Musings and Ramblings: The Search for Character

As we close another decade in the sporting world, there seems to be an intertwining theme from athlete to athlete and from sport to sport. Over the past ten years, our favorite sports have been inundated with the specter of illegitimacy, lies, cheating, and other transgressions that shake the very foundational pillars of integrity among teams and players.

Across the wide gulf of the sports landscape, one need not look far to find examples of the sort of behavior from athletes that threaten what makes sports so enjoyable to watch and pleasurable to cover as a profession.

In American sports which pride themselves on honesty, integrity, and fair play, a plethora of bad press involving athletes plastered the headlines of both sports magazines and mainstream publications.

The BALCO doping affair in San Francisco which led to the demise of Marion Jones also shed negative light on the accomplishments of legendary slugger Barry Bonds, who broke records for single-season and career home runs under a cloud of controversy.

Bonds proved to be just one high-profile athlete whose name was connected with drug use. Stories became commonplace during the decade of additional baseball players allegedly using steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in a storm of negative publicity for America’s Pastime. Well-known stars such as Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro, Jason Giambi, Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens, and Alex Rodriguez each at one time either admitted to or was alleged to have used performance enhancements to bolster their statistics or prolong their careers.

The National Basketball Association was rocked to its core when it was revealed that one of its own officials, Tim Donaghy, was entangled in a gambling ring and used his inside access for personal gain. The move cost Donaghy his freedom before his release from jail earlier this fall. The Association’s brightest star, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was involved in a court case when he was accused of and ultimately acquitted of sexual assault in Eagle, Colorado in 2003.

Even the National Football League has had to deal with off-the-field issues such as the Michael Vick dogfighting ring and the Plaxico Burress gun saga which brought a black eye to a league that puts great value upon its public image.

The decade ended with perhaps its most surprising character blow when Tiger Woods, the greatest golfer on the planet, drove his image deep into the woods when he was enveloped in a car accident on Thanksgiving night that bizarrely unraveled into a web of alleged multiple infidelities and marital strife.

Character compromise was not restricted to solely professional sports over the last decade. Marion Jones, who at the top of her game was a multiple gold medal winner in track and field at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, ended the decade in disgrace as allegations of doping were denied by Jones but later found to be accurate. The perjury cost Jones both her freedom for a time and her medals, which were stripped by the International Olympic Committee.

In 2002 another shot to the integrity of the Olympic Games, was fired. The 2002 bribery scandal and judging controversy in figure skating at Salt Lake City turned the Winter Games into a circus that eventually led to a new scoring system as well as a duplicate set of gold medals for Canadian pairs skaters Jamie Sale and David Pelletier.

The Little League World Series was not immune to the problem. Phenom pitcher Danny Almonte led his Bronx team to third place in the 2001 Little League World Series. For weeks rumors abounded that he was in fact much older than the required 12 years old. With a command of the mound well beyond his years and a blistering 70 miles per hour fastball, everyone everywhere was astounded by his ability, until it was revealed following private investigation that Almonte was actually 14 years old.

For all the stories of strife and blows to the integrity of sports through this past decade, there have thankfully been stories of triumph and character depth that instill hope that all has not been lost.

One of my favorite incidences from the past decade did not involve a Super Bowl player or a high-profile athlete. Instead it was the story of a girl who hit a home run but couldn’t run around the bases.

Western Oregon University softball player Sara Tucholsky hit her first home run during a college postseason game in 2008, but collapsed with shredded knee ligaments while tagging first base. If Tucholsky was unable to make it around the bases, she would be ruled out. If she was substituted, the hit would have only counted for a single, and receiving any physical assistance from teammates was against the rules.

Members of the Central Washington University softball team stunned their home crowd in Ellensburg by carrying Tucholsky around the bases so the three-run homer would count - an act that contributed to their own elimination from the playoffs.

Central Washington first baseman Mallory Holtman asked the umpire if she and her teammates could help Tucholsky. The umpire said there was no rule against it.

So Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace put their arms under Tucholsky's legs, and she put her arms over their shoulders. The three headed around the base paths, stopping to let Tucholsky touch each base with her good leg. "It was the right thing to do," Holtman said in an interview later. "She'd hit it over the fence. She deserved the home run."

"It's kind of a big blur at the moment," Tucholsky said. "I didn't really realize what was going on until I actually had time to reflect on it. The only thing I remember is that Mallory asked me which leg was the one that hurt. I told her it was my right leg and she said, `OK, we're going to drop you down gently and you need to touch it with your left leg,' and I said `OK, thank you very much.' "

"In the end, it is not about winning and losing so much," Holtman said. "It was about this girl. She hit it over the fence and was in pain, and she deserved a home run."

