Wolfpack’s Newman up for magazine’s ‘Cheerleader of the Year’

By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
It’s not every day that a “regular” person ends up on the cover of a magazine.
But, then again, maybe Gabby Newman isn’t so “regular.”
Newman graced the cover of the October 2007 edition of American Cheerleader magazine after being named the “Cheerleader of the Month.”
The N.C. State Wolfpack cheerleader said she felt like a celebrity when she first spotted the magazine in a store.
“I was in Barnes & Noble when I first saw it sitting next to Seventeen and Cosmopolitan,” Newman said. “I felt famous. When I bought it, the cashier didn't even notice that it was me on the cover.
“I have had several people tell me that they saw it in stores and had to do a double-take because they were shocked to see my face up there with all these A-listers. Needless to say, it was pretty awesome.”
Newman’s touch with fame came thanks to a cheerleading event in Daytona, Fla. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty was spotted by an editor of American Cheerleader magazine during one of the Wolfpack’s routines at the NCA Nationals.
“One of the editors for the magazine had watched us and somehow pointed me out to my coach,” Newman said. “The coach called me over and introduced us. The editor then asked if I wanted to meet them on the beach the next day for a photo shoot for a smoothie article about eating healthy. We did the mini-photo shoot the next day on the beach.
“Turns out, it was just a trial run to see if I could take good pictures because, shortly after I returned to Raleigh, the editor asked me if I wanted to fly to New York City for a real photo shoot. At that point I was put in the running for ‘Cheerleader of the Month,’ which is chosen by the American Cheerleader staff.”
Newman obviously had what the staff was looking for as the month’s top cheerleader. The N.C. State criminology major earned a scholarship and a three-page spread in the magazine.
“The magazine only comes out with six issues a year, so it was a huge honor to be chosen as one of them to grace the cover of their magazine,” Newman said. “When the editor called me and told me, I freaked out. I started jumping up and down and screaming like a 12-year-old meeting Zac from “High School Musical.” I'm glad no one was around because it would have been quite embarrassing.
“I was thrilled for so many reasons. That magazine is the No. 1 cheerleading magazine in the country. I was excited that the all-girl team was finally going to get some exposure and, most of all, I was getting a scholarship that I knew would help me immensely with my student loans.”
Landing on a magazine cover was the last thing Newman would have thought about when she took up cheerleading in the fourth grade. Newman dabbled in gymnastics and softball, but she said cheerleading was her first love.
While cheerleading in college takes more time and commitment than in high school, Newman said it’s well worth it.
“It takes serious time management and dedication,” she said. “In high school, it was more for social reasons; in college it is more about the actual sport and performing well. You have to train outside of practice. It's easy to get out of shape in college, so you have to work twice as hard to stay in shape for a collegiate level team.”
Along with training, Newman said it’s important to focus on the real reason one is in college -- to get an education.
“The reason you are even at the university is because of your grades,” Newman said. “School has to come first or you can't be on the team. You have to make sacrifices in order to be a collegiate athlete.”
After all the hard work, Newman said nailing a routine in front of a large crowd is priceless.
“Being on the NCSU All-Girl team made my first two years of college unforgettable,” she said. “There is nothing better than the adrenaline rush you get when you step out on the mat and everyone is screaming for you and chanting your school name.”
Well, maybe landing on the cover of a magazine and being named as a “Cheerleader of the Month” tops that.
And the only thing that may top that is if Newman is voted as “Cheerleader of the Year.”
Readers of American Cheerleader magazine will vote for their favorite cheerleader at www.americancheerleader.com/coy. Winning would mean more recognition and another scholarship for Newman.
That would give Newman just one more reason to cheer.

Transition from prep star to college student can be difficult

By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
High schools stars are often used to accolades, celebrations and being the “big man on campus.” But once that athlete hangs up the cleats for good, the quietness of simply being a “student” can be deafening.
Going from being a prep star to a “regular” college student can be difficult.
Some student-athletes just don’t have quite what it takes to compete in college. Others may have the opportunity to compete, but instead choose to concentrate on their academics.
While some may be fine with giving up sports, others miss the competition. Playing recreationally can help fill the void for some, but it proves to be fruitless for others.
Whatever the case, going from the limelight to nothing can be a difficult adjustment.
Ashley Saunders was a pitching sensation for the Plymouth Vikings softball team. Her no-hitters, strikeouts and wins were well documented.
Saunders was a fierce competitor on the diamond. Her pretty smile off the field transformed into a scowl on the mound as she slung pitch after pitch past hitters.
Like many, Saunders had a chance to play in college, but opted to concentrate on her studies instead. And, like many, Saunders desperately misses the competition.
“I am a junior in college now and I feel lost not playing softball anymore,” said Saunders, who is now attending UNC-Wilmington. “I would love to play recreational/travel ball this summer. I really admire the girls who are playing softball in college and keeping up with their studies. I know that has to be difficult. That is why I made my decision not to go on to play softball at the college level.
“I also decided not to play at college because I had the time of my life with it so far. I felt like when I went to college, I was starting a new life in which grades needed to be my first priority. I made the right decision. I will graduate next May with my accounting degree and I will continue that fall to get my Masters in accounting and become a CPA.”
Saunders stays active and keeps herself in tip-top shape, but there is still something missing from her life.
“I go to the gym almost every day to stay active,” Saunders said. “I could never play the (recreation) softball here because I hear that it’s like slow pitch. I am too competitive to play so leisurely.
“I really miss softball and I wish I had taken a harder look at playing in college sometimes. Overall, I am very happy at college, but softball was my first true love and there is no hobby to fill that void now.”
Saunders is not alone.

Sink or swim
Tyler Kelly, a former star swimmer at Washington High School, found another way to stay active in his sport.
“Going from being a standout athlete in high school to doing nothing at all is not very fun at all,” said Kelly, who is now attending Pitt Community College. “Some people like myself go back to the sport they fell in love with and become a coach (Greenville Gators Swim Team). Others go to the gym as a way to stay in shape.
“Some find club teams in their colleges to play on so that they still have a sport to play, yet you always have those few that don't do anything at all. They do nothing more than sit in front of the TV all day and find a new passion, called beer. They just sit there and reminisce on their high school years and how great they use to be and wonder what would have happened if they had gotten to the college level.”

