tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61774454407738898012024-03-13T03:06:23.760-07:00Anything's in PlayWhether it's sports or pop culture- nothing is off limits here. Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-14108859302042385492023-12-02T21:29:00.000-08:002023-12-03T06:02:51.668-08:00Osbourn Park Kicks Off Season With Dominant Win Over Potomac<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OgrVOWrpxIvICz5dZNtgYGuS5GLIKAAF3RChJy2TAHkkIYMThHmInWy-SYaQGKU3FBvYkoYEGo3AxSyfbR2Uri65ZivAP5g4UlxNH4nU8kxG5Czq5sFfI-y_Ousqt-0ySv2Qh9jNmMyZ80yUfV84ycZbzBkNJb2HPsVbMpV2u69gFgYeKzlK3drIrNx5/s990/Screenshot_20231202_145744_Message+.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="782" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OgrVOWrpxIvICz5dZNtgYGuS5GLIKAAF3RChJy2TAHkkIYMThHmInWy-SYaQGKU3FBvYkoYEGo3AxSyfbR2Uri65ZivAP5g4UlxNH4nU8kxG5Czq5sFfI-y_Ousqt-0ySv2Qh9jNmMyZ80yUfV84ycZbzBkNJb2HPsVbMpV2u69gFgYeKzlK3drIrNx5/w506-h640/Screenshot_20231202_145744_Message+.jpg" width="506"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Osbourn Park starting lineup is introduced Friday night. </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Nova Sports Media Team @the_nsmt on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_nsmt/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/The_NSMT" target="_blank">Twitter</a>)</span></i></b></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">With an offseason that saw a</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"> </span><a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2023/11/a-new-era-for-osbourn-park-girls.html" style="color: #8c0b0b; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">huge shift in the Osbourn Park girl's basketball program</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">, there was plenty to be excited about heading into Friday's home game versus Potomac. The Yellow Jackets would capitalize at home, defeating the Panthers 59 to 17. </span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">Both teams seemed to have a feeling-out process for the first three minutes. Junior Osbourn Park center Alex Brown would find senior guard Angie Yann for a three-pointer to go up 3-0. Potomac would turn the ball over via travel, and then call a timeout on defense. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">Sophomore Yellow Jacket Samia Snead would find Brown for a basket of her own to increase the lead to 5-0. Snead would follow up a minute later, finding freshman Janey Salinas for a three-pointer and an 8-1 lead. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">Salinas would get in on the defensive action, stealing the ball and connecting with sophomore guard Keyarah Rainey. Rainey would do it herself soon after on a steal and score, extending the lead to 12. Sophomore guard Jayel West would find Angie Yann for her second three-pointer of the quarter, as OP would close out the first quarter up 18-3. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">Osbourn Park would open up the second quarter with an Alex Brown basket via Angie Yann assist, followed by Potomac answering with their first basket of the night at the 5:18 mark. The Yellow Jackets defense was stifling all night long, leading to 19 steals. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOeEHbphl7q3R1ObFN2_z4NPfNrlVyEftAaTfCQwk4AnehoUSvIuu5naFdatwP5o_jxn3WnAIgG6kvGcBtIPboIF67TQ-d5HSqSiEYRI6D8Dl4bVzZoM68WqeapVtpoE_VWU74QXq5T0t5yj_Cd4ePNz7sgRqCwnfjlclXVqmeIi4dusyqkHhXhbeZv5x/s1214/Screenshot_20231203_002152_Instagram.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1214" data-original-width="1079" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOeEHbphl7q3R1ObFN2_z4NPfNrlVyEftAaTfCQwk4AnehoUSvIuu5naFdatwP5o_jxn3WnAIgG6kvGcBtIPboIF67TQ-d5HSqSiEYRI6D8Dl4bVzZoM68WqeapVtpoE_VWU74QXq5T0t5yj_Cd4ePNz7sgRqCwnfjlclXVqmeIi4dusyqkHhXhbeZv5x/w568-h640/Screenshot_20231203_002152_Instagram.jpg" width="568"></a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Alex Brown (left) lifted up her team Friday night with 12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via The Nova Sports Media Team, @the_nsmt on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/the_nsmt" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/the_nsmt" target="_blank">Instagram</a>)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">Alex Brown's first block of the night led to a Keyarah Rainey layup and a 24-5 lead for OP. Brown finished the night with a double-double: 12 points, 10 rebounds (6 offensive), 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. I spoke to her afterwards. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">"I felt confident. I’d been working really hard in practice so I felt confident in my abilities. We played really well at times. We have a lot to work on still. Plenty of opportunities with layups, free throws and on defense. It’s the beginning of the season. We’re still figuring out our offense and growing."</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">A steal by sophomore guard Jaelyn Gorham would lead to an Alex Brown offensive rebound and putback, as OP went up 30-5. Gorham was aggressive on defense all night, accounting for 4 steals. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">With seconds left in the half, freshman guard Peyton Walters nearly ran out of time before putting up a long two (inches inside the three-point line) that went in as time expired on the half. Osbourn Park led 32-5. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">The third quarter saw no let-up in OP's defense, led by Keyarah Rainey. The talented guard would account for 7 of her game-high 18 points in the quarter- scoring & assisting on 5 out of the team's 6 baskets. Rainey finished the game with 18 points on 8-11 shooting, 5 steals, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoMmZsapbQBfTNBnyMAsv1WyOUhbl3_8L8muLCOf7VLtGCtsEaEHKD3tJzmj0BjK5kwQ3bOryKZ95iaJKA4E5ZX4xIynbaESjAKgPqhW8G-fnMrzSzgCaUoMDa39W1e01cLdGIOppWM3wJ55DKa26f5REzuH0HEQgTfUvA_wF2Dnke62qZqbFGul_oiZI/w640-h640/InCollage_20231203_002253586.jpg" width="640"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sophomore guard Keyarah Rainey did it all Friday night, leading the Yellow Jackets with 18 points and 5 steals.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Cambria;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via The Nova Sports Media Team, @the_nsmt on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/the_nsmt" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/the_nsmt" target="_blank">Instagram</a>)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">I caught up with her afterwards. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">"Seeing us start off slow, I realized we needed to pick it up and bring up the energy of the team."</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">Osbourn Park would close out the game by outscoring Potomac 12-4 in the fourth quarter. Despite the big win, Yellow Jackets head coach Chrissy Kelly saw room for improvement. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">"Like I said before, it’s not talent- it’s the little things. When you jump ahead of those and get greedy- you become undisciplined. Even with a big difference in the score, you’re still responsible on the little things. As the season goes on, if you’re only practicing high risk, undisciplined- it’s going to wear on you and be ineffective. They’re young. It’s going to come down to coaching. I know they’re hungry and they want it. They play very hard- but they need to play hard and smart."</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">After the game when the crowd had left, Kelly met with former assistant coach- now Potomac head coach- Quiana Kizer and embraced in a hug. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">"I miss her, and I'm ready for her to come back," she said with a laugh. Kelly even admitted she had to adjust mid-game to the fact Kizer was on the other side. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">"I looked for her on the bench at one point when I was curious about our offensive rebounds."</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">Osbourn Park gets to celebrate the win over the weekend, but a match-up versus West Potomac (0-2) awaits the team Tuesday night at home at 7:30 pm. </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;">For more on the Osbourn Park girls basketball, follow them on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ophswbb" style="color: #8c0b0b; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a> and on Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ophswbb" style="color: #8c0b0b; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a>. </div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><b><i><u>Get to the buzz-ness</u></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><b><i>- OP shot 23-55 (42%) and 4-18 from three-point land (22%)</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><b><i>- Both teams combined for 34 turnovers: Potomac- 19, OP- 15</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><b><i>- Osbourn Park went 9-15 at the charity stripe (60%)</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><b><i>- Peyton Walters finished the night with 8 points, 4 rebounds (3 offensive) with 1 steal</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15.4px;"><b><i>- Angie Yann was 2-3 from behind the arc, finishing with 6 points, 1 assist and 1 steal</i></b></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-41864623458825805312023-11-29T20:51:00.000-08:002024-02-26T10:53:35.190-08:00A New Era for Osbourn Park Girl's Basketball<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK7WaKU4IC_jRBfeAADCEZRiIMYE4FoUTN7YBqZEt0_Gvg54GsSiQUd1sz9lwPzsJ9YWd-_WaBBWPQysjTRPO629TtJJeZAwM8Ytl-YKwBuxFCf0ZK5Cf1S5edRXKro2mlfDykkYTIjqKJ9qAPrn9Z2w6bvGHfV5TY3LwPn0fl-kelGVM1YcKonp23IFh/s624/OPgbb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="624" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK7WaKU4IC_jRBfeAADCEZRiIMYE4FoUTN7YBqZEt0_Gvg54GsSiQUd1sz9lwPzsJ9YWd-_WaBBWPQysjTRPO629TtJJeZAwM8Ytl-YKwBuxFCf0ZK5Cf1S5edRXKro2mlfDykkYTIjqKJ9qAPrn9Z2w6bvGHfV5TY3LwPn0fl-kelGVM1YcKonp23IFh/w640-h526/OPgbb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-size: small; text-align: center;"><b><i>The basketball landscape for the girl's program has changed significantly, but head coach Chrissy Kelly's standard remains the same. </i></b></div><div style="font-size: small; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/jan-4-high-school-basketball-roundup-osbourn-parks-chrissy-kelly-wins-300th-career-game/article_5c497dce-8c33-11ed-9919-cb75c29346f8.html" target="_blank">(photo via InsideNova)</a></span></i></b></div><div style="font-size: small; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The 2022-23 season saw the Osbourn Park girls go 23-5, 11-1 in the Cedar Run District. The season would end with a <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2023/03/osbourn-park-loses-to-manchester-in.html" target="_blank">58-50 state quarterfinal loss to Manchester</a>, which led to a massive shift for this year's team.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The team's three top players (Alana Powell, Kori Cole and Danielle Darfour) would all graduate. One of Coach Kelly's assistant coaches Quiana Kizer - affectionately known to the team as "Yawnie"- would get a head coaching opportunity at her alma mater, Potomac High School. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite the change, the standard set by Kelly remains the same. The banners hanging in OP's gym don't lie: five district championships since 2018 (including three straight) as well as three straight regional championships. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"We are at a point where we are understanding the standard- and the
standard cannot gravitate towards us being a younger team. The standard has
to be how hard we work, compete. If you don’t know something- go as hard as you
can through mistakes. As we get experience and grow, you get better," said Kelly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Her mantra to this year's team: it's not talent. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sure, the Yellow Jackets boast plenty of talented players, but it's their work ethic that defines them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sophomore guard Samia Snead is a great example. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I’ve been working out in the morning a few times a week on
my shot and other things. I’m trying to get in the gym every day. Some days you don’t
feel like it, but you do it because you know it’s for the better."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Snead- along with sophomores Keyarah Rainey and Jayel West- were impactful as freshman. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Our coaches preach to us that it's all about effort, energy and communication," said Rainey. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"We’re young. Because of that, no one has stepped
into that alpha role yet," said Coach Kelly. "</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Samia is working on it. She’s the most vocal. We’ll
also look to Angie and AB for leadership as well."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">AB is junior Alexandra Brown. The 6'2 center looks to put her mark on the season, and has already gotten interest from a number of colleges including Monmouth, Radford, William & Mary and St. John's. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The hole left behind by the 2023 seniors is not lost on Snead. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I feel like since we lost three seniors last year, it’s time for
us to step up and lead the freshman. We’re a really young team."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of this year's two seniors, Angie Yann, is ready for the challenge of helping lead the team.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"There’s definitely a lot of pressure as a senior, but I
really want to finish things out and win. We’ve been so close before. We have a lot of freshman and we're working on getting them
up to speed. They’ve been doing well so far."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The other senior is Paige Walters. The challenge of leading a young team is one thing, but the adversity Walters has seen in two seasons has prepared her for 2023. Paige missed the last two seasons due to a torn rotator cuff and a torn ACL. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"It means a lot to be on this team. When I was going through surgery, there was
a lot of pressure and risk. You want to be better for yourself and your team, and you want to catch up on missed time."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One thing that helped Paige on her journey back to the court was her sister, Peyton, a freshman on this year's team. Their father told me he's been waiting for this year for a while so both would be on the same team together. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I'm really excited to play with Paige," said Peyton. "At first I was sad when she got hurt, but now I'm happy to
see her improve on </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">the court."</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One freshman who caught my eye during practice was 5'10 Janey Salinas. Her ability to get a shot off quickly was just as impressive as her deep ball consistently going in, swishing each time. That added height and length is a welcomed addition for Osbourn Park. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"I would watch OP play and saw how Coach Kelly coached and
wanted to be a part of that. I just need to keep working on my shot, moving the
ball on fast breaks and helping us get easy baskets," said Salinas. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Assistant coach Ronell Marzett emphasized one of the biggest advantages he sees with this year's team.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">"I think one of our team's biggest strength
this year could be our speed. We have some height and length this year, but I
think this is one of the most athletic teams we’ve had in recent years at OP so
speed and athleticism could be two of our biggest strengths."</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I then spoke to Coach Kelly about goals for this year's team. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"There’s no goal. We need to be task-oriented and trust in the
process. If you’re constantly chasing a goal and forgetting the tasks and
process, there’s no goal to be achieved."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But for herself, Kelly admitted she looks to improve in certain areas.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">"For me, I have to be patient. After games, I’ll work on not
saying anything about the game until I watch film. I let the emotion of the
game dictate my thoughts. The game is so fast and it’s hard to truly process
everything correctly. This season I'll work on that."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Friday night will see the Yellow Jackets host Quiana Kizer and her Potomac Panthers. After speaking with players and coaches, it's quite apparent her impact on Osbourn Park is immeasurable. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"I miss
her," said Kelly. "She’s a big part of this program’s success. I miss her presence, knowledge
and the positive energy she brough to the gym. She brought such great balance
and was great with the kids. <o:p></o:p>The head coach has to say the hard things kids don’t always want to hear, and that’s what she’ll need to adjust to at Potomac."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: rgb(240, 240, 240); color: #050505; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Current assistant coach Danni Jackson chimed in. "I'm extremely proud of Yawnie and
excited to see her Friday night. It will be like old times when we were kids in
our Forest Park vs Potomac days or Graham Park vs Rippon days. It’s always love
but we are competitors at heart."</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: rgb(240, 240, 240); color: #050505; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"</span><span style="background-color: #f0f0f0; color: #050505; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It’s going to be interesting and weird at the same time going against Yawnie this Friday. Being that it’s our first game of the season, there’s some things that we would like to see that we’ve worked on, especially defensively. Yawnie is a good friend of ours so it should be fun," said Marzett.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Kizer's opportunity at Potomac created another for new assistant coach James West IV. West is a 2017 graduate of Freedom (Woodbridge) and the older brother of Jayel West. He'd go on to play three years at Mount St. Mary's before transferring to Tusculum University. It's his first chance to be a coach, and he doesn't take it for granted. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"It means everything to me, especially getting to coach my
sister. I wanted to play overseas, but it didn’t work out," said West. "The one thing I can give to my youth is my knowledge of
playing at a high level. This is the perfect place to start coaching for me."</p><p class="MsoNormal">But will he cut Jayel any slack?</p><p class="MsoNormal">"She knows how it is," he said with a smile. "She’s going to work. I’m trying to get
these girls prepared for the next level and how hard it’s going to be."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">West also looked ahead to Friday as the team looks to set the tone for the season. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"It’s going to be a great game and very competitive. It’ll be
a gritty game. We don’t expect anything easy and I’d have it no other way. Let’s
jump into the fire early."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>For more on the Osbourn Park Yellow Jackets, follow them on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/OPHSWBB" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a> and on Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ophswbb" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a>. </i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-90049108208289864512023-11-03T01:31:00.002-07:002023-11-03T01:38:21.232-07:00Osbourn Park Inducts 2023 Hall of Fame Class<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfOlN8T_EaYvaF6EL_I5TqtZK2rjndm5DbyQvGa5tfwEMbstSKEhY0EZ0BXpmvxJlnoXqqxRbRqsdqQZlJSLjqyW20od2KC1Ho_AtqLBoDTsAkOtDLCB7K9xILH5qXI66hpacts2yiaxBBNxsSRUwvvoXGmO4qoKT_ZL68sRzU44RWmBynNLfJL8Oju5K/s1248/OPHOFCO23.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="1248" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfOlN8T_EaYvaF6EL_I5TqtZK2rjndm5DbyQvGa5tfwEMbstSKEhY0EZ0BXpmvxJlnoXqqxRbRqsdqQZlJSLjqyW20od2KC1Ho_AtqLBoDTsAkOtDLCB7K9xILH5qXI66hpacts2yiaxBBNxsSRUwvvoXGmO4qoKT_ZL68sRzU44RWmBynNLfJL8Oju5K/w640-h608/OPHOFCO23.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park inducted 11 more members to their Hall of Fame on October 26th at Old Hickory Golf Club.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Osbourn Park community gathered at Old Hickory Golf Club to celebrate the school's third Hall of Fame Class last week. Eleven more members were inducted, bringing the total inductees of three classes to 42. Each class seems just as impressive as it's successor, and 2023 was no different. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A happy hour was followed by a wonderful dinner, setting the stage for the Hall of Fame ceremony. <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2021/11/michael-foley-voice-of-hive.html" target="_blank">Michael Foley</a> returned as the Master of Ceremony following his induction in the <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/10/osbourn-park-inducts-2022-hall-of-fame.html" target="_blank">Class of 2022</a>. The former teacher and coach is a part of Osbourn Park's fabric, having been a Yellow Jacket since 1979. He'd share beloved stories and memories of the inductees, and at times it was hard to find a dry eye in the house. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Devon Alston Heath, Class of 2004</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fF5RxBOczKFYrxgjeRtHOr9pksuEBPIWa4NOy4qy2vFP6YYWG-XxL0qSeRjYk722xrppyUqIVzl6RseKDHXIBzJR4fLhCLAeEWf_DVnY-qRtaevFJIk77P33z_tvTUfBQfN-ey1yIDMFlG1QoS6qO6KWTgDiO8fZNnZlx5LvSzw2v3b72LmnWqarJVtI/s4096/InCollage_20231103_020446760.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fF5RxBOczKFYrxgjeRtHOr9pksuEBPIWa4NOy4qy2vFP6YYWG-XxL0qSeRjYk722xrppyUqIVzl6RseKDHXIBzJR4fLhCLAeEWf_DVnY-qRtaevFJIk77P33z_tvTUfBQfN-ey1yIDMFlG1QoS6qO6KWTgDiO8fZNnZlx5LvSzw2v3b72LmnWqarJVtI/w400-h400/InCollage_20231103_020446760.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kicking off the night would be Devon Alston Heath. Devon was on the gymnastics team, as well as indoor/outdoor track. While at Osbourn Park, she earned four gymnastics varsity letters and was the gymnastics MVP in 2004. She'd also earn eight varsity letters at track, and was the 2003/2004 outdoor track MVP. Devon would earn nine individual district championships, two relay district championships, three Northwest Region titles and was three-time AAA All State. Devon was also a member of the first OPHS Penn relay team. Her coach, Monica Mencini Brown was also a 2023 OP HOF inductee. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After Osbourn Park, Devon graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. While at CNU, she garnered conference championships in indoor long jump, outdoor long jump, indoor triple jump, outdoor triple jump, the 200 meter, hurdles and relay. She was All Mason-Dixon in six seasons, and a Division III academic All-American in 2008. Devon is also a Regent University of Law 2012 graduate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I caught up with her afterwards. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"It feels amazing. OP was the greatest time in my life growing
up. It really formed who I am today. High school wasn’t my favorite, I’m not
going to lie- but if high school is ok, you’re going to be ok. It's amazing to be in
the same class as Monica. She’s very special to me and part of my memories at
OP.</div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I inquired about any advice she has for current students.</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Balance is good. Just be you, play your sport- and remember to have fun."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kelly Beauchamp-Payne, Class of 1998</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxA4ugwbULraGLE9lX2Rsf2zzFgrAjuLafizfbw1nTbYX8Iuj8f6E7qhI_WZCf5Q-C0RsHxvk80PgTphHHv-yVrOlcg6tSJnTQAOdI7Lt5bIRderbf2X3pL7e3mWEAvkz8yKXKz0FhOik34a0HXsCYdzRE_tBksM1byHvHTDz42DgEYN3HSEfx9JrqMB7/s4096/InCollage_20231103_000823656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxA4ugwbULraGLE9lX2Rsf2zzFgrAjuLafizfbw1nTbYX8Iuj8f6E7qhI_WZCf5Q-C0RsHxvk80PgTphHHv-yVrOlcg6tSJnTQAOdI7Lt5bIRderbf2X3pL7e3mWEAvkz8yKXKz0FhOik34a0HXsCYdzRE_tBksM1byHvHTDz42DgEYN3HSEfx9JrqMB7/w400-h400/InCollage_20231103_000823656.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">While at Osbourn Park, Kelly Beauchamp-Payne played tennis, basketball and soccer. The multi-sport student athlete would even wear the same jersey (14) as her older sister. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"I don't know if I lived up to her in it, but I hope I did," Payne told me. </p><p class="MsoNormal">I'd say she did. Payne was very modest about her accomplishments, racking up twelve varsity letters while at OP. She was All-District and All Region in tennis and soccer, and voted the 1998 OPHS Most Athletic Female. </p><p class="MsoNormal">After OP, Kelly walked on to UNC-Greensboro to play women's soccer for two years. She graduated in 2002 with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science and is currently a coach at Patriot High School. </p><p class="MsoNormal">In 2005, her husband would propose to her at the center of Osbourn Park's football field. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"He blindfolded me after dinner, then once we got there told me it was a space I
loved more than anything. We were in the center of the field and he proposed. It
was the most amazing feeling."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I asked what the night meant to her. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"I feel so overwhelmed and honored. Just so many great people
and inspiring athletes and coaches in this room. It’s an overwhelming sense of
pride to be here in front of my OP family."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When it came to her advice for current student athletes, Kelly was very thorough. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"You can do it. It’s hard, but it’s not for the faint of
minds. It’s for the kids who are determined and hard-working. You’ll learn so much
in your failures as much as your successes. When you do fail, learn from it,
grow from it and push forward to the next thing."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Monica Mencini Brown, Gymnastics coach (2001-2010)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EnpjC8vlAH4QD1IHQ3nyy5n_2hZ3tFOusCZhe9HU_zx-fOvf0JEohv7PGpsbeIyBoITvvs-Fn96xepEOTtUNYgaPVmzIH5p8WdFwKjNydsREA8E8yg0uacB2OKIHp8iCaWG02oK_C76uXfOlRSX_7hxKf1I5AF9SVvKeTwIB_5yVWDzGg6zphw85wGx7/s4096/InCollage_20231103_001306454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EnpjC8vlAH4QD1IHQ3nyy5n_2hZ3tFOusCZhe9HU_zx-fOvf0JEohv7PGpsbeIyBoITvvs-Fn96xepEOTtUNYgaPVmzIH5p8WdFwKjNydsREA8E8yg0uacB2OKIHp8iCaWG02oK_C76uXfOlRSX_7hxKf1I5AF9SVvKeTwIB_5yVWDzGg6zphw85wGx7/w400-h400/InCollage_20231103_001306454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Monica's first year as the gymnastics coach saw her get the 2001 Daily Journal All Area Gymnastics Coach of the Year. Two years later in 2003 she'd snag All Met Gymnastics Coach of the Year honors. Monica wasn't done yet, leading Osbourn Park to a threepeat of state championships in 2007, 2008 and 2009. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She's still teaching health and physical education at Osbourn Park. I caught up with her afterwards. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I'm very happy. It’s nice to be appreciated and see all these
familiar faces. I’m most proud to see my family and friends, those I cherish