This kind of story restores my hope that character is not lost in the games and sports we enjoy. My hope is that over the next ten years the inspiring and positive stories of character will far outweigh the scandals and negative indiscretions.

Lady Vikings Hold Off Draughn to Capture Christmas Holiday Invitational Championship

On Tuesday night, the Lady Vikings played for the Christmas Holiday Invitational Tournament title against the tourney host Draughn Lady Wildcats. Despite an ebb and flow of scoring and momentum shifts, the Lady Vikings stood tall in the end, earning the road victory by the final score of 62-55.

Avery raced out to an early lead, but Draughn battled back to draw within a pair of points at 15-13. In the second stanza, the teams played tough defense as Avery again extended a lead only to see Draughn anewer with a scoring run of its own. Avery held the lead at intermission, but only by one point at 27-26.

Following the halftime break, the Lady Vikings played with purpose and passion, quickly extending its thin margin to double-figures and carrying a 47-37 advantage into the final eight minutes of play.

Avery led by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter, but the home team Lady Wildcats would not quit, scoring ten straight points in a stretch of slightly over two minutes to draw to within four points at 57-53. The Lady Vikings tightened their defense to counteract the Wildcats, however, blocking multiple shots and effectively rebounding the basketball.

The Lady Vikings controlled the game from the charity stripe as they drew a number of fouls in the closing two minutes and hit their free throws down the stretch to take the seven-point decision.

Viking senior Lauren Avery garnered All-Tournament honors as she registered a double-double in the win with 12 points and ten rebounds in addition to four steals and three assists. Teammate Sara Wiseman scored a team-high 15 points, along with nine rebounds and five blocks.

Katelynn Eudy, Tournament Most Valuable Player, scored ten points with nine rebounds. Avery's other All-Tournament selection Hayley Pyatte reached double-figures on the night with 13 points, five assists, and three steals. Elyse Perry chipped in with eight points, eight assists, five rebounds, and three steals.

Both Avery's ladies and men's teams return to action next week with three contests. Avery travels to Polk County on Tuesday, hit the road to Owen on Wednesday, and return home to host Madison on Friday, January 8th.

Lady Vikings Rout Leesville Road, Face Draughn in Holiday Tourney Title Game

The Avery Lady Vikings basketball squad traveled to Draughn High School in Valdese to take part in the Draughn Holiday Invitational Tournament on Monday night. Each of the 12 Avery players scored in the lopsided 56-27 win over Raleigh's Leesville Road Lady Pride.

Despite having not practiced since Christmas Eve and going 11 days since its last game against West Wilkes, Avery showed little rust or ill effects, jumping out to a 16-2 run through the first quarter of action. Senior Hayley Pyatte paced the Big Red with three baskets in the period, while Elyse Perry and Katelynn Eudy poured in four points each in the frame.

The Lady Vikings blitzed the Lady Pride, using their full-court press defense and height advantage inside to generate offensive opportunities and additional shots off rebounds. Draughn managed to pull as close as 20-8 in the second quarter, but a 10-3 scoring run in the final five minutes of the first half put the contest out of reach.

Sara Wiseman tallied five points in the second period to help the Lady Vikes to a 30-11 halftime advantage. In the second half, Avery continued to pour it on. leading 44-21 after three periods en route to the 29-point win.

Wiseman led the Big Red onslaught with 11 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. Katelynn Eudy added 10 points, five steals, and three rebounds. Elyse Perry scored eight points with four steals and two assists, while Lauren Avery and Hayley Pyatte added six points apiece.

In the nightcap, host school Draughn's Lady Wildcats took an easy 82-47 victory over Burns High School.

Avery takes on tournament host Draughn High School Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Middle School Fall and Winters Sports All-Conference Selections Announced

With the fall and winter sports completed, the Toe River Conference has named its middle school All-Conference squads for the school year’s sports thus far.

In football, the Avery Middle School Panthers placed seven student-athletes on the squad: Quarterbacks/wide receivers Chance Watson and Ty Polsgrove, as well as Luke Price, Scott Wiseman, Harley Rash, Hunter Johnson, and Chase Buchanan were named to the team.

Cranberry Middle School named a trio of players to the football All-Conference team, as Stetson Stafford, Harley Foster, and Jonah Tenge were named to the squad.

