Falcons Nest - February 13
A weekly recap of O'Neal Athletics.
MS Boys Basketball
Semifinal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 46–43 (OT), Win
The Falcons showed heart and toughness in a thrilling semifinal victory over Fayetteville Academy. Strong defensive pressure and solid execution allowed the Falcons to control much of the contest, but missed free throws late gave Fayetteville Academy the opportunity to push the game into overtime.
In the extra period, the Falcons rose to the moment. Two pivotal defensive turnovers shifted momentum, and clutch baskets down the stretch sealed the three-point win. This group dug deep, responded to adversity, and made winning plays when it mattered most.
Semifinal vs. Fayetteville Academy: 46–43 (OT), Win
The Falcons showed heart and toughness in a thrilling semifinal victory over Fayetteville Academy. Strong defensive pressure and solid execution allowed the Falcons to control much of the contest, but missed free throws late gave Fayetteville Academy the opportunity to push the game into overtime.
In the extra period, the Falcons rose to the moment. Two pivotal defensive turnovers shifted momentum, and clutch baskets down the stretch sealed the three-point win. This group dug deep, responded to adversity, and made winning plays when it mattered most.
Conference Championship vs. Village Christian: 55–43 Win
The Falcons delivered a complete team performance in the Conference Championship, defeating Village Christian with poise and purpose. From the opening tip, the Falcons played with intensity, togetherness, and focus. Defensively, they were locked in, rebounded aggressively, and competed on every possession.
Offensively, the balance was impressive, with four players reaching double figures. Crisp ball movement, trust, and unselfish play defined the night. This was a true team victory built on toughness, discipline, and belief in one another.
The coaching staff is extremely proud of the way this group competed, stayed connected, and represented the Falcon program throughout the season.
The Falcons delivered a complete team performance in the Conference Championship, defeating Village Christian with poise and purpose. From the opening tip, the Falcons played with intensity, togetherness, and focus. Defensively, they were locked in, rebounded aggressively, and competed on every possession.
Offensively, the balance was impressive, with four players reaching double figures. Crisp ball movement, trust, and unselfish play defined the night. This was a true team victory built on toughness, discipline, and belief in one another.
The coaching staff is extremely proud of the way this group competed, stayed connected, and represented the Falcon program throughout the season.
Varsity Women’s Swim
The Lady Falcons made a big splash at the 2026 NCISAA Division III State Championship! The girls finished 5th overall, an impressive accomplishment for such a young team—the oldest swimmer is only in 10th grade.
The meet kicked off in exciting fashion with the relay team of Abigail Schuup, Abigail Holroyd, Ella Marino, and Lucy Edmund, who dropped seven seconds off their season-best time. Abigail Holroyd delivered a standout performance, cutting four seconds off her individual split.
There were personal-best swims across the board. Abigail Schuup, Ella Marino, and Lucy Edmund all crushed their previous bests, with Abigail and Ella earning top-four finishes. The 400 Free Relay turned in a huge swim, dropping 20 seconds to place 5th.
The Lady Falcons made a big splash at the 2026 NCISAA Division III State Championship! The girls finished 5th overall, an impressive accomplishment for such a young team—the oldest swimmer is only in 10th grade.
The meet kicked off in exciting fashion with the relay team of Abigail Schuup, Abigail Holroyd, Ella Marino, and Lucy Edmund, who dropped seven seconds off their season-best time. Abigail Holroyd delivered a standout performance, cutting four seconds off her individual split.
There were personal-best swims across the board. Abigail Schuup, Ella Marino, and Lucy Edmund all crushed their previous bests, with Abigail and Ella earning top-four finishes. The 400 Free Relay turned in a huge swim, dropping 20 seconds to place 5th.
A special shout-out goes to first-time state qualifiers Dahlia, Kat, Sophia, and Marley, who placed 11th in the 200 Free Relay and gained valuable championship experience.
This young team’s future is incredibly bright—plenty more fast swims are on the way!
Varsity Men’s Swim
The Falcons wrapped up their season at the 2026 NCISAA Division III State Championships, finishing 9th overall despite competing with a small but determined squad.
Senior Sam Schmitz led the way with an outstanding championship performance, earning second place in the 200-yard freestyle with a season-best swim and following it up with another second-place finish in the 100 freestyle, posting both a lifetime-best time.
