SportsTalk: Richardson And Downey Talk Local Basketball

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Scottie Richardson, head men’s basketball coach and athletic director at Crossroads Christian, and Taron Downey, head men’s basketball coach at Vance Charter School, have both seen injuries to players throughout their careers.

Both men briefly discussed their thoughts on the tragic injury to Damar Hamlin in Monday night’s NFL game. “I thought the NFL made the right decision,” Richardson said and added that Crossroads has an on site defibrillator in case there is ever a need for one.  “It was a very unfortunate and tragic situation. It’s part of the game and coaches have to deal with it as best as we can,” Downey added.

Both coaches are coming off holiday breaks at their respective schools.  According to Richardson, Crossroads men’s basketball is ranked at third in the state but will meet a big challenge Friday as they hit the road to take on the top-ranked team in state, United Faith of Charlotte. “We are not getting on the road for three hours to lose,” Richardson said. It’s the longest road trip of the year for Crossroads.  The school won on Tuesday defeating Thales Academy, but Richardson said they were sluggish during the win after the holiday break.

“We are trying to get back in the swing of things,” Downey said of Vance Charter.  They are coming off a win this week against Eno River but travel to face rival Oxford Prep Friday, who Downey says has quick guards and tenacious defense. Downey also said the game will have a great environment.  Downey feels that’s important to home teams.

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Duke’s Dominant Defense Thrived in Military Bowl Win

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

In their first Bowl game since 2018, the Duke Blue Devils’ stout defense prevailed, tallying a Military Bowl-record six sacks and eight tackles for a loss. The unit also deflected four passes and forced three fumbles.

Duke wasted no time putting points on the board. In the first quarter, Duke’s offense, led by Military Bowl MVP Riley Leonard, executed a nine-play, 87-yard scoring drive to take an early lead. Through four quarters, Leonard scored twice with his legs and threw for 173 yards.

Leonard, once again, was the star of the show. When the Blue Devils needed him to scramble to pick up extra yards, he did it. If his coaches needed him to execute a precision pass in tight coverage, it was done.

Despite quickly responding with a one-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game at seven in the first quarter, The Knights failed to compile a consistent rhythm on offense, and they struggled to convert on fourth down in crucial situations.

“It was inconsistent,” said head coach Gus Malzahn. “There is no doubt. We didn’t play good enough offensively to give ourselves a chance to win.”

Duke took advantage of The Knights’ miscues, capitalizing on a fumble and outscoring The Knights 13-0 in the second half. Facing a 16-point deficit at the start of the second half, The Knights had an opportunity to flip the script after a favorable exchange of punts gave them good field position, including the Duke 32. However, the offensive series stalled out after insufficient, minimal gains.

Once Duke orchestrated a comfortable lead, its versatile offensive unit won the possession battle with a run-heavy game plan. Four running backs and Leonard ran 40 times for a combined 177 yards.

“I felt we controlled the game pretty well,” said Leonard. “We executed pretty well on offense, did have a couple of three and outs here and there but throughout the game, we consistently ran the ball, and we were able to find the holes in the defense.”

SportsTalk: Adcock Hopes To Move Up In Mariners’ Organization

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There’s that old baseball saying about a swing and a miss.  One has to wonder if that phrase hasn’t gone through Oxford native Ty Adcock’s mind once or twice.  Adcock is about to begin his fourth year in the Seattle Mariners organization and hopes this year sees him transition from the minors to the parent organization.  It’s been a tough road for Adcock so far.

After graduating from South Granville High School, Adcock spent four years playing for Elon College.  He started as a catcher but by his junior year was pitching and his college coaches saw that he had what it took to go further pitching and promoted him to closer in his senior season.  He soon caught the attention of Major League Baseball scouts and was drafted by the Mariners.

Things were looking good for Adcock but injuries and Covid has played a factor in his career. “I was hurt in my freshman year at Elon. I had a back injury,” Adcock explained.  He had fractured his L5 vertebra and then in his senior year shoulder issues appeared.  The Mariners felt it best to have him rehab all of 2019 so he didn’t throw at all.  In 2020 Covid came along and wiped out the entire season.

In 2021 baseball returned and so did Adcock, but not for long. “I was facing my 6th batter of the preseason when I tore my UCL ligament in my elbow,” Adcock said.  This meant that Adcock would have to undergo Tommy John Surgery.  After 17 months of rehab, Adcock is ready to get back to work.  He spent the autumn playing in the Arizona Fall League and is ready to start spring training in February.  “I’m 25 and that’s not old but, in baseball I know the clock is ticking,” Adcock stated. “I’ve got to make some big strides in 2023. I have to make a name for myself.  I’ve really got to show the organization what I’ve got,” Adcock added.