In girls volleyball, the conference tournament champion Avery Middle School Lady Panthers were well represented on the All-Conference team as Haley Woody, Juanita Guzman, and Shannon Smith were named All-Conference, while Ciara Laws, Breanna Heaton, and Lauren Burleson were selected as All-Tournament.

The Cranberry Lady Wildcats also placed multiple players on the All-Conference and All-Tournament teams. Katie Rigdon and Bethany Burleson were tabbed All-Conference for the Lady Wildcats, while McKenzie Hayes and Dani Carpenter were honored as All-Tournament.

Cranberry and Avery both achieved success on the basketball floor this past season, as noted by the number of players named to the respective post-season teams.

For the Wildcats, Tyler Pittman was named All-Conference in boys basketball, while the girls’ team was represented by Katie Rigdon and Bethany Burleson. Abby Thompson was named to the girls All-Tournament team, while Stetson Stafford was selected for the boys All-Tournament squad.

The Avery Middle School basketball teams also placed a number of players to the teams. Chance Watson and Chase Buchanan were named to the boys All-Conference team, while Buchanan and Ty Polsgrove made the All-Tournament team.

The Toe River Conference regular season and tournament champion Lady Panthers from Avery were well represented with postseason honors. Shannon Smith, Lauren Burleson, and Breanna Heaton got the All-Conference nod, while Haley Woody joined Burleson and Heaton on the ladies All-Tournament team.

Congratulations to the county’s middle school athletics programs on a terrific 2009 fall and winter sports season!

Lady Vikings Basketball in Action at Draughn Holiday Tournament

The Avery Lady Vikings varsity basketball team will return to the hardwood this afternoon at the Draughn Holiday Tournament in Burke County. Avery will take the floor today at 6 p.m. against the Pride from Leesville Road High School in Raleigh. The nightcap features host Draughn taking on perennial 2A power Burns High School at 8 p.m.

Losers of today's doubleheader of games will square off on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m., while the winners will meet in the tournament championship game at 8 p.m.

Hometown Johnson Quietly Makes Noise in ACC

By: Matt Laws (matt.laws@averyjournal.com)

Avery County native Paul Johnson is making waves in the ACC as his Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets claimed the ACC Championship. However, Johnson didn’t always see himself as a coach when he was growing up in Newland.

“I don’t know if I ever really thought about it,” Johnson said on if he thought of being a coach when he was a child. “That is something that you don’t really ever think about. I think when you’re growing up and you’re smaller, you probably just think about playing all the time, because that is what you want to think about as opposed to coaching. As I got older and progressed, I realized I wanted to be a coach.”

That transition to coaching couldn’t have gone any better for Johnson. After stops at Avery County High School, Lees-McRae College, Georgia Southern, Hawaii, and Navy as an assistant coach, Johnson finally got his chance to be a head coach in 1997 when he went to Georgia Southern. There, the Eagles marched to a 62-10 record in Johnson’s tenure that included two straight national titles as well as five straight Southern Conference titles. In 2002, Johnson took over a Navy program where his reign saw the Midshipmen beat Notre Dame for the first time since 1963 as well as five straight bowl bids and Commander-in-Chief’s trophies. The success along the way led to Johnson being selected just the 12^th coach in Georgia Tech history.

“Once my coaching career started, I was fortunate to work around some good people and had some great players and had some success fairly early and moved up the ladder pretty quickly,” Johnson said. “So it worked out.”

At Georgia Tech, Johnson has led the Ramblin’ Wreck to two straight bowl games including an Orange Bowl berth this season as a result of an 11-2 season and being ACC champions. However, an ACC title was not unexpected for Johnson or his team.

“That is the ultimate goal,” Johnson said. “I think that is what you are shooting for. We were disappointed we tied for our division the first year with Virginia Tech and lost on the tie breaker. This year, we were fortunate enough to win the division and championship game. Certainly, that is what you are trying to do when the season starts.”

In the Orange Bowl, Georgia Tech will face a stiff challenge from the Big 10 in Iowa. The Hawkeyes were in early national title contention until a couple of late season losses when quarterback Ricky Stanzi fell to injury. The Hawkeyes are currently ranked 10^th in the AP poll, a spot behind the Ramblin’ Wreck.

“We know that they are going to be a good team,” Johnson said. “Anytime you play a team in the top ten, all of them are pretty good. We have to get ready to play and it will be a challenge to get ready for them.”

