East Texas Sports Now

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, former White Oak Roughneck and current Oklahoma Sooners pitcher Gavyn Jones joins the show after Oklahoma’s huge NCAA Regional win over Georgia Tech. Jones reflects on the Sooners knocking off the No. 2 national seed in Atlanta, including his own winning appearance where he threw two scoreless innings, allowed just one hit, and struck out three.

Jones talks about the mindset Oklahoma carried into regionals after an early exit from the SEC Tournament and how the Sooners got back to basics by focusing on fundamentals, energy, and having fun. He also discusses what it is like pitching in the SEC, handling hostile road environments, waiting for the call from the bullpen, and learning how to thrive in high-pressure moments.

The conversation also dives into Jones’ development as a pitcher, including his transition from being a two-way player to becoming a pitcher-only at Oklahoma. He reflects on his freshman year at McLennan, the lessons he learned from limited playing time, the importance of being a good teammate, and how failure helped shape him into the player and person he is today.

Jones also looks back on his time at White Oak, playing for the Roughnecks, competing for Coach Fozzy, and growing up in a tight-knit community that continues to support him from afar. He shares what it means to know family, friends, and fans back home are watching every game and cheering him on as he competes on one of college baseball’s biggest stages.

Looking ahead, Jones previews Oklahoma’s Super Regional matchup against Kansas in Lawrence and explains why the Sooners are embracing the underdog role as they chase a trip to Omaha and the College World Series.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, former Whitehouse Wildcat and current Tyler Junior College Apache Garrett Hayes joins the show after catching fire at the plate. Hayes talks about his recent power surge, including homering in four straight games, and explains how confidence, rhythm, coaching, and hard work have helped him find success during his redshirt freshman season.

Hayes breaks down his strong year at TJC, where he is hitting over .330 with seven home runs, 25 RBI, and 29 runs scored. He discusses the biggest improvements in his approach at the plate, especially learning better pitch selection, becoming less aggressive outside the zone, and adjusting to smarter college pitching.

The conversation also covers Hayes’ difficult redshirt year after suffering a broken nose during practice, the mental challenge of getting back in the batter’s box, and how faith, teammates, and coaches helped him work through that setback. Hayes also talks about TJC’s strong April, the Apaches’ momentum heading into postseason play, and the close bond within a roster filled with East Texas talent.

Hayes reflects on his move from North Carolina to Whitehouse, the jump in competition from small-school baseball to East Texas 5A baseball, and how his time with the Wildcats helped prepare him for the college level. He also shares why he prefers turf fields and what it means to continue playing close to home at TJC.

Also in this episode, the show recaps the Brookeland Lady Cats falling just short in the Class 1A softball state title game, the Bullard Lady Panthers winning their first softball state championship, and the latest East Texas baseball playoff results, including Grov eton Centerville advancing to the state championship game.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Brookeland Lady Cats head softball coach McKenzie Vaughan and junior pitcher Paige Powell join the show as Brookeland prepares for another trip to the state semifinals. After reaching the state championship game last year, the Lady Cats are back in position to chase a title, and this year’s group is focused on finishing the job.

Coach Vaughan reflects on a fast-moving season that started almost immediately after basketball, with many of her athletes balancing multiple sports, including softball, basketball, track, and tennis. She discusses the challenges of coaching at a small school, where athletes often compete in several sports at once, and how communication between coaches, extra effort from players, and strong community support have helped Brookeland stay successful.

Powell talks about the difficulty of shifting from basketball to softball, competing at the state track meet while in the middle of a softball playoff run, and learning how to balance focus across multiple sports. She also shares the team’s mindset after last year’s state championship loss, explaining how the Lady Cats are determined to give 100 percent in every drill, every practice, and every game as they chase the gold.

