Falcons Nest - January 9
A weekly recap of O'Neal Athletics
MS Boys Basketball
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian: 33–32, W
The Falcons went on the road and earned a hard-fought conference win in a tightly contested matchup against Freedom Christian. O’Neal set the tone early with strong defensive pressure and consistent effort, creating quality looks around the rim in the opening quarter and keeping the game close throughout regulation.
In the second half, the Falcons battled through foul trouble and leaned on key contributions from the bench to stay composed. The game was pushed into overtime, where, with under five seconds remaining, O’Neal secured possession, attacked the basket, and converted a clutch finish while drawing a foul. The Falcons calmly knocked down the ensuing free throw to seal a gritty and well-earned road victory.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian: 33–32, W
The Falcons went on the road and earned a hard-fought conference win in a tightly contested matchup against Freedom Christian. O’Neal set the tone early with strong defensive pressure and consistent effort, creating quality looks around the rim in the opening quarter and keeping the game close throughout regulation.
In the second half, the Falcons battled through foul trouble and leaned on key contributions from the bench to stay composed. The game was pushed into overtime, where, with under five seconds remaining, O’Neal secured possession, attacked the basket, and converted a clutch finish while drawing a foul. The Falcons calmly knocked down the ensuing free throw to seal a gritty and well-earned road victory.
JV Boys Basketball
O’Neal vs. Trinity Christian: 34–80, L
The Falcons faced a tough matchup against Trinity Christian on Tuesday night and were tested from start to finish. Despite the final score, O’Neal continued to compete with consistent effort on both ends of the floor. One positive takeaway was strong execution at the free-throw line, reflecting focus and composure even in a challenging environment. The Falcons battled until the final buzzer, gaining valuable experience that will serve the team well as the season progresses.
O’Neal vs. Trinity Christian: 34–80, L
The Falcons faced a tough matchup against Trinity Christian on Tuesday night and were tested from start to finish. Despite the final score, O’Neal continued to compete with consistent effort on both ends of the floor. One positive takeaway was strong execution at the free-throw line, reflecting focus and composure even in a challenging environment. The Falcons battled until the final buzzer, gaining valuable experience that will serve the team well as the season progresses.
Varsity Girls Basketball
O’Neal vs Trinity Christian School: 31-60, L
The Falcons returned from the holiday break for their first game back and showed strong determination against a formidable Trinity Christian team, focusing on rebuilding momentum through solid defensive play and quick transitions. Lilly Hobson delivered an outstanding performance, providing a consistent offensive presence while playing with confidence and composure on both ends of the floor. Sofie Itegie added an offensive spark with 9 points, further highlighting the depth of the roster. In the paint, Kennedi Hamner anchored the Falcons’ rebounding effort with a strong 10-rebound performance, helping limit second-chance opportunities. Defensively, the Falcons were active and engaged throughout the game, with Jordin Reed setting the tone through physical on-ball defense and hustle plays, while Haddie Habets brought energy and pressure in key moments. Although the result did not fall in the Falcons’ favor, the effort, growth, and competitive mindset were encouraging signs as the team continues to build chemistry and sharpen execution moving forward. The Falcons return to action at home on January 9 at 5:30 PM against Father Capodanno for Silent Night and Homecoming.
O’Neal vs Trinity Christian School: 31-60, L
The Falcons returned from the holiday break for their first game back and showed strong determination against a formidable Trinity Christian team, focusing on rebuilding momentum through solid defensive play and quick transitions. Lilly Hobson delivered an outstanding performance, providing a consistent offensive presence while playing with confidence and composure on both ends of the floor. Sofie Itegie added an offensive spark with 9 points, further highlighting the depth of the roster. In the paint, Kennedi Hamner anchored the Falcons’ rebounding effort with a strong 10-rebound performance, helping limit second-chance opportunities. Defensively, the Falcons were active and engaged throughout the game, with Jordin Reed setting the tone through physical on-ball defense and hustle plays, while Haddie Habets brought energy and pressure in key moments. Although the result did not fall in the Falcons’ favor, the effort, growth, and competitive mindset were encouraging signs as the team continues to build chemistry and sharpen execution moving forward. The Falcons return to action at home on January 9 at 5:30 PM against Father Capodanno for Silent Night and Homecoming.
