Sports – Page 8 – Lake Weekly

Aiken’s Late Bucket Caps OLLU 20 Point Comeback Against LSUA

Our Lady of the Lake delivered one of its most resilient performances of the season, erasing a 20-point deficit to defeat LSU Alexandria in a dramatic comeback that showcased composure, toughness, and collective belief. Trailing by double digits for much of the game, the Saints refused to fold, steadily chipping away until momentum fully swung in their favor down the stretch.

The comeback reached its defining moment in the final seconds. With 2.3 seconds remaining, Mike Aiken rose and knocked down a contested, high-difficulty shot to give OLLU its first lead of the closing stretch, a clutch basket that capped the Saints relentless push and ultimately sealed the outcome. The shot punctuated the momentum OLLU had built over the final minutes and underscored the confidence the Saints played with despite the early deficit.

Jaydin Morin-Bishop led the offensive effort with 24 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting performance, converting all 12 of his free-throw attempts. His ability to attack the rim and consistently finish at the line kept OLLU within reach and set the stage for the late-game surge. Barack Holland provided a spark off the bench with nine points, while Davonte Durst and Arthur Celestin Jr. contributed valuable minutes during the rally.

Defensively, the Saints elevated their intensity as the game progressed, forcing 16 LSU Alexandria turnovers and contesting shots down the stretch. OLLU’s aggressiveness translated to the free-throw line, where the Saints attempted 37 shots and converted 24, using patience and poise to control the tempo during the comeback.

LSU Alexandria was paced by Jordan Decuir’s 20-point performance and shot efficiently overall, but OLLU’s persistence ultimately proved decisive. Down by as many as 20 points, the Saints stayed connected, trusted their system, and responded possession by possession until the comeback was complete.

The victory stands as a defining moment of resilience for Our Lady of the Lake, highlighted by Aiken’s late-game heroics and a team-wide commitment to fight until the final buzzer. The Saints will be back in action against Louisiana Christian Saturday at 3:00 PM CDT. It will be Youth Day at Mabee Gymnasium.

OLLU Outpaces TAMUSA In 100–89 Route

Our Lady of the Lake men’s basketball delivered a statement victory over rival Texas A&M University–San Antonio, pulling away late for a 100–89 win powered by efficiency, balance, and poise at the free-throw line. The Saints shot 47.6 percent from the field and a sharp 45 percent from three-point range, turning a competitive matchup into a decisive result down the stretch.

Jaydin Morin-Bishop led all scorers with 24 points, showcasing a confident shooting night that included six three-pointers on nine attempts. His perimeter scoring stretched the defense early and often, giving OLLU consistent momentum. Devontae Da Costa added 15 points on an ultra-efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance while also converting six of seven free throws, helping the Saints maintain control whenever TAMUSA threatened a run.

OLLU’s frontcourt presence was steady and physical. Arthur Celestin Jr. posted 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds, while Isaiah Moore chipped in 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Wahkil Lopez made his impact felt defensively with four blocks to go along with eight points and six rebounds, anchoring a Saints defense that forced 18 turnovers.

Depth proved to be a major factor as the Saints reserves consistently contributed on both ends. Santiago Ochoa scored 11 points and dished out five assists, providing a steady hand off the bench, while Barack Holland added nine points and strong perimeter defense. In total, OLLU recorded 18 assists and turned defensive pressure into scoring opportunities throughout the night.

The difference came at the line and in overall execution. OLLU converted 31 of 37 free throws, capitalizing on nearly every opportunity, while also protecting the ball well enough to offset TAMUSA’s rebounding edge. With balanced scoring, timely shooting, and disciplined play in key moments, the Saints closed out their rivals and secured a convincing win that underscored their growth and confidence as a unit. The Saints will be back in action this Thursday against LSUA at home at 7:30 PM CDT.

OLLU Spirit Teams Advance to Prestigious 2026 NCA/NDA Nationals

The confirmation letter of the 2026 NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance National Championship arrived as a professional acknowledgment of the Our Lady of the Lake University spirit program’s continued excellence. Sent by Lizzy Howard, it recognized the teams successes and offered ongoing support through the upcoming preparation period.

