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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Hitchcock, TX

Home Care Hitchcock, TX

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Hitchcock, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Hitchcock, TX

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you for all you and your company has done for my family. Everyone that came here was amazing to my parents. Alexandra was priceless to us. Thank you.”

John Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you for all you and your company has done for my family. Everyone that came here was amazing to my parents. Alexandra was priceless to us. Thank you.”

Gary Z.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great place to work for”

James B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“There's one thing I look for in an Agency and that's Communication, Communication covers a lot, how a Company interacts with its Clients and Their Employees if You have Happy Employees You Will have Happy Clients All the Agency wants is Happiness for All: I really Enjoy working for Always Best Care! The End????”

Roger H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have known Kathy Godwin for over 30 years and she has been actively involved with my family for all of those years. She has always been a part of our family, and I would trust her with any situation that should arise. Kathy is and has been a loyal friend to both me and my father. She watched all my children grow up and has always been active in their lives. If there was ever a family emergency Kathy was always there to assist with any of our needs. We treasure her friendship and know that we can always count on her support in any situation. I can honestly and highly recommend Kathy Godwin's business as a care provider. I know that all clients she receives will get the best care and attention that they deserve. I would not hesitate to use her service for my personal family.”

Kasey H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kathy and her caretakers made our difficult situation less difficult. They were warm , accommodating and willing to go the extra mile and that means the world to our family. We had a lot of questions and they had all the answers. I highly recommend this company to anybody who is going through the difficulties of hospice or just needs that extra helping hand with their loved ones. 6 stars!”

joel W.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Hitchcock, TX?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

Home Care Hitchcock, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Hitchcock, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
Home Care Hitchcock, TX
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
Home Care Hitchcock, TX
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Hitchcock, TX
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

Home Care Hitchcock, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Hitchcock, TX

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Hitchcock, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Home Care Hitchcock, TX

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your TX's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Home Care Hitchcock, TX

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Hitchcock, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Home Care Hitchcock, TX

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Home Care Hitchcock, TX

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Home Care Hitchcock, TX

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

Home Care Hitchcock, TX

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Hitchcock, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Home Care Hitchcock, TX

Latest News in Hitchcock, TX

Stay In The Room Where Alfred Hitchcock Wrote The Script For “The Birds” At This Texas B&B

One thing about me is that I'm an unabashed horror fan - but not the gory slasher films of the modern era. Classic horror (think Alfred Hitchcock) is where it's at for me, and if you love The Birds as much as I do, you'll definitely want to book a room at The Mansion on 17th in Galveston, Texas. Not only is this historic bed and breakfast absolutely gorgeous, but it's also allegedly the very place where Alfred Hitchcock wrote the script for the iconic film.In business as a bed and breakfast for over 50 years (formerl...

One thing about me is that I'm an unabashed horror fan - but not the gory slasher films of the modern era. Classic horror (think Alfred Hitchcock) is where it's at for me, and if you love The Birds as much as I do, you'll definitely want to book a room at The Mansion on 17th in Galveston, Texas. Not only is this historic bed and breakfast absolutely gorgeous, but it's also allegedly the very place where Alfred Hitchcock wrote the script for the iconic film.

In business as a bed and breakfast for over 50 years (formerly known as the Victorian Inn and Schaefer Haus), this gorgeous, 1890s property is now The Mansion on 17th.

The building has undergone painstaking renovations to restore it to its former glory, and its historic elegance offers an unforgettable overnight stay.

There are six rooms and suites in the B&B, each one offering a different experience thanks to unique decor, furnishings, and style.

Alfred Hitchcock fans, you're in for a real treat. The Hitchcock Suite is named after the iconic filmmaker, and the reason why is truly incredible.

According to the previous owners, Hitchcock once stayed in the mansion and, while sitting on the balcony, observed a flock of birds perched atop a nearby power line.

This visual was allegedly the inspiration behind The Birds, one of Hitchcock's most popular films.