Harrison O’Connor continued his strong season by placing 13th in the 100 freestyle, touching the wall with a lifetime-best time.
The relay teams delivered big efforts as well. The 200 Freestyle Relay of Harrison O’Connor, Tanner Kennedy, Platon Korobko, and Sam Schmitz raced to a 5th-place finish. The 400 Freestyle Relay—Harrison O’Connor, Platon Korobko, Nathan Reifenstahl, and Sam Schmitz—also placed 5th, closing the meet with a solid, competitive swim.
With strong senior leadership and key lifetime bests, the Falcons represented themselves well on the state stage and capped off a successful championship season.
This young team’s future is incredibly bright—plenty more fast swims are on the way!
Varsity Men’s Swim
The Falcons wrapped up their season at the 2026 NCISAA Division III State Championships, finishing 9th overall despite competing with a small but determined squad.
Senior Sam Schmitz led the way with an outstanding championship performance, earning second place in the 200-yard freestyle with a season-best swim and following it up with another second-place finish in the 100 freestyle, posting both a lifetime-best time.
Harrison O’Connor continued his strong season by placing 13th in the 100 freestyle, touching the wall with a lifetime-best time.
The relay teams delivered big efforts as well. The 200 Freestyle Relay of Harrison O’Connor, Tanner Kennedy, Platon Korobko, and Sam Schmitz raced to a 5th-place finish. The 400 Freestyle Relay—Harrison O’Connor, Platon Korobko, Nathan Reifenstahl, and Sam Schmitz—also placed 5th, closing the meet with a solid, competitive swim.
With strong senior leadership and key lifetime bests, the Falcons represented themselves well on the state stage and capped off a successful championship season.
Varsity Girls Basketball
O'Neal vs. Berean Baptist Academy: 51-16, Win
The Falcons opened the final stretch of the regular season with an emphatic 51–16 road victory over Berean Baptist Academy, marking their highest-scoring game of the year. From the opening tip, the Falcons set the tone defensively and executed efficiently on the offensive end.
Kennedi Hamner and Sofie Itegie each scored 16 points, while Jordin Reed added 10 in a balanced and cohesive team performance. The ball movement was sharp, the defensive pressure relentless, and the collective energy reflected a team continuing to find its rhythm at the right time.
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy: 36-56, Loss
Prior to the final regular season home game on February 9, the program proudly recognized seniors Kennedi Hamner and Jordin Reed on Senior Recognition Night. Both student athletes have led by example throughout the season, demonstrating resilience, steady leadership, and a commitment to keeping the team united through both challenges and successes.
In the final regular season contest against Freedom Christian Academy, the Falcons showed notable growth from their first meeting earlier in the season. While the final score stood at the Falcons falling to the Patriots, the competitiveness and execution reflected a team that has continued to improve.
Hamner led the way with 17 points and 14 rebounds; Itegie added 15, maintaining their consistent offensive production. Laura Shulze was a defense powerhouse pulling down 11 rebounds in the paint. The effort and composure displayed were clear indicators of the progress made over the course of the year.
Conference Semi-Finals vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 29-59, L
The Falcons carried that same fight into the conference playoff matchup on February 12. Though the final score did not fall in their favor, the team competed with heart. Laura Schulze delivered a breakout performance with a career-high six points, sparking an important run. Logan Slabaugh’s return from injury provided both a motivational lift and a strong leadership presence on the floor.
The Falcons concluded the regular season with a 10–7 record, earning fourth place in conference standings. The growth, perseverance, and unity displayed throughout the season were defining characteristics of this group.
The program also proudly celebrates two All-Conference selections: freshman Sofie Itegie and senior, captain Kennedi Hamner.
As the Falcons enter the State Tournament, they do so with confidence in the resilience, development, and togetherness that have defined their season.
O'Neal vs. Berean Baptist Academy: 51-16, Win
The Falcons opened the final stretch of the regular season with an emphatic 51–16 road victory over Berean Baptist Academy, marking their highest-scoring game of the year. From the opening tip, the Falcons set the tone defensively and executed efficiently on the offensive end.
Kennedi Hamner and Sofie Itegie each scored 16 points, while Jordin Reed added 10 in a balanced and cohesive team performance. The ball movement was sharp, the defensive pressure relentless, and the collective energy reflected a team continuing to find its rhythm at the right time.
