Browsing: Sports

While injuries to pitchers are seemingly always a story in baseball, they are less apparent on the softball field, but they affect a team just as much. That’s exactly what Thomas Dale has experienced as they are off to a 0-4 start as of press time. Staff ace, sophomore, and Longwood commit Leigha Hill went down with an arm injury, and it’s been a bumpy start for the Knights. “Sometimes life doesn’t go the way it’s supposed to,” said coach Dennis Jones. “You have to overcome that adversity.” As bumpy as it’s been, there have been many positives, and their…

For baseball, Chris Marshall and the Knights have gotten off to a 4-1 start as of press time. They’ve gotten big-time contributions from two of the hottest bats in the state, Drew Camp and VCU pledge Hunter Vay, along with two ace-like arms, Tyler Bailey and Evan Lester. Thomas Dale has wrapped up victories over Atlee, Colonial Heights, Manchester, and Dinwiddie, with their lone loss coming to old-time Central District rival Prince George. In a competitive Conference 3, the Knights will take it a game at a time, with big match-ups on May 1 (at James River) and May 17…

BY JOHN WALKER One of of L.C. Bird’s premier girls’ basketball players t has committed to play at Pfeiffer University. Brina Bentley, a 5-9 forward, has shown that hard work pays off over the course of time. “It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders knowing that I have a home for the next four years,” she said. The Skyhawks senior had interest from many schools, including Barton College, Virginia Wesleyan, and St. Augustine. Bentley choose Pfeiffer because it felt more like home, and it presented a new opportunity to shine at the next level. “To be…

By Zach Long When asked about his college decision, NaDear Raymond said he wanted to go someplace big, a school where he could make a name for himself. If he hasn’t already done that locally with an outstanding athletic career at Meadowbrook, he definitely has now. Raymond, a sprinter and long jumper for the Monarchs track and field team, has signed his NCAA National Letter of Intent to run for the University of Clemson. “He has committed to competing in track and field at the collegiate level since entering high school,” said coach Rickey Brown of Meadowbrook track and field.…

No matter the task, it seemed to be business as usual for L.C. Bird boys’ basketball during the 2016-17 season. Winning a state championship was no exception, as the Skyhawks defeated Bethel, 65-52, to earn the school’s first basketball title in workman like fashion. “We try to make everything as competitive as we can,” said L.C. Bird coach Troy Manns. “The guys have learned that from the guys that came before them. Our players want to follow in those players’ footsteps.” L.C. Bird maintained control of the game nearly throughout, displaying a calm, cool demeanor and executing their game plan.…

Two local Special Olympics speed skaters athletes will join 2,700 participants from around the globe next month for the year’s largest humanitarian and sports event, the Special Olympics World Winter Games. Christina Dryer of Chester and Craig Licorish Jr. of Chesterfield will be representing the United States as part of Special Olympics USA at the Games, which will be held March 14-25 in Graz, Ramsau, and Schladming, Austria. As a whole, Special Olympics USA includes 150 athletes, 40 coaches, and approximately 20 delegation members who support team operations. The delegation also includes Special Olympics Unified Sports teams, where people with…

By Thomas Dozier L.C. Bird has had its successes on the football field. Three straight 5A state championships isn’t just an accomplishment; it’s a feat. While the both the Skyhawks boys’ and girls’ basketball programs have had their share of successes, neither team has brought home a state title. The boys came within a razor-thin margin twice: in 2011 (I.C. Norcom) and 2016 (Potomac). The girls are perennial contenders in the conference, region and state; they fell to Princess Anne in the 2014 state championship game, and the 2017 squad packed with freshmen and sophmores, lost to Thomas Edison 59-51in…

Matoaca baseball Record: 20-4 Coach: Tim Haynes The Warriors had a strong season last year. Their impressive run ended by way of a tough loss to Glen Allen in the first round of the regional tournament. Left-handed pitcher Robert Fultineer and infielder Zach Clark have both graduated and leave some holes to fill. All-Conference selections Jacob Floyd (1B), John Bowles (OF), and Randolph-Macon commit James Womack (P) return for a senior-leaden Matoaca squad. The Warriors strength lies in their pitching rotation and defense. If they can get the bats going, they could have a tremendous season. Matoaca softball Record: 9-8…

By Thomas Dozier If you thought this was a rebuilding year for the L.C. Bird girls’ basketball team, you might want to think again. All the Skyhawks did was post an 18-9 overall record a before ending their season with a 73-50 loss to the three-time defending 5A state champion Princess Anne at Hermitage High School on Saturday. The Princess Anne Cavaliers, who have won three consecutive state titles and seven overall, went onto state with a 24-2 record. As for L.C. Bird, under the direction of veteran coach Chevette Waller, it was a terrific season, even though they won’t…

By Zach Long Thomas Dale Track: In his three years coaching track and field at Thomas Dale, Coach Jay Price said that he had more athletes qualify for the 6A South Regional than ever before. His team competed at the regional meet in Hampton over the weekend and did not disappoint. A.J. Lazaro broke the school record in the 55 meter hurdles, running 7.55 seconds and took fourth place in the event. Lazaro also finished fourth in the triple jump. The Knights were the only team to have two boys make the finals in the 55-meter dash. Chris Tyree finished…

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