The postseason has arrived, and Lake Belton appears ready. In their final meets of the regular-season schedule, the Broncos and Lady Broncos traveled to the Temple Invitational last week, and numerous lifters returned home with medals. Equally important, Lake Belton emerged with the girls team title. Paced by five first-place finishes, the Lady Broncos (1st, 60) cruised to the championship, beating second-place Belton (28) by 32 points. Along the way, Lake Belton standouts Jaya Lisenbe and Moriah Rydberg were named top overall lifters for their respective combined weight classes. Rydberg won the 114 division by combining a 260-pound squat, 155 bench press and 265 deadlift for a 680 total, while Lisenbe’s 365-240-335–940 showing won the 220 title. Gold medals were also earned by Catalina Esquivel (105, 195-125-215–535), Nani Rubio (123, 290-120-315–725) and Aralina Acosta (181, 300-170-315–785), while teammates Shekayla Munoz (2nd, 123, 240-150-225–615), Emyle Love (2nd, 132, 245-140-280–665), Analicia Diaz (2nd, 148, 275-155-335–765), Macie Solis (3rd, 114, 230-140-245–615) and Baylie Anderson (3rd, 242, 195-110-245–550) completed the Lady Broncos’ top-three outings. The Lady Tigers were guided by Riley Lawhon (165, 255-155-255–665), Anahi Perez (198, 300-185-345–830) and Byonka Donaldson (242+, 245-210-345–980), who each placed first. Ciaran Messersmith (132, 200-135-240–575) was third. Waco University (3rd, 22) and Copperas Cove (4th, 18) followed in the final standings. Lake Belton also found success in the boys division, where it placed second (45) with just three points fewer than champion Waco (48). Weight-class winners were Wesley Bradley (165, 445-245-375–1,065), Matthew Jackson (181, 450-340-440–1,230), Hunter Loraus (220, 550-355-485–1,390) and Evan Lazott (275, 520-400-500–1,420). Also landing on the medal stand for the Broncos were Jax Holliman (2nd, 148, 410-265-450–1,125), Colton Crocker (2nd, 308, 520-315-560–1,395), Prince Kabuya (3rd, 181, 440-300-430–1,170) and Kaleb Truelove (3rd, 308, 550-325-485–1,360). Copperas Cove was third (40) and Waco University was fourth (20). Behind bronze-medal showings from Jorge Guardiola (3rd, 148, 415-235-405–1,055) and Keaton Richardson (3rd, 275, 400-215-430–1,045), the Tigers were sixth, scoring 13 points. Now, both Belton and Lake Belton turn their full attention toward the regional meets. The girls meet will be held March 7 at Del Valle, while the boys meet is set for March 14 at Joshua. Before then, however, there are opportunities to improve. Lake Belton hosts a last-chance qualifying meet today, where lifters can attempt to earn a spot at the regional meet by achieving qualifying totals.

The Lady Broncos spent all season earning their state ranking. Monday, they proved it was deserved. After dominating the competition throughout its schedule, losing just one game and earning an undefeated District 16-5A championship, No. 4 Lake Belton took its first step toward a state title, and it was impressive. Playing in the Division I bracket, the Lady Broncos traveled to Waco Midway to open their playoff run against Midlothian and delivered a one-sided showing as they never trailed en route to a 65-41 victory. Lake Belton led 30-8 following the first quarter, and the Lady Panthers could not recover. Junior point guard Aniya Taylor recorded 12 of her game-high 16 points in the second half, and the performance was complemented by four more double-digit scorers. Alexa King, a sophomore guard, finished with 14 points, while junior teammate Gemma Pierce had a dozen points. Additionally, freshman small forward Olivia Dann and sophomore guard Erica Taylor each scored 10 points for the Lady Broncos. The outcome sets up a second-round encounter with either Seagoville (22-12) or Dallas White (12-22) either tonight, Friday or Saturday. Lake Belton (34-1) will not play a state-ranked opponent until potentially facing No. 24 Texarkana Texas (21-3) in the third round. No. 8 Prosper Walnut Grove (29-5) also resides in Region II. LADY TIGERS Belton’s turnaround season came to a close Tuesday evening at Maypearl, where No. 20 Midlothian Heritage earned a 50-34 victory. The Lady Jaguars posted the game’s first six points and never eased up en route to reaching the Class 5A, Division II second round. By the conclusion of the first quarter, the lead expanded to 15-8, and Heritage owned a 27-13 halftime advantage, closing the period with a 7-1 outburst. The Lady Tigers were within seven points, 32-25, to begin the fourth quarter as sophomore Laila Koonce-Huston scored six of her team’s 12 points in the period, but it was not enough. Heritage (29-7) scored six unanswered points to begin the final quarter. The defeat concluded Belton’s first playoff appearance since 2022 and ended the careers of seniors Ke’Ara Shanks and Emma Flory, who helped the Lady Tigers produce a 17-18 overall record.

