Falcons Nest - January 23
A weekly recap of O'Neal Athletics
Varsity Swim
Sandhills Athletic Conference Championship Meet vs Fayetteville Academy, Fayetteville Christian, and Village Christian
The O’Neal Falcons competed in the Sandhills Athletic Conference Championships last night, with the evening marked by fast swims, strong performances, and notable team camaraderie.
The Lady Falcons captured the Conference Championship, scoring 42 points, ahead of Fayetteville Christian School with 30 points and Village Christian School with 10 points. The meet opened with a victory in the 200 Medley Relay, featuring Abigail Schupp, Abigail Holroyd, Ella Marino, and Lucy Edmund. Schupp had an exceptional night, winning the 200 Freestyle and later adding a first-place finish in the 100 Yard Backstroke. Marino continued the momentum by claiming first place in both the 200 IM and the 100 Yard Butterfly. Edmund, competing while recovering from illness, earned first place in the 50 Freestyle with a lifetime-best performance. Marley Pace also delivered a strong swim, placing second in the 200 Freestyle. The relay squads turned in solid performances throughout the meet, as Dahlia Clonlinger, Kat Davis, Sofia Graziano, and Olivia Garcia placed second in the 200 Freestyle Relay. In the 100 Yard Breaststroke, Holroyd and Ava Bozovich each posted lifetime-best times, finishing second and third respectively. The meet concluded with a first-place finish in the 400 Freestyle Relay, as Schupp, Marino, Edmund, and Davis closed out a dominant championship performance.
The O’Neal Men’s Swim Team delivered a strong night of racing at the Sandhills Athletic Conference Championships, highlighted by personal bests, competitive finishes, and a relay victory to close the meet. Samuel Schmitz set the tone early with a season-best swim in the 200 Freestyle, earning first place. The sprint events followed with strong performances from Platon Korobko in the 50 Freestyle, while Nathan Reifenstahl posted a personal-best time of 30.55 and Tanner Kennedy followed with a lifetime-best 29.84. Schmitz returned later in the meet to claim first place in the 100 Yard Freestyle, while Korobko recorded a lifetime-best performance in the same event. The 200 Freestyle Relay team of Harrison O’Connor, Korobko, Reifenstahl, and Schmitz finished third. Additional personal bests came from O’Connor, who earned third place in the 100 Yard Backstroke, and Kennedy, who added another lifetime-best swim with a third-place finish in the 100 Yard Breaststroke. The meet concluded with a first-place finish in the 400 Freestyle Relay, powered by O’Connor, Korobko, Reifenstahl, and Schmitz.
Across both teams, the championship meet reflected a strong overall performance for the O’Neal swim program. Head Coach Jen Schmitz was named Sandhills Athletic Conference Coach of the Year for both Girls and Boys Swimming.
Sandhills Athletic Conference Championship Meet vs Fayetteville Academy, Fayetteville Christian, and Village Christian
The O’Neal Falcons competed in the Sandhills Athletic Conference Championships last night, with the evening marked by fast swims, strong performances, and notable team camaraderie.
The Lady Falcons captured the Conference Championship, scoring 42 points, ahead of Fayetteville Christian School with 30 points and Village Christian School with 10 points. The meet opened with a victory in the 200 Medley Relay, featuring Abigail Schupp, Abigail Holroyd, Ella Marino, and Lucy Edmund. Schupp had an exceptional night, winning the 200 Freestyle and later adding a first-place finish in the 100 Yard Backstroke. Marino continued the momentum by claiming first place in both the 200 IM and the 100 Yard Butterfly. Edmund, competing while recovering from illness, earned first place in the 50 Freestyle with a lifetime-best performance. Marley Pace also delivered a strong swim, placing second in the 200 Freestyle. The relay squads turned in solid performances throughout the meet, as Dahlia Clonlinger, Kat Davis, Sofia Graziano, and Olivia Garcia placed second in the 200 Freestyle Relay. In the 100 Yard Breaststroke, Holroyd and Ava Bozovich each posted lifetime-best times, finishing second and third respectively. The meet concluded with a first-place finish in the 400 Freestyle Relay, as Schupp, Marino, Edmund, and Davis closed out a dominant championship performance.
The O’Neal Men’s Swim Team delivered a strong night of racing at the Sandhills Athletic Conference Championships, highlighted by personal bests, competitive finishes, and a relay victory to close the meet. Samuel Schmitz set the tone early with a season-best swim in the 200 Freestyle, earning first place. The sprint events followed with strong performances from Platon Korobko in the 50 Freestyle, while Nathan Reifenstahl posted a personal-best time of 30.55 and Tanner Kennedy followed with a lifetime-best 29.84. Schmitz returned later in the meet to claim first place in the 100 Yard Freestyle, while Korobko recorded a lifetime-best performance in the same event. The 200 Freestyle Relay team of Harrison O’Connor, Korobko, Reifenstahl, and Schmitz finished third. Additional personal bests came from O’Connor, who earned third place in the 100 Yard Backstroke, and Kennedy, who added another lifetime-best swim with a third-place finish in the 100 Yard Breaststroke. The meet concluded with a first-place finish in the 400 Freestyle Relay, powered by O’Connor, Korobko, Reifenstahl, and Schmitz.
