Randolph-Macon falls in NCAA men’s basketball tournament

ROB WITHAM

Special Correspondent

When faced with adversity, trying to end the defending national champion’s reign and Division III-record 64-game home winning streak, you must answer at the most critical moments.

Oswego State did just that, quelling two big Randolph-Macon comeback attempts, one that cut a 16-point deficit down to 3, holding on to eliminate the Yellow Jackets from the Division III tournament 74-63.

“This is an unbelievable win for our program,” Lakers coach Jason Leone said. “(Randolph-Macon) has set a very high standard for the rest of Division III basketball. We did one or two things to get them off balance. Then we had to finish.”

Oswego State (28-2), winners of the State University of New York Athletic Conference, entered on a 23-game winning streak, and, from the tip, were unfazed by the Yellow Jackets’ top ranking and championship status. The Lakers grabbed an early 10-5 lead, building their first half lead to as many as 15.

The Yellow Jackets, meanwhile, struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 3 of 16 in the first half, and headed to the locker room down 38-26 at intermission.

Spring

From A16

For Hanover tennis, the girls team enters as the defending regional champs that made it far in the state tournament, Much of that roster remains intact, with senior Jordan Wood once again returning to the No. 1 spot on the team. Sophomore Claire Watkinson, senior Juliann Webster, junior Kathryn Tunstall and senior Jamison Poythress all return to help the Hawks get back to the state tournament.

After reaching the state finals and winning the region last year,

“All the credit goes to Oswego State. These guys have been knocking on the door,” RandolphMacon coach Josh Merkel said, noting the Lakers were making their fourth appearance in the sectional semifinals in seven seasons.

“We didn’t shoot it great, and they the boys tennis team sees the return of sophomore talent Will Hart, who had a 19-5 record as a freshman and was the regional runner-up in the singles competition. The team has a generally young starting lineup, but returnees like No. 2 Jay Blaser and junior No. 4 Teagon Cole as well as the addition of No. 3 Riley Butler gives them a chance to compete for another region title. made that happen.” randolphMacon’s Josh Talbert (center) and his teammates have won 64 consecutive games at home, a division III record. The no 1-ranked yellow Jackets are 29-1 and have won 27 consecutive games heading into the third round of the d-III tournament. layup. Back-to-back layups from Miles Mallory and Keishawn Pulley Jr. cut the margin to 42-39. But

There’s tons of high-level talent across the athletic landscape at Hanover High School once again in 2023, now it’s time to sit back and watch what these teams can do as they represent their school.

Randolph-Macon (29-2) began the second half on a 9-2 run, fueled by Josh Talbert. The senior scored 6 points, then had a steal and assist to Will Coble for a 3-pointer that cut the Lakers’ lead to 40-35.

Jeremiah Sparks and Devin Green responded with layups of their own, sparking a 17-4 Lakers run for their biggest lead of the game 59-43.

The Yellow Jackets then fired off a 12-0 run, capped by a Talbert layup to cut the margin to 59-55. After a timeout, the Lakers produced their second answer, a Cartier Bowman layup with 5:21 to go.

Randolph-Macon never got closer than 5, as the Lakers went 9 of 10 at the free throw line in the final minutes to pull away.

The Lakers shot 55.3% from the floor, making 17 of 21 free throws. The Yellow Jackets ended with 38.6% shooting, but only 20.7% on 3s.

For seniors Talbert and Mallory, they conclude their careers with a record of 102-5, three Sweet Sixteen appearances and the 2022 national title.

“I didn’t want to let anyone down,” Talbert explained. “I was going to put everything on the line. But they made plays. They answered.”

Out of an Oswego State timeout, the first of those answers came courtesy of a Jamal Achille

“It’s been amazing. I’m really gonna miss these guys,” Merkel said, holding back tears. “They’ve set the bar so high. I’m so thankful they were with us.” hanover forward seth Langford (16) maintains focus and balance in a 2-2 draw with Patrick henr y at hanover high school on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. lifestyles and positive aging, along with various activities and door prizes. also offered during this event will be a special centenarian recognition to honor h anover residents who are 100 years of age or older. If you know someone living in hanover county who will be 100 or older this year, we want to honor them. Please call community resources at 804-365-4300 or email volunteer@hanovercounty.gov. The deadline to submit the information is March 24. To register for this event, visit www. hanoverparksrec.com and select events, key word: Finding Value in your Prime (click on link). consider bringing non-perishable, donated food items to the event to help benefit M.c e.F. Food Pantry. For more information, contact hanover county community resources at 804-365-4300.

