Falcons Nest
The Falcons return to play this week with victories on the road. The Falcons Nest recognizes student-athletes of the month, freshman Jalen Lindsey and junior Rachel Patton, and shines a light on the athletic career of senior Talia Ferrerio.
"A dream does not become a reality through magic, it takes sweat, determination, and hard work."
Senior Athlete Spotlight
The athletics department would like to extend congratulations to our senior student-athletes. The department is very proud of their accomplishments and the bright futures ahead of them. This week we honor Talia Ferrerio with a spotlight on her career as an O’Neal athlete.
Accolades from Assistant Cross Country & Track Coach Heather Weeks: “Talia had a really strong season. She showed a lot of courage and grit at our season opener after clawing her way back to the top 20 following a wrong turn and course rerouting. She ran strong in our top 5 all season long and as an All-Conference performer. She contributed to our 3rd place state team. Talia worked very hard all season and had consistent workouts and put forth a lot of effort. We are proud of her senior cross-country campaign.”
Number of years at O’Neal: 3
Sports played at O’Neal: Cross Country and Track & Field
College or University she plans to or wants to attend: University of North Carolina Greensboro
Major or preferred course of study: Pre-nursing
Favorite quote: “It’s just like, [wow] - I’m competing with myself.” -Cardi B
Best O’Neal Athletics memory: Taking the wrong turn in a race but still getting a good place.
The athletics department would like to extend congratulations to our senior student-athletes. The department is very proud of their accomplishments and the bright futures ahead of them. This week we honor Talia Ferrerio with a spotlight on her career as an O’Neal athlete.
Talia Ferrerio, Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Track & Field
Accolades from Head Varsity Cross Country and Track Coach Matt McMurray: "Over the last two years, Talia had made significant growth as a byproduct of increased offseason commitment and as a result, she has been a consistent scoring member of our team finishing at the top three in conferences."
Accolades from Head Varsity Cross Country and Track Coach Matt McMurray: "Over the last two years, Talia had made significant growth as a byproduct of increased offseason commitment and as a result, she has been a consistent scoring member of our team finishing at the top three in conferences."
Accolades from Assistant Cross Country & Track Coach Heather Weeks: “Talia had a really strong season. She showed a lot of courage and grit at our season opener after clawing her way back to the top 20 following a wrong turn and course rerouting. She ran strong in our top 5 all season long and as an All-Conference performer. She contributed to our 3rd place state team. Talia worked very hard all season and had consistent workouts and put forth a lot of effort. We are proud of her senior cross-country campaign.”
Quick Facts about Talia:
Number of years at O’Neal: 3
Sports played at O’Neal: Cross Country and Track & Field
College or University she plans to or wants to attend: University of North Carolina Greensboro
Major or preferred course of study: Pre-nursing
Favorite quote: “It’s just like, [wow] - I’m competing with myself.” -Cardi B
Best O’Neal Athletics memory: Taking the wrong turn in a race but still getting a good place.
November Male Student-Athlete of the Month
Jalen Lindsey '22 Varsity Boys Basketball
“He has been a great competitor for us as a freshman. He has competed vs some of the best teams in the state and has played very well. His growth has been great over the first couple of games and then his game vs. Lee Christian was the best he has played. He is averaging about 9 pts a game and about 3 assists per game. He will continue to grow as a player and a leader.”
- Jeff Haarlow, Head Coach Varsity Boys Basketball
Interview with Jalen Lindsey
LJ: What are your goals?
JL: My goals are to play basketball in college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and then from there play in the NBA. I want to go to school for medicine.
LJ: What are you most proud of?
JL: I am most proud of winning the conference championship last year for middle school and winning division 3 nationals with my AAU basketball team.
LJ: What do you listen to get ready for your event?
JL: I listen to Rap caviar on Spotify.
LJ: Who is your role model?
JL: My dad is my biggest role model for everything that I do.
LJ: Favorite pre-game meal?
JL: Doritos.
LJ: What are your Hobbies?
JL: My hobbies are Fortnite, practicing basketball and watching ESPN.
LJ: What is your philosophy when it comes to life/sports?
JL: “Do everything at your best ability every day because you never know when you have to stop that passion that you love.”
