Saturday afternoon, OJH Student Council spread Christmas cheer by ringing bells for four hours for the Salvation Army in front of the Bridge City Walmart.
Congratulations to the 3rd Six Weeks Orangefield Junior High Brightest Bobcats! These students are selected on two criteria: they give great effort in all that they do, and they have a fantastic attitude each day. 6th Grade: James Shilling, 7th Grade: Emily Thibodeaux, 8th Grade: Kennidy Robinson.
OJH Bobcat Blessings (sponsored by the Orangefield Fishing Club) is hosting a Christmas Gift Drive to benefit residents of Magnolia Manor Nursing Home. Last year OFam stepped up big-time for the gift drive bringing in over 800 donated items, so we are super excited to top that! Essentials are always needed such as blankets, socks, etc. Items can be sent with your student to Orangefield Junior High and given to their history teacher from now until December 18th.
Merry Christmas, Bobcats!
OJH Girls Basketball against Kountze:
The Lady Bobcats’ 7th grade A-team were first up to take on the Kountze Lionettes. They were focused heavily on fundamentals and pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. The Lady Bobcats defeated the Lionettes, making their district record 3-0.
Final: 36-2
Points: Brooklyn Lee (12), Sophia Lilly (10), Sophia Odom (4), Emma Arnold (4), Abri Marino (2), Kollyns DuBose (2), Paisley Cobb (2)
Rebounds: Paisley Cobb (7), Abri Marino (5), Sophia Lilly (4), Brooklyn Lee (1), Vannessa Ciancaglione (1), Arabella Newby (1)
Steals: Kollyns DuBose (7), Brooklyn Lee (3), Abri Marino (3), Paisley Cobb (2), Baylor O’Quinn (2), Sophia Odom (2), Emma Arnold (1)
Assists: Brooklyn Lee (2), Vannessa Ciancaglione (2), Sophia Odom (2), Arabella Newby (2), Abri Marino (1), Kollyns DuBose (1), Paisley Cobb (1)
8A hit the gas from tip off, where Piper Pollet started us off from the circle. Ainsley McAlpin and Lakynn Granger worked together for a combined 21 steals. Total team steals tallied into the 30s as our Lady Bobcats were swarming the passing lanes. Ainsley McAlpin led in points and steals, earning herself a double-double! Kountze falls 42-6.
Final- 42-6
Points: Ainsley McAlpin (15), Brooklyn Bishop (10), Lakynn Granger (7), Maddie Breaux (6)
Rebounds: Ainsley McAlpin (5) Brooklyn Bishop (3), Karah Spain (2)
Steals: Ainsley McAlpin (13), Lakynn Granger (8), Piper Pollet (4)
Assists: Ainsley McAlpin (3), Piper Pollet (2), Lakynn Granger (1), Brooklyn Bishop (1), Jordan Liebold (1), Maddie Breaux (1), Karah Spain (1)
Blocks: Lakynn Granger (1)
OJH Boys Basketball:
Last night, the Bobcats traveled to Kountze for 3 games with the 8th B team not having a team to compete against. The Cats were looking to fix the mistakes from last week and continue sweeping their district opponents.
Coach Babin’s (Dababinator15) group took the floor first and it was all gas and no brakes for them. They cruised to a 22-2 win on the back of solid team defense and finishing around the rim. Kamden Smith-Slagle led the offense with 7 points early on with Ainsley Skibo dropping 5 more to help the cause. Liam Williams and Skibo each had a handful of steals as they smothered the Lion guards with pressure.
The 7th grade A group started off rocky not sure of their positioning and rotation on the press but quickly found their footing and continued their dominant ways. This group won 44-12 and didn’t allow Kountze to score the entire second half. Landon Agerton led the way with 14 got steals and rebounds at will which he converted to easy layups. Lexon Detwiler was nipping at his heels with 13 dominating the middle of the press and getting several assist as the defense collapsed around him. Larsen Richard decided to show out tonight as he dropped 8 with some great defense and easy layups.