The Orange Bowl is on January 5th. As a winner of two national championships at Georgia Southern, Johnson has had experience on both sides of the BCS debate, and he made it clear which of the two systems he preferred.

“I’d like to have a playoff system if they could figure out how to do it,” Johnson said. “I think that is the best way to do it. We are the only sport in the NCAA that doesn’t have one so I think they will eventually have one rather it be a plus-one or a four or eight team playoff. I think they will eventually have one. It’s coming; it’s just a matter of time.”

Overall, Johnson looks to the build the Yellow Jackets into a national champion, regardless of what playoff system is used.

“We are just in the progress of trying to build a program that can compete for a national championship,” Johnson said. “We still got some work to do, but we have made a lot of progress in year two. Hopefully we can remain consistent and keep getting better.”

Despite the coaching success, Johnson hasn’t forgotten his hometown roots. The Georgia Tech coaching staff hosted Avery High School’s football coaches.

“It’s always fun,” Johnson said. “They came down to a clinic and came down to practice. You want to try and help them anyway you can, and certainly they are welcome to come here and we will share whatever we got.

You always pull for your hometown school and I hope they do well.”

In addition to the Avery staff, Georgia Tech also hosted Appalachian coach Jerry Moore and staff for a couple of days in the spring. Even though Johnson is coaching in a BCS conference, it doesn’t mean he has forgotten about Avery County.

“I think you always have a soft spot for the place that you grew up,” Johnson said. “There are a lot of great people there, and we enjoy getting back there whenever we can.”

The Avery Journal-Times would like to thank Coach Johnson for granting us a phone interview as well as Dean Buchan in the Georgia Tech Sports Information for all of his assistance.

AJ-T Sports LIVE from..... THE MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL

2:40 PM -- We are LIVE at Bank of America Stadium in the queen city of Charlotte for2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl game between the 9-3 Pittsburgh Panthers and the 8-4 University of North Carolina Tar Heels!

Matt will be down on the field getting the photos from field level, while Jamie will be providing updates on-site from the BOA Press Box. Game time is slated for 4:30 p.m. and pregame festivities are underway as we countdown to kickoff.

Special thanks to Frank Kay and his staff with the Meineke Car Care Bowl for helping to make this coverage possible today.

This afternoon's contest features a pair of tough defenses. The Pitt Panthers surrender 20 points per contest, while the Tar Heels allow only 16.9 points per contest. Pittsburgh holds a decisive offensive advantage, averaging 33.2 points per contest, while Carolina only averages 24.3 points per game.

Today's contest features a number of players to watch. For Carolina, players who will look to make an impact include Marvin Austin (6'3", 305 lb. Jr.), as well as 6-3, 230 lb. junior Bruce Carter. The Panthers will feature an offensive dynamic duo of quarterback Bill Stull (6-3, 215 lb. Sr.) and tailback Dion Lewis (5-8, 195 lb. Fr.)

Carolina is making its second consecutive trip to the Meineke Car Care Bowl. UNC fell to West Virginia 31-30 last December before a crowd of 73,712 at Bank of America Stadium. The Tar Heels are looking for their first win in three attempts at this particular bowl contest, as the Heels fell 37-24 in 2004 to future ACC member Boston College, then a member of the Big East Conference.

Both Carolina and Pitt are coming off hard-luck losses. UNC lost 28-27 to North Carolina State in its regular season finale, while Pitt fell 45-44 to Cincinnati in the Big East Conference title game.

We'll have information, stats, and who knows what else along the way this afternoon. Thanks for reading!

Update #1: The teams have warmed up and returned to their respective locker rooms about 20 minutes before opening kickoff. The crowd is somewhat sparse here at the stadium. The lowest total attendance in the history of the Meineke Car Care Bowl has been around 51,000, but it may be a strain to get 35000-40000 for this afternoon's game.

Kickoff coming up soon!

Update #2: UNC has won the opening coin toss and deferred. Pitt will be receiving the opening kickoff on an overcast and chilly evening as game temperature is a balmy 47 degrees. UNC is in their home blue jerseys and Pitt is in road white. Pitt starts its first drive of the game from its own 35-yard line.

The Panthers move the football inside Carolina territory, where a pass interference call against the Heels pushes the ball inside the UNC 30. The drive stalls at the UNC 23, where a field goal attempt of 40 yards by Dan Hutchins in no good, wide right. Carolina takes over for its first offensive series at its own 23 yard line. 11:20 left in the opening period and there is no score.

