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North Hopkins' Lukas Belz (24 prepares to run the offense during the Panthers' Area playoff game against Alvord this past season. Belz made the 2A Region 2 All-Region team following a great senior season. -
North Hopkins' Carson Mathis (34) dribbles the ball down the court during the Panthers' Area playoff game against Alvord this past season. Mathis made the 2A Region 2 All-Region team for the third year in a row this season. -
Cumby's Chett Vaughan (4) gives instructions during a game against Como-Pickton this past season. Vaughan made the 2A Region 2 All-Region team following a stellar junior season. Photos by DJ Spencer
Each enjoyed great seasons
SUGAR LAND — The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) recently announced their All-Region selections for the 2023-24 basketball season. Hopkins County had three athletes make the 2A Region 2 boys basketball team.
North Hopkins would have two seniors make the team: Lukas Belz and Carson Mathis. Both played an instrumental role in helping the Panthers reach the Regional Tournament this season.
Belz, in his lone season on the Panthers’ varsity team, played an instrumental role for the Panthers this season, providing stability on both sides of the ball.
During the playoffs, Belz averaged 12.5 points per game, including a 23-point game against the eventual state champion Lipan Indians in the Regional Semifinals. Belz also earned First-Team All-District honors this season.
Mathis, the Panthers’ leader, also earned All-Region honors. This marks his third consecutive season making the All-Region team.
Mathis was the leading scorer in almost every game for the Panthers this season, helping lead them to their fourth consecutive undefeated district title.
Mathis elevate his play during the playoffs, averaging 23.8 points per game, including a 35-point performance in the Area round against the Alvord Bulldogs. Mathis also earned District 15-2A MVP honors for the third year in a row for his play on the court.
Rounding out the Hopkins County selections was Cumby junior Chett Vaughan. This marks Vaughan’s first All-Region team selection.
Vaughan would enjoyed an outstanding junior season, where he averaged 22.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 2.2 assists per game. He would also earn District 15-2A Offensive Player of the Year honors for his play on the court.