Finally, the 8th grade squad was looking to regroup after a sloppy showing last week in Anahuac. It was a shocking turn around and they looked much sharper as they cycled through the offense and cut down on the unforced turnovers. Winning easily 50-13, the Cats made it a team win as almost all scored and contributed in some way. Keaton Leonard led the way with 10 points and Kaysen Click, Kaleb Flory, and Austin Erickson each had 8. The new defense and offense seemed to fit this squad a little better than what was being run the last game and the extra practice time seems to pay off.
Next week the 7th A and 8th A will squeeze in one more game against St. Anne’s at home before the Christmas break.
Our OJH Basketball Lady Bobcats traveled to Hardin Jefferson for the Mike Westbrook Memorial Tournament.
7th grade A team started off against the Bridge City Cardinals. The Lady Bobcats fell to the Cardinals after a very fast paced fight.
Final: 18-44 Loss
Points: Emma Arnold (7), Rebekah Mire (6), Brooklyn Lee (5)
Rebounds: Brooklyn Lee (9), Sophia Lilly (5), Rebekah Mire (4), Kollyns DuBose (2), Paisley Cobb (2), Arabella Newby (2), Emma Arnold (1)
Steals: Brooklyn Lee (2), Vannessa Ciancaglione (1)
Assists: Brooklyn Lee (2), Kollyns DuBose (2), Vannessa Ciancaglione (1)
Blocks: Brooklyn Lee (1), Rebekah Mire (1)
Next up, we faced the East Chambers Lady Buccaneers. The Lady Bobcats played a very tough and physical game, but fell short of the win.
Final: 17-23 Loss
Points: Brooklyn Lee (5), Paisley Cobb (3), Rebekah Mire (3), Kollyns DuBose (2) Sophia Odom (2), Emma Arnold (2), Sophia Lilly (2)
Rebounds: Brooklyn Lee (7), Abri Marino (4), Paisley Cobb (2), Rebekah Mire (2), Sophia Lilly (2), Kollyns DuBose (1), Emma Arnold (1)
Steals: Abri Marino (3), Paisley Cobb (2), Brooklyn Lee (1), Kollyns DuBose (1), Sophia Odom (1), Emma Arnold (1), Sophia Lilly (1)
Assists: Brooklyn Lee (1), Vannessa Ciancaglione (1), Emma Arnold (1)
Blocks: Brooklyn Lee (1), Paisley Cobb (1)
8th grade A team started off with a commanding win against the Cardinals of Bridge City. Great teamwork and ball movement was on display with the 38-16 win.
Final: 38-16 Win
Points: Maddie Breaux (10), Ainsley McAlpin (6), Lakynn Granger (6)Piper Pollet (5)
Rebounds: Ainsley McAlpin (5), Piper Pollet (4), Maddie Breax (3)
Steals: Lakynn Granger (7), Brooklyn Bishop (5), Piper Pollet (4)
Assists: Lakynn Granger (2), Brooklyn Bishop (1)
Next up, we faced the Liberty Pirates with our sights on reaching the Championship.
Final: 32-12 Win
Points: Lakynn Granger (12), Maddie Breaux (4), Jordan Liebold (6)
Rebounds: Brooklyn Bishop (5), Karah Spain (4), Maddie Breaux (4)
Steals: Lakynn Granger (5), Brooklyn Bishop (3), Ainsley McAplin (3)
Assists: Lakynn Granger (2), Piper Pollet (2), Brooklyn Bishop (1), Maddie Breaux (1)
Blocks: Maddie Breaux (1), Lakynn Granger (1)
Championship game stage was set between the Lady Bucs of East Chambers and the Lady Bobcats! From tip off, we knew we would need to earn this win. Our Bobcats played together and fought on each possession. Poised offense and smothering defense helped secure the win! Our girls brought home the Championship with a tight 22-19 win!