Update #3: UNC opens with a reverse to Greg Little that picks up huge yardage to the Pitt 46. Carolina is also utilizing a no-huddle shotgun offense to keep the Pitt defense guessing. Two additional pass plays and a facemask penalty on Pitt puts UNC at the Pitt 5-yard line first and goal.

Carolina connects on a TD pass from Yates to Zack Pianalto, but an illegal formation against the Heels called the score back. A pass completion put UNC at the Pitt 7-yard line. On 2nd and goal, Tar Heels quarterback TJ Yates is called for a penalty. Greg Little makes a SportsCenter Highlight catch for a touchdown. Little then kicked the football into the stands, drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The touchdown covered 15 yards, and the PAT gives the Heels the first score of the game. Heels lead 7-0 with 6:57 left in the first quarter. UNC takes seven plays to move 77 yards over 4:23 of clock time.

Update #4: Pitt takes over possession at its own 37 yard line and drives to the UNC 26-yard line. On 3rd and 3, Dion Lewis breaks through to the UNC 2-yard line, but fumbled the football out of the end zone, giving Carolina the football on the turnover.

Lewis is seeking to break Tony Dorsett's all-time freshman rushing record at Pitt, needing only 47 yards in today's game. Lewis took care of the record early, as his last run breaks the mark.

Yates completes a pass to wide receiver Highsmith, who fumbles the football which Pitt recovers. UNC's first turnover of the ballgame gives Pitt the football at the UNC 40 yard line.

Update #5: A 22-yard completion from Stull to Shanahan moves Pitt to the Carolina 14-yard line. A final rushing play nets one yard as time expires in the first period. UNC leads 7-0 after 15 minutes of play.

As second quarter action begins UNC holds and forces a 31-yard field goal by Dan Hutchins, which narrows the UNC lead to 7-3 with 14:11 to go in the first half. The score culminated a 7 play, 26-yard drive over 2:21.

Update #6: Pittsburgh holds UNC to -12 yards over three plays, forcing a punt. Panthers punt returner brings the kick back to Carolina territory to open its next drive.

Two Lewis runs two times for 34 yards to the UNC 11. Lewis makes it easy on a run along the left side, jogging untouched across the goal line for a Panthers touchdown. The PAT by Hutchins is good, giving Pitt its first lead of the game at 10-7 with 11:08 to play in the second period.

Update #7: UNC uses its rushing attack with Ryan Houston to control the football and march downfield. Houston carries the football inside the Pitt 30-yard line as the Heels look to tie or take back the lead. Carolina converts on a pass play from Yates to Highsmith on third down to get inside the red zone.

Carolina looks to pound the ball in the end zone with the running of Houston, who advances the ball inside the Pitt 5-yard line. On third and goal, Yates throws an interception to linebacker Dan Mason at the goal line. The second UNC turnover gives the Panthers the football with 4:00 to play before halftime.

Update #8: Casey Barth caps a 5-play, 18 yard drive with a 37-yard field goal, but Pitt answers with a 31 yard field goal from Hutchins as time expires. Pittsburgh leads it 13-10 at halftime. Dion Lewis of Pitt has rushed for 101 yards, his 10th 100-yard rushing game of the season.

Update #9: UNC is held to a three-and-out and punts to Pitt. The Panthers benefit from a personal foul penalty against Carolina and have advanced the football inside the UNC 25-yard line. The Tar Heels defense stiffens to force a 42-yard field goal try. The kick is good, staking Pittsburgh to a 16-10 lead with 9:11 left in the third quarter.

Update #10: UNC moves the football on its ensuing possession and drove inside the red zone. Yates finds Little for a 18-yard touchdown pass on a seam route to tie the game. The Barth point after gives the Tar Heels back the lead at 17-16 with 4:00 left in the third quarter.

The UNC defense forces back Pitt on its next possession with a sack and tackle for loss, forcing a Pittsburgh punt as the third period expires. UNC leads it 17-16.

On a side note...the press box has received the news that Florida's Urban Meyer is resigning from his post as head football coach at the Univ. of Florida due to health reasons.

Update #11: UNC gets the football following the Pitt punt and has moved into Panther territory. Back-to-back sacks forces the Tar Heels to punt the ball back to Pitt, and punter Schallock's kick is downed at the Pitt 5-yard line. 9:39 remains in the game and the Tar Heels lead by a point at 17-16.

Update #12: Pitt has maintained possession of the football, moving the pigskin to the UNC 30-yard line. Faced with a fourth down and 2, Pitt takes a timeout to talk it over. 1:55 remaining in the game and Pitt is looking at a 47-yard field goal attempt from Hutchins, who is 3 of 4 for the game.