The conversation also looks back at Brookeland’s tough playoff series against Slocum, which gave the Lady Cats the kind of adversity they did not face much during last year’s postseason run. Vaughan explains why that challenge could help prepare the team for the pressure ahead, while Powell breaks down her mindset in the circle and the importance of staying calm, trusting her defense, and moving on to the next pitch.

Looking ahead, Vaughan previews Brookeland’s one-game state semifinal matchup against Moulton in New Caney and explains what the Lady Cats need to do offensively to earn another trip to Austin. The episode also highlights the powerful support from the Brookeland community, the role of faith within the program, and what it means for the Lady Cats to play for something bigger than themselves.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, former Spring Hill Panther and current ETBU Tigers pitcher Conner Smeltzer joins the show after helping East Texas Baptist punch its ticket to the Super Regionals. Smeltzer reflects on closing out the regional championship game, striking out both batters he faced, and the emotions of celebrating another major postseason moment with his teammates.

Smeltzer talks about ETBU’s incredible season, including a 36-10 record, a 20-game winning streak, and the Tigers’ third regional championship in four years. He explains what makes this group so special, from the team chemistry in the locker room to the confidence that comes from playing winning baseball at the right time of year.

The conversation also dives into Smeltzer’s first season at ETBU after transferring from Murray State College, where he learned the toughness and work ethic required on the junior college baseball route. He discusses why ETBU felt like the right fit, the importance of being closer to home, and how the Tigers’ winning culture played a major role in his decision.

Smeltzer also reflects on growing up in Spring Hill, playing for the Panthers, and the strong community support that continues to follow him throughout his college baseball career. Looking ahead, he previews ETBU’s Super Regional series against Lynchburg, the No. 2 team in the country, and shares why the Tigers are embracing the underdog role as they chase another postseason breakthrough.

Also in this episode, the show discusses major NASCAR headlines, including the passing of Kyle Busch and the Coca-Cola 600’s 600 Miles of Remembrance tribute honoring fallen service members, including Slocum native Sergeant Bobby Frank Limerick.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, former Tyler Legacy standout and LeTourneau softball record holder Maddie Flanery joins the show to reflect on a remarkable college career. Flanery discusses her final season with the YellowJackets, where she hit over .400, scored 45 runs, drove in 16, and continued to create chaos on the base paths.

Flanery leaves LeTourneau as the program’s all-time leader in career stolen bases with 151 and runs scored with 132, while also ranking among the program’s top 10 in walks, hits, and batting average. She opens up about overcoming a difficult freshman season, changing her mindset, and learning to play with joy, gratitude, and confidence.

The conversation also dives into the role faith has played in Flanery’s journey. She shares how her identity shifted away from performance on the field and toward gratitude, how her involvement with FCA shaped her college experience, and what it has meant to share her testimony with other student-athletes.

Flanery also talks about earning the SCAC Elite 19 Award, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, receiving multiple academic honors, and balancing the demands of being a student-athlete. She reflects on her time at Tyler Legacy, the coaches who helped her fall in love with softball, her kinesiology degree, interest in coaching, and what may come next after graduation.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Bullard Lady Panthers softball head coach Julie Murry joins the show as Bullard prepares for its first trip to the state semifinals since 2022. Coach Murry reflects on the Lady Panthers’ regional final sweep of Livingston, including the emotions of punching their ticket back to the state stage.

Murry discusses Bullard’s perfect postseason run through Vidor, Huffman Hargrave, Sealy, and Livingston, and explains how preparation, confidence, and being battle-tested have helped the Lady Panthers stay unbeaten in the playoffs. She also talks about the high expectations surrounding Bullard softball, the program’s winning culture, and how this year’s team has embraced the challenge of making its own history.

The conversation highlights Bullard’s senior class, which has helped lead the Lady Panthers through another deep playoff run, as well as the impact of former players who continue to support the program. Murry also shares what the Bullard community and fan support mean to the team, especially during long playoff trips through Region III.

