Falcons Soaring into Spring
Varsity Girls Basketball finishes as state runner-up. Spring sports contests start next week.
Varsity Girls’ Basketball
Scores:
Friday, Feb 21, 2020 vs Wayne Country Day School—NCISAA State Semifinal (Win 38-33)
Saturday, Feb 22, 2020 vs Davidson Day School—NCISAA State Championship (Loss 45-46)
26th Win Makes History in Narrowly Missed Title Run
For the second year in a row, the Falcons found themselves heading to the final four weekend in the NCISAA 2A tournament. For a program that just a few years ago struggled to win multiple games, let alone multiple conference championships, making it back to the final weekend of the season brought excitement and joy. “The joy after last Saturday’s victory in our locker room was second to none,” shared Coach Brase. “These kids truly enjoy the process and journey of success and we can’t wait to capitalize on each practice this week in preparation for the final weekend of basketball.”
Weather caused havoc on the Falcons travel plans leaving earlier than expected Thursday morning. Life on the road allowed the group to enjoy time with each other, prepare for their upcoming exams and make a team favorite trip to Waffle House for dinner.
Friday afternoon the Falcons faced off in the State Semifinals against #4 seeded Wayne Country Day. The Falcons jumped out to a quick lead behind strong defensive pressure forcing 12 first half turnovers for WCDS and seeing the Falcons take a 24-13 lead into halftime. The third quarter saw high energy and a back and forth contest, as both teams struggled to finish around the rim. The Falcons maintained a 10-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Increased pressure from WCDS, rattled the Falcons to start the fourth quarter and saw WCDS begin to close the lead. The turning point came in the final 3 minutes, as junior Beka Carr’s defensive pressure of WCDS post caused yet another turnover leading to a loss of composure and a technical given on WCDS. Although the Falcons couldn’t capitalize on the free throws, they were able to get a clutch layup by sophomore Aaliyah Balser to help swing the momentum back in their direction. In the end, the Falcons pulled out a hard fought 38-33 victory over WCDS to move on to their second straight State Championship appearance. The Falcons were led in scoring by Hadiya Balser (12 points), Aaliyah Balser (9 points), Kayla Jenkins (6 points) and Caelan McHarney (5 points).
The victory returned the Falcons to the State Championship for the second year in a row and marked their 26th victory on the season. Win 26th marks the most wins by an O’Neal girls’ basketball team in recorded MaxPreps.com history (dating back to the 90’s). This is another historic mark for the basketball program, who has made a habit of history making runs in the last five seasons.
The excitement of Friday’s victory quickly turned to preparations for the following day’s state final, as the Falcons learned later that night that they’d face #2 seeded Davidson Day School in a re-match of the 2019 State Championship. An early tip off, saw both teams shaking off nerves and excitement to start the game. In a tight, low scoring first quarter, Davidson Day jumped out to a 12-10 lead at the end of the first. Falcon foul trouble, and strong free throw shooting from Davidson Day saw them take a 29-20 lead into the halftime locker room. The third quarter saw the Falcons start to come to life closing it to an 8 point gap behind defensive pressure and strong post play. The Falcons started making their push to end the third quarter and erupted out of the fourth quarter start. Strong defensive rotations and rebounding saw the Falcons hold all but one Davidson Day player scoreless. Meanwhile the post presence of the Balser sisters allowed the Falcons to take the lead with just 2 minutes remaining in the game. The Falcons got stop after stop, down the stretch holding tight to their one-point lead. In the final seconds of the game, the Falcons found themselves at the free throw line for the front end of a 1-and-1 with less than 10 seconds left and the Falcons up 45-44. The Falcons missed the front end; however, the Falcons secured a strong rebound in traffic to earn another chance to close out the game, this time with just under 7 seconds in the game. The charity stripe wasn’t kind down the stretch as the Falcons missed the second front end of a 1-and-1, giving Davidson Day hope. Davidson Day, out of time outs, got the rebound to their top player, junior All-State guard Mallorie Haines, who took off down the court. In a controversial 50/50 call, Haines created contact to earn a trip to the free throw line for 2 shots with just 3 seconds left on the clock. After making the first to tie the game at 45-45, the Falcons called a time out to draw up one final possession. Haines finished off the second free throw giving Davidson Day the 46-45 lead with just 3 seconds remaining. The Falcons desperation half court heave fell short, and their attempt at story book ending and a program’s first state championship came to a close with the final score of 45-46 handing Davidson Day its second straight state championship with the Falcons finishing for a second year as runners-up. In the defeat, the Falcons led in scoring by Hadiya Balser’s 20 points and 8 rebounds, along with Aaliyah Balser’s 14 points and 6 rebounds. In the end, it wasn’t enough for the Falcons who gave it their all.
“Heartbreaking is the only way to describe the final result,” shared Coach Brase. “All season, these nine young ladies gave us and each other everything they had. Their way was one of sacrifice for each other, their truth was loving their teammates, and their goal was becoming part of something bigger than themselves. Although the final result will sting for a while, as we have a chance to look back on the season these girls have nothing to hang their hats on. On behalf of our assistant coach Porter Hunt, myself, and the entire O’Neal community, we can truly say these nine young ladies have inspired and excited tremendous school spirit amongst our whole school community.”
The Falcons finish the 2019-2020 season with an overall record of 26-3, 10-0 in conference play. For the second straight year, the Falcons were undefeated on their home court and have also extended their conference win streak to 40-0. They finished as Tri-TAC regular season and conference tournament champions, and NCISAA 2A Runners Up.
Middle School Baseball
The middle school baseball team opens their season at home Monday against conference rival, Village Christian. Coach Milligan and the young men are looking forward to a challenging but exciting year!
Middle School Girls Soccer
Middle School Soccer opened the season with an excited sixteen athletes participating in the first week of training. Fundamentals and a high level of efficiency was stressed, and the girls are looking forward to their first game next Thursday against St. John Paul.
Varsity Girls Soccer
It's been good to get out on the field with the girls. We look forward to gaining some momentum with our first full week of training, and our first scrimmage next week.
Varsity Boys Tennis
Thankful for sunny weather, Varsity Boys Tennis were finally able to hit on the courts. Our first home match is next Thursday vs. Cary Christian @3:30pm.
The O'Neal School
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
© The O'Neal School