There are seven varsity sports played in the fall and the Rocky Mount Telegram named eight players of the year and Northern Nash grabs three of the eight awards. Nash Central and Tarboro get two awards and Southern Nash wins the last award while Rocky Mount fails to win any.
Kendrick Richardson is the top defensive player for the Knights of Northen as he wins the Telegram's defensive football player of the year. Richardson had double digits sacks which is a great number for a team for the season but Richardson had those by himself.
Alexus Hill just might be the best athlete in the Big East boy or girl. Hill is the top volleyball player after moving to the the middle of the front line at the net even though that is where the tallest players normally roam. Just might see Hill later when the Telegram does winter sports as she probably is the best basketball player.
One of the youngest winners this year is the cross country rep from Northern sophomore Stephen Whitehead. The times that Whitehead has produced this year have him already given him some of the best times in the state from any sophomore. If he improves as much in the next two years as this year may very well be a state champion which for sure would make all area for the Telegram in the future.
Tarboro earns the all area offensive player in Radja Bobitt. I am sure if you asked Bobbitt he would loved to have been healthy in the playoffs and gotten back to the state championship for the sixth straight time for the Vikings. There is no doubt without Bobbitt Tarboro would not had a conference championship .
Katie King from the Tarboro Vikings wins for the third time in a row being the best female golfer.
Nash Central's winningest performer in tennis is Kaley Price. Even without older sister as a partner Price finishes off what might be the best ever career for any player in the area with total match wins.
If there is one player who is an outstanding long distance runner there is one name in the area is Nash Central's Michaela Williams. Look out for Wiliams again in the spring with track and field. She is the best in the fall in cross country.
The final winner this year is the leading scorer in the Big East in soccer is Moises Gonzalez from Southern Nash. He is a three time winner of the Telegram's award. Next step for him is probably a D-1 school.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Pins and Needles
If there is one thing the NFL wanted Sunday was down to the wire playoff berths on the line and the NFL could not ask any more than what was delivered. Pittsburgh after starting 0-4 was as good as anybody the last 12 games of the season finishing 8-8. They watched the scoreboard needing Miami and Baltimore to lose while they had to win and they got it. All they need now is Kansas City resting 19 starters to beat San Diego in San Diego. San Diego teased Pitt by falling down 14-0 and down 24-14 heading into the 4th quarter. They even let KC try a field goal on the last play of the game which looked good for 36 of the 41 yards it traveled to win the game. Philip Rivers engineered a 10 minute over time drive to break Steeler's fans hearts.
Green Bay and Chicago went back and forth in the second half before the Packers pull out a 33-28 win and a playoff spot. Both Aaron Rogers and Jay Cutler put on a show. San Fran dominated Arizona for most of the game but it took a field goal in overtime to win.
Even while recovering from back surgery Tony Romo's ghost was present in Dallas. Playing a great game for Dallas Kyle Orton pulled a Romo when the game was on the line in throwing a int with less than two minutes to play and Dallas only needing a field goal to win. Once again Jerry Jones has more TV time than players on the field and losses for the fourth straight time in win and get in and lose and go home.
Down in Atlanta the Carolina defense scored just enough points to give the Panthers a week off and try to get Steve Smith back by then. Winning hides many flaws and Cam Newton has really not been great during the last 12 weeks but he has been great at just the right moments.
I wonder as much as the NFL wants ratings why the New England Buffalo game got national coverage while the compelling AFC late game was KC-SD. As easy as it is to go from game to game the National game should have been switched. To me the next two weeks when there is two national TV playoff games on Saturday and Sunday this I s the best part of the playoffs even better than the Super Bowl.
Saturday Kansas City plays the 4:30 game at Indianapolis. The prime time game Saturday night is New Orleans at Philadelphia.
The 1pm game Sunday sends San Diego to Cincinnati and the 4:30 game has San Fransico at Green Bay. Let's get it on.
Green Bay and Chicago went back and forth in the second half before the Packers pull out a 33-28 win and a playoff spot. Both Aaron Rogers and Jay Cutler put on a show. San Fran dominated Arizona for most of the game but it took a field goal in overtime to win.
Even while recovering from back surgery Tony Romo's ghost was present in Dallas. Playing a great game for Dallas Kyle Orton pulled a Romo when the game was on the line in throwing a int with less than two minutes to play and Dallas only needing a field goal to win. Once again Jerry Jones has more TV time than players on the field and losses for the fourth straight time in win and get in and lose and go home.
Down in Atlanta the Carolina defense scored just enough points to give the Panthers a week off and try to get Steve Smith back by then. Winning hides many flaws and Cam Newton has really not been great during the last 12 weeks but he has been great at just the right moments.