most. They got me here. It was awesome to see Devon inducted, too."</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Her advice to young teachers/coaches was simple and straight to the point: "Keep your eyes on the prize, baby."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mercedes Cox, Class of 2011</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjBoqq7RFxQFNRScO3oHtg_ZQW_Y3AUZPQ-KHiXPXpI4CkYgbNdNtRCXa0lxpveIc4kKkuVXDU70oCnvdlA3zPEfFmHfp_fZSeo15thLi-RcS7t-WS4UR2B4YTNt5CD2vmpUI2SIXo1TOcfVqO_C0yOVBgXmo6EdvBFZ_WhuFdatfxj805UAP9OuhgSqA/s4096/InCollage_20231103_001020265.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjBoqq7RFxQFNRScO3oHtg_ZQW_Y3AUZPQ-KHiXPXpI4CkYgbNdNtRCXa0lxpveIc4kKkuVXDU70oCnvdlA3zPEfFmHfp_fZSeo15thLi-RcS7t-WS4UR2B4YTNt5CD2vmpUI2SIXo1TOcfVqO_C0yOVBgXmo6EdvBFZ_WhuFdatfxj805UAP9OuhgSqA/w400-h400/InCollage_20231103_001020265.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mercedes Cox played field hockey and lacrosse while at Osbourn Park. She'd achieve 1st Team All District in field hockey in 2008, 2009 and 2010- as well as 1st Team All Region all three years, too. She was a state honorable mention in 2009 and 2010. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In lacrosse, Mercedes was First Team All District in 2009 and 2010, as well as First Team All Region in 2010. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following her time as a Yellow Jacket, Mercedes went to Liberty University to play field hockey. She appeared in two NCAA tournaments and was 2014 Breakout Player of the Year. In 2015 she received the Jerry Fallwell Leadership Award. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Brandice Hilliard (Flournoy), Class of 2003</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3Eoytrm6cjZaVwACkHYvTl2cI13-tTtOnkASFkpiRf8u0YQfiitgQ1ffXNE7raSTtCHBJdd9kQFDQDdTD9UxY5bFEiRZy7y2wLFifyIlI-ru7rLZhZQdbNMZPEMxpylQQXvz3xaqpRFhXUyzPu_HyfRtEuduRNQk7b8n-vnmb0Y1omDnaOSxNvKuXW46/s4096/InCollage_20231103_002031797.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3Eoytrm6cjZaVwACkHYvTl2cI13-tTtOnkASFkpiRf8u0YQfiitgQ1ffXNE7raSTtCHBJdd9kQFDQDdTD9UxY5bFEiRZy7y2wLFifyIlI-ru7rLZhZQdbNMZPEMxpylQQXvz3xaqpRFhXUyzPu_HyfRtEuduRNQk7b8n-vnmb0Y1omDnaOSxNvKuXW46/w400-h400/InCollage_20231103_002031797.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Brandice was an exceptional track athlete at Osbourn Park, excelling at indoor and outdoor track. She garnered six MVP titles, was a team captain and leader of the 1600 meter relay. It was the first female relay to compete at Penn relays in school history. In 2002-2003 she was voted OPHS Female athlete of the year. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After Osbourn Park, Brandice earned her degree in psychology from Virginia Tech, then her Masters from Barry University in Exercise and Sports Psychology. She occasionally works with current Osbourn Park athletes in her sports psychology capacity. She currently lives in Dumfries with her husband, fellow 2003 OPHS graduate and 2023 Hall of Fame inductee Roland Hilliard with their two kids. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"My kids will care one day, just not today," she'd remark in her speech as the crowd erupted in laughter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"There's a lot of excitement right now," she told me afterwards. "I'm very appreciative to be included amongst these players and coaches in front of my friends and family."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Roland Hilliard, Class of 2003</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2wZBfU1NGkcDctCDhKInTPKT1wUwB1_earLvJJjndplWmNVljQz6oMX-RDaYcrxTALpoh_P0SSy84cU4HaSjM-ovz15Z_36Crl02dzhC-lYU5uSIystuU2lefgbSv4WPQ6n7uQkrbpeVUYQea-Zeq7jCUXfLvHxIVngyPC6VutOp4abNLNO-vGT0pSDg/s4096/InCollage_20231103_001908217.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2wZBfU1NGkcDctCDhKInTPKT1wUwB1_earLvJJjndplWmNVljQz6oMX-RDaYcrxTALpoh_P0SSy84cU4HaSjM-ovz15Z_36Crl02dzhC-lYU5uSIystuU2lefgbSv4WPQ6n7uQkrbpeVUYQea-Zeq7jCUXfLvHxIVngyPC6VutOp4abNLNO-vGT0pSDg/w400-h400/InCollage_20231103_001908217.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mike Foley introduced Roland with memories of him rumbling down the field. "Roland, Roland, Roland!" Foley would exclaim. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hilliard would get to the podium with his son. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"My wife and I had to find a babysitter for tonight- then realized they'd all be here, so we brought the kids with us tonight." Laughter followed. The Hilliards were two for two breaking the ice in their speeches. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Roland was very appreciative of the honor, displaying humility and modesty throughout. He even paused at one point near the end of his speech, full of emotion as he recalled Michael Feldman's influence on him as a student. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"He's the reason I went to college. I almost flunked out my first year. But I couldn't let him down- or my parents," said Roland. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While at Osbourn Park, Roland helped lead the Yellow Jackets to their first District Championship in school history. He rushed for over 3,000 yards and scored 25 touchdowns. In 2002 he was District Offensive Player of the Year. Hilliard didn't stop at football, winning five individual District track titles, too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After OP, Roland continued his dual sports career at Christopher Newport University where he'd amass 4,477 all-purpose yards and was an Honorable Mention DIII All-American. He was inducted in the CNU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013, and now works in cybersecurity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"It’s a lot of words and feelings. Gratitude. It’s
really good just to see all the coaches and teammates from over the years. We
live here, but we don’t get back enough to see the folks who molded us in our foundational years. It’s an honor to be
inducted at the same time. Who are we going to get to watch the kids? They’re
all here."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite graduating together, it wasn't always a guarantee the two would end up as lifelong partners like they are today. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"She didn’t even remember me freshman year. We were in class
and she don’t even remember that. I remember it. I envisioned it. I had to convince
her over the next fifteen years- but eventually she came to my side," Roland said as both shared a laugh afterwards. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They'd remain good friends through college and eventually get married in 2016. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hilliard would speak to the influence team sports has on one's life in all areas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Embrace the team aspect. You’re going to be on a team the
rest of your life- whether family dynamics, or in your career. You can learn a lot
of different lessons in team sports in one form or another."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Laura Flynn, Class of 1996</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0wDrbhgrZzevkHe7fwmh5ooYIJI5qzeoA7bjTyTk8wzxIUi54fLGNsggZuv8IAcN1FONushoYR2dz7GlUTQLfBAQsDO6hfZEbw_gOMS9WIonBf4FHuEDfGbYrCvU08iDO_tKr2Mh3icXJC691pbRUzlc4F4uV1FCWwPnpBhH88QMx0L8NNebCfSztHLb/s4096/InCollage_20231103_001636251%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0wDrbhgrZzevkHe7fwmh5ooYIJI5qzeoA7bjTyTk8wzxIUi54fLGNsggZuv8IAcN1FONushoYR2dz7GlUTQLfBAQsDO6hfZEbw_gOMS9WIonBf4FHuEDfGbYrCvU08iDO_tKr2Mh3icXJC691pbRUzlc4F4uV1FCWwPnpBhH88QMx0L8NNebCfSztHLb/w400-h400/InCollage_20231103_001636251%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Laura Flynn approached the podium a few inductees after her friend, Kelly Beauchamp Payne.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I spent the past hour writing notes before I came up here- and Kelly had a binder," she said with a hint of playful jealousy that she had not thought to do the same. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Laura excelled in soccer and basketball at OP. She was All-District and All-Area all four years in soccer. She was the varsity MVP in 1994. In basketball she was All-District and All-Region all four years, as well as All Region in 1994 and 1995. In 1996, Flynn was the OPHS Athlete of the Year. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Upon graduating, Laura went to James Madison University and majored in in Integrated Science and Technology with a concentration in Biotechnology. She petitioned to start a women's basketball club, where she would end up playing, recruiting and coaching. The 2023 OP Hall of Famer now resides in Boulder, Colorado with her husband and two daughters. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I’m feeling very honored. It’s really nice to be able to see
teammates, coaches, administrators and friends who were all a part of my high
school experience. Having a teammate and someone I have known my entire life
being here was really cool and very special."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She'd reiterate how quickly four years flies by, and the significance of how high school can build a foundation for students. </div></div></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<p class="MsoNormal">"High school permeates your life- the lessons you learn, the
relationships you build. It helps not to just make you a better athlete but to
make you a better person as well. Embrace it and enjoy every moment."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kelly McConnell Bierwirth, Class of 2005</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMfdEZK750xGzbhoqTdiURGmO88VIamGm_jejj3CU4I30h2s33_fZoqi_S19xluHTAmzmXR825XtsmngEC0n2EoKf-SonnyIuM9oJCkBvo2KAzjXAd3-8Ck5diTNX2JhIoM8O0xuUoXeL6AeF6l-hMEAWCygc1ppho2LgGo_qQe2VMUu4cIq10B4iTFvF/s4096/InCollage_20231103_001800377.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMfdEZK750xGzbhoqTdiURGmO88VIamGm_jejj3CU4I30h2s33_fZoqi_S19xluHTAmzmXR825XtsmngEC0n2EoKf-SonnyIuM9oJCkBvo2KAzjXAd3-8Ck5diTNX2JhIoM8O0xuUoXeL6AeF6l-hMEAWCygc1ppho2LgGo_qQe2VMUu4cIq10B4iTFvF/w400-h400/InCollage_20231103_001800377.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"When I was in tenth grade, I passed out giving a speech- so hopefully I won't need smelling salts this time around," said Kelly as she started her speech. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The trip from Germany with her family for her induction might have been long, and almost as long as her accolades while at Osbourn Park. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kelly was a five- yes FIVE- sport athlete as a Yellow Jacket: lacrosse, soccer, basketball, indoor track and field hockey. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"How did you have time to be a teenager?" I asked her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Sports was my only after school hobby," she admitted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kelly was All District in 2004 and 2005 at lacrosse, as well as District Player of the Year in 2005. She was All Region in 2004 and 2005, too. Potomac News named her the 2005 Player of the Year. In 2004 and 2005, she was the Osbourn Park MVP and OP Female Athlete of the Year in 2005. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After graduating, Kelly played DII lacrosse at Pfeiffer University on scholarship, and earned a degree in Business Administration. She'd go on to earn her Master of Science in Elementary Education from Kansas State. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I’m really
appreciative my coaches had thought of me for the Hall of Fame and thought I
was good enough to be nominated. It’s an honor, and I appreciate all the
coaches I had from when I was little all the way to college. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Play lots of different sports. There’s no reason
you can’t be good at any of them. It might just be the sports you end up
playing in college."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Doug Poppe, Class of 1985</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbD6sAQJdFCz9IhYMtTQEiRfqWDeu-huG8ZJjeI6kK2isue_5Nb6ol99fCb1odOHpOfVREkSo-UlEAkKeHNkXXlaF7wJoYEvbrz-MPXm0olXpdsw5xg7M5ygVvhVfNSsImXhrIyKNFAnczve3wb3Km1ZKjpbV3ReMboQzf5heXiKgHVtketXj_uRZlEIu0/s4096/InCollage_20231103_002213093.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbD6sAQJdFCz9IhYMtTQEiRfqWDeu-huG8ZJjeI6kK2isue_5Nb6ol99fCb1odOHpOfVREkSo-UlEAkKeHNkXXlaF7wJoYEvbrz-MPXm0olXpdsw5xg7M5ygVvhVfNSsImXhrIyKNFAnczve3wb3Km1ZKjpbV3ReMboQzf5heXiKgHVtketXj_uRZlEIu0/w400-h400/InCollage_20231103_002213093.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>Poppe was a three sport athlete: basketball, baseball and football. While at OP, he'd earn two varsity letters each in football and basketball, was a co-captain senior year, made Journal Messenger All Area Team and Northwestern District First Team. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Poppe would go on to play basketball at Longwood University, starting all four years. He'd amass 1,300 points, 900 rebounds and led the nation in field goal percentage his junior year at 70.1%. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In 2013, Poppe would get his Masters Degree. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He's currently an assistant principal at Apex Friendship High School in Raleigh, North Carolina and is married to his high school sweetheart, Ellen. The induction wasn't on Poppe's radar prior.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">"This definitely felt unexpected. I listened to
everyone’s stories and they had a whole lot more accomplishments than I did- but </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">I always prided myself on working
hard, being there first and leaving last. I was pleased when they called me. It
was really cool."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">I hadn’t been back here since I
coached at Brentsville- 1997. Seeing some of the kids I coached here, too-
Kelly, Laura, Aaron Trammell and Justin McElfish last year- it was really nice to be among
them."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">Poppe's advice to current student athletes: "Work to your fullest potential. I
tried to outwork everyone at everything. Concentrate on your grades. You
determine what you do on the field and in the classroom."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><b>Jo Ellen Suter, Gymnastics Coach 1979-2000</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildHtmGCOUCqAQ6sYYdPslA4sp8M0rSeqc6t7lUEtCxR27XsBqTqh6XjbMulDm2rq3FT4cjYCiUkqEysKbhDuYdTE_NM4cO5WgkoRpWNeCCG8dwL_3OlZwP68KC6-8v0GH9cOIoOw-m6t60CIit2fSyHsJ69drpmDMO7kwKKRoJIBV__mwW-60beyaOSYV/s4096/InCollage_20231103_002302498.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildHtmGCOUCqAQ6sYYdPslA4sp8M0rSeqc6t7lUEtCxR27XsBqTqh6XjbMulDm2rq3FT4cjYCiUkqEysKbhDuYdTE_NM4cO5WgkoRpWNeCCG8dwL_3OlZwP68KC6-8v0GH9cOIoOw-m6t60CIit2fSyHsJ69drpmDMO7kwKKRoJIBV__mwW-60beyaOSYV/w400-h400/InCollage_20231103_002302498.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jo Ellen Suter- like Michael Foley- started at Osbourn Park in 1979. The two worked alongside each other as teachers and coaches for fifteen years. Suter even doubled up teaching at Woodbridge as well, using the commute to clear her mind before going into each respective school with a clean slate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jo Ellen saw plenty of success as gymnastics coach, reaching States 17 out of 19 years. In 1985 they were Northwest Region Champions and VHSL AAA State Champions. She was voted Coach of the Year 4 times by the Journal Messenger and Potomac News. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Suter also coached tennis, JV cheerleading, JV volleyball, was an assistant basketball coach and the flag drill team coach while at OP. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"It’s wonderful to be back among the OP community. I taught
there for all my thirty-two years."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Work hard, set your goals and you can reach them. Don’t let
anyone tell you you can’t. You have to be determined."</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #202124;">The 1981 Cross Country State Champions</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QkZBCXapzyufKLTQcK1VpYMU8-mPL8p78yZn3KxzT9ATLNhOi35ZbRxKCeUSU5cO0eFhaRBLbIdjV2MjQ94grUBRo4UamO0KOl71x7y7mLVnwEd__Hlz7mbhFUQHFpYPnY6oXkim_8HEoHQ3bnjdnvX0Jh-A4XqW6b1PpA46j9S5JSyOufO_6Tb1ixhC/s4096/InCollage_20231103_002452758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QkZBCXapzyufKLTQcK1VpYMU8-mPL8p78yZn3KxzT9ATLNhOi35ZbRxKCeUSU5cO0eFhaRBLbIdjV2MjQ94grUBRo4UamO0KOl71x7y7mLVnwEd__Hlz7mbhFUQHFpYPnY6oXkim_8HEoHQ3bnjdnvX0Jh-A4XqW6b1PpA46j9S5JSyOufO_6Tb1ixhC/w400-h400/InCollage_20231103_002452758.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kevin Ambrose returned for the third straight year, this time to be inducted as part of the 1981 State Champion Cross Country Team, alongside four of his teammates. 2022 inductee and former OP Cross Country head coach George Kuhn was represented by his daughter. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Kuhn told us- run with me four years and you'll win a state championship," said Ambrose. His junior year they'd finish third at states. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"On coach's fortieth birthday, he ran forty miles. So we upped our daily run to 15-20 miles, and that really prepared us for the season."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal">I got a chance to reconnect with Kevin and see how he was feeling. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"I'm feeling really good- and really old. It’s surprising to see
so many familiar faces.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Always appreciate the hard times- because there’s always
good times on the other side. Enjoy it. It’s a short four years. It might not
always seem like it-but by the time you get to our age, you’ll realize it just
zipped by."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p class="MsoNormal">Last Friday night saw Osbourn Park not only celebrate the 2023 Hall of Fame Class during the game- but the naming of the press box in honor of Michael Foley. A special night indeed:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw7dZlTzh1HF2JQvoxZNAbO465_pSxy0latWxgrJEd0hazuj67-gvLlrvzUBHcQVwAQsCce72vvLayv9wUI1g1OAQbUYp6oMjmvdeih-4z1yXmI6B3SEoqnr-GrSgdq8XSnsYD94uJie30bwl49UkXi7SSJx5fxfEu9qkF-z9Sw2ePd01FZte4eVITp-8/s4096/InCollage_20231103_043527240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNw7dZlTzh1HF2JQvoxZNAbO465_pSxy0latWxgrJEd0hazuj67-gvLlrvzUBHcQVwAQsCce72vvLayv9wUI1g1OAQbUYp6oMjmvdeih-4z1yXmI6B3SEoqnr-GrSgdq8XSnsYD94uJie30bwl49UkXi7SSJx5fxfEu9qkF-z9Sw2ePd01FZte4eVITp-8/w640-h640/InCollage_20231103_043527240.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">One thing about the Hall of Fame Ceremony- it's always fun to see familiar faces, like Michael Feldman who had connections with the entire room. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">"It's such a special feeling when kids
you’ve coached get recognized. It’s not all about accolades, but how they
contributed to the life of the school- and the school years later recognizes
it. Fantastic representatives of our school. The other cool thing is they’ve
gone on and been very successful in their personal and professional lives.
They’re highly accomplished. It’s nice to know you made </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">a positive difference in someone else’s life
and many others and see it in a public forum.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">I think this is one of the best
things OP does. It satisfies a lot of people, whether in this room or just at
OP in general. These are the foundations of the school. What makes a school
great? It’s not the bricks- <i>it’s the people inside</i>. When you’re in the middle of it, the days
are long but you realize the time is short. It is all very humbling."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">Director of Student Activities Keith Laine offered his thoughts on the third iteration of the ceremony. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"It’s great, You get the elation,
and seeing the excitement in their faces, hearing their speeches. The humility
they exude when they find out they’re being inducted. It starts with a phone
call, and you see it in person tonight, too. There’s a lot of hard work that
goes into this- and it’s all worth it." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Lastly, I finished off the night talking to former teacher and coach, Larry Nemerow. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"You don’t think in these terms when you are teaching and
coaching these kids- 'did I do this right or how can I be better?' Then when you
see them grown up with kids of their own and doing the same things you tried to
show them and doing them well- it’s <i>s</i><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><i>hpilkes- </i>a Yiddish word</span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 15pt;">. </span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;">I</span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;">t's a feeling of p</span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ins and needles- it makes you feel very good to see their
success. When they’re kids, you don’t know what they’re going to become, and
it’s very fulfilling. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">I don’t walk into the room thinking
this- but when you get in there and see all the connections you’ve made over
the years. Some you just knew in class. Some just in the hall. Some you taught
and coached their brothers or sisters."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">On Osbourn Park's Hall of Fame night, everyone in the room shared that familiar feeling of fulfillment- or <i>shpilkes.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>For more on the Osbourn Park Hall of Fame, visit the <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/ophshof/home" target="_blank">HOF site.</a></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2021/10/osbourn-park-breaks-new-ground-with.html" target="_blank">2021 Hall of Fame Recap</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/10/osbourn-park-inducts-2022-hall-of-fame.html" target="_blank">2022 Hall of Fame Recap</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div><br /><b><br /></b></div>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-7607142131564690362023-10-26T14:44:00.002-07:002023-11-02T20:50:28.381-07:00Osbourn Park Inducts 2022 Hall of Fame Class<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd384RpMditdyl9OqBz9oY1x6i12eJCYxNqA3nCnt2y8cdspzugTGJ6n6QtbA2NycrazZHGKH3mykh5q1oE0Ulem8k10K9fEdu0PC81O2DOQaXQCrKR92LqnoRxTODSs-7AiMfQ0RaKWddocqxqvU7Ew00Vg6o9h4GPdpO_ns6AZHBtqzLAxhYk0CLQ/s624/OPhalloffame.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="624" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd384RpMditdyl9OqBz9oY1x6i12eJCYxNqA3nCnt2y8cdspzugTGJ6n6QtbA2NycrazZHGKH3mykh5q1oE0Ulem8k10K9fEdu0PC81O2DOQaXQCrKR92LqnoRxTODSs-7AiMfQ0RaKWddocqxqvU7Ew00Vg6o9h4GPdpO_ns6AZHBtqzLAxhYk0CLQ/w640-h281/OPhalloffame.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Osbourn Park inducted 16 more athletes/coaches into their Hall of Fame this past Thursday at Old Hickory.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>(Top left to right: Maryellen </i></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>, Brittany Hyter, Justin McElfish, Aaron J. Trumell, Michael </i></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>, Lea Shreve Murr</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Bottom left to right: Erica Field Fox, Jimmy Greene, Mike DiNuzzo, Richard Dombrowski, Rebecca Nemerow Tillett, Robert Jackson, Breanna Walker)</i></b></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Coming off the success of last year's <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2021/10/osbourn-park-breaks-new-ground-with.html" target="_blank">Hall of Fame induction ceremony</a>, Osbourn Park returned to Old Hickory for the 2022 ceremony. There was no shortage of accolades or achievements as the Class of 2022 was just as impressive as 2021. Osbourn Park Director of Student Activities Keith Laine and his team delivered a great night for all those who attended complete with a Happy Hour, dinner and ceremonies. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">"We were able to honor our inaugural class right here in this room last year. By all accounts, it was a huge success and would not have happened without the commitment and dedication to fulfilling our vision of the Hall of Fame. Our trustees have continued their hard work to get us here today. This Hall of Fame is 47 years in the making and shows our current student athletes the foundation of the sports community that they themselves represent."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Last year, <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2021/11/michael-foley-voice-of-hive.html" target="_blank">Michael Foley</a> was the Master of Ceremonies. Since as he was an inductee this year, Luis Hernandez graciously accepted the opportunity and did a stellar job all night long. Sixteen inductees were added to last year's fifteen, and can physically be honored in Osbourn Park's gym on a touchscreen as you enter. There's a section for Hall of Famers, current athletes and future Hall of Famers as well as a <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/ophshof/home" target="_blank">section on Osbourn Park's website</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Maryellen Derenda Cornwell, Class of 2008</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzjaBznHjvfppVStabeqL4ClYuBPU1qxfyaSe59id8xwCaRS8M2i9lbtzLBif-7-rhBYWbCed-Wl6HMfOTkJ8g0y1F7a-ciTyXpFjvh2JjCXnE_v5oEDXnN_iY9lLhsdg_Wd-k2tYOo29DOfsrSfChHpzEstAfQvnzKpXvLy4LLL_SLaO8NwYYVHelQ/s4032/20221013_191132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzjaBznHjvfppVStabeqL4ClYuBPU1qxfyaSe59id8xwCaRS8M2i9lbtzLBif-7-rhBYWbCed-Wl6HMfOTkJ8g0y1F7a-ciTyXpFjvh2JjCXnE_v5oEDXnN_iY9lLhsdg_Wd-k2tYOo29DOfsrSfChHpzEstAfQvnzKpXvLy4LLL_SLaO8NwYYVHelQ/w400-h300/20221013_191132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Maryellen excelled in multiple sports including basketball, golf, soccer and track. In soccer she was a two-time MVP, three-time All District and two-time All Region. She'd also receiver All State 2nd Team honors in 2008. In basketball she was the 2008 MVP and scored 1,000 career points. As a senior she received the PW Ellis Award and had 19 Varsity Letters. She was also the 2008 Female Athlete of the Year. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After Osbourn Park, Maryellen received her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration on a full scholarship to Radford University, graduating Cum Laude. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">While there she made two NCAA tournament appearances and was a voted to the Big South All Tournament Team twice. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Her teams won the Big South championship in 2008 & 2011. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Maryellen now works for Capital One Auto Finance and recently married Andrew Cornwell. They reside in Chesapeake, Virginia. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="georgia">Her brother, Patrick Derenda, is currently the offensive coordinator for Osbourn football. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mike DiNuzzo, Class of 2007</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdDS1ETsJVML60xMN6IsPsd4ePIxDV4j8UiaHRLwAsorJuT-p1rukH-r9O7AI_uYP0gBzm0rW9TNKXWbhRRofROGDssnfzZWNpuXmU991BQjInds8DwzNeWJj0wfAXYXseYVSB-gR64SPuo9it0IRCAIYjJm4g_uFWxK6-RAbndqFfkYilu-gAYnegg/s4032/20221013_191417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdDS1ETsJVML60xMN6IsPsd4ePIxDV4j8UiaHRLwAsorJuT-p1rukH-r9O7AI_uYP0gBzm0rW9TNKXWbhRRofROGDssnfzZWNpuXmU991BQjInds8DwzNeWJj0wfAXYXseYVSB-gR64SPuo9it0IRCAIYjJm4g_uFWxK6-RAbndqFfkYilu-gAYnegg/w400-h300/20221013_191417.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mike was an elite soccer player while at Osbourn Park. He made varsity as a freshman and was voted three-time All District, three-time All Region, two-time All State. He made All Met in 2007. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mike's teams at OP were District Champions all four years (2004-2007) and Regional Champions in 2005 and 2007. They'd finish as quarter-finalists and runner-up respectively. The State Final loss was the only blemish for the Yellow Jackets that season, one which saw Mike co-captain them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After he left OP, Mike was a four year starter at William & Mary where he ranked ninth all time in career starts at 86. He was voted captain by his teammates in 2009 and 2010. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">He was part of the 2010 CAA Championship team and led them to a NCAA Sweet 16 tournament appearance. They'd finish the season ranked 9th by the NSCAA. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mike would also receive the President's Award in 2009, citing his sportsmanship and leadership. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">DiNuzzo would go on to earn a Masters of Education in Educational Psychology from UVA. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Mike is the Assistant Technical Director at Great Falls Reston Soccer Club, where he oversees all of the U8-12 travel programs. He's been an Instructional Assistant for Special Education with FCPS since 2014. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He currently resides in Bristow with his wife Elizabeth, two dogs and newborn son (8/2/22), Theodore Joseph DiNuzzo. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Richard Dombrowksy, Class of 1998</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RSoME4adZDDM2pVjpMUQ1u4mitdYue5c46Tvws1gdzeMNETRNK6YZYI489fhx_vLD3L6f7BUnTZ-Af_LE08rjqYNv4-vcaUfpLZ8BXR91Ihpt_McVneqKwkMJj4WqxEU19OU04lYQeaD1kSTW0JA_Pm6gVPpA9KgvwERTYkiIQq6W-Jzx6zSM5epxg/s4032/20221013_192014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RSoME4adZDDM2pVjpMUQ1u4mitdYue5c46Tvws1gdzeMNETRNK6YZYI489fhx_vLD3L6f7BUnTZ-Af_LE08rjqYNv4-vcaUfpLZ8BXR91Ihpt_McVneqKwkMJj4WqxEU19OU04lYQeaD1kSTW0JA_Pm6gVPpA9KgvwERTYkiIQq6W-Jzx6zSM5epxg/w400-h300/20221013_192014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Richard Dombrowsky was another multi-sport athlete at Osbourn Park. He played baseball, golf and wrestling. He was the initial PW Ellis Award recipient with 12 Varsity Letters, a three-time champion in wrestling, a two-time golf regional qualifier and amassed a 127-26 record in wrestling. After OP, he went to Methodist University where he led them to three Conference titles, three appearances in the NCAA D3 regionals and was a three year captain. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Michael Foley told those in attendance of Dombrowsky's remarkable integrity while playing in a golf tournament at Osbourn Park. His dad was in attendance and keeping score, and put Richard down for a 5 (par). Richard corrected him, having taken a penalty stroke when his club touched the ball prior to his shot. No one would have been the wiser, but Dombrowsky led by example. I was able to catch up with him after the presentation to get his thoughts. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"I'm overwhelmed, elated and privileged to be a part of this. I
can't say enough about how appreciative I am. What a wonderful thing that OP is
doing for us. You think about what it was like back then, you start talking
about people and they’re actually here- some are not…it just gets emotional and
