Falcons Nest - January 31
FALCONS FINISH UP REGULAR SEASON PLAY
All-School Cheer:
The All-School Cheer team brought energy and enthusiasm to the middle school girls & boys basketball games against Berean Baptist Academy. With Berean Baptist also bringing their cheer squad, the night was filled with school spirit and excitement. The Falcon cheerleaders engaged the crowd, showcased their sportsmanship, and created a lively atmosphere for the teams. It was a fantastic way to close out the season, and we hope to see them back on the sidelines for a postseason playoff game.
Middle School Boys Basketball:
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian 33-46 L
The Falcons faced off against Freedom Christian team in a tough conference road matchup on Monday night. The Falcons struggled to find their rhythm against Freedom Christian's defense. The Falcons saw some bright spots offensively with good ball movement but could not capitalize on open shots. The Falcons made a push to come back in the second half but ended up falling short. The Falcons will use this loss as a learning experience and continue to work hard in practice to improve before their next game.
O’Neal vs. Fayetteville Academy 39-26 W
The Falcons hosted a home conference game on Tuesday evening. The Falcons came out strong against Fayetteville Academy securing a solid 39-26 win. The Falcons displayed great defense throughout the game, forcing turnovers and limiting Fayetteville Academy’s scoring opportunities. Offensively, the Falcons were able to move the ball well and capitalize on open shots. The Falcons closed the game with all 14 athletes playing quality minutes. Overall, it was a well-rounded team effort, and the Falcons will look to continue building good habits.
O’Neal vs. Berean Baptist Academy 34-54 L
The Falcons hosted conference opponent Berean Baptist Academy on Thursday night. The Falcons came out strong offensively going back and forth with Berean scoring basket for basket. The Falcons went into the half scoring 21pts and down 21-24 on the scoreboard. The Falcons made a great effort to keep battling offensively and defensively but turnovers and offensive rebounds would cost them. The team remains focused on improving and will look to bounce back in their next contest. The Falcons have qualified for the Conference Playoffs as one of the top 4 teams and remain focused on doing well in postseason play.
Varsity Boys Basketball:
The Falcons wrapped up a challenging stretch of games, continuing to show growth, resilience, and teamwork as they prepare for postseason play.
The Falcons wrapped up a challenging stretch of games, continuing to show growth, resilience, and teamwork as they prepare for postseason play.
O’Neal vs. Cape Fear Christian Academy FINAL: 31-72, L
Playing back-to-back road games, the Falcons faced a tough Cape Fear Christian team that started strong. After a slow start, the Falcons picked up their pace and found their rhythm offensively but were unable to contain the Eagles' momentum. Despite the loss, the team maintained their composure and fought until the final buzzer. Freshman Jacob Lindsey led the scoring effort with 13 points, followed by Max Pashley (7 points), Ford Kuester (5 points), Caleb Jones (4 points), and Joseph Lucas (2 points).
O’Neal vs. Trinity Christian School FINAL: 29-71, L
The Falcons returned home for their final regular season home game on Senior Night, honoring Max Pashley and Jack Manning in front of a supportive crowd. The team showed flashes of strong defense and offensive execution but could not overcome the strength of the Crusaders. The continued improvement throughout the season is promising as the Falcons head into postseason play. Freshman Mike Lewis led with 11 points, while Grant Sowell added 9. Jack Manning and Ford Kuester chipped in 3 points each, with Max Pashley contributing 2 and Jacob Lindsey 1. The Falcons will miss their seniors but are proud of the foundation they have built for the future.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy Final: 34-93, L
Back on the road Tuesday night, the Falcons took on Freedom Christian, who started hot with early big shots. Despite a tough opponent, O’Neal played strong defense and showcased great teamwork, particularly in the first half. Though a young squad, the Falcons continue to develop their chemistry, laying the groundwork for future success. Freshman Jacob Lindsey once again led the charge with 14 points, while Max Pashley added 10. Mike Lewis and Grant Sowell contributed 5 points each.
The Falcons will close out their regular season on the road Friday night against Berean Baptist Academy, with a 7:00 p.m. tip-off.
Middle School Girls Basketball:
The O'Neal Middle School Girls Basketball team wrapped up the regular season with three hard-fought matchups, showing resilience, growth, and determination along the way.
The O'Neal Middle School Girls Basketball team wrapped up the regular season with three hard-fought matchups, showing resilience, growth, and determination along the way.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy FINAL: 22-54, L
The Falcons faced a tough, physical opponent and fell 54-22 in a game that tested their ability to handle relentless full-court pressure. While the outcome wasn’t in their favor, the experience was invaluable, reinforcing the importance of composure, strength, and movement against aggressive defense.
The Falcons faced a tough, physical opponent and fell 54-22 in a game that tested their ability to handle relentless full-court pressure. While the outcome wasn’t in their favor, the experience was invaluable, reinforcing the importance of composure, strength, and movement against aggressive defense.
