Sports

Azle had just whipped Paschal 80-55 to remain undefeated heading into the Thanksgiving holiday break. The Hornets showed respect, shook hands with their opponents and walked with dignity into the locker room.

Head coach James Crafton, now in his sixth year at Azle, followed the last player into the room and closed the door just as a huge, collective outburst of cheers erupted from the players. The sounds of their celebration leaked through the closed door, revealing the excitement that this close-knit bunch of teenagers felt after achieving a spotless 5-0 record.

For the rest of his life, Holt Lee can say he was the best in Texas.

That bragging right comes from being named first-chair bassist in the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Jazz Band in 5A/6A competition recently.

It also comes after years of practice.

“First-chair all-state has been my dream since freshman year,” Lee said.

Making all-state is hard enough. Earning first-chair is near impossible.