is a privilege to speak about it."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Erica Field Fox, Class of 2012</span></b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07EVeH-gSg_duf45aU_56zhSkBBiNuvEcq3rjWjBeCsLYLN6bAmDpDb2NGUhgaEUTHwZS_2qZnddv8EF7pwZl5pDr4muGcMAQ-AU4d6Yp9Zvk2vC0JDyuvO9ICVioALLAjv0n31w0qzZh6Ph-2xvUnsaEXFWk2TshLhu4UG7Wy9Z7NtmkZZV7lFxqnA/s4032/20221013_192723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07EVeH-gSg_duf45aU_56zhSkBBiNuvEcq3rjWjBeCsLYLN6bAmDpDb2NGUhgaEUTHwZS_2qZnddv8EF7pwZl5pDr4muGcMAQ-AU4d6Yp9Zvk2vC0JDyuvO9ICVioALLAjv0n31w0qzZh6Ph-2xvUnsaEXFWk2TshLhu4UG7Wy9Z7NtmkZZV7lFxqnA/w400-h300/20221013_192723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Erica excelled at softball, filling up the trophy case to the brim. She was a two-time MVP, three-time All District, three-time All Region and was 2012 Cardinal District Player of the Year. She was also the News & Messenger Player of the Year, Region Player of the Year, State Player of the Year and first team All State. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After Osbourn Park, Erica was a three-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year as catcher. She was voted CAA Rookie of the Year, three-time First Team All CAA. She broke James Madison's single season batting average as a junior with .427 which included 85 hits: 21 doubles and 139 total bases. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Erica left JMU as the all-time career record holder for hits, at bats, doubles, sac flies and put outs. She would be drafted by the USSSA Pride in the third round of the 2016 NPF Draft. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Michael Foley (teacher/coach from 1979-2015)</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagGAWFckHPUdJBEAb0sZ8xJmkDJ7FPK1kFNlwxe4n22L1Ye_BrwMBAQGQw1RR5EqENolLK1QdWdQVTgQC7yO_pQDAoR3U4uqSwIhqFEhB82-zxFtCfdMeK1xrofrxeAk1v57XUskMIwAPgdhAKOeWdXRktBiOQCp3mrVMP1UYzqkR71cFcLMqNi0I1w/s4032/20221013_193048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagGAWFckHPUdJBEAb0sZ8xJmkDJ7FPK1kFNlwxe4n22L1Ye_BrwMBAQGQw1RR5EqENolLK1QdWdQVTgQC7yO_pQDAoR3U4uqSwIhqFEhB82-zxFtCfdMeK1xrofrxeAk1v57XUskMIwAPgdhAKOeWdXRktBiOQCp3mrVMP1UYzqkR71cFcLMqNi0I1w/w400-h300/20221013_193048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As one who has done the stats and recaps for Osbourn Park football for the better part of the last seven years, I had the privilege of getting to know Mike Foley quite well. I was able to sit down with him last fall and delve into his <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2021/11/michael-foley-voice-of-hive.html" target="_blank">journey as a teacher and coach</a> from his days at Fauquier High School up until 2015 at OP. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Foley coached tennis, wrestling, golf, helped as assistant softball coach, was a DECA sponsor and is still the "Voice of the Yellow Jackets". 2022 will be his final season in the booth as he enjoys his retirement which will include plenty of rounds of golf. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After OP, Foley continued supporting the OPHS Booster Club and received the 2018 VHSL Regional Award of Merit for Region 6D. During his speech, Foley had the room lacking in dry eyes, as he weaved through stories and anecdotes of the past forty-three or so years on Euclid Avenue. Multiple times he collected himself, but the room waited with plenty of patience for the longtime Yellow Jacket to continue his speech. I caught up with him afterwards. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"This night touched me quite a bit. When I was getting my speech ready, I felt no nerves. I thought it would be a piece of cake. It just hits you. The memories flow back as you see all the other coaches and athletes. It's not what we live for, but you certainly appreciate it years later."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Jimmy Greene, Class of 1983</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9jLfKpSTfsdDlvsE_wmgOmsTiJoxZ7PpVoWzaFree2q-KQA2xlSmJkhofr9U1Nbl5d3RoCnU0GAnMY3FEIr6jLuzpOlmdWvHb2YqgUq0OHbTH_XbwwXpAviNfaIqwqhBNCI5rKrVpHo4tgEIY5uP78CQxSTgqi6ZEgHe3yMho3upo_JM85kUG8jM0w/s4032/20221013_194505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9jLfKpSTfsdDlvsE_wmgOmsTiJoxZ7PpVoWzaFree2q-KQA2xlSmJkhofr9U1Nbl5d3RoCnU0GAnMY3FEIr6jLuzpOlmdWvHb2YqgUq0OHbTH_XbwwXpAviNfaIqwqhBNCI5rKrVpHo4tgEIY5uP78CQxSTgqi6ZEgHe3yMho3upo_JM85kUG8jM0w/w400-h300/20221013_194505.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">While at Osbourn Park, Jimmy put his nose to the grind and left quite a legacy as a wrestler. He was a State qualifier his sophomore year, third in State as a junior at 105 pounds and finally State Champ as a 112 pound senior, defeating the wrestler who beat him the year prior. He was a also a co-captain senior year and amassed a 67-17 record as a wrestler. Foley would also recall the perseverance the underdog Greene would exhibit when some counted him out.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Greene would go on to earn a wrestling scholarship to William & Mary where he'd earn a Bachelor of Sciences in biology. He earned the Iron Indian award while there, wrestling in every match during the 1985-1986 season. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Jimmy would also earn graduate degrees from Duke University and a law degree from George Mason University. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The one thing that really stood out to me is Greene's exuberance. His speech was off the cuff and very natural, really tugging at the heart strings at times. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bethany and Brittany Hyter, Class of 2008</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr1h52OPiaXLme6E12bpfnWiG_ZUe76BEqGRNEmOcQx0ueFKDuY4DyJgSYlOyNKCbWbWCY_nzoK5CAqK9us-HyxJLoLy32zG6TG7qXmK_ZbQFABVFrdgReFaThg-8LedrmxC6a5J1ZTyzld5-S7r_nBGoTKmylNpCw-ZTQawg3ZpkI-gy_fc5dJ1gqg/s4032/20221013_195340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr1h52OPiaXLme6E12bpfnWiG_ZUe76BEqGRNEmOcQx0ueFKDuY4DyJgSYlOyNKCbWbWCY_nzoK5CAqK9us-HyxJLoLy32zG6TG7qXmK_ZbQFABVFrdgReFaThg-8LedrmxC6a5J1ZTyzld5-S7r_nBGoTKmylNpCw-ZTQawg3ZpkI-gy_fc5dJ1gqg/w400-h300/20221013_195340.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Bethany Hyter was unable to attend due to the birth of her child, but Bethany accepted them on her behalf. The two were the elite of the elite in indoor and outdoor track during their time at Osbourn Park. Bethany was top three in the nation in Middle Distance and Relays. She was a state champion at the 500 Meter, a two-time indoor track area Athlete of the Year and two-time Cedar Run District Distance Outdoor Athlete of the Year. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After OP, Bethany ran for the University of Arkansas. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Brittany Hyter was top three in the nation, specializing in 100/300 hurdles. She was a 300 Hurdle State Champion, an All-American her senior year, 2006 First Team All Area and 2008 First Team All Met.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After OP, Brittany also attended Arkansas where she ran and was a multi All-American in her respective events. She also competed in the US Olympic trials, one of only three Prince William County athletes to ever do it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Robert Jackson, Class of 1988</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRIb9WddFLrmigT-cZTMWBU0Pc1uTil3_cjiB-f0AVH_PrDF-HHgEj7nTdxaHZF3UqmSNbkbxBbM18YTI8kqv6Un3fPo5UXb9-LBSyPEp51CA5jf7WIJumpX6qVA5sUQwxxXNgIqEDC_D2MFUYkcq4a3Kj6AXZlajHno_jw0k13l4u0lRtkz5XhTDyw/s4032/20221013_201210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRIb9WddFLrmigT-cZTMWBU0Pc1uTil3_cjiB-f0AVH_PrDF-HHgEj7nTdxaHZF3UqmSNbkbxBbM18YTI8kqv6Un3fPo5UXb9-LBSyPEp51CA5jf7WIJumpX6qVA5sUQwxxXNgIqEDC_D2MFUYkcq4a3Kj6AXZlajHno_jw0k13l4u0lRtkz5XhTDyw/w400-h300/20221013_201210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Robert Jackson excelled in basketball and football while at Osbourn Park. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Jackson scored over 1,500 points for the basketball team and was three-time First Team All District, three-time first team All Area, three-time honorable mention All Met and a 1988 McDonald's All American. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After OP, Jackson attended and played for the University of Delaware. He was part of their 1992 North Atlantic Championship team, and appeared in the 1992 NCAA tournament as a thirteen seed versus Cincinnati.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">While his accolades were mainly in basketball, Robert admitted during his speech he preferred to play football and only played basketball because one coach refused to let him sit around during the winter doing nothing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">That "coach" was his mother who drove him to all his practices and tryouts, all while balancing work shifts with Jackson wondering how exactly she ever found the time to sleep. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Carl R. Kuhn Jr, coach (1973-1991)</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hm-eOw2plHT89LDxzu6y6ivIvF7M5eb3le3Z3Iy1gGX_X7xfRc2ifPXUSXmnxwB4FlV4AHOaZxjhh8QnX322hWpa-Wj1YVH48d3issDfwCWRTowcsLf0pvfj18H07NkxLrKPqUeP6lvMvA-_qOT2uf7Hi-QrtOEGDykuWZ5zACXL8fFJtsVa-snERw/s1564/IMG_20221016_231938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hm-eOw2plHT89LDxzu6y6ivIvF7M5eb3le3Z3Iy1gGX_X7xfRc2ifPXUSXmnxwB4FlV4AHOaZxjhh8QnX322hWpa-Wj1YVH48d3issDfwCWRTowcsLf0pvfj18H07NkxLrKPqUeP6lvMvA-_qOT2uf7Hi-QrtOEGDykuWZ5zACXL8fFJtsVa-snERw/w400-h400/IMG_20221016_231938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Carl R. Kuhn, Jr. left one heck of a legacy while at Osbourn Park where he coached cross country, football, indoor and outdoor track. He earned OP their first ever State Championship in 1981 in cross-country and were 1982 runner-ups. Under Kuhn they were also two-time District Champs, two-time Region Champs, one-time Distance Champs and one-time Regional Champs. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Carl Kuhn attended The University of Virginia on full scholarship and started at quarterback. He also played running back, defensive back and returned punts. He was a co-captain with Gary Cuozzo (later played as backup quarterback to Johnny Unitas with Colts) and Dave Graham (played offensive tackle with the Eagles). After graduating, he played semi-pro ball for a couple of years in the Continental League.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Predating OPHS, Carl was hired at Osbourn HS in 1973 before the school split into Osbourn and OPHS.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">He was also the Northern Virginia Track and Field Coach of the Year in 1980. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Accepting the award for Carl was his daughter and granddaughters. They also received a special framed </span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">collage of his time at the University of Virginia: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Bitter;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwHOAUu1NHZB4-Xmd4M4U6t3tNWkH1jTSz5F7YH0hRg5LVCJYTr7L35GcRIPRPRuW8CHxcGNxZSBwEY6hd0dLw6wvUjvxydkrKTN2oqhOOIn8yOLdeXStlQyIQVezhNXlgGbC1cZtXXg1tkSFFEhKvXgzgAQN60ir4yE4ky_Yj_RO0DxHD9bEHd4yYQ/s1564/IMG_20221016_232140.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwHOAUu1NHZB4-Xmd4M4U6t3tNWkH1jTSz5F7YH0hRg5LVCJYTr7L35GcRIPRPRuW8CHxcGNxZSBwEY6hd0dLw6wvUjvxydkrKTN2oqhOOIn8yOLdeXStlQyIQVezhNXlgGbC1cZtXXg1tkSFFEhKvXgzgAQN60ir4yE4ky_Yj_RO0DxHD9bEHd4yYQ/s320/IMG_20221016_232140.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Justin McElfish, Class of 1998</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5Awva8lBqiuH5cUB5oi_GIiULkvxpOWHXZ2XswEyTsvlXNqr_4TVJB_bVQ5OH4B3OS79oZi8EHbP4g0uFw9lEbEBxiowmVB-hoyILwcXsw-wLkcuPirjmwBIC6zDyCCuBF-JE7-llq_7rRRDv73g8ELRMgYxmHHjLN_tU5U_2kwscwSCdKoBla3EjA/s4032/20221013_204011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5Awva8lBqiuH5cUB5oi_GIiULkvxpOWHXZ2XswEyTsvlXNqr_4TVJB_bVQ5OH4B3OS79oZi8EHbP4g0uFw9lEbEBxiowmVB-hoyILwcXsw-wLkcuPirjmwBIC6zDyCCuBF-JE7-llq_7rRRDv73g8ELRMgYxmHHjLN_tU5U_2kwscwSCdKoBla3EjA/w400-h300/20221013_204011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Justin McElfish was a standout in football and both indoor and outdoor track during his four years at Osbourn Park. He was an All-District defensive end, tight end and fullback. Justin was also an All-Region tight end, All Area defesnive end, tight end, fullback and an All-Met tight end. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In indoor track, Justin garnered shotput distance and regional championships and was fourth in state while earning All State shotput honors. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After high school, McElfish attended Richmond University where he played football and was a three year starter. As a junior year he joined the track team and holds the school record for shotput at 53'3", He would go on to sign as a free agent with the then Redskins. I caught up with Justin after the ceremony. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">"I feel overwhelmed. People talk about impostor syndrome- and </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">in this regard, it’s somewhat real. I played high school sports, did pretty </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">well and had a great time. You just try your best, and never think it will amount </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">to something like this. It’s high school, you move on. When you get this call </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">and you get to come back- it makes you reflect on the school and people who </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">meant so much to you. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">One of the coolest things is seeing so many people who </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">were the same years we went to OP. Finding out the teachers who meant the most </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">to you meant the most to the others is pretty cool."</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: inherit;">Justin also reflected on adversity Osbourn Park faced, yet the faculty never made them feel that way. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">"I never won a game at OP. We had a stint my senior year </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">where we won a bunch of games but we had to forfeit them. It wears on you. OP </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">was always the underdog. We only had 1,500 kids back then. We’d compete against </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">schools with 3..4..5,000 kids- and we’re the little school that could. Every </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">person in this room will say that. We fought our asses off because we were </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">always the underdog. Coaches, administrators, teachers didn’t treat you as an </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">underdog. They pushed you until you had this chip on your shoulder that made </span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">you say ‘<i><b>I’ll go up against anybody. I can do anything</b></i>.’ Later in life you get </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: inherit;">to college and go up against kids that had dozens of scholarship offers and you just go up against them because you believe in yourself. You might get your butt kicked in the working world, but that chip on your shoulder keeps you pushing back. People in this room have done some amazing things- and it’s incredible to see what they’ve accomplished since high school."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Lea Shreve Murr, Class of 1997</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SJZrXY1usNWERfjcOozmbY1YfiypFjpegkwzFPky2ndMwvWIo7zwcQU5qayJKs-bAH1Mt0-MZfiPpTVL_u83aPE91sRRnB9vlDM_mmyjNWbNIERrdAx6X4KOrLtYZ_3r0AWE37jFHJEx3F02uWWgfNRbArC3NMYYllXYikhBQNwXGzl7RHDuyRqAFA/s4032/20221013_204722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SJZrXY1usNWERfjcOozmbY1YfiypFjpegkwzFPky2ndMwvWIo7zwcQU5qayJKs-bAH1Mt0-MZfiPpTVL_u83aPE91sRRnB9vlDM_mmyjNWbNIERrdAx6X4KOrLtYZ_3r0AWE37jFHJEx3F02uWWgfNRbArC3NMYYllXYikhBQNwXGzl7RHDuyRqAFA/w400-h300/20221013_204722.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lea was a star athlete in both soccer and basketball at Osbourn Park. She totaled 87 goals and 43 assists, was three-time All Met, the 1997 All Met Player of the Year and on the Olympic Developmental team all through high school. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2022 Hall of Famer recalls one mother who would give the girls soccer team baked goods for each goal a player scored.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eventually the mother realized she couldn't keep up with the amount of goals Lea scored and the treat incentive program magically vanished. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">After OP, Lea played soccer at Clemson University where she had a full scholarship, won an ACC championship, appeared twice in the NCAA Final 8 and joined the Navy after graduation. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Jake Stonko, Class of 2009</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #212121; font-family: Bitter; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVYc0JfkZpjMk6mQNDbHnvF8RQyD1u0rBe-L6g8-zvsXX0mndm_qSC3iItucTUKhPoRdflnOqiqD5hAnLC2CSN3dquimFX3a3NLsdAKT7VWje2aSkuB6ynCcBffJomGZOYH5NXzetx2Yx3Ec-vO-ma2m6sGAzKb2nSx3okhg8OIRyOzWMZZDLQUesBQ/s4032/20221013_205202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVYc0JfkZpjMk6mQNDbHnvF8RQyD1u0rBe-L6g8-zvsXX0mndm_qSC3iItucTUKhPoRdflnOqiqD5hAnLC2CSN3dquimFX3a3NLsdAKT7VWje2aSkuB6ynCcBffJomGZOYH5NXzetx2Yx3Ec-vO-ma2m6sGAzKb2nSx3okhg8OIRyOzWMZZDLQUesBQ/w400-h300/20221013_205202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jake was cream of the crop at swimming. He was a captain in 2008-2009, and was a 100 Fly 200 Free state finalist in 2009. He was also runner up in 200 Free and a 2009 All American. Jake would graduate Summa Cum Laude. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">After OP, Jake swam at William & Mary and now works with the Department of Defense. He was unable to attend due to work obligations in Japan, but his parents accepted the honor for him. Jake's mother filled the room with her contagious personality, where everyone was in stitches for the majority of her speech. The audience couldn't be happier for how proud of her son she was. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Give her 45 minutes to an hour and a mic on stage anywhere in the country and I guarantee you won't be disappointed. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Rebecca Nemerow Tillet, Class of 1995 </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Bitter;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Bitter; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQpoTGIfL6zRJ3zcom8gz3Rfphi2Y657JTUsbHnQppKVX-LqitlIAj2e7mu3m9KwslN6SHakJWJQyRke3Ec0w0behMQNx4sQ9-rSmmfBySt0DByrVIYA64RryLpXS8LsYVHibDpQH0oPv3xcMC3_3vbw0dB3E4jXAX7Kx1QeJ1H_IMcwrlsR9Ux4nhg/s4032/20221013_205805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQpoTGIfL6zRJ3zcom8gz3Rfphi2Y657JTUsbHnQppKVX-LqitlIAj2e7mu3m9KwslN6SHakJWJQyRke3Ec0w0behMQNx4sQ9-rSmmfBySt0DByrVIYA64RryLpXS8LsYVHibDpQH0oPv3xcMC3_3vbw0dB3E4jXAX7Kx1QeJ1H_IMcwrlsR9Ux4nhg/w400-h300/20221013_205805.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Bitter; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">While at OP Rebecca dazzled fans of basketball and soccer. On the field she earned two-time All District honors, was a captain for both sports in 1994-1995, and Female Athlete of the Year in 1995. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">After her time at Osbourn Park, Rebecca played basketball at William & Mary where she was captain in 1998-1999. She'd transition to coaching as OP girls' head coach from 2001-2007, then to Forest Park from 2007-2013. Rebecca’s overall record in Prince William County was 166-72. Rebecca led Forest Park to three state tournament appearances, including the 2008 Group AAA State final. </span></div></span></span><span style="color: #212121;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She'd move up to the college coaching ranks in 2014 when she was an assistant coach at the United States Naval Academy until 2018. During her time in Annapolis, she was named Recruiting Coordinator and ultimately Associate Head Coach.</div></span></span><span style="color: #212121;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Rebecca would move on to Longwood University later in 201. In her four years there, she achieved a record of 36-19 capped off by a 22-12 mark for the 2021-2022 season. Longwood captured the Big South Conference title and went on to an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament. Earlier this year she became the head coach of St. Louis University. I was able to get her thoughts on her induction. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"This is incredible. Just the opportunity to be honored by your high school and a place that gave my family so much means a lot. My dad being in the inaugural class, he more than anyone taught me how to be a coach and follow my life's passion. As a young woman, he told me there were no limits for me."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I asked her how Osbourn Park helped prepare her for a career in coaching. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"I think about those opportunities that we had together in our high school years to form great bonds. Some have lasted until now, and some you see again now and go back to those times as teammates. I just always tried to build a community with a team I'm leading- and learned that at OP."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Aaron J. Trammell, Class of 1997</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63lXkOdczKrH8hMvICQkbrisOS4P5tF_PfI6xEhemxPeNRXxAmK5MgUBMaGzzE7cRxdOM0H6GSD0-JvglRVgEWKPh_4oKZiM-IlRplqn9sRe5LksOjHUvM7BqiKwempdMoi_HzpMoLxf-tWBiFHFRAFZv2yHW-3K-INfNNffriP3ChkmybKLQV-1yvg/s4032/20221013_210355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63lXkOdczKrH8hMvICQkbrisOS4P5tF_PfI6xEhemxPeNRXxAmK5MgUBMaGzzE7cRxdOM0H6GSD0-JvglRVgEWKPh_4oKZiM-IlRplqn9sRe5LksOjHUvM7BqiKwempdMoi_HzpMoLxf-tWBiFHFRAFZv2yHW-3K-INfNNffriP3ChkmybKLQV-1yvg/w400-h300/20221013_210355.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Aaron was a multi-sport athlete at Osbourn Park, starring in track, basketball and football. He earned All Met honors twice and was a two-time State Champion. He holds the school record in shot put at 62'9" and was a member of the OPHS NJROTC. He was a three-time National qualifier and also an All-American. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: inherit;">His success in track helped him gain attention in football as well. He received letters and some offers from Clemson, Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech, UNC, UCONN, Lehigh, Marshall, Delaware, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Syracuse, Penn, Penn State, Florida, Elon, Florida State, and Miami. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: georgia; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: inherit;">Aaron received offers from 2 military schools: The Naval Academy (football), and VMI (track and field)</span><span style="text-decoration-line: inherit;">, but elected to attend</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: inherit;"> Marshall University in Huntington, WV. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: inherit;">Aaron had a good career at Marshall and graduated on time with a BA in Exercise Science and became a father when his daughter was born 2 days after graduation.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-decoration-line: inherit;">After college Aaron ended up working at a juvenile detention center where he'd meet his wife of 21 years, Nautilus Fitness Center and currently at St. Mary's Medical Center for over two decades. He credits his work ethic and dedication on the field and at home to his parents, Timothy A. Trammell and his late mother Louise C. Trammell. He also gave credit to a number of teachers and coaches: Dan Jones, Thomas Cerul, Al Crow, Mike Feldman, Doug Poppe and Dan Evans, Sr. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"It was a spectacular event.<i> </i>I got a chance to catch up with people I haven’t seen in years. It was a real honor to see the wonderful coaches who helped mold and shape me into the man I am today. We have </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">so much talent in this area, specifically at Osbourn Park high school. My time at OP prepared me well. I did all kinds of sports. My coaches coached me on how to be a good athlete, student, how to work hard and apply that on the field and in the workforce."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Breanna Walker, Class of 2012</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8vaJr-U7taY1QBtt1IK9YruIlsd8ZdxFpXiWEn32b19d04p4TK7fl7_mG2j2rBZJCCXnUxWvMTHjUJ3CEf1LovuvOTvEcUJv4qBkZMH9oqCpIAHbmppg7cNjmXkCcP6wwPMcg9wy64Yy3uNOhd57h8y8PDDafztSzDFCR_Xg_--uqqF40ILJNcXivg/s4032/20221013_210802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8vaJr-U7taY1QBtt1IK9YruIlsd8ZdxFpXiWEn32b19d04p4TK7fl7_mG2j2rBZJCCXnUxWvMTHjUJ3CEf1LovuvOTvEcUJv4qBkZMH9oqCpIAHbmppg7cNjmXkCcP6wwPMcg9wy64Yy3uNOhd57h8y8PDDafztSzDFCR_Xg_--uqqF40ILJNcXivg/w400-h300/20221013_210802.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">She led the Yellow Jackets to (6) District and (5) Northwest Regional Team Championships. Individually she won (13) District and (8) Northwest individual titles. In 2012 she anchored Yellow Jackets’ AAA State Championship 4x200m Relay. She scored 807.75 career points and was Group AAA All-State an astounding (14) times. At the 2012 Cardinal District Outdoor Championship she won the 100m, 200m and 400m Dashes, earning the title of Queen of Sprints, the first to do so in school history. For her efforts she was selected 1st Team All Met, the Washington Post Extra and Potomac News Track Athlete of the Year. She still holds the school record in the 300m Dash at 39.77.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-variant-ligatures: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Breanna would go on to Loyola University-Chicago where she'd earn All Missouri Valley Conference honors five times. She graduated in 2016, holding school records in the 60m, 100m, 200m and was a member of their 4 by 100m record squad. She currently lives in Chicago and is a Fellow at the University of Chicago School of Public Policy. She was almost beside words after her induction. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"This was absolutely phenomenal. I never thought I’d be here today- so
to be here with these amazing people is life-changing and finally hit me. It means
something- like finally, it’s real. High school is four years of duration. You’re
going through so much in that time. You’re growing, you’re changing, you’re learning-
you didn’t think it meant something then. But it means something right now, and
you get to share that with a group of people who are equally as incredible. It’s
a blessing, and I never, ever thought I’d be here."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGU7jQWAYyNjkhzkEVgVw3sOxLbYtpkHbUeWVbhhaTz_7qNNxAloq_6xWIb_OVBs3NbmPP3Lf21rZpbRLj3HHluaKdQGe2R89JPvs0RccgVuwLq1BcbbOZxKB9eSNKC9DMTtIHSVrQMKsPCXLYWznBfNjm7H6hJjr97fBg8BDPDDyG5AhUPHElsahdKw/s4032/20221013_203213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGU7jQWAYyNjkhzkEVgVw3sOxLbYtpkHbUeWVbhhaTz_7qNNxAloq_6xWIb_OVBs3NbmPP3Lf21rZpbRLj3HHluaKdQGe2R89JPvs0RccgVuwLq1BcbbOZxKB9eSNKC9DMTtIHSVrQMKsPCXLYWznBfNjm7H6hJjr97fBg8BDPDDyG5AhUPHElsahdKw/w300-h400/20221013_203213.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Todd Colas (left) and Kevin Ambrose (right) of OP's first ever State Championship cross country team in 1981.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Returning to watch the 2022 Class was both Todd Colas and Kevin Ambrose, members of OP's first ever State Champions in cross country. Both would give speeches of their own. I spoke to Kevin afterwards.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"It was wonderful. Just a top notch event. It was a nice mix
of coaches, athletes and time periods. Work hard, have fun. I always considered
it a full-time job that I loved. When you reach the highest points, you have to
put a lot of hours in and to put a lot of hours in- you have to love it. You reap
the rewards and it’s the satisfaction of all that time and effort make it worth
it. It wears off, and transitions into college studies and careers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I
struggle with telling kids, ‘do it now while you can’. Often times you get to a
certain point where you can’t do it anymore. I would love to go back and redo
some of those races, some of those workouts- of course I can’t. I was busy having
fun as a high school kids so I didn’t give everything. I don’t regret it. If I
were to go back, I’d work harder. It was cross country and running that thinned
me down. I love it so much, I never stopped running. What my mom forced me to
do became a love in high school and college."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqE6SwV5UEoTNdo0zKMJxHFvyLwQuDZmaXAKKf6aysHbA2miu30sPfOTEZmGHg0w4EN-LsYzu9wCTuk8gvm2mG1oMneeMYo7qCqbzo2UmQAXmpRcGX3CR9YurytgV0y36aDDh-spw_ZOjAD8a7iRpR97f5s84zV4l4hdex7n8IX24jfegwZ7cO0uJ0w/s4032/20221014_192957%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqE6SwV5UEoTNdo0zKMJxHFvyLwQuDZmaXAKKf6aysHbA2miu30sPfOTEZmGHg0w4EN-LsYzu9wCTuk8gvm2mG1oMneeMYo7qCqbzo2UmQAXmpRcGX3CR9YurytgV0y36aDDh-spw_ZOjAD8a7iRpR97f5s84zV4l4hdex7n8IX24jfegwZ7cO0uJ0w/w640-h480/20221014_192957%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some members of the 2022 class were present at Friday's Homecoming game versus Freedom (South Riding).</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">left to right: Michael Foley, Justin McElfish, Jimmy Greene, Erica Field Fox, Richard Dombrowsky, Aaron J. Trammell, Breanna Walker</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Lastly I was able to stop by and chat with former coach Michael Feldman. Feldman was a former head football coach (1995-2000), head coach of boys/girls track and field (2001-2019, 2022) and an assistant in 1996, 2020 and 2021. Feldman was mentioned in a majority of the inductees' speeches, having had a lasting effect on each one of them in different ways. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"I thought it was
incredible. They are all Hall of Famers. The impact they made on the life of
our school while they were here is absolutely wonderful. I’m at a loss for
words which doesn’t happen often to me. Those were my kids up there tonight. When you’re coaching kids, you’re supposed to bring things out of
kids they didn’t know they had. They all had athletic talent. We had to get
them to believe in their talent and believe in themselves."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Finally I asked about advice he would give current and future coaches. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"I think kids want the same things they’ve always wanted.