O’Neal vs. Village Christian Academy FINAL: 36-9, W
In their final road game of the season, the Falcons bounced back in dominant fashion, securing a 36-9 victory. Their defensive intensity set the tone, forcing turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities. Strong teamwork and hustle allowed them to control the pace and execute efficiently on offense.
In their final road game of the season, the Falcons bounced back in dominant fashion, securing a 36-9 victory. Their defensive intensity set the tone, forcing turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities. Strong teamwork and hustle allowed them to control the pace and execute efficiently on offense.
O’Neal vs. Berean Baptist Academy FINAL: 44-17, W
Closing out the regular season at home, the Falcons delivered another impressive performance, winning 44-17. Their active 3-2 zone disrupted passing lanes, leading to transition points, while the newly introduced press showed early promise. With the conference tournament ahead, this game provided key insights into defensive rotations and strategy.
Closing out the regular season at home, the Falcons delivered another impressive performance, winning 44-17. Their active 3-2 zone disrupted passing lanes, leading to transition points, while the newly introduced press showed early promise. With the conference tournament ahead, this game provided key insights into defensive rotations and strategy.
The players continue to work tirelessly and improve with each game. I am incredibly proud of their effort and can’t wait to see them compete in the tournament!
Varsity Girls Basketball:
O’Neal vs Trinity Christian School FINAL: 42-39, W
The Lady Falcons hosted their final regular season home game on Friday, 1/24, against Trinity Christian. The Lady Falcons demonstrated resilience in a hard-fought battle, ultimately handing Trinity their first conference loss with a 42-39 victory. From the opening tip-off, the Falcons displayed energy and intensity, showcasing their determination and fight by overcoming a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Key performances from several players propelled The O'Neal School to victory, with Gigi Gabrielle leading the charge with 14 points. Judah Sibley also delivered a notable performance, narrowly missing a double-double with 13 points and 9 rebounds.
O’Neal vs Trinity Christian School FINAL: 42-39, W
The Lady Falcons hosted their final regular season home game on Friday, 1/24, against Trinity Christian. The Lady Falcons demonstrated resilience in a hard-fought battle, ultimately handing Trinity their first conference loss with a 42-39 victory. From the opening tip-off, the Falcons displayed energy and intensity, showcasing their determination and fight by overcoming a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Key performances from several players propelled The O'Neal School to victory, with Gigi Gabrielle leading the charge with 14 points. Judah Sibley also delivered a notable performance, narrowly missing a double-double with 13 points and 9 rebounds.
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy FINAL: 48-54, L
The Lady Falcons traveled to Fayetteville to face off against Freedom Christian, engaging in a fiercely contested game that went down to the wire, ultimately falling short with a final score of 48-54. Despite the loss, the Lady Falcons showcased their unwavering determination, unrelenting fight, and unity throughout the game. Judah Sibley led the team with 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Jamaya Hooker added 14 points and 9 rebounds. The Lady Falcons will return to action on Friday, January 31, in Fayetteville, taking on Berean Baptist at 5:30 p.m., aiming to conclude their regular season with a win and advance to conference tournament play with a record of 11-5 and 9-3 in the conference.
Varsity Swimming
The men’s and women’s swim teams are diligently preparing for the NCISAA State Championships, focusing on sharpening their skills and fine-tuning their techniques. The championship meet will take place at the Greensboro Aquatic Center on February 11, with events beginning at 8:45 AM. The Falcons look forward to showcasing their hard work and competitive spirit on the state stage.
The men’s and women’s swim teams are diligently preparing for the NCISAA State Championships, focusing on sharpening their skills and fine-tuning their techniques. The championship meet will take place at the Greensboro Aquatic Center on February 11, with events beginning at 8:45 AM. The Falcons look forward to showcasing their hard work and competitive spirit on the state stage.
Falcon Athletics Looking Ahead - 2/3/25 - 2/7/25:
Conference Play will be announced this weekend. Check the school’s calendar and socials next week for updates.
Photos by Wendy Hodges.
Conference Play will be announced this weekend. Check the school’s calendar and socials next week for updates.
Photos by Wendy Hodges.
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
MON | 2/3/2025 | SEMSAC SEMIS | MSBKB | TBD | TBD |
MON | 2/3/2025 | SEMSAC SEMIS | MSGBKB | TBD | TBD |
TUE | 2/4/2025 | SAC Quarterfinals | VBBKB | TBD | TBD |
TUE | 2/4/2025 | SAC Quarterfinals | VGBKB | TBD | TBD |
THU | 2/6/2025 | SEMSAC FINALS | MSBKB | TBD | TBD |
THU | 2/6/2025 | SEMSAC FINALS | MSGBKB | TBD | TBD |
THU | 2/6/2025 | SAC Semifinals | VBBKB | TBD | TBD |
THU | 2/6/2025 | SAC Semifinals | VGBKB | TBD | TBD |
FRI | 2/7/2025 | SAC Championship | VBBKB | TBD | TBD |
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