Sports

In a thrilling finish featuring two Van Zandt County rivals Jan. 7, the Canton Eagles, led by Judson Dyke’s 39 points, got past the Van Vandals, 61-53, in overtime. Dyke made 15 two-point field goals and nine out of 13 free throws to lead the Eagles to victory.

The Canton Eagles attempt to start the new year in the win column fell short Jan. 2 as they lost to the Mabank Panthers in boys’ varsity basketball action on the road, 44-31.

The Canton Eaglettes’ varsity basketball team traveled to College Station over the Christmas break to participate in the Aggieland Invitational tournament. The girls opened play on Dec 29 after a lengthy Christmas break. Their first opponent were the Snook Bluejays.

With the beginning of each year, I begin thinking about all the exciting things coming up in the outdoors. Muzzleloader deer season opens in a matter of days, and I have my CVA 50 caliber Optima all cleaned, sighted in and ready to go. If there was an official hog hunting season it would begin with the close of whitetail season. I absolutely love hunting wild hogs year around but there is no better time than cold weather for putting that great eating wild pork in the freezer. Spring turkey season is only three months away and there are not many things that gets my blood pumping like the sound of a big gobbler answering my call from back in the woods on a spring day when the woods are adorned with those first touches of green.

The Canton Eaglettes’ varsity basketball team opened district play against Brownsboro recently with both teams ranking in the Top-10 statewide in the Class 4A poll by putting a check mark in the win column.

The Canton Eagles varsity boys’ basketball team has now won three out of their last four games with a victory over Grapeland, 54-47, Dec. 20.

The Canton Eagles were well represented on the District 6-4A, Division 2, All-District Football Team that was recently released. Coach Heath Ragle’s Eagles finished the 2025 campaign with an overall impressive 10-2 record that included a runner-up finish in District 6-4A, Division 2; a Class 4A, Division 2, Bi-district Championship, and an appearance in the Class 4A, Division 2, Area Championship Game.

The Canton Eagles varsity boys’ basketball team improved their season record to 7-4 overall after dominating Henderson, 61-30. The Eagles were led in scoring by Brody Lewis with 13 points followed by Judson Dyke with 11 and Bailey Holiman with 10.

The Canton Eaglettes won first place in the annual Winnsboro Hoopfest Tournament last weekend. The road to this tournament victory covered two days of pool play to determine who would be fighting it out on day three for the championship.

The Canton Eagles’ varsity boys’ basketball team improved their season record to 4-1 with a dominating 74-31 victory over Scurry-Rosser Dec. 1.