LJ: What's your favorite quote:
JL: "Pain is temporary, Quitting is forever.”
The Falcons took on a very talented Trinity of Raleigh team led by one of the best players in the country. The Falcons hung tough for the first quarter but just ran out of steam. Jalen Lindsey led the team with 17 points. The team has two games this week, starting with a home game Tuesday night versus Friendship Christian (Raleigh) with tip time at 6:30 and a road conference game on Friday at Carolina Friends.
November Female Student-Athlete of the Month
Rachel Patton '20, Varsity Girls Basketball
Accolades from head coach Lulu Brase: “Rachel is one of our captains this year, and her leadership during the opening of the season has been instrumental to our success. Daily she communicates and connects with her teammates, putting others before herself and working to unite the team. With half the team being new, building a rapport with each other both on and off the court is key, and Rachel has been a driving force behind this team building. On the court, Rachel brings great energy and defensive intensity. She is a spark whenever she enters the game and has become a strong rebounder and defender for us. Overall, Rachel has been tremendous as we’ve opened the season and truly has embodied that qualities of passion, resilience, and a will to compete!”
RP: My future athletic goals include becoming the NCISSA girls varsity basketball 2A state champions this year, and winning some games in the spring on varsity girls soccer.
LJ: What are you most proud of?
RP: I am most proud of myself for being able to succeed in both my academics and athletics greatly. It has been challenging through the rigorous courses of my junior year but I have pushed myself to excel in both the classroom and as a captain on the court.
RP: Before a game, I will put in headphones and listen to music that will get me ready and focused so that I am blocking out any outside thoughts.
RP: My favorite pre-game meal is Subway and blue Gatorade.
Varsity Boys Basketball
Rachel Patton '20, Varsity Girls Basketball
Accolades from head coach Lulu Brase: “Rachel is one of our captains this year, and her leadership during the opening of the season has been instrumental to our success. Daily she communicates and connects with her teammates, putting others before herself and working to unite the team. With half the team being new, building a rapport with each other both on and off the court is key, and Rachel has been a driving force behind this team building. On the court, Rachel brings great energy and defensive intensity. She is a spark whenever she enters the game and has become a strong rebounder and defender for us. Overall, Rachel has been tremendous as we’ve opened the season and truly has embodied that qualities of passion, resilience, and a will to compete!”
LJ: What are your goals?
RP: My future athletic goals include becoming the NCISSA girls varsity basketball 2A state champions this year, and winning some games in the spring on varsity girls soccer.
LJ: What are you most proud of?
RP: I am most proud of myself for being able to succeed in both my academics and athletics greatly. It has been challenging through the rigorous courses of my junior year but I have pushed myself to excel in both the classroom and as a captain on the court.
LJ: What do you listen to get ready for your event?
RP: Before a game, I will put in headphones and listen to music that will get me ready and focused so that I am blocking out any outside thoughts.
LJ: Who is your Role Model?
RP: My biggest role model is my dad. He has taught me everything I know about hard work, respect, discipline, gratitude, and trust. Most importantly, he always pushes me to do my best.
LJ: Favorite pre-game meal?
RP: My favorite pre-game meal is Subway and blue Gatorade.
LJ: What are your hobbies?
RP: Outside of sports, my hobbies include hanging out with my friends and family. I also love spending time outdoors or going on walks with my dog.
LJ: What is your Philosophy when it comes to life/sport?
RP: My philosophy on life and sports is that if you put in the time and hard work to get better at something, the results you have earned will show themselves.
LJ: What is your favorite quote?
RP: My favorite quote is by Jimmy V. It is “You have to have an enthusiasm for life. You have to have a dream, a goal. And you have to be willing to work for it.”
Varsity Boys Basketball
The Falcons played on the road at one of the best teams in the state at Fayetteville Academy. They competed for the whole game and lost 67-20. Freshmen Zach Wade and Jalen Lindsey both played well against the stacked Fayetteville Academy team.
On Tuesday night, the Falcons rode to Sanford and picked up their first win of the season with a 55-49-win versus Lee Christian School. The Falcons were led by Bennett Moore ‘19 and Patrick Reaves ‘22, who each scored 16 points and Zach Wade ‘22 led the team with 10+ rebounds. Jalen continued his strong play on the defensive end of the floor. Senior Avi Patel knocked down a big, late 3 pointer to seal the victory.