A time to heal
Being a multi-sport athlete in high school can cause wear and tear on the body. For some, like former Bear Grass High School standout Lindsay Shaw, the body requires a break.
“It was really tough adjusting because I miss playing every day, but I needed a break because my injuries were catching up to me,” said Shaw, who now attends Cape Fear Community College. “But life goes on and school is my number one (priority) right now. I played intramural basketball and slow pitch softball at ECU, but since my dad passed I haven’t done any kind of sports. Every now and then I go to the gym, but working at Deadwood keeps me in shape.”

Nobody’s watching
Some athletes, like former Williamston High School standout Stephen Lilley, play intramural sports to keep the competitive juices going. However, Lilley admitted that it’s not the same.
“I think it was tougher my freshman year in college being fresh out of high school,” said Lilley, who now attends N.C. State. “It was hard going back to a high school baseball game for the first time and having those nostalgic feelings of the practices and games. I've stayed busy with intramurals on a regular basis and play a lot of pickup basketball. The thing about intramurals is that it is almost meaningless.
“At a school of 30,000, you don't have any clue who your next opponent is and will never see these people again. Also, there is no one there to watch you play or cheer on the team and, even if you win, you don't really win anything. Also, the competition fluctuates between every game. Some people are really good; some are really bad. It’s just fun getting a group of friends out there and playing around.”

Staying active
Summer Rahn, a former star at Bear Grass High School, has stayed plenty active after high school. Rahn, who is currently attending UNC-Wilmington, said her transition has been easy. That was made all the easier by playing competitive volleyball.
“I played club volleyball, intramural football and softball and continued to work out on my own,” Rahn said. “I also played on several beach league co-ed teams on an even more competitive level than before. A lot of AVP players played in tournaments with me.
“I kept myself busy and I have no regrets. My transition is pretty smooth I would say.”
Cameron Whitehead, a former star at Washington High School, stays active year-round thanks to intramurals.
“One way I've kept active is playing multiple intramural sports,” said Whitehead, who is now attending ECU. “ I have participated in Co-Ed football, soccer, volleyball, basketball and softball. It has allowed me to not only stay active and in shape, but also has been an excellent way to meet other students.
“I love intramural sports because they are fun and not very time consuming. It allows me to be an athlete while still maintaining a normal life. In high school my life revolved around school and sports, but with intramural sports it allows me to still have a life outside of the sports fields.”
Former Nothside High School standout Phelan Fletcher has also taken advantage of the many intramural sports available at ECU.
“I decided when I was a junior (in high school) that I wouldn't want to play college ball, even if I was asked,” Fletcher said. “I played travel ball for about two-and-a-half years and I realized then that I wouldn't want to put that much time into practice and traveling, and focus more on class in college. I did and still play intramural sports at ECU, though. I played volleyball, flag football as well as co-ed recreation and women’s softball.
“I'm still very competitive and I really enjoy being able to play the sport I love and not have to practice and all that from high school. It is a lot of fun and it keeps you surrounded with sports and people that like sports as well.”

Now what?
Many athletes start playing athletics at a young age. There are now opportunities for young kids to play recreation softball, baseball, soccer and basketball.
Carrie Amici, a former standout at Washington High School, began playing softball when she was 9.
“It was extremely hard for me to go from being active in high school sports, especially softball, to not playing any athletics in college,” said Amici, who now attends ECU. “Ever since the age of 9 I had played softball, whether it was for a (recreation), school or travel ball team. Now, by being in college and in nursing school, I definitely do not have the time to play ball even though I miss it so much.”

Staying in the game
There are occasions when a former prep star will land on a college team. However, for various reasons, it won’t stick. Former Southside High School standout K.J. Reddick, who originally earned a spot on the UNC-Pembroke basketball team, found that out the hard way.
“My situation is a little different because I was playing basketball when I first got down here to UNCP and I was on the roster,” Reddick said. “Then I made a couple of immature decisions that I have to live with that ended up with me being suspended from the team for a while. When I returned after serving my suspension and doing all the punishments the coaches asked of me, the head coach and I started to bump heads, which led to this heated argument that got me kicked off (the team).
“The head coach held a grudge with me for a long time and when I was going to transfer, he wouldn't release me. When he decided to let me go, I felt I had worked too hard in my classes and established myself into my credits to leave and basically start from scratch. Coaches have got in contact with me to come work out or whatnot, but none of them put an offer on the table that would make me want to pack my things and leave and start over in the classroom because I understand basketball isn’t my life. Being a student comes first and my career in the future from an educational standpoint is extremely important.”
The setback didn’t stop Reddick from playing the game he loves.
“I play intramural sports in which we've won our division two years running and we travel to Chapel Hill and play (Division I) schools all across the country for the Intramural National Championships,” he said. “In the past two years my team has made it to the Final Four at Chapel Hill. It's really fun and it helps keep my passion for basketball. I also participate in numerous basketball tournaments where the talent is college athletes and some semi-pro players.
“The only hard thing is hearing coaches, friends, family and college basketball players saying I should be playing college basketball right now. That has been hard to cope with because I know in my heart they're right and my talent on the hardwood should be displayed on collegiate hardwood. But the same drive I have on the hardwood, I have in the classroom and I'm content with not playing because I know getting this college degree is something I'll always have to fall back on.”

Still have memories
Many athletes are upset that they didn’t pursue a college athletic career. However, they are able to fall back on the memories they made in high school.
“It was a really big adjustment going from having a game or practice every day to not having anything at all,” said former Northside star Megan Hollowell, who now attends Pitt Community College. “It is so different. I'll go to watch my little sister play volleyball and softball and it just makes me realize how much I really miss playing.
“Last year I played intramural softball and volleyball, but it just wasn't the same. I wish at times that I had played softball somewhere after high school. The good thing is that I will always have my memories from high school playing both volleyball and softball. I met a lot of good people playing and that is good enough with me to just keep those memories and still try to play whenever I get a chance.”
Like Hollowell, former Williamston High School standout Susan Griffin cherishes her high school memories.
“The one thing that I still miss about high school is playing sports,” said Griffin, who went on to attend UNC-Wilmington. “There was some great times had, lessons learned and great friends made while playing. I played club volleyball when I went to college, but it definitely wasn't the same.
“After college, it has sadly become more and more difficult to compete in team sports. I have to keep active by exercising, which is by far not as much fun as playing in a game. High school athletics continue to be some of my most precious memories.”

