Lytle ISD Celebrates Big Wins on the Court: Tennis Medals and Junior High Basketball District Championship
Lytle ISD had plenty to celebrate as student-athletes across multiple campuses delivered impressive performances that showcased hard work, resilience, and a deep sense of Pirate pride. From the tennis courts to the basketball hardwood, Lytle students competed with heart and represented their schools — and their community — in a big way.
At Lytle High School, tennis athletes took on tough competition at the Somerset Tournament held January 29–30 and came home with both first- and second-place medals. Varsity players competed on January 29, setting the tone with determination and grit. Frank Ng advanced to the quarterfinals in Boys Singles, while Jazzy Carillo and Rosendo Gonzalez battled their way into the Mixed Doubles Consolation Finals. In Girls Doubles, Janelle Young and Marlen Vazquez faced strong opponents and continued to show steady growth, finishing strong in the Consolation Finals.
The highlight of the varsity competition came from Mixed Doubles teammates Lillian Evans and Anthony Stewart, who pushed through early rounds and earned a second-place finish after a hard-fought finals match against a talented Floresville team. Their performance reflected the competitive spirit and teamwork that defines Lytle athletics.
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Junior Varsity athletes delivered just as much excitement. Emiliano Cardenas played lights-out tennis to claim first place in Boys Singles, taking on strong programs from North Side ISD Harlan, Floresville, and Somerset. In Girls Doubles, Robin Alvarez and Emma Hemenway returned to the court and proved they are a duo to watch, capturing first place with confident, composed play. Alle Dempsey showed true resilience in Girls Singles, bouncing back from a first-round loss in frigid conditions to regroup and win the Consolation Finals — a moment that perfectly captured the perseverance of the Lytle tennis program.
Meanwhile, Lytle Junior High added another championship moment to the week as the seventh-grade boys basketball team claimed the District Tournament Championship on January 31 in Hondo. The team opened tournament play with a commanding 44–22 win over Poteet, with contributions from every player and a strong offensive showing led by Caleb Roberts.
That momentum carried into the winners’ bracket matchup against host team Hondo. Lytle played with confidence and intensity, earning another decisive victory and advancing to the championship game. There, the boys faced Crystal City — a familiar opponent that had narrowly defeated them earlier in the season. After a slow first half, Lytle came out of the break energized and locked in on defense, completely taking over the game and holding Crystal City to under 10 points in the second half. The final score, 41–23, sealed the district title and capped off an unforgettable tournament run.
Together, these accomplishments highlight what makes Lytle ISD athletics special: dedication, teamwork, and a community that rallies behind its students. Whether on the tennis court or the basketball floor, Lytle athletes continue to show that Pirate pride runs deep — and the future looks bright across Lytle ISD sports.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
