The Tigers (20-4, 11-0) and Odessa Permian Panthers (17-4, 10-1) will meet up in the Tiger Pit for a huge district rematch to decide the outright District Champion. Frenship locked up a share of the title on Wednesday, February 10 in Stanton where they took on the San Angelo Central Bobcats in a match rescheduled due to city-wide water issues in San Angelo. Frenship took down the Bobcats, led by former Tiger assistant CJ Villegas, 69-55.
Sophomore Tate Beeles came up big for Frenship with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Jeb Smallwood battled for 16 points and tallied 4 steals on the night, and senior Devin Hartfield added another 14 points and 4 steals of his own. Tracy Godfrey was also an impact player with 14 points, 7 boards, 4 steals, and the only block of the evening.
Frenship represents the only loss of the district slate for the Panthers in a double overtime thriller in Odessa back on January 19. Junior guard TJ Miller forced overtime with a clutch free throw, forced double overtime on free throws as well, and scored the go-ahead layup to clinch the win for the Tigers.
Miller has been unavailable due to a foot injury, and coupled with the challenges of COVID, weather, and reschedules forced by surprises such as water issues in San Angelo, the Tigers have been forced to ebb and flow through adversity this season.
“We are so very proud of our guys and their ability to navigate through obviously one of the most unusual seasons in their playing careers,” said Tigers’ Head Coach Paul Page. “This is a testament to their passion for the game and their appreciation for the opportunity to practice every day and play over 25 games. This group has stepped up and met every challenge and as result have put themselves in a position to make school history and bring home a first ever District Championship at the 6A classification.”
Due to inclement weather, the Tigers will be forced to reschedule the District game against the Permian Panthers. Information about the reschedule will be posted as it is available.
The Tigers will honor five seniors at the next home game—Devin Hartfield, Jeb Smallwood, Logan Barkowsky, AB Melvin, and Myles Johnson. “This group has provided the much-needed leadership throughout this difficult season and off-season. We are excited to see them move on to great things in their lives,” said Page.
Stay tuned for more information about the rematch between the Frenship Tigers and Permian Panthers.