They want to be challenged, disciplined and be told they’re tough. You have to
put them in situations where they have to be disciplined, challenged and but also
believe in themselves. You teach them to put the team on their back, even in
individual situations. That’s how you find success. As a coach you have to tap
into that. We never sacrifice the core values of our
program for a trophy. When you build a culture like that, kids will perform at
a higher level."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">That last part sums up why Osbourn Park- despite any adversity- has managed to find the level of success they've had and is the foundation for the Osbourn Park Hall of Fame. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">See everyone next year to honor more excellence in Osbourn Park athletics. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">For more on OP sports, visit their <a href="https://osbournparkhs.rschoolteams.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and follow them on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/opjackets" target="_blank">@OPJackets</a>. </span></i></b></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><b><br /></b></div><br /><p><br /></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-15773014391160588382023-09-02T18:17:00.006-07:002023-09-03T06:55:10.516-07:00Yellow Jackets Shut Out by Bulldogs on Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgctcFfcL0vwStdXzfnccynfECY1A9AfDEOBNQyGmslwY3JnkPftrgnBy9G15uMXEK0MwbxhUWQd41zTg7jOg84FED-545owSj0pJgiOAYTl22iyp2IoJVAAR4VHRvuFPNw0FZ1U4PDz_Q_CXuzpoNVu8T2-x5bU5O4Axv3aGwnJyG9fvUVzxy3E4ZpK0c/s1600/hylton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgctcFfcL0vwStdXzfnccynfECY1A9AfDEOBNQyGmslwY3JnkPftrgnBy9G15uMXEK0MwbxhUWQd41zTg7jOg84FED-545owSj0pJgiOAYTl22iyp2IoJVAAR4VHRvuFPNw0FZ1U4PDz_Q_CXuzpoNVu8T2-x5bU5O4Axv3aGwnJyG9fvUVzxy3E4ZpK0c/w640-h426/hylton.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Hylton captains take the field versus Osbourn Park.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>(photo via InsideNova/Doug Stroud)</i></b></span></div><p>The Osbourn Park Yellow Jackets were riding high off a <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2023/08/osbourn-park-shuts-out-manassas-park-in.html" target="_blank">61-0 shutout over Manassas Park last week</a> and were hoping to carry that momentum into their matchup versus the Hylton Bulldogs this past Friday. </p><p>OP looked to go 2-0 for the first time since the 2008-2009 season, but Hylton looked to win for the first time in 14 games. The home team would finally break through, winning 27-0. </p><p>The two teams would jockey for position for the entire first half. Three combined turnovers in the first quarter would dash either team's chances of creating momentum. </p><div style="text-align: left;">Hylton turned the ball over on downs with 9:37 left in the first quarter, but OP would fail to capitalize off it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Hylton's next drive, Yellow Jackets senior Jose Argueta-Ortiz would recover a fumble on Hylton's 40 yard-line at the four minute mark. Once again, OP would not be able to take advantage on offense, turning the ball over on downs themselves with three minutes left in the first quarter.</div></div><p>Osbourn Park senior quarterback Adrian Cabrera would rip off a 22 yard run to get to Hylton's 37 yard line. Shortly after, Cabrera would be intercepted by the Bulldogs at Hylton's 39. </p><p>OP's defense would hold once again, and Cabrera would connect with senior running back Matt Brown on a 20 yard completion to get just outside the redzone. But Hylton junior cornerback Mason Cheatham would intercept the ball on the following play. </p><p>Following another defensive stop, Cabrera would find senior receiver Julius Palza for 23 yards at Hylton's 13 yard line. The Bulldogs stood strong, forcing OP to attempt a field goal. OP would miss, and the game stayed knotted 0-0 at the half. </p><p>Hylton junior running back Logan Marshall would break the ice with a four yard scamper into the endzone. The home team went up 7-0 with eight minutes left in the third quarter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SpzFfoasNgtVGaK9HEBSwdxjCLUgrQ25tzeQIMiglAS1Rlqgtj8SbubFXMATQoseLA1JGmezxAYHmVHFJZwuTMVKW4LZicSeAEFCwVOVQRQUP4cufVqdMT3umzP-7AZz7Ej1kTMnreU7T7V6siqfFPPab8ANEGDcvjAZDshKzNi_Q9w1h6yc8wKp6xzr/s1600/hylton2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SpzFfoasNgtVGaK9HEBSwdxjCLUgrQ25tzeQIMiglAS1Rlqgtj8SbubFXMATQoseLA1JGmezxAYHmVHFJZwuTMVKW4LZicSeAEFCwVOVQRQUP4cufVqdMT3umzP-7AZz7Ej1kTMnreU7T7V6siqfFPPab8ANEGDcvjAZDshKzNi_Q9w1h6yc8wKp6xzr/w640-h426/hylton2.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hylton's Logan Marshall scored two touchdowns Friday night.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: x-small;">(photo via InsideNova/ Doug Stroud)</span></i></b></div><p>Adrian Cabrera would come up big on defense, intercepting a ball at OP's 8 yard line to stave off another Bulldog score. OP would be forced to punt.</p><p>Two minutes later, Logan Marshall would find paydirt again- this time from 16 yards out. Hylton carried a 14-0 lead into the fourth quarter. </p><p>Bulldog senior quarterback Jacob Benavides put his stamp on the game in the fourth quarter, finding senior receiver Joshua Rahim on a 16 guard connection to put their team up three scores with seven minutes left in the game. </p><p>Benavides would sneak the ball in from one yard out with two minutes left in the game. They'd fumble the point after attempt, keeping the score at 27-0. </p><p>I talked to Osbourn Park head coach Marsel Wells following the game on his team's performance. </p><p>"Tonight was an eye opener for the kids. I believe they got caught up in last week's results. Knowing they won 61-0 and Hylton had lost 62-6, they underestimated how physical this game would be. A few injuries topped with penalties shifted the momentum for the Bulldogs and they took full advantage."</p><p>Osbourn Park (1-1) will look to right the ship next week versus Herdon (1-1). Herndon is coming off a 55-0 shutout of Justice High School. Kickoff is at 7 p.m at Unity Reed High School. </p><p><br></p><p><b><u>Game notes:</u></b></p><p><i><b>- Hylton was OP's lone win last season. The 22-20 loss provided plenty of motivation for the Bulldogs. </b></i></p><p><i><b>- Adrian Cabrera would finish the game with 247 all-purpose yards (146 passing, 101 rushing).</b></i></p><p><i><b>- Matt Brown led all OP receivers with 6 catches for 74 yards.</b></i></p><p><i><b>- Osbourn Park sophomore receiver Derron Danquah had the team's longest catch at 29 yards.</b></i></p><p><i><b>- Junior David Fitzgerald led the OP defense with 7 tackles and 1 sack.</b></i></p><p><i><b>- Junior lineman Rutilio Argueta-Alvarez had 5 tackles and 1 sack. </b></i></p><p><i><b>- Hylton won the turnover battle with 3 to OP's 6. </b></i></p><p><i><b>- The refs were quite involved all night to the tune of 26 penalties for 206 yards (OP: 12,85/Hylton: 14, 121).</b></i></p><p><i><b>- Hylton had 16 first down's to OP's 10.</b></i></p><p><i><b>- On 3rd down, OP was a respectable 6-15. </b></i></p><p><i><b>- Neither team converted on fourth down (OP:0-3, Hylton: 0-4)</b></i></p><p><i><b>- Julius Palza had 3 punt returns for 31 yards with a long of 20. He'd also have 4 punts for 121 yards with a long of 52.</b></i></p><p><i><b>- Cabrera had 1 punt for 37 yards. </b></i></p><p><br></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-85510930776027885742023-08-26T19:39:00.001-07:002023-08-26T19:59:44.965-07:00Osbourn Park Shuts Out Manassas Park in Season Opener<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM3ORUBDSuCeLmNgXeYCfIvVmvd1Oxxu0oQgWRYG66ZUistuxBR0Jod8xycCSO_rs5DdKYFAnTuohV9r4mKCmfoHXW3V5wrbehQhrhg555EOfsCsonUUmp5UzumLYxMKs6XfvaZK0FPHH9L0QuhB8THYIAZdpobJA2xcYNENvPf-xaA9oupMV3xGVgqwB/s4032/20230825_185316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM3ORUBDSuCeLmNgXeYCfIvVmvd1Oxxu0oQgWRYG66ZUistuxBR0Jod8xycCSO_rs5DdKYFAnTuohV9r4mKCmfoHXW3V5wrbehQhrhg555EOfsCsonUUmp5UzumLYxMKs6XfvaZK0FPHH9L0QuhB8THYIAZdpobJA2xcYNENvPf-xaA9oupMV3xGVgqwB/w640-h480/20230825_185316.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Yellow Jacket and Cougar captains meet midfield.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Osbourn Park Yellow Jackets kicked off the 2023 football season at Manassas Park Friday night, winning 61-0. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Friday night also marked Manassas Park's <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/manassas-park-football-begins-rebuild-with-improved-numbers-and-morale/article_2a9a6e34-308c-11ee-a207-6361d771ac22.html" target="_blank">return to the gridiron</a> for the first time since 2021, led by new head coach Mark Teague. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">OP wasted no time getting on the board. Senior quarterback Adrian Cabrera would find senior receiver Julius Palza for a short pass, as Palza did the rest and scampered away from Cougar defenders for a 56 yard score. OP would miss the extra point and go up 6-0 with 10:05 left in the first quarter. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Manassas Park would fumble on the next drive, as senior lineman Rutilio Argueta-Alvarez recovered it for the visitors.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cabrera connected with sophomore receiver Caden Thornton on a 12 yard touchdown to put OP up 12-0 at the 3:34 mark of the first quarter. They'd miss a second consecutive extra point attempt. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Senior running back Matt Brown wasn't going to let the passing game have all the fun. Brown dashed in from 14 yards out to put his team up 18-0 with 11:18 left in the half. OP would get an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and push themselves back 15 yards. Mathias Alderetez would convert from an impressive 35 yards out. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Junior linebacker Andrew Benson would recover a fumble on the next Cougar possession to give his team the ball. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cabrera and Thornton hooked up again, this time from 15 yards out. OP took a 26-0 lead until lightning reared its ugly head causing an hour long delay with 7:35 left in the half.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL73_ICJ3QBSq_q-pJ6Zx5qyOtgCr7peZzuOEaUCvM5PE68xUs83sUfjR57xSJsGgCdLEJIcbv57NuAPip8zJXk0cr1SnKDiEqPIl_oiBcBHVcoi__gdxs9pIRqU4oivc8RMA9TV8bRHuuoooHzzUWfrxKvNfkOvKVwl4y9qZ0UKugf2uS_zRq80IfRicu/s4032/20230825_200857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL73_ICJ3QBSq_q-pJ6Zx5qyOtgCr7peZzuOEaUCvM5PE68xUs83sUfjR57xSJsGgCdLEJIcbv57NuAPip8zJXk0cr1SnKDiEqPIl_oiBcBHVcoi__gdxs9pIRqU4oivc8RMA9TV8bRHuuoooHzzUWfrxKvNfkOvKVwl4y9qZ0UKugf2uS_zRq80IfRicu/w640-h480/20230825_200857.jpg" width="640"></a></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">An hour-long lightning delay occured in the first half of Osbourn Park/Manassas Park.</span></i></b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Osbourn Park didn't let the delay affect them, as Cabrera would find the endzone again- this time on his feet- as his team went up 33-0 with 3:51 left in the half. The senior QB finished the game 7-12 for 113 yards and 4 total touchdowns. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Manassas Park would have their best drive of the night, getting multiple first downs on the ground and putting the Yellow Jacket defense on their heels. The Cougars marched down all the way to OP's 19 yard line, but would throw an interception to sophomore Jonathan Bray with 16 seconds left in the half. Bray would finish the game with 10 tackles as well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Matt Brown continued his attack on the ground, ripping off a 37 yard score at the 9:29 mark of the third quarter as OP went up 40-0. Brown would finish the game with 14 rushes for 159 yards and 3 scores. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Julius Palza wasn't done, either, as he took a punt return back 44 yards to the house. Another return of 30 yards would give him 74 for the game and 136 all-purpose yards for the game. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">OP head coach Marsel Wells would eventually give his second string some shine. Jailen Tibbs would find Michael Okeneh twice in a row for 79 yards, capping it off with a seven yard touchdown. Tibbs would also have an interception on defense. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">I talked to Marsel after the game. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Tonight was a big weight off our shoulders. Winning in a season opener is the momentum every team needs to start the season. The kids had fun, played hard and performed as the coaching staff expected." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Osbourn Park has a short week to prepare for Thursday's game versus Hylton. The Bulldogs (0-1) are coming off a 62-6 loss at Battlefield. Kickoff is at 7 pm. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Game notes: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- Junior Rutilio Argueta-Alvarez finished the game with 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- OP had 16 first downs to Manassas Park's 8. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- The Yellow Jackets were 3-4 on third down. The Cougars were 4-10. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- OP was successful on their lone fourth down conversion. Manassas park was 0-2. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- The Yellow Jackets won the turnover battle, accounting for 0 themselves while forcing 7 on defense. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- OP did garner more penalty yardage (9, 80 yards) to the Cougars' (10, 50 yards). </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><p></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-8140948354221267392023-07-16T21:48:00.003-07:002023-07-16T21:52:09.384-07:00A Closer Look @: Gabe Bigbee<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatPA-fSjK1JrEs7YJWEKsAJYIxMUBpGWSUGuiC4dotvbc3QsFq-Tp0bAw8Neu21xaxCVR9gMuwXELqSykO73BVXtPdZUjGPn25IeowkVL-gYzlQhBmFlcpI7CbAkFl5WZFkS-n4FB4xqYMKRTISqQGg3z1jn9TqdobtK0SQJ5QhdjgweQJBq-60KEme94/s1248/bigbee.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1248" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatPA-fSjK1JrEs7YJWEKsAJYIxMUBpGWSUGuiC4dotvbc3QsFq-Tp0bAw8Neu21xaxCVR9gMuwXELqSykO73BVXtPdZUjGPn25IeowkVL-gYzlQhBmFlcpI7CbAkFl5WZFkS-n4FB4xqYMKRTISqQGg3z1jn9TqdobtK0SQJ5QhdjgweQJBq-60KEme94/w640-h492/bigbee.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gabe Bigbee wrapped up his senior year at Patriot High School this past spring in Nokesville, Virginia. The 2023 graduate finished his career as the school's all-time leader in receiving with 177 catches, 3,483 all-purpose yards and 36 touchdowns. Bigbee put a stamp on his senior season, racking up 62 catches, 37 rushes for 1,716 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns. Gabe got it done in the classroom as well, finishing his four years with a 4.0 grade point average. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following his senior season, the talented receiver/defensive back would originally commit to play at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania- but would later sign to play at Shepherd University in West Virginia. He joins a sizeable number of other Prince William County products (8) in the 2023 Rams' recruiting class- including his former quarterback at Patriot, Sam Fernandez. I recently got a chance to catch up with Gabe and let him reflect on his time at Patriot while looking ahead to being a collegiate athlete at Shepherd. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. Favorite sports teams growing up?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-f8fdf6dc-7fff-b963-7f04-d461efc19a9b"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Growing up through today I have been a fan of The Baltimore Ravens, The Atlanta Braves, and a trio of basketball teams: the Cavs, Heat, and Lakers. I became a fan of these teams mainly because of LeBron James and my admiration for him. </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. Favorite athletes? What about them inspired you?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222;">LeBron James is unquestionably my all-time favorite athlete. It's interesting because he's a </span><span style="color: #222222;">basketball</span><span style="color: #222222;"> player but he embodies the values and beliefs that resonate deeply with me. He exemplifies integrity, never jeopardizes his family or shows disrespect. He also </span><span style="color: #222222;">acknowledges</span><span style="color: #222222;"> that his endeavors on Earth are part of a greater plan set by God.</span></span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. You're listed as playing receiver but also defensive back. What other sports did you play growing up?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In my early years, my main focus revolved around football and basketball. I've also dabbled in rugby, track and wrestling. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. When did you have to make the decision to commit to just football?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The decision to commit solely to football came during the winter of sixth grade. It wasn't just my decision but my father's as well. He thought I should devote all my energy to football and not play basketball in the winter. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>5. Favorite things to do off the field to unwind?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222;">Off the field, I find </span><span style="color: #222222;">relaxation</span><span style="color: #222222;"> in the </span><span style="color: #222222;">simplest</span><span style="color: #222222;"> pleasures. Spending quality time with loved ones, cooking, and nurturing my faith all give me a sense of peace. I'm content with the basics of life as long as it focuses on family, my faith and sports aligning harmoniously. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>6. You started at Patriot in the fall of 2019, right before all the pandemic madness began. What were the biggest differences you noticed before/after? What was the biggest challenge for you as a student athlete going forward?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">The most noticeable difference in regards to football </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">before</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"> and after COVID-19 was the impact on my passion for it. Such as with many other athletes, the pandemic disrupted the recruiting process </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.384003pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">and reduced my collegiate opportunities. As a result, I intensified my efforts once the recruiting landscape was affected. I recognized that there were fewer opportunities available and felt compelled to work even harder. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.384003pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>7. Plenty of great players have come out of Patriot, including yourself and many of your teammates. How would you describe the football culture there?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Coach Powell is one of the greatest offensive minds I've ever met. He's a players' coach who truly understands how to read the field and utilize talent. Coach Jenkins is a true football mind with NFL experience. He also taught me lots of wisdom and helped me grow more as a man of God. Coach Finn helped me through many struggles of life and helped coach us to our best record in Patriot history. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'm grateful for my time at Patriot as it taught me valuable lessons about facing challenges and channeling pain into passion. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2hgl-EFUU-US8Gt_RNu_yCQ0nkLEFg3F6yMfIzsb_f1L2CIiJ3fwb0qtoMh9KCsAQZSDqA-hOgxnf3uA6qaASMV_3f9clg8QdFExcIf6SVlw16yAgJlWxHjgQuVL3UAVpTPR3wDf6fVBWUpCHivvySvw2_uq7NqeaZInOZkm5NQEGY5Xe4DmFNwnERbT/s624/bigbee2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="624" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2hgl-EFUU-US8Gt_RNu_yCQ0nkLEFg3F6yMfIzsb_f1L2CIiJ3fwb0qtoMh9KCsAQZSDqA-hOgxnf3uA6qaASMV_3f9clg8QdFExcIf6SVlw16yAgJlWxHjgQuVL3UAVpTPR3wDf6fVBWUpCHivvySvw2_uq7NqeaZInOZkm5NQEGY5Xe4DmFNwnERbT/w400-h349/bigbee2.