KT’s look at the best of the best in high school boys basketball
Commentary by KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Since I’ve been covering sports for the Washington Daily News, several student-athletes have definitely left their marks.
Several of those athletes went on to play in college, while a couple are now playing professionally. I could easily make a “Dream Team” of the “best of the best.”
I know there were plenty of greats before my time as sports editor, and plenty of outstanding athletes who could make the team now. But this list is about those athletes I’ve covered who have already graduated.
Here is my “Dream Team” for boys basketball.
There has been a bunch of exciting basketball players in the coverage area over the last decade. But if somebody is going to break a scoring record set by NBA Hall of Famer, Dominique Wilkins, he has to top the list. That’s just what Calvin Daniels did during his high school career at Washington High School.
The “Dream Team” starts with the high-flying, energetic Calvin Daniels. The former Pam Pack star would get the fans standing on their feet with his explosive slam dunks, but he also developed a sweet outside shot by the end of this prep career. Daniels is now playing at Elizabeth City State University.
Two players who are now playing professionally overseas are former Terra Ceia standout Joe Barber and former Williamston High School great Elton Coffield. Having these two on the “Dream Team” is a no-brainer.
Barber was an incredibly gifted prep player with the Knights. It seemed that the bigger the game, the better Barber played. The tall, talented and entertaining sharp-shooter, who averaged a double-double playing for Derby in England, had a solid college career playing at UNC-Asheville.
Coffield has only gotten better after his solid prep career with the Williamston Tigers. He can slam home a dunk, but he may be better known for raining 3’s. After earning all kinds of accolades playing at Mount Olive College, Coffield is now lighting it up in Germany. He led his team’s league in scoring, and to a championship, last year.
While Damien Linson may have gone on to play college football, he was impressive on the basketball court. His quickness made him a nuisance to opponents and a dream-come-true to coaches and teammates. A slasher with unreal jumping abilities, Linson, a former great with the Plymouth Vikings, makes this team flat-out exciting.
Greg Satchel rounds out the “Dream Team” squad. Satchel may have had the body of a tight end, but the former Northside High School star was impressively mobile and quick. Like his high-flying buddy Derrick Leathers, Satchel could ram it home. However, Satchel had one of the softest and sweetest shots I’ve ever seen.
The “Dream Team” bench is loaded. It starts with Cleveton “Pappy” Arthur, who was a master distributing the ball while playing for the Northside Panthers.
Also on the squad are Plymouth’s Kelvin Nixon and Angelo Sharpless, Terra Ceia’s Bradley Van Staalduinen, Northside’s Leathers and Danny Wilson, along with Raphael Marable of Southside.
Dream Team starters
Calvin Daniels, Washington
Joe Barber, Terra Ceia
Elton Coffield, Williamston
Damien Linson, Plymouth
Greg Satchel, Northside
Dream Team bench
Cleveton “Pappy” Arthur, Northside
Kelvin Nixon, Plymouth
Angelo Sharpless, Plymouth
Bradley Van Staalduinen, Terra Ceia
Danny Wilson, Northside
Raphael Marable, Southside
Derrick Leathers, Northside
Kevin Travis is the sports editor of the Washington Daily News. You may reach him at 940-4217, or by e-mail at Kevin@wdnweb.com.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Daniels named top WND Male Athlete
Pam Pack’s Daniels voted WDN 2008 Male Athlete of the Year
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Travis Daniels ran his way to stardom during his senior season.
The Washington Pam Pack standout ran for 2,290 yards and 22 touchdowns in leading his team to the state playoffs. For his efforts, Daniels was tabbed the WDN’s Offensive Football Player of the Year.
He didn’t slack during the spring. Instead, he ran and jumped his way to the WDN Male Track Athlete of the Year award. Daniels became the first Pam Pack track athlete in over a decade to earn some hardware. He placed fourth in the triple jump at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Class 3A state track and field meet.
Because of his sensational senior season, coupled with his character, Daniels was named the WDN 2008 Male Athlete of the Year.
“It meant a lot to win the track award and it meant a lot to win the football award,” Daniels said. “Now to win this, it feels good. It shows that all my hard work paid off.”