Hutchins' kick attempt is not attempted...because the Panthers draw UNC offsides with a hard count, picking up the first down. Ouch for Tar Heel Nation.

50,389 was the announced paid attendance for today's game, but actual people in the stands were considerably less. Still a loud crowd and a great game as this one unfolds.

Update #13: UNC holds Pitt for three plays and the Panthers again line up for a field goal, this time a 33-yard attempt from Hutchins. The kick is GOOD! The Panthers take the lead at 19-17 on Hutchins' fourth field goal of the game. Carolina has 52 seconds and one timeout to try to come up with the winning points. Pitt used a 17-play, 79-yard drive that elapsed 8:47 off the fourth quarter clock to regain the advantage. High drama in Charlotte tonight!

Update #14: Carolina advances to its own 41, but are faced with a fourth and 7 at the UNC 41-yard line. Pass complete to Pianalto gets the first down at midfield with 24 seconds left. Three straight incompletions leave Carolina with a fourth and 10 at the 49 yard line with 12 seconds left. Yates' pass attempt falls incomplete and the Panthers take over on downs.

Pitt takes a knee twice to end the game as the Panthers defeat the Tar Heels 19-17. Great effort from both teams.

The Jerry Richardson MVP of the game is Pitt's Dion Lewis, who had 28 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown.

Thanks for following along with today's action!

Avery Wrestling Schedule Changes

The recent inclement weather has wreaked havoc on the winter sports schedules at Avery High School. With multiple postponements due to the weather, the Avery wrestling program has made the following changes to the upcoming schedule.

Avery has rescheduled its dual meet at Mitchell originally scheduled for last week to January 6th. Avery's dual meet at Madison on January 8th is as scheduled, but the Vikings will be hitting the road the next morning, Saturday, January 9th, to take part in the Tigerland Classic Tournament at Fred T. Foard High School.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the sports staff at the Avery Journal-Times!

Vikings Basketball Downs Black Hawks for Non-Conference Victories

In a dominating night on the hardwood last Thursday evening at Viking Gym, Avery’s varsity girls and boys basketball squads cruised to double-digit victories over their counterparts from West Wilkes High School.

During the opening quarter of the varsity girls contest, the Lady Vikings grabbed an early advantage. Many of Avery’s offensive opportunities came by virtue of its defense, as the team forced the Lady Black Hawks into numerous turnovers throughout the contest. Avery took a 22-10 lead after one quarter and roared to a 34-13 halftime bulge..

The second half was anti-climactic as the entire Avery roster saw extended minutes on the playing floor. After three quarters, the Lady Vikings maintained a comfortable 52-23 lead and went on to capture its sixth straight victory with a 68-31 win.

Lauren Avery and Hayley Pyatte each scored 16 points in the Big Red triumph. Lauren added seven rebounds, while Hayley added four rebounds and three steals. Sara Wiseman chipped in with 14 points and six rebounds, with six points apiece from Megan Tennant and Katelynn Eudy.

The Vikings shot just under 46 percent from the field in the win, while holding West to only 31 percent shooting. West was paced by Laura Cantrell's double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds. along with seven points from Jessica Bumgarner.

In the nightcap, the Avery varsity boys were white hot on the offensive end to start its contest with the Black Hawks. The Vikings scorched the nets in the first eight minutes by hitting on 10 of its 19 shots, including a Dustin Clarke dunk, en route to taking a 23-8 lead after one quarter.

The snowball continued to roll downhill and consume the blitzed Black Hawks. West had difficulty keeping up with Avery’s speed, while the Vikings were converting on inside shot attempts that they have been missing in previous contests.

Although Avery suited up only eight players for the game due to injury, seven Vikings scored in the first half. The Vikings stretched their lead to 21 points at 35-14 by halftime.

As the game continued, it became apparent that the evening’s top story was not only the dominant team performance by the Vikings, but the individual effort of Dustin Clarke.

The talented 6’3” junior guard who has averaged around 20 points per game electrified the crowd in Viking Gym with three slam dunks on the night. The final two dunks, the second one an athletic 360-degree spin and slam, earned Clarke technical fouls for hanging on the rim. The two fouls disqualified Avery's leading scorer midway through the fourth quarter. Clarke ended the night with 26 points, 13 assists, seven rebounds, and six steals.