As January comes to a close, both Belton and Lake Belton girls soccer programs have wrapped up non-district play and now shift their focus toward the start of district competition. While their paths to this point looked different, each team used the final stretch of the schedule to build experience, test lineups, and prepare for the challenges ahead. Belton concluded non-district action with a road victory over Vista Ridge, earning its first win of the season. The Tigers delivered a steady, complete performance, showing improvement in multiple phases of the game. Defensively, Belton remained organized and disciplined, limiting breakdowns and staying connected across the back line. Offensively, the Tigers played with confidence, moving the ball with purpose and maintaining possession for extended stretches. One of the key takeaways from the match was Belton’s adaptability. Several players were asked to take on different roles, and the team responded well, showing depth and a willingness to adjust as the game unfolded. The result moved Belton to 1-5-2 on the season and provided a positive benchmark heading into district play, especially after a series of close matches earlier in the year where the effort did not translate into results. Meanwhile, Lake Belton closed out its non-district schedule at its third and final tournament of the season, facing a demanding slate of opponents. The weekend tested the Broncos against a variety of playing styles and game situations, offering valuable preparation for district competition. In the opening match, Lake Belton responded well after falling behind early, battling back to reach halftime even before late mistakes allowed the opponent to pull ahead. The second match followed a similar pattern, remaining tightly contested deep into the second half before a late penalty decision determined the outcome. The Broncos concluded tournament play against Frisco Wakeland, currently ranked at the top of 5A Region II, in a fast paced match played under challenging wind conditions. Across the tournament, Lake Belton faced constant pressure, quick tempo, and difficult environmental factors, all of which contributed to a demanding weekend. While the results did not fall in the Broncos’ favor, the level of competition provided a clear picture of where the team stands and what areas will be critical moving forward. With non-district play complete, both programs now turn their attention to district competition beginning January 30. Belton will open district play at home against University High, while Lake Belton begins on the road at Ellison. For both teams, the start of district represents a reset and an opportunity to apply lessons learned, and compete for position as the season enters its most important phase.

As the first round of district play comes to a close, both Lake Belton and Belton girls basketball teams have put themselves in position to compete as the season moves into its most important stretch. Each program reached this point in different ways, but both showed an emphasis on team play during recent district matchups. Lake Belton finished the opening round of district with a commanding win over University High. From the opening tip, the Lady Broncos controlled tempo and established momentum early, building a double-digit advantage in the first quarter and continuing to extend the lead as the game progressed. Defensive pressure and scoring allowed Lake Belton to separate quickly, limiting second-chance opportunities and forcing difficult possessions throughout the night. The Lady Broncos continued to build on their early success with scoring and ball movement. Multiple players contributed offensively, allowing Lake Belton to maintain pace across all four quarters. A strong third quarter widened the gap further, and the defensive effort in the final period sealed the result. The win closed out the first round of district play and kept Lake Belton unbeaten in district action, while also reinforcing the team’s consistency over the course of the season. Belton also wrapped up district play with a strong performance, earning a home victory against Ellison. The Tigers set the tone early, opening the game with a shutout first quarter that immediately established control. That defensive effort carried over throughout the game, particularly on the glass, where Belton turned in its strongest rebounding performance of district play. Offensively, the Tigers found rhythm behind a standout scoring night from Isabella Warner, while the rest of the lineup contributed through defensive effort, rebounding, and energy. Senior leaders Ke’Ara Shanks and Emma Flory anchored the defense and provided leadership on the floor, helping Belton maintain composure as Ellison attempted to close the gap. The Tigers’ ability to combine defensive intensity with timely scoring allowed them to pull away and secure the win. With the victory, Belton heads into the final district game of the first round with both teams sitting at an even mark in district play. The Tigers will travel to Waco to close out the opening round, looking to build on recent defensive improvements and carry momentum into the second half of the district schedule.