The Falcons took on a very talented Trinity of Raleigh team led by one of the best players in the country. The Falcons hung tough for the first quarter but just ran out of steam. Jalen Lindsey led the team with 17 points. The team has two games this week, starting with a home game Tuesday night versus Friendship Christian (Raleigh) with tip time at 6:30 and a road conference game on Friday at Carolina Friends.
Varsity Girls Basketball
The Falcons headed into the Thanksgiving break after a strong 3-0 start to the season. After a few days off enjoying the holidays with family and friends, the Falcons return to the practice court in preparation for the upcoming conference season. After two strong days of practice, the Falcons traveled to Lincolnton, NC for a scrimmage against Combine Academy Sunday afternoon. Combine’s age and experience tested the Falcons who showed they were up to the challenge. High-intensity defense and a fast pace defined the game for both teams. Overall, the scrimmage was a success with the Falcons winning 57-42.
Tuesday, the Falcons returned to their game schedule with a trip to Sanford to face the Lee Christian Falcons. O’Neal started fast and never looked back, opening the game on a 10-1 run. All 10 players contributed on the night and showed that this Falcon team will have great depth down the stretch winning by a final of 44-15! The Falcons were led by junior Kei-Kei Love with a game-high 15 points. Joining her in the scoring column were senior Ralayah McRae (7 points), freshmen Caelan McHarney (6 points), junior Hadiya Balser (6 points), freshmen Aaliyah Balser (4 points), sophomore Kayla Jenkins (2 points), junior Rachel Patton (2 points), and freshmen Talayah Baldwin (2 points).
Friday night the Lady Falcons traveled to Raleigh to face conference foe Trinity Academy. The opening game of the conference season for both teams proved exciting for all in attendance. Trinity Academy jumped on the Falcons early with tough defense and quickly got the crowd behind them. The Falcons trailed for the first time all season heading into the locker room down at the half 17-24. The Falcons regrouped and rallied back behind stifling full-court pressure to win the game 47-44. The Falcons were led by junior Hadiya Balser’s 14 points and junior Kei-Kei Love’s 13 points. Joining them in the scoring column was senior Ralayah McRae (9 points), freshmen Caelan McHarney (5 points), sophomore Kayla Jenkins (4 points), and freshmen Aaliyah Balser (2 points).
The win moves the Falcons to (5-0, 1-0) overall and they remain the top-seeded team in the NCISAA 2A girls basketball standings. The Falcons return to action at home on Tuesday night to face Friendship Christian at 5 pm.
Varsity Cheerleading
This Saturday, the O’Neal Cheer team will be cheering at the start and finish line of the annual Reindeer Fun Run in Aberdeen on Saturday, December 1st. The team will be handing out medals and offering support for the participants of the Reindeer Fun Run, located in downtown Aberdeen. It is a wonderful event that raises money for the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills. Come out and help them support the participants!
Varsity Swimming
The swim team has utilized the lull between meets to their advantage, training hard in preparation for their first road meet of the season on Thursday, December 6th, against American Hebrew Academy. The meet is set to begin at 4:00 PM.
Middle School Boys Basketball
The Middle School Boys Basketball team had a thrilling home win on Monday as they defeated rival Village Christian by a narrow margin of 42-37. The team now stands at 2-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play. This win was a result of sound defense, control of the game, and ball movement on offense. Their next game is away against Lee Christian on Friday, November 30th following the Middle School Girls Basketball game.
Middle School Girls Basketball
The Middle School Girls’ Basketball team look forward to their game this afternoon as the hit the road to face off against Lee Christian School at 3:30PM. They are currenlty 2-1 in conference play and 2-2 overall on the season. Go Falcons!
Middle School Cheerleading
The Middle School Cheerleading squad will be participating in the Reindeer Fun Run this Saturday, December 1st. This is a fun team building activity and volunteer opportunity. They will cheer at the start of the 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM races, then head to the finish line to cheer and cheer at the starting line for the children’s races. Hope to see you there!
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