Falcons Nest - April 26th
Falcons are reaching the end of regular season competitions
Varsity Boys Tennis
This week showcased a mix of victories and challenges for the boy's tennis team. They demonstrated their talent with resounding 9-0 triumphs over Grace Christian and Fayetteville Christian, showcasing their dedication and skill on the court. However, they encountered a setback with a 9-0 loss to Carmel Christian, a formidable opponent in the 4-A category.
This week showcased a mix of victories and challenges for the boy's tennis team. They demonstrated their talent with resounding 9-0 triumphs over Grace Christian and Fayetteville Christian, showcasing their dedication and skill on the court. However, they encountered a setback with a 9-0 loss to Carmel Christian, a formidable opponent in the 4-A category.
A notable highlight amidst these matches was the return of Ethan Kim, the team's number two singles player, after a three-week hiatus due to a shoulder injury. Despite his limited capacity, Ethan displayed resilience by contributing to the team's success with a win in doubles against Fayetteville Christian. Although facing constraints due to his injury, Ethan's determination shone through.
The team also celebrated their two seniors this week, Owen Williams and Will Kitchens. This is the second year the two have lead as team captains and will provide difficult shoes to fill in the years to come. Coaches, teammates, and parents commented on their dedication to their craft and the excitement to watch them grow and go onto great things. O’Neal Tennis has been made better by both of their influences and excellence.
Looking ahead, the team remains optimistic about regaining full strength in the coming week. Will Kitchens, leading the Falcons as the number one player, continues to impress with his stellar performance and unwavering commitment, bolstering the team's morale as they approach the final stages of the season. With their collective talent and perseverance, the Falcons are poised for further triumphs in the upcoming matches.
Middle School Golf
O’Neal vs Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill 198-204, W
The O'Neal Middle School golf team ventured to Durham for a face-off against TSDCH at Hillandale Golf Course this Wednesday. Exuding pure joy and enthusiasm for the sport, the O'Neal team triumphed with a total score of 198, surpassing their competitors who finished with 204. The day witnessed an intense battle on the greens, highlighted by a three-way tie for the lowest score of the day, with a player from Trinity, Luke Valkovics, and Zeyu Zhao all posting an impressive 38, just two over par. Noteworthy performances continued as Logan Beck secured second place with a 49, showcasing a breathtaking birdie shot from a bunker on the 17th hole. Meanwhile, Preston maintained his momentum and positive mindset throughout the week, culminating in a solid third-place finish with a score of 51. Despite the ups and downs of the game, the team's resilience and ability to maintain focus on the next hole were evident, reflecting their ongoing improvement to the sport.
O’Neal vs Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill 198-204, W
The O'Neal Middle School golf team ventured to Durham for a face-off against TSDCH at Hillandale Golf Course this Wednesday. Exuding pure joy and enthusiasm for the sport, the O'Neal team triumphed with a total score of 198, surpassing their competitors who finished with 204. The day witnessed an intense battle on the greens, highlighted by a three-way tie for the lowest score of the day, with a player from Trinity, Luke Valkovics, and Zeyu Zhao all posting an impressive 38, just two over par. Noteworthy performances continued as Logan Beck secured second place with a 49, showcasing a breathtaking birdie shot from a bunker on the 17th hole. Meanwhile, Preston maintained his momentum and positive mindset throughout the week, culminating in a solid third-place finish with a score of 51. Despite the ups and downs of the game, the team's resilience and ability to maintain focus on the next hole were evident, reflecting their ongoing improvement to the sport.
Boys Varsity Golf
The boys golf team placed 4th out of 20 teams in The Pinecrest Invitational held at Pinehurst No. 9 on Wednesday. In a filed full of Division 1 college commits, William Huntley and Jack Halloran led the Falcons and were named to the All-Tournament team. Huntley’s putter got hot on the back nine as he birdied four of his last five holes on his way to a third-place finish posting a team leading score of 70 (-2). Jack Halloran finished T8 while fighting back on the final nine with three birdies to shoot 71 (-1). Andrew Hobbs closed things out with a solid 76 (+4). The Falcons face Westchester Country Day at Jamestown Park on Monday to close out the regular season.
The boys golf team placed 4th out of 20 teams in The Pinecrest Invitational held at Pinehurst No. 9 on Wednesday. In a filed full of Division 1 college commits, William Huntley and Jack Halloran led the Falcons and were named to the All-Tournament team. Huntley’s putter got hot on the back nine as he birdied four of his last five holes on his way to a third-place finish posting a team leading score of 70 (-2). Jack Halloran finished T8 while fighting back on the final nine with three birdies to shoot 71 (-1). Andrew Hobbs closed things out with a solid 76 (+4). The Falcons face Westchester Country Day at Jamestown Park on Monday to close out the regular season.