I wonder as much as the NFL wants ratings why the New England Buffalo game got national coverage while the compelling AFC late game was KC-SD. As easy as it is to go from game to game the National game should have been switched. To me the next two weeks when there is two national TV playoff games on Saturday and Sunday this I s the best part of the playoffs even better than the Super Bowl.
Saturday Kansas City plays the 4:30 game at Indianapolis. The prime time game Saturday night is New Orleans at Philadelphia.
The 1pm game Sunday sends San Diego to Cincinnati and the 4:30 game has San Fransico at Green Bay. Let's get it on.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Gryphons On Three Wheels
That team that looked like state championship material lost again last night in the Corinth Holders Tournament. I can' t explain why but instead of a losers bracket game between the home standing Pirates the Gryphons played East Wake the team that beat Holders by nearly 32 on Friday.
Friday night the Gryphons played the fourth quarter without Immanuel King who sprained his ankle. King attempted to go to the distance but sat out the fourth quarter with ice on his ankle against E Wake. From all most the get go the Gryphons trailed 16-11 after the first, 26-24 at the half. The Warriors lead 41-36 after three but with five minutes left found themselves down 50-38.
The Gryphons rallied and down the stretch had five three point shots if any one had of fallen the game would have been tied but none did. Final East Wake 63 Rocky Mount 57.
One common denominator in all four losses. Immanuel King didn't play at all in two of them and sat out the fourth in both games this weekend. All four losses have come from teams playing three guards.
Observations are this team has lost to three good 4-A schools. They seem to being playing waiting for the other teams to wilt because they are the mighty Gryphons. They continue to run point guards in looking for someone who wants to take control. They lack a point guard that drives to the basket and dishes to the big men. Throughout his career Donte Battle has been a total team player never taking ill advised shots but right now this team needs him as the leader to take over rattle the rim with some monster dunks and grab every rebound as if he is the only player on the floor. Just remember not one conference game has been played and like many in the past you have to admit the Gryphons haven't back down in who they have played. Their schedule has been tough and they are not that far off from being very good.
The Lady Gryphons did get the loser from the Friday girls game and it was Corinth Holders. I got to the gym and looked at the score board and it was 52-22. Took a deep breath until the first score by Rocky Mount made it 54. Lady Gryphons cruise 68-25. Like the boys they are 6-4 on the season. Their next game is January 10th when they open conference play at Nash Central.
Friday night the Gryphons played the fourth quarter without Immanuel King who sprained his ankle. King attempted to go to the distance but sat out the fourth quarter with ice on his ankle against E Wake. From all most the get go the Gryphons trailed 16-11 after the first, 26-24 at the half. The Warriors lead 41-36 after three but with five minutes left found themselves down 50-38.
The Gryphons rallied and down the stretch had five three point shots if any one had of fallen the game would have been tied but none did. Final East Wake 63 Rocky Mount 57.
One common denominator in all four losses. Immanuel King didn't play at all in two of them and sat out the fourth in both games this weekend. All four losses have come from teams playing three guards.
Observations are this team has lost to three good 4-A schools. They seem to being playing waiting for the other teams to wilt because they are the mighty Gryphons. They continue to run point guards in looking for someone who wants to take control. They lack a point guard that drives to the basket and dishes to the big men. Throughout his career Donte Battle has been a total team player never taking ill advised shots but right now this team needs him as the leader to take over rattle the rim with some monster dunks and grab every rebound as if he is the only player on the floor. Just remember not one conference game has been played and like many in the past you have to admit the Gryphons haven't back down in who they have played. Their schedule has been tough and they are not that far off from being very good.
The Lady Gryphons did get the loser from the Friday girls game and it was Corinth Holders. I got to the gym and looked at the score board and it was 52-22. Took a deep breath until the first score by Rocky Mount made it 54. Lady Gryphons cruise 68-25. Like the boys they are 6-4 on the season. Their next game is January 10th when they open conference play at Nash Central.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Another Issue with Eligibility
If you are a regular here then you know what I think all of the private schools playing in the NCHSAA. Since many students who attend private schools live outside the district that public schools are restricted to. To me it is unfair for them to compete in playoffs when many players play against the school where they would be going if they were in public schools. I don't even want to argue the point today of private school students who go to private schools on scholarships.
More recently Prep schools and charter schools have come under the same scowl from me competing against public schools when they have athletes from all over competing on their athletic fields. This week at the High School OT basketball tournament in Raleigh another pressure from those wanting to compete in public schools appeared.
There is a team from Texas playing in the tournament that is a team of home schoolers. This team is from Texas and they have a player being looked at by Carolina. I have no problem with home schoolers playing athletic sports due to the fact I think all children need exercise and sports provides plenty of that.