Both Lake Belton and Belton girls soccer teams closed tournament play over the weekend, gaining valuable experience as district play approaches later this month. Lake Belton faced one of its toughest weekends of the season while competing in its third and final tournament, squaring off against multiple playoff programs. The Lady Broncos opened tournament play against Weiss and tried to battle back after an early deficit. Lake Belton settled in offensively and responded with a pair of goals before halftime to even the match at 2–2. However, costly defensive lapses in the second half allowed Weiss to regain control, handing the Broncos a 4–2 loss. The second match proved to be one of Lake Belton’s strongest performances of the weekend. Locked in a physical and evenly matched contest against Canyon, the Lady Broncos battled to a 1–1 draw deep into the second half. With just minutes remaining, a late penalty kick swung the outcome, resulting in a narrow defeat despite an otherwise strong defensive effort and disciplined team play. Lake Belton closed the tournament against Frisco Wakeland, the top-ranked team in Class 5A Region II. Playing in challenging conditions with heavy winds exceeding 20 miles per hour, the Broncos were tested by Wakeland’s speed. Despite the result, the match provided valuable exposure to the pace and intensity required to compete at the highest level. The Lady Broncos now turn their focus to district play, opening the schedule January 30 at Ellison with lessons learned from a demanding non-district slate. Belton competed in the Governors Cup in Georgetown, also facing a challenging field as the Tigers wrapped up tournament action. Belton opened play Thursday against Austin High, surrendering a late second-half goal in a tight 1–0 loss. The Tigers remained organized defensively but struggled to generate consistent scoring chances. Friday’s matchup against Colleyville Heritage followed a similar script, with Belton holding strong through a scoreless first half before second-half breakdowns led to a 2–0 defeat. Tournament play concluded Saturday with a hard-fought 0–0 draw against LASA in blustery conditions, as shifting winds impacted both teams’ ability to maintain rhythm and possession. With tournaments complete, Belton will travel to Vista Ridge on Friday for a final tune-up before opening district competition next week, while Lake Belton prepares to begin its district run with renewed focus.

The Lady Broncos know exactly who they are. Since the start of the season, Lake Belton has proven exactly how much potential it has, losing just one time en route to its spot at fourth in the state rankings. Undeniably, the roster is collectively rich with talent, but it is only because individuals are aware of their roles, according to Lady Broncos head coach Tiffney Barnes. “The beauty of this group is that nobody is selfish,” she said. “Even if they don’t step on the floor, they are cheering for their sisters because they know each others’ strengths. Some individuals can’t play every game, and others only play against certain opponents. “They know that, and they accept it.” The mentality has not failed them yet, including Tuesday, when host Chaparral almost accomplished an upset. With sole possession of first place in the District 16-5A standings on the line, Lake Belton trailed for a majority of the contest before rallying to force overtime, where it was responsible for the game’s final nine points in a 61-54 victory. The Lady Broncos held a 2-0 lead before the Lady Bobcats responded with a 3-pointer, and the advantage remained with Chaparral until the fourth quarter as it took a 10-point, 36-26, cushion into halftime. By the conclusion of the third period, however, Lake Belton was within striking distance at 45-42, and the Lady Broncos completed the comeback less than 90 seconds into the fourth quarter thanks in part to sophomore guard Alex King’s field goal in the paint that put them ahead 46-45. The Lady Broncos did not trail again during regulation and were leading 52-50 before Lady Bobcats junior guard Demiyah Carter’s