In-room amenities vary slightly, but some common themes include private bathrooms with clawfoot tubs, fresh coffee delivered to your doorstep each morning, fast Wi-Fi, 50-inch TVs, and more.

Breakfast is complimentary and served each morning. From fresh fruit to pancakes to quiche to homemade hashbrowns, the lineup is always delicious.

If you'd like to mingle with other guests, a social hour with complimentary wine, beer, and cocktails is held daily at 4 p.m.

You can also enjoy a complimentary nightcap in the Oak Room before bed.

So whether you're a horror fan or you just love staying in historic properties, I can guarantee you'll never forget a night (or more!) at The Mansion on 17th.

Visit The Mansion on 17th's website for more information. If you'd like to book a room, you can do so on Booking.com.

Have you ever stayed at The Mansion on 17th? If so, did you stay in the Hitchcock Suite? Tell us in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for more things to do in Galveston.

Hitchcock Top247 WR Kelshaun Johnson recaps Texas official visit

Texas football ranked No. 1: Longhorns earn top spot in Associated Press Top 25 for first time since 2008For the first time since 2008, the Texas football program is ranked No. 1 in the country. The Longhorns earned the top spot in the Associated Press Top 25 following Saturday's 56-7 win over UTSA.Jeff Howe35 minsAUSTIN, Texas &...

Texas football ranked No. 1: Longhorns earn top spot in Associated Press Top 25 for first time since 2008

For the first time since 2008, the Texas football program is ranked No. 1 in the country. The Longhorns earned the top spot in the Associated Press Top 25 following Saturday's 56-7 win over UTSA.

Jeff Howe35 mins

AUSTIN, Texas — For the first time since 2008, the Texas Longhorns are No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25. The combination of Texas (3-0) demolishing UTSA on Saturday at Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, 56-7, and Georgia hanging on for a 13-12 road win over Kentucky moved the Longhorns into the top spot for the first time since the Oct. 26, 2008 poll.

Under Mack Brown, the Longhorns moved to No. 1 in a regular-season release of the AP Poll for the first time since 1984 with a memorable 45-35 win over then-No. 1 Oklahoma on Oct. 11, 2008. Texas remained No. 1 for a 56-31 rout of No. 11 Missouri the following week and held off No. 7 Oklahoma State at home on Oct. 25, 2008.

The Longhorns lost their No. 1 ranking on Nov. 1 when they suffered a 39-33 heartbreaking loss to Texas Tech in Lubbock. The last-second loss to the Red Raiders went a long way toward keeping Texas out of the Big 12 championship game and denying the Longhorns a chance to play for a national championship.

The 2008 season was part of a two-season run on the Forty Acres when Texas compiled a 25-2 record. The Longhorns notched a Fiesta Bowl win over Ohio State, won the Big 12 in 2009 and faced Alabama for the 2009 BCS title.

It's been a long road back to national championship contention for Texas since then, but that's where coach Steve Sarkisian has the Longhorns 16 years after they last held the No. 1 ranking.

2025 4-star WR out of Hitchcock (Texas) has received a prediction to land with Texas A&M

On paper, it was a highly succesful weekend for head coach Mike Elko and his staff, as one the most important recruiting weekends has come and gone, resulting in progress being made with several priority prospects in the 2025 cycl...

On paper, it was a highly succesful weekend for head coach Mike Elko and his staff, as one the most important recruiting weekends has come and gone, resulting in progress being made with several priority prospects in the 2025 cycle.

Outside of five-star wide receiver Kaliq Lockett, four-star WR Kelshaun Johnson also represented the offense this weekend out of Hitchcock, Texas, bringing a ton of versatility, speed, and notable up-field acceleration that consistently jumps off the screen when watching his film.

Back in April, Texas A&M WR coach Holmon Wiggins visited Johnson while also setting up his official visit. He finally made his way to College Station to take in the sights and spend time with some of the 2025 Aggie commits who have continued to sell what the program has to offer.