“I emphasize that great players should make others around them better, and Dustin has been doing a lot of that this season. I ask a lot from Dustin, but he’s taking it in full stride,” Avery varsity boys head coach Bo Manis said after the game. “I encouraged him to relax out there on the floor and let the game come to him.”

The entire Avery team enjoyed a great night on the court, leading 59-20 after three quarters on the way to a 73-35 victory. Joey Potter poured in 18 points for the Vikings, with eight points and six rebounds from Dylan Eppley.

“Joey had a good night because he was able to find the open space in their defense and move without the basketball. Doing that really allowed him to score a quiet 18 points. We emphasized that all week, and he wasn’t the only player to step up and do that,” Coach Manis added.

Luke Foster and Garrett Hamby scored eight points apiece for the Black Hawks, with seven points from Lucas Stinson.

“I could never be any prouder of the guys than tonight. This team is better than the results we have had on the scoreboard,” Coach Bo Manis said following the win. “The team played hard defensively and we came out firing on all cylinders. Not to take anything away from West Wilkes, but we played good basketball. We were focused and played Team Avery basketball, which is pretty fun to watch.”

Avery shot 61 percent from the field in the second half and 53 percent for the game. The Vikings nearly matched West's total of 12 field goals for the game in just one quarter, when the Vikes drained 11 shots in the third quarter. West shot only 23 percent from the field for the night.

The Vikings played with a renewed focus and intensity, and showed great selflessness throughout the contest.

“Before the game I reminded the players about focusing on what was important at that time. I asked the players that they commit themselves to concentrating only about what matters at this moment they put their uniforms on, and that one thing to consider is team,” Coach Manis said. “When the players realize that concept, I believe we will be clicking as a team.”

Avery’s varsity basketball games last Friday night against Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy as well as Monday against Hendersonville were cancelled. Avery’s girls are scheduled to participate in a holiday tournament at Draughn High School on December 28-29, while the men’s team will return to action on January 5^th at Polk County.

Western Highlands Conference Releases Fall All-Conference Selections

Last week the Western Highlands Conference recognized a number of student-athletes as All-Conference selections in its respective fall sports. A host of Avery Vikings were tabbed with the All-Conference or Honorable Mention All-Conference moniker. Below is a listing of the Viking honorees in each sport.

In cross country, junior runner Mary Chesnut Smith received All-Conference recognition as she finished fifth overall at the Western Highlands Conference meet in October. Smith had a strong showing in regional competition and qualified for the state cross country meet.

In varsity football, three Vikings, Dylan Aldridge, Andy Gonzalez, and Taylor Potter were recognized as All-Conference, while teammates Colton Blackburn, Nathaniel Buchanan, Kenny Hicks, Tyler Long, and Alex Villanueva were honored as Honorable Mention All-Conference.

Aldridge served as a punter, tight end, defensive linebacker and lineman, as well as saw plays in the offensive backfield and on the offensive line. He recorded 60 tackles (including 10 TFL) and registered two and a half sacks for the season. He also caught a touchdown on four passes as a tight end.

Potter was the defensive heart and soul for the Vikings in 2009, as he led the team in tackles with 88 stops. He scored a touchdown rushing the football, as well as caught 18 receptions for 228 yards and a pair of scores. Potter also made an impact on special teams, leading the squad with a 19.1 yards/return average on 20 kickoff returns.

Gonzalez led Avery in receptions with 39 for a team-high 746 yards. The sophomore caught seven touchdowns, including the game-winner in the regular season finale against Mitchell, as well as a team-long 95 yard touchdown in the season opener at Robbinsville.

In women’s golf, Catalina Lehmann was the lone Lady Viking selected All-Conference. Lehmann consistently improved throughout the season and represented Avery in the regional golf tournament when she captured a sixth place finish at the conference golf tournament in October.

Men’s soccer saw two Avery players, Kyle Griewisch and Brock Yackey, tabbed All-Conference as the Vikings experienced one of its best seasons in school history and a ranking as high as fifth in the NC state soccer 1A poll.

Griewisch led the Avery team in goals scored as the Vikings finished 13-8-2 for the season. Yackey was a valuable asset on the defensive side of the pitch, as he saw increased action with the injury suffered by senior Daniel Huff.

Senior Morgan Bounds was selected as Co-Goalkeeper of the Year in the conference, as he pitched seven shutouts between the pipes during the season, including an impressive four straight during the month of October.

In women’s tennis, Anna Melton, Lauren Avery, and Morgan Stout were tabbed All-Conference during the fall. Avery and Stout experienced individual successes, but worked well together in doubles play. The duo advanced out of the conference to regional competition.

