8th Graders Celebrated
Montague Junior High basketball teams hosted Gold-Burg Thursday, beginning with a celebratory 8th Grade Night honoring a remarkable group of student-athletes.
The Montague Boys set the tone early, overpowering Gold-Burg 56–12 behind a balanced offensive effort and stifling defense. Cason Harris led all scorers with 16 points, while Aiden Chavez and Caiden Young each added 12 points. Young also knocked down two three-point baskets. Levi Newland contributed 8 points, Brazos Jones finished with 4, and Alex Chavez and Colt Garrett rounded out the scoring with 2 points apiece. The Eagles’ depth, energy, and discipline were on full display as they capped off another outstanding district performance.
The Montague Lady Eagles followed with a dominant 32–11 win over the Gold-Burg Lady Bears, finishing their junior high season undefeated in district play. Defense set the tone immediately, as Montague held Gold-Burg scoreless in the first quarter and never allowed momentum to shift.
On a special 8th Grade Night, JoAnna Parr delivered a standout performance, scoring a game-high 12 points on 50% shooting while pulling down 10 rebounds to complete a double-double. Sage Keck continued her relentless defensive play, scoring 8 points, tying the school record with 13 steals, going 2-for-2 at the free-throw line, and adding 3 assists. Kynzlea Rios also chipped in 8 points, attacking the basket aggressively and recording 2 assists and 5 steals.
The Lady Eagles dominated the glass as well, with Madison Fomby hauling in 9 rebounds to go along with 2 points. Lily Gray added 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. Cayde Harris filled the stat sheet with 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block, while Kenzi McEwen and Carley Richardson each contributed on the boards and defensively.
The night also served as a celebration of Montague ISD’s 8th grade students and their families, recognizing years of dedication both in the classroom and in competition.
JoAnna Parr, daughter of BJ and Kristen Parr and Amanda Parr of Bowie, has attended Montague since 2nd grade and will attend Bellevue High School. She participated in basketball, cross country, track, two years of cheer, and three years of volleyball.
Madison and Kyler Fomby, children of Kara and Justin Fomby of Montague, returned to MISD this year after attending in PK and Kindergarten. Madison competed in cross country, volleyball, and basketball, while Kyler ran cross country and served as basketball manager. Both will attend Nocona High School.
Aiden Chavez, son of Adon and Amanda Chavez of Bowie, has been at Montague since 6th grade and will attend Bowie High School. He competed in football, cross country, basketball, track, and tennis all three years and broke the school record for rebounds this season with 20 in a single game.
Jalena Rodriguez, daughter of Shalen Hilliard of Nocona, has attended MISD since 1st grade. She cheered, played tennis and cross country for two years, volleyball and basketball for two years, and ran track for three years.
Cason Harris, son of Christopher and Sarah Harris of Bowie, has been at Montague since 6th grade. He participated in basketball and track all three years, football for two, and cross country for one. Harris broke the school record for steals this season with 13 and also set a new school record in the 300 hurdles.
Brazos Jones, son of Brad and Polly Jones of Bowie, has been at Montague since 2nd grade and will attend Bowie High School. He competed in football, cross country, basketball, track, and tennis all three years and set the school record for most blocks in a game with 9 against Forestburg.
Levi Newland, son of William and Christina Newland of Nocona, has attended since 6th grade. He participated in football, cross country, basketball, track, and tennis all three years and won district in cross country last year setting a new school record and also broke the school record in the 2400 meter in track, and single game 3 pointers in basketball.
Lily Gray, daughter of Whit and Ashley Gray of Bowie, will attend Bowie High School and has been at MISD since Pre-K. She played volleyball all three years and participated in basketball and cheer for two.
Caiden Young, son of Rachel and Shawn Death of Boyd and Brian Young of Nocona, will attend Bowie High School and has been at MISD since Pre-K. He competed in football, cross country, track, and basketball all three years and won the district championship in the 200-meter dash last season.
Athletically, this group leaves behind an exceptional legacy. Girls’ basketball ended the season undefeated with a three-year district record of 22–4 and an overall mark of 28–12, earning an undefeated district banner this season. In volleyball, the girls posted a 38–13 overall record and 20–6 in district play, with an undefeated season last year.
The boys’ basketball team boasts a perfect 10–0 district record this season, a three-year district mark of 19–8, and an overall record of 29–13. They also had an undefeated football season this year for the first time since 2019.
Beyond basketball, these athletes have excelled across multiple sports. Both the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams captured district championships for the first time in school history during their 7th grade year, with the boys also winning in 6th grade. The girls’ track team finished as district runners-up last season.
The boys will play one last basketball game at Saint Jo Thursday, February 12th. Track season begins at Bowie February 26th.