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A number of Bastrop County athletes performed at an elite level in 2022.
Bastrop, Smithville, Cedar Creek and McDade were represented with integrity, passion and hard work. Though some programs struggled in terms of wins and losses, plenty of teams and individuals earned prestigious accolades within their district, region and even the state.
Bastrop
In the town of Bastrop, the highest achievement came from a small consolidated school: the Bastrop Tribe Warriors six-man football team. The Tribe Warriors dominated their competition on their way to their fifth TAIAO state championship in six years, including a 46-0 route in the state title game. Running back Joshua Mcalister put up eye-popping stats. The junior standout rushed for 2,032 yards, 50 touchdowns and averaged 12.5 yards per attempt in 2022.
Bastrop High School’s football team had a disappointing 2-8 record, but several players were brilliant individually. Wide receiver Julius Baynard caught 58 passes for 1,029 yards and eight touchdowns and was named to the first ever East All Cen-Tex team.
The BHS 4x200-meter relay team, consisting of Kierra Sanders, Haylee Diebel, Carlie Vinklarek and Nandi Faye, made it all the way to regionals after finishing fourth at the area track meet with a time of 1:49.63. Grace Sagebie also made it to regionals after posting a 33-0.25 in the shot put. Cole Widner won a silver medal at the area meet in the 300-meter hurdles event, clocking in at 41.11.
The Bastrop All-Stars Little League baseball team won their district and sectional tournaments in thrilling fashion, propelling them to the state tournament for the 11-13 age bracket. In the state tournament, Bastrop fell short but they went toe to toe against some of the best competition in Texas.
Smithville
After a 1-4 start, the Smithville Tigers football team finally found their groove and finished as the district runner-up. The Tigers then went on to win their first round playoff game, 24-14, against Gatesville before getting eliminated by Silsbee. Senior Tyson Hancock excelled on both sides of the ball, torching opposing defenses as a runner and pass catcher while causing turnovers consistently as the team’s starting safety.
University of Houston track commit Nikolette Schmidt capped off her stellar high school career with a bronze medal at the Texas 4A state championships. At the regional meet, Schmidt took home a gold medal after posting an 11-06 in the pole vault. Fellow Tigers Kiyanna Sampson and Cassy Tiner also had excellent seasons by making it all the way to regionals.
The Lady Tigers softball team earned an impressive 21-7-1 overall record and were runner-up in their district. Brooke Otto led the charge with three home runs, 59 runs scored, 39 RBIs, 65 stolen bases and a dazzling .711 batting average.
Smithville High School’s baseball team also clinched a playoff appearance after finishing 7-3 in their district and 18-12 overall. Fischer Prosise, Kyle Pietsch and Wyatt Smith showcased superb pitching for the Tigers, each recording an ERA of 2.3 or below.
The Lady Tigers basketball team showed promise in 2021-22 by finishing fourth in their district to earn a playoff spot. They’ve carried the momentum from last season into this one, as they currently possess a 13-1 overall record and a 3-1 district record. Coach Rachel Altman’s group is loaded with young talent. Sophomore’s Arabella Gutierrez and Jordyn Brown have provided consistent point-scoring, and freshman Ladonije Lewis has also shown an ability to take over games.
Cedar Creek
The Cedar Creek Eagles’ basketball programs got off to scorching starts to begin the 2022-23 season. The girls team won six of their first seven games. Meanwhile, the boys team won their first six games and at one point held an impressive 13-1 record. Point guard Robert Conrad has been dynamite on both ends of the court, and sophomore Kenji Franklin has emerged as a budding young superstar. Since the hot starts, both teams have cooled down but remain in good position to make the playoffs.
Cedar Creek saw several runners enjoy success on the track. Alexa McDonald won a bronze medal at the district meet in the 100-meter hurdles. Also at the district meet, Jacob Loudenslager and Christopher Sanch won the silver and bronze medals in the 800-meter dash. Loudenslager clocked in at 2:01.07, and Sanch recorded a time of 2:01.52. Sanch also earned a bronze medal in the 1600-meter dash, solidifying himself as one of the premiere long distance runners in the district.
McDade
McDade High School’s Summer Jacobs was recognized as one of the elite soccer players in the nation as she was invited to the Under-15 Women’s National Team Talent ID Camp in California. In recent years, Jacobs has honed her defensive skills at the outside back position. Jacobs said she dreams of playing college soccer at Stanford one day.
It was a year to be remembered for Bulldogs track star Anthony Cottrill. The senior runner qualified to compete in three different events at the state championships, winning a silver medal in the 200-meter dash and the triple jump. Cottrill also thrived on the basketball court, leading the Bulldogs in scoring with 25.7 points per game.
McDade’s 4x100-meter men's relay team and Alyssa Glosson also had remarkable showings in 2022, representing the Bulldogs at the regional finals in their respective events.
Congratulations to all of the athletes who made their community proud in 2022.