If there is a home school team from Texas you know North Carolina can't be far having home school teams too that want to play others within the area they are from. I think all private schools, charter and you can add home school teams to the list now need to start their own leagues because they have no boundaries like public schools so everyone needs to play by the same rules. If public schools have school districts they need to play others who go by the same rules.
The Rocky Mount Gryphons played in Christmas tournament in Wendell yesterday with the girls
playing East Wake and lost 59-30 while the boys lost toKnightdale 63-59. The girls are in action at 3pm Saturday afternoon and the boys at 4:30.
More recently Prep schools and charter schools have come under the same scowl from me competing against public schools when they have athletes from all over competing on their athletic fields. This week at the High School OT basketball tournament in Raleigh another pressure from those wanting to compete in public schools appeared.
There is a team from Texas playing in the tournament that is a team of home schoolers. This team is from Texas and they have a player being looked at by Carolina. I have no problem with home schoolers playing athletic sports due to the fact I think all children need exercise and sports provides plenty of that.
If there is a home school team from Texas you know North Carolina can't be far having home school teams too that want to play others within the area they are from. I think all private schools, charter and you can add home school teams to the list now need to start their own leagues because they have no boundaries like public schools so everyone needs to play by the same rules. If public schools have school districts they need to play others who go by the same rules.
The Rocky Mount Gryphons played in Christmas tournament in Wendell yesterday with the girls
playing East Wake and lost 59-30 while the boys lost toKnightdale 63-59. The girls are in action at 3pm Saturday afternoon and the boys at 4:30.
ECU Gets Ten Wins
The 2013 Pirates of ECU became the second team in school history to win double digits with 10 after their Beef O Grady win. The Pirates finish the season 10-3 second only to the 1991 team that was 11-1 and beat NC State 37-34 on January 1 2012. You true ECU fans would know this but what team beat the Pirates in 91. Does anyone even remember the Peach Bowl game was played on NewYears day. I don't remember that.
A big difference in 92 over 2013. 59,000 plus were in Atlanta but Tampa only had 20,000. Watching the game on TV I don't know where the 20,000 were. I think we all understand that the 23rd of December is a bad day to be in Florida unless you live there. I have not seen any games played so far that didn't have more empty seats over fannies sitting in them. Regardless of how many were there the Pirates had a great season winning at both North Carolina and N C State.
Carolina will be in Charlotte in the Belk Bowl Saturday afternoon The midway point in the season the Tar Heels had a fantastic finish to get to any kind of a Bowl Game. Carolina basketball plays tonight. It will be on TV just don't know what channel.
Don't look now but the NC State women's basketball team is11-1so far this year.We would have to assume that the coaching change has made the difference this year in bringing new life to a team that hasn't had great success this century. NC State was the first North Carolina school to embrace Title IX back in the 70's and lead the way up until the 90's when Carolina got good. Then Duke got just as good as Carolina leaving State number three in the Triangle. It will be interesting to see how the Pack fares when conference play starts.
We kind of expect both the men and women's team at Duke , State and Carolina to be good but over in Greenville both teams there are off to great starts. The ECU women have lost only once and we all saw the game the men gave NC State.
By the way the only lost for ECU in 1991 was opening day when they lost to Illinois 38-31 and then won 11 games Ina row.
A big difference in 92 over 2013. 59,000 plus were in Atlanta but Tampa only had 20,000. Watching the game on TV I don't know where the 20,000 were. I think we all understand that the 23rd of December is a bad day to be in Florida unless you live there. I have not seen any games played so far that didn't have more empty seats over fannies sitting in them. Regardless of how many were there the Pirates had a great season winning at both North Carolina and N C State.
Carolina will be in Charlotte in the Belk Bowl Saturday afternoon The midway point in the season the Tar Heels had a fantastic finish to get to any kind of a Bowl Game. Carolina basketball plays tonight. It will be on TV just don't know what channel.
Don't look now but the NC State women's basketball team is11-1so far this year.We would have to assume that the coaching change has made the difference this year in bringing new life to a team that hasn't had great success this century. NC State was the first North Carolina school to embrace Title IX back in the 70's and lead the way up until the 90's when Carolina got good. Then Duke got just as good as Carolina leaving State number three in the Triangle. It will be interesting to see how the Pack fares when conference play starts.
We kind of expect both the men and women's team at Duke , State and Carolina to be good but over in Greenville both teams there are off to great starts. The ECU women have lost only once and we all saw the game the men gave NC State.
