Month: October 2018

As the fall sports regular season begins to wind down across Hillsborough, there will be important events coming up on and off the field.

On Monday night, the Orange County School Board will vote on a new baseball coach at Cedar Ridge High School. Cedar Ridge Athletic Director Andy Simmons says a name has been submitted to the board. The new coach will replace Jamie Athas, who departed Cedar Ridge in July to become the new head coach at Burlington Williams. Athas, a former recruiting coordinator for UNC-Greensboro who played at Wake Forest, went 35-13 in his final two years at Cedar Ridge. Under his direction, the Red Wolves hosted state playoff games in 2017 & 2018. He went 55-39 at Cedar Ridge over four seasons. Athas’ replacement will be the fourth new baseball coach hired in the Big 8 Conference since the season ended in June.

Also on Monday night, the Cedar Ridge men’s soccer team will host Orange in the second leg of the Hillsborough Derby. On September 21, the Red Wolves defeated the Panthers 3-2 at Orange Soccer Park behind a game-winning goal from Calvin Navaez. It was his first varsity goal. Jose Luna opened the scoring for the Red Wolves. Cedar Ridge, Orange and Northwood are in a race for a state playoff spot in the Big 8 Conference. Cedar Ridge is in third place in the Big 8 with a 4-3 record, while Northwood is 4-4. Orange is 3-4. Chapel Hill defeated the Tigers 5-1 on Thursday night at Culton-Peerman Stadium. Luna scored Cedar Ridge’s only goal. Also on Thursday, Orange defeated Hillside 4-0 in Hillsborough. RJ Pherribo and Drew Jagentenfl each had two goals and two assists. Panther goalkeeper Francisco McKinley had a clean sheet.

Also on Monday, the Orange volleyball team will host senior night against Jordan. It will be the final regular season home match for seniors Liz LaNier, Libby Jones and Meg Gattis. Win or lose against the Falcons, Orange will start play in the Big 8 Conference Tournament on Tuesday night at Northern Durham. The Knights defeated the Lady Panthers 3-1 last week in Hillsborough to complete a regular season sweep. Orange is 10-10 and is still hoping for a wildcard birth for the 3A state playoffs, which starts next week.

Also on Tuesday night, the Cedar Ridge volleyball team will travel to face Northwood in Pittsboro. The Red Wolves concluded the regular season on Thursday with a 3-0 victory over Southern Durham. Senior Sarah McCuiston, in her final match at Cedar Ridge, had 13 kills. Rachel Tucker, another senior, had six kills. Tucker’s classmate, Colby Rabalais, finished with nine aces.

On Wednesday, the Big 8 Conference women’s tennis tournament takes place at East Chapel Hill High School. Participants who reach the semifinals in the singles and doubles tournaments will automatically qualify for the 3A Mideast Regionals.

As for football, Orange will try to rebound from Friday’s 33-0 loss to Northern Durham. They host Hillside at Auman Stadium. Last year, the Panthers defeated the Hornets 31-20, Hillside’s first conference loss since 2009.

The Cedar Ridge junior varsity has the week off. They were slated to face East Chapel Hill, but the Wildcats aren’t fielding a junior varsity team.

Stone Edwards: After missing Vanderbilt’s games against South Carolina and Tennessee State, Edwards returned to action on Saturday night as the Commodores lost to Georgia 41-13. Edwards was credited with an assisted tackle against the Bulldogs. Vanderbilt is now 3-3, 0-2 in the Southeastern Conference. Edwards has played in four games as a defensive end.

Eryk Brandon-Dean: Randolph-Macon defeated Division III Guilford 63-34 in Ashland, VA on Saturday. Former Orange High running back Eryk Brandon-Dean scored a touchdown for the Quakers on a three-yard run with 34 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Brandon-Dean set a college career-high with 70 yards on seven carries. Guilford is now 1-3. They host Ferrum on Thursday night.

Chandler Compton: The 2016 Orange High graduate started as the Wofford men’s soccer team lost to East Tennessee State 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Snyder Field in Spartanburg, S.C. Compton has played in six matches for Wofford this season, starting three of them.

Rachel Shinnick: Shinnick started for the Wofford women’s soccer team on Friday night. She was credited with a shot on goal as the Terriers defeated VMI 3-1 at Patchin Field in Lexington, VA. It was Wofford’s first Southern Conference win of the season. Shinnick, a senior who graduated from Orange in 2015, has played in 13 matches this season, starting seven of them. She has eight shots in 675 minutes.

Lionel Reid-Shaw: On Saturday night, the Division III Dickinson College men’s soccer team tied Washington College 1-1 at Roy Kirby Jr. Stadium in Chestertown, MD. Former Orange High star Lionel Reid-Shaw started his 12th match of the season for the Red Devils. Reid-Shaw, a junior, has played in 43 matches in his Dickinson career. The Red Devils are now 7-3-2 overall, 3-1-1 in the Centennial Conference.

