Panola College
January 23, 2017 - The Fillies didn't seem to be themselves as they started off with only 12 points and were only up by 1 point in the first quarter. They average 18 from the jump this season. The rest of the way would light up for Panola as they started to connect on more shots down the stretch.
With some silly turnovers and bad ball control, the Fillies found themselves down 2-0. However that would be BPCC's largest and only lead over the Fillies. After a quick quarter, the Fillies got their minds right and connected on a basket from Sophomore Denasia Watson to tie it up. From there the Fillies and Cav's would trade a few baskets with Panola always ahead by 1 or 2.
In the third, Freshman Stefany Lourenco went 3-4 from the 3 point line and helped push the Fillies up by as much as 20. She would finish the night as the Fillies leading scorer with 15. Freshman Patience Okpe followed through with 14 points and Sophomore Tameal Jones came off the bench to add her 9. Sophomore Denasia Watson added a new career high in rebounds as she came away with 11.
The Fillies will continue their season on the January 25th at Paris Junior College at 5:30 p.m.
Submitted by Nalani Hernandez, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach
January 21, 2017 - Carthage, TX – The Panola College men’s basketball team defeated Navarro College here Saturday afternoon, 76-61. The victory propels Panola’s record to 13-6 and 5-3 in Region 14 play. “There were multiple people that stepped up tonight. It was just the way the game went in the first half and our guys responded.” Head Coach Grant McMillan stated. “It was good to see our guys fly around on the defensive end.”
Panola gradually pulled away in the first half taking a 12 point lead 29-17 with just under 6:00 minutes remaining in the first half. Navarro responded with a quick run and found themselves down 35-31 headed into halftime. After trading baskets to start the second half, back-to-back three point plays by Marlon Taylor and KJ Byers saw Panola’s lead grow back to double-digits. Navarro never threatened the rest of the way.
Marlon Taylor led the way offensively for the Ponies recording a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Tope Arikawe also recorded a double-double netting 13 points and chasing down 11 rebounds. Eric McGill came off the bench and scored 12 points. As a team Panola recorded 40 rebounds and shot 85 percent from the free throw line.
The Ponies continue Region 14 play when they head to nationally ranked Trinity Valley this upcoming Wednesday, January 25th. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM on the campus of Trinity Valley Community College.
Submitted by Adam Blaylock
January 20, 2017 - Beginning with the home games scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4, basketball halftime shows will feature performances by the Panola College Twirlers.
Panola College had Twirlers in the 90’s but it “kind of fizzled out,” according to team sponsor Kimberly Ferguson. Ferguson suggested the return of the twirling group, and her energy and enthusiasm has made it happen. Ferguson began her own twirling career in the Carthage school system beginning in the sixth grade. She twirled all through high school, and, after graduation, she tried out and was selected to become an SFA Twirl-o-Jack. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she continues to practice and has started teaching twirling.
The program was reintroduced primarily due to the lack of any Panola College Spirit Teams. In addition to simply performing, the twirlers will serve as a sort of ambassador for Panola College, participating in parades and other local events, giving them the opportunity to hone their networking skills.
Tryouts were held in late fall and resulted in four candidates making the team. The team consists of Head Twirler Malory Sims, Head Assistant Amanda Zahn, Sophomore Isabella Flesher and Freshman MaKayla Baker.
Malory Sims was active as a twirler in Center High School, serving as head twirler for two years. She has six years of twirling experience, and is currently in the music program and is a Health Science Major.
Amanda Zahn was active as a twirler in Tatum High School and has a total of seven years of twirling experience. She is a General Studies Major.
Sophomore Isabella Flesher is from Henderson and learned to twirl under the tutelage of Paige Keitt at Precision Twirl. She is currently enrolled in the Drama program and has five years of twirling experience.
Freshman MaKayla Baker from Timpson has a total of eight years in experience twirling. She is currently enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing Program.
The twirlers will attend practices and performances, with practices not to exceed 10 hours a week. Twirlers must maintain a minimum GPA requirement of 2.0. Performances to both pre-recorded music as well as band performances are planned. Their first performance is scheduled for halftime at the home basketball games on Saturday, Feb. 4.