Final: 22-19 Win
Points: Piper Pollet (7), Brooklyn Bishop (6), Lakynn Granger (5), Maddie Breaux (2), Ainsley McAlpin (2)
Rebounds: Brooklyn Bishop (6), Maddie Breaux (2), Lakynn Granger (2)
Steals: Lakynn Granger (6), Brooklyn Bishop (1), Ainsley McAplin (2)
Assists: Piper Pollet (4), Lakynn Granger (2), Maddie Breaux (2), Brooklyn Bishop (1)
Blocks: Lakynn Granger (1)
OJH Boys Basketball Players of the game against Kountze:
-7th B King of the Court - Ainsley Skibo
-7th A King of the Court - Landon Agerton
-8th A King of the Court - Easton Locke
-8th A King of the Court - Keaton Leonard
Please see the attached image regarding next weeks dress up days at Orangefield Junior High! Merry Christmas Everybody!
DOW granted Orangefield Junior High School $2500 to purchase microscopes for the science department. Students were very excited to be able to use the new microscopes in their labs. We appreciate DOW's generosity.
On Saturday December 7th, Orangefield Junior High took 9 band members to the Middle School UIL TMEA auditions held at Lumberton High School. The contest had over 500 students from 3A-6A schools competing for a chance to earn a spot in one of the 2 middle school region bands. Orangefield Junior High is proud to announce that we had 2 students that competed and made the TMEA band!!! We are so proud of all of their accomplishments and look forward to hearing them perform in concert on January 18th, 2025 at the Nederland High School PAC
Last night our OJH Beginner Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band performed their annual Winter Concert. The students not only looked amazing but sounded amazing and showed all of their friends and family why it is always a great day to be a Bobcat! Huge thanks to the community members, board members, and administration for their continued interest and support in our students and their talents! The directors are so proud of these students and all of their hard work and are looking forward to the next concert!
OJH Student Council and NJHS attended the 68th Annual Toy Coffee on Thursday, December 5th in Orange. In total, 51 students attended the event, donating over 30 toys and more than $200 for the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. In return, the students were able to tour a local historical home decorated for the holidays, visit with Santa, and treated to refreshments.
OJH Girls Basketball against Anahuac on Monday, Dec. 2nd:
The 7B Lady Bobcats opened up the night with a 10-5 win against the Anahuac Panthers. It was a strong defensive night for the Bobcats tallying up 19 steals. The Lady Bobcats stayed ahead all game putting on a display of great teamwork to help secure their first district win of the season, moving to 1-1 overall!
Final 10-5 Win
Points: Adalynn Worthy (2), Gloriana McKay (2), Peyton Nichols (2), Farrah Josephson (2), Zoey McGee (2)
Rebounds: Peyton Nichols (4), Farrah Josephson (4), Zoey McGee (4), Mckenna Carruth (1), Lilian Anderson (1), Ava Worthy (1), Adalynn Worthy (1)
Steals: Ava Worthy (4), Bitty Briggs (3), Gloriana McKay (3), Peyton Nichols (2), Jacelynn
Barnes (2), Farrah Josephson (2), Mckenna Carruth (1), Lilian Anderson (1), Zoey McGee (1)
Assist: Ava Worthy (3), Adalynn Worthy (1)
The 8B Lady Bobcats came out with a 14-12 win after a hard fought back and forth battle. The Bobcats made key mid-game adjustments scoring 10 of their points in the 2nd half. This was a great first showing for the Lady Bobcats grabbing their first district win and moving to 1-0.
Final: 14-12 Win
Points: Carleigh Mouton (6), Audrey Broussard (6), Kaitlynn Sides (2)
Rebounds: Audrey Broussard (6), Carleigh Mouton (1), Kara Kirkland (1)
Steals: Audrey Broussard (4), Carleigh Mouton (2), Brylee Reynolds (2)
Assists: Audrey Broussard (3), Brylee Reynolds (1)
Blocks: Carleigh Mouton (1), Audrey Broussard (1)
7A
Had a great home opener, spreading the floor and working as a unit. This team is learning each day and improving with every practice! 2-0 overall!