Looking ahead, Murry previews Bullard’s state semifinal series against Corpus Christi Calallen, a powerhouse program and three-time defending state champion. She breaks down what makes Calallen so strong and explains why the Lady Panthers are approaching the matchup with respect, confidence, and the belief that they have the tools to compete.

Also in this episode, the show recaps a huge showing by East Texas athletes at the UIL State Track and Field Meet and previews the eight East Texas softball teams still alive in the state semifinals across multiple classifications.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, former Hallsville Ladycat and current LeTourneau women’s golfer Kinley Pessel joins the show after a historic week on the course. Pessel captured the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference individual championship, earning her fifth tournament win of the season and setting a new LeTourneau program record in the process.

Pessel breaks down her performance at Hawks Creek Golf Club, including how she bounced back mentally after a tough opening round and found a way to finish strong. She discusses the importance of staying focused shot by shot, building confidence throughout the season, and learning how to handle the mental challenges that come with competitive college golf.

The conversation also highlights a historic moment for the LeTourneau women’s golf team, which won its first-ever SCAC championship and earned a trip to the NCAA Championships in Palm Desert, California. Pessel talks about what it means to be part of a record-setting team, the chemistry among the group, and the mindset needed as the YellowJackets prepare to compete on the national stage.

Pessel also opens up about her growth since leaving Hallsville, the challenges of balancing college golf, academics, work, and personal life, and why she is proud of how far she has pushed herself. She shares her goals for the NCAA Championships, her marketing major, and how golf could continue to play a role in her future.

Also in this episode, the show recaps the NFL Draft results for East Texas athletes, including selections and free-agent opportunities, and discusses Tyler Junior College hiring Riley Davis as its next men’s basketball head coach.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, UT Tyler Patriots baseball senior Bryce Jewell joins the show after a monster weekend at the plate against Sul Ross State. The former Bullard Panther breaks down what it felt like to be in the zone during a series in which he hit over .500, piled up 12 RBI, scored 7 runs, drew 3 walks, was hit by two pitches, stole bases, and helped lead UT Tyler to a key sweep.

Jewell talks about the mental side of baseball, why he views the sport as a “failure sport,” and how confidence, freedom, and staying loose at the plate can make all the difference when a hitter catches fire. He also discusses UT Tyler’s strong 33-9 season, what has helped the Patriots come together as a team, and how the group has learned to handle the pressure of a schedule made up entirely of Lone Star Conference baseball games.

The conversation also looks at UT Tyler’s push toward the postseason, the lessons carried over from last year’s Division II College World Series appearance, and why the Patriots believe they belong among the top programs in the country. Jewell also reflects on the support he continues to receive from Bullard, why playing close to home matters to him, and what his future could look like after baseball, including coaching and possibly pursuing fire school.

Also in this episode, the show highlights Wills Point pro angler Jeff Sprague’s top-10 finish at Redcrest and reacts to Tyler Reddick’s historic NASCAR start after another win at Kansas Speedway.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, ETBU Tigers catcher Kahne Nolen joins the show to talk about his standout season and the journey that brought him to Marshall. The Eustace native reflects on his huge game against Hardin-Simmons, where he posted eight RBI, drew three bases-loaded walks, and helped power ETBU in a wild offensive showdown.

Nolen shares what he learned from the demanding junior college baseball route, including stops at Tyler Junior College and Eastern Oklahoma State, and explains how that grind helped shape his mindset, work ethic, and approach at the plate. He also discusses why ETBU felt like home, how he’s developed as a hitter, and what goes into handling the physical demands of playing catcher while producing offensively.

The conversation also dives into ETBU’s strong season, the Tigers’ momentum in conference play, and what the team needs to do down the stretch to build toward the postseason. Nolen opens up about growing up in Eustace, Texas, being homeschooled, and how that structure gave him more time to dedicate to baseball and training. He also talks about what the support from his hometown means to him and highlights the mentors who have influenced his baseball career.