Missing the camaraderie
Being a part of a team can be something special in high school. It can be a tough adjustment when you don’t have your teammates around for support.
“The cross country and track teams here are really close,” said former Northside standout Clay Leary, who is now attending Campbell. “They do everything together. Every day you see them eating together or just hanging out around campus. I've got to admit, I get really jealous when I see them running around campus and I realize I'll probably never do that again (be on a competitive running team).
“I really miss the relationships with the team and coach because they were sometimes your support and rock, yet here you don't have that. It's just weird because before high school even started, I was a part of the cross country team and it made the adjustment easier to know at least I was a part of something. I already knew people and I already had a faculty member (Sgt. Charlie Woolard) I knew I could talk to while I was at school if I needed to and that he would look out for me. But then, when you get here, suddenly there's no team I belong to and no coach to watch my back.”

How do you cope?
Patrick Landrum, a former star at Williamston High School, said some athletes never lose that competitive spirit.
“That situation is an extremely tough transition because I think the most successful high school players are also the most competitive,” said Landrum, who went on to attend N.C. State. “High school athletes that don't play collegiate sports might choose to focus on other aspects of life or might not have the opportunity depending on the school they attend. However, the one thing they have in common when attending sporting events is ‘sizing up’ the situation and wondering if they could perform better.
“For me personally, it was extremely tough early on because I was not able to answer that question due to a lingering knee injury. I think in the end it doesn't matter so much the level of collegiate competition or the opportunity to be a college standout. The ones who truly struggle to adjust to a lifestyle without extreme sporting competition are the ones who truly love the game. I don't miss football because I wasn't able to play in college. I miss playing for championships and testing myself against the guy lined up across from me. After all, it’s hard to hit people in lifetime sports.”

Changing priorities
Bryce Stephenson, a former standout at Northside High School, said some athletes have to readjust their priorities once they get beyond high school.
“It wasn't extremely difficult for me because I never really had the expectation of playing at the next level,” said Stephenson, who went on to attend ECU. “I only had one college interest and that was from Chowan, which I wasn't interested in. I still play basketball as often as possible in the Rec. at ECU as well as for an intramural team. I've also focused more on lifting weights than I did in high school, which has caused me to gain 50 pounds since graduating. However, basketball is and always will be a big part of my life, no matter what my age.
“One thing I will say is that going from high school to college and not being a collegiate athlete really does cause you to have to re-prioritize and decide what is important to you in the real world. I know every college student goes through this phase, but when a team sport is your single most important focus for more than four years and there is no team all of a sudden, you really find out a bit more of what you're capable of on your own.”

A healthy choice
Many athletes can thank their grueling days of high school practices for helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle in college and beyond. You can take the sport away from the athlete, but you can’t take the athlete out of the person.
“I loved playing high school sports,” said former Washington High School standout Rachel Perkinson, who is now attending ECU. “It kept me active and I always had practice or games that kept me busy. Even though I don’t play college sports, I feel like sports in high school have pushed me in college to still stay in shape and go to the gym. I am looking forward to the new intramural fields to open at ECU so I can continue to stay active.”
Galen Niederhauser, a former swimming sensation at Washington High School, said he feels better by keeping active.
“It was a tough adjustment going from having a full school and practice schedule all day to only three or four hours of class per day,” said Niederhauser, who is now attending ECU. “I had a few months during the beginning of my freshman year where I really enjoyed a break from such a full schedule. I had 15 hours of class a week and I wasn’t working. That routine grew old pretty fast and I got back into sports.
“I joined several intramural sports teams and I figured out pretty quickly that I perform better in school and everyday activities when I commit myself to a full schedule. I did my studying and went to the gym and most of our games and practices were at night. I would go hard all day and get so much more done that way.”
Former Williamston High School star Emily Best, who went on to attend Peace College and N.C. State, said she didn’t feel the need to continue playing after high school. However, she wants to maintain the healthy lifestyle.
“For me it was not a tough adjustment,” Best said. “I went to a small school (Peace College) where it was easier to meet people and become involved in school. I didn't feel the need to join an athletic team because there were other ways to meet people and become friends.
“I keep active through walking. Raleigh has wonderful hills so it actually gives you a great workout.”

Life is a marathon
Marella Peele, a former star at Washington High School who went on to Elon, is taking it a step farther.
“I had never had to work out besides athletic practice so once I gained a little weight freshman year, I realized that working out was something I was going to have to work into my schedule,” Peele said. “Freshman year I was on the club swim team. Then I got busy with school and other activities so I began running to relieve stress from my classes sophomore year.
“I just developed a love for running and junior year I trained and ran my first marathon with (former Washington teammate) Elizabeth (Lekson). Ever since then I have developed a passion for running, something I hated in high school. Running laps around the tennis courts was like torture and now I really love it and it's a great stress release. I have run several half-marathons and am currently training for another with friends from school.
“Throughout these college years, I have developed an understanding that daily exercise is not only crucial for your health, but necessary for your sanity. I’m working now and make it a priority to work out either during my lunch break or right after work and it just gives me extra energy and is definitely something I've become dependant on. I just love to run and I love to lift in the gym and love to get the adrenaline pumping, especially during races.”

What does it take to play at the 'next level'?

By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Only a select few of those student-athletes currently competing in high school athletics will go on to play in college.
Some will decide that they want to concentrate strictly on academics once they get into college. Others may want to play after high school, but they don’t have the grades to qualify.
And, quite frankly, most just aren’t good enough.
In a study by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, estimating the probability of competing in athletics beyond the high school interscholastic level, the numbers are staggeringly low.
Only 2.9 percent of high school boys basketball players and 3.1 percent of high school girls basketball players will compete at the college level.
For high school football players, only 5.8 percent will play in college.
The results are nearly the same (5.6 percent) for prep baseball players who will go on to play college ball.
In recent years, there have been a number of student-athletes who have continued their athletic careers in college, but only a handful has reached the Division I level.

Playing D-I sports
Two former area athletes who are now competing in Division I football have taken advantage of their opportunities. Former Roanoke High School standout Trimane Goddard, a starting defensive back for the North Carolina Tar Heels and a potential first-round NFL pick in 2008, said it takes more than just a little hard work to play in college.
“The main thing I say it takes to play at the next level is confidence and belief in yourself,” Goddard said. “Also, you have to work very hard. You can’t just do the minimum; you have to set the standard for others to follow because everyone is good at the next level. It’s the work ethic that separates athletes from each other.”
C.J. Wilson, a former star at Northside High School who helped lead East Carolina to a Hawaii Bowl victory, said a student-athlete must be dedicated in order to achieve success.
“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” Wilson said. “All sports at the college level are year-round, unlike high school. You have to love the sport to be able to compete at the college level.”
Trent Whitehead is one of the select few former area athletes to have signed a Division I baseball scholarship. The former Washington High School standout, who is a freshman on the ECU baseball team, said he had to make some sacrifices to get to where he is at now.
“Number one, you have to work harder than anybody out there,” Whitehead said. “If you go out and do the least you can, more than likely it's not going to happen. Number two, you have to do things to get your name out to colleges. I had to spend a bunch of my weekends and days over summer break at showcases, workouts and playing in tournaments for the Cubs.
“Number three, you have to carry yourself well when playing your sport. Go out and play hard all the time no matter how bad you may be playing or how badly things are going. Keep carrying yourself the same as if you’re playing the best you have ever played.”

