Daily Dispatch: Special Section: Winter Sports: Nov. 23, 2012 by The Daily Dispatch

Winter Sports 2012-2013

‘This doesn’t happen everywhere’ All eyes are on UNC recruit Isaiah Hicks and J.F. Webb this season as the Warriors seek to bring a state title home to Oxford.

Basketball

The Daily Dispatch

Friday, November 23, 2012

Dreaming big Dispatch file Returning all-conference point guard Janae Carroll leads J.F. Webb’s girls.

Patience planned for large frosh class BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

Patience will be the key for coach Kenneth Rogers’ Lady Warriors. Rogers has nine freshmen on varsity and junior varsity combined, the largest freshman class in his six years at Webb. “We’re so glad that our middle schools are feeding us some people that have some basketball skills and have some understanding of the game,” said Rogers. “We’re very pleased with our freshman class right now.” “We just have to be patient with our young people,” Rogers added. “That’s going to be our key: be patient and keep on getting better.” Webb is down one starter from last season’s team that finished at the bottom of the 3-A Carolina Conference. The Warriors have five seniors this year, led by returning all-conference point guard Janae Carroll. “I need her scoring, I need her decision making,” said Rogers. “She’s a senior and we’re hoping this will be her best year.” Rogers said he wants his seniors to be captains, not just by title, but by example. “Talking more in practice, having more control of the locker room, having more ownership of the team,” he said. The Warrior coach will also look to Starr Jones for scoring from the wing. He said he is expecting more consistency and aggressiveness from the junior this season. Senior Amber Bowden and 6-foot-3 freshman Jasmine Sneed are the primary post players. Webb isn’t especially deep down low. “That’s why we’re trying to work so hard on conditioning,” said Rogers. “We need stamina to be able to compete with other teams because we lack the height.” Rogers said if the Warriors push the ball and apply defensive pressure, they should be able to compete.

High-profile schedule drew 62 for tryouts BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

The J.F. Webb boys basketball team is in for a wild ride this season and coach Leo Brunelli plans on enjoying every second of it. Webb has been vaulted into both the state and national spotlight because of its superstar player Isaiah Hicks, a 6-foot-9 North Carolina signee. Hicks is a consensus top two recruit in the state and top 20 in the nation. “The opportunity for him and the rest of the kids has been unbelievable,” said Brunelli. “We’ve been invited to just about every tournament in the country. We narrowed it down to make it feasible for what we could do.” Webb’s non-conference schedule will include stops in the Chick-fil-A Classic in Columbia, S.C., the MLK Day tourney in Greensboro and the Holiday Hoops Invitational in Raleigh. When the Warriors are at home, they’ll have a new court and goal to play on. “We’ve got some special things going on in Oxford with this new gym floor, new backboards and rims,” Brunelli said. “This doesn’t happen everywhere. It’s perfect timing I guess you would say. I just want to enjoy it and I want the kids to enjoy it, too.” Hicks enjoyed a successful albeit shortened return last season after transferring back to Webb from Body of Christ Academy where he played his sophomore season. He averaged nearly a triple-double per game after returning to the team in late January. Brunelli said Hicks has grown another inch and added 10 or 15 pounds. He believes the senior plays as tall as a 7-footer because of his anticipation and shot-blocking ability. “Isaiah is a great player, but he’s an even finer human being,” said Brunelli. “Everything about him, the way he carries himself, how he works — you want everyone to be like that. It’s not just because he’s going to Carolina and he’s the top player in the state. It’s because of how he goes about his business that impresses me the most.” His business this season will be bringing a state championship to Webb. That’s his goal. And that’s been Brunelli’s each of the 13 years he has been a head coach.

Contact the writer at kholtzman@ hendersondispatch.com.

Contact the writer at kholtzman@hendersondispatch.com.

Depth buoys hopes of Carrier’s Spartans BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

Starting lineups and positions are the least of Kerr-Vance boys basketball coach Dave Carrier’s concerns. He’s got speed and depth — and lots of it. “I really feel like depth is our calling card,” said Carrier. “We’re not a one-player team. I feel like we’ll be able to do a lot of special things this year.” “We have a lot of good ballhandlers so we’re just going to try to get it and go and figure out our positions later,” added Dave Carrier the Spartan coach. The Spartans finished third in the 2-A Eastern Plains Independent Conference last season despite having to replace eight seniors from the 2010-2011 team. KVA has 10 seniors on its roster this season. “They are just a great group of guys that really grew up a lot last year,” said Carrier. “To me, high school basketball is all about your senior class. And

“You have the top player in the state, one of the top in the country,” said Brunelli. “And you throw in the nucleus we had from last year and the chemistry we’ve built from the previous few years, I think it has to be (the goal).” Webb’s playoff run ended in heartbreak a season ago. After spoiling Chapel Hill’s unbeaten season in the 3-A Carolina Conference Tournament and beating the Tigers again in the second round of the state playoffs, the Warriors were eliminated at Fayetteville Westover. “That taste is still a little bitter in my mouth,” said Brunelli. “We definitely felt like last year we had a shot at the region.” Hicks had a chance to tie the game, but his finger roll layup didn’t go down. He says he wishes he had just dunked it. “It’s just a way for me to get better every day, to work hard,” Hicks said of using last year as motivation. His coach said the entire team used the game as motivation entering the summer, when the team played 30 games in less than three weeks. Brunelli had 62 players try out for the team. That number has been trimmed down to 25 for the varsity and junior varsity combined. Hicks, Bryan Smith, Mack Lyon and Trevion Wilkerson make up the senior class. Juniors Mitron Terry, Tyrek Beverly and Stefan Cates were all key contributors as sophomores. Smith, Wilkerson and Beverly will play in the post with Hicks. Terry, who emerged as a scoring threat last season from the wing, will also see some time down low. Brunelli said Beverly has improved his range and Cates could be one of the best shooters in the conference. Gone are last year’s seniors K.J. Rogers, Becker Seifert and Jordan Yancey. “We were spoiled for the last couple of years with Becker, knowing if you need to knock down a big shot — you gave him an inch of daylight, he was going to hit it,” said Brunelli. Rogers ran the point a season ago, but his likely replacement, sophomore Devonte Williams, got plenty of experience as a freshman. “He’s really improved his game tremendously,” said Brunelli. “Not only the ballhandling, but the scoring. He can score from 20 feet and in.” Brunelli hasn’t committed to a set group of starters. He’ll leave that up for competition. “I don’t want anyone to be comfortable with anything right now,” he said. “I want us all to be working toward a mission.”

we’ve got a great senior class. ” Brandon Dickerson, one of the leaders of that bunch, missed much of last season with an injury before returning to the team down the stretch. “He’s a complete player,” said Carrier. “He can play five positions for us. He can guard five positions. He makes everybody so much better.” Troy Bickel, Derrian Markham and sophomore R.J. Hunt join Dickerson as the primary ballhandlers. Carrier said Hunt, a Neuse Christian Academy transfer, plays more like a senior than a sophomore. “He’s very versatile, shoots the ball good, great ballhandler, can really attack the rim. He loves to play defense,” said Carrier. Carrier is expecting a much improved offense this season as well as evenly distributed scoring. The gameplan: “Run, press, run, and then press,” said Carrier. “We’re going to really try to amp up the game, try to speed the game up. Instead of worrying about our lack of height, we’re hoping teams have to figure out how to match up with our speed and quickness.” Contactthewriteratkholtzman@hendersondispatch.com.