Also in this episode, the show discusses the U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the NFL’s television and streaming practices and highlights five East Texas assistant football coaches named to the inaugural Texas 50 list.

On this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Mississippi State softball standout Kiarra Sells joins the show from Starkville to talk about her impressive senior season and the mindset behind her success. Sells reflects on batting over .400, trusting the process, building confidence, and making the most of her final year of college softball.

She also opens up about her journey from Jasper, Texas, to the SEC, the difficult transition from high school star to college role player, and how perseverance helped shape her into the player she is today. Sells shares why Mississippi State felt like home, what it means to play alongside her sister Kalani, and how her small-town roots continue to drive her on and off the field.

The conversation also highlights the intensity of SEC softball, Mississippi State’s postseason push, and Sells’ desire to inspire younger athletes from East Texas to chase Division I dreams. Plus, she discusses playing with hearing aids and how they help her stay locked in during one of the toughest competitive environments in college sports.

Also in this episode, the show spotlights the hot streak of ETBU Tiger softball and reacts to Ty Gibbs’ first NASCAR Cup Series victory at Bristol Motor Speedway.

In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, we visit with former Kilgore Bulldog and current Arkansas Little Rock track standout Matthew Tyeskie about his inspiring comeback from a torn Achilles. After missing last outdoor season with a major injury, Tyeskie shares what the recovery process was really like, the mental toughness it took to return, and how it felt to come back stronger than ever.

Matthew also talks about breaking records in the 60-meter hurdles, his journey through Kilgore track and field, and the deep pride he carries for Kilgore and East Texas every time he competes. From rehab and resilience to hometown support and Texas track culture, this episode highlights the story behind one of East Texas’ top athletes.

In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, we sit down with former Rains Wildcat and current Pittsburg State baseball standout Eric Bacon as he talks about his breakout season at the plate and the path that led him to Division II baseball. Bacon reflects on his time at Coffeyville Community College, the maturity and growth that came with JUCO ball, and how that experience helped shape him into the player he is today.

Eric also shares what made Pittsburg State the right fit, how his baseball journey began back in Emory and Rains High School, and why support from his family, church, and East Texas community still means so much. He also discusses his admiration for Mike Trout, the lessons passed down from his dad, and what it means to represent his hometown while succeeding at the next level.

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In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, we catch up with Sam Flores, former Lufkin Panther and current Purdue Boilermakers baseball standout, to talk about his huge first season in the Big Ten. Flores breaks down his breakout year at Purdue, the transfer journey from Kansas State, and how his time at McLennan Community College helped shape him into the player he is today.

Sam also reflects on the challenges of limited playing time, staying grounded in his faith, and the pride he feels representing Lufkin, Texas at the Division 1 level. He shares memories from Lufkin baseball, the impact of the city’s Little League culture, and why community support from back home still means so much.

The episode also includes discussion on Ace Reese’s MLB Draft stock and a breakdown of the Texas Rangers’ new City Connect uniforms.

In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, we sit down with former Como-Pickton standout and current Northwestern State Lady Demon Madison Buster as she reflects on one of the best stretches of her softball career. Buster talks about earning Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week honors, throwing complete games and shutouts, and helping lead Northwestern State during a big late-season run.

She also opens up about what it meant to defeat her former team, Louisiana Tech, competing against fellow East Texas pitchers from SFA, and how transferring to Northwestern State helped her rediscover her confidence, happiness, and love for the game. From her high school mindset to her college breakout, this conversation covers the journey behind one of the region’s top softball stories.

Plus, the episode wraps with a discussion on MLB’s new Automatic Ball-Strike System (ABS) and what “Robo Umps” could mean for the future of baseball.

Kylie Neel catches up with Van native Holden Myers to talk about his latest run at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the biggest stages in the sport. In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Holden shares what it’s like competing at RodeoHouston, from the massive crowd and electric atmosphere to the pressure that comes with performing in the same venue where the Houston Texans play.