Another avenue
While being a great high school player can help open some doors, sometimes the better way to go is through a club team. Current ECU volleyball star Stephanie Turner attributes much of her success to playing club volleyball.
“Actually high school volleyball was the least of my worries,” Turner said. “My total focus and commitment was towards my club volleyball team. We were ranked 15th in the nation and I considered them my family.”
Turner said she enjoyed playing, but had to make some sacrifices along the way.
“To play at the next level, you have to be 100 percent committed to what you do,” Turner said. “Throughout high school I wouldn't see my friends on the weekends. I was flying all over the world to play in qualifiers and nationals. I would leave right from school and drive an hour-and-a-half to my practice three days a week, along with conditioning.
“It takes dedication and real love for your sport. Also, on my club team we focused on respect -- respect for our coaches, our teammates, the refs, our fans and our family because they are really the ones that help us get to the next level.
“One of my favorite quotes that my club team coach always said was, ‘If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.’ He stressed the fact that it was all hard work, but ‘the harder we work, the easier it will be.’ On the team our coach’s goal was to prepare us for a college team because it was almost expected for everyone to get a full ride and go play at a D1 school, which everyone I know has. I will never forget those years because I feel like I was over-prepared as I entered college and I honestly thought it was a piece of cake.”

Don’t hold back
Lizzy Bruin, a teammate of Turner’s on the ECU volleyball team, said that if an athlete really wants to play at the next level, she needs to do whatever it takes.
“I am always saying that everything is mental no matter what the situation,” Bruin said. “If you love the game and honestly see yourself loving it in a harder and higher level, then they should go for it no matter what it takes. And although there are a lot of hard times and it is easy to lose sight of why you are working so hard, you'll understand what the hard work was for when you play on the court (or field) that you have worked so hard to get to.”

The 3 D’s
T.J. Midgette, a former star at Southside High School and a current track great at UNC-Wilmington, said it boils down to three things.
“There is this motto that I have about my life; I have a 3-D personality -- dependable, determination, dedication,” Midgette said. “I feel like every athlete who has made it to the next level of competition has had these characteristics. You can't have one without the other. The reason these three intertwine with one another is because they all have a lot to do with the matters of the heart.
“So many of our young athletes today have a lack of heart. There is one important thing to remember, though -- it all boils down to the athlete having support. An athlete needs support from family, friends and the school itself. When I speak of support, I don't mean in athletics alone. Support is needed academically as well because that's the main thing that is needed in order to compete at the next level. If you can't get it done in the classroom, you can't get it done on the field or on the court. It's just that simple.”

A coach’s perspective
Tami Wagaman, the head volleyball coach at Northside High School, has helped several of her athletes earn college scholarships, whether they be full or partial. Recently, Wagaman, a former coach at Southside High School, helped former Seahawk players Danielle Jarman, Augusta Johnson and Ashley Jones earn spots on the Pitt Community College volleyball team.
Wagaman said student-athletes must realize that college athletics is an entirely different entity than high school sports.
“I think it takes a lot of perseverance and dedication to the sport you love,” Wagaman said. “In high school most people play for fun and something to do with their friends. In college it is a job at times and you are given a chance to prove yourself. That usually means that you have to work at least twice as hard as you did in high school.
“Every day as an athlete you have to give 100 percent in practice and listen to your coaches, then practice on your own as well. Most athletes do not make it to the next level just performing the basics during the season. I have helped many athletes get that chance at the next level, but it meant tutoring them on their schoolwork because grades matter the most; giving them one-on-one skill practices and giving them stuff to work on at home. (It’s about) hard work and perseverance.”

Have faith
Rufus Wilson, a former multi-star standout at Washington High School and a former baseball great at Barton College, said he looked to God for guidance during his athletic career path.
“First and foremost, it takes a relationship with God so that you are able to lead and maintain a positive lifestyle,” Wilson said. “You have to never give up and continue to work at your sport even when others are sleeping at night. (It takes) understanding the importance of being a student-athlete. My favorite quote is, ‘good better best, never let it rest until your good is your better and your better is your best.’”
Meredith Knox, a former star at Washington High School and current softball player at Anderson University, said the key word is “commitment.”
“That can be applied to everything, not just the sport you play: your classes, morals, family, friends and faith,” Knox said. “You have to juggle so much in college and then have so many curve balls thrown at you that it’s hard to stay fully committed to everything. So, it’s important to surround yourself with good friends, manage your time and the ‘next level’ will be some of the best times you'll ever have.”

Self-discipline
M.J. Williams, a current softball star at Lees-McCrae College and former Mattamuskeet High School standout, said an athlete must be dedicated.
“I think mainly to play at the next level it takes self-respect and self-discipline,” Williams said. “A lot of success depends on how hard you as an athlete are willing to work. The opportunity is always there; it is just, are you willing to take it?
“Playing collegiate ball is about accepting responsibility and making yourself work harder than the person that you are sitting next to because they are there to play. Being a college athlete is an amazing reward and it is definitely not something that is easy, but much worth it.”

Like a job
Several current college athletes stressed that athletes must be prepared to practice his or her sport year-round. Athletes have to be strong physically and mentally.
“Being a college athlete does not just involve playing a couple games here and there,” ECU softball player Beth Nolan said. “It involves practicing every day, even during breaks; it involves staying on top of your classes because you go to college to get an education; it also involves giving back to your community by doing community service.
“To move on to the next level, you have to be willing and really dedicate yourself to practices, school work and giving back to the community. If you are serious about continuing your career in college, I think you have to focus on managing your time. You can't just rely on your athletic skills alone; you have to also rely on your grades. I love being a college athlete. I am in my fourth and final year of doing so, but it is not easy. There is a reason why only some continue on.”
Jessica Johnson, a teammate of Nolan’s on the Pirate softball squad, agreed that an athlete must be strong in body and in mind.
“The number one thing is perseverance because, even though someone might be a great athlete, eventually everyone hits rough spots and must learn to work through them,” Johnson said. “Being a hard worker is sometimes not enough at the college level. You have to be smart and know that if it was easy, everyone would do it.”
Greg Palmer, a former standout at Northside High School and a current member of the Chowan College football team, agreed.
“To land a spot on a college team and compete at the next level takes a lot of determination,” Palmer said. “You have to be confident, strong-minded mentally and physically. Being an athlete is tough. It’s like a 9 to 5 job.”

