HOT TOPIC: Last night was a tough one for girls playoff basketball in Henderson County.
The Mabank Lady Panthers lost to Spring Hill, 58-50 … and the Malakoff Lady Tigers lost to Alba-Golden, 58-22.
Mabank was led by Kortney Holyfield with 29 points, but could not hold off a frantic fourth-quarter comeback by Spring Hill.
The stumbling block for Malakoff was Alba-Golden’s pressure defense, for which the Lady Tigers never did find an answer. Malakoff was led by Sierra Perez with 5 points. Plandreika Jackson and Kiana Reed both had 4, DyEsha Brookins and Taye Jackson had 3 each, Candace Denis 2, and Hayley Thomas 1.
The good news for Malakoff Coach Emily Martinez is that her squad is so young. Except for seniors Brookins and Jackson, everyone else on the team is either a freshman or sophomore, which bodes well for the future.
—
SPECIAL EVENT: A benefit concert had been scheduled for Casen Cameron this Saturday at CC Rumors in Gun Barrel City. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 8. There will also be a silent auction.
The event is being hosted by the band Just Us, and by Heather Johnson. For more information, call Johnson at 903-504-4638 or Dave Beery at 903-477-1797.
Casen, 6, suffers from Late Infantile Batten’s Disease, a fatal genetic disorder of the nervous system.
Casen had a normal childhood, growing and smiling and learning as any other child, until Nov. 29, 2009 when, just before his third birthday, he had his first seizure. In June 2011, he was diagnosed with Batten’s Disease. Chandra, Casen’s mom, had many questions, but finally settled on: “What can I do to make his life, for however long that may be, the best it can be, the happiest it can be?” So after his diagnosis, she quit her job and moved in with her parents to make sure that Casen had the best of what days or years he had left.
Casen is continually in the hospital. An ear infection or a cold can set off his seizures. He has lost the ability to walk, to talk, to say simple words. He can no longer sit up or roll over unsupported. Casen is in a wheelchair most of the time. he can grasp a toy on a good day, but has to have assistance to make it work. He is legally blind and cannot hold his head up by himself. He is also on a supplemental feeding system.
Concert organizers said, “With the support of family and friends, we can help this sweet boy and his family as they try to make his life easier and happier. Please help us as we raise money to help them and raise awareness of this devastating disease.”
Here is a story from the Sulphur Springs newspaper.
—
WHAT YOU MISSED
Obituaries: Fred Augusta Christian and Archie Greenhaw.
—
WHAT OTHERS ARE TALKING ABOUT
Keep Athens Beautiful has a video promoting its upcoming Home and Garden Show.
The Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace office has moved to the courthouse, reports the Review.
Henderson County is beefing up security, according to a Channel 7 story.
—
If you need something added to the Daily Brief, just click “Contact” in the menu bar and let us know.
You can get the Daily Brief in your inbox, Monday through Friday. Just add your email in the form below and let Henderson County Now come to you.