Holden reflects on why Houston has quickly become one of his favorite rodeos, especially after strong performances there over the last two years. He talks about the size of the event, the excitement of competing in front of so many fans, and the financial stakes that make it one of the biggest opportunities of the year for rodeo athletes.

The conversation also dives into steer wrestling, the challenge of staying sharp on a stage that big, and how a strong Houston showing can build momentum for the rest of the season. If you follow East Texas rodeo, love RodeoHouston, or want insight from a local athlete competing on a major stage, this episode is worth the listen.

Former Martins Mill Lady Mustang and Texas Woman’s University basketball standout Jada Celsur joins Kyle Owens on East Texas Sports Now to break down her career. 

The episode covers the numbers behind her career—four straight LSC championships, three straight tournament titles, a South Central Regional championship, a national runner-up finish, and her place across the TWU record book in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. But beyond the stats, Jada talks about what mattered most to her during the recruiting process and why the family atmosphere at TWU helped shape her college experience.

Kyle and Jada also discuss her journey from East Texas high school basketball at Martins Mill to the college level, the culture behind sustained winning, and the relationships that made the biggest impact throughout her career. If you follow East Texas girls basketball, college hoops, or love hearing from athletes who built a legacy, this episode is a must-listen.

Kyle Owens sits down with Bullard Panthers baseball head coach Chad Sherman to talk about the growth of Bullard baseball and the challenges of leading a hometown program on East Texas Sports Now. Sherman reflects on his journey from Bullard High School graduate to head coach and explains how his background as a college baseball coach has shaped his approach at the high school level.

The episode covers the adjustments that come with coaching in a school setting—from classroom responsibilities to practice rules and the day-to-day demands of building a program. Sherman also talks about district competition, preparing his team for stronger opponents, and why experience against good teams matters when the stakes rise later in the season.

It’s a strong look inside East Texas high school baseball, player development, coaching philosophy, and what the Panthers need to do to keep progressing. If you follow Bullard baseball or East Texas district races, this episode is worth the listen.

In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Kyle Owens talks East Texas high school softball Mineola Softball coach Taelor Cheshire after a huge 4–3 district win over Grand Saline. It was the kind of game every softball fan loves—tight, physical, emotional, and decided by clutch defense in the final moments, including a game-ending double play.

The episode highlights this team’s strong 4–0 start in district play and why this group has become such a tough out. From relentless work ethic to the value of travel ball experience, the conversation covers what’s fueling the team’s success and how those offseason reps are showing up in big in-game moments. Kyle also touches on the talent on the roster, including players committed to competing at the college softball level.

This episode covers district softball intensity, late-inning pressure, defensive execution, key hitters, pitching challenges, and what it takes to keep winning in East Texas. If you follow East Texas softball, district races, and teams making serious noise this season, this is a great listen.

Kyle Owens welcomes a special guest to East Texas Sports Now: WWE NXT Champion Joe Hendry. Joe joins the show to talk all things professional wrestling. What it takes to perform at the highest level, what makes NXT such a unique brand, and why the in-ring style is as demanding and physical as any sport.

The conversation opens with Vengeance Day, where Joe defended the NXT Championship in a hard-hitting match against Ricky Saints. Joe breaks down the atmosphere of the event, how physical that bout was, and what it means to walk out still holding the title. Kyle also jumps into the fan experience. Joe’s “say his name and he appears” momentum, the energy of NXT crowds, and why live wrestling is something you have to see in person if you get the chance.

From there, Joe discusses the grind behind the scenes: staying ready, staying healthy, and delivering a wild show from start to finish. If you’re a WWE fan, follow NXT every week, or want a look at the mindset of a champion, this episode is for you.

Kyle Owens sits down with Union Grove girls basketball head coach JB Littlejohn after a milestone moment: career win number 500. Coach Littlejohn reflects on what that achievement means, how it hit him after the final buzzer, and why his focus stays centered on the players and the program, not the personal stat line.

