Category: Lytle Pirates & Lady Pirates Sports

Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Under the direction of Head Coach Melissa Gomez, the Lady Pirates began their 2026 push to greatness in Natalia on January 7 as their season got underway. Seniors Gabriela Cortez and Valeria Gonzalez led the way as Cortez earned 3rd place in the 132 weight class with a total of 585 pounds while Gonzalez took 3rd place in the 148 weight class with a total of 680 pounds.
“We took a team of 9 returners and 2 new lifters to Natalia,” Gomez stated. “The meet had over 90 lifters total competing for medals and team placements and for it being the first meet of the season, girls from around the area went all out!”
With the first meet of the season, there are…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports editor
The Lytle varsity Pirates continue their campaign through the regular season, beating the Hondo Owls 75-64. The Pirates currently sit in third place of the district standings with a record of 2-1 and an overall record of 12-10. 
In their win over the Owls on Jan. 6, the Pirates showed exactly why they’re a force in Medina County. Their fast paced offense was firing on all cylinders, keeping Hondo on their heels on offense and then their toes on defense. The Owls had a resurgence in the second half but Lytle dug in defensively to douse Hondo’s hope of a comeback.
“The momentum and energy went back and forth all night, and our defense once again set the tone, led by Weston Jackson and Diego Reyna,” Vela said. 
The offense was fueled by Chase Guevara’s 26 points and Seth Pierce’s 24. What capped off the win was Pierce scoring his 1,000th point of his high school career. The senior Pirate is a perfect blend of offensive superiority, mixing physicality bolstered by graceful work and elite basketball IQ to get his teammates involved on all three levels of scoring. Vela said the senior has been a major contributor to the team since he stepped onto the floor as a freshman.
“[Pierce has] been great on both sides of the ball and at times, probably not selfish enough for my liking. He’s a tremendous teammate who makes everyone around him better,” Vela said. “We definitely feel it when he’s not on the floor because of how big of an anchor he is for us, both defensively and offensively. He’s the voice of our team and does a great job getting guys where they need to be. I’ve truly enjoyed being a part of Seth’s journey to 1,000 points.”
On Friday Jan. 9, the Pirates first loss of district play 55-95 to Crystal City. The Javelinas are a top 10 team in the state so Vela knew this matchup would be an uphill battle. Crystal City set the pace from the opening tip and the Pirates couldn’t match their offensive production.
The Pirates are looking to bounce back in this week’s rivalry game against the Natalia Mustangs on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at Lytle’s gym then the Pirates will travel to Jourdanton on Friday, Jan. 16 to take on the Indians at 7:15 p.m.

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports editor
The Lytle Lady Pirates have dropped their last two games, taking their first losses since the start of district play. The Lady Pirates fell to the Hondo Owls 26-51 then traveled to Crystal City, dropping the game 25-80. The Pirates still hold the fourth seed in standings so as of time of press their playoff hopes are still alive. 
Vs. Hondo
The Lady Pirates had seen…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports editor
The varsity Lytle Pirates started the new year off with a 88-70 win over Cotulla, in their first district game of the season. The Pirates secured fourth place in the district standings and have an overall record of 12-9.
Head coach Arturo Vela said their game against…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports editor
The Lytle Lady Pirates started district play blisteringly hot, taking down Dilley 34-32, Poteet 40-29 then beating Cotulla in overtime 39-35. Lytle currently holds first place in the district standings and looks to continue their dominant crusade through the season.
Head coach Lori Wilson said they “beat the teams we needed to beat” over the break and noted it is no surprise that the girls are playing lights-out as of late. Lytle’s…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports editor
The Lytle Lady Pirates have started district play off with a bang, taking down Dilley in an epic fourth quarter comeback 34-32 then taking down Poteet in dominant fashion 39-29. The Lady Pirates currently sit atop the district standings only tied with Jourdanton who are also undefeated at the time of press.
Vs. Dilley
In their match up with Dilley, the Wolves had the lead the entire game until…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!