Varsity Girls Soccer
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Final Score: 3-0, W
Some days it’s quite warm, and others there’s still a chill in the air; it must be spring in the Sandhills. Spring often brings to mind blooming and rebirth and other such metaphors for the seasons’ changing, but this week the O’Neal varsity girls soccer team has embodied another kind of spring: those coiled-up pieces of metal that make things bounce!
The team bounced back from the disappointment of last week’s loss and postponed game in many ways. The Falcons hosted Freedom Christian on Tuesday and cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Hadassah Niswender, Jordin Reed, and Allie Webb. The opposing goalie made 19 saves to keep the scoreline closer than the game actually was.
O’Neal vs Village Christian Final Score: 5-0, W
They then travelled to Village Christian yet again to play the last 47 minutes of a game that had been suspended because of lightning. O’Neal entered with a 2-goal lead and bounced with energy the rest of the game to add three more goals against one of the toughest defenses they’ve faced. Two goals bounced into the net off the foot of Charli Bunder, and one from Jaleesa Eichel. The Falcons defense also held strong against the likely conference runners up, thanks in part to the addition of Caroline Lee who has bounced back from a pre-season foot surgery and has finally been cleared to play.
They then travelled to Village Christian yet again to play the last 47 minutes of a game that had been suspended because of lightning. O’Neal entered with a 2-goal lead and bounced with energy the rest of the game to add three more goals against one of the toughest defenses they’ve faced. Two goals bounced into the net off the foot of Charli Bunder, and one from Jaleesa Eichel. The Falcons defense also held strong against the likely conference runners up, thanks in part to the addition of Caroline Lee who has bounced back from a pre-season foot surgery and has finally been cleared to play.
The bus rides and practices have seen the team bouncing with renewed joy and hope for a deep playoff run. The regular season conference play will end on Friday 4/26 as O’Neal hosts Northwood Temple at 4pm. On Monday they’ll play one more regular-season non-conference game against the only team to beat them last season, Grace Christian of Sanford. With a likely bye through the first round of the conference tournament, the Falcons will begin the playoffs on Thursday with the conference semi-finals and plan to bounce on to the conference championship next Friday 5/3. All games are likely to be at home!
Middle School Baseball
RUNS | HITS | RBIs | BB | SO | ||
W | O’Neal | 10 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 1 |
L | South Wake | 4 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
The Falcons began their game on the defensive against the Sabres who struck “first blood” in the third inning scoring one run. Nonetheless, the team quickly gathered and gained the lead, never looking back. Jaxon Graves went 2-2 on the day with clutch bases hits including one double and two RBI’s. Liam Enslin continues his hitting streak while Parker Maxwell and Owen West each collected one hit.
Enslin started on the hill for the Falcons. He pitched three innings allowing two runs (none earned) and striking out one while walking one. Parker Maxwell and Christian Baker pitched one inning each as relievers. Behind the Pitching, catcher Kaiden Taveras performed exceptionally well behind the plate. He threw out one runner and was the backbone of the pitching rotation. Noticeably, Ford Kuester’s defense in right field was outstanding. He threw out two runners at first base from right field, stealing hits and opportunity from the Sabres. His baseball savvy and situational awareness saved the team at least three potential runs.
Overall, the team performed well. The Falcons are a learning team and continue to develop as we approach our final games of the season. We have two remaining contests before the conference championship.
Varsity Baseball
RUNS | HITS | RBIs | BB | SO | ||
W | O’Neal | 2 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 12 |
L | Freedom Christian Academy | 1 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 10 |
Jake Shepherd strikes out 10 batters as the winning pitcher over 7 innings against FCA on Tuesday. The conference game was the second with FCA ending in a split for regular season play and sending a message to the league that the Falcons are ready to compete with anyone.
Jacob Bates delivered an RBI fielder’s choice in the third to put the Falcons on top. Camden Harrell drew a walk in the fourth inning and Max Pashley laced a moonshot off the top of the fence going 2 for 3 on the day with a double. June Thomas executed a brilliant at-bat to drive in the winning run with a full-count double scoring Harrell. Jackson Mullis collected a stolen base on the day.
Jake Shepherd completed the game and won his last start in conference play. He delivered. 30Ks facing 79 batters in the regular season. Shephard averaged under 4 pitches per batter, walking only 8. He led the team with a 1.316 ERA.
RUNS | HITS | RBIs | BB | SO | ||
L | O’Neal | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
W | Village Christian Academy | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
VCA splits regular season play in a 1-0 loss on Wednesday. The game picked up in the bottom of the 2nd inning from a previous weather hold earlier this month. VCA started the day with a runner on 2nd base and scored on a dribbler to third, locking in the only run of a two-day contest. June Thomas delivered a stellar performance pitching 6 innings and striking out 7 batters. Thomas also collected a hit alongside Ricky Mullis, Jacob Shepherd, and Jacob Bates.
The loss puts O’Neal in 2nd place going into the final conference season game on Friday vs Northwood Temple Academy. Conference playoffs start Tuesday of next week.
Photos by Wendy Hodges
Photos by Wendy Hodges
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