League may be taller, but hustle resides at KVA BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

What Kerr-Vance lacks in size, the Lady Spartans make up for in heart. First-year head coach Brian Russell said it’s the greatest group of girls he’s ever worked with. “They really genuinely love each other,” said Russell. “They hang out together off the court. They get along really well. Every day when you come into practice, they’re smiling, they’re happy.” Russell said KVA will likely be one of the smaller teams in the 2-A Eastern Plains Independent Conference. “But we out-hustle anybody,” he said. Brian Russell Russell expects the Spartans go be able to go nine deep. KVA has two seniors, Jessica Darnell and Hannah Abbott. The Spartans also have two juniors, two sophomores, two freshmen, and two eighth graders. Cristin Abbott will primarily play on the wing. Darnell, Rachel Ross and Rebecca Ross will see time on the wing and at point guard. Freshmen Macy Lee Johnson and Sophia Naradzay will play in the post along with Price Wester and Hannah Abbott. “What we really want to do is start to narrow the gap between the other teams in our conference and us,” said Russell. Contact the writer at kholtzman@hendersondispatch.com.

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW Sports Editor Kellen Holtzman Design Alan Wooten Advertising Director Deborah Tuck Circulation A.J. Woodell Publisher James Edwards Cover photography Cover photo by Mark Dolejs of The Dispatch The Dispatch extends appreciation to the athletics directors and staff of the area high schools for participating in this year’s Winter Sports Preview.

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Veteran leadership needs to be replaced for Crossroads, Norlina, Victory boys BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

Crossroads Christian didn’t lose any seniors from 20112012, but the Colts don’t have any this season either. “We’re a young squad, but there’s definitely some talent there,” said second-year coach Joseph Cooper. Crossroads is led by the foursome of juniors Holden Hedgepeth and Reid Sudheimer, sophomore Tyler Satterwhite, and freshman Zach Reeves. “They’ll be the foundation for everything we do,” Cooper said. “Those four guys can all handle the ball. They can dribble, shoot, pass, defend. Any four of them can run point. Any four can run any spot from one to five.” Sudheimer and Hedgepeth are both about 6-foot-4. Sudheimer is primarily a post player. “He’s one of those guys that we’ll move around a lot too,” Cooper said of Hedgepeth. “He’ll be inside the post, he can play a little point for us. He can get out in transition.” Cooper called Reeves, who played last season at Neuse Christian Academy, a “diamond in the rough.” The freshman will start at point guard for the Colts. “I’d like to get him off the ball some and move him around because he’s a really good scorer. He’ll put the ball in the bucket,” said Cooper. “Zach’s the one that will kind of make everything go. He’s a playmaker. He’s not only the set-up guy, but he’ll probably lead the team in scoring.” Crossroads likely needs plenty of scoring in a tough NCISAA 1-A Carolina Christian Conference. Cooper said defending league champion Community Christian lost three of its top six players and Northwood Temple Academy added 6-foot-10 Sidy Djitte. The Senegal product is being recruited by N.C. State and Missouri and has offers from Memphis and Virginia Commonwealth, according to ESPN.com. The Colts are coming off of a last-place finish in the league. Cooper is shooting for a season of.500 or better. “We’ll try to move in the right direction so by the time these guys are a little bit older next

year they’ll really be able to cause some damage,” he said. Norlina Christian and Victory Christian were the top dogs in the Christian Athletic Association league last season. Norlina won the regular season, a spot ahead of Victory before defeating the Eagles in the conference tournament final. Both teams, however, will look different this season. Norlina has four key returners in seniors Tyler Pegram, Ryan Norwood, Adam Rooker, and Steven Carroll. “Of course, they’re lacking height, but they’re experienced and they play well together,” said coach Patrick Wright. Pegram is the point guard while Norwood, Rooker and Carroll fill in at guard or forward slots. Jacob Mosley is the likely fifth starter. Wright is looking to Pegram and Norwood to provide a bulk of the scoring. “We’re looking to those two guys to really step up and lead the team,” he said. Wright is hopeful the team will do “at least as well as last year” and anticipates playing at a faster pace to make up for a lack of size. “Last year, we could mix it up more and we had a deeper bench. But these guys are just as fast,” he said. Coach Bill Hissong has the same fastpaced plans at Victory, where the Eagles have one returning senior, Bill Hissong Jeremy Florence. Florence will be the team’s go-to scorer. Hissong also expects Drew Medlin and Austin Abbott to put up points. Wesley Whitley joins Florence as a long-range threat, but Whitley will miss around a month due to an injury. Half of Victory’s squad is in either eighth or ninth grade. “I’m just going to have to be very disciplined with these guys because they’re so young,” Hissong said. Hissong said one of those eighth graders, point guard Austin West, could be a surprise player and one to look out for in the future. Contact the writer at kholtzman@ hendersondispatch.com.

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Basketball

Friday, November 23, 2012

Versatile Hayes creates options for Lady Colts Two seniors back for Lady Crusaders’ third-place finisher; seven returnees and Stell inside raise Lady Eagles’ hopes BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

First-year Crossroads Christian head coach Dana LaBerge is inheriting one of the best girls basketball players in the area in senior Jessi Hayes. This will be LaBerge’s first time coaching varsity girls although he has 11 years of experience coaching boys and girls basketball at the middle school, junior varsity and varsity levels in Illinois and Missouri. “I’ve been really impressed, not only with her athleticism, but her attitude and her character, the way she carries herself,” LaBerge said of Hayes. Hayes can play any position. She has mostly been on the perimeter in her Colts career, but LaBerge says she’ll see more minutes in the post this season. “It opens up a lot of doors for us as a team, but other teams aren’t stupid. They’re going to focus in on her,” said LaBerge. “So we have to be creative in what we’re going to do.” Hayes is joined in the senior class by Lizzy Long and Corey Choplin. Caroline May and Ali Arnold make up the junior class. Long, May and sophomore Sullivan Smith will play in the post while Arnold and Choplin will be wing players. LaBerge said May, a converted guard, should be a scoring threat in the post. “She’s aggressive, She’s long,” he said. “I think she’ll be able to get us some points in there and clean up some rebounds.” LaBerge added that sophomore Michaela Nicholas has been impressive as a shooter. The Colts finished 11-10 a season ago and earned a NCISAA 1-A state tourney appearance, falling in the first round. The junior varsity squad is also coming off a successful season. “Some players are used to winning, which is always a good thing,” said LaBerge. Norlina Christian may have the ingredients for a successful season in the Christian Athletic Association league. The Lady Crusaders lost only one senior from last season’s third place team. “We just hope to do the best we can, hope the girls have a good time,” said coach Kelly Mosley. “We want to win, of course, but if not, we’re out there to have

Dispatch file First-year head coach Tracy Buchanan said Allison Stell (31) can play any position for Victory Christian this year. Stell provides a presence in the low post. a good time.” Deja Palmer and Anna Britt Harty represent Norlina’s senior class. The Crusaders have two juniors, Taylor Eatmon and Laura Mosley. Molly Harty is a freshman, Kaleigh Shearin is an eighth grader and Hannah Ortiz is in seventh grade. “Laura, Molly and AB are just all solid, always here, ready to go and dependable,” said Kelly Mosley. “Taylor brings more experience than all the rest of them. She brings just a go-get ‘em attitude.” Tracy Buchanan is in her first season as head coach of Norlina’s conference rival, Victory Christian.

The Lady Eagles have seven returning players, but no seniors or juniors. Center Allison Stell is the team’s most versatile player. “She’s a very athletic player,” said Buchanan. “She’s a good overall player. She can play just about any position.” Sophomore guard Kimberly Spence and sophomore forward Melissa Abbott are also expected to be key contributors for Victory this season. Buchanan said the team has progressed significantly through the preseason and she hopes the team can win the league. Contact the writer at kholtzman@hendersondispatch.com.