Support group
Joe Davis, a Washington native and current basketball player at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, said that an athlete should surround himself with those who have similar goals.
“I think it has to do with hard work and always trying to put yourself in the right situation and with the right people who have the same mindset as you,” Davis said. “I believe the number one thing in making it to the next level is hard work and dedication and making the sacrifices needed to achieve your goals. Our coach makes us memorize a quote every day before practice and one that stood out to me and relates to the subject matter was, ‘if I had seven hours to chop down a tree, I would spend six hours sharpening my axe.’”

Character counts
An athlete may have all the tools necessary to play at the next level. However, Gina Valenti, a former star at Washington High School who is now competing at Lees-McRae College, said character plays a big factor.
“One must be a good sport,” Valenti said. “At a running camp I used to attend, the head coach told us that he would rather take a slow person who was coachable and a good sport as opposed to one who is fast and does not have good sportsmanship. Word travels faster about your attitude than your skill.”
Valenti also said that athletes shouldn’t be afraid to take a risk or be aggressive in trying to land on a college team.
“One must also be willing to take chances,” Valenti said. “I wasn't sure about going to a school so far away, but it is the best decision I have made yet. Also, talk to college coaches yourself. You don't have to wait for them to contact you, and it makes a great impression on the coach for showing the initiative to talk to them first. And always talk positive. Coaches want to see that you are upbeat and excited about the sport.”
An athlete might have the raw skills to perform at the next level, but that doesn’t guarantee anything. Northside High School athletics director Keith Boyd, who is also the head football and baseball coach, said an athlete needs to be willing to listen to his coach.
“You have to have great grades, a good SAT score and the natural athletic ability or size that can't be coached,” Boyd said. “Another characteristic that will enhance an athlete’s chances is the character and humility to allow a coach or mentor to help them fine-tune the skills that have been given to them. In two words, ‘be coachable.’
“Great character may not get you to Division I ball alone but with hard work, both in the classroom and on the athletic fields, and better than average talent, the chance to play at a small school is attainable.”
Washington High School football coach Sport Sawyer agreed that college coaches look at character just as much as skill level. He said high school teachers and administrators can help shape an athlete’s character.
“At Washington we have a great faculty and administration who help out not only athletes, but all students prepare beyond high school,” Sawyer said. “The faculty here is super in supporting students to be prepared for college. It does not matter whether you are a Division I, II or III athlete, this is an accomplishment you should be proud of. This means you have used your God-given talent to advance yourself on the playing field as well as in the classroom.”

Getting there, staying there
Landing on a college team is only half the battle. It takes hard work, determination and a strong work ethic to stay on the team.
“I think you have to have passion about what you are doing and have dedication,” former Williamston High School and ECU standout Kevin Roach said. “Nothing in life comes easy and nothing is just handed to you; you have to work and continue to push yourself to achieve greatness. As my dad always preached to me, ‘there is always someone, somewhere, working hard to be better than you.’
“Also, you have to be humble and be a team player. If you are blessed to have the chance to go to the next level, you can’t let it go straight to your head. The best teams in history may not have had all the talent and superstars, but they fought for each other and played together. I believe that athletics is an excellent gateway to learning about life. As I look back on my career, athletics has played a huge role in building the person I am today. Always follow your heart and stay positive.”
J.J. House, a former standout at Williamston High School and current baseball player at Elizabeth City State University, said it’s important to “stay true to yourself.”
“Managing your time and making sure you make the right decisions are the most important things as far as being successful in college,” House said. “Dedication to your sport and yourself are key in the pursuit of college athletic success.
“If you want to be great, you have to be willing to do great things on and off the field. Yes, people falter and they have their skeletons but, in the end, if you make the decision to become a great person and you are willing to work for what it is that you want in life, then everything will take care of itself.”

Washington’s Daniels voted the WDN Offensive Player of the Year

By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor

It started and ended with a bang.

Washington senior Travis Daniels set some lofty goals prior to the start of the 2007 football season. The Pam Pack running back wanted to run for over 2,000 yards and score 25 touchdowns.

Using some powerful bursts and breakaway speed, Daniels came darned close to matching those figures. While helping the Pam Pack finish with an 8-4 record, Daniels erupted for 2,290 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns.

“I basically worked hard all season,” Daniels said. “I got good line support and they really improved on their blocking. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

The Pam Pack wouldn’t have done what it did, winning the Class 3-A portion of the Coastal Conference and advancing to the state playoffs, had it not been for Daniels.

Because of his impressive season, Daniels was voted the WDN Offensive Player of the Year.

“That means a lot to me,” Daniels said. “Last year it wasn’t something I even thought about. This year I worked hard to get it.”

Washington head coach Sport Sawyer said Daniels, who was also named the Coastal Conference Player of the Year, was deserving of the honor.

“That’s a very good award for him,” Sawyer said. “It’s nice recognition for him.”

Daniels started his senior season in impressive fashion. He ran for 330 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-13 win over North Pitt.

“The first game was probably the highlight of the season for me,” Daniels said. “It was very important to get off to a good start. Before the game, somebody asked if I could get 100 yards. I just went out and ran hard and came up with a big game.”

Daniels followed with several more big games. He ran for at least 113 yards in all 12 games, eclipsing the 200-yard mark four times and the 300-yard mark twice.

Daniels also scored at least one touchdown in 11 of the 12 games.

“I’m quick and fast,” Daniels said. “I think that’s what helped me. I work hard in order to do what I can do on the field.”

Daniels capped his season with 327 yards and three touchdowns, coming in a 41-40 double-overtime loss to South Granville in the state playoffs. The last carry of Daniels’ high school career went for a touchdown.

Daniels, who was also a standout at defensive back, isn’t about to hang up the cleats. He’s hoping to play at Appalachian State next year.

“I just love football,” he said. “I love everything about it. I love hitting; I love running; I love everything about it.

“I’m just very excited and ready to play at the next level. As soon as I find out the team I’ll be playing for, I’ll start working hard to improve my skills.”