Perhaps, with a little luck, the phrase a swing and a miss will be applied to the batters that Adcock is facing instead of himself.

 

SportsTalk: Holiday Tournament Shaping Up At Kerr Vance

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Mike Joyner, Athletic Director at Kerr Vance Academy, is coming to the end of his first year on the job. Joyner, who was a guest on SportsTalk Thursday, expressed gratitude to those who have helped make his transition from bigger schools to KVA a success. “We have great support, lots of tradition and a great booster club,” Joyner said. After 27 years the smaller school size works well for Joyner. “Everyone knows everyone on a first name basis,” Joyner added.

Joyner and KVA are in preparation for the annual holiday tournament at the school, which kicks off Friday morning at 10:30 and will continue on Saturday.  The school will use both gyms for the tournament, which will feature Brunswick Academy, Thales Academy, Oxford Prep, Oak Forest and, of course, Kerr Vance Academy.  The tournament will start with JV games followed by women’s games and then the men’s games.  Championship games will take place on Saturday with the women’s game at 1:30pm and the men’s game at 3pm. All games are at Kerr Vance Academy.

 

SportsTalk: Mize Goes Out On Top At Webb??

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While Lisa Mize is definitely on top, the question is whether she is actually going to retire. Mize was a guest on SportsTalk on Thursday, and she said it is not yet set in stone, but her plans are to fold up the volleyball net. Mize was recently named as North Carolina 2A Volleyball Coach of The Year at J.F. Webb High School. The Warriors made it into the second round of the state playoffs this season.

Mize has served as JV and varsity head coach at Webb for many years, and she’s watched the girls grow up. “I’ve taught some of them in elementary school,” Mize said.”  She continued, “The seniors are why I came back this year.”  She was recently honored for her achievements by the Granville County School Board for her service in the school system.

“It’s very hard to step away.  I’ll miss the girls, but I won’t miss the long hours,” Mize said. She said she will keep up with her players and expects a few road trips to watch some of them play in college, but when pressed about whether she will actually retire she said, “Nothing’s final. Nothing is in stone.”  While she may have ideas of retirement, her players have other ideas. “They are begging me to stay,” Mize said.

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Crossroads Christian School

SportsTalk: Crossroads Christian Meets Vance Co. High School For First Time

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Only a few miles separate Crossroads Christian School from Vance County High School, and with the two schools in the same county, one might think that the two teams would meet on the basketball court with regularity.  That’s not the case.  Friday night will mark the first time these two schools will compete in basketball.

The Vipers will run into a Crossroads Christian team that is playing well. The JV team is undefeated, the girls team is 8-1, and the boys team is 7-3.  It all starts at 4:30 p.m. with the JV team, the girls tip off at 6 p.m., and the boys at 7 p.m.

According to Crossroads Christian Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach Scottie Richardson, the matchup is a big deal for Crossroads. “It’s almost like a fundraiser,” he said on Thursday’s SportsTalk. The crowd is expected to pack the game which is hosted by Crossroads, so arrive early to get the best vantage point for the games.

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Leonard Throws Duke Past Wake, 34-31

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

Duke’s offense demonstrated resilience to defeat visiting Wake Forest, snapping a three-game losing streak to the Demon Deacons and securing the team’s eighth regular-season win. After a tremendous turnaround season, Duke is looking forward to its first bowl since 2018.

During a crisp Saturday evening, both fanbases exchanged chants and cheers as their team fought to maintain its lead. Considering the lead changed hands multiple times, neither Duke nor the Deacons had complete control. A crucial mistake by one team resulted in a successful series for the other. Therefore, fans anxiously sat on the edge of their seats, and coaches paced back and forth as a game-winning drive was imminent.

The Deacons played catch-up for much of the game. After Duke scored, they moved the ball swiftly to keep the win within reach, waiting for the perfect opportunity to pull ahead. Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman responded well under pressure, completing 26 of 42 pass attempts for 347 yards and three touchdowns.

Duke heavily relied on its offensive playmakers to pick apart Wake Forest’s discombobulated secondary and consistently put points on the board. Riley Leonard threw for a career-best 391 yards and four touchdowns, and wide receivers Jalon Calhoun and Sahmir Hagans caught a combined 19 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns. Hagans’ 20-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter secured the win.

“Our quarterback was special,” said head coach Mike Elko. “He’s had a special year.”

