RIVALRY NIGHT: Lee-Davis, Atlee Split Hoops Doubleheader....

What a Friday night at Lee-Davis High School!  The inaugural class of the new Lee-Davis Athletic Hall of Fame is inducted, the DECA Club continued its year-long efforts for the American Cancer Society, and the Confederates and Raiders battled on the basketball court as the 25th anniversary of their storied Eastern Hanover rivalry is just around the corner.

The main event, the boys basketball game, did not disappoint, providing a furious final minute.

Atlee, desperate to end a 10-game losing streak, took the early lead, extending it to 15-10 after a quarter when R.J. Jenkins nailed a 55-foot shot at the buzzer. Lee-Davis answered with a 7-0 run in the early minutes of the second to tie the game at 17. The Raiders defense stiffened, allowing Brian Miller to spur a run giving Atlee a 29-21 halftime lead. Miller scored 13 of his game-high 19 points in the first half.

The Raiders showed no signs of giving in over the third quarter, building the lead as high as ten. But the Confederates began to turn the tide in the quarter's final minutes, knocking the Raiders lead down to two at 36-34 with a quarter to go.

It was Lee-Davis' tenacious defense that led the way, holding Atlee to six fourth quarter points. The Confederate offense struggled itself, but found a way to take the lead at 43-42 with 1:46 to go, Lee-Davis opting to take precious time off the clock when on offense.

Miller took matters into his own hands, driving to draw a foul and get to the line to try to give the Raiders the lead again. But the usually reliable Miller missed a pair as "The Asylum" stomped their feet in fury in the home bleachers. Atlee, though, got the offensive board and called timeout with 28 seconds left to draw up what they hoped would be the winning play.

The Raiders wanted to work inside, but couldn't. Triple teaming down low by the Confederates forced Atlee to call time again to talk it over with 09.1 left. Jarris Hendricks got the look from three to win, but missed. A battle for the ball found it going out of bounds, back to Atlee again, but with just a tenth of a second left.

Atlee only had a chance at a miracle tip-in. They passed the ball in front of the basket, but Tariq Caldwell swatted the ball down to end it, a 43-42 Confederate victory.

Lee-Davis moves to 4-8 with the important win that head coach Rob Rice says should propel his club for the remainder of the season. Atlee left at 2-11, with possibly its most heartbreaking loss so far in a season that began with huge promise, but has slowly turned into a nightmare.

OTHER ACTION: Cierra Shelton scored 21 points, Ashley Weaver added 19, and Atlee girls basketball improved to 8-4 with an impressive 59-35 win over Lee-Davis, whose two-game winning streak was snapped.

Patrick Henry's girls team avenged an ugly 38-37 loss to Hermitage in the Times-Dispatch Invitational Tournament 3rd Place Game last month by knocking off the Panthers in Ashland tonight, 60-53 to improve to 10-2 on the season.

Congratulations to the Hanover boys squad, who led throughout but held off a late fourth quarter Varina charge to pick up the win, 68-65 tonight in the Bird Cage, improving the record to 10-5 overall.

GYMNASTICS: Annual County Meet Thursday Night!

It's time for the annual gymnastics meet pitting all four county schools!

The 2014 edition will take place at Hanover High School. We'll see the likes of Jordan Lipinski and Becca Fields of Lee-Davis, Derika Banks of Atlee, Kristen Valasek and Keion Greenhow of Patrick Henry and Leah Kemler of the host Hawks.

The meet begins at 7pm, follow us on Twitter for updates as the evening progresses!

Lee-Davis DECA Fights Cancer At Rivalry Basketball Doubleheader!!

            The Lee Davis DECA chapter has partnered with the American Cancer Society (ACS) in a “Crusade Against Cancer”.  The biggest rivalry game of the year between long-time competitors, the Atlee Raiders and the Lee Davis Confederates will be the culmination of months of activities at both schools to raise awareness and money for The American Cancer Society.  The two schools came head to head in early November in football for the first battle in the Crusade Against Cancer.  The basketball doubleheader will be held at Lee Davis High School at 7052 Mechanicsville Turnpike on Friday January 17^th.  Fans of Lee Davis are asked to participate in the second White Out athletic event of the year by attending the game dressed in white.  If fans would like to support the ACS at this game, a donation box will be available on site. 

Lee-Davis DECA has organized a number of activities leading up to the basketball rivalry game.  In the weeks prior to the game, the students and staff of Lee Davis participated in a gift card drive to support young cancer patients.  LD DECA is also selling “White Out to Wipe Out Cancer” t-shirts that can be purchased from any DECA member or at the school store during lunches.  Lee Davis will be participating in a spirit week leading up to the game and will be seeing a return of the Penny Wars coin canisters throughout the school. 

THIS FRIDAY, students at Lee-Davis will be “whiting out” for the game.  Students, staff and community at Lee-Davis will have the opportunity to purchase a “White Out to Wipe Out Cancer” t-shirt that was designed by the Advanced Marketing class.  T-shirts will sell for $10.00 and all proceeds are being donated to the ACS.  Several local businesses helped with the cost of these shirts as business sponsors – N&J Sales & Service, Norvell Signs, Hanover Career Student Resource, Inc., HomeTown Realty (Cindy Overton), Mr. & Mrs. John Wash, Sr., and Italian Kitchen.

This event is part LD DECA’s year long “Crusade Against Cancer”.  Lee Davis clubs and athletic teams are getting behind DECA’s effort for the ACS.  One of the first groups to get involved has been the LD athletics.  The Lee Davis sports teams have stepped up to the plate, each raising awareness for a specific type of cancer. The Lee Davis Boys Varsity Volleyball team held an awareness game for thyroid cancer, the Varsity Field Hockey team hosted an awareness game for brain cancer, and the Girls Varsity Volleyball team held an event for breast cancer awareness. 

Winter teams begin their efforts with the Boys & Girls Varsity Basketball game on Jan. 17^th.  According to LD DECA Advisor, Donna Roush, “...the goal for our Crusade Against Cancer was to find a cause that would unify our student organizations in an effort to educate as well as raise awareness and money for a cause everyone has been affected by in some way.”  A “Wall of Honor” has been planned for the main hallway to give students and faculty a chance to post pictures of loved ones affected by cancer.  Kensley Watkins, LD DECA Co-President explains that photos can be placed in three categories:  In Memory of, Undergoing Treatment, or Survivors.  Space on the Wall of Honor can be purchased for $5.00 and $10.00 with 100% of the money going directly to the ACS.  Any community member may purchase space on the Wall in order to honor their loved ones fighting cancer.  “The most exciting part of this effort for the American Cancer Society is that the students put together their plans over the summer and have really worked hard with a great deal of commitment to make this all happen," Roush said.

Hawks Take 5th Straight in 2nd OT Win over Jaguars....

They've seen this script before.

The Hanover Hawks have played the Glen Allen Jaguars three times already this season, Monday night's affair at Hanover being the first regularly-scheduled game.

December 7th, at Glen Allen, the Hawks and Jags met for the Conference 20 Preseason Tournament title, with Hanover winning in overtime. Three weeks later at Henrico High School, the Jaguars survived battle #2 over the Hawks in the consolation semis of the Henrico Holiday Hoops Tournament.

In Round 3, the Jaguars held the lead most of the first half, watched Hanover stay close, then take the lead into the fourth quarter, 50-49, setting the stage for yet another frantic finish.

Grayson Midulla led Glen Allen with 25 points but struggled mightily at the free throw line in the second half, much to the delight of Hanover. Cutch Ellis had 12 first half points but was cooled off a bit in the second and spent time on the bench in foul trouble. Jalen Elliott scored all of two points in the first 30 minutes.

It was up to Jordan Wade to keep the Hawks alive, Many of his 17 points came after intermission, yet Glen Allen found a way to up the lead to six at 60-54, with possession of the ball with 1:50 to go. The Jags committed a costly turnover, and Elliott went to work.

Jalen had a personal 5-0 run to help the Hawks erase the lead. a Cutch Ellis lay-in gave Hanover the 62-60 lead with 10 seconds to go. Glen Allen broke the press, got the ball to Midulla, who raced to the basket with four fouls to make the tying basket with two seconds to go. Elliott launched an 80-footer which hit the front rim and backboard before falling away. Overtime again for the Hawks and Jaguars...

This time Hanover took the six point lead, but first they saw their nemesis, Midulla commit his fifth personal foul and exit the game with under three minutes left in the extra session. The Hawks, with a 68-64 advantage, milked over a minute off the clock, then extended the lead to six. That lead held with 28 seconds to go, but an Ellis lay-in to seal the win rimmed out, the Jaguars advanced the ball, and Tre'shawn Blackston knocked home a trey from the baseline to cut the lead to 70-67 with 14 seconds left.

Glen Allen drew up their defensive scheme in a timeout, and it worked. Hanover turned the ball over with 10.9 to go. The Jaguars had a prayer.

But the prayer was never asked, much less answered, as freshman Jason Wade stole the ball from Glen Allen, ran the clock down to 1.2 seconds left, then hit two free throws for the margin of victory.

The 9-4 Hawks get no break, as the Highland Springs Springers come to the Bird Cage for a 7:30 matchup Tuesday night.

**********************************

In girls action, Hanover fell to 5-8 with a 72-37 loss to Glen Allen at home. Nikki Petzer led the Hawks with 11 points.  Meanwhile, Lee-Davis picked up a big road victory, defeating Dinwiddie 46-42. The 3-8 Confederates were led by Imani Boothe with 17 points, while Olivia Tuck added 13.

LISTEN LIVE: Glen Allen at Hanover Doubleheader TONIGHT!

Click on the Mixlr Player at the top of the page to listen LIVE tonight as the Glen Allen Jaguars come to the Bird Cage to take on the Hanover Hawks!

Girls basketball begins at 6pm, followed by the third matchup of the season between the boys' squads around 7:30pm. The teams have split the first two meetings.

To listen to the game on smartphones, tablets, or on Kindle Fire, just bookmark this link: http://mixlr.com/hcs-media-network

Coverage begins at 5:45pm exclusively on HCS Media Network, The RVA Home For High School Sports!

SNAPSHOTS: Patrick Henry, Atlee at Deep Run Wrestling Duals....

The action began Friday, continues today for the Patriots and Raiders.  Photos courtesy of @glib49!!

FIRST ON TWITTER FROM HCS: Patrick Henry Seeks New Football Coach...

The Jonathan Clark experiment only lasted one season.

HCS Media confirmed late this afternoon, and broke the news on Twitter around 4pm ET, the Patrick Henry is in search of a new head football coach. Hanover County Public Schools posted a vacancy in its employment section of its website looking for a coach for the Patriots.

Clark was not retained after a tough season which saw the Patriots lose their first six straight games before pulling out a late win at Homecoming over Thomas Jefferson, then win the following Saturday at John Marshall before losing to Deep Run and Douglas Freeman to conclude the campaign at 2-8.

There were highs (the two wins), positive points (individual player development, playing teams such as Godwin and Freeman close), heartbreaking times (the fumble at the end of the Deep Run game, letting Atlee score in the final five seconds of the first half to break a scoreless tie and give the Raiders the 2nd half momentum to cruise to victory), and very low points (not scoring until week 3, being dismantled by J.R. Tucker).

In the end, Patriot leaders have determined that, in their quest to return the program to its glory years from 1982 to 2008 under Ray Long, a different person should be at the helm. The vacancy is being advertised through January 31st.

After the season ended November 8th, we, as well as many fans, wondered if Clark had earned a chance to have a second season. The question has now been answered.

Patrick Henry joins Glen Allen and Huguenot as schools in the "Central Region" looking for new head varsity football coaches for 2014.

WELCOME BACK!

A few weekend tidbits while you may have been traveling or taking down the tree:

1) Lee-Davis knocked off Colonial Heights 74-71 in overtime to win the consolation game of their Southerner Classic. J.R. Tucker defeated Banner Christian 78-73 to take the title. Tariq Caldwell represented the Confederates on the All-Tournament team, and was joined by:

MVP: Zach Grant, Banner Christian (69 points in 2 games, 13 three-pointers during span)
Jesse Sturgis, Banner Christian
Paul Flowers, J.R. Tucker
Chase McPherson, J.R. Tucker
Jacob Ezell, Colonial Heights

2) Atlee Swimming went 3-1 in team competition Saturday; the boys defeating Thomas Jefferson (Alexandria) 145-141 while falling to Princess Anne 154.5-131.5. The Atlee girls swept their opponents, winning 175-104 over TJ and 161-125 over Princess Anne.  Check our Twitter timeline for highlighted performances from Saturday's meet.

3) Atlee Wrestling began participating in Conference 11 Duals over the weekend, going 3-1 in action held on the home mat Saturday.

The Raiders fell to Mills Godwin 57-18, but defeated Deep Run 68-9, Douglas Freeman 50-26 and Hermitage 41-36. The Raiders are 3-1 in Conference 11, and 6-4 overall.

The Hanover Wrestling team placed sixth in the annual Hawk duals over the weekend. They lost in the fifth place match to Woodberry Forest 45-22. Benedictine won the title overall, beating Princess Anne for the crown 37-32.

4) We return to Live Tweet coverage Tuesday evening for the Lee-Davis/Hanover girls/boys basketball doubleheader in the Bird Cage, first game tips at 6pm!

HCS Media Network's LIVE and exclusive online radio coverage of high school sports returns to Hanover County next Tuesday, January 14th when we'll broadcast the girls/boys hoops doubleheader featuring Mills Godwin coming to Ashland to battle Patrick Henry.  Coverage begins at 5:45pm and can be heard on the Mixlr Player at the top of the page at HanoverCountySports.net!

SNAPSHOTS: Lee-Davis in Southerner Classic

The Confederates were led by Tariq Caldwell's 21 points and 12 rebounds, fell behind early, forced a second half tie, but couldn't get over the hump, falling 72-67 to Banner Christian Friday night.

Lee-Davis (2-5) plays in the 5:30 consolation game versus Colonial Heights, 58-34 losers to J.R. Tucker, who face BC in the championship game at 7pm.

Lee-Davis Southerner Classic Underway Tonight!!

The annual boys basketball tournament takes place in early January this season, as J.R. Tucker battles Colonial Heights at 5:30 and host Lee-Davis plays Banner Christian at 7pm. Winners face off in the championship game Saturday night, 7pm. We will LIVE TWEET both first round games tonight and the title tilt Saturday on @hanoversports!  Better yet, come to Lee-Davis and join us for the first hoop action of 2014!

HCS Media Debuts Web Home For Atlantic 10 Women's Hoops!

HCS Media is proud to be the only #RVA media outlet to provide you a live web page dedicated solely to the 13 teams of Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball!  Stay with HCS to be your source for all things A-10 Hoops as the league prepares to host its postseason conference tournament for the first time ever at the Richmond Coliseum on March 5th through 9th.

DAILY, we will update scores, standings, stats, highlights, give links to interviews and features and much, much more. Get to know ALL 13 teams, including the two home teams, the "Fury" of VCU basketball, current owners of the best record in the conference (13-1), the Lady Spiders of Richmond, and more!

We'll always have a link to the page to the right on our web site, but the official address if you'd like to book mark it for future use is:

http://a10rva.blogspot.com

HCS Media: Your New Media Source For All Things Sports, Family, and Life in the RVA!!

THE WRAP: Atlee Girls WIN Boo Williams Title; Hanover Boys Get Win in Henrico Holiday Hoops....

Free throws in the final seconds prove to be the difference and the young Atlee Raiders girls basketball team emerges victorious in their division championship at the 2013 Boo Williams/Ronald Curry Christmas Classic, 51-50 over Bayside!

The Raiders, winners of four straight, improve to 5-3. They were led by emerging star Cierra Shelton with 22 points, while Shelby Hill, who hit the game-winning free throw, added 13. Shelton was named Tournament Most Valuable Player, while Hill was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Meanwhile, the Hanover girls fell short in the championship of the Clover Hill Holiday Tournament, losing big to Conference 20, and former Capital District rival, Glen Allen 75-22.

In boys action, Hanover took its second win in nine days over rival Atlee in the 7th Place Game in the 2013 Henrico Holiday Hoops Tournament Saturday afternoon. Shaking off an uneven first half, the Hawks cooled off a hot-shooting Raider squad with a full-court press to turn a 38-36 halftime deficit to a 75-59 victory.

Jalen Elliott had 23 points for Hanover (6-4), who were led by Cutch Ellis' 24. Jordan Wade added 11. Brian Miller had 23 points for the Atlee Raiders, who have lost seven straight after starting 2-0. R.J. Jenkins added 12.

HOLIDAY HOOPS: Atlee, Hanover Boys Fall; Atlee, Hanover Girls Victorious....

An easy Friday for the Atlee girls basketball team as they advance to their division finals in the 2013 Ronald Curry/Boo Williams Classic in Hampton with a 61-26 win over Currituck County (NC). The Raiders, winners now of four straight, will face Bayside in the finals Saturday at 4pm, 64-62 winners over Phoebus in the other semifinal.

Meanwhile, at the Clover Hill Holiday Tournament, the Hanover Hawks advanced to the championship with their second-straight two-point win, a 41-39, grind-it-out victory over Appomattox Regional Governor's School. Hanover, now 3-6, faces Conference 20, and former Capital District foe, Glen Allen in the championship game. The Jaguars (7-3) handled J.R. Tucker 62-40 in the other semifinal.

***************
At the Henrico Holiday Hoops Tournament, both Atlee and Hanover fell in consolation semifinal action, setting up at 7th Place game between the Raiders and Hawks Saturday at 2:30.  Atlee was outrebounded by Hermitage 52-19 as the Panthers outlasted Atlee 80-63. Brian Miller poured in 33 points for more than half of the Raiders' offensive output. Both teams are now 2-6.

The second consolation semifinal was a much tighter affair: Hanover and Glen Allen, two teams that have already battled this season into overtime.  Correspondent Ryan Senavitis filed this report:

The Hawks took the court to play the Jaguars in the Henrico Holiday Hoops Tournament. The Jaguars seeking revenge as the Hawks knocked them off in the championship of the Conference 20 tournament in overtime, 56-53 on December 7th.

The Jaguars would waste no time, jumping out to an 11-6 lead. The Hawks, as expected, chipped away. With 1:04 remaining in the first, a jumper by Elliot would give the Hawks their first lead in the game. A late steal and jumper by Josh Harris made it 15-13 Hanover. Collin Dwyer nailed two free throws for the Jaguars to end period one in a 15-15 deadlock.

The Hawks would come out roaring with a 6-0 run to lead 21-15, at 3:11 to halftime. Glen Allen matched it to draw even at 21, then picked up the pace out of a Hanover timeout, going on another 6-0 lead to extend the lead at the half to 28-24. 

Glen Allen seized momentum as the second half begin, keeping the Hawks at bay. But Hanover helped the Jaguars' cause, missing key free throws and short shots inside the paint. Finally, Hanover got Cutch Ellis more into the offensive mix, and his jumper would tie it at 48-48 into fourth quarter action

Glen Allen played with increased intensity, but it would continue to be a battle as the Jaguars would lead 51-48 mid 4^th quarter. Back and forth they went, just like they did twenty days ago on the Jaguars' home court. Hanover drew within one at 58-57, calling time at :50 in regulation. 

Coaches on both benches beseeched their players to "play smart". Hanover did not, committing a needless mistake, then later fouled Jaguar leading scorer Grayson Midulla. Midulla hit one free throw for a 59-57 Jaguars edge. 

Ellis responded, dribbling down the court, hitting a jumper to tie the game at 59 with just 11.6 seconds remaining. But Derrick Johnson would hit a floater for Glen Allen and was fouled. Glen Allen led 61-59.  Johnson added two more for security, finishing with 12 as the Jaguars survived, and exacted some revenge, 63-59. Midulla led the Jaguars with 23 points. Ellis led the Hawks with 17, but credit Glen Allen on shutting down point guard Jalen Elliott, limited to only nine. Josh Harris added 12 points off the bench.  

Glen Allen will advance to play Hermitage in the 5th Place Game at 4pm Saturday, while Hanover will play county rival Atlee for the second time in nine days for 7th Place at 2:30, both games at Henrico High School.

(Editor's Note: As for Glen Allen and Hanover?  They play two regular season games on January 13th (at Hanover) and February 7th (at Glen Allen). It's also very conceivable the Hawks and Jaguars could meet a fifth time in the Conference 20 Tournament come mid-February, when the season is on the line. Expect all four...or five...games to be as close as the first two.

DAY 1: Henrico Holiday Hoops....

Atlee and Hanover both fall in first round action Thursday at the 10th Annual Henrico Holiday Hoops Tournament at Henrico High School.

Atlee fell to the homestanding Warriors 69-57 and will play Hermitage in Friday's first consolation bracket semifinal at 2:30pm.

Hanover ran into a contender for the 5A state title in unbeaten Potomac from Prince William County. The Panthers go to 8-0 with a 76-58 victory over the Hawks, who fall to 5-3 and face familiar foe Glen Allen in the second consolation bracket semifinal at 4pm.

Ice Cold Patriots Give Win To Hermitage....

The percentages are shocking. 25 percent from the free throw line alone.

Patrick Henry played 10:59 of solid basketball at the Siegel Center in the Times-Dispatch Invitational Tournament 3rd Place Game Monday against Hermitage, taking a 12-5 lead after a quarter.

Then the ice man cometh. The Patriots could neither find the basket nor find a way to keep Hermitage off the glass on both ends of the floor, and the Panthers clawed back for a one-point halftime lead.

The flow was the same for most of the second half until, with under three minutes left, down 33-29, the Patriots zipped to an 8-0 run. Amber Lee and Summer Price each hit two baskets to give Patrick Henry a 37-33 lead with 39.6 seconds left.

Then "Destini" took over.

Destini Walker drove the court, got the traditional three-point play to cut the lead to 37-36. After Price missed the front end of a one-and-one, Walker drove the court but was way right on her potential game-winner. India Coles got the rebound and was fouled with 4.3 seconds left.

The Patriots called time to draw up what to do, hoping Plan A, two made free throws, would force the Panthers into a three-point prayer to tie.

But Coles, too, missed the front end of the one-and-one, Walker rebounded, and zoomed down the court. Her three-point attempt as the buzzer sounded was short, knocking off the left corner of the rim, but the whistle echoed throughout Siegel Center. 

Summer Price was called for a foul, giving Walker three free throws with no time remaining. She calmly sank the first two to clinch the victory.

The 38-37 victory improves Hermitage to 7-2 on the season, as Walker had 25 of their 38 points. 

For the Patriots, Price had 16, Lee 15, and they fall to 7-2 going into the holiday break.

They'll need to shake this loss off quickly, so there's no hangover come January 7th when they return to action against Douglas Freeman.

HCS MEDIA NETWORK PRESENTS 9 GAMES LIVE THE WEEKEND AFTER CHRISTMAS!

Here is the complete lineup of all nine basketball games that will be heard LIVE on HCS Media Network as we broadcast live from both the Henrico Holiday Hoops Classic and the L.C. Bird Holiday Hoops Classic!

THURSDAY DECEMBER 26TH: Henrico Holiday Hoops First Round (4 Games):
Pre-Game Show begins at 2:15pm ET AT THIS LINK

Game 1: Atlee vs. Henrico, 2:30pm
Game 2: Hermitage vs. Midlothian, 4pm
Game 3: Glen Allen vs. Meadowbrook, 5:30pm
Game 4: Hanover vs. Potomac, 7:15pm

FRIDAY DECEMBER 27TH: L.C. Bird Holiday Hoops Day 2 (Night Session--3 Games):
Pre-Game Show begins at 5:15pm ET AT THIS LINK

Game 1: John Handley vs. Manchester, 5pm
Game 2: (GIRLS) Highland Springs vs. Nansemond River, 6:30pm
Game 3: L.C. Bird vs. Stafford, 8pm

SATURDAY DECEMBER 28TH: Henrico Holiday Hoops Consolation & Championship Games:
Pre-Game Show begins at 5:30pm ET AT THIS LINK

Game 1: 3rd Place Game, 5:45pm
Game 2: 2013 Henrico Holiday Hoops Championship Game, 7:15pm

EASY to listen LIVE on any mobile device or computer to ANY HCS Media Network LIVE event!

1) The link is available three times above this line on this post!
2) The link is always available at the top of the page at HanoverCountySports.net, on the right side of the page at both HenricoCountySports.net and ChesterfieldCountySports.net.
3) We ALWAYS Tweet out a link directly to our audio by 15 minutes prior to airtime. For those of you wanting to listen on smartphones, BOOKMARK any link we Tweet into your mobile's web browser. Go to that link for EVERY HCS Media Network broadcast.

We DO plan on having an app developed for Android and iPhone in 2014 so you can just one-touch the app to listen to any of our broadcasts.

Our 2014 live broadcast schedule will be the most aggressive presentation of high school sports on online radio in #RVA in history!  Join us for the best in high school sports all season long!

T-DIT Tournament: PH Girls Win Opener over Meadowbrook!

In a battle of unbeatens Friday night at Trinity Episcopal School, Patrick Henry rode the first half scoring of Amber Lee and the second half scoring of Summer Price to lead from tip to buzzer in a 59-46 win over Meadowbrook in the opening round of the 19th Times-Dispatch Invitational Tournament.

Lee knocked in 14 of her 19 points before intermission, helping the Patriots to a 29-22 lead. Then Price took over, scoring 22 of her game-high 32 points in the second half. For the game, she shot 12-of-13 from the charity stripe, taking advantage of the dribble drive to draw Monarch fouls for trips to the free throw line.

(Summer Price with two of her 32 points in Patrick Henry's win...)

Patrick Henry improves to 7-0 while Meadowbrook falls to 6-1. The Patriots next face Cosby, the top ranked team in the region, Saturday at 5pm in the T-DIT Semifinals.  The Titans knocked off Glen Allen in first round action 58-47.

Cosby has been a thorn in the Patriots' side in recent years, knocking Patrick Henry out of the old Central Region postseason tournament in each of the past two seasons.  The game will be played at Crenshaw Gymnasium at Randolph-Macon College right in Ashland!

In the other girls semifinal at 3:30, Hermitage, winners over Collegiate 37-28, will battle Highland Springs, who routed St. Catherine's 94-38.....

SWIMMING: Patrick Henry Bests Hanover....

In their final match before the holiday break, Patrick Henry and Hanover locked horns Thursday night in the Brock Center at Randolph-Macon, with the Patriots taking the victory, 95-75 in Girls competition, 100-69 in Boys.

Posted below are event winners and best performances by each team:

Boys 200 Medley Relay:
1) Patrick Henry (Ted Schubert, Dalton Nash, Thomas Perkins, Kyle Koren): 1:46.31
2) Patrick Henry (Clay Neal, Coleman Cheeley, Owen Wright, Austin Davis): 2:00.63
3) Hanover (Barrett White, Logan Evans, Seth Gulas, Shane Henry): 2:04.34

Girls 200 Medley Relay:
1) Patrick Henry (Josephine Koren, Meade Reihl, Jamie Doyle, Madeline Montgomery): 2:11.09
2) Hanover (Katrina Gauntt, Brittany Townsend, Mattison Grant, Claire Simmons): 2:11.37

Boys 200 Freestyle:
1) Garrett Gauntt, Hanover: 2:07.81
2) Lanning Blaser, Hanover: 2:10.47
3) Kyle Koren, Patrick Henry: 2:11.56

Girls 200 Freestyle:
1) Sarah Browning, Hanover: 2:03.00
2) Rylee Evans, Hanover: 2:28.97
3) Madison Brown, Patrick Henry: 2:31.06

Boys 200 IM:
1) Thomas Perkins, Patrick Henry: 2:04.91
2) Clay Neal, Patrick Henry: 2:24.96
3) Chandler Foster, Hanover: 2:31.72

Girls 200 IM:
1) Jamie Doyle, Patrick Henry: 2:37.78
2) Josephine Koren, Patrick Henry: 2:39.88
3) Brittany Johnson, Hanover: 2:48.69

Boys 50 Freestyle:
1) Ted Schubert, Patrick Henry: 22.37
2) Dalton Nash, Patrick Henry: 23.91
3) Shane Henry, Hanover: 25.78

Girls 50 Freestyle:
1) Madeline Montgomery, Patrick Henry: 27.55
2) Meade Reihl, Patrick Henry: 28.22
3) Claire Simmons, Hanover: 29.25

Boys 100 Butterfly:
1) Dalton Nash, Patrick Henry: 1:00.53
2) Chandler Foster, Hanover: 1:02.85

Girls 100 Butterfly:
1) Brittany Townsend, Hanover: 1:13.85
2) Marielle Robinson, Patrick Henry: 1:16.38

Boys 100 Freestyle:
1) Thomas Perkins, Patrick Henry: 49.03
2) Owen Wright, Patrick Henry: 1:01.06
3) Shane Henry, Hanover: 1:02.75

Girls 100 Freestyle:
1) Meade Reihl, Patrick Henry: 1:05.72
2) Hallie Blevins, Patrick Henry: 1:07.22
3) Rylee Evans, Hanover: 1:08.32

Boys 500 Freestyle:
1) Seth Gulas, Hanover: 5:56.12
2) Clay Neal, Patrick Henry: 6:00.37

Girls 500 Freestyle:
1) Mattison Grant, Hanover: 5:41.88
2) Katrina Gauntt, Hanover: 6:16.29
3) Allyson Flinn, Patrick Henry: 6:56.64

Boys 200 Freestyle Relay:
1) Patrick Henry (Koren, Schubert, Nash, Perkins): 1:33.12
2) Hanover (Lanning Blaser, Henry, Foster, Gulas): 1:44.50

Girls 200 Freestyle Relay:
1) Hanover (Grant, Simmons, Gauntt, Browning): 1:53.62
2) Patrick Henry (Blevins, Flinn, Libbie Stone, Reihl): 2:00.87

Boys 100 Backstroke:
1) Ted Schubert, Patrick Henry: 57.66
2) Seth Gulas, Hanover: 1:08.62

Girls 100 Backstroke:
1) Josephine Koren, Patrick Henry: 1:13.10
2) Claire Simmons, Hanover: 1:14.28

Boys 100 Breaststroke:
1) Coleman Cheeley, Patrick Henry: 1:17.47
2) Jacob Cox, Patrick Henry: 1:23.65
3) Logan Evans, Hanover: 1:23.78

Girls 100 Breaststroke:
1) Hallie Blevins, Patrick Henry: 1:22.28
2) Mattison Grant, Hanover: 1:24.28

Boys 400 Freestyle Relay
1) Hanover (Gauntt, Foster, Tommy Newton, Blaser): 3:59.94
2) Patrick Henry (Wright, Jacob Davis, Austin Davis, Neal): 4:00.91

Girls 400 Freestyle Relay
1) Patrick Henry (Montgomery, Doyle, Koren, Blevins): 4:24.57
2) Hanover (Townsend, Blackburn, McClure, Browning): 4:25.12

RIVALRY NIGHT: Atlee, Hanover Split in First Doubleheader of Season...

The Hanover boys and Atlee girls were victorious at these archrivals met for the first of two regular season matchups tonight at Atlee High School.

The Raider girls won their second game in a row after a slow season start, defeating Hanover 51-41.  Atlee next plays the weekend after Christmas in the annual Boo Williams Holiday Tournament in Hampton Roads.

In boys action, Jalen Elliott poured in 33 points and Cutch Ellis added 21 as the Hawks improved to 5-2, ending a two-game skid with an 83-68 win over the Raiders. It was Hanover's first win since a victory eight days ago over another county rival, Patrick Henry.

Brian Miller almost matched Elliott point for point with 30 to lead the Raiders, who, after a 2-0 start, have now lost four straight.

Both teams will participate in the 2013 Henrico Holiday Hoops Tournament beginning a week from today. Atlee will open the tourney against host Henrico at 2:30pm while Hanover will face Potomac, one of the top teams in the state in 5A classification, at approximately 7:15pm.

NOTE: HCS Media Network will provide LIVE coverage of the entire first round of the 2013 Henrico Holiday Hoops Tournament, including the two games listed above, on Thursday December 26th beginning at 2:15pm ET at the link at the top of the page HERE at HanoverCountySports.net!

SNAPSHOTS: Patrick Henry Wrestling Victorious Again....

A look at Patriot standout Jake Harris in action, part of Patrick Henry's 48-31 victory over Douglas Freeman Wednesday night in Ashland!

FOOTBALL: VHSCA All-5A South Region Teams!

The Virginia High School Coaches Association (VHSCA) has announced its first-ever All-5A South Region Football Teams. The teams are listed below in their entirety:

FIRST TEAM:
CENTER: Marius Young, Hermitage
OL: Alec Eberle, Atlee 
OL: Ben Blados, Hermitage
OL: Quadrick Barnes, L.C. Bird
OL: Army Maot'apuaka, Salem
TE: Austin Rice, Lee-Davis
QB: Terrance Ervin, L.C. Bird
RB: Nate Roscoe, Hermitage
RB: Earl Hughes, L.C. Bird
RB: Anthony Scott, Green Run
WR: Rasheed Worsham, L.C. Bird
WR: Jonathan Duhart, Manchester
WR: Ismial Murray, Green Run
UTILITY: Terelle Whitaker, Meadowbrook
DL: Alec Eberle, Atlee
DL: Sulaiman Kamara, Hermitage
DL: Maurice Thrower, Meadowbrook
DL: Shawn James, Green Run
DE: Mike Harris, L.C. Bird
DE: Trevon Hill, Salem
LB: Tye Burriss, Atlee
LB: K.C. Hinton, Highland Springs
LB: Trent Young, Douglas Freeman
LB: Darius Gillus, L.C. Bird
DB: Tramell Carey, Atlee
DB: Justin Henry, Hermitage
DB: Jonathan Duhart, Manchester
DB: Rasheed Worsham, L.C. Bird
K: Cyrus Rohani-Shukla, Henrico
P: Ryan Buzzard, Highland Springs
RETURNER: Earl Hughes, L.C. Bird
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF YEAR: Terrance Ervin, L.C. Bird
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF YEAR: Mike Harris, L.C. Bird
COACH OF YEAR: David Bedwell, L.C. Bird

SECOND TEAM:
CENTER: Josey Davis, L.C. Bird
OL: Chris Conti, Douglas Freeman
OL: Jaquan Watson, Hermitage
OL: Isaac Yoder, Manchester
OL: Cornelius Tyler, Meadowbrook
TE: Derek Wilder, Maury
QB: D.J. Johnson, Highland Springs
RB: Loumond Dandridge, Jr., Atlee
RB: Justin Miller, Meadowbrook
RB: Delveon Little, Maury
WR: Daniel Glymph, Atlee
WR: Felton Davis, Highland Springs
WR: Sinclair Farinholt, Douglas Freeman
UTILITY: James Scott, Gloucester
DL: Donald Kidd, Lee-Davis
DL: Buck Elliott, Douglas Freeman
DL: Andre Booker, Manchester
DL: Tyler Fain, Indian River
DE: Tanner Ramey, Atlee
DE: Ben Pulley, Manchester
LB: Rayshun Conner, Manchester
LB: Marquie Phillips, Meadowbrook
LB: Aaron Glover, Princess Anne
LB: Derek Wilder, Maury
DB: Deshawn Robinson, Henrico
DB: Assad Powell, Highland Springs
DB: Khylil James, Meadowbrook
DB: Tyrell Encalade, Norview
K: Tyler McKee, Salem
P: Kameron Smith, Prince George
RETURNER: Tye Burriss, Atlee
UTILITY: Dazz Newsome, Hampton

HONORABLE MENTION:
OL: Dalton Ennis, Kellum
OL: Jordan Flood, Maury
OL: Charles Garrett, Norview
TE: Jonathan Manuel, Matoaca
TE: Kyron Speller, Kempsville
QB: Austin Lynch, Green Run
RB: Darryl Wilson, Highland Springs
RB: Lakee Simon, Manchester
RB: Devin Watford, Norview
WR: Isaiah King, Hermitage
WR: Trevion Armstrong, Matoaca
WR: Jalen Blow, Norview
WR: Avontae Ferguson, Maury
WR: Kyree Burton, Salem
UTILITY: Austin Rice, Lee-Davis
DL: Brandon Tyson, Clover Hill
DL: Javonte Spriggs, Hampton
DE: Quintin Brown, Granby
LB: Abraham (A.B.) Rhodes, Mills Godwin
LB: Kyle Powroznick, Prince George
LB: Mark Wilk, Kellum
DB: Khalil Coleman, Matoaca
DB: Richard Hanson, Prince George
DB: Tyquan Wilkins, Hampton
DB: Brady Barefoot, Gloucester
DB: David Davis, Salem
K: Fernado Pascaul-Marques, Clover Hill
RETURNER: Devon Pullen, Gloucester
RETURNER: Kyree Burton, Salem

FOOTBALL: Three Raiders Named All-5A South Region First Team Football...

Three Atlee Raiders have been named to the first-ever VHSL All-5A South Region First Team for Football this evening. Congratulations to:

OL: Alec Eberle
LB/Kick Returner: Tye Burriss
DB: Tramell Carey

FOOTBALL HONORS: Four Hawks Named to All-4A South Region Team!

Congratulations to Scott Denton, Brennan Gary, Jalen Elliott and Terrance Brooks for being named to the inaugural All-4A South Region football team!  The complete list is found below.

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE:
QB: Terrance Dingle, Denbigh
RB: Sadarius Williams, Dinwiddie; Marshawn Williams, Phoebus; Marcus Carter, Lake Taylor
WR: Jalyn Holmes, Lake Taylor; Jaquan Jenkins, Denbigh; Keyshawn Johnson, Caroline
OL: Devyn Marshall, Dinwiddie; Justice Gilbert, Lake Taylor; Walt Brantley, Phoebus; Shawn Gholson, Dinwiddie; Robert Sheppard, Heritage
K: Austin Wall, Kings Fork
KR: Timothy Holden-Bethea, Heritage
UT: Marquise Poole, Lake Taylor

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE:
DL: Jalyn Holmes, Lake Taylor; Nyquan Harris, Lake Taylor; John Branch, Dinwiddie; Kevin Lyles, Phoebus
LB: Kyle Archie, I.C. Norcom; Shiheem Johnson, Lake Taylor; Rashard Hicks, Dinwiddie; Patrick Prosser, Denbigh; Anfreny Yancey, Lake Taylor
DB: Wayne Davis, Lake Taylor; Rashaad Goodwyn, Dinwiddie; Robbie Robinson, Phoebus; Nhyre Quinerly, Lake Taylor
P: Peter Coiley, Monacan
PR: Robbie Robinson, Phoebus
UT: Fred Harris: I.C. Norcom

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE:
QB: Ronald Kearney, Dinwiddie
RB: Logan Allen, Powhatan; Deshaun Wethington, Kings Fork; Brent Hinson, Tabb
WR: Jaquan Poarch, Dinwiddie; Nhyre Quinerly, Lake Taylor; Marcus VanHook, Heritage; Darius Banks, Denbigh
OL: Scott Denton, Hanover; Matt Staul, Tabb; Spencer Dowdle, Powhatan; Anthony Williams, Lake Taylor; Darrion Turner, Heritage
K: Marquise Poole, Lake Taylor
KR: Evander Foster, I.C. Norcom
UT: Uriah Adams, Kings Fork

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE:
DL: Ian Giddings, Heritage; Logan Harper, Dinwiddie; Walt Brantley, Phoebus; Kannen Cofield, I.C. Norcom
LB: Brennan Gary, Hanover; Jaquan Yulee, Lakeland; Elijah Goode, Powhatan; Troy Durham, Phoebus
DB: Hasaan Price, Phoebus; Denzel Williams, Dinwiddie; Deverious Brown, I.C. Norcom; Chance Morris, Powhatan
P: Marquise Poole, Lake Taylor
PR: Jaquan Poarch, Dinwiddie
UT: Brandon Hereford, Glen Allen

HONORABLE MENTION:
Jalen Elliott, Hanover; Terrance Brooks, Hanover; Malik Sexton, Churchland; Latrell Sandifer, Nansemond River; L.J. Jackson, Powhatan; Antwaun Hicks, Tabb; Tre-shawn Blackston, Glen Allen; Chance Morris, Powhatan; Lorenz Thacker, Lake Taylor; Marques Harvey, I.C. Norcom; Jermonti Jones, I.C. Norcom; Jamal Earls, Phoebus; Mark Youker, Tabb; Jaquan Spratley, Smithfield; Cody Bell, Dinwiddie; Rashad Stewart, Dinwiddie; Justin Moody; Monacan, Tyquan Weston, Kings Fork; R.J. Thomas, Powhatan; Jaquan Jenkins, Denbigh; Tajh Lake, Tabb; Braxton Miller, Jamestown; Casey Evans, Tabb; Orlando McCoin, Jamestown; Jadon Goodman, Grafton; Marquell Hart, Kings Ford; Matthew Basic, Powhatan; Marvin Branch, Nansemond River

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Sadarius Williams, Dinwiddie
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nyquan Harris, Lake Taylor
COACH OF THE YEAR: Billy Mills, Dinwiddie

THE WRAP: Big Wins for PH, Hanover Girls, All Boys Teams Fall...

In basketball, the county went 2-6 on this Friday, with two girls teams leading the way to victory.

Patrick Henry survived a threat at home from John Marshall to win and improve to 5-0, 51-46 over the Justices. It was 30-30 after three quarters when the Patriots outscored the Justices to seize the victory, scoring 21 in the final eight minutes. Amber Lee had 20 points for Patrick Henry, Summer Price had 19, and Rachel Adams hit two treys for 6 points.

Hanover got its first victory of the season with a 58-44 win over Armstrong. Sarah Belcher had 11 points, Taylor Peay added nine as the Hawks improved to 1-4.

Meanwhile Atlee was blown out at Highland Springs 96-38. The Springers are a Top 5 team, current favorites in Conference 11. Ashley Weaver had 13 points to lead the Raiders, now 0-3. The Springers, in an unusual quirk of scheduling, played their season opener tonight and are 1-0, traveling to Glen Allen for a 2:30pm matinee Saturday.

Lee-Davis fell behind early, a cold start dooming them to trail 20-0 in first quarter. The Jaguars held a double digit lead all night, winning in Mechanicsville 66-33 to move to 3-1 and that matchup with Highland Springs. Future Richmond Spider Alicia Hudalla scored 13 for the Jaguars, while Kerstin Winston and Olivia Tuck each led the Confederates (1-4) with 14 apiece. Lee-Davis next plays Highland Springs, too, this time Tuesday night on the road.

In Boys Action: Hanover fell for the first time, 82-68 victims to Armstrong. Jalen Elliott led the Hawks (4-1) with 19 points.

Atlee fell behind quickly and watched Highland Springs sprint up and down the court to the tune of a 100-74 win over the Raiders. Atlee falls to 2-2.

Patrick Henry hung tough into the second half, but lost key inside man Lucas Pienkowski to injury and fell to John Marshall 62-39. Pienkowski had 16 points before leaving the game. The Justices used a 24-9 third quarter to break open a close game. Since winning their opener against Maggie Walker Governors School December 2nd, Patrick Henry has lost four straight.

And in a game heard live on HCS Media Network, Lee-Davis played the part of the pesky puppy that never leaves your ankles alone, staying with one possession of Glen Allen most of the game despite Ladarein Autry's foul trouble. Autry scored two free throws in the first half, committed his fourth foul with 6:14 left in the 3rd quarter. Despite this, Tariq Caldwell and others stepped up on both ends of the floor to keep the Confederates in the contest.

Autry returned exactly a quarter later, 6:14 left in 4Q. He managed one FG early, then hit a trey near the buzzer than only counted in cutting the margin of defeat, as Glen Allen survived 46-44 to go to 4-1.

Lee-Davis had the ball with 14.6 seconds left down 44-41. Rather than hold the ball for a chance to hit a three for the tie and force overtime, they opted to drive quickly to the basket for two to cut the lead to one, then foul the Jaguars, who were struggling from the free throw line.

But Nick Reisenweaver's layup attempt left side was woefully short. Andrew Sergent's putback attempt failed. Grayson Midulla, who led the Jaguars with 19 points, grabbed the board and was fouled. His two free throws put it away.

Lee-Davis is now 1-4 and must travel to Highland Springs on Tuesday.

WRESTLING: Two Hanover Grapplers Compete Nationally

HCS sends our best wishes to Hanover Hawks wrestlers J.D. Gregory and Corbin Allen, who head to Ohio today to compete in the Walsh Ironman National Wrestling Tournament this weekend!

Gregory, defending state champion at 113 pounds, is wrestling at 120 this year and received a #12 seed for this tournament, while Allen, state runner-up at 138 pounds in 2012-13, is now wrestling at 152 pounds and will begin the Walsh Ironman with a #10 seed.

Competition takes places Friday and Saturday; more information on the event can be found by CLICKING HERE!

Good luck Corbin and J.D.!!!

SWIMMING: Atlee Bests Hanover in Duel at RMC....

The Atlee Raiders were victorious Wednesday night over rival Hanover in swimming action at the Brock Center on the Randolph-Macon campus, winning 117-53 in girls, 129-41 in boys.  List of winners, top team finishers in events below!

Boys 200 Medley Relay
1) Atlee (Amatruda, Reutti, Edwards, Newman) 1:54.46
3) Hanover (Lara, Foster, Waller, Gauntt) 2:14.32

Girls 200 Medley Relay
1) Atlee (Beaudin, Murphy, White, Baker) 2:02.68
2) Hanover (Townsend, Browning, Gauntt, Simmons) 2:06.37

Boys 200 Freestyle
1) Chris Isabelle, Atlee (2:00.78)
3) Seth Gulas, Hanover (2:06.25)

Girls 200 Freestyle
1) Brittany Wilkerson, Atlee (2:04.03)
3) Katrina Gauntt, Hanover (2:15.66)

Boys 200 IM
1) Jeremy Edwards, Atlee (2:12.81)
4) Garrett Gauntt, Hanover (2:25.47)

Girls 200 IM
1) Sarah Browning, Hanover (2:15.50)
2) Madeline White, Atlee (2:22.65)

Boys 50 Freestyle
1) Connor O'Brien, Atlee (24.41)
2) Shane Henry, Hanover (25.94)

Girls 50 Freestyle
1) Olivia Fisher, Atlee (25.65)
2) Mattison Grant, Hanover (28.53)

Boys 100 Butterfly
1) Seth Gulas, Hanover (1:02.15)
2) Will Schroeder, Atlee (1:03.15)

Girls 100 Butterfly
1) Madeline White, Atlee (1:05.29)
4) Claire Simmons, Hanover (1:25.30)

Boys 100 Freestyle
1) Connor O'Brien, Atlee (53.85)
4) Tommy Newton, Hanover (1:04.46)

Girls 100 Freestyle
1) Olivia Fisher, Atlee (56.75)
4) Rylee Evans, Hanover (1:10.56)

Boys 500 Freestyle
1) Jeremy Edwards, Atlee (5:15.31)
4) Chandler Foster, Hanover (6:04.22)

Girls 500 Freestyle
1) Sarah Browning, Hanover (5:19.56)
2) Brittany Wilkerson, Atlee (5:24.72)

Boys 200 Freestyle Relay
1) Atlee (Seay, Isabelle, Schroeder, O'Brien) 1:39.90
3) Hanover (Foster, Henry, Evans, Gulas) 1:49.69

Girls 200 Freestyle Relay
1) Atlee (Wilkerson, Baker, Beaudin, Fisher) 1:48.88
3) Hanover (Blackburn, McClure, Loving, Evans) 2:05.79

Boys 100 Backstroke
1) Tristan Amatruda, Atlee (1:02.17)
3) Barrett White, Hanover (1:12.09)

Girls 100 Backstroke
1) Molly Murphy, Atlee (1:05.96)
4) Katrina Gauntt, Hanover (1:10.37)

Boys 100 Breaststroke
1) Andrew Newman, Atlee (1:12.87)
4) Matthew Lara, Hanover (1:21.84)

Girls 100 Breaststroke
1) Oakleigh Hogg, Atlee (1:15.18)
3) Montana Bowman, Hanover (1:33.17)

Boys 400 Freestyle Relay
1) Atlee (Seay, Amatruda, Schroeder, O'Brien) 3:41.57
3) Hanover (Gauntt, Henry, Waller, Gulas) 4:07.91

Girls 400 Freestyle Relay
1) Atlee (Wilkerson, Fisher, White, Murphy) 4:02.19
2) Hanover (Gauntt, Townsend, Simmons, Browning) 4:11.84

SNAPSHOTS: Patrick Henry/Deep Run Wrestling

A great night for Patriot grapplers, taking a 58-9 decision over Deep Run in duel action in Ashland!

SNAPSHOTS: Patrick Henry Opening Week Swimming Action!

The Patriots opened 2013-14 at home at the Ashland YMCA against rival Lee-Davis Friday and Goochland Saturday.

A look at Saturday's action, courtesy of our buddy, @glib49, chief photographer for the Hanover Herald-Progress!!

THE WRAP II: Boys Basketball Tournaments: Hanover Wins, Atlee Falls....

If the first weekend of Hanover's season is any indication, absolutely nothing will come easy this year for the Hawks.

After surviving a furious Midlothian comeback in Wednesday's opener and prevailing despite a horrid shooting night against Tucker Friday, the Hawks, to win the Conference 20 Boys Tip-Off Tournament, would have to get past the host Glen Allen Jaguars.

And, as expected, the game was nip and tuck, back and forth, and before it was over, they needed five extra minutes. But the Hawks did what they've done all week, survived. Hanover defeated the Jaguars 56-53 to win the inaugural tourney.

As they have all week, Jalen Elliott and Cutch Ellis came up clutch when it mattered most. It was a 53-53 tie with a minute left in the extra session. Hanover got the ball, and Elliott found Ellis who hit the eventual game-winning bucket. The Jaguars would miss their chance to tie/take the lead, and had to foul. Josh Harris went to the charity stripe and hit one of two free throws. The Hawks held the final seconds and the trophy was theirs.

Hanover, now 3-0, will next host 1-1 Patrick Henry in a county rivalry, non-conference affair Wednesday night in the Bird Cage.

**********************

Meanwhile, at Douglas Freeman at the Rebel Invitational Championship, the Atlee Raiders looked to capitalize on the momentum received by upsetting the host Rebels in Friday's semifinals 64-60. They would have to battle a tall, quick, disciplined St. Christopher's, a team they scrimmaged recently.

And, though they played better against the Saints tonight than in that practice event, it wasn't enough. The Saints shut down Brian Miller over three quarters, utilized a masterful trap pressure scheme, and would run away in the middle quarters to defeat the Raiders to take the tournament title, 66-51.

R.J. Jenkins led Atlee with 16 points. For Miller, seven of his 13 points came in the final quarter with the outcome little in doubt. Miller, coming off a 32-point night in the Freeman win, was named to the All-Tournament team. He remembers the frustrations of so few wins last season, and, despite Saturday's outcome, was happy about what the Rebel Invitational experience means to his young teammates.

"It's big for our team, big for our program to start off strong in a strong tournament," Miller noted courtside.

His head coach, Phil Reynolds, agreed wholeheartedly.

"It's incredible. The win against Freeman, first win against a pedigree program since I've been (at Atlee). We went 0-3 last year here, Freeman beat us by something like 35, so our kids are pumped up."

The Raiders will go deep this season, and with Reid McCoy and Travis Barton only having two practices with the team since football season ended, once they end the learning curve, the depth only gets stronger. Both played tonight, McCoy scoring four points. He'll be counted on on in the inside for a team that does lack in height.

A healthy Ross Gardner will bring height, and critical game experience, back to the team. Gardner, who missed most of the football season with a foot injury, could be back by the new year.

Tournament MVP Nick Sherod of St. Christopher's led the Saints with 22 points. The Saints go to 3-0 with wins over Albemarle (a fellow Conference 16 member with Patrick Henry in 5A North), Mills Godwin, and Atlee, all by double digits. They next play at Woodberry Forest outside Charlottesville as they begin private school play Wednesday night.

The schedule only gets tougher for the Raiders, as they have their home opener Friday versus Highland Springs, then travel to Varina Tuesday 12/17 and host the aforementioned Hanover Hawks on Thursday 12/19.

THE WRAP I: Randolph-Macon to 8-1 with rout of Hollins....

Sharing is a good thing. Just ask Randolph-Macon women's basketball.

The extra look, the extra pass. The Jackets were unselfish, efficient, and dominating Saturday in a 100-61 rout of Hollins University to move to 3-0 in the ODAC, 8-1 overall.

All of this accomplished without leading scorer Taylor Huber (21.4 ppg), out with plantar fasciitis in her foot. She'll be in a boot for a week, then re-evaluated, the foot hurt during the Jackets' 81-68 loss Thursday at Virginia Union.

(Two of Sarah Parsons' game-high 24 points. Photos courtesy of @glib49)

Sarah Parsons again led the Jackets in scoring with 24 points, but the next leading scorer was a pleasant surprise: freshman, and Atlee graduate, Stephanie Staples.

"Coach gave me a green light to score this morning," Staples said with a smile after the game.

"She didn't practice yesterday," R-MC head coach Carroll LaHaye noted, telling HCS Staples had a 101 degree fever Friday. "She got rest, but I didn't get to talk with her much Friday, so I told her today about the Richmond Times-Dispatch write-up the other day that called her a 'prolific scorer' and I said to her that's one of the reasons you're at Randolph-Macon."

Staples didn't hesitate, compiling her 16 points in just 17 minutes on the floor, going 6-of-9 from the floor, part of a stellar shooting day all around for the Jackets. They shot 53.8% from the floor, 52.9% from three-point range, and 21-of-24 at the charity stripe.

The Jackets, currently ranked 20th in the USA Today Division III Top 25 Poll, had five in double figures. In addition to Parsons and Staples, Katie Anderson, Lauren Vugteveen and Lindsey Sharman each scored ten, Sharman with impressive presence in the paint, going 4-for-4 in her 13 minutes of action.

Everyone on the roster not injured saw at least 12 minutes of playing time, maybe the most important statistic of the day going forward.  Freshmen like Marisha Berry, Andi Prugh and Taylor Intermill, the latter coming off injury which forced her to miss the first several games, got a good chance to get their feet wet in ODAC play.

The Jackets will break for exams, then head to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the 2013 Cruzin Classic, where they will face Mount. St Vincent December 18th, then the College of New Jersey on December 19th. TCNJ has already defeated fellow ODAC member Lynchburg College in the Marymount Tournament to open the season November 15th and are 5-2 overall.

Last year they went to the Sunshine State and went 0-2. They look to reverse that this year, keep their Top 25 ranking, and bond even closer as ODAC showdowns loom after January 1st.

THE WRAP: Atlee, Hanover Boys to Tournament Title Tilts, PH Girls to 2-0....

The first major upset of 2013-14 basketball belongs to the #Atlee boys team!  Brian Miller poured in 32 points as the Raiders knocked off host Douglas Freeman 64-60 to advance to the Rebel Invitational Championship Game Saturday night!

Jarris Hendricks added 8 points, while Andrew Foster and R.J. Jenkins each had 7. The Raiders will play St. Christopher's for the title. The Saints beat Mills Godwin 74-60 in the other semifinal.

Meanwhile, Hanover survived a poor shooting night to escape with a 56-54 win over J.R. Tucker in the Conference 20 Boys Tip-Off Tournament Semifinals at Glen Allen. Jalen Elliott led the Hawks with 24 points, while Jordan Wade added 15. After being behind much of the 3rd quarter, the Hawks' full-court defensive pressure eventually wore the Tigers down, create turnovers and transition baskets.

Hanover had 71 FG attempts in the game, Tucker only 43. So, even though Hanover shot 29.6% from the field and Tucker shot 44%, it was the Tigers free throw shooting that doomed them, going 9-of-16 from the charity stripe.

The Tigers had the ball with 12.8 seconds left down two but never got a shot off as the Hanover defense knocked away a pass and the clock ran out.

The Hawks (2-0) will face Glen Allen, 70-41 winners in the other semifinal over Caroline, in the 6:15pm championship game Saturday at Glen Allen.

*************************

Amber Lee led Patrick Henry with 14 points as the Patriots won its first regular season game over Deep Run in two years, a 46-42 road win. Last season, PH defeated the Wildcats in the T-DIT Tournament and the Colonial District Tournament, but lost both regularly scheduled meetings.

The Patriots improve to 2-0 on the young season and hit the yellow bus again Tuesday when they travel to Thomas Jefferson for a 6pm tipoff.

Lee-Davis fell to 1-2 with another tough offensive performance, falling 40-30 at St. Gertrude tonight. The Confederates face former Capital District, and new Conference 11 foe, Henrico on the road Tuesday.

The Atlee girls led at Hermitage in each of the first three quarters, but Destini Walker and the Panthers pulled away in the final stanza for a 56-45 victory to advance to 3-0. Atlee opens their home schedule with a Monday night matchup vs. Mills Godwin.

SWIMMING: Atlee 2nd In Opening Meet....

The Atlee Raiders began the 2013-14 aquatic season at the Brock Center at Randolph-Macon Thursday night, falling to Maggie Walker Governors School while defeating Goochland in a double duel meet.

The Green Dragons won 194 to 146 over Atlee, while the Raiders defeated Goochland 261-70. In boys action, the scores were MWGS 90, Atlee 80 and Atlee 130, Goochland 34.  In girls action, it was MWGS 104, Atlee 66 and Atlee 131, Goochland 36.

Atlee individual performances on note:

--Chris Isabelle won the Boys 50 Freestyle in 23.90 and the 100 Freestyle in 54.69
--Mica Baker was 2nd in the Girls 50 Freestyle in 27.00, losing to Livvy Call of MWGS by .06.
--Michele Mackey won the Girls 100 Butterfly in 1:02.91.
--Morgan Steiner won the Girls 500 Freestyle in 6:00.62.
--Mackey and Erin Meeker were 2nd/3rd in Girls 100 Breaststroke...
--Wyatt Grubb won the Boys 100 Backstroke by almost 5 seconds at 57.26.
--In a photo finish, MWGS Boys 400 Freestyle Relay team nipped the Atlee team of Noah Mackey, Isabelle, Ben Whisnant and Wyatt Grubb, 3:33.66 to 3:33.94.

The Raiders return to the pool to battle rival Hanover next Wednesday, 12/11, at Randolph-Macon.

Big River Rivalry All-Star Football Game Players Announced!

Eight Hanover County players will play for the North team in the first-ever "Big River Rivalry" all-star high school football game on Saturday, December 21st, 1pm at Day Field on the campus of Randolph-Macon in Ashland!

Congratulations to the following student-athletes:

ATLEE: Tye Burriss, Nick Clarke
HANOVER: Scott Denton, Brennan Gary, Josh Harris
LEE-DAVIS: Donald Kidd, Austin Rice
PATRICK HENRY: Si Strong

A complete list of both North and South rosters is available at our sister site, HenricoCountySports.net, by clicking HERE.

EXCLUSIVE: Instant Classic on Opening Night as Hanover Survives Midlothian....

Few times at the high school level do basketball teams overcome a 32-10 deficit. But the Midlothian Trojans did just that and turned a potential blowout into a classic opener tonight at Hanover.

The Trojans came all the way back to tie the game at 69 late in the fourth quarter. But when it mattered most, Hanover shined at the free throw line and held on for dear life to win their season opener in the Conference 20 Tip-Off Tournament 77-73.

Cutch Ellis, who briefly took the game over with 10 points in the first 2 1/2 minutes of the second quarter, led the way with 28 points. The Hawks had leads in the period of 26-8 and 32-10. But Hanover's achilles heel was fouls, committing 14 in the first half.

   (Cutch Ellis drives for two of his game-high 28 points for Hanover)

Midlothian star guard Korey Turner would take advantage, hitting eight free throws and scoring 14 overall in the second quarter himself. His personal 10-point run helped the Trojans cut the lead to 12 by halftime, 39-27.

Turner's dominance was key as Midlothian hung around and hung around in the third quarter, frustratingly unable to cut into the lead, but staying without shouting distance. They turned up their defensive full-court pressure as the fourth quarter began, happily trading foul shot opportunities for the Hawks for several turnovers, fueling the Midlothian effort.

Luke Milanovic got hot inside, scoring 9 of his 15 points in the final stanza. It was down to five at 61-56 at 4:52 to go, then another 5-2 run made it 63-61. But freshman Jason Wade, who scored 12 points in his varsity debut, had a key steal and score to make it 65-61 with 3:15 to go.

"I've known Jason for a long time, and he has a very high basketball IQ," Hanover head coach Darren Thornton said. "He's a very even-keel kid, plays hard, and plays the right way."

(Midlothian's Korey Turner fights Jordan Wade for the ball in first half action...)

Midlothian's final push was still to come, as another Hanover turnover gave the Trojans a shot at the lead with a trey. Sammy Hooper was fouled, though, and he responded with two free throws to tie the game 69-69 with 89 seconds left. It was now that the Hawks would be clutch from the charity stripe.

Ellis was fouled and he hit two. Hooper traveled with 31 seconds left, forcing the Trojans to immediately foul Jalen Elliott playing the point. He nailed two from the line, the lead was back to four. Turner, who was money all night at the line, missed two free throws with 14 seconds left after a freshman mistake by Jason Wade, fouling him from behind bringing it up court led him there.

The Hawks went 3-of-4 in their final free throws, and Turner nailed a trey, finishing the night with 32 points, as the final seconds ticked away.

"We practice free throws every day," Ellis said after the game. "At the beginning and the end of practice we work on free throws, and it came in clutch."

"It's always a good experience when you get tested like this," Thornton noted. "It's an even greater experience when you get tested and come away with a 'W'."

Hanover, at 1-0, advances to Friday's winner's bracket to play J.R. Tucker, 52-39 winners over Powhatan in tonight's opening game at Hanover. Tip-off will be at 6pm at Glen Allen High School. Midlothian (0-1) will face Powhatan in the consolation bracket at 6pm Thursday at Glen Allen.

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Congratulations to the Atlee Raiders, who won their opening round game in the 2013 Rebel Invitational at Douglas Freeman, 60-54 over Collegiate. The Raiders advance to semifinal action Friday night, 6:45 at Douglas Freeman.

In girls action, Hanover fell to Midlothian 87-37 in their season opener in a quarterfinal game played at J.R. Tucker. Hanover will play Powhatan in the consolation round tomorrow night.

2013 5A South All-Region Girls Volleyball!

(County honorees in bold and italics, other Central Region honorees in bold...)

1ST TEAM:

Jaelyn Jackson (Matoaca)
Rachel Stanford (Atlee)
Clarke Tyler (Atlee)
Emily Plumlee (Hickory)
Alex Toben (Princess Anne)
Rachel Wadsworth (Kellam)
Reilly King (Kellam)
Courtney Wiseman (LC Bird)
Chelsea Matthews (Lee-Davis)
Margaret Latchford (Princess Anne--Libero)

2ND TEAM:

Alyssa Presto (Princess Anne)
Rachel Harris (Hickory)
T.C. Clubb (Manchester)
Sam Morton (Manchester)
Rachel Frankenberger (Kellam)
Julia Stech (LC Bird)
Brook Snead (Manchester)
Kennedy Sutton (Hickory)
Melanie Snyder (Atlee--Libero)

Player of the Year: Alex Toben (Princess Anne)
Coach of the Year: Curtis Carpenter (Atlee)

SNAPSHOTS: Opening Night at Patrick Henry......

THE WRAP: Opening Night of High School Hoops; R-MC Women's Hoops to 7-0....

They tipped off for real tonight across the Central Region as the 2013-14 high school basketball season began in earnest.

In Ashland, the Patrick Henry girls team begins what could be a special season with five senior starters and some exciting new talent. The Patriots raced on a 20-0 run in the first quarter en route to an easy 51-8 win over Maggie Walker Governors School.  Summer Price led the Patriots with 18 points, while Amber Lee added 12, and India Coles had 9, all of them in that first quarter roll.

"We're definitely pleased with the outcome", Patrick Henry head coach Phillip Cobb said.

In boys' action, the Patriots broke open in the second quarter to take a 37-27 halftime lead on Maggie Walker, only to see their offense disappear in the second half.  Their defense held off a late Green Dragon rally and Patrick Henry won, 47-40. Lucas Pienkowski led the Patriots with 19 points, all coming after he sat out the first quarter.  Sophomores Jamal Foy and James Pinder each had eight points.

Both Patriot teams step up in competition Friday when they travel to face Deep Run; the girls first at 6pm, followed by the boys game.

---Lee-Davis' girls hoops squad began 2013-14 tonight with a defensive struggle, defeating visiting Dinwiddie 39-25.  Olivia Tuck led the Confederates with 12 points. Lee-Davis next plays Thursday at home against Colonial Heights.

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In college hoops, the "Patrick Henry Reunion" took place Tuesday night as Katie Anderson, Taylor Huber and the Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets battled host Bridgewater, the new home to Tyler and Jasmine, the Pinder Twins, in ODAC action.

It was Anderson who led with 19 points as the Jackets improved to 2-0 in ODAC play, 7-0 overall, with a 99-81 triumph over the Eagles. Huber added 18 as did Sarah Parsons, while Hannah Livermon had 16 off the bench.

Jasmine Pinder saw six minutes of action for Bridgewater and had two rebounds, an assist and a steal, while Tyler played for three minutes.

The Jackets now step up to face Division II Virginia Union in Richmond on Thursday at 7pm.

SNAPSHOTS: Atlee vs. LC Bird

Click THIS LINK to visit our Facebook page for photos from last night's Class 5A South Regional Semifinal between Atlee and LC Bird!

SUDDEN HALT: Atlee's Dream Season Has Nightmarish End At LC Bird.....

This was not the way anyone in Raider Nation envisioned a dream season to end.

On a night where the Atlee Raiders had a chance to take a giant step towards their goal of creating a football program within the upper echelon of the Central Region, they came to Chester to face the current top dog, the LC Bird Skyhawks, winners of 26 in a row.

From the opening kickoff to the final gun, the Skyhawks showed why they are the favorites to repeat as state champions, routing the Raiders 46-10 to end Atlee's 2013 season, the best in the school's nearly quarter-century history, at 11-2.

It literally began on the opening kickoff. Atlee won the toss and deferred, asking their defense to set the tone against Terrance Ervin and Earl Hughes, the quarterback and tailback primarily responsible for the 581 points scored by LC Bird in their first 12 wins. A personal foul penalty on the Raiders gave Bird the ball at their 42 instead of their 27.

In a foreshadowing of the next three quarters, Hughes took a handoff right up the middle, broke left and took off for a 43-yard gain. A personal foul face mask penalty on the tackle by the Raiders set the Skyhawks up at first and goal at the Atlee 10.

Three plays later, Ervin ran it in from 10 yards out for a lightning-fast 7-0. The Raiders, responded, but not without the uneven play that has plagued their offense in the postseason.

On the first play from scrimmage, Atlee quarterback Reid McCoy had Daniel Glymph behind the Skyhawk secondary. But he waited an extra second and underthrew the ball, giving the Bird defender time to recover and almost intercept the pass. A quicker, longer strike in stride makes it 7-7 and could have easily changed the tone of the game.

Atlee did strike on the next play, McCoy finding Tramell Carey on a slant pattern for 62 yards up the middle, but then they stalled, settling for a Ryan Molin 25-yard field goal. Bird led 7-3 at 7:12 left first quarter.

The Skyhawks, who would never punt tonight, stalled, facing fourth and three at their 38. Lining up to punt, they faked it, and Rasheed Worsham, their leading wideout, bounced off an Atlee defender and fell forward to the 42 for a first down.  Bird drove down the field, and, spelling Hughes for a play, the upback in the I-formation, Darius Gillus, who had all of six rushes all season, raced into the end zone from 15 yards out. The six-minute drive established Bird's dominance, a momentum swing that never went back the other way. A missed PAT made it 13-3.

Early second quarter, Bird drove to the Atlee 32. They faced another fourth down, and talked it over in a timeout. In the end it was an easy decision, giving the ball to Hughes, who, rather than running behind his big line, bounced to the outside, taking advantage of the tight Raider formation, making the corner and scoring the touchdown. A two-point conversion made it 21-3.

After another Hughes score, this time a 46-yard pass reception from Ervin, the Atlee offense showed signs of life, driving quickly downfield, culminating in a Reid McCoy two-yard run for what would be the Raiders' only touchdown of the night. But it made the score 28-10 with 1:07 left in the half. Getting the second half kickoff, there was a glimmer of hope for Atlee.

But Bird snuffed it out taking a page out of the Atlee playbook. The Skyhawks took 65 of the remaining 67 seconds in the half, marching down the field again, scoring on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Ervin to Hughes, as Devon Jackson's swipe at the ball at the goal line on secondary defense whiffed. A missed PAT made the halftime score 34-10.

The Raiders spent the second half mostly on defense, the offense simply unable to get on track. For the night, the Raiders earned 130 total yards, only nine of them on the ground.  Lamont Stubbs and Loumond Dandridge were complete non-factors.

Meanwhile, Hughes rushed for 265 of his 423 yards in the first half, finishing the night just above his season average (9.4 yds per carry) at 9.6 on 44 carries. Two more Hughes TD runs, one in each quarter, accounted for the Skyhawks second half scoring.

In his final game under center in high school, McCoy was 7-of-14 for 121 yards and the lone rushing touchdown.

LC Bird, now 13-0 advances to the 5A South Championship Game next Saturday, hosting Eastern Zone Champion Salem (Virginia Beach), who defeated Green Run tonight 27-7 to move to 11-2. They are the top seed from the Eastern draw.

As for Atlee?  They finish the best season in school history at 11-2, and, for tonight, that's little solace for the Raiders, especially their seniors, who together had dreamed a state title as their last hurrah.

But consider the following facts before dismissing the Raiders' poor performance tonight:

1) Their 11 wins in best in a single season in school history.
2) The Raiders had never played three playoff games in the same year until tonight.
3) Atlee defeated Varina for the first time in 15 years, beat Varina and Highland Springs in the same season, and, had the old Central Region format still been in affect, they would have won the Capital District title at 7-0.
4) They send two offensive lineman to Division I programs, with other seniors expected to play collegiately next season and beyond.
5) Atlee did what their arch-rivals, Hanover, had done each of the last four seasons: play football past Thanksgiving.

The Raiders will lose a lot to graduation, including Eberle, Clarke, McCoy, Stubbs, Tye Burriss and others.

But they return a fine nucleus, including Dandridge, Carey, Austin Cannon (another D-1 OL prospect), C.J. Tilton, Chad Vanlandingham, Tanner Ramey, Zach Jacobs, J.J. Givens, and freshman lineman Mason Cooper. They'll need a new quarterback, and a new quarterback on defense with Burriss graduating.

The JV program is doing well.  They'll be young, but head coach Roscoe Johnson's 8th season at the helm will be back, and will be a force in 5A South, trying once again to take the next step.

Tonight, though, was not their night to step forward.

Happy Thanksgiving From HCS!

Our best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

We will spend the day enjoying family, food, and the many blessings we've received, and will return Friday with a complete preview of the Atlee/LC Bird Class 5A South Central Championship game on Friday night!