By the way the only lost for ECU in 1991 was opening day when they lost to Illinois 38-31 and then won 11 games Ina row.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
After Christmas Tournaments
The after Christmas tournament action starts Friday for several local teams. Rocky Mount this year heads to Wendell to Corith Holders where Friday they will play Knightdale. The past two years RM has played at Knightdale's Thankgiving Tournament having won it both years. Win or lose there will be a game on Saturday.
The Lady Gryphons will be playing Friday afternoon when they take on East Wake. Like the boys they play Saturday the time won't be known until they find out whether it's in the championship game or the consolation game. Both Rocky Mount teams will be playing 4-A level teams so win or lose it's one of those games that you get a good idea when it's over where you stand.
Northern Nash boys play Bunn in the Holiday Tournament Friday while Northern's girls play next week against East Wake and Wakefield so those two games will be real test for the Lady Knights. Nash Central boys will be taking on Rolesville.
I don't know about you but I have a very hard time watching NBA basketball on Christmas Day. I have a hard time watching games that lack team work. Four players go stand in the corner while I will take on this guy one on one. The lack of defense three point shots and dunks doesn't turn me own.
NFL teams started practice for Sunday games and the Dallas Cowboys are using the ploy that they are up in the air about the condition of Tony Romo. I just can't see Romo playing but if they hold out as long as possible then Philadelphia can't prepared for any one quarterback for the winner take all game Sunday.
The Lady Gryphons will be playing Friday afternoon when they take on East Wake. Like the boys they play Saturday the time won't be known until they find out whether it's in the championship game or the consolation game. Both Rocky Mount teams will be playing 4-A level teams so win or lose it's one of those games that you get a good idea when it's over where you stand.
Northern Nash boys play Bunn in the Holiday Tournament Friday while Northern's girls play next week against East Wake and Wakefield so those two games will be real test for the Lady Knights. Nash Central boys will be taking on Rolesville.
I don't know about you but I have a very hard time watching NBA basketball on Christmas Day. I have a hard time watching games that lack team work. Four players go stand in the corner while I will take on this guy one on one. The lack of defense three point shots and dunks doesn't turn me own.
NFL teams started practice for Sunday games and the Dallas Cowboys are using the ploy that they are up in the air about the condition of Tony Romo. I just can't see Romo playing but if they hold out as long as possible then Philadelphia can't prepared for any one quarterback for the winner take all game Sunday.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Merry Christmas
I would like to say happy Birthday to my Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST. I hope that this does not offend you but I am not sorry if it does. Yes I believe in the virgin birth. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world mine included and then on the third day rose.
The birth of Jesus opened up heaven for all that believe. Up until then the Old Testament was rules and regulations for the Jewish nation but Jesus taught everyone who accepted him could have a place in Heaven.
I am by no way perfect and every day I sin and some of those sins I don't realize at the time I am doing them but if I ask for forgiveness from him he will forgive. None of us know how long we have left on this earth but I assure you when my life on earth ends it will just be just the beginning.
No longer will I have to worry about how to pay the bills or even the score of any ball game. I will live in a world where just to be near my Lord will be all I need. I hope as you read this that these statements are reassurance for you. If you scoff at them I will pray that you will find hope in Jesus for without Jesus you have no hope in your future.
If you are a person who seems to be floating aimlessly in life pick up your Bible, for I know you have one. You may need to dust it off but start reading. If it has been a while since you have read it start in the New Testament and read about Jesus. Hope lives within it. You know the world we live there has never been one word in the Bible proven wrong. The Bible is the truth but until you find what is in it you will never find Jesus.
Thank you for giving me a reason to come to you every day and I hope you and your family have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
The birth of Jesus opened up heaven for all that believe. Up until then the Old Testament was rules and regulations for the Jewish nation but Jesus taught everyone who accepted him could have a place in Heaven.
I am by no way perfect and every day I sin and some of those sins I don't realize at the time I am doing them but if I ask for forgiveness from him he will forgive. None of us know how long we have left on this earth but I assure you when my life on earth ends it will just be just the beginning.
No longer will I have to worry about how to pay the bills or even the score of any ball game. I will live in a world where just to be near my Lord will be all I need. I hope as you read this that these statements are reassurance for you. If you scoff at them I will pray that you will find hope in Jesus for without Jesus you have no hope in your future.
If you are a person who seems to be floating aimlessly in life pick up your Bible, for I know you have one. You may need to dust it off but start reading. If it has been a while since you have read it start in the New Testament and read about Jesus. Hope lives within it. You know the world we live there has never been one word in the Bible proven wrong. The Bible is the truth but until you find what is in it you will never find Jesus.
Thank you for giving me a reason to come to you every day and I hope you and your family have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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