Although the window of opportunity to join the team for this semester has closed, aspiring hopefuls can prepare for next year’s tryouts that will be held sometime in May.
By Pablo Valdez, Pony Express Staff
January 20, 2017 - Panola College’s M.P. Baker Library will host Black History Month: An American History with special speaker David Hudson on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 in the Murphy-Payne Community Room of the M.P. Baker Library. Hudson will present a lecture over the history of Black History Month in America, its purpose, and its relevance in a modern context.
Mr. Hudson is an aspiring historian, Panola College alumnus, and a University of Houston graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Phi Alpha Theta honor societies. Propelled by an insatiable desire to critically examine historical narratives, he is actively seeking and applying to graduate programs in pursuit of academic tenure as a professor of history.
Mr. Hudson is an avid reader whose interests span, but are not limited to, the study of: African-American History, African History, African Literature, Atlantic World Studies, Comparative Religions, Post-Colonial Independence Movements, Post-Colonial Literature, South American History, and U.S. History. He enjoys travel, reading, public speaking, and sharing what he has learned with all who are interested. Mr. Hudson currently resides in East Texas.
The lecture is free and open to the public beginning at 12:15pm and lasting approximately 30 minutes. Lunch will be provided for the first 50 attendees. For additional information, please call 903-693-2052 or email cferguson@panola.edu.
January 19, 2017 - Wednesday night’s game was nothing less than exciting. The Fillies came out victorious over Kilgore College, 72-68. "I really like how this team competes each game. These young ladies are really developing a strong mentality of battling every game. They are learning how to overcome adversity every night in the strongest conference in the country," stated Head Coach Eddie Kite.
The Fillies played a tight game against the Rangers as they held on until the very end to keep their lead and finish the game out. The first half was all Panola as they headed into the locker room up 26-41. The Fillies had seemed to have the edge up on the Rangers, but Kilgore had not given up hope.
The second half was all Kilgore as they would go and outscore the Fillies 42-31, but it wasn't enough. It would be tied up at 66 with just under one minute left in the game but a quick drive and kick from Freshman Patience Okpe to Freshman Daria Eremeeva would put the Fillies back up two. The Rangers tried to get back but trips to the free throw line kept the Fillies in the lead and victorious as time expired.
Eremeeva lead the Fillies with 15 points on the night and added 5 key rebounds. Sophomore Charlynn Perry added 14 points to the win, shooting 3-7 from behind the 3 point line.
When asked how the Fillies will be doing against the rest of the conference, Coach Kite added "If they continue to work this hard every night, this team will be tough to deal with at the conference tournament". And he's right. With tonight’s win, the Fillies are now 5th in Region XIV standings. The top 8 teams go to the tournament conference.
The next game will be this Saturday at 2:00 pm in A.J. Gymnasium against BPCC.
Submitted by Nalani Hernandez
January 19, 2017 - Panola College and Stephen F. Austin State University have entered into an agreement that will create a seamless transition allowing students in technical programs at Panola to transfer coursework toward a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences (BAAS) at SFASU.
Administrators from both Panola College and SFASU met Thursday, Jan. 12, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the partnership. Beginning in fall 2017, Panola College students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in an energy technology program may transfer the required 45 technical hours and complete a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree at SFASU.
Dr. Greg Powell, Panola College President, said the agreement paves the way for students who wish to further their education beyond the Associate of Applied Science degree.
“Panola College has a high level of cooperation and leadership with SFA. When we have people on our advisory boards tell us that employees who have completed associate degrees at Panola College have the potential to move into management roles that require bachelor’s degrees, we want to step up to the plate and help them,” he said.
The agreement includes a dual admissions process, with applications and transcripts going to both Panola College and SFA at the time the students register and declare their intention to work towards the BAAS degree.
Initially, the agreement benefits students who have completed associate degrees in an Energy Technology program and wish to start the bachelor’s degree program in fall 2017. The second degree included in the articulation agreement is for a BAAS degree in Ranch & Land Management. This new technical area was piloted at Panola in 2016, and courses for the associate degree will be in place in fall 2017.