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Basketball

Friday, November 23, 2012

Comfortable as underdog, playoff hungry Brandon, freshman captain Haywood leading size-challenged Northern boys BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

Dispatch file Junior point guard Breona Jones averaged 20 points per game in the last six outings a year ago, including 30 in a playoff loss.

Jones outside, Talley inside form pivotal duo Scoring threats abound for Southern girls BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

Southern Vance lost only two seniors from the 2011-2012 team that finished third in the 3-A Carolina Conference before falling in the league tourney final and the first round of the state playoffs. Breona Jones and Carslin Talley, the team’s leading scorers last season, are both back. Talley and Tiara Jordan are the Raiders’ only seniors this season. Jones, a junior point guard, and Talley, a post player, were both all-conference a season ago. Jones led Southern in scoring both her freshman and sophomore campaigns. Jones averaged 20 points per game in the Raiders’ final six contests last season, exploding for 30 in a playoff loss at Winterville South Central. Raider head coach Amy Simpson says Jones is faster and has improved her footwork. Simpson is looking to Talley for senior leadership. “She’s been on varsity for four years. I expect her to build on the past years and provide insight for the

younger players,” Simpson said. Jones is joined in the junior class by Kiyanna Kearney, Mikayla Sellers, Cordecia Southerland, Rashyda Burwell, and Kijana Jones. Kearney and Talley were the top rebounders last season. Simpson envisions Kearney and Sellers both being able to play positions 1-4. Simpson said her freshman class of five should be able to contribute, including Brittany West, who played varsity for Kerr-Vance last season. Moesha Sneed and Alyssa Wilkins, a Warren County transfer, make up the sophomore class. “We have a lot of scoring threats,” said Simpson. “I think that separates this team from some of the past teams.” Simpson said a conference championship is always the goal, but she’s mostly focused on monitoring the team’s improvement. “If we don’t show some improvement, we didn’t work hard enough,” Simpson said. Contact the writer at kholtzman@hendersondispatch.com.

Fresh team, fresh start: Raiders poised in a new zone BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

For the first time in school history, Southern Vance has a new varsity boys head basketball coach. Torrey Nowell replaces Mike Rotolo, who took his patented up-tempo offense to Vance-Granville. Rotolo coached Southern in each of its previous 22 seasons. “Fresh team, fresh start. That’s how we’re looking at things this year,” said Nowell, who has previous head coachTorrey ing experience on the middle school Nowell level in his native Gates County. He also served as an assistant coach on the Raiders’ varsity football team this past season. Runnin’ Raiders no more? Not quite. Nowell, who teaches weight training at Southern, said the team will still run, although he plans on sprinkling in more zone on the defensive side. “We’re going to try to keep the same thing going,” he

said. “We’re the Runnin’ Raiders. So we’re going to run, do a lot of pressing. We lack size this year, so we’re definitely going to have to run.” Nowell said his focal point is discipline. “We have to have guys who are disciplined and ready to react,” he said. Early on, Nowell has been impressed by Cameron Evans, Markel Hawkins and Jamarcus Perry. Evans will play in the post along with Deonte’ Shearin and Reggie Hunter. “Reggie’s not a big kid, but strength-wise, he’s all there,” Nowell said of the Raider football team’s star linebacker. Ty-Traveon Roberts and De’Vante Henderson will also see minutes down low. Nowell believes Roberts could be a sleeper for Southern. “I think he’s going to have a big year,” said Nowell. “He just needs a little more time to develop.” Roberts will also play the two and the three positions. Hawkins and Jamal Williams both play shooting guard, while Perry runs the point. Contact the writer at kholtzman@hendersondispatch.com.

Northern Vance coach Wilton Baskett hasn’t uncovered the identity of the Vikings yet, he’s just excited to coach them. After two straight seasons of narrowly missing the state playoffs, Northern is embracing the role of underdog. “We prefer to just be the underdog, just live the role of being the underdog. We prefer to do it Wilton that way,” said Baskett. “I Baskett don’t have any prediction. We’ve missed the state playoffs by one game two years in a row. We’d like to see if we can’t get back in the state playoffs.” The “leader of the bunch,” Le’Darius Brandon, will help guide the way. Baskett said the returning all-conference senior is a “do-everything kind of player.” “He’s definitely gotten stronger,” said Baskett. “If you ask me, he’s running faster, he’s jumping higher. He’s improved all the way around.” Baskett said he has a different type of team this year, one that doesn’t have much size, but can shoot. Seniors Montel Clark and Tyrone Neal will man the low blocks. Clark came on strong down the stretch last season while Neal suffered a season-ending injury against Louisburg. “Us losing Tyrone really put a damper on our season,” said Baskett. “He was an inside scoring threat for us. He’s back and he’s healthy and he’s looked real good thus far.” Jaleel Seward, Jalen Terry and Tyrell Williams round out the senior class. Seward, a guard, started in about half of the Vikings’ games last season. Brandon is joined in Northern’s backcourt by fellow captain, freshman point guard Kristopher Haywood, who is expected to handle the majority of the Vikings’ ballhandling. “He did that for Eaton-Johnson and did a great job. Of course, this is high school and not just high school, but varsity level,” Baskett said. “He sees the court exceptionally well. It reminds me a whole lot of (former Viking) Darrius Dunston — not shooting like Darrius — but he sees the court as well as Darrius Dunston did.” Haywood is one of four freshmen on the roster, the most Baskett has ever had on a varsity roster at Northern. The veteran coach said he’s also been impressed with 6-foot-5 freshman Jeffrey Jones. “They can play,” Baskett said of his rookies. “They can flat out play. I’m excited about the future with them.” Contact the writer at kholtzman@hendersondispatch.com.

M F R l P

Dispatch file Senior Le’Darius Brandon is a returning all-conference pick for Northern Vance.

Continued improvement sought by Lady Vikings BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

Northern Vance has seven returning players from last season’s team that aimed to change the perception of Lady Vikings basketball. Northern missed out on a state playoff bid, but had two close losses to Southern Vance and Orange in the regular season. The Vikings also won their first conference tournament game in more than a decade and Randolph continued the improveCrews ment they showed from the 2009-2010 season to 2010-2011. Kechae Parker developed into a force to be reckoned with in the paint a season ago. Coach Randolph Crews said she’ll play all five positions. “Kechae can be as good as she wants to be,” said Crews. “This year, I want her to step up her game and be a leader. She’s worked this summer, so I expect her game to elevate.” Crews will look to Kenya Perry, Jasmine Wilkins and Tanaua White for scoring, especially. “Last year we could score a lot. This year,

M D W

“We want to be in the hunt. We determine our outcome. Win some road games, take care of our business at home and we’ll see what happens at the end.”

Randolph Crews Northern head coach

the key is going to have to be defense,” Crews said. The versatile Perry is expected to eat up the glass while White serves as the sharpshooter from her guard position. Amanda Moseley and A’Neicia Wilkerson are also returning players. Crews hopes that newcomers Brianna Waller and Ky-Nyiah Landrum will be able to step in right away. “We’re depending on our freshmen to grow up quick and mix in with our older people,” he said. “We want to be in the hunt,” Crews added. “We determine our outcome. Win M some road games, take care of our business w at home and we’ll see what happens at the N end.” Contact the writer at kholtzman@hendersondispatch.com.

Basketball

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Chemistry is developing BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

Warren County is coming off of its first state playoff appearance since 2008. The Eagles finished fifth in the 2-A Northern Carolina Conference before falling in a close first round playoff game to league rival Bunn. “We made some strides last year. We’re hoping we can keep going in the right direction,” said second-year coach Wanda Thompson. Warren County lost six players from a season ago, but senior Daniel Hunter and junior Justin Fitts are back to lead the team. Fitts, who can fit in at any position, Wanda emerged as one of the top players in the area Thompson last season, leading Warren County in scoring and assists. He was also a close second to Hunter in rebounds. “He’s a very unselfish player,” Thompson said. “We actually need him to be a little more selfish and look to lead this team.” The 6-foot-8 Hunter came on strong for the Eagles in 20112012, developing into a consistent scoring threat in the low post. “He’s got to stay out of foul trouble,” said Thompson. “We’re looking at him to just really be aggressive and dominate in the paint, ask for the ball more and become more of a leader.”

