HICKORY, NC (December 30, 2016)…Twas the two days after Christmas, with all the packed shopping malls and plazas, annoying traffic and one hour waiting times at Longhorn and Chili’s, numerous gift exchanges but thankfully no “mall brawls” in our area with one exception; some sweet children fighting in the upper concourse at the Tarleton Center from what a law enforcement officer indicated was over a girl- my, how nauseating is that?
In those days after Christmas, there was the annual Dick’s Sporting Goods Girls and Boys Christmas Basketball Tournament at Catawba Valley Community College. Once again, South Caldwell was among the participants and had a decent showing overall finishing second and third out of the eight team bracket. Of course, first place was what they sought but still, they were fun to watch! This was especially true in the way Alex Haigler (aka AHag) caught Fred T. Foard napping during their timeout by the officials inbounding the ball to the Spartans where he took it to the rim for the massive “slamjam”. How’s that for the highlight reel?
In conversation with both coaches, Darren Hart stated that he felt good after the West Caldwell game but also had a couple of meltdowns. “It’s a matter of which team will show up. We are still searching for identity and leadership, who we are and what kind of team we will be. We have a chance to beat anybody”. Hart also described the season thus far like being on a roller coaster. They were spot-on In games against Fred T. Foard, a solid 66-36 thrashing over the Tigers and a 45-39 pull away win over Alexander Central in the third place contest, but there was also the 73-44 beatdown against Maiden, a team they previously defeated three weeks ago. Hence, the matter of which team will show up comes into the forefront.
With the girls squad, Coach Jeff Parham spoke of the way the team was actually ahead of where they were at this time last season. “On offense we have a few kinks to work out. But the kids know their roles and I am blessed with a good group”. Unfortunately, the “kinks” surfaced in the championship game against Hickory High Thursday evening, as the Red Tornadoes ferocious press frazzled the Lady Spartans, forcing several turnovers, missing easy baskets and free throws, leading to a second place finish with the count of 40-32 after convincing wins over Fred T. Foard and Maiden. No Lady Spartan player scored in double figures this night, very rare for this team. Yet, kudos to Lacey Annas who led all players in rebounds tallying eleven from both ends of the floor.
Both Spartan squads will need to learn and prepare quickly as the Red Tornadoes will be paying a visit to Spartan Gym this Tuesday evening. And both coaches have spoken of teaching moments with regard to accomplishments and setbacks. These will be very much needed when playing against Hickory. One observation of note- these kids work and play well together and seem to have a great time in doing so. Why not? Who needs misery out on the basketball court, regardless of winning or losing?
We all can be proud of the way our young people show great achievement, on and off the basketball court. Amazing that the house was packed for the Girls championship game including former NC State center Chris Washburn. He was having a wonderful Christmas time watching all the game activity. All that said, it seemed everyone who was on hand for these tournament games was having a wonderful “post-Christmas” time. Finally, a slap-happy New Year from all of us at the Caldwell Journal 🙂
Box Score from Thursday games
Boys 3rd place
AC: Parsons 18, Dula 10, Presnell 6, Wilkinson 3, Flowers 2
SC: Spears 14 Haigler 10, Byland 10, Martin 6, McCloud 2, Ka Anderson 3
Girls 2nd place
SC: Williams 9, Starnes 8, Annas 7, Kale 4, Evans 2, Lail 2
HHS: Hill 10, Cardoza 10, McClain 8, Eckard 8, Knox 2, Darden 2