The Ranch & Land Management program provides practical and educational experiences in animal science, basic electrical, mechanical engines, soil science, whitetail deer management, and pasture management. Ranch & Land Management majors will be prepared to manage farms, ranches and other agricultural businesses.
The School of Energy at Panola College offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in Electrical & Instrumentation, Natural Gas Compression, Petroleum Technology, and Welding Technology.
The SFASU Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) allows students to apply credits earned through community college vocational or technical programs, military training, and occupational licensure or certification toward completion of a bachelor’s degree.
“SFA is the university of choice for Panola College students,” said Dr. Joe Shannon, Vice President of Instruction. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with SFA to provide our technical students with bachelor’s degree options.”
Panola College administrators and faculty members participating in the signing were Dr. Powell; Dr. Shannon; Don Clinton, Vice President Student Services; Troy Caserta, Vice President for Fiscal Services; Jessica Pace, Director of Institutional Advancement; Natalie Oswalt, Dean of Professional & Technical Programs; Jeremy Dorman, Registrar; Daniel Hall, Department Chair, School of Energy; Jim Permenter, Professor, School of Energy; Michael Pace, Instructor, School of Energy; Ernest Spencer, Professor, School of Energy; Laura Vance, Professor, School of Energy, and Tim Singletary, Professor, School of Energy.
SFASU administrators at the event included Dr. Baker Pattillo, President; Dr. Steve Westbrook, Vice President for University Affairs; Dr. Steve Bullard, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Danny Gallant, Vice President for Finance and Administration; Jill Still, Vice President for University Advancement; Dr. Brian Murphy, Dean, College of Liberal and Applied Arts (CLAA); Dr. Hans Williams, Interim Dean, Arthur Temple College of Forestry & Agriculture; Dr. Marc Guidry, Associate Dean, CLAA; Dr. Steve Cooper, Associate Dean, CLAA; and Carolyn Hardy, Assistant Director, Admissions and Transfer Services.
January 17, 2017 - Panola College invites all Fillies basketball alumni to come out on February 11th at 5:30 pm. The Fillies will recognize former players for their contribution to Panola College during half time of their conference game against Coastal Blend. Players are asked to join the current team for a BBQ dinner after the game.
If you are Fillies basketball alumni and would like to participate, please contact Assistant Coach Nalani Hernandez at 903-693-1102.
Submitted by Nalani Hernandez
January 16, 2017 - What seemed to be a complete chaotic match between two bitter rivals, ended in favor of the Apaches. The Fillies dropped another conference game against Tyler Junior College, 88-85.
In the back-and-forth battle between the two, 15 lead changes occurred. Tyler scored the first basket of the game, but Panola quickly answered to tie it up and the rest of the game would continue as so. One team would be up, while the other did all the right things to tie it up or put them in the lead.
In the first quarter, the Lady Apaches took control and finished 15-19. But the second quarter was a different story. The Fillies fought their way back after trading a few buckets and came out on top, to take the half 44-36.
In the start of the 3rd quarter, Tyler brought more intensity and grabbed an offensive rebound to jump start their 15-6 run that put them up by 1 at 50-51. Tyler would take multiple trips to the free throw line for some three point plays that helped them take the lead. The Fillies hadn't given in, as they traded more baskets with Tyler and tied it up at 67 with: 04 seconds left in the quarter. A last second buzzer shot by Tyler's Lakendra Bassett, put them up in the third, 67-70.
It was the same battle in the fourth, a nail biter, to say the least. The Fillies took the lead with 4:36 left in the game up 79-77, then again at 83-80. Tyler fought back to make it a 1 point game at 83-82, but a pair of free throws from Freshman Ekaterina Karchevskaya, would put the Fillies back up 3. The free throws would be the Fillies final baskets of the game. Tyler found a way and kept the lead, little by little, with help from the free throw line. The Fillies would get one last shot at the basket but it wouldn't be enough as time expired.
Sophomore Genesis Rivera led the Fillies with her second career double-double on the night with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Patience Okpe added 10 points, 6 assists and 3 steals to the mix as well.
The Fillies are now 3-4 in conference and 12-5 overall. The next game is at Kilgore College on Wednesday night, January 18th, at 5:30 pm.