Hunter and Fitts shouldn’t have to carry the load on their own. Junior guard Charleston Williams is also a returning starter. Thompson said Williams, sophomore post player Andrew Alston and junior forward Dennis Waddell will be players to look out for this season. Junior Chris Privett joins Alston and Hunter in the post while Brian Mayfield and Michael Leonard are battling for the starting point guard spot. “Both of them have really good quickness, play defense real well and have a good grasp of the offense,” said Thompson. “We feel that either one of them is going to do a wonderful job for us.” Thompson said the team has gelled well together through the preseason. “I think the chemistry between the guys this year is wonderful,” she said. “They’re not selfish. They don’t care who scores as long as they score.” The scoring should be able to come from inside and out. Thompson said sophomores Dyami Wortham and Tyler Thompson, in particular, have been impressive from the outside. “Last year we had to pound it inside,” said Thompson. “This year, we’re looking inside first, but then we feel like we’ve got the option to go outside also.” Contact the writer at kholtzman@hendersondispatch.com.

SWIMMING: Northern Vance

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the Northern Vance swimming team are (front, from left) Julian Perry, Allison Mosley, Mallory Falkner, Logan Brinker, Ashlyn Reams, Katlyn Reams, Zachary Stevenson, (middle, from left) coach Natasha Rubin, Ray Cheever, Nick Sharpe, Sarah Mason, Sarah Jackson, Dakota Parrish, Evan Lowery, (back, from left) Madison Bobbitt, Clayton Harris, Morgan Hobgood, Ethan Parham, Sam Long, C.J. Ayscue and Stanton Parham.

CHEERLEADING: Northern Vance

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the Northern Vance varsity cheerleaders are (front, from left) Zsarkeela Cheek, Kenura Venable, Dyasia Mitchell, Tabarron Glenn, (middle, from left) Brittany Lawson, Kadesia Alston, Keosha Perry, Ashley Williams, (back, from left) Mel’leeah Robinson, Taylor Evans and Kiera Knox.

CHEERLEADING: Kerr-Vance

MARK DOLEJS / Daily Dispatch Members of the Kerr-Vance cheerleaders are (front, from left) Rachel Warren, Addison Mabry, Isabelle Goodwin, Jacey Monahan, Bailee Tippett, Genie Parish, (back, from left) Brittany Lopez, McKenzie Jones, Gabrielle Nutter, Foy Parker, Meredith Ellington and coach Courtney Nutter.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Competitive season awaits Warren girls BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

Dominique Solomon is the lone returning starter for Warren County, but coach Shannon Jones is looking to all seven of her seniors for scoring and leadership. “Whoever can put it in the basket,” said Jones. “I don’t want to pinpoint one person. They’re going to graviShannon tate towards Jones Dominique — but whoever can get it done.” The Lady Eagles returned to the state playoffs last season after a five-year absence, falling at North Pitt in the first round. Despite the loss of talent, Jones

does have several returning players and anticipates a competitive season. “Hopefully we’ll have a lot of maturity,” said Jones. “We have a lot of older players. We’ll be experienced.” Solomon is the go-to player down low. She’s joined in the post by Teja Kennerly. Rageane Watson and Courtney Macklin both play the three position, Mikayla Hargrove is a shooting guard and Alexis French will run the point. Jones said Watson could be a surprise player for the Eagles this season. “We’re going to be faster this year,” Jones said. “We’re not as big as we have been, but we can run the floor a little better.” Contact the writer at kholtzman@ hendersondispatch.com.

SWIMMING: Southern Vance

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Southern Vance swimming team include (front, from left) Susana Fabian, Elizabeth Clayborne, Harley Owen, Marcus Burwell, (back, from left) Kyle Furlow, Lorenzo Ortiz, Jonathan Sanders, Matthew Woodlief and coach Jack Long.

CHEERLEADING: J.F. Webb

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the J.F. Webb varsity cheerleaders are (front, from left) Callie Foster, Alyrica Cooper, Sherese Mann, Desiree Webber, Ashley Burwell, Ebony Brown, (back, from left) Grace Royster, Alisha Royster, Kadedrah Davis, Ayanna Bowden, Kia Parker, Daja Harris and Ayonna Thornton.

JV CHEERLEADING: J.F. Webb

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the J.F. Webb junior varsity cheerleaders are (front, from left) Sadiya Strong, Torri Simmons, Malayja Simmons, Dameya Marrow, Bionica Lewis, Maia Wright, (back, from left) Kiyah Simmons, Chardea Sutton, Shakara Royster, Alexis Bass, Alexandra Hawley and Juliana Lundeby.

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Teams

BASKETBALL: Northern Vance

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the Northern Vance varsity boys basketball team are (front, from left) Tavin Moore, Barry Bobbitt, Montel Clark, head coach Wilton Baskett, Tyrone Neal, Kristopher Haywood, Jalen Terry, (back, from left) Jaleel Seward, Scott Hamrick, James Alexander, Anthony Mims, Tyrell Williams, assistant coach Quinton Daniel, Jeffrey Jones, Devonte Barker, Le’Darius Brandon and James Vaughan.

BASKETBALL: J.F. Webb

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the J.F. Webb varsity boys basketball team are (front, from left) Mack Lyons, Tobiah Lewis, Devonte Williams, Tyler Thomas, Tony Bowden, (back, from left) Deseeric Downey, Stefan Cates, Tyrek Beverly, Isaiah Hicks, Trevion Wilkerson and Mitron Terry.

BASKETBALL: Kerr-Vance

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Kerr-Vance varsity boys basketball team are (front, from left) Hunter Layton, R.J. Hunt, Troy Bickel, George Hoyle, Dallas Smith, Derrian Markham, (back, from left) Hayes Griggs, Daniel Burnette, Jake Ruggles, Brandon Dickerson, Tyson Carrier, Derrius Pery and head coach David Carrier. Not pictured: Jacob Bowen.

BASKETBALL: Victory Christian

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Victory Christian varsity boys basketball team are (front, from left) Quantai Jones, Kevin Keeton, Max Blackwell, Austin Abbott, Darin Stevenson, (back, from left) Wesley Whitley, Waverly Saunders, Austin West, Drew Medlin, Christian Bowes and coach Bill Hissong.

Friday, November 23, 2012

BASKETBALL: Southern Vance

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Southern Vance varsity boys basketball team are (front, from left) Qualik Shearin, Shawn Henderson, Jamal Williams, Markel Hawkins, Jeremiah Williams, Jahun Ricks, (back, from left) Ty-Traveon Roberts, DeQuante Hinton, head coach Torrey Nowell, assistant coach Darry Ragland, Cameron Evans and Deonte Shearin. Not pictured: Jamarcus Perry, Reggie Hunter and De’Vante Henderson.

BASKETBALL: Warren County

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Warren County varsity boys basketball team are (front, from left) Charlie Williams, Ronald Kennerly, Antonio Thompson, Dyami Wortham, Dennis Waddell, Andrew Alston, Daniel Hunter, Justin Fitts, Hayden Sullivan, Chris Privett, Kaelen Evans, (back, from left) Brian Mayfield, Michael Leonard, manager Joshua Fountain, head coach Wanda Thompson, assistant coach Lee Hargrove, Devonte Hargrove, Ceaser Ryan, Jaylen Jones and Tyler Thompson.