runner tied the score with four seconds showing on the clock. Chaparral would score first in the extra period, but it would not score again. “The girls just had to fight,” she said. “We knew this was going to be a really great game, because Chaparral is a really good team. They are really good defensively, so we knew we were walking into a battle. “That was just a lot of mental toughness to pull it out.” King finished with a game-high 20 points to go with five rebounds, while Taylor complemented the effort with 13 points, and sophomore guard Erica Taylor had a dozen points, nine rebounds and three assists. Additionally, sophomore shooting guard Layla King had nine points and Olivia Dann, a freshman small forward, added 10 rebounds, seven blocks, four rebounds and four assists. As a result, the Lady Broncos (27-1) enter Friday’s contest against visiting Waco University in sole possession of first place in the league standings with a 4-0 record, while the second-place Lady Bobcats (20-7, 3-1) will attempt to rebound at Ellison. “We’ve been working on our mental toughness since July,” Barnes said. “This is the moment we have been waiting for. We’ve been looking forward to this. “Now, we finally got it.”

The Lady Broncos opened their season in impressive fashion last week, when they claimed the championship at the Belton ISD Invitational. Competing against a deep field at Temple’s Mayborn Convention Center, Lake Belton collected five gold medals en route to a 48-point total. Copperas Cove (44) was second, finishing four points behind. With a total of 525 pounds, Catalina Esquivel won the 97-pound weight class, producing a 185 squat, 115 bench press and 225 deadlift for the total. Additionally, Moriah Rydberg (114, 255-155-250–660), Nani Rubio (123, 285-115-300–700), Analicia Diaz (148, 245-160-300–705) and Jaya Lisenbe (220, 405-225-350–980) placed first in their divisions. Emyle Love claimed the Lady Broncos’ lone silver medal with a 255-150-265–670 showing in the 132 weight class. The Lady Broncos’ remaining points were produced by Macie Solis (4th, 105, 210-115-240–565), SheKayla Munoz (4th, 114, 235-135-240–610), Aralina Acosta (4th, 181, 295-145-315–755), Isalei Simpson (5th, 242+, 245-155-265–665) and Maiya Keen (5th, 220, 295-165-265–725). Troy (3rd, 35) and Belton (4th, 19) followed in the final standings. Melissa Farmer delivered the Lady Tigers’ top outing, winning the 242 championship with a 365-175-380–920 total, and the performance was complemented by three more medals. Byonka Donaldson (242+, 340-200-340–880) was second, while Claire Gouveia (114, 220-135-265–620) and Kennedy Weston (181, 315-165-335–815) were each third. Placing fifth in the 132 weight class, Ciaran Messersmith (200-110-240–550) completed Belton’s scoring. With 64 points, Troy dominated the boys division, easily beating out second-place Waco (29) by 35 points. The Broncos were third, scoring 25 points. Hunter Loraus — a 220-pounder — claimed the team’s only gold medal, winning his weight class with 1,290 (505-350-435), while teammate Colton Crocker was second in 308 (455-290-525–1,270). Also emerging with medals for Lake Belton were third-place finishers Leonel Castillo (132, 315-200-340–855), Jax Holliman (148, 350-240-400–990), Blake Baty (220, 510-310-440–1,260) and Kaleb Truelove (308, 425-315-450–1,190). Lake Belton’s other point-producers were Wesley Bradley (4th, 148, 390-220-330–940), Prince Kabuya (4th, 181, 405-265-390–1,060), Matthew Jackson (5th, 181, 385-290-385–1,060), Raul Martinez (5th, 242, 375-270-380–1,025) and Luke Cowan (5th, 275, 435-270-415–1,120). Copperas Cove (4th, 23) and Little River Academy (5th, 17) rounded out the top five teams. The Tigers were eighth, scoring seven points thanks to Corbin Wittman (2nd, 132, 390-235-375–1,000) and Jorge Guardiola (4th, 165, 350-225-355–930). Belton will look to build on the performance Saturday, when it travels to compete at Copperas Cove. Lake Belton took part in the Florence meet Wednesday, but final results were not available. The Broncos and Lady Broncos will also be in attendance at Copperas Cove.

