SPORTS BRIEFS

Can you dig it? Taylor McNeely can

L.C. Bird team leader and spark plug Taylor McNeely reached a career milestone during their loss to Mills Godwin in the 5A South Region tournament- she tallied her 1,000th career dig and set a school record. A player not built on size (5-3), but hustle and heart, digs require both of those. McNeely is often seen on the floor going after loose balls, making friends with the hardwood. Conference 12 coach of the year Caroline Brown called McNeely competitive and confident saying that she’s a hustler with extreme heart. McNeely will attend Bridgewater in the fall and play volleyball.

Another Lady Skyhawk in the college ranks

L.C. Bird setter Heidl Grossnickle was the second Skyhawk to commit and should be the second of three once Lache Harper makes her college choice. She’ll be playing college volleyball at Eastern Mennonite University. Coach Caroline Brown said that she was confident that Grossnickle would find a program that’s a solid fit for the player she’s become. Like alum Jessica Bradbury, she went to the ODAC and a program that’s newer. For Bradbury, the results have worked out well as she figures to start next season for Hollins. Grossnickle hopes for the same success.

Stephen Mines named to CIAA All-Rookie Team

Running back Stephen Mines, a two-time state championship winner, has earned a spot on the CIAA All-Rookie Team for his performance during his freshman season. Mines rushed for 172 yards on 36 carries over seven games, catching two passes for 78 yards. The former Skyhawk broke two big plays, catching a pass for 73 yards against Kentucky State on September 19 and ripped a 48-yard run against Lincoln (PA) in a game where he finished with 92 yards on the ground.

Morris commits to Lackawanna Community

2014 Thomas Dale graduate and quarterback Khalid Morris joins his cousin, Eric Finney as a commit to Lackawanna Community College. Morris made waves for Thomas Dale during the 2014 season by adding a solid passing element to a strong run game that included Finney and Richmond commit Trent Williams. The Knights finished 9-3, falling to Colonial Forge in the 6A South playoffs. For Morris, the 2014 season was one of the best in history for a Thomas Dale quarterback- he threw for 1061 yards, 19 touchdowns and just four interceptions for a school that’s traditionally based on the run.

Simon takes Carver Academy post

Former Hopewell coach Reggie Simon has accepted the head coach position at Carver Academy, formerly Chesterfield Community High School. Simon was the boys head coach at Hopewell for six years and an assistant for 15 years. Simon is known as both a good coach and a disciplinarian. Simon said that the kids have to know there are consequences for their actions. Now at Carver Academy, Simon is working on getting his team together and hopes to build the program towards. “I thank God for the opportunity to coach again,” Simon said. “I look forward to working with these young men.”

Robert Fultineer signing his letter of intent with his family and coach in attendance.

Matoaca hurler makes college choice

Robert Fultineer, a left-handed pitcher for the Warriors, will be playing college baseball next year at the University of Charleston in West Virginia. On a young Warriors team, Fultineer got starts in tandem with Kyle Creasey, who is currently attending Emory and Henry. Matoaca coach Tim Haynes called Fultineer a competitor and a gamer, a pitcher who wants the ball in tough situations. In 2015, Fultineer pitched to a 3-5 record, striking out a batter per inning over 39 innings.