BASKETBALL: Crossroads Christian

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff M Members of the Crossroads Christian varsity boys basketball team are (from left) Colton Steffensen, C Noah Carlson, Ben Paul, Jack Ketcham, Tyler Satterwhite, Reid Sudheimer, coach Joseph Cooper, Holden R Hedgepeth, Zach Reeves, Jonah McClelland, Kalen Newkirk and Sal Brown. K

BASKETBALL: Norlina Christian

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff M Members of the Norlina Christian varsity boys basketball team are (front, from left) Tyler Pegram, Ryan Norwood, Steven Carroll, Jacob Mosley, (back, from left) Rider Lumsden, Tyler Champion, Wesley Eatmon, T l Chase Vaughan, Tyler Boyd, Lane White and Paul Scott. B

The Daily Dispatch

Teams

BASKETBALL: Northern Vance

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the Northern Vance varsity girls basketball team are (front, from left) Jasmine Wilkins, Kechae Parker, Tanaua White, Kenya Perry, Amanda Moseley, (back, from left) head coach Randolph Crews, Conniqua Martin, Terri Elam, Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neicia Wilkerson, assistant coach Tracy Jones, Jacquilyn Miller, Brianna Waller, River Renn, Ky-Nyiah Landrum and assistant coach Dan Whittacre.

BASKETBALL: J.F. Webb

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the J.F. Webb varsity girls basketball team are (front, from left) Tamara Davis, Janae Carroll, Quasha Terry, Aliah Jones, Shay Mallory, (back, from left) Nakiyah Bullock, Starr Jones, Jasmine Sneed, Trinity Wyche, Hattie Chavis and Amber Bowden.

BASKETBALL: Kerr-Vance

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Kerr-Vance varsity girls basketball team are (from left) assistant coach Michael Wynne, Carrington Matias, Macy Lee Johnson, Hannah Abbott, Sophia Naradzay, Price Wester, Rachel Ross, Rebecca Ross and head coach Brian Russell. Not pictured: Jessica Darnell, Cristin Abbott and manager Catherine Kilian.

BASKETBALL: Victory Christian

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Victory Christian varsity girls basketball team are (front, from left) Autumn Julian, Tayler Thompson, Kimberly Spence, Victoria Martin, Holly Buchanan, Arah Wells, Christie Ellington, (back, from left) assistant coach Trudy Stell, Melissa Abbott, Kayla Alston, Allison Stell, Alyson Tippett, head coach Tracy Buchanan and assistant coach Brad Stevenson.

Friday, November 23, 2012

BASKETBALL: Southern Vance

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Southern Vance varsity girls basketball team are (front, from left) Tiara Jordan, Moesha Sneed, Brielle Barrow, Cordecia Southerland, Breona Jones, Brittany West, Rashyda Burwell, Kijana Jones, (back, from left) Shiquasha Williams, Carslin Talley, Canaan Dale, Jazsmine Thorpe, Alyssa Wilkins, Kiyanna Kearney and Mikayla Sellers.

BASKETBALL: Warren County

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Warren County varsity girls basketball team are (front, from left) Whitley Fuller, Jasmine Carter, Courtney Macklin, Mikayla Hargrove, Alexis French, Sierra Hicks, Tiona Boyd, (back row, from left) Symone Teague, Teja Kennerly, Rageane Watson, assistant coach Terrence McCormick, head coach Shannon Jones, Melissa Hunter and Dominique Solomon.

BASKETBALL: Crossroads Christian

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Crossroads Christian varsity girls basketball team are (from left) Corey Choplin, Alexis Harrison, Lizzy Long, Sullivan Smith, assistant coach Anna Thomas, head coach Dana LaBerge, Caroline May, Jordan Campbell, Holly Waddell, Ashton Hayes and Ali Arnold. Not pictured: Jessi Hayes and Michaela Nicholas.

BASKETBALL: Norlina Christian

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Norlina Christian varsity girls basketball team are (from left) Kaleigh Shearin, Laura Mosley, Taylor Eatmon, coach Kelly Mosley, Molly Harty, Anna Britt Harty, Deja Palmer and Hannah Ortiz.

The Daily Dispatch

Teams

JV BASKETBALL: Northern Vance

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the Northern Vance junior varsity boys basketball team are (front, from left) Erdaywin Lewis, Tommie Reed, Tre Williams, head coach Kevin Pierce, Damion Bobbitt, Quavon Harris, Ta’maj Bullock, (back, from left) Tyrie Williams, Antarious Harrington, Arnold Bullock, Dyquan Marrow, Dontavious Richards, Tyler Strickland, Jaquan Johnson, Phillip Jordan, Kaleb Boone and Jemario Marrow.

JV BASKETBALL: J.F. Webb

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the J.F. Webb junior varsity boys basketball team are (front, from left) Tyler Jones, Andre Downey, Michael Steinhoff, Jolan Royster, Diondre Tuck, (back, from left) Savon Davis, Gearl Majors, Kris Howard, Trenton Page, Lionel Fields, Dashawn Lewis and Roger Fields.

JV BASKETBALL: Kerr-Vance

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Kerr-Vance junior varsity boys basketball team are (front, from left) Austin Carrier, Lane Humphries, Jordan Smith, Daniel Wilkerson, Akshar Patel, (back, from left) Jordan Coghill, Joseph Burnette, Jordan Hogge, David Huff, Channie Renn, Sam Fuquay and Dustin Smith. Not pictured: Emil Bruce and Alex Barnett.

JV BASKETBALL: J.F. Webb

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the J.F. Webb junior varsity girls basketball team are (front, from left) Raven Edmonds, K’Deisha Bobbitt, Dakita Thornton, La’Nae Williams, (back, from left) Kayla Allen, Rai-nesha Taylor, Tydreona Green, Taneka Richardson and head coach Otis Lyons.

Friday, November 23, 2012

JV BASKETBALL: Southern Vance

MARK DOLEJS / Daily Dispatch Members of the Southern Vance junior varsity boys basketball team are (front, from left) Johnny Hawkins, Raymon Wright, Al-kabir Williams, Tadarius Henderson, (back, from left) Torian Henderson, Juwan Harris, head coach Darry Ragland, Isaiah Smith and Tyshon Breeden. Not pictured: Trey Williams, Mark Baldwin, Keon Branch, Darius Kearney and Justin Mitchell.

JV BASKETBALL: Warren County

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Warren County junior varsity boys basketball team are (front, from left) D’Andre Taylor, Jordan Wilson, Brandin Robinson, Alex Stainback, De’Andre Attaway, Blake Tharrington, Timothy Person, (back, from left) Semaj Bullock, Michael Hargrove, Jarrod Jones, head coach Jason Fullen, Isaiah Robinson, M l Tyler Wester and Chris Daniel,. a

JV BASKETBALL: Crossroads Christian

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Crossroads Christian junior varsity girls basketball team are (from left) Ashton Hayes, Alexis Harrison, Jordan Campbell, head coach Anna Thomas, Sullivan Smith, Leah Paul, Holly Waddell and Grethel Flores. Not pictured; Michaela Nicholas.

JV BASKETBALL: Warren County

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Warren County junior varsity girls basketball team are (front, from left) Jasmine Hunter, Kelly Norwood, Samantha Norwood, Starbesha Satterwhite, Infinite Seward, Niasia Douglas, Denaisha Wortham, Tahjah Baskerville, (back, from left) Ta’shaynna Seward, Destiny Hicks, head coach Terrence McCormick, varsity head coach Shannon Jones, assistant coach Howard Baskerville, Alexis Person and Jasmine Somerville.