Brittany Daley: The Division III Greensboro College women’s soccer team remains undefeated. On Saturday, the Pride defeated Methodist 4-2 at the Monarch Soccerplex in Fayetteville. Brittany Daley, who graduated from Cedar Ridge in June, made her ninth start of the season. She has played in all eleven of Greensboro’s matches. The Pride is now 11-0, 3-0 in the USA South Athletic Conference.

Lili Henry: The Division III Methodist Volleyball team, displaced because of Hurricane Florence, made their home debut on Saturday with a tri-match against two USA South Athletic Conference foes in the Riddle Center in Fayetteville. Lili Henry, who graduated from Cedar Ridge in 2017, had 27 assists as the Monarchs defeated Greensboro College 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-18) in the opening match of the day. William Peace defeated Methodist 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20) in the Monarchs’ final match of the day. In the loss to the Pacers, Henry finished with one kill, 33 assists, 12 digs and two aces. Methodist is 9-5, 2-3 in the USAS.

Jordan Lloyd: The Division III Brevard College Tornadoes lost to Covenant on Saturday in Boshamer Gymnasium 3-1. (25-12, 19-25, 25-13, 28-26). Jordan Lloyd, who graduated from Orange in 2017, tied for the team lead with 21 digs. She also had seven kills. Lloyd has played in all 16 of Brevard’s matches this season.

Lindsay Thompson & Caroline Compton: After missing nearly a month because of Hurricane Florence, the Cape Fear Community College volleyball team finally returned to action last week. On Wednesday, Wake Tech defeated the Sea Devils 3-1. Lindsay Thompson, who graduated from Cedar Ridge in 2017, finished with 22 digs. Caroline Compton, who graduated from Orange last summer, had a team-high 46 assists, along with 13 digs. This weekend, Cape Fear took part in a quad match at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory. On Friday, South Florida State College swept the Sea Devils 3-0. Later that day, Lansing Community College swept CFCC. On Saturday, Wallace State Community College-Hanceville defeated the Sea Devils. Spartanburg Methodist also swept CFCC. Cape Fear is now 1-6. On Wednesday, Cape Fear travels to Winterville to face Pitt Community College.

This week’s Cedar Ridge Red Wolf of the Week is women’s cross country runner Jill Myler. On September 25, Myler finished 3rd in a cross country meet that also included Northwood, East Chapel Hill and Hillside. It was the first home cross country meet at Cedar Ridge this season. It was also an emotional day at Cedar Ridge and for cross country runners everywhere. The race happened three days after the death of Union Pines cross country runner Samantha Davis, who collapsed during the Hare & Hounds Invitational at McAlpine Park in Charlotte. To pay tribute  to Davis, every Cedar Ridge cross country runner wore a blue or white headband/armband, which are the colors of Union Pines. Cedar Ridge won the women’s meet on September 25, then followed with a victory on October 3 at Orange.

(Editor’s note: This Cedar Ridge Red Wolf of the Week Award is retroactive to the week ending September 15, which was the week of Hurricane Florence. Since school wasn’t in session the last two days that week, athletes weren’t available for interviews. This award is to make up for that week. We’ll have another Orange and Cedar Ridge Red Wolf of the Week announcement on Monday morning)

Cedar Ridge Red Wolf of the Week: Jill Myler

This week’s Cedar Ridge Red Wolf of the Week is women’s cross country runner Jill Myler. On September 25, Myler finished 3rd in a cross country meet that also included Northwood, East Chapel Hill and Hillside. It was the first home cross country meet at Cedar Ridge this season.

Last Tuesday, the Orange cross country hosted its only meet of the season against Cedar Ridge, Northwood and Eno River Academy. It was senior day for Orange women’s cross country members Grace Dively and Kate Burgess. On Saturday, Kate competed in the Wendy’s Invitational in Charlotte, which featured 519 runners from 35 teams across the state. Kate finished the 5K in 26:16.4. Both Grave and Kate are members of the Orange women’s basketball team who are preparing for the upcoming season, which starts in less than six weeks. Grace and Kate were members of the 2017 Orange team that captured the Big 8 Regular Season and Postseason women’s basketball championships. Now, they want to end their careers in style for Coach B.J. Condron. But first, there’s the Big 8 Conference Championships, followed by the 3A Mideast Regionals in Cary on October 27.

Orange Seniors Grace Dively and Kate Burgess Discuss Cross Country Season

Last Tuesday, the Orange cross country hosted its only meet of the season against Cedar Ridge, Northwood and Eno River Academy. It was senior day for Orange women’s cross country members Grace Dively and Kate Burgess. On Saturday, Kate competed in the Wendy’s Invitational in Charlotte, which featured 519 runners from 35 teams across the state.

Cedar Ridge outside hitter Hannah Weaks played all three sets of the Red Wolves 3-0 win over Southern Durham on Thursday night. It was Senior Night for the Red Wolves. Weaks finished with four kills and three digs as the Red Wolves improved to 7-14 overall. Once Weeks graduates in June, she’s planning on attending East Carolina. She’s such a diehard Pirate fan, she weather the lightning delay during Labor Day weekend in East Carolina game against North Carolina A&T at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville.

