallery

Band Plant Sale
at Park on Saturday
by Parker Brooks

The Lion Pride Band will be having a spring plant and flower sale on Saturday, April 12 at Eddie Deussen Park from 8am to 4pm. The band booster club uses the proceeds to support the band throughout the year.

Last week the band competed in the UIL Concert and sight-reading Regional Contest. They took part in this event against thirteen other bands at Argyle High School.

The band received a score of 2 which is one of the best scores that can be achieved in band, as well as obtaining the highest rating in the non-varsity division.

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
READY FOR 3-GAME WEEK
By Lindsey Allen

Well into the season, the softball and baseball teams are still determined and focusing on one game at a time. The boys have a district record of 2-6 and the girls, 6-2. This week, these dirt-sliding, out-fielding and base-running PHS students have three intense games to undertake.

Last Thursday and Friday, the softball team dominated Krum 10-0 and 14-0. With a passion for the game and ready to take on any opponent, the girls are ready to play Anna on April 7, in Anna at 4:30. The boys will also face Anna, the team currently ranked last in the District 13 2A baseball standings. In March, the Ponder boys beat the Coyotes 11-4.

On April 8, the Lady Lions plan to have yet another victory over Blue Ridge in Ponder at 5:00. The Lions also hope to defeat Blue Ridge at 8:00. Just a few days later, on April 11, the enthusiasm for success will still be in the air and on the field as both teams play Aubrey in Ponder. The girls’ game begins at 5:00, and after losing to the Lady Chaparrals by just one point last time, the Lady Lions are ready to balance out the rivalry. The boys start at 8:00 to play the number one ranked team in District 13-2A baseball standings. But the Lions unwavering eagerness to win may prove to humble Aubrey.

JV Baseball Takes 3rd
in District Tournament
By Kristen Kimmel

The Lions JV Baseball team competed in the District Tournament last Thursday and Saturday in Farmersville. After three hard fought games the boys brought home the 3rd place title.

Their first game was against Krum on Thursday coming short of a victory 5-3. However, the second game they came out ready to play against Melissa. They led the entire game and won big with a score of 8-2. Saturday they battled it out against Farmersville. Sophomore Caleb Meek led the team defensively making several key plays. Freshman Cameron Chapman and sophomore Kaleb Broadstreet split time on the mound, working together to capture the 6-5 win.

“I think everyone stepped up and played well,” Broadstreet said.

The Lions will play a double-header against Krum at home on Thursday at 5.

Resurrecting the Champ
By Kaleb Broadstreet

Erik Kernan Jr. is a sportswriter who is going through a hard time. His wife has left him, and he only gets to see his six year old son when his ex-wife lets him. Not only that but, he is constantly getting passed on articles by editor. Life is just going bad for this guy. Then one night he comes upon a group of college kids beating up on a homeless man. Erik, being the nice man that he is, comes to the rescue of the homeless man. After the assault, he realizes that this man is a legendary boxer named Bob Satterfield. Erik sees this as an opportunity to elevate his work status. So he gets Bob to tell him his life story. As he begins writing his article he finds new meaning in his life.

Samuel L. Jackson gives an incredible performance as Bob Satterfield and he truly carries the movie. With this DVD comes a behind the scenes featurette and several interviews with the cast and crew.

Rated: PG-13 for some violence and brief language

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Josh Hartnett, Kathryn Moss, and Alan Alda

Resurrecting the Champs hits the shelves on Apr. 8th.