Daniels, a 5-11, 175-pound running back, still has one more prep game to play. He’ll compete in the East-West All-Star game in July.
Daniels, who ran for 5,168 yards and 57 touchdowns in his high school career, earned that honor by putting up staggering numbers during his senior season.
He started his season with a phenomenal performance at North Pitt, galloping for a career-high 330 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-13 victory.
“The first game of the season was the highlight for me,” Daniels said.
“It helped me a lot with confidence. Going into that game, we had a lot of trouble with the line in practice. I didn’t know if I would get 50 yards or 300 yards.
“Coach (Sport Sawyer) told me to just go out and get what I could. The line did great and I ran for 330 yards. That helped my confidence a lot.”
Daniels, who was named the Coastal Conference Player of the Year, ran for at least 113 yards in all 12 of Washington’s games. He also scored at least one touchdown in 11 of those contests.
He ran for over 200 yards on five occasions, including a 327-yard, three-touchdown effort in a 41-40 double-overtime loss to South Granville in the playoffs. The last carry of Daniels’ Pam Pack career went for a touchdown.
Daniels tried to mold his game around NFL Hall of Famer, Walter Payton, who was a star with the Chicago Bears.
“My role model was Walter Payton,” Daniels said. “I liked how he ran the ball hard every time.”
Sawyer said he was proud of his star running back.
“I think (the award) is well deserving,” Sawyer said. “He’s a hard worker and a great young man. He was able to show his talents on the football field and on the track. This is a great achievement for him.
“What makes him special is his hard work. He’s very humble and he really pushes himself to get better every day.”
Daniels, who will continue his football career at UNC-Pembroke next year, said he is determined to be the best he can be at all times.
He attributed hard work and his strength in helping lead to his success.
“I lift weights a lot,” Daniels said. “Being smaller, I try to get my body right to take the hits.”
Daniels is looking for continued success with the Pembroke Braves.
“I just have to continue to work hard,” Daniels said. “Hopefully, they’ll be pleased with what I do. I hope to start as a freshman. I’m going to try to get over 1,000 yards.”
Daniels added some speed and endurance to his game thanks to a strong track season. Daniels, who was named the Male Track Athlete of the Year two years in a row, finished his prep track career by placing fourth at state in the triple jump. He earned the medal after soaring 45 feet, 9 inches.
Daniels, who also qualified to state in the long jump and 800-meter relay team, was the leading point-scorer for Washington throughout the year.
“It’s very appropriate Travis won the (Male Athlete of the Year) award,” said Jon Blank, the Pam Pack head track coach and an assistant football coach.
“He’s the best athlete in the area. He’s put up numbers that speak for themselves. He’s got great character and he’s a great leader.”
While Daniels was proud of his individual achievements, he was more excited about the team’s accomplishments this year.
“At the conference meet, we came in second place,” Daniels said. “That meant a lot. We finished fourth or fifth last year.”
Daniels credited Sawyer and Blank for helping him achieve his goals.
“They both pushed me to my max,” Daniels said. “They never accepted anything less. They wanted me to try my best every time, even if I was tired.
“They always encouraged me to do my best.”
The Pam Pack star also praised his parents, Joy Daniels and Tim Randolph, for their support.
“My dad supported me a lot over the years,” Daniels said. “He always got me all of the equipment I needed and was always there for me. My mom supported me all the time as well.”
As Daniels walks away from Washington and heads off to college, he hopes Pam Pack fans and teammates will remember him fondly.
“I hope they remember me for the hard work I put in, and the effort I put in,” Daniels said. “I’ll miss Washington. I’ll miss playing in front of the big crowds.”
Those big crowds will obviously miss Daniels as well.
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Travis Daniels ran his way to stardom during his senior season.
The Washington Pam Pack standout ran for 2,290 yards and 22 touchdowns in leading his team to the state playoffs. For his efforts, Daniels was tabbed the WDN’s Offensive Football Player of the Year.
He didn’t slack during the spring. Instead, he ran and jumped his way to the WDN Male Track Athlete of the Year award. Daniels became the first Pam Pack track athlete in over a decade to earn some hardware. He placed fourth in the triple jump at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Class 3A state track and field meet.
