Falcons Nest

“Holly was chosen as athlete of the month for many reasons.  Holly is a dedicated athlete and student.  Holly stays on top of her schoolwork and homework despite the rigorous Varsity Volleyball schedule.   Holly is focused and driven, giving 100% with each play.  Whether it is serving, passing, blocking, or hitting, Holly shines on the court.  She is courteous and encouraging to her fellow athletes, but holds everyone—including herself—accountable. She leads by example and her work ethic.  Congratulations on a job well done!”

What are your goals?

H: My ultimate goal is to play volleyball in college, and after college, become an athletic trainer at the college and high school level.  

What are you most proud of?

H: I am currently most proud of the varsity girls’ volleyball team. To everyone else, this was supposed to be like any other season, but because of hard work and commitment, we have made a new image for ourselves and have achieved more than I ever could have imagined. I always wanted something like this, but I never knew how amazing it would be to accomplish it with my best friends.  

What do you listen to in preparation for your event?

H: I like to get pumped up for games and listen to upbeat songs, but I also like listening to motivational speeches to get me in the right state of mind. 

Who is your role Model?

H: Some of my role models include my parents, Coach Brase, Stephen Curry, and Sasha Karelov. 

What is your favorite pre-game meal?

H: I will almost always eat either a pack of peanut butter crackers or a sea salt and almond protein bar (or both!) 

What are your hobbies?

H: I really enjoy making pottery in art class, biking around my neighborhood, and spending time with my family and friends. 

What is your Philosophy when it comes to life/sport?

H: I believe in not comparing yourself to others, making progress every day towards accomplishing your goals, and always being better than you were they day before. 

Favorite Quote?

H: “Successful people do ordinary things with extraordinary consistency, commitment, and focus.” -Jon Gordon 

“Boone has been one of our most consistent performers for 3 straight years. He goes about his work with constant selflessness. In the last month, he’s played in every position, including goalkeeper with the same “team first” attitude. On top of all this, last week, he scored the deciding penalty kick and then saved our opponents penalty kick to win the game, a very important game versus Trinity Academy of Raleigh. “

 

What are your goals?

B: My goals are to go to states with my soccer team and hopefully win in a few weeks.

What are you most proud of?

What do you listen to in preparation for your event?

B: I normally listen to rappers such as Lil Skies, A Boogie Wit A Hoodie, and other rappers.

Who is your role Model?

B: I don’t really have a role model, I just do what I believe is right, and I don’t follow other people.

What is your favorite pre-game meal?

B: Ham and cheese sandwich

What are your hobbies?

B: Fortnite, Playing sports, hanging out with friends

What is your Philosophy when it comes to life/sport?

B: Play hard and have fun.

What is your Favorite Quote?

B: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky” -Michael Scott

 

 

This week the O’Neal community mourned the loss of Union Pines Cross Country athlete, senior Samantha Davis, during last weekend’s McAlpine Cross Country Invitational in Charlotte. On Wednesday, September 26^th, the cross-country team dedicated the second O’Neal Invitational this season in memory of Ms. Davis, hosting Village Christian, Sandhills Classical, and Freedom Christian. Due to inclement weather before the start of the race, the meet was canceled, but collectively the teams took a moment to remember their friend and fellow competitor with prayers, a moment of silence, and distributed remembrance ribbons in honor of a young woman who’s life left an immensely positive impact on the lives of those who knew and loved her.

This weekend, senior Bryce Samples and sophomore Molly Kuzma look to break personal records as they will travel to compete in the Cross Country Elite Meet on Saturday, September 29^th. Good luck Bryce and Molly!!

 

On Wednesday, September 26, 2018, junior Nicole Adam traveled to Buies Creek, NC to compete in the individuals’ tournament of the TYGA/PKBGT Girls' North State High School Challenge on the Orange and Black nines at Keith Hills Golf Club (5,269 yards, par 36-36--72, 72.0/118).

Nicole took the medalist award with a round of three under par 69.  She won by three shots over junior Napot Ratteneprakam of Hunt High School in Wilson, NC. Congratulations Nicole!

The Falcons will hit the links on Tuesday, October 2^nd as the host St. Mary’s School. Tee off is at 3:30 PM.

 

The O’Neal School varsity boys’ soccer team got back to action last Friday after hurricane Florence swept through the area. The boys ground out a 3-0 victory, however, it was hard earned and the scoreline doesn’t tell the full story. Coach Franklin reflects, “ American Hebrew is a very well organized team and it took AHA prevented O’Neal from playing with any fluidity or real shine.”

 

On Tuesday, September 25^th, O’Neal returned home for a two-game homestand. Carolina Friends School provided the opposition for the first game. O’Neal returned to form with a very strong defensive and offensive performance against an improving CFS team. O’Neal came out on top 7-0 and scored some beautiful goals. The defense stood strong in front of Peter Seifert ‘19 in goal. Seifert returned from injury to keep his fourth shutout of the season.

 

The Falcons varsity soccer team finished the week under testing, stormy conditions against Salem Baptist Christian School. SBCS started the game on the front foot and created the early chances. However, O’Neal found their footing at the 10-minute mark of the first half and then regained the high quality they had produced in their previous game and stepping up their pressure even further. Two goals from Bennett Moore ’19 and one from Spencer Sullivan ’19 earned O’Neal its ninth win of the season with a final score of 3-0.

 

O’Neal will travel to Trinity School of Durham/Chapel Hill on Monday, October 1^st, for a 4:30 PM kick off.