Daniels, who will run track in the spring to help with his quickness on the football field, finished his career at Washington with 5,168 yards rushing and 57 touchdowns.

“What makes Travis so special is his dedication to the game and his hard work through the years,” Sawyer said. “He’s just a hard-nosed player and a great young man.”

His prep football days are over, but Daniels said he won’t soon forget them.

“Playing at Washington meant a lot,” Daniels said. “When you’re young, all kids want to grow up and play for Washington. It feels good to have played for the Pam Pack. To put up the numbers I did while playing for the Pam Pack feels really good.”

TRAVIS DANIELS

(Career stats)

125 yards and 2 touchdowns as a freshman

1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore

1,553 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior

2,290 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior

Career totals 5,168 rushing yards and 57 touchdowns

TRAVIS DANIELS

(Season stats)

Game 1: 20 carries for 330 yards and 4 TDs

Game 2: 26 carries for 164 yards and 2 TDs

Game 3: 22 carries for 132 yards and a TD

Game 4: 18 carries for 205 yards and 3 TDs

Game 5: 17 carries for 158 yards and 2 TDs

Game 6: 22 carries for 235 yards and 2 TDs

Game 7: 28 carries for 114 yards and a TD

Game 8: 19 carries for 113 yards and a TD; 1 catch for 3 yards

Game 9: 19 carries for 119 yards

Game 10: 15 carries for 121 yards and a TD

Game 11: 19 carries for 272 yards and 2 TDs

Game 12: 33 carries for 327 yards and 3 TDs

TOTAL: 258 carries for 2,290 yards and 22 TDs; 1 catch for 3 yards

Washington student-athletes tested for drugs

Washington student-athletes tested for drugs

By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor

Those students who participate in sports at Washington High School got a bit of a surprise Thursday, one day after returning from holiday vacation.

Student-athletes said they were called to the auditorium for a short meeting. However, once there, they were told that they were all going to be tested for drugs.

“I was surprised,” said WHS sophomore Hayley Stowe, who plays varsity basketball and softball. “I didn’t expect it. They made an announcement and said it was just going to be a short meeting. When we came in, they said that everybody in the auditorium was getting a drug test.”

It came as a surprise to students and coaches.

“We didn’t find out about it until Thursday morning,” WHS athletics director and varsity baseball coach Darin Vaughan said. “As long as I’ve been here, we’ve had random drug testing. This wasn’t random; this was everybody.

“Regardless of how it was done or the timing, I don’t want guys in our program to be using or abusing drugs. A definite message was sent that we want a clean athletic program and we want it done the right way. It’s important to be a clean student and a clean player.”

Jimmy Kozuch, Washington’s varsity boys and girls soccer coach, said while he agrees with testing student-athletes, he was stunned by the timing. He also hopes that if testing is going to be done, it won’t be limited to Beaufort County student-athletes.

“I agree with drug testing, but to come out after the holiday and do it is a little outrageous,” Kozuch said.

“Doing it state-wide is fair. If you’re just going to test in the county, that doesn’t make sense to me.”

Jamont Jones, a varsity football player for the Pam Pack, thought the timing was excellent.

“I think they timed it perfectly,” Jones said. “We were just getting back from Christmas break and everyone was unaware that a drug test was about to happen. With an unexpected drug test, any athlete who does drugs may think-second (about) doing them if he or she wants to continue playing sports.”

The testing started in the morning and didn’t conclude until near the end of school. That meant some missed classes for several students.

“We have exams coming up and we need to review,” Stowe said. “I missed one class and some people missed all of their classes. Unless you got at the front of the line, you were there all day.”

Joe Lawrence, Washington’s varsity boys basketball coach, said testing the students randomly would work better.

“It may need to happen randomly,” Lawrence said. “(The student-athletes) are aware of it if it happens randomly. I don’t think we need to bring in every student-athlete in the whole school. They’re always talking about missing class time and they were missing class time waiting for (the drug testing).

“If you pull 10 of them at a time in season, that would get the message across. That’s what they do with bus drivers and that’s what they do with coaches. They don’t pull every coach and go over there and test them. I think random is probably better.”

While some students refused to take the test, which means an automatic 365-day suspension from athletics, others were in favor of it.

“I thought it was a good move from the county because we do need to be drug free and maybe it will be a wake-up call for a lot of athletes that do things they shouldn’t,” said Robert Dail, a varsity tennis and soccer player for the Pam Pack.

Dail, who is also the varsity boys basketball scorekeeper, said the timing of the testing was questionable.

“We have next week (of classes) and then exams so missing a whole day of class wasn’t the best thing at this time of the year,” Dail said.

“Overall, I do think it was a good move to make sure our athletes are indeed eligible in all aspects so there’s no cheating at all, whether it be off the field or on the field.”

Xenia Adonts, an exchange student from Germany who plans to play varsity soccer in the spring, said she spotted a few worried classmates in the auditorium.

“I saw so many worried faces and it made me laugh,” said Adonts, who missed a history test because of the long process of testing. “I felt really good because I didn’t have to fear anything. I think it’s right that they did it.

“I hope some people recognized that it’s wrong, especially for athletes, to take drugs and I really hope it changed their opinion about it.”

Some students and coaches are all for testing to ensure drug-free schools.

“In general, I don’t have a problem with drug testing students and I certainly don’t have a problem with drug testing student-athletes,” said Allison Jones, Washington’s varsity girls basketball coach. “It’s a privilege to play; it’s not your right. If substance abuse is going on, then sports is the least of your concerns.

“I think student-athletes have to step up. I think they have to be leaders and role models. They’re athletes and we expect them to have healthy bodies.”

Of course, others disagree with the testing.

“It’s good for some people and bad for some people,” said WSH student Tony Turnage, who plays varsity football and junior varsity basketball. “Truthfully, I don’t think there’s a need for drug testing. If somebody is doing something in their personal life, that’s their personal life. That’s not the school’s business.”

The testing shouldn’t come as a complete surprise. Student-athletes are asked to fill out a Beaufort County School District Student Athletic Commitment Contract.

Beaufort County Schools operate under a “Code of Student Conduct.” Student-athletes may be randomly tested for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and any other drugs the superintendent deems appropriate.

Beaufort County superintendent Dr. Jeffrey C. Moss couldn’t be reached by phone Saturday evening.

Under the contract, student-athletes agree to remain “chemically free from tobacco and its products, alcohol and drugs” and that the pledge “extends to seven days per week.”