Wrestling

The Daily Dispatch

WRESTLING: Northern Vance

Friday, November 23, 2012

WRESTLING: Southern Vance

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the Northern Vance wrestling team are (front, from left) Jamal Kearney, Colby Hobgood, Shahdrea Durham, Jamel Kearney, Jorge Amaya, Axel Delatorre, (middle, from left) Jacob Orr, Danny Whittacre, Travis Heath, Johnathan Norton, Christian Sanchez, (back, from left) manager Nandi Fields, Damonte Uzzell, Rodney Harriston, Cody Reams, Justin Care, Justin Burr and head coach Mike Zovistoski.

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Southern Vance wrestling team include Xavier Gregory (left) and Moses Richardson.

WRESTLING: J.F. Webb

WRESTLING: Kerr-Vance

EARL KING / Dispatch Staff Members of the J.F. Webb wrestling team are (front, from left) Coty Anderson, Justin Perry, Salvador Velazquez, Andre Oakley, (back, from left) Zach Harris, Elik Allen, John Bennett, Omari Powell, Shaquille Hunt and Tevin Evans.

MARK DOLEJS / Dispatch Staff Members of the Kerr-Vance wrestling team are (front, from left) James Averette, Pierce Tooley, Daniel Currin, James Green, (back, from left) Caleb Weiss, Juan Lopez, coach Rick Frampton, Jacob Goswick and Jared Hicks.

New coaches leading Viking, Raider grapplers BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

Northern and Southern Vance both have new wrestling head coaches on the sidelines this season. Mike Zovistoski replaces Robert McCarthy at Northern while Jameil Floyd is having a homecoming Mike of sorts at Zovistoski Southern. Both schools had state qualifiers last season. Senior Travis Heath (120 lbs.) is back for the Vikings while seniors Xavier Gregory (195 lbs.) and Moses Richardson (126 lbs.) return for the Raiders. Northern’s Heath, Johnathan Norton, Preston Ellis, Jamal Kearney, and Mykel Williams each qualified for regionals last season. Zovistoski, a native of Schenectady, N.Y., said his team has looked good in early scrimmages this season. “I think we’re ready for (the season),” said Zovistoski. “I’m excited to see how we match up against the conference.” Perennial power Orange is the likely favorite once again in the 3-A Carolina Conference. The Panthers are the defending 3-A dual team champions. “Orange will always have a squad. They’ve had a squad for the past 20 years,” said Floyd, a 2006 Southern grad. “They were one team that we always wanted to beat.” Floyd finished fifth in the state as a senior. He said he wants to restore the dominance of Raider wrestling. “When we wrestled, when you hear the name Southern Vance, it’s ‘OK, we’re going to have a serious match,’” he said. “Recently, there’s been issues with keeping kids in because wrestling is such a hard sport. We’re trying to change that and have a competitive team ready to make noise in the state.”

Dispatch file Moses Richardson (top) was a state qualifier last season for Southern. titles. Northern and Southern’s area rival J.F. Webb is again lacking in experience.

Floyd has 13 wrestlers and is hoping to add more. He is expecting both Gregory and Richardson to compete for state

The Warriors have one returning senior, Omari Powell, a regional qualifier last season. Coach Mike Toanone said Powell will drop from 152 lbs. to 145 this year. “I think he has the speed to wrestle at that weight and he has bulked up a bit,” said Toanone. Webb has three returning sophomores led by Zach Harris. “If anyone has a chance, besides Omari, to go to states, it’s Zach Harris,” Toanone said. Toanone added that he’s been impressed with freshman heavyweight John Bennett. In the private school ranks, Kerr-Vance has its first true heavyweight in the program’s six-year history in eighth grader James Green. “He has a lot of potential as they all do,” said coach Rick Frampton. “I really do see a lot of natural talent there. We just have to get some time on the mat and learn from our

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mistakes.” KVA has only eight wrestlers, but Frampton has been impressed with the team’s chemistry. “They’ve done a great job in practice,” he said. “I’ve Rick been really Frampton impressed with their all-for-one attitude.” In an early season meet at the Cary Duals, Frampton said the Spartans didn’t come close to winning anything, but they didn’t get shut out either.

“We’ve got somebody putting points on the board all the time,” said the KVA coach. “If we can do that all year, that will be impressive.” Eighth grader Jared Hicks has been impressive in the early season along with senior captain Daniel Currin, who finished third in the 2012 NCISAA state tourney at 160 lbs. “He wants to be a state champion,” said Frampton. “If he’s willing to put the work in, then that’s a possibility. If he commits to doing what he’s supposed to do, then he’s got as good a shot as anybody to win states.” Contact the writer at kholtzman@ hendersondispatch.com.

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If You’re Going

The Daily Dispatch

Northern Vance VIKINGS BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL

Dispatch file Sarah Beth Stanton is one of five returning veterans for Southern Vance first-year head coach Jack Long.

Southern building; Northern has vets Swim teams focus on times, improvement

Nov. 23 Nov. 24 Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 Feb. 18-22 Feb. 25-31 March 5-9 March 16

@ Person tournament @ Person tournament WARREN COUNTY @ Franklinton @ Warren County FRANKLINTON @ Southeast Halifax SOUTHEAST HALIFAX @ Southern Vance @ J.F. Webb @ Cardinal Gibbons CHAPEL HILL ORANGE SOUTHERN VANCE J.F. WEBB CARDINAL GIBBONS @ Chapel Hill @ Orange Conference tournament Sectionals Regionals State championship

Southern Vance RAIDERS

GIRLS, BOYS SWIMMING TBA TBA 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL Nov. 23 Nov. 24 Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 Feb. 18-22 Feb. 25-31 March 5-9 March 16

Friday, November 23, 2012

TBA TBA 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

Nov. 28 Orange Cardinal Gibbons Dec. 6 Southern Vance Dec. 12 Chapel Hill Cardinal Gibbons Dec. 18 Bunn, Franklinton S. Vance, Roanoke Rapids Jan. 3 Chapel Hill, S. Vance Jan. 22 Conference meet Feb. 1-2 Regionals Feb. 7-9 State championship

BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL

@ Gibbons 6:30 p.m. Rec Center 4:30 p.m. @ Gibbons 6:30 p.m. Rec Center Rec Center TBA TBA TBA

4:30 p.m 4:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA

WRESTLING Dec. 1 @ Rocky Mount tournament TBA Dec. 5 @ Bunn 7 p.m. Dec. 6 @ Kerr-Vance tri-meet 5 p.m. Dec, 12 @ Nash Central 7 p.m. Dec. 15 @ Raider Duals TBA Jan. 8 SOUTH GRANVILLE 6 p.m. Jan. 19 @ Knightdale tournament TBA Jan. 26 @ Southern Durham tournament TBA Jan. 30 @ J.F. Webb 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1 @ Orange with Cardinal Gibbons, Chapel Hill 6 p.m. Feb. 6 SOUTHERN VANCE 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 Team duals TBA Feb. 14 Team sectionals/regionals TBA Feb. 16 Team state championship TBA Feb. 21-23 Individual regionals TBA Feb. 28-Mar. 2 Individual state tournament TBA

Nov. 23 Nov. 24 Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 Feb. 18-22 Feb. 25-31 March 5-9 March 16

GIRLS, BOYS SWIMMING TBA TBA 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

TBA TBA 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

Nov. 28 Orange, Cardinal Gibbons Dec. 6 Southern Vance Dec. 12 Chapel Hill, Cardinal Gibbons Dec. 18 Bunn, Franklinton, S. Vance, Roanoke Rapids Jan. 3 Chapel Hill/S. Vance Jan. 22 Conference meet Feb. 1-2 Regionals Feb. 7-9 State championship