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Gabe Bigbee was an offensive dynamo at Patriot, helping his team (44.9 points per game) to an 11-2 record in 2022</i></b></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3e9054eb-7fff-a5b4-56dc-19af7de27069"><div><b>8. As a senior, did you feel added pressure to deliver, or did it come naturally with the territory?</b></div></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My senior year carried added pressure without a doubt. It often occupied my thoughts but turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Celebrating each victory became a cherished memory and the higher expectations made the results even more joyful. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>9. I was at the biggest PWC game of the season versus Battlefield when it was literally standing room only. Can you describe what the environment was like for that game, especially on the road?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222;">The energy in the air that night was almost indescribable, but very unique. Playing in front of thousands of passionate spectators on the </span><span style="color: #222222;">opponent's</span><span style="color: #222222;"> home turf is an experience that most people only dream of. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>10. How did you find ways to balance academics with athletics?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222;">Balancing academics and athletics came naturally to me. From a young age, my parents emphasized the importance of intellectual growth and prepared me for the realities of life. They taught me that not everyone achieves their aspirations, so having a strong academic foundation is crucial. I genuinely enjoyed learning and considered it a </span><span style="color: #222222;">privilege</span><span style="color: #222222;">. Managing time and prioritizing effectively is key to succeeding both on the field and in the classroom. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>11. Proudest moment of your senior season? Also what was your proudest moment in academics?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As an athlete, I take pride in witnessing the growth of my teammate Colton Kershaw. We pushed each other daily in intense practices to be better. I see lots of similarities in our games which reinforces my belief in his bright future. He has two more years to showcase his immense talent. Academically, I'm proud to have graduated with a 4.0 GPA. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>12. What teachers at Patriot left a lasting impact on you?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ms. Nichols was one of the kindest and most compassionate souls on this planet. She gave me countless amounts of advice. Ms. Shipman truly loves her students and will do everything in her power to make sure you succeed. Mr. Demharter and Ms. Moore led a great leadership class. Both guided me on my path to succeed as an athlete and student. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx-Uc3pKOMXmGzOIIBYIe3in_dZTUyLALMGRh-iLrW62U4XCuPsb7S9HF-gGs4chle6KQF1ANPGNScIwkG69IqEpaxcyNbUmEhIk2_6cenMmtw-nlynBKvr4mZykpR2odUUxr2nX9OfXvizLwcNoAYQZCQKJoae_I4M0uhvihaByvhNDvSo44ZcD2-j7t/s4032/IMG_9943.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx-Uc3pKOMXmGzOIIBYIe3in_dZTUyLALMGRh-iLrW62U4XCuPsb7S9HF-gGs4chle6KQF1ANPGNScIwkG69IqEpaxcyNbUmEhIk2_6cenMmtw-nlynBKvr4mZykpR2odUUxr2nX9OfXvizLwcNoAYQZCQKJoae_I4M0uhvihaByvhNDvSo44ZcD2-j7t/w640-h480/IMG_9943.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times;">Gabe (right) on signing day at Patriot</span></i></b></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">13. What was your mindset like before the Freedom game?</span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222;">My mindset was unchanged compared to any other game. We knew it would be the toughest challenge of the year. It was win and go home- and unfortunately we went home. Shoutout to Coach O and the boys at Freedom- they're in good hands. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: helvetica;"><b>14. Who was the best defender you went up against?</b></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;">Amare Campbell from Unity Reed (now at North Carolina) stands out as the most formidable defender we faced. He wreaked havoc in the front eight and rightfully belongs in the top tier of defenders. </span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">15. Has any DB ever called you out in a game or camp. If so, how did you respond?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In games, no. They knew better. But at camp, some did- and it didn't end well for them. Such behavior is childish and risky. Camps are meant to prove yourself. Calling players out comes off as petty. It's best to focus on one's personal growth and stay in your lane. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>16. Shepherd recruited heavier than ever in the DMV this year, especially in PWC. You had originally committed to Slippery Rock. When did they appear on your radar as a possible place to play? </b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Shepherd caught my attention in the beginning of the year. They had been recruiting Cole Scott- now a standout linebacker for the Rams- during his senior season. Their interest in me grew from there, and I was fully aware of Shepherd as a destination to continue my football journey. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RahBbS7bgDCqhFESQKjk-u2v16Ta8s1CC5PIXsnoNU_jwzWGPHA8tJ2V4omYUTlr2gy779UwaCrA2vMhmlq4ng_p9kPKZ1hjTKiXhBP5uRo2OrApsDktkcf-UjvvcsOz2jXVnpuPmzC-vg6ue0_q071spr-KnY9ugKvg1eE679nJFKY3H9hNk8LVzQtj/s4096/InCollage_20230713_221322041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RahBbS7bgDCqhFESQKjk-u2v16Ta8s1CC5PIXsnoNU_jwzWGPHA8tJ2V4omYUTlr2gy779UwaCrA2vMhmlq4ng_p9kPKZ1hjTKiXhBP5uRo2OrApsDktkcf-UjvvcsOz2jXVnpuPmzC-vg6ue0_q071spr-KnY9ugKvg1eE679nJFKY3H9hNk8LVzQtj/w640-h640/InCollage_20230713_221322041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Shepherd recruited heavily in Prince William County in 2022: Jayden Perez (OL), Brodie Carroll (LB) & Damier Minkah (DB) out of Battlefield, Sam Fernandez (DB) and Gabe Bigbee (WR) from Patriot, Tyler Nix (OL) and Will Johnson (DB) out of Brentsville and Nigel Burke (DB) from Osbourn</i></b></div><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b></div>17. Shepherd has seen a lot of success throughout the years, appearing in 4 semi-finals since 2010 (most recently 2021 & 2022) and 2 National championships. How much did that factor into your decision?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222;">Their track record of success heavily influenced my decision to go there. Having the opportunity to play for a successful team is a blessing. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>18. What did it mean to you to see RG3 show up at Shepherd prior to the draft to look at 2021 Harlon Hill winner Tyson Bagent?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #222222;">Incredible. It was reassuring to see the established connections to the NFL that Shepherd has, especially for the turnout at Shepherd's pro day. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>19. The Rams also had 3 other players sign as undrafted free agents following the 2023 NFL Draft (Ronnie Brown, Joey Fisher & Brian Walker). Has that added more motivation for you?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">That definitely added motivation for me. I aspire to follow in their footsteps and contribute to the team's success just like they did. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYffPQetftkWUyCbhr3-pC5KUUaTbrnck8Nq_8sGDVO-9lGzYXp0zSOCp-iNPOmN_QP5ndM-fR-AbcRoMk-ugb07PXcqdd0F07lTDjd1yk_vCN4piGN-rDYOW2-Io6mScmlnpmrj2eWgxyZ9WhQqBjN9eXRo9F8qXOeYmO1TDZ4y1g4iHwoan156Tobpf/s2000/20230713_220425.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYffPQetftkWUyCbhr3-pC5KUUaTbrnck8Nq_8sGDVO-9lGzYXp0zSOCp-iNPOmN_QP5ndM-fR-AbcRoMk-ugb07PXcqdd0F07lTDjd1yk_vCN4piGN-rDYOW2-Io6mScmlnpmrj2eWgxyZ9WhQqBjN9eXRo9F8qXOeYmO1TDZ4y1g4iHwoan156Tobpf/w494-h640/20230713_220425.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><i><b>Shepherd looked to reload after a season that saw four players (a DII record) sign as undrafted free-agents following the NFL draft: QB Tyson Bagent (Chicago), RB Ronnie Brown (Tampa Bay), RT Joey Fisher (San Francisco) and TE Brian Walker (Baltimore)</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(image via @SURamsfootball on Twitter)</span></b></i></div><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>20. What impression did Ernie McCook and his coaching staff leave on you after meeting them?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Meeting Coach McCook. Coach Kellar and Coach Wright left a lasting impression on me and my family. It was evident Shepherd values the importance of a close-knit community and strives for greatness. They hold everyone accountable for their responsibilities within the program.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>21. After visiting Shepherdstown, a city rich in history.....what was your favorite part about it?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I particularly enjoyed the passion for football that permeates the community. Not only the students but the people of Shepherdstown genuinely care about the players' success and well-being. It meant a lot to me. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">22. What are your goals for your freshman season, not only on t</b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he field but in the classroom?</b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I aim to become an academic All-American. On the field, the goal is simple: earn a starting position and contribute to the team's success. Whether it's on offense or special teams- I want to have a positive impact on the game and fulfill my role. I want to take care of my responsibilities and do whatever my coaches ask of me. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">For more on Gabe, follow him on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/bigbeegabe" target="_blank">@BigbeeGabe</a></span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">For more on Shepherd football, visit <a href="https://shepherdrams.com/sports/football" target="_blank">their website</a> and follow them on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/suramsfootball" target="_blank">@SURamsfootball</a>. </span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 91.044pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 91.044pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 91.044pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-13765484103747946212023-03-03T23:21:00.008-08:002023-03-04T05:52:08.131-08:00Osbourn Park Loses to Manchester in State Quarterfinals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBBPqp96mrLbazui29bYVI09viaRenuW6tia6r9s-g-nmlNC9rEYmdx-VbsVZ3Z2XUhm5bVdVMvvGfKa8wxwLItnZYxRpzAMtpDoEtyQsSREXKh1xxx3uTwbda-kGeJnlFRC4N2Bno_IY9j2_ytkCCSFmAcsHjs7MtZFkh8tm9WsrUJw5l5LE7J8d6w/s2228/team.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="2228" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBBPqp96mrLbazui29bYVI09viaRenuW6tia6r9s-g-nmlNC9rEYmdx-VbsVZ3Z2XUhm5bVdVMvvGfKa8wxwLItnZYxRpzAMtpDoEtyQsSREXKh1xxx3uTwbda-kGeJnlFRC4N2Bno_IY9j2_ytkCCSFmAcsHjs7MtZFkh8tm9WsrUJw5l5LE7J8d6w/w640-h426/team.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park moments before tip-off.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br></span></div>After <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2023/02/yellow-jacket-win-third-straight.html" target="_blank">winning regionals</a>, the Osbourn Park Yellow Jackets (23-5, 11-1) had waited a week to face Manchester (21-5, 17-1) in the state quarterfinals. Despite an unofficial homecourt advantage by playing at Unity Reed, Manchester came out victorious, 58-50. <div><br></div><div>The night would get off to a a bright start for Osbourn Park following a Jayel West steal. She'd get fouled going for a layup and sink both free throws. Moments later, senior <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/osbourn-parks-alana-powell-is-the-region-girls-basketball-player-of-the-year/article_0f63643c-b543-11ed-b54a-db3b3318f2dd.html" target="_blank">Region Player of the Year </a>Alana Powell found fellow senior First Team All-Region forward Kori Cole for a basket and a 4-1 lead. </div><div><br></div><div>Manchester junior center Mia Woolfolk would score her first basket on their next possession. Her second basket at the 4:28 mark would give the Lancers a 5-4 lead, one they wouldn't give up until the second half. </div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9b-uTm8NW46lflGBwu7iz9yZhxhMWK1G-kkB-K-AAU9naV6KhTCAyQ_J4hSfMI6s49uc_uTdhtpBXkj6tolG4AxHfZaN7RGARffYI59c2L-yqQJY_CrjV-ACMzyyTA_MZ5KBGklmmbzjD5L_6kCYe_2rYRDd0PtYrXUxzzj6nuzRDY1B_N-Nnqo4uw/s1721/kori2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="1721" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9b-uTm8NW46lflGBwu7iz9yZhxhMWK1G-kkB-K-AAU9naV6KhTCAyQ_J4hSfMI6s49uc_uTdhtpBXkj6tolG4AxHfZaN7RGARffYI59c2L-yqQJY_CrjV-ACMzyyTA_MZ5KBGklmmbzjD5L_6kCYe_2rYRDd0PtYrXUxzzj6nuzRDY1B_N-Nnqo4uw/w640-h474/kori2.jpg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park's Kori Cole had her second double-double off the playoffs with 14 points and 10 rebounds.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></i></b></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br></span><div>The Yellow Jackets would turn the ball over, and the Lancers immediately took advantage with a three-pointer from sophomore guard Rayne Wright. </div><div><br></div><div>OP sophomore center Alex Brown would find Alana Powell for a three-pointer of their own, but Manchester remained steady and ended the quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 14-7 lead into the second. </div><div><br></div><div>Senior Lancers guard Arianna Payne got in on the three-point action with 7:23 left in the half to extend her team's lead to 17-7. Mia Woolfolk would commit a charge and give OP the ball back, but the Lancers would continue to add to their lead. Rayne Wright found junior guard Leah Hampton from behind the arc, and Wright scored three the hard way via and-one as Manchester amassed a 23-11 lead.</div><div><br></div><div>The Yellow Jackets fought back, ending the half on an 11-2 run with baskets from Kori Cole, freshman Samia Snead and senior Danielle Darfour. Manchester went into the half with a 25-22 edge.</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeFcy8ihK7Ld4EPCF7-sNT-aV4xMDkUTtry-eP9eiVTWO8LCi_7UM6zdBGGjPvG1wms7BmAY0hQKGGDSWIO-GAyR9V6wQw4Z4vBVfKe1VvnvFPDO1bIoLBUGMIeX2OglirIqF-8lRy7OX-PPam0h4w5d2gwquZAGaLHpkcxUJTV4At4lul89WVFz2kQ/s1770/trio.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="1770" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeFcy8ihK7Ld4EPCF7-sNT-aV4xMDkUTtry-eP9eiVTWO8LCi_7UM6zdBGGjPvG1wms7BmAY0hQKGGDSWIO-GAyR9V6wQw4Z4vBVfKe1VvnvFPDO1bIoLBUGMIeX2OglirIqF-8lRy7OX-PPam0h4w5d2gwquZAGaLHpkcxUJTV4At4lul89WVFz2kQ/w640-h190/trio.png" width="640"></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Seniors Danielle Darfour, Alana Powell and Kori Cole played their final high school games Friday night, combining for 39 of the team's 50 points.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Osbourn Park kicked off the second half with a block by freshman guard Keyarah Rainey. It helped fuel a quick 4-0 by OP with both baskets via Alana Powell. It was the team's first lead since 4:29 in the first quarter. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Danielle Darfour's second steal-and-score gave OP a 28-26 lead, but Mia Woolfolk would continue to put her team on her back with offensive rebounds, putbacks, free throws and blocks. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Samia Snead handed out consecutive assists to Kori Cole that capped of a 10-3 Yellow Jackets run. Woolfolk would have 6 of her team's final 10 third quarter points. The 10-0 run was finished off by a Keileen Edwards three-pointer as time expired with Manchester up 38-32. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Alex Brown would unfortunately foul out early in the fourth quarter as Woolfolk continued her dominance inside. A basket of hers put the Lancers up 46-36 as Osbourn Park was forced to call a timeout with 4:11 left in the game. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvZAVJpvCVCqRRqgnG048QfzmtsjIW1i58mwz62vlFWXlJ4Ts0llKDfdVAi-llOma_DpAHjgvQ5LU4u28cVkuIS4MQvPdMoRzfU-mkk0SdVgh5O2rJmWAxmx6E9mL1FLG-otr5JHj7yjJCF9NAWnQP0wMv_UNSyUWzr_cP88fIxBUlpckCuIXIgESRw/s1581/23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvZAVJpvCVCqRRqgnG048QfzmtsjIW1i58mwz62vlFWXlJ4Ts0llKDfdVAi-llOma_DpAHjgvQ5LU4u28cVkuIS4MQvPdMoRzfU-mkk0SdVgh5O2rJmWAxmx6E9mL1FLG-otr5JHj7yjJCF9NAWnQP0wMv_UNSyUWzr_cP88fIxBUlpckCuIXIgESRw/w474-h640/23.jpg" width="474"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Junior Manchester center Mia Woolfolk led her team to the quarterfinals win Friday night. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via<a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank"> Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></i></b></div><br><div style="text-align: left;">Manchester would soon after be in the double bonus. A flagrant would be called on the Yellow Jackets, and the Lancers' lead would swell to 51-39 with a minute to go. A trio of Osbourn Park three-pointers by Samia Snead and Alana Powell would be too little, too late as Manchester would continue to hit free throws after being fouled. OP Junior Angie Yann assisted on a Danielle Darfour basket as the buzzer sounded and Osbourn Park's season ended. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kori Cole had her second double-double of the playoffs with 14 points and 10 rebounds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"We had a good season and I'm proud of us," said Cole. "It was disappointing to end it the way we did, but we left it all on the floor."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"It's not the way we wanted the season to go," said Alana Powell. "But I can't be mad because I go out to compete and have fun, and that's what we did today. Having such a young team, I'm just glad they bought in. Some of the best memories I've ever had are through this team. I'm more upset about losing people I consider family than I am the loss. I'll no longer be on the court with them and that makes me sad."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"I put my all in this game and even though the outcome wasn't what we wanted, I enjoyed every moment of playing with this team," said Danielle Darfour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I caught up with head coach Chrissy Kelly afterwards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Mentally we were unprepared. The lack of mental focus puts us in positions like tonight. We got beat by a better team. Manchester was better coached and better prepared for tonight. It starts with me. The coaching didn't get it done. Every time we made a run, they countered. When we lost the discipline in the second half, once Alex went out- we were missing free throws and layups."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Coach Kelly reflected on her three seniors playing their final game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"They were the ones who were mentally prepared. The young ones need to learn. This doesn't just happen. It takes a special group of seniors to get to this level. There's a different level of focus and understanding what it takes to win on the bigger stages."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The trio of seniors touched on their unique bond for the last four years- and beyond. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"They’re like sisters. They’re
two of my best friends," said Cole. "Our team’s bond and chemistry was like family . That’s
why we were able to get as far as we did. I’m thankful to have met them. I couldn't have asked for a better two co-seniors."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Darfour echoed that sentiment. "It was one of the best
experiences of my life. We held each other accountable and genuinely loved playing
with and for each other. I couldn’t ask for a better group of seniors."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Powell didn't let the result of tonight's game blur her perspective. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"These are my best friends. I’ve known Kori since I was five.