For OLLU, this confirmation aligns with the rich history of its spirit program which is a tradition built on discipline, competitive achievement, and a commitment to representing the university with pride. Under the leadership of Head Coach Crystal Brock and supported by Assistant Coaches Joe Gonzalez, Sean Flores, and Nicholas Aguon, along with Graduate Assistants Madicela Perez and Ember Sandoval, the program has maintained a standard of professionalism and growth year after year.

Among the athletes contributing to this legacy is fourth-year dancer Yasmine Escobar, whose experience and leadership have become valuable assets to the team. Her dedication reflects the broader culture of commitment that has long defined OLLU’s cheer, dance, and spirit teams.

With their place at the 2026 national championship officially secured, the program now moves forward with focused preparation, intent on carrying its history of excellence and strong leadership into the national championships in Daytona Beach.

Holzem Helps Lead Key Cross-Conference Effort to Advance SWL Roles

The Red River Athletic Conference and the Sooner Athletic Conference are moving forward with a collaborative effort designed to expand leadership opportunities and strengthen support for Senior Woman Leaders across both leagues. This joint initiative signifies a unified commitment to elevating women in collegiate athletics administration and creating a more connected, empowered network of leaders within member institutions.

Central to this collaboration is the formation of a cross-conference leadership team composed of three highly accomplished administrators. Their combined expertise, dedication, and vision will guide the development of a shared structure that enhances communication, professional growth, and visibility for women serving in SWL roles. Among them, Haley Holzem stands out as a driving force behind the effort. As Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance, Title IX Deputy, and Senior Woman Leader at Our Lady of the Lake University, she has spent seven years contributing to the advancement of her institution and the Red River Athletic Conference. As the current SWL Chair for the RRAC, her leadership is instrumental in shaping the direction and cohesion of this new initiative.

Working alongside her is Shannon Glendening, Athletics Office Administrator and Senior Woman Leader at Central Christian College of Kansas. Beginning her role in August 2025 and serving as the SWL Chair for the Sooner Athletic Conference, she brings a collaborative mindset and a strong interest in building meaningful cross-conference relationships. Her perspective is essential as the two conferences work to develop shared opportunities and strengthen community among SWLs.

Also serving on the leadership team is Fachaitte Kinslow, Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance and Senior Woman Leader at Texas A&M University–Texarkana. Having joined TAMUT in May after four and a half years at Langston University as Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance and SWL, she offers deep experience in cultivating leadership pathways for women in sports administration. Her role as the inaugural Chair of the SWLA Leadership Association further connects this collaborative effort to broader national conversations about elevating women in athletics leadership.

Together, Haley Holzem, Shannon Glendening, and Fachaitte Kinslow will guide the joint initiative between the Red River Athletic Conference and the Sooner Athletic Conference with a unified vision centered on opportunity, visibility, and support. Their combined leadership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the Senior Woman Leader designation and ensuring that women across both conferences have access to the resources and community they need to thrive.

This collaboration marks an important step forward for both conferences and for the SWLs who serve within them. As the initiative develops, it promises to enhance communication, deepen connections, and expand leadership development opportunities for women throughout the two leagues. John Martin encourages all Senior Woman Leaders to engage with this effort and to reach out with questions as the collaboration continues to grow.

Saints Dede Claims RRAC Offensive Player of the Week

Our Lady of the Lake University junior guard Shayla Dede has earned recognition as the Red River Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week after a standout stretch of performances that showcased her consistency, efficiency, and growing leadership on the court. During the week of Dec. 1–7, Dede delivered two strong outings that not only highlighted her scoring ability but also her versatility as an all-around contributor.

In OLLU’s 73–61 victory over Southwest, Dede played one of her most complete games of the season. She scored 16 points while dominating the boards with an impressive 8 rebounds, a rare feat for a guard. Her efficiency was evident as she converted 5-of-12 field goals, including a three-pointer, and remained perfect at the free-throw line, sinking all five attempts. She also added four assists in 34 minutes, helping guide the Saints to their highest-scoring win of the season.