The student-athlete who signs the contract agrees to “authorize the Beaufort County School District to conduct a urinalysis test for drugs and/or alcohol use” and “authorize the Beaufort County School District to conduct random drug testing during the current school year and subsequent years of high school.”

What confused some coaches and student-athletes was that the testing didn’t seem exactly “random.”

“I think that drug testing is needed in school, but I thought it was supposed to be randomly done, not every athlete at one time,” said WHS student Scott Baytala, a varsity wrestler and junior varsity football player. “I know that drug testing is needed to allow only the ‘clean’ athletes to play sports, but it also cost a lot of money to drug test every athlete and that money needs to go to towards new books or new athletic equipment.

“As for the timing, the school system definitely picked the perfect timing for the drug testing. I mean, of course people like to have fun and party on New Year’s and the school system knows it. Although the timing may seem unfair because it was around a big ‘party time’ for students, if you stay clean and don’t do drugs, then you have nothing to worry about. I had nothing to worry about with the drug test because I know that I’m clean, but for those who like to ‘party,’ they might as well kiss sports goodbye for a year.”

Davey Ann Burbage, who plays basketball, softball and tennis at WHS, questioned the timing of the testing.

“I really don’t think it was a ‘random’ drug test,” Burbage said. “But I think that athletes will be more cautious now.

“It is interesting that they would do it right after a big break, but I think if they were going to catch a lot of people, that was a good time to do it.”

Student-athletes who do take and fail the test will have to attend a substance abuse education and/or intervention program, which lasts approximately one month. In order to return to athletics, the student-athlete must complete the program and test negative on a subsequent drug test.

Kozuch is worried that some student-athletes who failed or didn’t take the test may give up on athletics all together.

“All the student-athletes are passing their classes,” Kozuch said. “Maybe we should focus on those who aren’t passing their classes. Obviously, these student-athletes aren’t problem kids.

“If somebody doesn’t pass the test and they can’t play, who’s to say they won’t go home and get high every day now.”

Sport Sawyer, Washington’s varsity football coach, said student-athletes must adhere to strict guidelines by the school system and by the N.C. High School Athletic Association.

“Being an athlete is a privilege,” Sawyer said. “An athlete gets to wear their school colors and participate in the athletic event of choice. They are doing this in front of people who support their efforts in friendly athletic competition, but being an athlete also has its price. You must be eligible by NCHSAA rules and regulations as well as local standards.

“Also, an athlete must practice their sport and sometimes this is not easy (extreme heat, rain, cold weather or coaches pushing you to your limits). Then you go home, clean up and then maintain high standards in the classroom. I believe it is awesome we have young men and women who are that dedicated to do this representing their school and athletic event.”

Sawyer said sometimes athletics is the only aspect a student-athlete can lean on in his teen years.

“Regardless of the athletic event that they participate in or school they attend, it takes a special person to be an athlete,” Sawyer said. “Being an athlete is all that some young people have. Without athletic events, some students would be lost.

“Not all students or athletes live in supportive homes. Look at the world we live in. Being drug free is awesome as well, but everyone should be drug free.”

Cantrells all on the court at Terra Ceia

Terra Ceia girls basketball: A family affair

By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
When Jordan Cantrell was putting up a career-best 38 points in her team’s win over Northside in the 28th annual Washington Daily News’ Holiday Invitational, Rod Cantrell had the best seat in the house.

Of course, Rod wasn’t sitting the whole time. He was oftentimes standing up directing Jordan and the rest of the Terra Ceia Knights. Rod is not only Jordan’s father, but he’s her coach as well.

To add a little icing to the cake, Rod has played a large part in shaping the basketball skills of his youngest daughter, Rachel, who is the leading scorer for Terra Ceia’s junior varsity team.

“I’m thankful to Terra Ceia Christian Academy for giving me the opportunity to coach,” Rod said. “I’ve been coaching since I was a senior in high school. I love it. I love the game and I love the kids and I love trying to make a positive impact in young peoples’ lives.

“The opportunity to coach my daughters is super special. I’m trying to savor the moments because they’ll be gone before I know it. “It’s almost a dream come true in many ways because a lot of people don’t have that opportunity. I’m very thankful for that.”

Rod, who is married to Gina Cantrell and is also the father of a son, Seth Smithwick, said that separating “dad” from “coach” on the court is not difficult.

“I don’t think it is,” Rod Cantrell said. “In fact, I’m tougher on (my daughters) than I am on the other players. I don’t have any problem getting in their face or getting on them.”

Jordan, a junior who will turn 17 on Jan. 3, is accustomed to her father being her coach.

“I’ve been used to it my whole life,” Jordan said. “He’s been coaching me since I was 5. I love it.

“He’s always pushing me and there’s always somebody there telling me what I’m doing right and telling me what my weaknesses are and what I need to work on. It’s nice because I like to be pushed.”

While Rachel, who leads her junior varsity team in scoring at nearly 15.0 points per game, doesn’t play for her father just yet, the 14-year-old eighth-grader does benefit from having him as a coach in the system.

“It’s a good experience,” Rachel said. “I like it. Having (my father) as a coach to go home and see what I did wrong and what I did right and to learn from my mistakes is good.”

Rod has been pleased with how his daughters have grown into solid basketball players. Jordan, an all-state and all-area selection as well as being last season’s Tarheel Independent Conference Player of the Year, is averaging 20.4 points, 5.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 steals per game.

“Toughness and they’re fearless attacking the paint (are their strong points on the court),” Rod said. “(They’re also good with) ball handling and leading their teams.

“Hopefully, they’re learning a lot from this whole sports experience. That’s really what it’s all about.”

The Cantrell sisters will be on the same floor for the Knights next season, Jordan as a senior and Rachel as a freshman.

“I’m excited about it,” Rachel said. “I’m nervous about playing bigger people and better competition, but I’m excited about playing with my sister.”

Rod, who earned WDN co-Coach of the Year honors last season, is hoping for the best.

“My sincere hope is that they won’t have a sibling rivalry; that they look at each other as teammates and not necessarily as sisters,” Rod said. “I hope there’s no jealousy there. It should be interesting and fun.

“Plus, I hope the other players on the team buy into the whole team concept. That’s a concern of mine. I think it’s going to be interesting with the dynamic that occurs from beginning to end, not just with them but with the other players. I think I need to do a very good job at preaching the teamwork concept. It’s not just about the sisters. I know maybe some parents will look at that and think I’m being preferential at times, but I try my best to be fair as a coach and play everyone when I can. I want to give everyone the amount of playing time I think they’ve earned and deserve.”