Because of his sensational senior season, coupled with his character, Daniels was named the WDN 2008 Male Athlete of the Year.
“It meant a lot to win the track award and it meant a lot to win the football award,” Daniels said. “Now to win this, it feels good. It shows that all my hard work paid off.”
Daniels, a 5-11, 175-pound running back, still has one more prep game to play. He’ll compete in the East-West All-Star game in July.
Daniels, who ran for 5,168 yards and 57 touchdowns in his high school career, earned that honor by putting up staggering numbers during his senior season.
He started his season with a phenomenal performance at North Pitt, galloping for a career-high 330 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-13 victory.
“The first game of the season was the highlight for me,” Daniels said.
“It helped me a lot with confidence. Going into that game, we had a lot of trouble with the line in practice. I didn’t know if I would get 50 yards or 300 yards.
“Coach (Sport Sawyer) told me to just go out and get what I could. The line did great and I ran for 330 yards. That helped my confidence a lot.”
Daniels, who was named the Coastal Conference Player of the Year, ran for at least 113 yards in all 12 of Washington’s games. He also scored at least one touchdown in 11 of those contests.
He ran for over 200 yards on five occasions, including a 327-yard, three-touchdown effort in a 41-40 double-overtime loss to South Granville in the playoffs. The last carry of Daniels’ Pam Pack career went for a touchdown.
Daniels tried to mold his game around NFL Hall of Famer, Walter Payton, who was a star with the Chicago Bears.
“My role model was Walter Payton,” Daniels said. “I liked how he ran the ball hard every time.”
Sawyer said he was proud of his star running back.
“I think (the award) is well deserving,” Sawyer said. “He’s a hard worker and a great young man. He was able to show his talents on the football field and on the track. This is a great achievement for him.
“What makes him special is his hard work. He’s very humble and he really pushes himself to get better every day.”
Daniels, who will continue his football career at UNC-Pembroke next year, said he is determined to be the best he can be at all times.
He attributed hard work and his strength in helping lead to his success.
“I lift weights a lot,” Daniels said. “Being smaller, I try to get my body right to take the hits.”
Daniels is looking for continued success with the Pembroke Braves.
“I just have to continue to work hard,” Daniels said. “Hopefully, they’ll be pleased with what I do. I hope to start as a freshman. I’m going to try to get over 1,000 yards.”
Daniels added some speed and endurance to his game thanks to a strong track season. Daniels, who was named the Male Track Athlete of the Year two years in a row, finished his prep track career by placing fourth at state in the triple jump. He earned the medal after soaring 45 feet, 9 inches.
Daniels, who also qualified to state in the long jump and 800-meter relay team, was the leading point-scorer for Washington throughout the year.
“It’s very appropriate Travis won the (Male Athlete of the Year) award,” said Jon Blank, the Pam Pack head track coach and an assistant football coach.
“He’s the best athlete in the area. He’s put up numbers that speak for themselves. He’s got great character and he’s a great leader.”
While Daniels was proud of his individual achievements, he was more excited about the team’s accomplishments this year.
“At the conference meet, we came in second place,” Daniels said. “That meant a lot. We finished fourth or fifth last year.”
Daniels credited Sawyer and Blank for helping him achieve his goals.
“They both pushed me to my max,” Daniels said. “They never accepted anything less. They wanted me to try my best every time, even if I was tired.
“They always encouraged me to do my best.”
The Pam Pack star also praised his parents, Joy Daniels and Tim Randolph, for their support.
“My dad supported me a lot over the years,” Daniels said. “He always got me all of the equipment I needed and was always there for me. My mom supported me all the time as well.”
As Daniels walks away from Washington and heads off to college, he hopes Pam Pack fans and teammates will remember him fondly.
“I hope they remember me for the hard work I put in, and the effort I put in,” Daniels said. “I’ll miss Washington. I’ll miss playing in front of the big crowds.”
Those big crowds will obviously miss Daniels as well.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Samantha Smith voted top WDN Female Athlete
Smith tabbed WDN Female Athlete of the Year
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Samantha Smith seemed to be everywhere this season. Maybe that’s because she made her presence known wherever she went.