O’Neal vs Freedom Christian Academy: 36-56, Loss
Prior to the final regular season home game on February 9, the program proudly recognized seniors Kennedi Hamner and Jordin Reed on Senior Recognition Night. Both student athletes have led by example throughout the season, demonstrating resilience, steady leadership, and a commitment to keeping the team united through both challenges and successes.
In the final regular season contest against Freedom Christian Academy, the Falcons showed notable growth from their first meeting earlier in the season. While the final score stood at the Falcons falling to the Patriots, the competitiveness and execution reflected a team that has continued to improve.
Hamner led the way with 17 points and 14 rebounds; Itegie added 15, maintaining their consistent offensive production. Laura Shulze was a defense powerhouse pulling down 11 rebounds in the paint. The effort and composure displayed were clear indicators of the progress made over the course of the year.
Conference Semi-Finals vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 29-59, L
The Falcons carried that same fight into the conference playoff matchup on February 12. Though the final score did not fall in their favor, the team competed with heart. Laura Schulze delivered a breakout performance with a career-high six points, sparking an important run. Logan Slabaugh’s return from injury provided both a motivational lift and a strong leadership presence on the floor.
The Falcons concluded the regular season with a 10–7 record, earning fourth place in conference standings. The growth, perseverance, and unity displayed throughout the season were defining characteristics of this group.
The program also proudly celebrates two All-Conference selections: freshman Sofie Itegie and senior, captain Kennedi Hamner.
As the Falcons enter the State Tournament, they do so with confidence in the resilience, development, and togetherness that have defined their season.
All School Cheer
The All School Cheer team closed out its winter season with an exciting and memorable week. On Tuesday, the squad traveled to Fayetteville Academy for its first away appearance of the season, cheering on the Middle School Boys Basketball team in a thrilling semifinal matchup. The energy in the gym was electric, and the cheerleaders brought enthusiasm, spirit, and focus that helped fuel the Falcons to a hard-fought victory.
The following afternoon marked the team’s final game of the season, and it was a fitting celebration of the progress made throughout the year. During quarter breaks and their halftime performance, every flyer confidently hit her stunts. The team proudly showcased its growth with a full range of skills including basket tosses, two prep liberties, preps, extensions, reloads, bump downs, and cradles.
From the first cheer to the final routine, the squad was loud, unified, and supportive. Their composure and confidence reflected the tremendous development that has taken place since the opening game of the season.
As the boys secured their championship victory, the cheer team represented O’Neal with class, excellence, and unmistakable Falcon pride.
The coaching staff is incredibly proud of this group of young ladies for their dedication, determination, and commitment to growing together as a team this season.
The All School Cheer team closed out its winter season with an exciting and memorable week. On Tuesday, the squad traveled to Fayetteville Academy for its first away appearance of the season, cheering on the Middle School Boys Basketball team in a thrilling semifinal matchup. The energy in the gym was electric, and the cheerleaders brought enthusiasm, spirit, and focus that helped fuel the Falcons to a hard-fought victory.
The following afternoon marked the team’s final game of the season, and it was a fitting celebration of the progress made throughout the year. During quarter breaks and their halftime performance, every flyer confidently hit her stunts. The team proudly showcased its growth with a full range of skills including basket tosses, two prep liberties, preps, extensions, reloads, bump downs, and cradles.
From the first cheer to the final routine, the squad was loud, unified, and supportive. Their composure and confidence reflected the tremendous development that has taken place since the opening game of the season.
As the boys secured their championship victory, the cheer team represented O’Neal with class, excellence, and unmistakable Falcon pride.
The coaching staff is incredibly proud of this group of young ladies for their dedication, determination, and commitment to growing together as a team this season.
High Resolution Photos by Wendy Hodges | The Pines Media
Falcon Athletics 2/17/26 - 2/21/26
NCISAA Playoff Seats and Schedule will be announced 2/14/26
Falcon Athletics 2/17/26 - 2/21/26
NCISAA Playoff Seats and Schedule will be announced 2/14/26
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
TUE | 2/17/2026 | NCISAA Tournament 1st Round | VGBKB | TBD | |
THU | 2/19/2026 | NCISAA Tournament 2nd Round | VGBKB | TBD | |
SAT | 2/21/2026 | NCISAA Tournament 3rd Round | VGBKB | TBD |
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