Across both teams, the championship meet reflected a strong overall performance for the O’Neal swim program. Head Coach Jen Schmitz was named Sandhills Athletic Conference Coach of the Year for both Girls and Boys Swimming.
MS Swim
Sandhills Athletic Conference Championship Meet vs Fayetteville Academy, Fayetteville Christian, and Village Christian
Thursday night, Olivia Garcia and Rylie Ryans competed alongside the Varsity team at the Conference Championships, playing key roles in an exciting championship victory. Rylie Ryans delivered an outstanding performance, dropping an impressive three seconds in both the 50-yard Freestyle and the 100-yard Freestyle. Olivia Garcia also turned in a remarkable showing, cutting ten seconds off her 200-yard Freestyle and swimming a blazing-fast 50-yard leg in the 4x50 Freestyle Relay to help secure a second-place finish for the team.
Adding to the excitement, our 6th grade Middle School swimmers proudly gave back to the sport by volunteering as timers and heat-winner prize presenters. The evening highlighted both strong varsity performances and meaningful contributions from the middle school program.
Sandhills Athletic Conference Championship Meet vs Fayetteville Academy, Fayetteville Christian, and Village Christian
Thursday night, Olivia Garcia and Rylie Ryans competed alongside the Varsity team at the Conference Championships, playing key roles in an exciting championship victory. Rylie Ryans delivered an outstanding performance, dropping an impressive three seconds in both the 50-yard Freestyle and the 100-yard Freestyle. Olivia Garcia also turned in a remarkable showing, cutting ten seconds off her 200-yard Freestyle and swimming a blazing-fast 50-yard leg in the 4x50 Freestyle Relay to help secure a second-place finish for the team.
Adding to the excitement, our 6th grade Middle School swimmers proudly gave back to the sport by volunteering as timers and heat-winner prize presenters. The evening highlighted both strong varsity performances and meaningful contributions from the middle school program.
MS Girls Basketball
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple: 14-44, L
The Middle School Girls’ team competed against Northwood Temple on Tuesday, with Julie Wilson, Olivia Hostler, Haddie Habets, Amiya Ravula, and Grace Chabalko in the starting lineup. The Falcons were commended by Head Coach Denise English for their effort and perseverance throughout the game. Scoring contributions came from Kennedy Morrow, Chabalko, Habets, and Wilson. The team spent the remainder of the week focusing on fundamentals, including dribble control and boxing out, and is scheduled to host Fayetteville Christian Academy on Friday afternoon.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple: 14-44, L
The Middle School Girls’ team competed against Northwood Temple on Tuesday, with Julie Wilson, Olivia Hostler, Haddie Habets, Amiya Ravula, and Grace Chabalko in the starting lineup. The Falcons were commended by Head Coach Denise English for their effort and perseverance throughout the game. Scoring contributions came from Kennedy Morrow, Chabalko, Habets, and Wilson. The team spent the remainder of the week focusing on fundamentals, including dribble control and boxing out, and is scheduled to host Fayetteville Christian Academy on Friday afternoon.
Varsity Girls Basketball
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple: 46-61, L
In a challenging matchup against Northwood Temple Academy, the Falcons competed with a limited roster of five available players and totaled 46 points in a hard-fought effort. Sofie Itegie continued her consistent scoring, finishing with 15 points, while senior Kennedi Hamner recorded a new career high with 22 points, marking a notable offensive performance. Laura Schulze provided a strong presence on the boards throughout the game. Despite the result, the Falcons demonstrated resilience and cohesion, and the team has focused on strengthening its defensive play during practice as it prepares for upcoming competition.
O’Neal vs Northwood Temple: 46-61, L
In a challenging matchup against Northwood Temple Academy, the Falcons competed with a limited roster of five available players and totaled 46 points in a hard-fought effort. Sofie Itegie continued her consistent scoring, finishing with 15 points, while senior Kennedi Hamner recorded a new career high with 22 points, marking a notable offensive performance. Laura Schulze provided a strong presence on the boards throughout the game. Despite the result, the Falcons demonstrated resilience and cohesion, and the team has focused on strengthening its defensive play during practice as it prepares for upcoming competition.