The Washington Pam Pack star capped off a terrific season by being named the WDN Female Athlete of the Year.
“It feels great,” Smith said. “I can’t believe that I would win an award like this. To me, it feels really good to win this award.”
Smith excelled in basketball, volleyball and track for the Pam Pack. While she enjoyed playing each, Smith did have a favorite.
“Basketball was my favorite sport,” Smith said. “It’s something where I can express myself. I can go all out.
“It’s not an individual sport, but I can be more like myself in basketball than any other sport. I feel really good about how I played my senior year.”
Smith, who played in the post for Washington, was named to the WDN All-Area First Team. She dominated down low, pumping in 14 points and ripping down 12 rebounds per game.
Smith, called the “heart and soul” of the Pam Pack by her coach, Allison Jones, helped lead Washington to a 13-13 record. More importantly, she helped guide the Pack to a spot in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Class 3-A state playoffs.
“That felt like I really accomplished something,” Smith said. “I felt like I accomplished one of my goals in life. Out of my four years of high school, I accomplished something to get that far.”
Smith said her favorite memory from basketball season came in a 45-41 win over Havelock during the first round of the Coastal Conference tournament. She finished with a game-high 17 points and 14 rebounds in the win. The victory gave Washington the third seed for the state playoffs.
“That game was so amazing,” Smith said. “It was amazing we actually beat that team.”
Smith earned honorable mention status on the WDN All-Area volleyball team. While the Pam Pack didn’t win a match all year, Smith said she had fun.
“Even though we didn’t win any games, I loved the game,” Smith said. “We played as a team. No matter win or lose, I still felt good about it.”
Smith finished her athletic career at Washington outdoors, helping the track team to some impressive showings.
Pam Pack track coach Jon Blank said he was happy he could work with Smith, and was pleased she was named the Female Athlete of the Year.
“Sam is a great choice,” Blank said. “This was the first year I really worked with her. I got a chance to see her leadership.
“She’s a super athlete and she brings the intangibles with her. She was a true role model to the younger athletes.”
Despite performing in track for just the second time, Smith qualified to the regional and state meets in the shot put and 100-meter hurdle events.
“I’m so glad I made it there (to the state meet),” Smith said. “That was a big accomplishment since this was just my second year doing track.”
Smith won the Coastal Conference championship with a toss of 33 feet, 7 inches in the shot put event. She also took third in the hurdles.
Not many athletes are able to excel in a weight and a speed event. Smith attributed her success to her track coach.
“I did that with the help of coach Blank,” Smith said. “He pushed me really hard. He pushed me to go all-out in all my events.”
Through it all, Smith said she’s been able to lean on her parents, Pamela Cobb and Floyd Smith.
“They have been my backbone through all sports, through everything I do,” she said. “They’ve been great.”
Smith, who said she’ll miss her high school teammates, is hoping that her athletic career hasn’t come to an end. She’s looking to play basketball in college somewhere.
“I’m hoping to go to a college to play ball,” she said. “I hope to make that decision very soon.
“I know it’s going to take more endurance, being more coachable and learning to adapt to changes quickly.”
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Samantha Smith seemed to be everywhere this season. Maybe that’s because she made her presence known wherever she went.
The Washington Pam Pack star capped off a terrific season by being named the WDN Female Athlete of the Year.
“It feels great,” Smith said. “I can’t believe that I would win an award like this. To me, it feels really good to win this award.”
Smith excelled in basketball, volleyball and track for the Pam Pack. While she enjoyed playing each, Smith did have a favorite.
“Basketball was my favorite sport,” Smith said. “It’s something where I can express myself. I can go all out.
“It’s not an individual sport, but I can be more like myself in basketball than any other sport. I feel really good about how I played my senior year.”
Smith, who played in the post for Washington, was named to the WDN All-Area First Team. She dominated down low, pumping in 14 points and ripping down 12 rebounds per game.
Smith, called the “heart and soul” of the Pam Pack by her coach, Allison Jones, helped lead Washington to a 13-13 record. More importantly, she helped guide the Pack to a spot in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Class 3-A state playoffs.
“That felt like I really accomplished something,” Smith said. “I felt like I accomplished one of my goals in life. Out of my four years of high school, I accomplished something to get that far.”