Submitted by Nalani Hernandez
January 16, 2017 Baytown, Texas – The Panola College men’s basketball team lost to Lee College here Saturday evening, 90-81. The loss drops the Ponies record to 12-6 and 4-3 in Region 14 play. “We had opportunities to finish the ball game.” Stated head coach Grant McMillan. “Their length bothered us at the end of the game and our turnovers led to too many easy baskets.” He added.
Panola started strong out of the gate and took a 13 point lead, 27-14. Lee battled back to take a four point lead 43-39 with just over 4:00 remaining in the half. A late flurry of baskets gave Panola a 51-45 halftime lead. Panola maintained a steady lead most of the second half before Lee took a 75-74 lead with 5:51 remaining in the ball game. Both teams went back and forth before a Lee three point play gave them a 5 point lead, 83-78 and ultimately the victory.
Marlon Taylor had his best statistical game of the year netting 25 points and chasing down 11 rebounds. Devyn Wilson and Tyonte Robertson both added 15 points. Rounding out the double-digit scores was Tope Arikawe with 12 points. KJ Byers had six rebound and four blocks in the loss. As a team, Panola committed 15 turnovers and only shot 39 percent from the field.
Panola has the bye next week before they host Navarro College next Saturday, January 21st. Tip-off is set for 4:00 PM in AJ Gym on the campus of Panola College.
Submitted by Adam Blaylock
January 13, 2017 - The classic metal and wood structures that have populated playgrounds for most of the twentieth century—towering metal slides, giant jungle gyms, whirling merry-go-rounds, bouncing seesaws—have become beloved artifacts of childhood. They are part of the personal histories of most Americans over the age of 30, as well as a tangible piece of the country’s cultural and industrial design heritage. In celebration of this heritage, Once Upon a Playground opens January 30, 2017 in the Allison Gallery of the M.P. Baker Library of Panola College.
Once Upon a Playground offers a visual tribute to these vanishing playgrounds of our past, celebrating their place in American culture and the collective memories of generations. Co-curated by Brenda Biondo, author of Once Upon a Playground: A Celebration of Classic American Playgrounds, 1920–1975 and Carol Johnson, recently retired curator of photography at the Library of Congress, the exhibition combines contemporary photographs of classic equipment, vintage images of playground scenes from the Library of Congress’ collections, and images from period playground catalogs and other ephemera. By bringing together these diverse sources, the exhibition highlights a playground vernacular that developed over decades, while providing historical context and cultural insight.
Playground equipment often reflected the popular culture of the times, as geometric metal and wood apparatus of the 1920s and 1930s gradually gave way to pieces in the shape of cowboys and Indians, storybook characters, rocket ships and satellites, motorcycles, and geodesic domes.
Unfortunately, as communities have renovated their parks and schoolyards, classic playground equipment has virtually disappeared from many parts of the country. Yet these icons of childhood still trigger fond memories for countless Americans and remain a ubiquitous product of America’s industrial design heyday.
Once Upon a Playground is organized by ExhibitsUSA, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, Kansas City, MO. This exhibit is free and open to the public. It will be on display until February 28, 2017. For additional information please call the library at 903-693-2052 or email Sherri Baker at sherri.baker@panola.edu.
About ExhibitsUSA
This exhibition is toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. ExhibitsUSA sends more than 25 exhibitions on tour to over 100 small- and mid-sized communities every year. These exhibitions create access to an array of arts and humanities experiences, nurture the understanding of diverse cultures and art forms, and encourage the expanding depth and breadth of cultural life in local communities. For more about ExhibitsUSA, email MoreArt@maaa.org or visit www.eusa.org.
About Mid-America Arts Alliance
Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) strengthens and supports artists, cultural organizations, and communities throughout our region and beyond. We achieve this primarily through our national traveling exhibition programs, innovative leadership development, and strategic grant making. We are especially committed to enriching the cultural life of historically underserved communities by providing high quality, meaningful, and accessible arts and culture programs and services. Each year M-AAA’s programs reach one million people. We believe in more art for more people. Additional information about M-AAA is available at www.maaa.org.
Submitted by Sherri Baker
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