Cedar Ridge Senior Hannah Weeks Discusses Senior Night Win

Cedar Ridge outside hitter Hannah Weeks played all three sets of the Red Wolves 3-0 win over Southern Durham on Thursday night. It was Senior Night for the Red Wolves. Weeks finished with four kills and three digs as the Red Wolves improved to 7-14 overall.

Cedar Ridge senior outside hitter Colby Rabalais played her final match at Red Wolves Gymnasium on Thursday night. The Red Wolves defeated Southern Durham 3-0 on scores of 25-7, 25-9 & 25-4. Rabalais finished with four kills and a season-high nine aces. She also registered five digs. Rabalais even had a paper mask made for her, as did all the other seniors for the Red Wolves. Cedar Ridge will start play in the Big 8 Tournament on Wednesday night with a first-round match at Northwood in the quarterfinals. Rabalais discussed what she learned during her three years playing varsity and playing for first year head coach Anna Seethaler.

Cedar Ridge Senior Colby Rabalais Talks Winning on Senior Night

Cedar Ridge senior outside hitter Colby Rabalais played her final match at Red Wolves Gymnasium on Thursday night. The Red Wolves defeated Southern Durham 3-0 on scores of 25-7, 25-9 & 25-4. Rabalais finished with four kills and a season-high nine aces. She also registered five digs.

Bryse WIlson: As the Atlanta Braves start their first postseason appearance since 2013 on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Divisional Series, 2017 Orange graduate Bryse Wilson is back at home. After being called up to Atlanta on September 1, Wilson isn’t on Atlanta’s postseson roster. He can be called back in case of an emergency. Wilson showed up at Orange’s football practice on Tuesday at Stanford Middle School Baseball Field.

Chandler Compton: On Tuesday night, Chandler Compton entered the game in the 85th minute for Wofford in the Terriers’ 4-2 loss to #23 Duke at Koskinen Stadium in Durham. Compton is believe to be the first Orange men’s soccer player to play against a Top 25 team. Compton has played five games this season for Wofford, starting twice and compiling 217 minutes. Wofford, 1-7-1 overall, hosts East Tennessee State at Snyder Field in Spartanburg, S.C. in its Southern Conference opener on Saturday.

Rachel Shinnick: Shinnick, a 2015 Orange graduate, started as a centerback for the Wofford women’s soccer team on Sunday, when Samford defeated the Terriers 2-0. Shinnick was credited with a shot. Wofford is now 2-9-1, 0-4 in the Southern Conference. They travel to face VMI in Lexington, VA on Friday night.

Kayla Hodges: On Sunday, Elon defeated Towson 2-0 on Senior Day at Rudd Field. Hodges, who graduated from Orange in June, entered the game as a reserve. Elon improved to 3-5-3, 1-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association. Hodges has played in three games this season for the Phoenix. Elon travels to Northeastern in Brookline, MA on Sunday.

Brittany Daley: On Wednesday night, Division III Greensboro College maintained its undefeated record by beating Pfeiffer 2-1 at Pride Field. Daley started at centerback. She has started eight of Greensboro’s ten matches, registering 485 minutes. Greensboro is 10-0, 2-0 in the USA South Athletic Conference. On Saturday, Greensboro faces Methodist in Fayetteville.

Jordan Rogers: Methodist defeated Division III William Peace 4-0 at WakeMed Soccer Park on Tuesday night. Jordan Rogers, a freshman at Peace, started her eighth game of the season. She was credited with one of the two shots the Pacers fired in the match. Peace is now 2-5-1 overall. On Saturday, Peace travels to Misenheimer to face Pfeiffer University.

Lionel Reid-Shaw: For the second straight match, Division III Dickinson College scored five goals on Tuesday night. The Red Devils defeated Misericordia 5-1 in Carlisle, PA. Reid-Shaw, who graduated from Orange in 2016, made his 11th start at wingback for Dickinson. The Red Devils are 7-3-1 overall, 3-1 in the Centennial Conference. They travel to Washington College in Chestertown, MD on Saturday night.

Lili Henry: The 2017 Cedar Ridge graduate started her tenth match of the season on Monday night for Division III Methodist, as the Monarchs fell to Salem College 3-0 (25-13, 25-23 & 25-22). Methodist is 8-4 overall, 2-2 in the USA South Athletic Conference. Henry had 22 assists. On Thursday night, Methodist travels to face North Carolina Wesleyan in Rocky Mount.

Jordan Lloyd: Agnes Scott defeated Division III Brevard College 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-18) on Tuesday afternoon in Macon, GA. Lloyd, a 2017 Orange graduate, had eight kills for the Tornadoes, which tied for the team lead. Lloyd also had seven digs. Brevard is now 0-15, 0-6 in the USA South Athletic Conference. The Tornadoes host the Covenant Scots on Saturday afternoon at Boshamer Gymnasium.