“I wouldn’t dream of anywhere else,” Mallory said of his time as a Yellow Jacket.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15 a ‘decade of the 60’s reunion’ for all alumni of hermitage high school for the classes of 1960 through 1969 will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. at richmond east Moose Lodge Ballroom, 7167 Flag Lane in Mechanicsville. Music, food, plenty of tables, chairs, memories and old friends. cash bar, casual attire. The event is limited to 400 attendees. The cost is $25 per person. To reserve your spot, make out your check to hhs 60’s reunion and mail to: hhs 60’s reunion, 7330 staples Mill rd. #249, henrico, Va 23228. Include your full name and address and which year you graduated. For more information, contact sue halsey cox (class of 1966) 804-387-9182 or suecox3@yahoo.com. Or contact dale Morris (class of 1964) at 804-897-7452 or brendale68@yahoo.com.

SATURDAY,

April 22

Bring your family and join us as we celebrate spring, the shearing of the sheep and fiber production at Patrick henry’s scotchtown! The program is growing and this year organizers have so much more to enjoy! The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at scotchtown, located at 16120 chiswell Lane, Beaverdam. activities to enjoy throughout the day will include a ribbon cutting and presentation of the new floorcloth for the manor house hall; sheep shearer dave from delly’s delights Farms will be here answering all your questions; members from clothos handspinners guild will be on-site demonstrating the process of wool production; antique carriage and wagon display; rMc archaeology active dig; sheepdog herding demonstrations; open house tours; a children’s activities area; demonstrations in the hearth kitchen featuring scotchtown’s spring garden; over 40 local crafters, vendors and community organizations; and food trucks. The openhouse tour and fiber festival programs are both included at $10 for students, $12 for senior/aaa/Military, and $15 for General admission. Preser vation Virginia members are $12 and children 6 and under are free. Purchase tickets at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/scotchtown-fiber-festival-tickets-494234557867.

THURSDAY, APRIL 27 a monthly Blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) located at 7168 Flag Lane in Mechanicsville. additional dates are May 23, June 20, July 27, aug. 24, sept. 26, Oct. 19, nov. 24 and dec. 26. you must schedule an appointment with the red cross at redcrossBlood.org.

FRIDAY APRIL 28 & SATURDAY, APRIL 29 st. Paul Lutheran church will sponsor its “everything for $1” two-day yard sale, from 7 a.m. to noon at 8100 shady Grove rd. in Mechanicsville. The inside/outside rain or shine event will include linens, kitchen, home décor, clothes (children and adult), books, toys, lawn and garden, furniture and much more. For more information, call 804-427-7500.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

VFW Post 9808 will hold a shred-It event on from 9 a.m. to noon at 7168 Flag Lane in Mechanicsville. This event is for members and community residents. come and share the date with your family and friends. note that no binders or boxes are allowed.

Ongoing

hanover county is working with residents, businesses, landowners and other community members to update its comprehensive Plan. called “envision hanover,” the plan is the county’s long-range vision of hanover over the next 25 years, addressing land use, housing, economic development and natural resources. It also provides guidance on where growth may be appropriate throughout the county and what that growth should look like. hanover residents’ feedback will shape the comprehensive Plan and decisions regarding growth, preservation and public investment for years to come. Based upon the feedback received, the project team has been working to identify key concepts related to land use, economic development and historic resources. These preliminary ideas will be introduced at a series of events scheduled in January and February. residents will be able to share their ideas by participating with an in-person meeting or webinar, depending upon their schedules. The hanover Board of supervisors will hold public work sessions on the comprehensive Plan on March 8, May 10 and July 26. The current schedule calls for the Planning commission to hold a public hearing on the proposed update in august, with the board’s public hearing to take place a month later. For information on the planning process, and how you can participate, visit www.envisionhanover.com. you can also follow the process on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

The hanover county sheriff’s Office will be hosting its 14th annual senior citizens Police academy. The senior citizens Police academy will take place april 11 to June 20.

The academy will be held every Tuesday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at The Montpelier community center, located at 17203 sycamore Tavern Lane, Montpelier, Va 23192. There will be no cost for the participants. class size will be limited to the first 30 seniors who register. The program will be available to people 55 years of age or older who are residents, business owners or county employees. applicants must also be willing to submit to a background check. This academy is designed to give participants an inside look into law enforcement with the hanover county sheriff’s Office. Interested seniors are urged to download an application at http://www.hanoversheriff.com/199/senior-citizens-Police-academy or contact deputy evan Povar at (804) 365-3363 for an application or additional information. also, the application needs to be notarized. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2023. Mechanicsville c hurches emergency Functions One stop shop (MceF Oss) is open for food, clothing and linens from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 7235 stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville (rear parking lot). The shop is available for residents in the 23111 and 23116 zip codes with identification and proof of residency. Walnut Grove Baptist church will be conducting Free adult english classes (esL) and citizenship classes (Passing the Test)

Please see CALENDAR, Page A26

UNITEDMETHODIST

HanoverEvangelicalFriends

6420MechTrnpk.804-730-9512, friendlychurch.org

Worship:Sun.10:30AM

SundaySchool@9:15AM

FairmountChristianChurch, 559-8070

6502CreightonRd. Sunday AMWorshipTraditional 8:00 &10:15,Contemporary9:00, Modern 11:15,BibleSchoolat 9:00, 10:15,&11:15. Rick Raines,SeniorMinister; Chris Santasiere,AssociateMinister; SethWortman,Associate Minister; TracyThomas,Worship &MusicMinister;BillNicol,Associate WorshipMinister;Davis Ellenberger, YouthMinister; Ashley Sears,Children’sDirector fairmountcc.org

GethsemaneChurchofChrist 5146MechanicsvilleTurnpike

SundayAMWorshipServices (Checkwebsitefortimes)

804-779-2044

BillWines,SeniorMinister www.gethsemanechristians.org

TruthBaptistChurch,627-2170

COME&SEE! Allinfoat: www.truthbaptistchurch.com

StPaulLutheranChurch(LCMS)

427-7500 ∂ 8100ShadyGroveRd, saintpaul-lcms.com

Rev.RodneyBitely,Pastor;Sun. Sch.9:15am,Worship10:30am

HOPECOMMUNITYCHURCH

HomeofAtleeChristianAcademy&HopeNowCounseling. info&more:www.hopenow.cc

FairfieldPresbyterianChurch

6930ColdHarborRd.,23111 8:45&11:00amservices www.fairfieldpcusa.org

MeadowbridgeSeventh-Day AdventistChurch

7400AntiqueLaneMech., SaturdayServices: SabbathSchool,9:45am. WorshipService,11am. WednesdayeveningPrayer Meeting,6:30pm. Churchphone:746-2788 meadowbridgesda.org meadowbridgesdachurch@gmai l.com

BlackCreekBaptistChurch, 6289McClellanRoad SundaySchool-9:00a.m. SundayWorship-10:15a.m. AdultBibleStudy&YouthGroup

Wed.nightsat6:00p.m.

Pastor,StephenKendrick blackcreekbaptistchurch.org orcall(804)781-0330

CoolSpringBaptistChurch

9283AtleeStationRd. Forinfo,activities&worship timesvisit www.coolspring.org orcall746-0800

FellowshipCommunityChurchof Mechanicsville

After10yearsatHanoverHigh Schoolwehavepurchasedour ownbuilding.Wecontinueto teachtheWordofGodand watchforthemiraculous. JoinusSundaymornings9:45am at8505BellCreekRoad,SuiteK. www.fellowshipcc.com

MechanicsvilleBaptistChurch

8016AtleeRd. Office:804.746.7253

Worshipinperson andLiveStreamedonYouTube &Facebook onSundaysat8:30&11:00a.m. SundaySchool9:45a.m. Findusonthewebat mechanicsvillebaptist.org

NewBethesdaBaptistChurch 9019NewBethesdaRd.779-2101

CalebBittler,Minister SundaySchool9:30AM, Worship10:45AM

BibleStudy/Prayer Youth&Childrenactivities

6:30pm,Wednesday www.newbethesda.org

NewHighlandBaptistChurch 550-9601,9200NewAshcakeRd newhighland.org,9:15AMBible Study,10:30AMWorshipInPerson&online.Rev.DerekNicksich

ShalomBaptistChurch

8116WalnutGroveRd. Office:746.7737

Worshipinperson andLiveStreamedonYouTube &Facebook onSundaysat8:30&11:00a.m

WednesdayNightSuppersat

5:30p.m. andBibleStudyat6:15p.m. Findusonthewebat shalombaptist.net

WalnutGroveBaptistisaChurch committedtofollowingJesus& lovingpeople.Youcanfindusat wgva.church7046ColdHarborrd

UNITEDMETHODIST

LebanonUnitedMethodist Church 8492PeaksRoad,746-0980

SarahSealand,Pastor WorshipInPersonandon FacebookLive:

10:00ameachSunday www.facebook.com/LebUMC

9:00amSundaySchool

Formoreinfo,checkusoutat www.lebanonumc.org

MechanicsvilleUnitedMethodist Church 7356AtleeRoad746-5118

ReverendAmyDunn,pastor 10aminpersonworshipor Facebooklive@MechUMC ChildrensandYouthPrograms CubScoutsPack517 www.mechumc.org

ShadyGroveUnitedMethodist 8209ShadyGroveRd. atthecornerofMeadowbridge Rd.,Mechanicsville,804-746-9073 shadygroveumc.org

In-personWorshipSundaysat 8:15,9:45,&11:15a.m., Onlineat9:45a.m. Programsforallages. Rev.WayneSnead,Pastor info@shadygroveumc.org

ChurchoftheRedeemer 8275MeadowbridgeRoad 746-4911 www.churchredeemer.org

Masscelebratedon Saturday5:30PM Sunday8:00&10:00AM