Final: 28-6 Win
Points: Brooklyn Lee (11), Kollyns DuBose (4)
Rebounds: Brooklyn Lee (4), Paisley Cobb (4)
Steals: Brooklyn Lee (4), Emma Arnold (2), Sophia Lilly (1)
Assists: Sophia Odom (1), Kollyns Dubose (1), Brooklyn Lee (1)
Blocks: Emma Arnold (1), Paisley Cobb (1), Kollyns DuBose (1), Sophia Lilly (1)
8A
Our 8A team came out as a smothering force, creating havoc for the Anahuac Panthers. The duo of Lakynn Granger and Ainsley McAlpin was too much to handle, as they helped cause over 15 steals throughout the game. Every Bobcat contributed to the 38-1 win, pulling down 19 Offensive rebounds, stretching their record to 2-0.
Final: 38-1 Win
Points: Ainsley McAlpin (9), Maddie Breaux (9), Lakynn Granger (8), Jordan Liebold (7)
Rebounds: Brooklyn Bishop (5), Karah Spain (4), Maddie Breaux (4), Piper Pollet (4)
Steals: Lakynn Granger (5), Karah Spain (4) Ainsley McAlpin (2)
Assists: Lakynn Granger (2), Brooklyn Bishop (1), Jordan Liebold (1)
Blocks: Karah Spain (1)
Tuesday night the OJH choir got the holiday season started with their winter concert "Deck The Halls!!" The 6th grade chorus and the 7/8th grade competition choir both performed fun Christmas tunes like Cold Snap and Carol of the Bells. Several duos and trios also performed favorite songs of the season and both groups combined for one last song...the Reindeer Rap. Friends and family enjoyed themselves and even sang along. Thank you to all that made this concert possible...and let the holidays begin!!
OJH Boys Basketball: Last night fresh off a Thanksgiving break the Bobcats took to the court to try and knock some of the rust off and get back in the swing of things.
First up were Babin and his squad of Bobcats who won 15-10. Kamden Smith-Slagle set the tempo by getting 2 straight steals and hitting a 3 to give the Bobcats the lead and a huge momentum swing. Slagle would go on to lead the team in scoring with 5. Channing Harrison and Liam Williams were the other offensive standouts each dropping 4. Ainsley Skibo and Williams were bullies on the defensive side as the stole most of the passes and shut down all the dribbling in the front court.
The 8th grade B group was up next. This was a close one as the Panthers put the pressure on early and the Cats almost clawed their way back into this one but came up short 26-27. Andrew Bland kept it close hitting 2 three pointers keeping the Bobcats within pouncing distance. Caylum Johnson went to work early on in the game with some fancy footwork dropping 5. Cullen West hit 4 and Cash “Big Money” Sims also hit 2 layups underneath the goal.
Coach Barbay and his crew popped it neutral early as they got to enjoy Lexon Detwiler dropping 32 on the Panthers. Detwiler scored by getting steals, shooting from outside the arc, and rebounds underneath. He also commanded the paint as he had several blocks and assist. Landon Agerton also cleaned up on the glass. He was out leaping everyone and then making smart passes adding 9 more to the Cat total. This group cruised to a 48-11 victory and looking to make a strong push for a district title.
The last group of the night was the 8th grade A team who came out hot breaking the press early on going up 6-0, then Anahuac dropped to a zone making the Bobcats struggle shooting offensively. Mental mistakes, along with questionable officiating and missing 15 free throws contributed to the 39-51 loss. Kaysen Click led the in rebounding and scoring again with 11 each. Austin Erickson led the comeback in the 4th going on an 8-0 to almost give the Cats the lead. Easton Locke handled the ball well and knocked down a handful of free throws to add 6 to the total.
All these groups will be back in action next Monday in Kountze for another district showdown.
OJH Boys Basketball Players of the Game for this week:
-7th B King of the Court, Channing Harrison
-8th B King of the Court, Cash “Big Money” Sims
-7th A King of the Court, Lexon Detwiler
-8th A King of the Court, Austin Erickson
OJH Boys Basketball:
After football ended only a few weeks ago it is time to roll out the basketballs and start the season already. The Bobcats opened up district play only after a few practices to take on the Warren Warriors. The four games ended in a clean sweep for the Cats as all teams cruised to big wins.