Dede elevated her performance even further in the matchup against North Texas-Dallas, recording a career-high 24 points despite the Saints falling 73–63. She delivered an exceptional shooting night, hitting 5-of-6 from the field and going a flawless 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. Her aggressive play earned her 13 trips to the free-throw line, where she converted 11 attempts. Along with her scoring burst, she contributed four rebounds, an assist, and four steals, demonstrating her competitiveness on both ends of the floor.

Across the season, Dede has emerged as OLLU’s leading scorer with 116 total points, averaging 14.5 per game. She also leads the Saints in free throws made, assists, and steals, underscoring her importance to the team’s overall structure and pace. While the Saints stand at 2–6 overall and 1–2 in conference play, Dede’s performances continue to provide a strong foundation as the team works to build momentum. Her latest recognition as Offensive Player of the Week reflects not only her individual excellence but also her growing impact as a catalyst for the Saints development moving forward.

OLLU Secures Seven-Point Win Behind Gonzalez’s Hot Shooting

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The Our Lady of the Lake University men’s basketball team earned a strong 88–81 victory over Jarvis Christian University, closing out a competitive matchup with poise and timely shooting. The Saints maintained steady control throughout the game, responding to each push from Jarvis Christian with disciplined play on both ends of the court.

Matthew Gonzalez led OLLU with an impressive performance, knocking down four three-pointers on his way to a team-high 18 points. Kenyon Elliott added 14 points, contributing key baskets that helped the Saints keep momentum in their favor. Isaiah Moore finished with 11 points, providing consistent support in the scoring column and helping secure the win down the stretch.

The Saints will return to action on Saturday when they travel to face Texas College at 3:00 PM CDT.

Kalisky Named 2026 NAIA Baseball Preseason All-American

Preseason All-Americans for the 2026 NAIA Baseball season are in, headlined by five players who appeared in the 2025 Avista NAIA World Series, in Lewiston, Idaho.

Hope International (Calif.), a World Series qualifier from last season, led all teams with three honorees, including Josh Landry, a Second-Team NAIA All-American in 2025. Tennessee Wesleyan, another Series team from 2025, put two players on the 2026 Preseason list, including returning First-Team All-American Kolton Reynolds. Concordia (Neb.) was the only other team with multiple selections, placing two on the Preseason team.

Preseason All-Americans are selected annually by the NAIA Baseball Coaches Association (NAIA-BCA) All-America Committee. The list is a combination of two catchers, four outfielders, four starting pitchers, a relief pitcher, one designated hitter, and five infielders.

In all, 10 NAIA conferences are represented, led by four selections from the Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC).

Player	Institution	Position	Year	Hometown
Tyler Renn	Columbia (Mo.)	C	Sr.	Jefferson City, Mo.
Camden Karlin	Baker (Kan.)	C	Jr.	Lawrence, Kan.
Colby Moran	Hope International (Calif.)	1B	Sr.	Murrieta, Calif.
Jared Mack	Tabor (Kan.)	2B	Sr.	Missouri City, Texas
Josh Shelly	Tennessee Wesleyan	3B	Sr.	Houma, La.
Eliomar Otero	Northwestern Ohio	SS	Sr.	San Lorenzo, P.R.
Sam Gladd	Taylor (Ind.)	INF	Sr.	Columbia City, Ind.
Jack Kalisky	Our Lady of the Lake (Texas)	DH	Sr.	San Antonio, Texas.
David Shackleford	Hope International (Calif.)	OF	Jr.	La Habra, Calif.
Kolton Reynolds	Tennessee Wesleyan	OF	Jr.	Huntsville, Ark.
Ty Stepek	Madonna (Mich.)	OF	Jr.	White Lake, Mich.
Ty Beck	The Master’s (Calif.)	OF	Sr.	Lebanon, Ohio
Josh Landry	Hope International (Calif.)	P	Sr.	Long Beach, Calif.
Alex Johnson	Concordia (Neb.)	P	Sr.	Olathe, Kan.
Colby Reynolds	Johnson (Tenn.)	P	Jr.	Knoxville, Tenn.
Brian Ereu	USAO (Okla.)	P	Jr.	Caracas, Venezuela
Daiten Schmidt	Concordia (Neb.)	RP	Sr.	Hickman, Neb.