Smith said her favorite memory from basketball season came in a 45-41 win over Havelock during the first round of the Coastal Conference tournament. She finished with a game-high 17 points and 14 rebounds in the win. The victory gave Washington the third seed for the state playoffs.
“That game was so amazing,” Smith said. “It was amazing we actually beat that team.”
Smith earned honorable mention status on the WDN All-Area volleyball team. While the Pam Pack didn’t win a match all year, Smith said she had fun.
“Even though we didn’t win any games, I loved the game,” Smith said. “We played as a team. No matter win or lose, I still felt good about it.”
Smith finished her athletic career at Washington outdoors, helping the track team to some impressive showings.
Pam Pack track coach Jon Blank said he was happy he could work with Smith, and was pleased she was named the Female Athlete of the Year.
“Sam is a great choice,” Blank said. “This was the first year I really worked with her. I got a chance to see her leadership.
“She’s a super athlete and she brings the intangibles with her. She was a true role model to the younger athletes.”
Despite performing in track for just the second time, Smith qualified to the regional and state meets in the shot put and 100-meter hurdle events.
“I’m so glad I made it there (to the state meet),” Smith said. “That was a big accomplishment since this was just my second year doing track.”
Smith won the Coastal Conference championship with a toss of 33 feet, 7 inches in the shot put event. She also took third in the hurdles.
Not many athletes are able to excel in a weight and a speed event. Smith attributed her success to her track coach.
“I did that with the help of coach Blank,” Smith said. “He pushed me really hard. He pushed me to go all-out in all my events.”
Through it all, Smith said she’s been able to lean on her parents, Pamela Cobb and Floyd Smith.
“They have been my backbone through all sports, through everything I do,” she said. “They’ve been great.”
Smith, who said she’ll miss her high school teammates, is hoping that her athletic career hasn’t come to an end. She’s looking to play basketball in college somewhere.
“I’m hoping to go to a college to play ball,” she said. “I hope to make that decision very soon.
“I know it’s going to take more endurance, being more coachable and learning to adapt to changes quickly.”
Dolphins cheerleaders hit Plymouth camp
Dolphins cheerleaders help cap off week-long event
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
PLYMOUTH — There was plenty to cheer about Friday in Plymouth.
Over 30 lucky, young cheerleaders were able to meet a couple of NFL cheerleaders to cap off a week-long Washington County Recreation cheerleading camp.
Lilly Robbins and Kayla Patterson, a pair of Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, appeared at Plymouth High School on Friday evening. The cheerleaders met the campers, signed autographs and took photos with all the girls, who ranged in age from 6 to 15. The campers came from Washington, Beaufort, Martin and Chowan counties.
“The camp was wonderful,” said Kimberly Leary, Washington County Recreation Camp Director. “It was very successful. The girls learned techniques, team spirit, good sportsmanship and about healthy nutrition.
“The girls from Miami had a good time. They were able to interact with the girls and they were able to inspire them and let them know how to be a cheerleader in uniform and out of uniform. They taught the girls to keep their grades up and to be respectful. It was a very successful interaction between the Dolphins cheerleaders and the Washington County Recreation campers.”
Robbins said the young cheerleaders did a nice job.
“The camp was great,” Robbins said. “We got to see the girls and we’re anxious to see them perform. I know they’d been working hard all week and we’re really excited to see what they have to show us.”
For those young Washington County cheerleaders aspiring to cheer in the NFL one day, they should be prepared to put in some long hours.
“It takes hard work and dedication,” said Robbins on what it takes to be an NFL cheerleader. “We practice more than 12 hours a week. It’s a lot of hard work and dedication, but it’s definitely worth it. We practice hard to cheer hard for our team.”
Robbins noted that the cheerleaders spend a great deal of time together, which is a good bonding experience.
“We do a lot together,” Robbins said. “We’re like sisters. I see them more than my family.”
While the Dolphins cheerleaders were busy with their campers, a pair of former Miami football greats were participating in a camp on the football field. Charles Bowser, a former standout at Plymouth High School, was joined by former Dolphins teammate Mark “Super” Duper for the Second Charles Bowser NFL Youth Football Camp.