Previously an overwhelming favorite to land Johnson’s commitment, Texas is now competing with Texas A&M as On3’s Steve Wiltfong has submitted his prediction for the Aggies to land Johnson after this weekend, which is a major development.

According to 247Sports, Johnson is currently ranked 197th among prospects in the 2025 class, 7th among wide receiver prospects, and 27th among prospects in Texas.

Steve Wiltfong has entered a prediction in favor of the Aggies for four-star Kelshaun Johnson.

The Hitchcock standout playmaker was previously labeled as a “heavy Texas lean” before his visit to College Station this weekend.. pic.twitter.com/oBXHGFL8Xq

— Jaxson Callaway (AT) (@AggiesToday) June 9, 2024

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

Texas high school boys basketball: Live score, UIL state championships updates recap (3/9/2024)

Follow live: Plano East beats Stony point in 6A championship to cement 40-0 seasonSAN ANTONIO, Texas - After two action-filled semifinal days, the final day of the Texas high sch...

Follow live: Plano East beats Stony point in 6A championship to cement 40-0 season

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - After two action-filled semifinal days, the final day of the Texas high school boys basketball state championship crowned six state title trophy across all classifications.

Jayton beat Benjamin in Class 1A to open the day, Hitchcock toppled Ponder in Class 3A and Lipan beat Shelbyville in Class 2A at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

>> Plano East, Stony Point book rematch in Texas high school state basketball title

Lancaster beat Killeen Ellison in 5A. In 4A, Oak Cliff Faith Family beat Silsbee and Plano East upended Stony Point in a nationally ranked 6A showdown.

All games are being streamed live on the NFHS Network (subscription required).

Stay with SBLive throughout the day for live score and game updates from the Alamodome in San Antonio. Refresh this post for the latest.

UIL STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS (LIVE)

Refresh for latest.

CLASS 6A

6A: PLANO EAST 43, STONY POINT 41

Plano East beat Stony Point, 53-41, in a nationally ranked showdown to capture the UIL 6A state title and completing a perfect season with a 40-0 record.

Read more here:

CLASS 4A

FINAL: OAK CLIFF FAITH FAMILY 80, SILSBEE 66 (4A)

Isaac Williams dropped 32 points on a perfect 14-for-14 shooting performance to lead Oak Cliff Faith Family to a blowout win over Silsbee in the Class 4A state title.

Read more here:

CLASS 5A

Dillon Battie put on his cape and met the moment. The Temple Owls signee scored 17 points, pulled down 19 boards and doled out four assists — all game-highs — to lead Lancaster to a 59-30 Class 5A UIL state championship win over Killeen Ellison.

The Tigers led by 13 at half and didn't look back, outrebounding Killeen Ellison 43-25 and holding the Eagles to 26 percent shooting.

Amari Reed chipped in 14 points and eight boards for Lancaster. Read more here:

CLASS 2A

(FINAL) LIPAN 47, SHELBYVILLE 36

Court Gaylor hit five 3s on his way to a game-high 23 points to lead Lipan to a Class 2A title in a win over Shelbyville. DJ Barnes struggled shooting compared to his typically prolific clip, but finished with 14 points to lead Shelbyville.

PREGAME READING

Court Gaylor hit five 3s on his way to 27 points to lead Lipan past New Home, 40-39, in overtime in the semifinals Friday in a game clouded by a controversial finish. New Home's Caleb Cook hit a floater at the buzzer, but officials ruled he didn't get it off before the final horn. (READ MORE)

It was the DJ Barnes show in the other 2A semifinal. The junior scored 23 points as Shelbyville pulled away late from Thrall behind a monster outing on the offensive glass. (READ MORE)

3A: HITCHOCK 53, PONDER 48 (FINAL)

FULL STORY, PHOTOS: Damien McDaniel, Hitchcock stun Ponder in state title comeback

LIVE GAME THREAD

4Q

-- Bryce Dorsey hits a pair of free throw to push Hitchcock's lead to four with seven seconds left. (53-49, HIT | 0:07)

-- Hitchcock's lead building? Damien McDaniel takes a steal coast-to-coast to push Hitchcock's lead to three, 1:04 left, and the Bulldogs have picked a heck of a time to mount a 10-0 run.