Duke’s defense, led by linebacker Shaka Heyward, amassed 72 tackles, three sacks, and deflected six passes. Defensive back Darius Joiner intercepted Hartman in crunch time to regain possession with just 1:22 to play.

Vance County High School

SportsTalk: Aaron Elliott Looks Back On Vipers Season

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The Vance County Vipers were eliminated from the state high school football playoffs last week by Southern Durham, but the Vipers have nothing to be ashamed of after finishing 7-4.  According to Coach Aaron Elliott, turnovers and weather were factors in the loss. Some of the turnovers were weather related as rain continued on and off throughout the game. Elliott also said some questionable calls were likely a factor as well. “We had a fumble recovery for a touchdown that was called back by an early whistle,” Elliott said.  “It’s all part of the game,” he continued.

The Vipers will lose 14 seniors, but Elliott feels that will be overcome by incoming players from the JV squad next season. Additionally, his coaching philosophy will have a whole off-season to be absorbed by players both new and returning.  “We play together as a family. When your players trust and believe in you they will do anything,” Coach Elliott said on Wednesday’s SportsTalk with Bill Harris and George Hoyle.

With both running backs and the entire offensive line returning, the Vipers will have an excellent core for the 2023 season.

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Crossroads Christian School

SportsTalk: Scottie Richardson Previews Winter Sports At Crossroads

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Scottie Richardson wears a couple of hats at Crossroads Christian. He is the men’s basketball coach but also oversees a very successful athletic program for the entire school as athletic director.  “We are coming off of the winningest fall season in the school’s history,” Richardson said on Wednesday’s SportsTalk.  From success on the volleyball court to a final four finish for the boy’s soccer team, things have been going well for Crossroads.

Winter sports are now here and Crossroads is off to a great start as both girl’s and boy’s basketball are undefeated so far this season. The boys are coming off a huge victory against crosstown rival Henderson Collegiate and are now preparing for holiday tournaments.

The Colts will be heading for Wilson for one tournament and then an MLK Event in Greene County is also upcoming.

The key to all of this success, according to Richardson, is developing younger talent and use that to build on.  The Colts certainly excel at that.  “Our middle school girl’s basketball team has not lost since 2019,” Richardson said.  With that kind of talent rising to varsity level athletics, it’s no wonder Crossroads continues to be a team opposing coaches fear when they appear on the schedule.

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Duke Heading to Pitt Looking 4th Straight ACC Win

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

Duke Bounces Back in the Second Half to Defeat Virginia Tech 24-7

Duke overcame early offensive woes to defeat Virginia Tech and extend its win streak to three.

Duke’s offense, led by sophomore quarterback Riley Leonard, struggled to find a rhythm for most of the first quarter. Their first drive stalled after three plays resulted in a gain of five yards. The Virginia Tech Hokies, on the other hand, got off to a hot start. Their first play went for two yards. Then Virginia Tech quarterback Grant Wells connected with wide receiver Da’Wain Lofton for an explosive 53-yard score.

Duke’s second offensive series also achieved minimal success. A penalty negated a 17-yard pass, and neither Leonard nor running back Jaquez Moore could find ample room to run. Then Duke managed to flip the script during its third possession.

A 13-yard catch by Duke’s Sahmir Hagans moved the chains for the second time in the first half. Leonard quickly found his footing and picked apart Virginia Tech’s secondary, piecing together an exciting 72-yard offensive drive to set up a 25-yard chip shot for kicker Todd Pelino. Pelino’s field goal was the turning point of the game.

“We responded to a little bit of a slow start and then took control of the game,” said Duke coach Mike Elko.

From then on out, Duke outpaced the Hokies. Duke extended its lead to 10 at the start of the third quarter after Leonard used his long legs and strong upper body to force his way into the end zone.

Duke’s ground game, led by running back Jordan Waters amassed 165 yards on 41 attempts. Leonard picked up a total of 48 yards with his legs. Duke compiled an additional 262 passing yards through four quarters of football with stellar performances from wide receivers Jalon Calhoun and Jontavis Robertson.

In this game, Elko relied on the performance of his dominant defense to secure the win. The unit deflected two passes, forced a turnover, and sacked Wells twice. They also limited Virginia Tech to 4 of 12 on third-down conversions and halted two attempts to convert on fourth down.

“Defensively, our best effort of the year,” said Elko.

What’s next?

Duke (7-4) will travel to Pennsylvania for a matchup against Pittsburgh (6-4). Pittsburgh, on the heels of Duke in the ACC Coastal Conference, is averaging 30 points per game.