Ugly Sweater Night and Youth Day Highlight OLLU’s Upcoming Home Slate

The Our Lady of the Lake University men’s and women’s basketball teams will host two themed home events this week at Mabee Gymnasium, beginning with an “ugly sweater” night on Thursday as the Saints face Southwest as they go into conference action. The women’s game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to participate by wearing their most creative holiday sweaters to help create a festive atmosphere as OLLU takes the court.

The week’s promotions continue on Saturday with “Youth Day” during the Saints matchups against UNT Dallas. The women’s team will tip off at 1:00 p.m., and the men’s game will follow at 3:00 p.m. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to enjoy autograph sessions with the players as well as photo opportunities on the court, offering a memorable experience and a chance to engage with the teams.

OLLU invites students, families and community members to take part in both themed game days and support the Saints as they compete in this week’s doubleheaders.

OLLU Outpaces Southwest Behind Strong Second-Half Surge

Our Lady of the Lake University delivered a steady and well-balanced performance to earn a 77–59 victory over Southwest, using strong rebounding, efficient bench production, and disciplined defense to guide the win.

Arthur Celestin Jr. set the tone for the Saints with a dominant effort on the glass. He finished with 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, controlling the interior and providing second-chance opportunities that helped OLLU maintain momentum throughout the night. Isaiah Moore added another consistent effort with 10 points and six rebounds, contributing timely scoring and energy on both ends of the floor.

Off the bench, Barack Holland provided a major spark that shifted the rhythm of the game. He delivered 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including a three-pointer, and added two assists and a pair of steals. His efficiency gave OLLU valuable separation when the game tightened. Santiago Ochoa also made a significant impact with nine points and three steals, while Matthew Gonzalez knocked down three three-pointers to finish with nine points of his own.

Jaydin Morin-Bishop and Devontae Da Costa added six points each, with Da Costa hitting a key three-pointer and working effectively on the boards. Kenyon Elliott contributed four points and two assists while providing steady defense in the backcourt. As a team, OLLU shot 40.3 percent from the field and outrebounded Southwest 44–40, using their depth and physicality to wear down the opposition.

OLLU capitalized on Southwest’s mistakes, turning defensive pressure into transition chances and controlling the tempo in the second half. With balanced scoring from the starting lineup and impactful contributions from the bench, the Saints secured a convincing conference win built on poise, energy, and consistent execution. The Saints will play again Saturday against UNT-Dallas at 3:00 PM CDT. It will be Youth Day at the Mabee Gymnasium.

Saints Power Past Southwest for Convincing 73–61 Victory

Our Lady of the Lake University delivered a composed and disciplined performance to secure a 73–61 victory over Southwest, powered by efficient shooting, strong rebounding, and balanced contributions across the roster.

Zariah Todd set the tone early for the Saints, showcasing her efficiency from the field. She finished with 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including four three-pointers, and added four rebounds. Her perimeter accuracy helped OLLU establish momentum in a game where every offensive rhythm mattered.

Shayla Dede complemented Todd’s output with a versatile, steady performance. She recorded 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, controlling the pace and consistently creating opportunities for her teammates. Inside, Alexandra Westerdijk Martin was a dominant presence, securing a game-high 16 rebounds to go with 12 points. Her work on the offensive glass, six boards, provided critical second-chance scoring that helped OLLU maintain separation as the game progressed.

Isabella Jaramillo added nine points and six assists, contributing both as a scorer and facilitator, while the Saints’ bench offered timely support. Amya Miller-Singleton gave OLLU an efficient spark with 10 points in nine minutes, converting five of her six attempts. Evangeline Hernandez added four points and a steal in 20 minutes, reinforcing the defensive effort. Southwest shot 37.7 percent from the field and just 16.7 percent from three-point range, struggling to match OLLU’s offensive balance.

The Saints, meanwhile, shot 41.4 percent from the floor and 78.3 percent from the free-throw line, maximizing their opportunities and limiting mistakes with only 10 turnovers compared to Southwest’s 15. Their defensive effort held Southwest to a single three-pointer, while OLLU connected on seven from long range.

With strong execution on both ends and contributions from every position, OLLU’s win reflected a complete team effort, one that showcased poise, efficiency, and resilience from start to finish. The Saints will play against Saturday against UNT-Dallas at 1:00 PM CDT. It is Youth Day.