-- Lloyd Jones III, a Texas Tech QB commit, scores from a quick dish off of a Bryce Dorsey steal to give Ponder the lead, 49-48, with 1:32 left in the game — its first lead since the first quarter. Ponder calls timeout

-- Jace Sullivan drills a 3 to put Ponder back up five to open the fourth quarter.

3Q

-- Impressive finish from Timber Crider, who pump-fakes an elbow 3, drives and drops a layup off the glass to put Ponder back up four. Damien McDaniel hit a pull-up jumper in response to pull Hitchcock within two in the final minute of the third. (41-39, PON | 0:32)

-- Thought Hitchcock would just roll over? Think again. The Bulldogs mount an 11-0 run in the third quarter to pull close.

2Q

-- Notably, Ponder has assisted on 11 of its 13 made baskets and outscored Hitchcock 19-5 in the second quarter.

-- Ponder pours on an 11-1 run to take a 10-point lead into halftime. Max Hutcherson leads all first half scorers with 13 points and a pair of 3s.

-- Damien McDaniel has eight points to lead Hitchcock, which is shooting a measly 25 percent from the field.

-- Hutcherson leans in and drills a 3 to push Ponder back on top, 23-21, with 2:13 left.

1Q

-- Max Hutcherson muscles through a tough three-point play to give Ponder a 10-9 lead with 3:30 left.

-- Play is underway.

PREGAME READING

Neither Ponder nor Hitchcock experienced much stress Thursday to reach Saturday's Class 3A title. Ponder beat Holliday 62- 46 to reach Saturday's title behind 18 points from Carter Eddy, and 15 from Max Hutcherson. Hitchcock got 20 points from Elijah Sherwood and a 17-point, 13-board double-double from Lloyd Jones III in a 57-40 win over Hitchock. (Read more here.)

1A: JAYTON 60, BENJAMIN 53 (FINAL)

Colt Gentry scored 19 points, Ayden Salazar and Stanaland chipped in 14 apiece and Jayton outlasted Benjamin and small-school phenom Grayson Rigdon to win its first Class 1A state title in back-and-forth fashion.

Rigdon, who entered the game averaging 47 points per game, finished with 32 points for the second time in three days, and chipped in nine boards, three assists and a pair of steals as well in a game that featured 12 lead changes.

More on the game and a full photo gallery:

-- Andy Buhler | [email protected] | @sblivetx

All photos by Tommy Hays.

ANDY BUHLER, SBLIVE SPORTS

Andy Buhler is a Regional Editor of Texas and the national breaking news desk. He brings more than five years of experience covering high school sports across the state of Washington and beyond, where he covered the likes of Paolo Banchero and Tari Eason served on state tournament seeding committees. He works on the SBLive/Sports Illustrated Power 25 national boys basketball rankings. He has covered everything from the Final Four, MLS in Atlanta to local velodrome before diving into the world of preps. His bylines can be found in The News Tribune (Tacoma, Washington), The Associated Press, The Columbian (Vancouver, Washington), The Oregonian and more. He holds a degree from Gonzaga and is based out of Portland, Oregon.

Hitchcock comes from behind to beat Ponder, claim second straight 3A title

SAN ANTONIO — Hitchcock coach Christopher Jordan-Foster was visibly frustrated with his team during the first quarter of Saturday’s UIL Class 3A state championship game.The Bulldogs were surrendering open shots on defense as Ponder operated its sets with a flurry of movement. They were also struggling to knock down shots of their own on the other end.Mistakes compounded, and when halftime arrived, Hitchcock found itself in an unfamiliar position — trailing double digits against a confident, talented opponent....

