Head coach Jackson Embry and his Wayne Bulldogs are hanging up their shoes for the season, finishing with a 12-13 record after losing to Stonewall last Friday in Regionals.

“I’m proud of the fight the kids had. They weren’t ready to let it end, but it was out of our control and we just let things get too far gone early on,” Embry said.

Stonewall jumped out and held a 37-19 lead at halftime.

The Bulldogs got down as much as 27 points in the third quarter, but, according to the coach, they chipped away and came within three.

“We really cut down their lead in the fourth quarter. We scored 36 points! But it was just too late to make the comeback.”

Seniors Jaxon Dill and Ty Kemp were Wayne’s leading scorers with 29 and 20, respectively.

Ben Fisher joined them in double figures with 14.

The Bulldogs will graduate five seniors – Dill, Kemp, Adolfo Vazquez, Lukas Pack and Kody Kern.

“This senior group is special because they’re the first ones I’ve had all four years.

“Between Jaxon and Ty we’ll be losing around 40 points per game; they’re always on the top of everyone’s scouting report.”

Embry also will miss Vazquez. Though he’s been bitten by the injury bug for two out of his four years, the coach appreciated his tenacity and the way he’s carried himself all four years.

And Kern and Pack have been good to have with the team.

“Those guys are part of something special and they always have a smile on their faces.”

According to Embry, this season has been a good opportunity to get playing time for his younger guys.

“We had several losses by just three points and you have to think what a different season it could have been.

“But, we have to go out and play. The younger guys have grown a lot in their confidence and leadership. Sloan (Jackson) and Cameron (Davis) will be leading this team next year and I expect a lot of good things from Brody (Kemp) next year, too.”

Girls

The Lady Bulldogs fell to Stonewall last Thursday in Regionals to end their season. They finished with a 9-15 record.

The Lady Longhorns jumped out and grabbed the lead from the first quarter and never looked back.

Wayne chipped away and made a comeback, scoring 16 points in the final quarter. But, it wasn’t enough. 

“We couldn’t knock down our free throws and we missed some transition layups.

“We usually do the small things well, but against Stonewall we couldn’t execute the small details and that’s uncharacteristic,” head coach Jackson Embry said.

Sophomore Taelyn Ringwald was Wayne’s leading scorer with 13 points. Audra Watts added 10, Dakota Martin had six and Madilyn Sharp had five.

The Lady Bulldogs will lose four seniors to graduation –Sharp, Addison Keeler, Brysten Shephard and Liz Bunner.

“The leadership from this group has been tremedous. They lead on the floor, on the bench and in the lockerroom.

“Madi will be tough to lose as she’s been the starting point guard for the last three years. She’s the hardest worker and leaves everything on the floor.”

“Addison’s leadership has been evident all season and Liz and Brysten always bring a positive attitude.”

According to Embry, it’s been a tough season.

“We haven’t won as many games, but our ceiling got higher with our development and we had the chance to put some kids in make-or-break situations that will help their development for next year,” Embry said.