We came up playing in AAU. I met Danielle my freshman year when she didn’t even
talk. They are my ride-or-die’s. Not being able to play with them on the floor
is what’s crushing me now."</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cole and Powell offered words of encouragement they have for the younger players. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">"</span>Learn from this. See how we feel after this. Get it done next
year," said Cole.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Powell focused on fundamentals. "Every underclassmen needs to
buy in every day. They need to hold each other accountable. It comes down to
defensive rebounding, layups and free throws."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>I'd like to take this final section to thank Osbourn Park for allowing me access to the team, even on a tough night like tonight. Thank you to all the players for their time, Coach Kelly for hers and her elite coaching insight. Her coaching staff was great to connect with as well. Thank you to Keith Laine and his entire staff.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Thank you to everyone in the Prince William County Facebook groups for the likes, shares and feedback.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Lastly I'd like to thank the parents and families of the players. It was a pleasure getting to meet you all- and sorry if I wasn't able to introduce myself to every one of you. I can easily see how these young women have been able to have all this success with such supportive families. </i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Catch you all next year.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal">For more on the team, follow them on <a href="https://twitter.com/ophswbb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ophswbb/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><b>Feedback? E-mail me at sobrieno24@gmail.com.</b></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br></span></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div></div>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-88230919797019224832023-02-25T00:21:00.002-08:002023-02-25T00:43:05.250-08:00Yellow Jackets Win Third Straight Regional Championship Versus Gainesville<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3pCfMKJsHvNB88iUySLNESa5W83WWOvlWU443xwWDKEqz1I2aic_NCwddjaFgCQLrPyxA4Wu0rnzBYBsIqdNRA0tjhP5jTvDrizilAQWWYSd8cm60Yt2bVQ8r9dLijv5vGn8W16hW3-DZoQFqkG7Y7Z5rtyRUg4Krm3r8hBhpPJF2Kl1Z4DhqB_RVw/s1280/179579.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3pCfMKJsHvNB88iUySLNESa5W83WWOvlWU443xwWDKEqz1I2aic_NCwddjaFgCQLrPyxA4Wu0rnzBYBsIqdNRA0tjhP5jTvDrizilAQWWYSd8cm60Yt2bVQ8r9dLijv5vGn8W16hW3-DZoQFqkG7Y7Z5rtyRUg4Krm3r8hBhpPJF2Kl1Z4DhqB_RVw/w640-h480/179579.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park celebrate after their 64-29 regional championship win over Gainesville. It's their seventh win in a row and fourth over the Cardinals. </span></i></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Helen Jones)</span></i></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Osbourn Park Yellow Jackets played their third game in four nights on Friday. They'd show no signs of fatigue, winning 64-29. It was their seventh win in a row and their third regional championship in three seasons. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gainesville would be without their top player, junior guard Madison McKenzie. Despite her absence, the Cardinals kept things competitive in the first quarter. Senior guard Kennedy McCala would break the ice with an early basket. Osbourn Park sophomore center Alex Brown would assert herself early, answering with an offensive rebound and putback. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Senior forward Kori Cole would steal the ball and outlet it to senior guard Alana Powell who found Brown for two and a 6-2 OP lead. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Brown would score again off another assist by Powell, amassing Osbourn Park's first eight points with 3:28 left in the opening quarter. I caught up with her to discuss that immediate impact. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"It felt good to give my team that push. Last time versus Gainesville I didn't have my best game. I just wanted to leave it all out on the floor. The energy of the crowd gave us the energy to win tonight," said Brown. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That energy would be buzzing through the Osbourn Park gymnasium all night, a strong show of support right ahead of the state playoffs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Brown would finish with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 1 steal. Osbourn Park head coach Chrissy Kelly spoke on her efforts.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"There's a lot of pressure on these kids. AB looks like she's 25, but she's still 15. It's a maturation process. She needs to know she has the support. We've gone to her a lot more and she trusts in herself because we trust her. She's able to play her game."</div><p></p><div>OP would end the first with a 12-8 lead. </div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Senior Yellow Jacket guard Danielle Darfour would be fouled early in the second quarter and make her first of two free throws. OP would unfortunately commit a lane violation, nullifying her second one. Alana Powell would soon after find junior guard Angie Yann for a three-pointer, Yann's first of two from deep and one of Powell's 6 assists. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEL6qucYnXtva6iGcHaPaGt0eIRyqQCfM2uWRZdIQY9b4ifblyMe6XL1Kho5V4JHDNnRq8WiAbF0KVkOoHC5l88iGvsJxTAJsG5sq_41hVnw_XjIUFoWgLYz1tzvqy1d4__JQwVotlRgs7LsO2ieQWzxmk1C92AS0h09taO7g3GFmyAqVA1YTCN52adQ/s3520/179553.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="3520" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEL6qucYnXtva6iGcHaPaGt0eIRyqQCfM2uWRZdIQY9b4ifblyMe6XL1Kho5V4JHDNnRq8WiAbF0KVkOoHC5l88iGvsJxTAJsG5sq_41hVnw_XjIUFoWgLYz1tzvqy1d4__JQwVotlRgs7LsO2ieQWzxmk1C92AS0h09taO7g3GFmyAqVA1YTCN52adQ/w640-h360/179553.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Alana Powell sinks a free throw, going 4-4 from the charity stripe on the night. </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Helen Jones)</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Powell was far from done, stealing and scoring less than 20 seconds later, adding a free throw in for good measure and a 19-10 OP lead with 6:12 left in the first half. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">She would add another steal and score, followed by a Kori Cole defensive rebound and coast-to-coast finish at the other end to increase their lead to 26-12 at the 3:45 mark. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Cedar District Player of the Year would continue to dominate, scoring 11 of her 21 during the second quarter. Gainesville responded with a 7-0 run to get within 11. Powell countered by capping off the half with a jumper as time expired to give her team a 34-21 lead.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Freshman guard Jayel West would look to pass to Alana Powell for three. The senior guard would draw a foul and sink all three free throws. West would then steal the ball and dish it to Danielle Darfour for two. Darfour would pickpocket a Cardinal guard and convert the basket, putting her team up 41-21 only a minute into the half. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A scary moment occurred when Jayel West was diving for a loose ball and collided with a Gainesville player, causing a minor back injury. Osbourn Park athletic trainers, head coach Chrissy Kelly and West's mother gathered by her to check on her. She'd get helped up moments later to the delight of everyone in attendance and even return later in the game. I got a chance to check on her afterwards.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I was a little shaken up, but I did some exercises with our trainer and felt better after."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also inquired about where her steely resolve comes from, as she never seems frazzled by anything. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"It comes from all the preparation and practice. I'm just am always like that naturally."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAg7KIgsX3gIwdXPqdauO1xnQJOJw-AQBF9Y29uPfTln8rpqp6ZB6BWaP2Rah7EbZO7OvLZMDJMlXVhFUOOjlzD3dHBMO8FUryiqZDslIVTYGEKZ7jhod55HfIxxWNpX94VoFRXMtjZBLbT_8fvkvgA02PeGdPTidLBd93i2M9kPtT8ZVpX6avKWK6Aw/s2048/179581.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAg7KIgsX3gIwdXPqdauO1xnQJOJw-AQBF9Y29uPfTln8rpqp6ZB6BWaP2Rah7EbZO7OvLZMDJMlXVhFUOOjlzD3dHBMO8FUryiqZDslIVTYGEKZ7jhod55HfIxxWNpX94VoFRXMtjZBLbT_8fvkvgA02PeGdPTidLBd93i2M9kPtT8ZVpX6avKWK6Aw/w480-h640/179581.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Alana Powell cuts down a piece of the net following the team's third consecutive regional championship. She'd total 21 points on 8-16 shooting, adding 6 assists, 4 steals and 3 rebounds. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Helen Jones)</span></i></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Despite the stoppage in play, Osbourn Park would remain laser-focused. They'd rack up five assists over the next five possessions with the final one being a Kori Cole assist to freshman Samia Snead. It would finish off a 20-0 run in less than four minutes. A Kennedy McCala three-pointer would end the Cardinals' scoring drought and be their only points of the quarter. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With seconds left in the third, Samia Snead pushed the ball up the court. She dazzled fans with a wrap-around bounce pass to fellow freshman Keyarah Rainey as the buzzer sounded and OP up 56-24. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Snead was not done impressing the OP crowd, snagging a rebound and taking it all the way with a crafty scoop layup and a 61-25 advantage. She'd also score the team's final points with a three-pointer with 1:35 left in the game. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9pGe6q9SxzsoRuo9R0DY816YUaICDPGRYfWgExNdvinXyREAl_SqSS_EeH6leA2nkQV3f80dqfN0pK59DaB-eWq2_AWQePfAdTChY8u7jwYIv3wb1QYCO7FU9C498fVkhOan0AfD8OmXbLEuVSXxYEbb4lZJSftQMFJX_fyqIDTHvMIKj_hlWa2x9A/s1280/179573.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9pGe6q9SxzsoRuo9R0DY816YUaICDPGRYfWgExNdvinXyREAl_SqSS_EeH6leA2nkQV3f80dqfN0pK59DaB-eWq2_AWQePfAdTChY8u7jwYIv3wb1QYCO7FU9C498fVkhOan0AfD8OmXbLEuVSXxYEbb4lZJSftQMFJX_fyqIDTHvMIKj_hlWa2x9A/w640-h360/179573.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park seconds after the final buzzer sounded.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Helen Jones)</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Osbourn Park head coach Chrissy Kelly gathered her thoughts after the game.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"They were down a tremendous player in Madison McKenzie, but were well-coached throughout. I'm happy it went the way it did. I'm grateful for my principal and my athletic director. They really have pushed for the student body to be here. They showed up and showed out. It made all the difference, and that's why you play for homecourt advantage."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Alana Powell spoke to that homecourt advantage as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Coming in tonight and seeing all of our family and friends as we cut the nets down- just that atmosphere being at home, it really helps us want to go harder. It shows how much our school loves each other."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But with a whole week in between games, I asked Coach Kelly if there's a worry of losing focus.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Until we know who we are playing, it's hard to lock in. But once we come back Tuesday for practice and we have more details, that's it. There's a lot we can fine-tune until then and get better at in the mean time."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The endgame is not lost on Powell as the state playoffs approach next Friday.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I love my team and am super proud of what we did tonight. Doing this for my team, my school and my family- I want to be able to complete something that's bigger than myself."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>Game Notes:</b></u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- Osbourn Park's next game Friday night will return to the pre-Covid format of having states at a neutral site which has yet to be determined.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- Alex Brown committed two fouls with 3:47 left in the first quarter, but remained in. She wouldn't be called for any other fouls the rest of the game. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- OP's 20-0 run in the third quarter brings their streak of games with a 16+ point run to five straight. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- The Osbourn Park defense forced 28 turnovers, including 15 steals. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- The Yellow Jackets shot 25-48 (52%) and 4-20 (20%) from beyond the arc.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- Both teams shot 6-12 from the free throw line. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>For more on the Yellow Jackets, follow them on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ophswbb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ophswbb" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know <a href="http://www.twitter.com/seanneutron" target="_blank">@SeanNeutron</a> on Twitter.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-45694608893458810342023-02-22T23:27:00.002-08:002023-02-22T23:32:49.860-08:00Osbourn Park Overpowers Colgan in Regional Semifinal Win<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ntMnFFZqR4Js7LBlPX76qEQH83WtYnBwIdsFaSX7GwmegOUAxDdtnzQHtxSHb0ys2TydU-Ynl1JQ9FL4IsNOHmUl73ZYrr_BI_Dl9d3XjssJilb8bCj6aQwCvy6Dmr8KcqZzwpJXU8dqQFImbvSGoqn_fimIu8bf-6KCspngGRmdGPibID7BNLf_ag/s2048/179001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ntMnFFZqR4Js7LBlPX76qEQH83WtYnBwIdsFaSX7GwmegOUAxDdtnzQHtxSHb0ys2TydU-Ynl1JQ9FL4IsNOHmUl73ZYrr_BI_Dl9d3XjssJilb8bCj6aQwCvy6Dmr8KcqZzwpJXU8dqQFImbvSGoqn_fimIu8bf-6KCspngGRmdGPibID7BNLf_ag/w640-h480/179001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park Chrissy Kelly convenes with her team during a timeout.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Helen Jones)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Osbourn Park and Colgan first played on December 2nd resulting in a 63-37 OP win. Things would not fare better the second time around for the visitors as Osbourn Park's second win in as many nights came in a 66-31 thrashing of the Sharks on Wednesday. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Things got off to an admittedly slow start on Tuesday <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2023/02/yellow-jackets-sink-vikings-in-regional.html" target="_blank">versus Woodbridge</a> for OP. That would not be the case in the first quarter versus Colgan. Sophomore Alex Brown's opening tip went directly to Alana Powell who raced to their basket for an easy 2-0 lead mere seconds into the game. Powell would then gather a rebound and get the ball to Kori Cole who would draw a foul and drain both free throws. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cole would find Alex Brown on their next possession for a basket inside to increase it to 6-0 with 5:53 to go in the opening quarter. Alana Powell kept her foot on the accelerator, laying the ball in for two. She'd immediately steal the ball and score again. Colgan would be forced to call a timeout down 10-0 at the 4:58 mark. I caught up with her about her hot hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"We practice every day like we're preparing for the state championship. We take it to heart- that urgency, that intensity. We incorporate that into our practice and shootaround. Having that mentality and consistency really helps our energy from the jump."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkixbE45JhkCtJZltDmNRVPYjQHHHU8aWnu0iBogpYjRmMsmqyKLEMpE_G3NVcWNoXxb1Y2Au5uJzhJ1LO8laaXRPend5xHFJp3fIun5dh4p2SrFvrhoqDJ8MxU-_AMLJg6M4YqNtaeohVPI5hWHyRLtGlmAppP0a_QXlrmCzjZOr5_aNzwO3JDMSlag/s960/179020.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkixbE45JhkCtJZltDmNRVPYjQHHHU8aWnu0iBogpYjRmMsmqyKLEMpE_G3NVcWNoXxb1Y2Au5uJzhJ1LO8laaXRPend5xHFJp3fIun5dh4p2SrFvrhoqDJ8MxU-_AMLJg6M4YqNtaeohVPI5hWHyRLtGlmAppP0a_QXlrmCzjZOr5_aNzwO3JDMSlag/w480-h640/179020.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cedar District Player of the Year Alana Powell led Osbourn Park with 17 points on 7-10 shooting.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Helen Jones)</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Powell's fingerprints would remain all over the game as she found Brown for a basket, then stole the ball again and scored. Colgan would finally break the drought with a free throw with 2:58 left in the quarter to make it 16-1.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Colgan junior guard Jaclyn Robinson would hit a three-pointer that helped fuel an 8-4 run to end the quarter with OP up 20-8. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a brief rest, Alana Powell would return to hit another basket, but the scoring duties would be lightened by junior guard Angie Yann. Senior guard Danielle Darfour found the sharpshooter for a three-pointer at the 4:14 mark of the second quarter. Alex Brown would also link up with Yann less than a minute later for another three as OP opened up a 28-12 lead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yann would finish the game with 9 points on 3-4 shooting from beyond the arc. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"I had been in a slump. My teammates and my coaches helped talk me through it, telling me to not put my head down. Keep shooting because it would come eventually. I was on a roll and that encouragement kept me going," said Yann. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpKaX7Gb2G5SpbKXkyPxEmXycHfwKAc4TWkvaZasvy0aPAeE74pGTfMi0RC6Xj24cOunHGqISZaRzrcaVAYlEyKZLRKtLn9QluQYkEzKCOMaQpknECPdMEiYG6GA-3K7RFG-06hXXxSMGkcV9fmdqwxEEiv-pFEAZNugiIMSW3Ns9l07nDVq6U5j5_A/s2048/179034.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpKaX7Gb2G5SpbKXkyPxEmXycHfwKAc4TWkvaZasvy0aPAeE74pGTfMi0RC6Xj24cOunHGqISZaRzrcaVAYlEyKZLRKtLn9QluQYkEzKCOMaQpknECPdMEiYG6GA-3K7RFG-06hXXxSMGkcV9fmdqwxEEiv-pFEAZNugiIMSW3Ns9l07nDVq6U5j5_A/w640-h480/179034.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chrissy Kelly discusses strategy during a pause in the game with junior guard Angie Yann. Yann would be a sparkplug off the bench for OP.</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Helen Jones)</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Powell would get in on the action from deep, hitting a three ninety seconds later. Yann wasn't done making an impact, as a steal of hers led to Powell finding freshman Samia Snead for a layup to increase the lead to 20 points. OP went into the half up 35-13. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Osbourn Park's swarming defense would continue to cause problems for the Sharks. Kori Cole would score a basket then steal the ball immediately and find Alana Powell. Powell then snagged another steal herself and found Jayel West for a hoop and the harm as OP led 42-15 with 6:40 to go in the third quarter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A pair of free throws for Alana Powell would cap off an 11-0 OP run and give them a 46-15 lead. It was powered in part by freshman guard Keyarah Rainey's hustle. During the run she'd have a block that led to a basket, then an offensive rebound that led to her going 2-2 from the free throw line. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Despite her sustained individual success each game, the humble Rainey was quick to defer all credit to her teammates. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"We're just trying to get better by working hard, building off our mistakes and trying to be perfect. We were working to get to states, and I want to impact the game as best I can."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A three by Angie Yann would make it 51-17, then Colgan would finish the third quarter on a 5-0 run to make it 51-22. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflc6ndKMBhKP_vCAY2XGxT5pDXUdB7c5dACfh-2bRov3qM3s8UFvHycBlYwWoaIemym1Ld9-3LG2O0jR1cfGJnUuAHsG4QoFJFiXM5rtWrdExZ53hsih1vpUw4YlCkZGmNOGnfX77bZ9c2mpWB1P7I0QdIrEYs4jivmQZyMdq39-oeSW1JTrKsl8l3w/s2048/179030.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflc6ndKMBhKP_vCAY2XGxT5pDXUdB7c5dACfh-2bRov3qM3s8UFvHycBlYwWoaIemym1Ld9-3LG2O0jR1cfGJnUuAHsG4QoFJFiXM5rtWrdExZ53hsih1vpUw4YlCkZGmNOGnfX77bZ9c2mpWB1P7I0QdIrEYs4jivmQZyMdq39-oeSW1JTrKsl8l3w/w640-h480/179030.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jayel West and Danielle Darfour surround Colgan sophomore Maria Barksdale. This was just one example of their defensive pressure, resulting in 14 steals for the Yellow Jackets.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Helen Jones)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A Jayel West steal would lead to her sinking two free throws. Her four steals tied Alana Powell most on the night. Keyarah Rainey would then grab her fourth rebound and outlet the ball to Samia Snead who found freshman Jaelyn Gorham for a three-pointer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chrissy Kelly would empty her bench with 2:09 to go in the game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"I did a mass substitution early on and was managing the game, then their coach countered. It's like a chess game. We have to get the job done on defense. When our focus transitions to offense, it allows those runs by the other team. It's happening a lot and we can't have that."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One player I've noticed with even more confidence and improvement since last year is center Alex Brown. The sophomore had 6 points on a perfect 3-3 from the field, 6 rebounds and 1 block. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"We look for the mismatch and try to capitalize. I've had a lot more help from my coaches and teammates. I'm maturing into a bigger role as a leader on the team, and I just look to stay focused."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OP qualified for the state playoffs after defeating Colgan, but their sights remain set on Friday's regional final versus Gainesville Cardinals (23-3, 10-2). It's the two teams' <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2023/02/osbourn-park-downs-gainesville-to.html" target="_blank">second game in a week</a>. The Yellow Jackets (22-4, 11-1) are 3-0 this season against them, averaging 62 points per game an allowing 32.8 points. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"We've got to focus on getting better on the defensive end. We have to capitalize on opportunities, possessions and collectively doing our job," said Kelly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The game tips off at 6 pm Friday night at Osbourn Park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more on Osbourn Park, follow them @OPHSWBB on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ophswbb" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ophswbb" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><u>Game Notes:</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>-The opening scoring frenzy would be the team's fourth game in a row with a run of 16 points or more. </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>- Jayel West would tie Angie Yann for second in points (9) and also added 4 steals.</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>- Osbourn Park finished with 11 assists, led by Alana Powell's 4. </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>- Through the team's current six game winning streak, Osbourn Park is averaging 63.2 points per game and only allowing 29.3. </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>- Senior Kori Cole added 8 points, 5 rebounds 1 assist and 2 steals. </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>- Colgan senior guard Alana Jones took a textbook charge in the second half that would be called a block by the officials. She'd laugh off the call, but from my viewpoint shoulders were square and feet were set. </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>- OP finished shooting 25-43 (58%) and 5-20 (25%) from beyond the arc. </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b>- The Yellow Jackets shot 11-16 (69%) from the charity stripe to Colgan's 8-20 (40%). </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know <a href="http://www.twitter.com/seanneutron" target="_blank">@SeanNeutron</a>.</b></div><p></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-13367207026738921852023-02-21T22:45:00.009-08:002023-02-22T21:52:38.801-08:00Yellow Jackets Sink Vikings in Regional Quarterfinals<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGkt7twUtpjuYVQphSyZsgOUxWfciP5uFI0euwvJ_UironznzIFAuy0pFqu9DXa2igHHrZHhVg6Mf2O9cbqYY72G8oR7tIN9MeN1E6EuJqcqgSN-5DGAZhx8TLJz6sL-AJOpelsIYjAmg6CR6yY1ApJELi5yL1Fe42lRU0EA_tFXcdrJ7-N8FcMqoEQ/s1710/OPWB1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvopJOQlwyV1ZRiBh59BgYAJg8GGB6z61D4_ji3OHy5y89vMplbI956Ozn3DXC1GAWnLP1q-Wnn2y4LZQh8WqE6SpVF6cQvspgTaSWJdWqoUIveBThUKqNFVAWwDHSB1_OQjjY14NsO0dDRmqWM2rxId0KcOYZrDvWiohQvkTR1ga0tEvw4v-kK0PPw/s1710/OPWB1.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1710" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvopJOQlwyV1ZRiBh59BgYAJg8GGB6z61D4_ji3OHy5y89vMplbI956Ozn3DXC1GAWnLP1q-Wnn2y4LZQh8WqE6SpVF6cQvspgTaSWJdWqoUIveBThUKqNFVAWwDHSB1_OQjjY14NsO0dDRmqWM2rxId0KcOYZrDvWiohQvkTR1ga0tEvw4v-kK0PPw/w640-h270/OPWB1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Coming off a <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2023/02/osbourn-park-downs-gainesville-to.html" target="_blank">Cedar District Championship win last Friday over Gainesville</a>, the Osbourn Park Yellow Jackets focused their attention on the regional playoff quarterfinals versus Woodbridge at home. The Vikings would fall to OP, 72-32. </p><p>Woodbridge guard Trinity Henderson kicked the scoring off with a three-pointer at the 6:05 mark. It would be answered with a basket from OP senior guard Alana Powell. Powell would follow that up with a steal and draw a foul trying for a layup. She'd hit one of two free throws to knot that game at 3-3. She'd find freshman guard Jayel West for a basket and the home team's first lead of the night at 5-3. </p><p>Coming out of a Woodbridge timeout, the Vikings would take a 9-6 lead that would be countered by a Keyarah Rainey assist to sophomore center Alex Brown. A barrage of steals and baskets involving freshman Samia Snead, Keyarah Rainey would extend their lead to six at 15-9. Trinity Henderson would draw a foul on Alex Brown for a hoop and the harm, pulling her team within three points at 15-12 as the first quarter ended. </p><p>Woodbridge would turn the ball over early in the second quarter after a five-second violation on offense. OP would hit a rhythm, capped off by a steal and score by senior guard Danielle Darfour to give her team a 23-15 lead with 6:40 left in the first half. </p><p>A questionable blocking call on senior forward Kori Cole would allow Vikings senior center Imani Sanders to hit one of two free throws and draw the ire of the OP faithful. The Yellow Jackets worked quickly to make fans forget after an offensive rebound by Jayel West led to a three-pointer by Danielle Darfour. That was followed up by a Powell assist to Kori Cole to extend their lead to 30-19. OP would carry a 36-22 lead into the half. </p><p>The Yellow Jackets would be up 39-24 before another Trinity Henderson three-pointer made it 39-27. Osbourn Park would snuff out any intentions Woodbridge had of coming back with a 16-0 run to extend the lead to 55-27. Their selfless play was on full display with assists from three players and scoring from eight players via baskets inside, three-pointers and free throws. The run was snapped after almost five minutes with a Trinity Henderson basket at the 43 second mark in the third quarter. </p><p>Alana Powell would end the quarter on a high note, draining her second three-pointer in under a minute to give OP a 58-29 lead heading into the final quarter. </p><p>Osbourn Park head coach Chrissy Kelly would give her bench a chance for most of the fourth quarter. A steal by junior guard Angie Yann would lead to a Samia Snead three-pointer off an assist from Alex Brown to make it 61-29. The Yellow Jackets used a 12-3 quarter to finish off a 36-10 half capped off by two free throws from freshman guard Jaelyn Gorham. </p><p>Keyarah Rainey led all OP scorers with 14 points on 7-9 shooting, adding 5 rebounds, 4 assists and one steal. </p><p>I spoke with Samia Snead following the game. She'd be the team's second highest scorer with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and one steal. </p><p>"After the first quarter, Coach Kelly pulled us together and we started playing more for each other. We weren't focused with a different mindset, but we'd eventually play our game."</p><p>Snead would speak to where she gets her composure from as a freshman playing quality minutes in the playoffs. </p><p>"I get it from Alana (Powell). I came into the season really immature like any other freshman. I've had conversations with her and watch what she does and I was able to build on my maturity. I'm still a freshman, but I feel like I have to be a senior on the court."</p><p>I then caught up with Alana Powell.</p><p>"I'm just happy we were able to pull it together in the end. We started off kind of slow and my teammates picked up my slack in the first half. After our talk at halftime and how encouraging my teammates were, I was able to knock down those shots in the second half."