On behalf of Tinker Owens, President of The L.D. Bains Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, as well as Foundation Board Members and Advisors: We are proud to announce the opening of the application process for the 2023-2024 “L.D. Bains Leader Dog Award” (Miami-$1000) and the “L.D. Bains Spirit Award” (Hugo-$500) which will be awarded to student athletes who embody integrity, humility, and a strong work ethic both on and off the field.

Hugo News Sports WILBURTON — The Buffaloes’ season came to an end at Area in Wilburton on Thursday afternoon after a 52-46 loss to Kansas. What started out as a close game with Hugo finding success in the paint, quickly became lopsided as the Buffs started to focus on perimeter shooting and fought to contain Kansas’ offense. The Buffaloes allowed 19 points in the first quarter and only scored five in the second, going down 13 at one point in the game.

I see that today’s article title looks a little “shaky.” I’m at a point where it’s harder to stay between the lines, so I hope what I write isn’t a conglomeration of hodgepodge. This is especially true since we’re clear on how much I still love and respect The Game. I’m going to make an attempt to just write what comes to mind in hopes it is well received and respectful of “Her.” I always preferred winning pretty, but in a playoff game, “ugly wins” can be a thing of beauty. Just put lipstick and a blue ribbon on that pig and take it to market. There’s something enchanting and seductive about the aroma of a clean gym floor. If you’re a true basketball coach you get it. Perhaps Byng, where I toiled 21 years as the boys coach will allow for my funeral to be held in the gym, so I can get one final whiff. Ahhh… Basketball is a game that demands both mental and physical toughness. A pet peeve of mine is to watch players lay on the floor like they’re dying, stop the game, and then hop back up to the applause of the fans. The pros and NCAA men players are the worst. With pros they may have to call a coroner to the court.

Hugo News Sports IDABEL — The Buffaloes are headed to Area after fighting their way through Regionals with wins over Tishomingo and Lone Grove over the weekend. Hugo came into Regionals riding high off a 68-47 win over Silo in Districts, but the Buffs were immediately met with one of this season’s top teams — Idabel.

Hugo News Sports IDABEL — The Lady Buffaloes’ season came to an end on Saturday afternoon in the Regional consolation championship against Silo. After losing to Silo in Districts last week, Hugo was faced with making it through Regionals without another loss if they wanted to reach their goal of making Area this year.

Hugo News Sports SILO — The Buffaloes are District champions after a dominant, 68-47 win over Silo on Friday night. Hugo has a long history of performing well under pressure once the postseason hits, and this year’s team seems to be no exception. The Buffs came out with even more intensity than they usually have, and it became clear early on that unless something drastic happened, Silo wasn’t going to be able to weather the storm. Hugo’s stifling defense forced multiple turnovers, and their smoothly-executed offense put players in the perfect positions to score.

SILO — The Lady Buffaloes’ road to state just got a bit more challenging after falling to Silo in Districts, 58-51. Hugo got out to a quick start against the Rebels, but defensive issues and early foul trouble would prove too much to overcome in the end.

Hugo News Sports HUGO — Hugo beat Silo, 47-21 on Friday night in their final home game of the season. While the Lady Buffs got a preview of Districts when facing off against Silo earlier in the night, the boys’ team didn’t have the same opportunity.

Hugo News Sports HUGO — When the Lady Buffaloes stepped onto the court inside Simon Parker Gymnasium last Friday night, it was like they flipped a switch. The team that struggled to be consistent on both sides of the ball for four quarters was suddenly in playoff mode a week early.