MS Boys Basketball
O’Neal vs Village Christian 30-38, L
The Falcons battled the Knights in a close contest, with defense setting the tone through strong effort, communication, and physical play. O’Neal competed possession by possession, showing toughness and discipline on both ends of the floor while continuing to fight until the final buzzer. The game reflected positive steps forward in the group’s development.
O’Neal at Northwood Temple: 22-44, L
The Middle School Boys then traveled to Northwood Temple on Tuesday, where they continued to show toughness and competitive spirit on the road. O’Neal played with consistent effort, battled defensively, and remained engaged from start to finish. Despite the result, the Falcons competed throughout the game and demonstrated growth in both approach and execution, gaining valuable experience that will support continued development.
O’Neal vs Village Christian 30-38, L
The Falcons battled the Knights in a close contest, with defense setting the tone through strong effort, communication, and physical play. O’Neal competed possession by possession, showing toughness and discipline on both ends of the floor while continuing to fight until the final buzzer. The game reflected positive steps forward in the group’s development.
O’Neal at Northwood Temple: 22-44, L
The Middle School Boys then traveled to Northwood Temple on Tuesday, where they continued to show toughness and competitive spirit on the road. O’Neal played with consistent effort, battled defensively, and remained engaged from start to finish. Despite the result, the Falcons competed throughout the game and demonstrated growth in both approach and execution, gaining valuable experience that will support continued development.
JV Boys Basketball
O’Neal vs. Village Christian: 41-73, L
The Junior Varsity Boys faced a challenging home matchup against Village Christian. The Falcons were tested throughout the night but continued to compete and play hard, showing flashes of strong defensive effort and resilience. The group stayed together, battled through adversity, and gained valuable experience against a talented opponent, lessons that will help guide continued growth moving forward.
O’Neal at Northwood Temple: 61-32, W
Early this week, the JV Falcons responded with an impressive road performance at Northwood Temple. O’Neal set the tone early with strong defensive pressure, consistent rebounding, and effective ball movement. Offensively, the Falcons shared the ball well, attacked with confidence, and converted scoring opportunities throughout the game, producing a complete team effort and a strong showing away from home.
O’Neal vs. Village Christian: 41-73, L
The Junior Varsity Boys faced a challenging home matchup against Village Christian. The Falcons were tested throughout the night but continued to compete and play hard, showing flashes of strong defensive effort and resilience. The group stayed together, battled through adversity, and gained valuable experience against a talented opponent, lessons that will help guide continued growth moving forward.
O’Neal at Northwood Temple: 61-32, W
Early this week, the JV Falcons responded with an impressive road performance at Northwood Temple. O’Neal set the tone early with strong defensive pressure, consistent rebounding, and effective ball movement. Offensively, the Falcons shared the ball well, attacked with confidence, and converted scoring opportunities throughout the game, producing a complete team effort and a strong showing away from home.
All School Cheer
All-School Cheer has had a busy week preparing new material and stunts ahead of today’s Middle School Basketball games. The group has been working to add fresh elements to its routines while continuing to support Falcon teams throughout the winter season. All-School Cheer will perform during the Middle School games this afternoon in Tate Gym, with tip-off scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
All-School Cheer has had a busy week preparing new material and stunts ahead of today’s Middle School Basketball games. The group has been working to add fresh elements to its routines while continuing to support Falcon teams throughout the winter season. All-School Cheer will perform during the Middle School games this afternoon in Tate Gym, with tip-off scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
Falcon Athletics 1/26/26 - 1/30
High Resolution Photos by Wendy Hodges / The Pines Media
Schedule may change due to impending weather challenges
High Resolution Photos by Wendy Hodges / The Pines Media
Schedule may change due to impending weather challenges
DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | SPORT | H/A | EVENT TIME |
MON | 1/26/2026 | Sandhills Classical Christian School Senior Recognition | VGBKB | HOME | 5:30PM |
MON | 1/26/2026 | Sandhills Classical Christian School Senior Recognition | JVBBKB | HOME | 7:00PM |
TUE | 1/27/2026 | Fayetteville Academy | MSGBKB | AWAY | 3:30PM |
TUE | 1/27/2026 | Fayetteville Academy | MSBBKB | AWAY | 4:30PM |
TUE | 1/27/2026 | Fayetteville Academy | JVBBKB | AWAY | 5:30PM |
TUE | 1/27/2026 | Fayetteville Academy | VGBKB | AWAY | 6:30PM |
WED | 1/28/2026 | MS B Team Intersquad Scrimmage | MSBBKBB | HOME | 3:30PM |
FRI | 1/29/2026 | Village Christian | MSGBKB | HOME | 4:00PM |
FRI | 1/30/2026 | Trinity Christian School | JVBBKB | AWAY | 5:30PM |
FRI | 1/30/2026 | Trinity Christian School | VGBKB | AWAY | 7:00PM |
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