</p><p>Powell then spoke to Snead's praise of her. </p><p>"She's grown so much and to see her thrive in big games like this is great to see. She'd been applying all the advice we've given her." </p><p>Kori Cole only had 2 points, but her effect on the game with 5 rebounds and 7 steals more than made up for it. </p><p>"We didn't expect the first half to go like it did. We didn't come in here cocky or anything, but we were hopeful. Our freshman really stepped up today," said Cole. </p><p>Those freshman (Snead, Rainey and West) would combine for 36 of the team's 72 points.</p><p>Finally I talked to Chrissy Kelly to get her thoughts on the forty point win.</p><p>"I have to remember it is tournament time and there are nerves, expectations, energy and adrenaline. It can all be draining, so we started off slow. Jayel West came out as a different player today. She did a really good job."</p><p>Kelly would use a variety of lineups throughout the game, constantly keeping Woodbridge on their heels. </p><p>"The hardest part of coaching is finding that right chemistry. When you go to the bench, you don't know. You're hoping all the practice has prepared them for that moment and to be a gamechanger. We use different mixtures of players with our various styles of defense."</p><p>The Yellow Jackets (21-4, 11-1) don't have too much time to celebrate, as they host the Colgan Sharks (16-9, 8-4) Wednesday at 6 PM in the regional semi-finals. </p><p><b><u>Game Notes:</u></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>- OP had 4 double-digit scorers: Keyarah Rainey (14), Samia Snead (12), Alana Powell (11) and Jayel West (10). </i></b></p><p><b><i>- Osbourn Park shot 25-48 (52%) from the field and 5-15 (33%) from three-point land. They'd shoot 17-24 (71%) from the free throw line.</i></b></p><p><b><i>- The Yellow Jackets finished the game with 32 rebounds (11 offensive), 14 assists and 18 steals. </i></b></p><p><b><i>- Alex Brown had 9 points, 6 rebounds and one assist. She also had two blocks, both early in the first quarter. </i></b></p><p><b><i>- Sophomore Julia Mathews made the most of her minutes with 6 points and drew a crucial charge late in the game. </i></b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>For more on Osbourn Park girl's basketball, follow them on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ophswbb" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a> and on Instagram at <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ophswbb" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a>. </b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-33933644733787350912023-02-17T23:13:00.007-08:002023-02-17T23:29:23.598-08:00Osbourn Park Downs Gainesville to Repeat as Cedar District Champions<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbZSh_-_zAlXQO6PeS2WBiLjTpBGs222_aQjrbSymMu6_lkTgeK4xpu82oTeyKRbi56JiSPa8S5QLYaiv4RlVLeU7Ks2ytHh9AHGagctn9KIgWM5-E2gz2YFkBB16f1FfqPpW784uzjahXJ80p3sjGnXtaU01851oAbXGREq219W9QQ7fTU5X9UGJuQ/s1080/FB_IMG_1676698372464.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbZSh_-_zAlXQO6PeS2WBiLjTpBGs222_aQjrbSymMu6_lkTgeK4xpu82oTeyKRbi56JiSPa8S5QLYaiv4RlVLeU7Ks2ytHh9AHGagctn9KIgWM5-E2gz2YFkBB16f1FfqPpW784uzjahXJ80p3sjGnXtaU01851oAbXGREq219W9QQ7fTU5X9UGJuQ/w640-h480/FB_IMG_1676698372464.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park defended their Cedar District champion crown Friday night at home in a 52-42 win over Gainesville. </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Koshala Myers Cole)</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Osbourn Park Yellow Jackets (20-4, 14-1) followed up Wednesday's <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2023/02/yellow-jackets-soar-past-eagles-in.html" target="_blank">dominant win over Freedom (South Riding) </a> with an impressive 52-42 victory against the Gainesville Cardinals (21-3, 10-3). Despite the double digit win, the Cardinals made the hosts earn it in every sense of the word. It was OP's third win against Gainesville this season.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gainesville broke the ice with a three-pointer from star guard Madison McKenzie. OP would answer with senior Kori Cole's 1-2 from the free throw line and senior Alana Powell's steal and score to knot things at 3 early. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The game would remain tight at 5-5 when Osbourn Park's swarming defensive pressure caused Cedar District Coach of the Year Daniel Nemerow to call a timeout with 4:58 left in the first quarter. The passionate home crowd would be lively all game as an unofficial sixth man on the floor at all times. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Coming out of the timeout, the Cardinals turned it over and Kori Cole converted it into two points. A few offensive fouls and a turnover later, Gainesville ended the first quarter down 11-6. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Freshman phenom Samia Snead kicked things off for OP in the second quarter with a three-pointer to put her team up 14-6. She'd finish the game with 9 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Cardinals would answer a few minutes later with a three from senior guard Kennedy McCalla to narrow the lead to 16-11. A barrage of Yellow Jacket baskets from Cole, Powell, junior Angie Yann and freshman Keyarah Rainey over the final 4:20 of the first half would put their team up 28-11. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Gainesville would use an 8-0 run of their own in the third quarter to get within 11 points at 30-19. Osbourn Park answered with a quick 4-0 run when Alana Powell found AB for two and Keyarah Rainey snagged an offensive rebound and putback. Freshman guard Jayel West got in on the action with a three-pointer which was immediately countered by the Cardinals with a hoop and harm from Madison McKenzie. The visitors used a 17-12 quarter to gain ground on OP. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsEOvGSRVqCqYuG3U8yFVlzm-bHUp0lY6u8SaovQGwxShoVVK4t31is7ZAHRXzDR6nYjv6fyYPkgHIgZmfnOETGHtWJYVSVtSKcSmQPIjpCMVosFVmpwgdHiD0Dkdd4QlzbGykWUP2o7rCgDqm4r6_rFpFHKWmzrrcwtpy0uMGWxOd474JF9J8qjLqA/s2048/177940.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsEOvGSRVqCqYuG3U8yFVlzm-bHUp0lY6u8SaovQGwxShoVVK4t31is7ZAHRXzDR6nYjv6fyYPkgHIgZmfnOETGHtWJYVSVtSKcSmQPIjpCMVosFVmpwgdHiD0Dkdd4QlzbGykWUP2o7rCgDqm4r6_rFpFHKWmzrrcwtpy0uMGWxOd474JF9J8qjLqA/w640-h480/177940.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Senior forward Kori Cole (middle) recorded a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">(photo via Helen Jones)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">McKenzie was far from done, knocking down a pair of free throws to start the fourth and driving for a basket. Despite outscoring Osbourn Park 14-12 in the final quarter, the closest the Cardinals would get would be within nine points. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As the final buzzer sounded, Osbourn Park embraced each other and were presented with the Cedar District Championship trophy as fans cheered on. I was able to catch up with Kori Cole after the game to discuss her intense effort and effect on the game. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I just really wanted to win. It just comes out as emotion for me. There were some calls that didn't go our way, and that was frustrating. Gainesville is the one team you have to go all out for. You have to grind from the beginning to finish."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Alana Powell was coming off a 22 point performance versus Freedom (South Riding). Despite only scoring 4 points against Gainesville, she found ways to stay involved with 5 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"We preach 'playing for each other'. If I'm off, someone else picks up the slack. Balanced scoring like we had tonight is when we seem to have our best games. It shows a lot how everyone on this team cares about our success."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ1GRM2IzLyyh-rSGDiDMdqEtggbqIYmfee1i-TYi--_FB9XAS0S0Uc4vjiz48lCwhUriI9d4GJuDrCObSrArtxqjSg6vFvMm_U2wYxAhAmjxy5ccwCsr3CQzA4a63qndGKL6RRrk5qztXnjFCnisG-IICtsSG-o2Dnaw0JPZ-FUqur_ZjY0WEwUUFQ/s2048/177937.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ1GRM2IzLyyh-rSGDiDMdqEtggbqIYmfee1i-TYi--_FB9XAS0S0Uc4vjiz48lCwhUriI9d4GJuDrCObSrArtxqjSg6vFvMm_U2wYxAhAmjxy5ccwCsr3CQzA4a63qndGKL6RRrk5qztXnjFCnisG-IICtsSG-o2Dnaw0JPZ-FUqur_ZjY0WEwUUFQ/w640-h480/177937.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Samia Snead (far left) is one of Osbourn Park's impact freshmen. She finished with 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist Friday night. </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>(photo via Helen Jones)</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also asked Powell about what it's like facing such a tough team three times in one season. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"As you play the teams over and over, it gets a little bit harder. I have a lot of respect for their coach (Daniel Nemerow) who won Coach of the Year. They're a great team. Having competition like that is really fun and games like this are highly anticipated since it's the top two seeds in the district."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite the accolade of repeating as District champs, head coach Chrissy Kelly reiterated there's plenty to improve on before regionals.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"We have to be better. An alarming statistic which has been a huge issue for us is going 14-31 in layups. We missed wide open layups. If the other team is making those on the other end, it's a huge concern from a momentum-shifting perspective. You work so hard to get opportunities and when you don't execute them- you leave doors open. With Gainesville, you can't leave them open."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked coach about the team's balanced scoring effort. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"We've been working on understanding your responsibility. It's not going to be one person. It's going to be a collective effort. Our freshmen Samia Snead, Jayel West and Keyarah Rainey bring so much. If we can continue to get that contribution on top of making our layups, I think we're a pretty good team."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We pivoted to what needs to happen between now and Tuesday's home regional playoff game versus Woodbridge (10-13, 9-3) who come in having won five of their last six games.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Get better. When we didn't do our job on defense after missed layups, we got stuck in our emotions from the missed layup. We can enjoy the moment now- but the stage only gets bigger."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Alana Powell and Kori Cole look to set the tone in practices leading up to Tuesday.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"We're going to work hard on Saturday, go over offense and defense and do what it takes to win," said Cole.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"We're going to try to clean up the little things. Being able to get this win with the performance we had, it's only up from here and pick up where we left off," Powell reiterated. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><u>Game Notes</u></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><u><br /></u></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>- Freshman Keyarah Rainey joined Kori Cole as the team's other double-digit scorer with 10 points, 3 rebounds (all offensive) and 3 steals. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>- Sophomore center Alex Brown finished with 9 points and 4 rebounds (three offensive).</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>- OP left points at the charity stripe, shooting 9-17. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>- </i></b><i><b>This was the second game in a row OP closed the half on a 17-0 run. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- This is the third game in a row the Yellow Jackets beat a team named after a bird. (Eagles, Eagles, Cardinals).</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- Osbourn Park finished the game shooting 19-46 (41%) and 5-13 (38%) from beyond the arc. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- Gainesville had a slight edge in the turnover department with 10 to OP's 12. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>- The Yellow Jackets grabbed 28 rebounds (10 offensive), had 11 assists and 13 steals.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div><p></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-30844929393536194762023-02-15T22:00:00.000-08:002023-02-15T22:00:26.753-08:00Yellow Jackets Soar Past Eagles in District Semifinals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObkxCRM2Vwu6dFmYvsDUatALcK6w5BQfOI8VU9izaD5ZsoNrRzsmGe9s_SiRvrYNARSigEIQ8Xtc7NOcNeCogg3EbVs_1mliAqUiVX-fRjsRIaxr1-vYd2cKLJaB3c5KcSev1ATYeRUJ4CYyQyiwbP6xxtramHQlNk7xp6K1yQiqiafOVxCgx75Eq-A/s600/177381.jpeg" width="600" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Osbourn Park girls came out of the gates with a convincing 58-26 win after almost two weeks since their last game. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Helen Jones)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">After wrapping up an 18-4 season on February 3rd with a 64-30 win over the Osbourn Eagles, the lady Yellow Jackets clipped another set of wings with a resounding 58-26 win over Freedom (South Riding) in the Cedar District playoff semi-finals. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Osbourn Park would jump out to a 6-2 lead early, thanks to baskets by seniors Alana Powell and Kori Cole. Cole would get an early steal and assist, too. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Freedom would keep it close at 6-4 with a basket at the 3:57 mark of the first quarter. Powell would sink another basket, while freshman dynamo Keyarah Rainey would record a steal and finish at the other end to put OP up 12-4 with 2:58 left in the first quarter. They'd finish the quarter up 14-8. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">If anyone thought rust would be an issue for Osbourn Park, they dispelled any notions with an absolutely dominating second quarter. Rainey found sophomore center Alex Brown for two early in the quarter. Brown and Powell would use the free throw line to increase the lead as well, sinking three of four shots and doubling up Freedom at 18-9. After two more Powell baskets (one off of a steal), Freedom would be forced to call a timeout with 2:32 left in the first half. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Out of the timeout, freshman point guard Samia Snead would snag a steal and dish to Brown for a bucket. Junior guard Angie Yann got involved on defense with a steal of her own and an assist to Rainey to put OP up 28-9 with 1:50 to go in the second quarter. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Yann would look to score from deep with a beautiful, high-arcing three-pointer, but a three second violation would nullify it. Not to be deterred, Keyarah Rainey would continue to fill up the stat sheet with two more steals, an assist and layup as OP went into the half up 33-9. They finished the final 6:20 of the half on a 17-0 run, and only allowed a single point for the entire quarter. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Rainey would finish with a remarkably balanced box score: 6 points, 7 rebounds (all offensive), 5 assists and an absurd 8 steals.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">The third quarter would play a bit tighter, as Osbourn Park finished with a 12-9 advantage. After an Eagle basket, OP would go on an 8-0 run which included a jumper by Alana Powell and a three-pointer assisted by Kori Cole. Rainey would crash the offensive glass and find - who else- Alana Powell for a hoop and harm as the home team went up 41-11 and would finish up 45-18 after three quarters. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sophomore Julia Matthews got in on the fun with a basket at the 6:43 mark of the final quarter. Alex Brown would link up with Alana Powell for another and-one. Moments later, Powell's final basket came off another steal, putting OP up 52-20. <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/all-cedar-run-district-girls-basketball-team-osbourn-parks-alana-powell-is-the-player-of/article_2f52f328-aad7-11ed-b9d0-eb5d24336556.html" target="_blank">The Cedar District Player of the Year</a> would finish the game 9-14, (1-2 from three) with 22 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. She'd also go 3-4 from the charity stripe. I caught up with her after the game. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmohmxsXbkAfGcosVVHtEtWIayjm_8jOCZLfdAUA2R-CK1w9aZiGTgmva4fZx7Irc3XdH1YwwhX6qVbQlNm0f2HO4Q9Ior-QHFWThmknYszxPgMW6taGwuCPJGspobUt1qgkEh-KaR7FWiwDqDW42KSaoarRfj9P0d6XZHF7GUBA0uGlmVcleRFnMpQ/s2048/177386.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmohmxsXbkAfGcosVVHtEtWIayjm_8jOCZLfdAUA2R-CK1w9aZiGTgmva4fZx7Irc3XdH1YwwhX6qVbQlNm0f2HO4Q9Ior-QHFWThmknYszxPgMW6taGwuCPJGspobUt1qgkEh-KaR7FWiwDqDW42KSaoarRfj9P0d6XZHF7GUBA0uGlmVcleRFnMpQ/w640-h480/177386.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cedar District Player of the Year Alana Powell led all scorers with 22 points on 9-14 shooting.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Helen Jones)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>"I feel really good. We had a slow start with it being the first game of the playoffs. Nerves are expected. We adjusted very well. Having a freshman like Samia on the floor with me being able to take the ball-handling pressure off me creates opportunities for me."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Powell mentioned winning the Cedar District Player of the Year was in part due to her close friendship with former Yellow Jacket Hailey Kellogg who won the award last year and is now playing at <a href="https://www.cnusports.com/sports/womens-basketball" target="_blank">Christopher Newport University</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"I just tried to follow in her footsteps and grind all year. But we haven't done much yet in the playoffs as a team. That chip on our shoulder every day is what keeps me and my teammates going."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That chip on the shoulder most definitely comes from head coach Chrissy Kelly who never lets her team rest on its laurels or become complacent. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"I'm proud of my girls. They really worked hard, and give everything every single day. Any coach is looking for that level of perfection- but we have to fall in love with imperfection. In the imperfection that occurs is their ability to be molded into being as close to perfect as possible. You get caught up in the moment sometimes and forget they want it, too and are doing everything in their power to get there. They settled down after the nerves in the first quarter and did a lot of great things. I love that all my kids get to play."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdxlUlLlyL5PGphbPjPINg9MGX3dbdUeHx1F-25oyjdlj6wfsvd1MztP9gsscrGeoJmCqMkGibg4yqqs0TBPz0AY2FEUzUPwVE3ek91Pt8qDvj1MeH9tSdavsBNnKFarAv4fENcFpzIrWZtLFyeNeXgipA1azgDDvx2txu3EmIEeDoSOw8kgSHK-5ig/s2048/177405.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdxlUlLlyL5PGphbPjPINg9MGX3dbdUeHx1F-25oyjdlj6wfsvd1MztP9gsscrGeoJmCqMkGibg4yqqs0TBPz0AY2FEUzUPwVE3ek91Pt8qDvj1MeH9tSdavsBNnKFarAv4fENcFpzIrWZtLFyeNeXgipA1azgDDvx2txu3EmIEeDoSOw8kgSHK-5ig/w640-h480/177405.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park's Cedar District semi-final win puts them on a collision course with Gainesville (21-2, 10-2) at home on Friday at 6 pm. </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Helen Jones)</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;">Coach Kelly and I would then discuss freshman Keyarah Rainey's versatility on the floor.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">"I'm glad she plays for us," Kelly said with a smile.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">"She's another freshman who missed the first ten games of the season and continues to grow. That's what I love about her. Her stat line is such an unselfish stat line. She understands it. What you need in that moment, she can get you. I'm glad we have her for three more years."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Up next for Osbourn Park (19-4, 12-1) are the Gainesville Cardinals (21-2, 10-2) at home Friday at 6 pm. Gainesville's only two losses are against Osbourn Park (56-50 and 37-33). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">The Cardinals come into the matchup averaging 59.5 points per game and giving up 32.1. Osbourn Park's totals are close at 56.7 and 30.9.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">"They are very good. They're talented and athletic at every position. They are a well-coached team. Everything about them is what makes them hard to beat. We have to play from this point forward pretty close-to-perfect games. We need to keep our focus high with practice tomorrow and carry it into Friday."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Alana Powell echoed that sentiment. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">"They're very skilled and well-coached. We aren't looking past them. We just need to get back at it tomorrow and grind in practice."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">For more on the Osbourn Park girl's team, follow them on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/OPHSWBB" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a> and Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ophswbb/" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p><span> </span><span> </span> </p><p> </p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-34504461804793821922022-10-15T16:33:00.004-07:002022-10-15T16:48:55.508-07:00Freedom Rings, OP Does Not Answer on Homecoming Night<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28uaUVqdT68RMV2X5ED5JxnRNavuanJQbWACbB_AZgGSCBOSinkD-7XAmlPQjmvapdZpm8XiQzKRiLTh0e2mMms5iXWY_tYm3WksPR6d7J6Ghzo8cquWiuKygHUHHZ5xLyKJmKQ5qCTFZ9AkA53lU-pL6stfAFvsIsk34q-j6HNb---3WZfEyhbLl1w/s624/freedomSR.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="624" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28uaUVqdT68RMV2X5ED5JxnRNavuanJQbWACbB_AZgGSCBOSinkD-7XAmlPQjmvapdZpm8XiQzKRiLTh0e2mMms5iXWY_tYm3WksPR6d7J6Ghzo8cquWiuKygHUHHZ5xLyKJmKQ5qCTFZ9AkA53lU-pL6stfAFvsIsk34q-j6HNb---3WZfEyhbLl1w/w640-h316/freedomSR.png" width="640" /></a></div>Osbourn Park had all the trappings set up for a win versus Freedom (South Riding) Friday night. They were coming off a <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/10/osbourn-park-stings-hylton-for-first.html" target="_blank">24-22 win versus Hylton</a>, it was Homecoming weekend and members of the 2022 Osbourn Park Hall of Fame class were in attendance. Unfortunately they were not able to capitalize on the Eagles' mistakes and lost 15-0. <p></p><p>Freedom would threaten to score from inside the redzone very early on, but senior linebacker Bryson Thompson would force and recover a fumble to give the Yellow Jackets the ball with 10:48 left in the quarter. OP would not be able to take advantage, as the Eagles would get the ball back. The Yellow Jackets defense would force another turnover at the 7:06 mark when Thompson made a tackle for a loss on fourth down. </p><p>On the following drive, Osbourn Park would go for it on fourth down themselves, but could not convert and Freedom got the ball back with 2:53 left in the quarter. </p><p>Neither team would be able to score in the first quarter as it ended 0-0. </p><p>The Eagles broke the ice when senior running back Josh Johnson slashed through the Yellow Jacket defense for a 20 yard score. They were successful on a two-point conversion, going up 8-0 with 11:28 left in the half. </p><p>Osbourn Park may have not put points on the board, but not for failure to move the ball. They'd rack up 11 first downs on the night, with a handful coming on a drive right before the half. Junior quarterback Adrian Cabrera would have completions of 29 and 23 yards to senior receivers Wyatt Hurley and Alex Molina. </p><p>Cabrera looked for Hurley over the middle at the five yard line, but they'd fail to connect. On the next two plays, Osbourn Park would be backed up by a false start call and a sack. On fourth and seemingly forever, Cabrera's pass wouldn't find it's mark and OP turned the ball over on downs with 2:40 left in the quarter. </p><p>Freedom would make the Yellow Jackets pay when Josh Johnson ripped off another scoring run, this time from 30 yards out. The Eagles would go up 15-0 with 1:35 left in the half. </p><p>The next ninety seconds or so would be frantic, with both teams turning the ball over trying to score. The first would be an interception thrown by OP backup quarterback Matt Brown on a deep heave to the endzone. Freedom would toss an interception of their own, picked off by Matt Brown as time expired. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjB-5m1ZvW3syX6gLukFANYquC5DQMk8OHABVq_ybQ3cVZvtUeW_kqdNrFkOiMte9Hp67blXPXtyR5IadtRuoStVOLLLv_gqU6MMHrwhqrT04IaNUVW1GIoazCvJJdEerFos-UUjzqqn_DM9UNqAwC-a5ltOzOheVeXxBAQqwmoQnj6hsOOEMX6Ud6w/s4032/20221014_192957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjB-5m1ZvW3syX6gLukFANYquC5DQMk8OHABVq_ybQ3cVZvtUeW_kqdNrFkOiMte9Hp67blXPXtyR5IadtRuoStVOLLLv_gqU6MMHrwhqrT04IaNUVW1GIoazCvJJdEerFos-UUjzqqn_DM9UNqAwC-a5ltOzOheVeXxBAQqwmoQnj6hsOOEMX6Ud6w/w640-h480/20221014_192957.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park would honor their 2022 Hall of Fame Class Friday night. Not all 16 were able to attend. </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(from left to right: Michael Foley, Justin McElfish, Jimmy Greene, Erica Field Fox, Richard Dombrowsky, Aaron J. Trammell, Breanna Walker)</span></i></b></div><p>The Yellow Jackets would turn the ball over on downs again with 6:33 left in the third quarter. The Eagles had a long touchdown called back by a hold at the 4:05 mark. They'd end up turning it over on downs with 3:41 left in the third quarter. </p><p>A costly encroachment penalty would almost give life to the Eagles on fourth down late in the game, but they'd get called for holding and were forced to punt the ball. </p><p>On fourth down of OP's final drive in the redzone, Cabrera would be pressured by the Eagle defense and throw an incomplete pass to Bryson Thompson. Despite the shutout, Thompson was a force on both sides of the ball, finishing with 86 yards rushing, the fumble force/recovery and eight tackles (including one for a loss).</p><p>I spoke to Osbourn Park head coach Marsel Wells following the game. </p><p>"The boys competed tonight. They weren't able to execute like they are capable of. Our defense played a solid game, but our offense failed to take advantage of mismatches and possessions in the redzone."</p><p>Osbourn Park (1-6) hosts the undefeated Battlefield Bobcats (7-0) next Friday night (10/21) at home. The Bobcats come off a 23-7 win over Unity Reed. Kickoff is at 7 pm. </p><p>For more on the Yellow Jackets, visit their <a href="https://osbournparkhs.rschoolteams.com/page/2983" target="_blank">website</a> and follow them on Twitter <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/ophsfootball" target="_blank">@OPHSfootball</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Game notes: </b></p><p><b><i>- Bryson Thompson's longest run went 37 yards</i></b></p><p><b><i>- Wyatt Hurley would be OP's leading receiver with 5 catches for 65 yards</i></b></p><p><b><i>- OP announcer Michael Foley would have the night off following his Hall of Fame induction. Teacher/coach Patrick DeRosa filled in for him and knocked it out of the park. </i></b></p><p><b><i>- Both teams notched 11 first downs</i></b></p><p><b><i>- OP was 5-12 on third down to Freedom's 3-6</i></b></p><p><b><i>- Freedom was more successful on fourth down at 2-3 to OP's 1-6</i></b></p><p><b><i>- Matt Brown also had 2 tackles and a pass breakup to go with his interception</i></b></p><p><b><i>- OP had 8 flags for 57 yards, but Freedom dwarfed them with 16 flags for 145 yards</i></b></p><p><b><i>-Turnovers were aplenty (OP:6, Freedom: 4)</i></b></p><p><b><i>- Rutilio Argueta- Alvarez was all over the field, racking up 7 tackles and one TFL</i></b></p><p><b><i>- Sophomore linebacker David Fitzgerald tied Bryson Thompson for the most tackles with 8</i></b></p><p><b><i>- Osbourn Park finished with 27 rushes for 126 yards</i></b></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-2388580074853142022-10-08T20:59:00.004-07:002022-10-08T21:03:45.531-07:00Osbourn Park Stings Hylton for First Win of Season<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tx7xCYmnVG6dtugPeVRhWndepSfhQKSiy1THeGOp3-7cUoE9KPU0sq0vY1hcS9P-bgXuNsh3N7W8FOrU-IgJvwUw70IbNlwpIV45cGLshZqpig1LBMrtKD_j5E5T1eNiDP_V2Eqbk1Zg1sjUQuBwpnYyyYtxU1aJyjL1eMjl4kd-5__WDmfMb0-jlQ/s624/hyltonimage.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="624" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tx7xCYmnVG6dtugPeVRhWndepSfhQKSiy1THeGOp3-7cUoE9KPU0sq0vY1hcS9P-bgXuNsh3N7W8FOrU-IgJvwUw70IbNlwpIV45cGLshZqpig1LBMrtKD_j5E5T1eNiDP_V2Eqbk1Zg1sjUQuBwpnYyyYtxU1aJyjL1eMjl4kd-5__WDmfMb0-jlQ/w640-h308/hyltonimage.