The episode breaks down Union Grove’s 75–43 win over West Press, along with what Coach Littlejohn values most in his team’s approach, effort, consistency, and building a culture that lasts. He shares appreciation for the Union Grove community, the school district support, and the athletes he’s had the chance to coach over the years.

From career perspective to day-to-day coaching standards, this conversation is packed with lessons on leadership, longevity, and what it takes to keep winning in East Texas high school girls basketball.

If you’re a fan, a coach, or a player looking for motivation and insight, this one delivers.

Kyle Owens welcomes Rains Lady Cats girls basketball head coach Colton Smith to East Texas Sports Now after a statement season in East Texas high school hoops. In his first year leading the Lady Cats, Coach Smith’s squad has surged to a 33–4 record—and he recaps the journey, the growth, and the daily standards that built a winning culture.

The conversation centers on Rains’ big playoff win over Mineola (49–42) and what it took to close out a high-pressure game to advance to the regional finals. Coach Smith shares how the team stays locked in, what “doing the right thing every day” looks like inside their program, and the competitive habits they emphasize to keep stacking wins.

Kyle and Coach Smith also talk postseason preparation—handling the moment, staying composed, and focusing on the details that matter when the competition gets tougher. If you’re following East Texas girls basketball, the playoff bracket, or you love hearing how coaches build belief and consistency, this episode is a must-listen.

Kyle Owens is joined by Gary Bobcats head coach Jimmy Wallace on East Texas Sports Now to talk East Texas high school basketball, the district grind, and what it takes to win late in the season. Coach Wallace breaks down how the Bobcats prepare week-to-week, what he looks for in key matchups, and how teams manage momentum when the schedule tightens up.

They discuss game-planning, fundamentals, and the coaching decisions that matter most, especially in high-pressure district games. The conversation also previews upcoming competition, including Beckville, and what fans should watch for as postseason time approaches.

It’s a fast, informative listen for anyone following the Bobcats and East Texas hoops.

Kyle Owens welcomes Madi Williams, Edom's athlete and current LeTourneau University women’s track runner to East Texas Sports Now for a conversation about the jump from high school sports to college athletics. Madi talks about her roots in East Texas, what shaped her as a player, and what it’s really like competing at the next level.

The episode covers recruiting and development, daily training, and the mindset required to perform consistently. Madi also shares the differences between high school and college athletics speed, physicality, preparation, and expectations, and what she wishes younger athletes knew before making the leap.

If you love East Texas sports stories and “next level” journeys, this one delivers.

In this episode of East Texas Sports Now, Kyle Owens is joined by Martin's Mill boys basketball coach Greg Jenkins to talk Mustangs basketball and the bigger East Texas high school hoops landscape. Coach Jenkins recaps how the season has unfolded so far, what his team has learned, and how the Mustangs are building consistency as the games get bigger.

They dive into district battles, the intensity of rivalry-style matchups, and the adjustments coaches make from game to game—especially on defense. Coach Jenkins shares what he emphasizes in practice, how leadership and effort set the tone, and what separates teams during the playoff push.

It’s a coach’s-eye view of winning basketball in East Texas, with plenty of insight for players, parents, and fans.

Kyle Owens sits down with Onalaska boys basketball head coach Nick Tyerman for a full East Texas hoops check-in on East Texas Sports Now. Coach Tyerman breaks down what he’s seeing from the Wildcats this season—what’s working, where the team has improved, and the habits that translate to winning basketball when district play heats up.

The conversation hits on game preparation, coaching philosophy, and how Onalaska approaches tough nights on the schedule, including what it takes to respond after big wins and bounce back from adversity. Coach Tyerman also discusses key factors like defensive effort, pace, communication, and how player development shows up in real-game moments.

Kyle and Coach Tyerman wrap with a look ahead at the stretch run—important matchups, the district race, and the mindset needed to make a playoff push in East Texas high school basketball.