SAN ANTONIO — Hitchcock coach Christopher Jordan-Foster was visibly frustrated with his team during the first quarter of Saturday’s UIL Class 3A state championship game.

The Bulldogs were surrendering open shots on defense as Ponder operated its sets with a flurry of movement. They were also struggling to knock down shots of their own on the other end.

Mistakes compounded, and when halftime arrived, Hitchcock found itself in an unfamiliar position — trailing double digits against a confident, talented opponent.

But despite the turbulent start, the Bulldogs never relented.

Hitchcock fought back and reclaimed its throne as the state champion with a thrilling 53-49 victory at the Alamodome.

The Bulldogs (35-3) took the lead for good at 49-48 with 1:31 remaining as Lloyd Jones III made a layup with an assist from Damien McDaniel. McDaniel followed with a steal and another layup to put the Bulldogs up three. Trailing 51-49 after tacking on a free throw, Ponder was eventually forced to foul with 7.9 seconds remaining, and Bryce Dorsey knocked down two clutch free throws to seal the victory.

“This was hard,” Jordan-Foster said, donning his signature “Just a kid from Hitchcock” t-shirt during the postgame press conference. “I kept telling them when we got to the bench, it’s not going to be easy. If it’s easy, then everybody would do this. But if you want this, it’s going to be hard.”

The Bulldogs listened to their coach and responded.

Hitchcock became the first program to win back-to-back titles in 3A since the UIL’s creation of Class 6A nearly a decade ago. Since losing to San Antonio Cole in the state semifinals two years ago, the Bulldogs have not lost to a team in their own classification.

Hitchcock, which finished its season on a 22-game winning streak, was hit with plenty of adversity Saturday. After beating all six of their previous playoff opponents by at least 14 points, the Bulldogs faced a 31-21 deficit at halftime and trailed Ponder, the Region II champion, by as many as 13 points in the third quarter.

But the Lions (37-7), who came into the contest on a 27-game winning streak, were ultimately unable to hold off an experienced and battle-tested Hitchcock squad.

“Knowing that they run a lot of pass-and-cut offense, we just had to sit down and play defense,” said McDaniel, who finished with 23 points and nine rebounds and was named the title game’s Most Valuable Player for the second straight season. “We had the scouting report, and coach told us what they do, so first half, we had to kind of lay off a little bit. Second half, we had to turn it up if we wanted to win.”

The Bulldogs turned the tide in the third quarter, outscoring Ponder 18-10 to get themselves back in the game. Hitchcock continued to battle in the fourth before breaking through in the final minutes and toppling the upset-minded Lions.

“I felt like we gave ourselves a chance,” said Ponder coach JD Sullivan, whose team committed nine turnovers in the second half and 13 for the game. “We did a lot of things to put ourselves in position at the end. Live-ball turnovers was one of the three keys to winning. I don’t know how many we had, but it was certainly the difference in the game.”

The Bulldogs held Ponder without a field goal for the final 6:07 and closed the game with a 12-1 run. It was a dominant and resilient finish for a group of players that has taken the court for plenty of high-magnitude games while making three straight state tournament appearances.

“We went in the locker room, and Damien was helping us out, telling us we had to get our game right,” said Jones, who finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. “We’ve just got to hoop. We’ve got better athletes, we’re the better team, (and) we knew we had to play better defense. That’s what we did, and we won.”

March 9, 2024

High school sports coordinator

Jon Poorman is the high school sports coordinator for the Houston Chronicle. He can be reached at [email protected]. Poorman has been covering high school sports in Houston and Kansas City since 2013. He has been recognized for his work several times, including four feature writing awards from the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors. Poorman previously served as the sports editor at the Conroe Courier daily newspaper from 2016-21. He graduated from Missouri State University in 2012 with a degree in print and internet journalism and served as editor-in-chief for the award-winning student newspaper, The Standard. Poorman grew up in Raytown, Mo., a suburb of Kansas City.

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