Coach Babin made his debut on the vinyl top in style winning 23-4. He put pressure on the Warriors early and never looked back. Liam Williams and Kamden Smith-Slagle led the way on offense with 6 points a piece. Channing Harrison also chipped in another 5 to help his team out. Smith-Slagle and Williams also forced a lot of turnovers each having a handful of steals with Kole Knox cleaning up underneath the glass.
The 8th B group were next up and found their footing early in this one as Cullen West took over immediately allowing the Cats to win 21-4. West did all the things Monday. He rebounded, scored, got steals, made assists and truly had an all around game. Andrew Bland led the team in scoring with 8 points with Logan Merriman dropping 5 of his own.
Fresh off the gridiron Brock "Battle Axe" Barbay led his troops to a 47-5 win over the 7A Warriors. Lexon Detwiler had a double double leading the way with 15 points and 11 boards. Landon Agerton contributed 12 more points along with a handful of steals. The press is where this game was won as the defense set the tone early jumping out to a 20-0 lead after the first quarter and never let off the gas.
The 8th grade A group tried to keep pace and finish the sweep which they did also winning 47-6. This group took turn scoring with no one really dominating the offense but spreading it out through the whole roster. Austin Erickson was the high point guy with 9 followed closely by Andrew Burt and Kaysen Click with 8. Everyone was struggling with the jump shot but found their way to the rim for lay up after lay up. Keaton Leonard dropped 7 more points along with Kolston Robinson with 6.
All of these groups will look to shake off the rust with a week of practice and then a Thanksgiving break with the Anahuac Panthers looming on that Monday when we return.
OJH Basketball:
The 7B Lady Bobcats fell to the Warren Warriors last night 7-6. This team displayed great fighting gaining all of their points in the second half despite coming up short. The Lady Bobcats fall to 0-1 but look to bounce back against the Anahauc Panthers!
Final: 7-6 Loss
Points: Adalynn Worthy (2), Farrah Josephson (2), Zoey McGee (2)
Rebounds: Mckenna Carruth (1), Lillian Anderson (1), Ava Worthy (1), Amellia Briggs (1), Gloriana Mckay(1)
Steals: Zoey McGee (7), Adalynn Worthy (2), Peyton Nichols (2), Amellia Briggs (1), Kristina Boyd (1), Ava Worthy (1)
The 7A Team started off strong to go into the half with a 12-1 lead. Bobcats stayed ahead all game displaying great teamwork and crafty ball movement. Lady Bobcats sealed the win with their first district win!
Final: 17-9 Win
Points: Emma Arnold (8), Paisley Cobb (4)
Rebounds: Brooklyn Lee (4), Paisley Cobb (4)
Steals: Brooklyn Lee (4), Emma Arnold (2), Sophia Lilly (1)
Assists: Kollyns DuBose (1), Baylor O’Quinn (1), Brooklyn Lee (1)
The 8th Grade A Team started the season with a 28-14 win over the Lady Warriors. This team is quick and moves with authority, they will no doubt be contenders for every opponent they face this season. Great way to start the season!
Final: 28-14 Win
Points: Lakynn Granger and Brooklyn Bishop (8) Ainsley McAlpin (6)
Rebounds: Maddie Breaux (5), Karah Spain (4)
Steals: Lakynn Granger (7), Karah Spain (3), Ainsley McAlpin (3)
Assists: Maddie Breaux (1), Piper Pollet (1)
Attention OJH Community: Due to early release on Friday, November 22, parents/guardians will not be allowed to have lunch with their students. Lunch may still be dropped off to the table in the lobby.
Early Release Lunch Times are:
6th grade-11:00
7th grade-11:35
8th grade-12:10
From Mrs. Francis, OJH Librarian:
Parents and students,THANK YOU for continuing to help keep the Book Fair successful!! 📚📚📚It absolutely brings me, pure joy to witness the excitement students still have for books! 🧡 Missed an opportunity to shop at the physical Book Fair? No worries! Follow the link to shop online through November 21st. All sales benefit our school library!
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/orangefieldjh