@ Gibbons 6:30 p.m. Rec Center 4:30 p.m. @ Gibbons 6:30 p.m. Rec Center Rec Center TBA TBA TBA

4:30 p.m 4:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA

WRESTLING Dec. 1 @ Rocky Mount tournament TBA Dec. 8 @ Wakefield tournament TBA Dec. 15 RAIDER DUALS 10 a.m. Dec. 20 @ North Pitt tournament 5 p.m. Jan. 5 @ Person tournament TBA Jan. 12 @ Southern Nash duals TBA Jan. 19 @ South Granville duals TBA Jan. 23 J.F. WEBB TBA Jan. 26 @ Louisburg duals TBA Feb. 1 @ Orange with Cardinal Gibbons, Chapel Hill 6 p.m. Feb. 6 @ Northern Vance 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 Team duals TBA Feb. 14 Team sectionals/regionals TBA Feb. 16 Team state championship TBA Feb. 21-23 Individual regionals TBA Feb. 28-Mar. 2 Individual state tournament TBA

BY KELLEN HOLTZMAN DISPATCH STAFF

New swimming coach Jack Long has some building to do at Southern Vance while Natasha Rubin has an upperclassmenheavy bunch at Northern. Long has worked at Southern for four years and has spent the last three years serving as a stroke and turn judge at area meets. New to coaching, Long swam competitively at Berea College in Kentucky. “I’ve got some good, really energetic kids that are excited about swimming,” said Long. “They have a lot of heart, they need a lot of instruction with technique, so we’ll go with that.” The Raiders have 12 boys and 12 girls on the roster. Jonathan Sanders and Harley Owen are the only seniors. There are two juniors and plenty of sophomores and freshmen. Long said his goals for the team are to have the upperclassmen learn more strokes than just the freestyle in addition to dropping their times. He also wants to get the younger swimmers excited about competitive swimming and get them back for next year. Joining Sanders and Owen as returning veterans are Sarah Beth Stanton, Kimbre Archer and Kyle Furlow. Long wants team members placing their focus on their times rather than the opponents in a 3-A Carolina Conference that has been dominated by Cardinal Gibbons and Chapel Hill. “You just have to go out there and do your best and work on trying to trim that time down,” said Long. “The team aspect is going to fall where it falls. The main aspect is trying to get these kids to improve as they go along.” Rubin lost two strong performers from last season’s girls team at Northern, but the boys have several returners. The Vikings have eight girls and 14 boys. “They’re fun to coach. I’ve seen a lot of leadership from a lot of swimmers,” said Rubin. “Ethan Parham, Sam Long are really starting to step up. Madison Bobbitt is stepping up. Ray Cheever is looking really good in the water. I’m expecting him to hopefully go to regionals in the backstroke.” Cheever just missed out on the regionals as a freshman last season. Bobbitt qualified for the regionals in the 100 fly and 500 free. Rubin said returner Evan Lowery is already faster than last season and newcomers Clayton Harris and C.J. Ayscue have been impressive. “All the new swimmers that have jumped in are really quick in catching on to things,” said Rubin. “I’m really excited to see how they’re going to follow through.” Contact the writer at kholtzman@ hendersondispatch.com.

J.F. Webb WARRIORS BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 20 Dec. 21 Dec. 27 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 21 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 Feb. 18-22 Feb. 25-31 March 5-9 March 16

SOUTH GRANVILLE @ Granville Central @ Franklinton PERSON FRANKLINTON @ Person GRANVILLE CENTRAL @ Columbia, S.C. tournament @ Columbia, S.C. tournament @ HighSchoolOT tournament @ HighSchoolOT tournament @ HighSchoolOT tournament CARDINAL GIBBONS NORTHERN VANCE @ MLK Classic, Greensboro CHAPEL HILL @ Orange @ Southern Vance @ Cardinal Gibbons @ Northern Vance @ Chapel Hill ORANGE SOUTHERN VANCE Conference tournament Sectionals Regionals State championship

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 18

SOUTH GRANVILLE @ Granville Central FRANKLINTON @ Person @ Franklinton PERSON GRANVILLE CENTRAL

6 p.m. 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6 p.m.

Dec. 27 @ Southern Vance tournament Dec. 28 @ Southern Vance tournament Jan. 11 @ Cardinal Gibbons Jan. 18 NORTHERN VANCE Jan. 22 @ Chapel Hill Jan. 25 ORANGE Jan. 29 @ Southern Vance Feb. 1 CARDINAL GIBBONS Feb. 5 @ Northern Vance Feb. 8 CHAPEL HILL Feb. 12 @ Orange Feb. 15 SOUTHERN VANCE Feb. 18-22 Conference tournament Feb. 25-31 Sectionals March 5-9 Regionals March 16 State championship

Kerr-Vance SPARTANS 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

WRESTLING Dec. 1 @ Southern Durham duals 8 p.m. Dec. 8 @ Wolverine Challenge 8 p.m. Dec. 10 BUNN 5 p.m. Dec. 15 @ Southern Vance duals 8 a.m. Jan. 5 @ Person tourney 8 p.m. Jan. 12 @ Northwood duals 8 p.m. Jan. 16 @ South Granville 6 p.m. Jan, 19 @ South Granville tourney 8 p.m. Jan. 23 @ Southern Vance 5:30 p.m. Jan. 26 @ Southern Durham tourney 8 p.m. Jan. 29 @ Granville Co. championships at Granville Central 5 p.m. Jan. 30 @ Northern Vance 5:30 p.m. Feb. 1 Conference meet (at Orange) 5 p.m. Feb. 5 @ Roanoke Rapids 5 p.m. Feb. 12 Team duals TBA Feb. 14 Team sectionals/regionals TBA Feb. 16 Team state championship TBA Feb. 21-23 Individual regionals TBA Feb. 28-Mar. 2 Individual state tournament TBA

Warren County EAGLES BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 5 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 27 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 Feb. 18-22 Feb. 25-31 March 5-9 March 16

SOUTHERN VANCE @ Northern Vance NORTHERN VANCE @ Weldon @ Granville Central @ Southern Vance LOUISBURG @ South Granville Christmas tournament @ South Granville Christmas tournament @ South Granville Christmas tournament @ Bunn @ Corinth-Holders NORTH JOHNSTON @ Northwest Halifax FRANKLINTON ROANOKE RAPIDS @ Louisburg BUNN CORINTH-HOLDERS @ North Johnston NORTHWEST HALIFAX @ Franklinton @ Roanoke Rapids Conference tour. Sectionals Regionals State championship

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 21 Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 5 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 Feb. 18-22 Feb. 25-31 March 5-9 March 16

@ Roanoke Rapids tournament @ Roanoke Rapids tournament @ Roanoke Rapids tournament SOUTHERN VANCE @ Northern Vance NORTHERN VANCE @ Weldon @ Granville Central @ Southern Vance LOUISBURG @ Bunn @ Corinth-Holders NORTH JOHNSTON @ Northwest Halifax FRANKLINTON ROANOKE RAPIDS @ Louisburg BUNN CORINTH-HOLDERS @ North Johnston NORTHWEST HALIFAX @ Franklinton @ Roanoke Rapids Conference tour. Sectionals Regionals State championship

TBA TBA TBA 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

Crossroads Christian COLTS BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 17 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 11-15

KERR-VANCE @ Norlina Christian FRIENDSHIP CHRISTIAN NEUSE CHRISTIAN TRINITY OF RALEIGH CRESSET CHRISTIAN LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN @ Community Christian @ KVA tournament @ KVA tournament @ Cape Fear Christian GRACE CHRISTIAN OF SANFORD WAYNE CHRISTIAN @ Lee Christian NORTHWOOD TEMPLE @ Neuse Christian @ Trinity of Raleigh @ Cresset Çhristian NORLINA CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN @ New Life Christian Conference tour.

BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL Nov. 13 @ Crossroads Christian Nov. 15 LIGHTHOUSE HOME SCHOOL Nov. 19 @ Trinity of Durham, Chapel Hill Nov. 28 HALIFAX ACADEMY Nov. 30 @ Parrott Academy Dec. 4 @ Faith Christian Dec. 7 GRACE CHRISTIAN OF RALEIGH Dec. 10 AMERICAN HEBREW ACADEMY Dec. 11 @ St. Thomas More Academy Dec. 14 CALVARY BAPTIST DAY SCHOOL Dec. 21 KVA HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT Dec. 22 KVA HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT Jan. 8 ROCKY MOUNT ACADEMY Jan, 9 FAYETTEVILLE ACADEMY Jan. 11 ST. DAVID’S Jan. 15 @ Cary Christian Jan. 17 @ Grace Christian of Raleigh Jan. 22 @ Halifax Academy Jan. 25 PARROTT ACADEMY Jan. 29 FAITH CHRISTIAN Feb. 1 @ Rocky Mount Academy Feb. 5 @ St. David’s Feb. 8 CARY CHRISTIAN Feb. 12-16 Conference tournament Feb. 19-23 State tournament

WRESTLING 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:45 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL Nov. 13 @ Crossroads Christian Nov. 15 LIGHTHOUSE HOME SCHOOL Nov. 19 @ Trinity of Durham, Chapel Hill Nov. 28 HALIFAX ACADEMY Nov. 30 @ Parrott Academy Dec. 4 @ Faith Christian Dec. 7 GRACE CHRISTIAN OF RALEIGH Dec. 10 AMERICAN HEBREW ACADEMY Dec. 11 @ St. Thomas More Academy Dec. 14 CALVARY BAPTIST DAY SCHOOL Dec. 21 KVA HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT Dec. 22 KVA HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT Jan. 8 ROCKY MOUNT ACADEMY Jan, 9 FAYETTEVILLE ACADEMY Jan. 11 ST. DAVID’S Jan. 15 @ Cary Christian Jan. 17 @ Grace Christian of Raleigh Jan. 18 HALIWA-SAPONI TRIBAL SCHOOL Jan. 22 @ Halifax Academy Jan. 25 PARROTT ACADEMY Jan. 29 FAITH CHRISTIAN Feb. 1 @ Rocky Mount Academy Feb. 5 @ St. David’s Feb. 8 CARY CHRISTIAN Feb. 12-16 Conference tournament Feb. 19-23 State tournament

7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:45 p.m. 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA

Nov. 10 @ Cary Academy duals All day Nov. 14 RAVENSCROFT, GREENSBORO DAY 5 p.m. Nov. 16 @ North Raleigh Christian 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19 SOUTHERN VANCE 7 p.m. Nov. 27 SOUTH GRANVILLE 6 p.m. Nov. 29 GRANVILLE CENTRAL, FRANKLINTON 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 @ Forsyth Country Day, with Greensboro Day 5 p.m. Dec. 6 NORTHERN VANCE, WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN 5 p.m. Dec. 8 Wakefield tournament All day Dec. 11 SOUTHERN VANCE, ROANOKE RAPIDS 5 p.m. Dec. 13 @ Wesleyan Christian, with Greensboro Day, NRCA 5 p.m. Jan. 10 @ Cary Academy, with NRCA, Forsth Country Day 4:30 p.m. Jan. 11 @ Greensboro Day School 4 p.m. Jan. 15 NORTH RALEIGH CHRISTIAN 5 p.m. Jan. 17 CARY ACADEMY, BUNN 5 p.m. Jan. 19 @ South Granville duals All day Jan. 22 @ Roanoke Rapids, Corinth-Holders 4 p.m. Jan. 24 @ Bunn 6 p.m. Jan. 31 @ Forsth Country Day, Providence Day 5 p.m. Feb. 2 @ Cary Academy Blue & Gold tournament All day Feb. 5 @ Ravenscroft 5 p.m. Feb. 15-16 State tournament @ Christ School All day Feb. 21-23 Prep nationals @ Lehigh, Penn. TBA

Victory Christian EAGLES BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL Nov. 27 @ Centerville Christian, Va. Nov. 30 @ Haliwa-Saponi Dec. 4 OXFORD MASONIC HOME Dec. 27 @ South Granville tourney Dec. 28 @ South Granville tourney Dec. 29 @ South Granville tourney Jan. 4 CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN Jan. 8 HALIWA-SAPONI Jan. 11 HERITAGE CHRISTIAN Jan. 15 @ Norlina Christian Jan. 18 @ Garnett Christian Jan. 24 @ Oxford Masonic Home Jan. 25 GARNETT CHRISTIAN Jan. 29 NORLINA CHRISTIAN Feb. 5 OXFORD MASONIC HOME Feb. 8 @ Heritage Christian Feb. 12 @ Cornerstone Christian Feb. 15 Blue/White Game Feb. 19 CENTERVILLE CHRISTIAN, VA. Feb. 28-Mar. 2 @ Conference tournament

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL 7:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA

Nov. 27 @ Centerville Christian, Va. Nov. 30 @ Haliwa-Saponi Dec. 4 OXFORD MASONIC HOME Jan. 4 CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN Jan. 8 HALIWA-SAPONI Jan. 11 HERITAGE CHRISTIAN Jan. 15 @ Norlina Christian Jan. 18 @ Garnett Christian Jan. 24 @ Oxford Masonic Home Jan. 25 GARNETT CHRISTIAN Jan. 29 NORLINA CHRISTIAN Feb. 5 OXFORD MASONIC HOME Feb. 8 @ Heritage Christian Feb. 12 @ Cornerstone Christian Feb. 15 Blue/White Game Feb. 19 CENTERVILLE CHRISTIAN, VA. Feb. 28-Mar. 2 @ Conference tournament

6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 6:45 p.m. TBA TBA 7:15 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:45 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 8 p.m. TBA

Nov. 13 Nov. 16 Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 17 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 17 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 11-15

KERR-VANCE @ Norlina Christian FRIENDSHIP CHRISTIAN NEUSE CHRISTIAN TRINITY OF RALEIGH CRESSET CHRISTIAN LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN @ Community Christian LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN @ KVA tournament @ KVA tournament @ Cape Fear Christian GRACE CHRISTIAN OF SANFORD WAYNE CHRISTIAN @ Lee Christian NORTHWOOD TEMPLE @ Neuse Christian @ Trinity of Raleigh @ Cresset Çhristian NORLINA CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN @ New Life Christian Conference tour.

5:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA TBA 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. TBA

Norlina Christian CRUSADERS GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL

BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 24 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 7 Feb. 8 Feb. 15 Feb. 19 Feb. 28-Mar. 2

NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN FAITH ENC SCHOOL FOR DEAF @ Christian Faith CORNERSTONE GARNETT CHRISTIAN VICTORY CHRISTIAN @ Neuse Christian @ ENC School for Deaf NEW LIFE HERITAGE CHRISTIAN @ Victory Christian CHRISTIAN FAITH @ Cornerstone Christian @ Heritage Christian @ Garnett Christian @ Conference tournament

7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m, 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA

Nov. 29 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 8 Feb. 15 Feb. 19 Feb. 28-Mar. 2

@ Falls Road ENC SCHOOL FOR DEAF CORNERSTONE GARNETT CHRISTIAN VICTORY CHRISTIAN @ Neuse Christian @ ENC School for Deaf HERITAGE CHRISTIAN @ Victory Christian @ Cornerstone Christian @ Heritage Christian @ Garnett Christian @ Conference tournament

7:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m, 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA