O’Neal weekly sports update
Varsity Boys Basketball:
O’Neal vs Village Christian Academy FINAL 52-42, W
The Falcons opened conference play on the road with a win against Village Christian Academy. The Falcons got off to a hot start offensively and defensively making shots and finishing the first quarter up 18-6. The Falcons continued the strong play and got to the free throw line 11 times in the second half. This was a total team effort, with all 9 players seeing action and 7 players entering the score book. Freshman Jacob Lindsey led Falcons in scoring with 15 points, while Max Pashley added 13 points. Assisting the charge included Grant Sowell (12 points), Joseph Lucas (6 points), Mike Lewis (2 points), Jack Manning (2 points), and Harrison Buchan (2 points). The Falcons head into break with a 1-1 record and will be on the road Monday December 2nd vs. Northwood Temple.
Varsity Girls Basketball:
O’Neal vs Village Christian Academy FINAL 58-16, W
The Lady Falcons hit the road on Tuesday, November 19, to take on Village Christian Academy in Fayetteville. The team secured a commanding 58-16 victory, controlling the game on both ends of the court through all four quarters. Kennedi Hamner had an outstanding performance, contributing eight points, seven rebounds, and seven steals. Judah Sibley led the scoring with 15 points and added six steals, while GiGi Gabriele chipped in 14 points to help seal the win.
O’Neal vs South Wake Sabres FINAL 18-45, L
On Thursday, November 21, the Lady Falcons hosted their second home game of the season against the South Wake Sabers. Despite a strong defensive effort, they fell 45-18. The Falcons forced several turnovers early in the game but continued to battle in the second half. Judah Sibley led the team in scoring with nine points. Although they didn’t secure the win, the team showed growth and resilience as they continue to develop their chemistry on the court.
The Lady Falcons will return to action on Monday, December 2, when they travel to face Northwood Temple Academy in their second conference matchup of the season.
Middle School and Varsity Swimming
O’Neal vs Grace Christian FINAL Women 53-21, W Men 52-24, W
The O’Neal Falcons Middle School and Varsity Swim Teams hosted Grace Christian on Thursday evening securing a decisive victory.
The Middle School team had standout efforts from the Women’s B 200-yard Medley Relay team of Lucy Edmond, Olivia Garcia, Heather Anton-Botengan, and Marley Pace, who placed third in their first relay of the season. The Men’s 200-yard Free B Relay team, featuring Alessandro Vecchiettini, Eli Williams, Adrian Rodriguez, and Tanner Kennedy, also earned a third-place finish. Lucy Edmond delivered a stellar performance in the 100-yard Backstroke, finishing less than four seconds away from a State Championship qualifying time. Ava Bozovich added to the highlights with significant time drops in the 50-yard Freestyle and 100-yard Breaststroke.
For the Varsity Falcons, several swimmers achieved new State qualifying times. Abigail Schuup qualified in the 200 Free and 100 Back, Sam Schmitz in the 200 IM, Carson Pusser in the 50 Free, Morgan Lewis in the 100 Free, and Bethany Risseeuw in the 100 Back. Harrison O’Connor recorded significant time drops in the 200 Free and 100 Back, while Malia Stone impressed with her speed and resilience in back-to-back events.
Both teams are focusing on training and technical improvements as they continue to practice over break to prepare for their next meet against Saint Thomas More Academy on December 12.
photo from Wendy Hodges, article contributed.