MS Girls Basketball
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 25-38, L
The Middle School Girls’ Basketball team jumped right back into action after the holiday break, with practices focused on maintaining a strong, adaptable defensive identity while refreshing foundational skills such as dribbling, passing, layups, and free throws. The week concluded with a road matchup at Freedom Christian Academy. While the Falcons came up short on the scoreboard, the team remained coachable, resilient, and eager to improve. Kennedy Morrow set the tone defensively in the second half with a fearless performance that showcased her toughness and determination. Grace Chabalko and Olivia Hostler consistently displayed strong hustle, working hard to disrupt Freedom’s offense throughout the game. The Falcons battled through the second half and converted several key baskets, highlighted by a buzzer-beating layup from Haddie Habets to close the contest.
O’Neal vs. Freedom Christian Academy: 25-38, L
The Middle School Girls’ Basketball team jumped right back into action after the holiday break, with practices focused on maintaining a strong, adaptable defensive identity while refreshing foundational skills such as dribbling, passing, layups, and free throws. The week concluded with a road matchup at Freedom Christian Academy. While the Falcons came up short on the scoreboard, the team remained coachable, resilient, and eager to improve. Kennedy Morrow set the tone defensively in the second half with a fearless performance that showcased her toughness and determination. Grace Chabalko and Olivia Hostler consistently displayed strong hustle, working hard to disrupt Freedom’s offense throughout the game. The Falcons battled through the second half and converted several key baskets, highlighted by a buzzer-beating layup from Haddie Habets to close the contest.
All School Cheer
The All-School Cheer Squad had a busy week, jumping right back into action after a well-earned winter break. On Monday, the squad learned a new dance and debuted it at Wednesday’s Pep Rally, while also showcasing their basket toss, which was met with great success and excitement from the crowd.
The cheerleaders will be back in action on Friday, January 9, at the Girls Varsity and Boys JV Silent Night basketball games. A special halftime performance featuring participants from the Youth Cheer Clinic is sure to be a crowd favorite.
High Resolution Photos by Wendy Hodges | The Pines Media
The All-School Cheer Squad had a busy week, jumping right back into action after a well-earned winter break. On Monday, the squad learned a new dance and debuted it at Wednesday’s Pep Rally, while also showcasing their basket toss, which was met with great success and excitement from the crowd.
The cheerleaders will be back in action on Friday, January 9, at the Girls Varsity and Boys JV Silent Night basketball games. A special halftime performance featuring participants from the Youth Cheer Clinic is sure to be a crowd favorite.
High Resolution Photos by Wendy Hodges | The Pines Media
Falcon Athletics 1/12/26 - 1/16/26
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
TUE | 1/13/2026 | Berean Baptist | MSGBKB | HOME | 4:00PM |
TUE | 1/13/2026 | Berean Baptist | MSBBKB | HOME | 5:00PM |
TUE | 1/13/2026 | Berean Baptist | VGBKB | HOME | 5:30PM |
TUE | 1/13/2026 | Berean Baptist | JVBBKB | HOME | 7:00PM |
THU | 1/15/2026 | Lee Christian | MSGBKB | AWAY | 4:00PM |
THU | 1/15/2026 | Lee Christian | MSBBKB | AWAY | 5:00PM |
THU | 1/15/2026 | Lee Christian | VGBKB | AWAY | 6:00PM |
THU | 1/15/2026 | Lee Christian | JVBBKB | AWAY | 7:15PM |
THU | 1/15/2026 | Fayetteville State University | SWIM | AWAY | TBD |
FRI | 1/16/2026 | Village Christian | MSGBKB | HOME | 4:00PM |
FRI | 1/16/2026 | Village Christian | MSBBKB | HOME | 5:00PM |
FRI | 1/16/2026 | Village Christian | VGBKB | HOME | 5:30PM |
FRI | 1/16/2026 | Village Christian | JVBBKB | HOME | 7:00PM |
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