 

The girls’ tennis team had a great week of competition!   On Tuesday, September 25^th, they faced conference opponent Carolina Friends for the 2^nd time this season and won handily 7-2.  On Thursday evening, they battled Chatham Charter School and swept the singles giving them a 6-0 lead and clenched victory there, although, due to weather, the doubles was not able to finish despite all 3 courts holding the lead.  Next week the team will head to Durham to play Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill on Tuesday, October 2^nd and will compete at home on Thursday, October 4^th, versus Trinity Academy of Raleigh.  Senior Sarah McInnis remains undefeated in singles this season! 

 

 

 The JV Volleyball ladies endured another long, yet strong week of practices, games and SPIRIT Week!  The Lady Falcons were recognized at the Fall Sports Pep Assembly, Thursday afternoon by Coach Franklin and the entire school community. A special note from the team: “Thank YOU Coach Franklin and Coach Brase (Director of Student Life) for honoring our team with your gracious sentiments and inspiring slideshow.  We appreciate YOU!”

 

JV Volleyball hosted two teams at home this week.  On Tuesday, September 25^th, Carolina Friends joined the Falcons in the Hannan Center Gym for their 8^th game of the season.  They fought hard the first set, yet fell a little short by a score of 23 to 25.  The second set did not go quite as smooth, as the Falcons lost 6 to 25. Coach Kelley Adams reflects, “ Carolina Friends is a strong team, and I am thankful for our experience playing them.”

 

On Thursday, September 27^th, Salem Baptist Christian School joined us on the court in the Hannah Center gym during the Family Picnic Night.  It was exciting to have AMAZING support from the large crowd!  The Lady Falcons were nothing but stellar during both sets.  Coach Adams was proud of how the ladies worked together as a team on the court, reading and setting up plays. The communication was strong, as every player had an integral part the teams’ success.  Emma Sager '23, with her exuberant energy, made incredible decisions and played strong defensively.  Anna Huge '23 switched positions on the court with supreme ease, as she transitioned to hitting on the front row.  Brooklyn Adams '23, Sydney Lee Howell '20, and Lily Tanner '20 had beautiful, controlled passes that made the setters’ job easy to set up a play of attack.  Maria White '23 and Taylor Edrington '21 earned the most points with their outstanding, strong serve our opponents found difficult to break.  Mikaila Waldo '21 and Amanda McFayden '23 were exemplary with their attack hits consistently.

 

JV Volleyball looks forward to another strong week, with two away games on Monday, October 1^st, versus Trinity School of Durham/Chapel Hill and Tuesday versus Lee Christian. The Falcons will also host Alpha Academy on Thursday, October 4^th.

 Varsity Volleyball had an incredible week.  Last Friday, the Lady Falcons scored another win against the American Hebrew Academy by winning 3-0 with only six of the nine players able to play due to illness.  Outstanding plays and serves were made by Haley Sager ‘20, Hadiya Balser ‘20, Catherine McFadyen ‘21, Maddie Dishman ‘21, Holly Pashley ‘21, and Ralayah McRae ‘19.  

       On Tuesday, a huge victory against Carolina  Friends via a 3-1 win was celebrated by the Varsity Ladies.   Senior Ralayah McRae for stepped into a new position as a middle blocker/hitter and dominated the position. Junior Haley Sager continues to drive the team with great sets and some truly amazing saves. Timely kills and blocks were driven by Hadiya Balser, Ralayah McRae, Catherine McFadyen, Holly Pashley, and Rachel Patton ‘20.  Maddie Dishman and Emily Vest ‘20 continue to dominate the courts with their defensive plays.   The final victory of the week was Thursday when the Lady Falcons played Salem Baptist Christian School and won 3-2 in a very tight 5 -set game.  Emily Vest had an amazing string of 10 serves in a row during one set. Last but certainly not least, junior Kei Kei Love, the most amazing manager ever, is the glue that binds the team.  They are truly an amazing group of young ladies. 

O'Neal continued its undefeated run with a convincing 5-1 win over Freedom Christian.  The Falcons took control of the game early off of a hat trick from Boyd Kenny ‘24.  Boyd put heavy pressure on the Freedom goalkeeper and forced him to misplay a ball early in the game for the first goal.  He then capitalized on beautiful passes from Reeves Cates ‘23 for his second and third goals.  In the second half, Philip Hancock ‘23 scored with a 25-yard blast that deflected in off the post.  Robbie Mays ‘24 completed the scoring for O'Neal with a beautiful shot off a cross from Cates.  Freedom got a goal back late in the game, but strong goalkeeping from Max Pashley ‘25 prevented them from doing any further damage.

 

The Falcons look to finish spirit week on a high note as they host the Fayetteville Crusaders today at 3:30 PM. Go Falcons!!

 

 

The Middle School Volleyball team hit the road Monday evening to head to Freedom Christian. After a strong start, the Falcon’s took the first game in three sets. Lead behind strong serving from 7^th grader Carly McConville, the Falcons controlled the match. In the second game, the Falcons stayed resilient during a push from Freedom. The leadership from 8^th graders Kendall Moore, Bella Liberatore, and Abi Wilson, helped the Falcons regain composure. 7^th grader Rachel Wolff’s strong serves brought home the second game for the Falcons to win 2-1.

 

Overall, the Falcons now move to 15-1 on the season and sit at the top of the SESMAC conference. The Falcons enjoyed cheering on their fellow student-athletes during the remainder of Fall Spirit week. They return to the court on Wednesday, Oct 3^rd for their next match against Cape Fear Christian Academy.