Robbins, who has been with the Dolphins cheerleaders for three years, and Patterson, a two-year veteran, said they were honored to be a part of Washington County’s cheerleading camp.
“Everything is a privilege,” Robbins said. “Coming here (to Plymouth) is a privilege. It’s a great opportunity, and Kayla and I are happy to be a part of this.”
Plymouth is just the latest of several stops the cheerleaders have made in their careers. Robbins has made an appearance in the Middle East to visit the troops, and took part in promotions in London when the Dolphins played there last year.
Robbins and Patterson also appear in several events closer to home, taking part in various camps, fundraisers and the annual Dolphins Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“We do a lot to help the community,” Robbins said.
Patterson and Robbins said they enjoy it all, especially the rush they get from performing in front of the home crowd at Dolphins games.
“It’s amazing,” Robbins said. “We work hard and train all summer, really from April until that first game in September. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment.
“We do halftime shows, pre-game (routines) and the end zone dances. We’re on the field all game long for the four hours in the Miami weather, but it’s a great experience. There’s nothing like cheering in front of 75,000 fans.”
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
PLYMOUTH — There was plenty to cheer about Friday in Plymouth.
Over 30 lucky, young cheerleaders were able to meet a couple of NFL cheerleaders to cap off a week-long Washington County Recreation cheerleading camp.
Lilly Robbins and Kayla Patterson, a pair of Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, appeared at Plymouth High School on Friday evening. The cheerleaders met the campers, signed autographs and took photos with all the girls, who ranged in age from 6 to 15. The campers came from Washington, Beaufort, Martin and Chowan counties.
“The camp was wonderful,” said Kimberly Leary, Washington County Recreation Camp Director. “It was very successful. The girls learned techniques, team spirit, good sportsmanship and about healthy nutrition.
“The girls from Miami had a good time. They were able to interact with the girls and they were able to inspire them and let them know how to be a cheerleader in uniform and out of uniform. They taught the girls to keep their grades up and to be respectful. It was a very successful interaction between the Dolphins cheerleaders and the Washington County Recreation campers.”
Robbins said the young cheerleaders did a nice job.
“The camp was great,” Robbins said. “We got to see the girls and we’re anxious to see them perform. I know they’d been working hard all week and we’re really excited to see what they have to show us.”
For those young Washington County cheerleaders aspiring to cheer in the NFL one day, they should be prepared to put in some long hours.
“It takes hard work and dedication,” said Robbins on what it takes to be an NFL cheerleader. “We practice more than 12 hours a week. It’s a lot of hard work and dedication, but it’s definitely worth it. We practice hard to cheer hard for our team.”
Robbins noted that the cheerleaders spend a great deal of time together, which is a good bonding experience.
“We do a lot together,” Robbins said. “We’re like sisters. I see them more than my family.”
While the Dolphins cheerleaders were busy with their campers, a pair of former Miami football greats were participating in a camp on the football field. Charles Bowser, a former standout at Plymouth High School, was joined by former Dolphins teammate Mark “Super” Duper for the Second Charles Bowser NFL Youth Football Camp.
Robbins, who has been with the Dolphins cheerleaders for three years, and Patterson, a two-year veteran, said they were honored to be a part of Washington County’s cheerleading camp.
“Everything is a privilege,” Robbins said. “Coming here (to Plymouth) is a privilege. It’s a great opportunity, and Kayla and I are happy to be a part of this.”
Plymouth is just the latest of several stops the cheerleaders have made in their careers. Robbins has made an appearance in the Middle East to visit the troops, and took part in promotions in London when the Dolphins played there last year.
Robbins and Patterson also appear in several events closer to home, taking part in various camps, fundraisers and the annual Dolphins Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“We do a lot to help the community,” Robbins said.
Patterson and Robbins said they enjoy it all, especially the rush they get from performing in front of the home crowd at Dolphins games.
“It’s amazing,” Robbins said. “We work hard and train all summer, really from April until that first game in September. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment.
“We do halftime shows, pre-game (routines) and the end zone dances. We’re on the field all game long for the four hours in the Miami weather, but it’s a great experience. There’s nothing like cheering in front of 75,000 fans.”
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