Senior Melton had a great season which saw her as one of the top singles players in the conference. Anna competed at Regionals and qualified for a berth in the state tennis tournament.

In volleyball, Savannah Dellinger was the only Lady Viking to be named to the All-Conference squad. Dellinger served as hitter for the Big Red, and became a team leader in her first season of varsity action. Dellinger was active offensively as the team’s kills leader, and more then held her own defensively on the floor with a numerous variety of digs and blocks.

Great job to the Vikings on a brilliant 2009 fall sports season!

Vikings Junior Varsity Dominates Black Hawks

It was a clean sweep on Thursday night in Viking Gym as the Avery basketball teams won both junior varsity contest and won decisively in each varsity contest.

In the early going of the game, Avery freshman guard Kelsie Clark helped Avery take command, scoring nine points in the frame to help the home team break out to a 10-0 scoring run to start the game and an eventual 12-2 after one quarter.

West Wilkes rallied but only cut its deficit to seven at 19-12 by halftime. The Viking offense cooled from its fast start, as it could only muster two field goals in the second period.

As the second half began, the Lady Vikings came out of the locker room on fire, utilizing a 19-5 scoring run in just over four minutes to put the contest out of reach. Seven different Lady Vikings scored in the third quarter alone, led by Clarke who tallied 13 of her game-high 26 points in the stanza.

In addition to the scoring punch, the Lady Vikings ramped up the intensity defensively, prohibiting the Lady Black Hawks from advancing the ball past the half court line on multiple occasions with steals and forced turnovers. Avery took a 45-27 lead after three quarters and cruised to the 61-32 victory.

In addition to her scoring prowess, Kelsie Clarke exploded for the Big Red with six steals and four assists. Shayna Vance added nine points, with eight points from Megan Dellinger and five points, seven rebounds, seven steals, and four assists from Monica Estep. Makayla Nichols tallied 20 points to lead West Wilkes.

“We were very passive on our defense in the first half, so I talked to the girls at halftime and we switched from a zone press to a full-court man-to-man defense, which made everybody responsible,” Lady Vikings head coach Pat Daniels said after the win. “With the man-to-man defense, every player had to use pressure rather than standing and watching them bring the ball up the court. I told the girls if they didn’t play defense during the second half that they’d be sitting with me at the bench, so they responded and did exactly what they were supposed to do.”

Avery worked hard on the glass during the contest for a decided rebounding advantage. The duo of Brooke Buchanan and Danielle Byrd combined to haul in 13 rebounds from the post position.

“Using both players in the post has been our plan all season. We’ll start Brooke one game and Danielle the next, and they both work so well together. Both Brooke and Danielle are awesome defensive players,” Coach Daniels said.

The junior varsity boys team followed the ladies action with a strong performance in capturing a 39-26 win over the JV Black Hawks.

Avery raced out to an early lead of 8-0 and led 8-1 after the first quarter. The Vikings received balanced scoring in the first half, led by Lane Smith’s six points which helped Avery hold an 18-9 halftime advantage.

In the second half, Avery used its pressure defense and patient offense to distance itself from the Black Hawks. Austin Lyons scorched West for seven points in the frame, while a smothering defensive effort boosted the Big Red to a 33-18 lead through three quarters.

The Vikings eased the pressure slightly in the final minutes of the contest and West slightly cut into the Avery advantage. The Vikings were too much in the end, however, as they earned their second victory of the season.

Lane Smith led Avery with 13 points, with 11 points by Austin Lyons.

“The boys gave great effort tonight. I thought the kids played hard. Shea Buchanan showed great court vision and did a solid job at the point tonight.,” JV boys head coach Reggie Oakes said after the win. “We made some shots and did a good job boxing out. We’re still struggling a little bit in that area, but we’re improving. We changed up our defense, and we’re still working on boxing out on a shot and getting to our assignments. Nonetheless we played a good game and it was a good win.”

Avery’s JV clubs are off for the holidays and will return to action on January 5^th at Polk County.

Avery Basketball vs. Hendersonville Postponed

The scheduled basketball games between Hendersonville and Avery that were slated for Monday evening have been postponed due to the weather conditions. The games will be rescheduled for a date yet to be determined.

Avery will next be in basketball action with the varsity girls traveling next week to Draughn High School in a Christmas tournament, while both teams will return to conference action on Tuesday, January 5th at Polk and Wednesday, January 6th at Owen.

Avery County Schools are also closed on Tuesday for students.