Lake Highlands High School had a storybook undefeated season heading into the playoffs this year.
Amid a challenging year for many, Lake Highlands High School sports teams were able to find silver linings through impressive victories and several student accolades.
Here’s a look back at what the Wildcats accomplished in 2020:
Wildcat named finalist for Davey O’Brien Scholarship
The year started on a high note for LHHS as then-senior Osadolor “Ozzy” Osawemwenze was named a finalist for the Davey O’Brien High School Scholarship. The $30,000 scholarship is presented each January to an exceptional senior student-athlete in North Texas. A two-sport varsity athlete playing football and track, Osawemwenze was also a power lifter. Osawemwenze earned academic all-district honors in football and took third in district in the 300-meter hurdles in as a junior.
Preston Lawrence to be honored Friday for scoring 1,000 points as a Wildcat
Then-senior Preston Lawrence was celebrated by LHHS for scoring his 1,000th point of his high school playing career during the Torrey Pines Classic tournament in San Diego. Lawrence received a full scholarship to play at Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma.
Undefeated Wildcats roll closer to district championship
Lake Highlands High stood tall at 5-0 after defeating Jesuit in the LHHS Homecoming game. The Wildcats jumped out to 10-0 lead in the first quarter and ended the game with a 34-31 win.
Undefeated Lady Wildcats prep for volleyball playoffs
The Lady Wildcats secured the 7-6A district championship in mid-November. At the time, the team was ranked 17th in Texas Girls Coaches Association poll.
Undefeated Lady Wildcats push ahead to area playoffs
On November 23, the Lady Wildcats defeated Arlington Bowie in the first round of the volleyball playoffs to remain undefeated in district play.
Undefeated Wildcats claim district trophy
For the first time in 25 years, the Wildcats finished the season undefeated with a 10-0 record to claim the district championship. The team trounced Irving to earn their 400th win in program history.
11 Lake Highlands volleyball players receive 7-6A All-District honors
Eleven Lake Highlands volleyball players were awarded 7-6A All-District honors. Junior Ally Winburne was named district MVP, while sophomore Miller McDonald was named Setter of the Year. Paige Williams, Margaret Tipton, and Payton Tompkins were named First Team All-District. Sam Barnes, Haydn Pokorski and Haley Pokorski were named Second Team All-District. Haley Prine, Makaila Swank, and Nikki Rodriguez were named All-District Honorable Mention. The Wildcats finished the season 16-3, clinching District and Bi-District championships.
Wildcat playoff game to be televised live
CW33 chose to televise the Lake Highlands vs. South Grand Prairie matchup. The bi-district game pitted the undefeated 7-6A champion Wildcats against 5-2 the South Grand Prairie Warriors, runners-up in 8-6A Division I.
Storybook season ends for Wildcats
Lake Highlands High had a storybook undefeated season heading into the playoffs, but South Grand Prairie ended the Wildcats’ hopes for a state championship, winning the game 38-14.
Wildcat football players earn personal honors
Senior quarterback Mitch Coulson was named District MVP for 7-6A. Senior running back Noelle Whitehead earned the Offensive MVP title, and senior kicker Will Faris was named Special Teams MVP. The future looks bright for Lake Highlands, with junior Drew Dubuclet earning recognition as Defensive Newcomer of the Year. Sophomore of the Year was Carson Klein.