The BISD girls soccer programs at Lake Belton High School and Belton High School continue to build momentum as the season progresses. Both teams are embracing opportunities to test themselves against strong opponents, gain valuable experience, and sharpen their performance ahead of district action. The Lake Belton Lady Broncos competed in the Midway Classic this past weekend, a tournament known for featuring some of the strongest programs in the state. Facing elite competition throughout the event, the Lady Broncos finished the weekend with two impressive victories while also gaining insight from a challenging loss. The tournament opened with a matchup against a highly ranked Plano West squad. Lake Belton rose to the challenge, delivering a disciplined defensive performance while capitalizing on counterattacking opportunities to earn a hard-fought win that immediately set the tone for the weekend. The second match brought a different kind of test, as the Lady Broncos faced a Byron Nelson team with exceptional pace and attacking pressure. Although the result did not fall in their favor, the game served as an important measuring stick. Competing against such a fast and precise opponent highlighted the level of intensity required at the highest level of postseason soccer. Rather than letting the setback define the weekend, Lake Belton responded with focus in their final match. In their closing contest against Shadow Creek, a team known for speed and physical play, the Lady Broncos controlled the match from the opening minutes. A strong defensive effort paired with efficient finishing resulted in a decisive shutout victory. Throughout the tournament, several players made significant contributions, both offensively and defensively, while the goalkeeping unit played a crucial role in keeping the team competitive against elite attacks. Meanwhile, the Belton High Lady Tigers are preparing for a busy weekend as they travel to Georgetown to compete in the Governor’s Cup. The multi-day tournament will test the Tigers’ endurance, organization, and adaptability, with games scheduled across Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Traveling and competing on a structured schedule requires discipline, preparation, and strong team chemistry, all of which the Tigers have been emphasizing in training. This tournament presents Belton with an opportunity to establish rhythm, evaluate lineups, and gain experience against a variety of opponents. Early-season tournaments such as this are essential for identifying strengths while also revealing areas that need refinement. As the Lady Tigers take the field, the focus remains on consistent effort, recovery between matches, and executing team principles under tournament conditions. Together, the Lake Belton and Belton High girls soccer teams continue to represent Belton ISD. Through challenging tournaments and focused preparation, both programs are laying the foundation for growth and success as the season moves forward.

The Lake Belton Broncos find ways to win. They recovered from nine points down to upend their BISD rival Belton Tigers 54-50. It was a tough first eight minutes for the Tigers, as they scored two points in the first quarter. Sophomores Erica Taylor and Alexa King each had 12 points, Layla King had 11 points, and Gemma Pierce had seven points and seven steals. “We just needed a reminder of who we are and how hard we work to be where we are,” Lake Belton head coach Tiffney Barnes said. “This group play this game for each other. Everyone genuinely love one another and we just needed to be reminded of all of that. It’s way more than just basketball.” Going into Tuesday night’s game against Ellison, the Broncos needed a solid effort from the team, both offensively and defensively. They got both, with a solid effort on both ends as the Broncos upended the Eagles, 51-33. The Broncos got a big offensive jump from Pierce with five first-quarter points, as Lake led at the end of the first quarter, 16-9. Lake outscored the Eagles in the second period, 12-7, and took a 28-16 advantage into the locker room. A 14-6 stretch in the third quarter opened a 20-point lead for the Broncos at the end of the period, 42-22. Lake opened the lead to 25 points with 5:44 left in the game, as Barnes was able to flex her bench to give reserves well-deserved playing time. Erica Taylor led the Broncos with 14 points. Alexa King added eight points, and Pierce finished with seven. Lake Belton will have a pair of road games this week, as they travel to Waco High on Friday and Killeen Chaparral on Tuesday.