The Terra Ceia coach already has an idea how he’ll utilize the girls on the court.

“I think there’s going to be a good inside-outside attack,” Rod said. “Jordan has a real propensity to attack the paint. At times, she’s so headstrong that she’ll run into a brick wall. If she can learn to stop and dish it back outside to a very dangerous outside shooter, like her sister, it could be a nice inside-outside game.

“Rachel is an incredible defender. She’s very aggressive and gets a lot of steals.”

While Rod has given tips to Rachel, the youngest Cantrell has also gotten some advice from her sister, Jordan.

“I try to push her to practice more,” Jordan said. “It’s hard to get her out there to practice. She’s got a natural ability and I don’t. I have to work it to get there.

“She already has the natural shot. She has a better shot than me. I’m trying to get her out there because I know we can be tough together next year. I’m excited for that.”

Rachel, who said that passing and shooting are her favorite aspects of basketball, said she’s not worried living up to her sister’s name.

“It just makes me excited,” Rachel said. “I want to try to be as good as her and try to be even better. Watching her play gives me ideas. She really helps me out.”

The Cantrell sisters do get on the court together on occasion, which often turns into a little one-on-one. Jordan and Rachel never could agree on who wins as both claimed they had the upper hand on the other.

Besides that little spat, and maybe some fighting over clothes (they are, after all, teenage sisters), there is a chemistry there that should work well on the court.

Rod couldn’t be more excited about the prospect. And he couldn’t be prouder of his girls.

Well, except for maybe how he feels about his daughters, who both get straight A’s in school, off the court.

“They have great hearts,” Rod said. “They’re good kids. They make their mother and father very proud in every way. They’re good students and I love them very much. I’m proud of them, not just on the court but as people.”

Terra Ceia girls basketball: A family affair

Pack suffers first loss

Pam Pack zapped by Chargers
Washington girls pull
out win in overtime
By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sports Editor
AYDEN -- Washington didn’t show any rust from a 15-day layoff, storming out to a 16-2 lead over Ayden-Grifton on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the Pam Pack couldn’t keep it up as foul trouble and missed shots in the paint led to its first loss of the year, 48-45.
In the girls game, Davey Ann Burbage scored four of her 10 points in overtime to help lead Washington to a 53-48 win.
Matt Dougherty’s jumper from the wing gave the Chargers, who fell 64-55 to Washington earlier in the season, their first lead of the game at 46-45. It came with 41 seconds to play. Dougherty hit two free throws with 16 seconds left to push the lead to 48-45.
The Pack had a chance to tie it, but Daquan Daniels, who was closely defended by Dougherty, missed a 3-point attempt. As the ball bounced toward midcourt, Lee Godley tracked it down and flung up a desperation heave that fell short.
“The foul trouble and missed shots hurt,” Washington coach Joe Lawrence said. “I thought they played relatively hard, but Ayden hung in there and took us at the end.”
Daniels, who was held to 14 points below his average, and Dakuan Spencer led the Pack (7-1, 3-0) with 11 points apiece.
Washington, which is ranked eighth in the first NCPreps.com Class 3-A poll, managed just 12 points in the second half.
The Chargers got 10 points each from Dougherty and Steffen McGhee, who did the bulk of their damage in the second half.
“The difference in the game was the offensive rebounds that (Ayden) got,” Lawrence said. “They got three or four shots every time they went down the court and, if they didn’t get the rebound, we got a foul called on us. Either way, we were losing on that end.”
The Pack will look to regroup and it returns to Coastal Conference action Friday at J.H. Rose.
“We have to toughen up,” Lawrence said. “It will show what kind of character we have here. It’s going to be tough over there.”

Pack girls win
Washington watched a seven-point lead with two minutes to go evaporate, as Ayden-Grifton use a late charge to force overtime.
However, Burbage hit a bank shot off the opening tip and added another jumper later to give Washington a four-point lead, 50-46. This time, the Pack (6-6, 1-2) held onto the lead for its second straight win, 53-48.
“We had a mental lapse defensively in the last minute or so of regulation,” Pack coach Allison Jones said. “Vantasia Palmer is the general out there and she really was the difference. Everybody contributed, but she really stepped it up.”
A 9-0 run by the Chargers put Washington into an early hole, 9-2. A layup by Hayley Stowe at the buzzer helped pull the Pack within 14-10 and give it some momentum. Burbage hit consecutive baskets and Stowe popped a jumper to eventually tie the game at 19. A jumper by Sam Smith and another bucket by Stowe gave Washington a 27-24 halftime edge.
After neither team did much scoring in the third quarter, Washington was able to build a 42-35 lead with just over two minutes left. However, Krystal Williams, who paced the Chargers with 17 points, hit a 3-pointer and a layup and Derrica Jones hit a layup to force overtime.
Burbage wasted little time in giving her team the lead in the extra session, dribbling down the floor and sinking a sweet jumper.
“I think that gave us a little boost,” Burbage said. “That just told us that we could do it.”
Smith and Stowe paced the Pack with 15 points apiece.
Washington had lost to Ayden-Grifton in both previous meetings this season.

Boys
Washington 20 13 4 8 -- 45
Ayden-Grifton 12 10 9 14 -- 48
WASHINGTON (45)
Daquan Daniels 11, Dakuan Spencer 11, Cox 8, Godley 6, Rouse 4, J. Moore 3, Griffin 2, Mallison, Cogdell, M. Moore.
AYDEN-GRIFTON (48)
Steffen McGhee 10, Matt Dougherty 10, M. Atkinson 8, Bouldin 6, D. Atkinson 5, Gay 5, Pipkin 4.

Girls
Boys
Washington 10 17 5 14 7 -- 53
Ayden-Grifton 14 10 7 15 2 -- 48
WASHINGTON (53)
Sam Smith 15, Hayley Stowe 15, Davey Ann Burbage 10, Simpkins 9, Grice 4, Palmer, Batchelor, Cox, Weatherington.
AYDEN-GRIFTON (48)
Krystal Williams 17, West 9, Johnson 8, Hyman 7, Jones 4, Crandell 3, Woods, Denton, Edwards.

Pack is 7-0, plays tonight

The Washington Pam Pack boys basketball team puts its unblemished (7-0) record on the line tonight at Ayden-Grifton High School. The Pack defeated the Chargers earlier in the year. It will be Washington's first game in 15 days.
How long will the Pack go undefeated?