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Both the Osbourn Park Yellow Jackets and Hylton Bulldogs came into last Friday night's game desperately seeking their first win. Bulldog fans brought the energy for Homecoming night, but Osbourn Park would spoil the festivities with a tightly-contested 24-22 win. <p></p><p>The Yellow Jackets would receive the ball first, but were unable to capitalize as they went three and out. Hylton would take advantage. They marched down the field and capped the drive off with a three yard score by senior running back Korvin Parson at the 6:15 mark of the first quarter to go up 7-0. </p><p>Feeling the pressure, Osbourn Park would answer with a touchdown drive of their own- one that was marred by multiple offensive penalties. Finally on fourth down, junior quarterback Adrian Cabrera found senior wide receiver Wyatt Hurley for a 22 yard touchdown. The two would immediately connect again on a two-point conversion to help OP take an 8-7 lead. </p><p>Hylton would find themselves punting to the Yellow Jackets towards the end of the first quarter. OP forced their way past the offensive line, as senior defensive end Yussef Hussein blocked the punt. The visitors would recover the ball on the five yard line. Two plays later, senior running back Bryson Thompson bowled his way into the endzone for a three-yard touchdown. Cabrera found Hurley one more time on a two-point conversion, and OP would increase the lead to 16-7 with 11:55 left in the first half. </p><p>The Bulldogs had plenty of fight in them, as senior quarterback Cedric Grier Jr. would fake a handoff to the running back and fool the defenders as he ran 33 yards for the score to get within three of OP at 16-13. Their two-point conversion would not be successful. </p><p>Three plays later, Adrian Cabrera would find his favorite target Wyatt Hurley one more time on a 58-yard pass to give Osbourn Park a 22-13 lead at the half after a failed two-point conversion. </p><p>The second half would mostly be a defensive tug of war, with only one score between both teams. Korvin Parson would run it in from six yards out with 9:35 left in the game. </p><p>OP was able to force three key turnovers to hold off the Bulldogs: a fumble recovery by Alex Molina, an interception by Matt Brown and a crucial turnover on downs on Hylton's final series. </p><p>I was able to catch up with first year Osbourn Park head coach Marsel Wells on his thoughts following his first win. </p><p>"The first win is the most memorable one. Telling the boys they can win a game is completely different from seeing them actually do it. By them seeing and achieving, that could be the extra motivation they need to do it again next week. I'm very proud of these kids."</p><p>The Yellow Jackets (1-5) gear up to face Freedom (South Riding) next Friday, October 14th at home for their Homecoming game. Freedom (3-3) comes off a close 24-22 loss to Osbourn. </p><p>For more on Osbourn Park football, visit their website <a href="https://osbournparkhs.rschoolteams.com/page/2976" target="_blank">here</a> and follow them on <a href="https://twitter.com/ophsfootball" target="_blank">Twitter </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ophs.football/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. </p><p> </p><p><b>Game notes:</b></p><p><b><i>-The game last 3 hours and 15 minutes in large part to 31 flags being thrown. Osbourn Park had the majority of the penalties (21, 157 yards) compared to Hylton (10, 75 yards). </i></b></p><p><i>- A<b>drian Cabrera finished the game going 7-17 for 164 yards and 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. </b></i></p><p><i><b>- Wyatt Hurley had 3 catches for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. He had 3 catches over 20 yards and 2 over 40 (22, 41, 58).</b></i></p><p><i><b>- Senior defensive end Clemson Lartey led the defensive effort with 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 2 quarterback pressures. </b></i></p><p><i><b>-Senior middle linebacker Bryson Thompson led all defenders with 9 tackles. He also led all OP rushers with 56 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown.</b></i></p><p><i><b>- The defense forced 5 turnovers (3 turnover on downs, 1 fumble and 1 interception). </b></i></p><p><i><b>- Hylton had 11 first downs to OP's 10.</b></i></p><p><i><b>- OP was 4-11 on third down to Hylton's 2-10.</b></i></p><p><i><b>- The Yellow Jackets were 1-2 on 4th down. Hylton was 2-6. </b></i></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-66403336863003465332022-05-21T20:43:00.008-07:002022-05-22T13:05:21.190-07:00Moving Forward: Tiger Wood's Return to the PGA<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1p2gpC96AeQTMAAfLFC-1Uh7jhnu9MSVemIfmr5lWvCSL9KE2E2hYSm81hmp_KUgmHzaosoWKdn_RPLeE2Zx9GVf_iOgVOI_j7lTP4tV-G03OcQwJLZPR6tBB_FJf1453eBYkYJgqt_-DJvzj9r-JAwwPrCOb65X4sDiDX4lA-LzHpOH40Ukr3K2ow/s624/tiger.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="624" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1p2gpC96AeQTMAAfLFC-1Uh7jhnu9MSVemIfmr5lWvCSL9KE2E2hYSm81hmp_KUgmHzaosoWKdn_RPLeE2Zx9GVf_iOgVOI_j7lTP4tV-G03OcQwJLZPR6tBB_FJf1453eBYkYJgqt_-DJvzj9r-JAwwPrCOb65X4sDiDX4lA-LzHpOH40Ukr3K2ow/w640-h380/tiger.png" width="640"></a></div><br>When Tiger Woods' unfortunate car accident in February 2021 happened, a common thought on most people's minds was how his golf career would be affected. <p></p><p>Could he come back? </p><p>And even if he could, would he?</p><p>I'm an avid golfer myself who tries to get out at least once a week and this was a common topic of conversation in between holes. I don't have an official number, but I'd venture to guess 98% of the time I asked other golfers if he was coming back they would reply simply "no". </p><p>When they returned the inquiry, I responded 100% of the time "yes, he's coming back."</p><p>To what exact playing state was to be determined. I just could not see a golfer with his competitive mindset not at least giving it a go. People would then wonder what success would be for Tiger, and public perception is subjective at best. Options often ranged from making the cut to winning a tournament outright. But Tiger's first win was walking away from that accident with both legs and being able to live life with his family. Everything after that is house money.</p><p>Tiger <a href="https://www.golfdigest.com/story/tiger-woods-exclusive-interview" target="_blank">spoke with Golf Digest </a>for his first major exclusive interview about his future back in November, and it seemed as if he was at peace with his new reality. </p><blockquote><p><span face="Gotham, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">“I don’t have to compete and play against the best players in the world to have a great life. After my back fusion, I had to climb Mt. Everest one more time. I had to do it, and I did. This time around, I don’t think I’ll have the body to climb Mt. Everest, and that’s OK. I can still participate in the game of golf. I can still, if my leg gets OK, I can still click off a tournament here or there. But as far as climbing the mountain again and getting all the way to the top, I don’t think that’s a realistic expectation of me.”</span></p></blockquote><p>Tiger's legendary 2019 Masters win alone is something he could live off of the rest of his career had he not picked up a club again. Yet the itch persisted to get back on the course, and it came along like baby steps. He mentioned in that interview that he started to gage his hands' abilities by catching items in the hospital, then progressed to physical rehabilitation, a wheelchair and finally crutches. </p><blockquote><p><span face="Gotham, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">“Adding that part into my day-to-day life was so rewarding because I’d been stuck in a house. Granted, it’s a pretty nice house I’ve built for myself, but I hadn’t been able to do the one thing I love to do: I love to go outside and just be outside. Sometimes I just crutch and lay on the grass for an hour because I want to be outside. Missing the contact of a golf ball hit properly is one of the better feelings.”</span></p></blockquote><p>Tiger wasn't wallowing in self pity. He was moving forward. Whether you're in some sort of physical or mental funk, daily wins are huge. They differ for each person, and could be something as minute as taking a shower and changing clothes. Yet after an accident that might sideline most, here Tiger is- moving forward. </p><p>Nike's "Just Do It" might seem a bit cliché here, but it works on pretty much any path of life. Whatever your goal is, just attempting to accomplish is an accomplishment in itself. Then you get a taste of what it may be like, and you take another step. Then another. </p><p>Just do it. </p><p>Boarding a plane for people, even celebrities, is not news. But when you're Tiger Woods and the Masters is right around the corner, <a href="https://www.golfdigest.com/story/pga-tour-winner-best-response-people-tracking-tiger-woods-private-jet" target="_blank">it's DEFCON 1 level news</a>. The golfing world was on the edge of it's seat on what exactly this meant for Woods. </p><p><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10031669-tiger-woods-looked-phenomenal-during-practice-round-ahead-of-masters-couples-says" target="_blank">Outlets eventually confirmed </a>he was practicing for golf's most prestigious tournament. And Tiger finally confirmed himself that he would be making his PGA return at Augusta. When asked if he could win, the answer was simple. </p><p><br></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tiger Woods believes he can win a sixth Green Jacket this week. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/WHjD4BcOcx">pic.twitter.com/WHjD4BcOcx</a></p>— The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/1511364480055353355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2022</a></blockquote><p><br></p><p>Woods played steady and was +1 after one round. He'd make the cut and finish +13. That score might have made prime Tiger quite frustrated, but Woods' optimism and smiles after the Masters wrapped up was a welcomed sight. This walk up the final hole was worth the price of admission alone:</p><p><br></p> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">The chapter ends on Tiger Woods' 24th Masters. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/uNyEsieMXC">pic.twitter.com/uNyEsieMXC</a></p>— The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/1513230139974377474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2022</a></blockquote><p><br></p><p>Tiger's next appearance was this week's PGA Championship, which saw the 2022 Masters winner Scottie Scheffler not even make the cut at +6, with plenty of other big names (Collin Morikawa +8, Jon Rahm +8, Hideki Matsuyama +6, Jordan Spieth +5) struggle after three rounds with wind, unpredictable greens and more. Only 16 total players are under par. To put that in perspective, all 83 players who made the cut in last week's AT&T Byron Nelson were at least four under par with 16 at least <i>nineteen</i> under par. </p><p>The week began with media and golfers discussing how good Tiger looked in practice and walking around Southern Hills more comfortably than at Augusta. Hope was once again high, and an early -2 after five holes had fans elated. Tiger would end up going 10 over par in round three and <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/tiger-woods-withdraws-from-pga-championship-235042696.html" target="_blank">withdrawing from the tournament. </a></p><p>Yet while there may be a minority of people out there scoffing at his withdrawal and seeing it as quitting- it's anything but. Tiger's body simply can't sustain a tournament right now, or at least in the sense of competing at the top of the PGA. There's no shame in that. Instead there should be admiration for Tiger competing and giving fans something to root for. </p><p>I couldn't imagine being comfortable being watched by millions of people on my best day, and here Tiger is at his most vulnerable, daring to try. That sense of resilience can resonate with just about anyone.</p><p>Plenty seem to be discussing the possibility of retirement which seems a bit premature. This isn't about instant gratification- which would be impressive in this context- but about the process. </p><p>I'd imagine there's no timetable on Tiger being able to compete at the top again- and it may never come with as deep as the field is in 2022. But if there's one more thing people love just as much as a comeback story, it's the potential of one. And as long as Tiger keeps moving forward in whatever capacity that may be, that potential comeback lives on. </p> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-51902284041878301392022-03-12T19:04:00.000-08:002022-03-15T14:34:40.546-07:00Osbourn Park Falls Short to Madison in State Championship Rematch<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYiQz52-NyEYYXcNGMrqH95DLqL9WxwR4vo0WrtFWeYkcJB73FnI3hpeZASSFReC6Ac0lAJ7rqDCVPEE87C37sSXAwg2gPF70Y9yjtJq3riJSTMX8e1l4aopW8GWRqW3t4Og0vT8Qt9DI-cCbNXw9Qfd6aTdNozbLH5o8HA3p3mRp_qwHWgAx_tv3blQ=s5320" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3380" data-original-width="5320" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYiQz52-NyEYYXcNGMrqH95DLqL9WxwR4vo0WrtFWeYkcJB73FnI3hpeZASSFReC6Ac0lAJ7rqDCVPEE87C37sSXAwg2gPF70Y9yjtJq3riJSTMX8e1l4aopW8GWRqW3t4Og0vT8Qt9DI-cCbNXw9Qfd6aTdNozbLH5o8HA3p3mRp_qwHWgAx_tv3blQ=w640-h406" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park's starters from left to right: Kori Cole, Alana Powell, Hailey Kellogg, Danielle Darfour and Alex Brown.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-madison-girls-basketball-state-final/collection_0cf63528-9ef9-11ec-a4bb-6b24cbeff395.html" target="_blank">InsideNova</a>)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>The Osbourn Park lady Yellow Jackets came into Friday's state championship rematch versus the James Madison Warhawks riding a twenty game win streak, most recently <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-madison-girls-basketball-state-final/collection_0cf63528-9ef9-11ec-a4bb-6b24cbeff395.html" target="_blank">beating Thomas Dale on Monday</a>. The streak would be snapped as the Warhawks would defend their championship throne, winning their 19th straight game, 38-29. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>The two teams would battle to break the ice, with no team making a field goal for the first 3:20 of the game. Osbourn Park senior Hailey Kellogg would score the game's first point, going 1-2 from the free throw line. Gritty defense by both squads was front and center early, as b</span>oth teams shot a combined 5-20 in the game's opening quarter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Madison senior Sarah Link would help her team take a 2-1 lead with a layup a minute later. Baskets by Kellogg and junior Alana Powell would give OP their largest lead all night of three points. Link and senior Mia Chapman would give the lead back to the Warhawks with a trio of buckets to end the quarter up 8-5 over the Yellow Jackets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The stifling defense would continue from both sides in the second quarter. A Hailey Kellogg floater early in the second quarter got her team within a point of Madison, but it would end up being Osbourn Park's only basket for the rest of the first half. The only other point would come by way of a Chloe Wolfe-Pullen free throw with 3:27 left in the half. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Madison sophomore Avery Griepentrog would get in on the scoring action with an and-one bucket after a foul by OP, and Sarah Link would end the scoring for the half as Madison led 15-8. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The sensational Warhawks senior duo of twins Grace and Alayna would be held scoreless for the first two quarters- but that would change immediately as the third quarter kicked off. Grace sank a three-pointer at the 7:05 mark to give her team an 18-8 lead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLQ7fuZX9v6h6auomUEswk0aIGIo1cI9CmC1nQELhxuYAaBqABevRI1OfqUjBUnuLsZbIYMGs10jw-68lJs-2QrJcI7aYkuh7ewRiqU26tdP7btrC9TGnVwYepDYzP29-bk2SjuOLeshU-jp75uUfOMpYpNP3HVGOmwZBtzA8jTTkBmwXAavEAzq_oaA=s4416" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3132" data-original-width="4416" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLQ7fuZX9v6h6auomUEswk0aIGIo1cI9CmC1nQELhxuYAaBqABevRI1OfqUjBUnuLsZbIYMGs10jw-68lJs-2QrJcI7aYkuh7ewRiqU26tdP7btrC9TGnVwYepDYzP29-bk2SjuOLeshU-jp75uUfOMpYpNP3HVGOmwZBtzA8jTTkBmwXAavEAzq_oaA=w640-h454" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cedar Run Player of the Year Hailey Kellogg would score 15 points to lead all scorers in her final game as a Yellow Jacket.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-madison-girls-basketball-state-final/collection_0cf63528-9ef9-11ec-a4bb-6b24cbeff395.html" target="_blank">InsideNova</a>)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Junior Yellow Jacket Kori Cole would find freshman Alex Brown for a basket. A minute later, Hailey Kellogg would drill a three-pointer to climb back within seven points of Madison. Kellogg would finish the game leading OP in scoring with 15 points. She'd also add in 4 rebounds, 3 steals and an assist. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A pair of Osbourn Park turnovers would be capped off with a layup by Grace Arnolie as Madison took a healthy 24-13 lead. She'd have the ball in her hands minutes later and hit a three-pointer to put the Warhawks up 27-15. Hailey Kellogg dazzled fans on the next play when she grabbed a defensive rebound and took it the length of the court using a spin and up and under layup to get her team back within ten points. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Arnolie sisters would link up in the fourth as Grace found Alayna on a backdoor cut to give their team their largest lead of the night of 15 points at 33-18. Madison would lead for 25:12 to OP's 4:19.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAmAsWF1wsHvPUOxZILQWYe8PhJ7uc8w-rysJiUa5rpm_c4bdx-xXlUfes5C3wZOrAmB45irByCHVTMBcXQ5IFVw80EiFpgupbrebONIgHdFj2bZG7hl1iQeUSDKmaX3dxsJCnNU7etj1IQkppr-r9YMi1k-kDpNisFtxr7fLPdOMf6yPYmz8m4KjK1Q=s4488" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3580" data-original-width="4488" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAmAsWF1wsHvPUOxZILQWYe8PhJ7uc8w-rysJiUa5rpm_c4bdx-xXlUfes5C3wZOrAmB45irByCHVTMBcXQ5IFVw80EiFpgupbrebONIgHdFj2bZG7hl1iQeUSDKmaX3dxsJCnNU7etj1IQkppr-r9YMi1k-kDpNisFtxr7fLPdOMf6yPYmz8m4KjK1Q=w640-h510" width="640"></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Osbourn Park head coach Chrissy Kelly has led her team to the state championship in back to back seasons, compiling a 40-5 record, 19-1 in Cedar Run District play. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>(photo via <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-madison-girls-basketball-state-final/collection_0cf63528-9ef9-11ec-a4bb-6b24cbeff395.html" target="_blank">InsideNova</a>)</i></b></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"> </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alana Powell would find Hailey Kellogg for her second three of the game on the next play. Senior Kacey Kelly would steal the ball and race to the other end for a layup. A basket by Alana Powell would continue their momentum, and a pair of free throws by Alex Brown capped off a 9-2 run with 4:44 to go and Madison up 35-27. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hailey Kellogg would find Kacey Kelly for a jumper to keep the deficit at eight points at 37-29 with 2:20 left in the game- but a long possession by Madison drained the clock down to just over a minute to go in the fourth. Osbourn Park would have to foul to stop the clock with Madison going 1-4 at the line to end the game. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I caught up with Osbourn Park head coach Chrissy Kelly after the game to get her thoughts on the team's performance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"They're a great team. Defensively we played a really good game. It's a shame we didn't get the scoring we're capable of. But the offensive rebounds for Madison killed us in the first half."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kelly would then reflect on Osbourn Park's season as a whole. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"At the very beginning of the season, I don't pay attention to rankings. But a coach showed me the rankings- and there were no conversations about us in them. I told the girls to remember that, because no one thinks you are going to be anything. But in the end, we got to dictate when our last practice was. We got to the state championship with minimal experience and lost by nine to a team that's been together for four years. You can't hang your head on that."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwo7kqBjWdxMPRdlSIjNl16DNoKHEJDxFiUaa4GepCyimoDZ0eBIiPILqZjqXUqNpT_X3a5qWZw9GqTagv3QxacO3F5eL50uWYWyENiToOAl9GfQ-0BqZjo3FDVmiLbi3qz2fUGJuKehISXBSZxwDXni-6Sf84SMzSCNViZBQWUE-HJw3Ta9V93xlPHA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwo7kqBjWdxMPRdlSIjNl16DNoKHEJDxFiUaa4GepCyimoDZ0eBIiPILqZjqXUqNpT_X3a5qWZw9GqTagv3QxacO3F5eL50uWYWyENiToOAl9GfQ-0BqZjo3FDVmiLbi3qz2fUGJuKehISXBSZxwDXni-6Sf84SMzSCNViZBQWUE-HJw3Ta9V93xlPHA=w640-h480" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin presents Osbourn Park with the runner-up plaque. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kelly would also speak to Hailey Kellogg's game, and then her effect on this year's team. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"She can't be sad. She can't be upset. She left it all out there today. She's intangible. Forget the basketball. Her mental toughness with the fortitude, her motor, her leadership- everyone who got to play with her over the last few seasons is privileged."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hailey Kellogg finishes her career as a Yellow Jacket as a 3-time district champion, a 2-time region champion, a 2-time state runner-up, the 2022 Cedar Run Player of the Year and the 2022 Region 6 Player of the Year. She will continue her basketball career at Christopher Newport University while studying political science. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lastly, coach spoke about her other two seniors- Kacey Kelly and Chloe Wolfe-Pullen. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Kacey made the decision to come out this year and she was huge in this game: steals, the layup, the jumper at the end. Chloe came in and gave us valuable minutes, She got to the free throw line. Our seniors gave everything they could give to win it today."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following the game, individual championship plaques and both the runner-up and championship trophies would be presented by Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Keep up with all things Lady Yellow Jackets by following them on Instagram at <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ophswbb" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Personally this has been a very fun run to cover. The schedules didn't always match up for me to cover both girl's and boy's basketball, but when I was able to get the opportunity to watch these girls in action, it was a blast. The effort was always there, even in games where they were up big. The hunger to be better each time out was there, too. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Watching Chrissy Kelly coach was an honor and I always appreciate the time she would give me after games were over and fans had filed out. Her staff is incredibly hard-working just like her, and their cohesiveness on the sidelines was a smooth operation. Their ability to get the absolute most out of each player was very impressive. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>I'd once again like to thank student activities director Keith Lane for allowing me to cover the team as well. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Thank you to all the parents I would meet at the games. I highly enjoyed talking with you and breaking down the games. It's easy to see why these girls were so successful and determined throughout the season. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Also a big shout-out to RJ Jones and Mark Boakye who worked with the girls during practices after their season had ended. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>These nine girls may have come up short in their bid for a championship, but this season will go down as one of Osbourn Park's most impressive in school history. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Catch everyone next season. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdgJCz6yzRkRn9V3NfqfjrS-r4IQAPZBUIIorhJeihuBymm0qtV25vQ9DA4HgZ96ijwoZAM9a2mybxDg9kytVfhw-6Qz1_GknMhgjWmJE5tnCX73KLDIdc_q39l978VfKAP2k5m38aVfqiekseULbMBJNNMfB61vvGdCv3LKD9AECREYclGOYYXYBu2A=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdgJCz6yzRkRn9V3NfqfjrS-r4IQAPZBUIIorhJeihuBymm0qtV25vQ9DA4HgZ96ijwoZAM9a2mybxDg9kytVfhw-6Qz1_GknMhgjWmJE5tnCX73KLDIdc_q39l978VfKAP2k5m38aVfqiekseULbMBJNNMfB61vvGdCv3LKD9AECREYclGOYYXYBu2A=w640-h480" width="640"></a></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Osbourn Park 9 finished 26-2, winning 20 of their last 21 games.</span></i></b></div></b><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><p></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-62879111659300385582022-03-08T05:40:00.000-08:002022-03-11T09:01:17.331-08:00Lady Yellow Jackets Topple Thomas Dale in State Semifinals<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbTY-T_8t8m8ZMIEVrrd4csUYvKg__sMOgf0hYtMpCtja7vNI4dkTivqL5dVFbutaWGmdWCntEVslqQnF0M3jRbXM08gIF5IN5alArnBgq4klsBhYNcv5VPSHSJ6baVrOYjh-LtCRU7r-hBRRUdiQAD_5p6SUDpqAzecoiewR08g5Vofnj1Q_wpNl_wA=s5172" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3324" data-original-width="5172" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbTY-T_8t8m8ZMIEVrrd4csUYvKg__sMOgf0hYtMpCtja7vNI4dkTivqL5dVFbutaWGmdWCntEVslqQnF0M3jRbXM08gIF5IN5alArnBgq4klsBhYNcv5VPSHSJ6baVrOYjh-LtCRU7r-hBRRUdiQAD_5p6SUDpqAzecoiewR08g5Vofnj1Q_wpNl_wA=w640-h412" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park won their 20th straight game Monday night to earn a spot in the state championship game for the second straight year. (photo via <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-girls-beat-thomas-dale-in-state-semifinals/collection_13dce6e2-9e19-11ec-b9a1-3375e7b5bc56.html#1" target="_blank">InsideNova</a>)</span></i></b></div><br>With a nineteen-game win streak and a spot in the state championship in Richmond on the line, the Osbourn Park Yellow Jackets had plenty to play for at home Monday night against Thomas Dale. Just like <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/03/osbourn-park-bests-james-river.html" target="_blank">against James River Midlothian</a>, they'd use strong second half play to secure a second straight state championship appearance, winning 50-37. <p></p><p>Points would come at a premium from the very beginning of the game. An early OP turnover led to an early 2-0 lead for the Knights. Junior guard Alana Powell would rectify things with a layup of her own and tie the game. A pair of free throws by junior guard Danielle Darfour would keep things even at 4 with just over four minutes left in the first quarter. </p><p>Osbourn Park would fail to get any real traction with turnovers, fouls and a 1-14 start from the field. Despite all of that adversity, they'd trail by one basket with the Knights up 7-5 after one. </p><p>The home team would strike first in the second quarter when junior forward Kori Cole found freshman center Alex Brown to tie the game 7-7. Senior point guard Hailey Kellogg would be the next to find Brown for a basket. An Alana Powell steal would turn into Kori Cole dishing it to Kellogg to spur a 4-0 OP run and an 11-9 lead. An 11-4 quarter would give the Yellow Jackets a 16-11 lead heading into the half. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgORDsAoamNi7v5rFEsJTAZWOxhUe0b7wasrN7Al-afdQxLZ8z_FKnTOZQ_A-CubSgoFUw3dnD7fhPCtpOd7BJ5b6NFTcimwW_Ya8-oIAx0rW1ao0Ks-IbPUPmOQJI0yAjaMAH5PO6vKqTKkr8IUNytca0N4vMCMXx3KI2WGEOvcG-SDsRcSWqpqBM-JA=s4396" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3608" data-original-width="4396" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgORDsAoamNi7v5rFEsJTAZWOxhUe0b7wasrN7Al-afdQxLZ8z_FKnTOZQ_A-CubSgoFUw3dnD7fhPCtpOd7BJ5b6NFTcimwW_Ya8-oIAx0rW1ao0Ks-IbPUPmOQJI0yAjaMAH5PO6vKqTKkr8IUNytca0N4vMCMXx3KI2WGEOvcG-SDsRcSWqpqBM-JA=w640-h526" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Senior Hailey Kellogg led OP with 17 points, including a perfect 10-10 at the free throw line. (photo via <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-girls-beat-thomas-dale-in-state-semifinals/collection_13dce6e2-9e19-11ec-b9a1-3375e7b5bc56.html#1" target="_blank">InsideNova</a>)</span></i></b></div><br><p>Thomas Dale would use a quick 4-0 run led by freshman guard Nylah Wilson to open up the second half. Alana Powell countered with two free throws and a tremendous basket while getting fouled to put OP up 21-15. Powell would finish the game with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 assists. </p><p>A basket from senior forward Anaya Peoples and an and-one opportunity for Nylah Wilson would keep the game within three points at 23-20. Kori Cole would spend a majority of the third quarter keeping OP in front with six free throws. Nylah Wilson would use a 10 point quarter of her own to get within one point as OP led 29-28 after three quarters. </p><p>An early Osbourn Park turnover would lead to Knights sophomore guard Mycah McDowney drilling a three-pointer. The shot would give her team their first lead since they were up 9-7 in the beginning of the second quarter. </p><p>Faced with a shift in momentum, the lady Yellow Jackets did what they have all season: put their foot on the accelerator. Alana Powell would find Hailey Kellogg for a three-pointer, followed by Danielle Darfour assisting in a Kori Cole and-one. Cole would finish 9-14 on the night from the charity stripe as Osbourn Park knocked down 26 of 33 free throw attempts for the game. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSI8rDekuK2mrUsvqGJGJv_y_jTy9q3NKXA_rkmeLCsehbC_MZ_DKEyAcehNBfTzEqymstBDQwJTvUMrHHtp8mnvNILIkcMJ9APatglvb-YoH78wArLn6vehiMafmIVgb95DoqU5hZhy-BhSUjS3M-Mj3et93tIyizqvUE7_3dfhkShyecCD51EeF74w=s4288" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4288" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSI8rDekuK2mrUsvqGJGJv_y_jTy9q3NKXA_rkmeLCsehbC_MZ_DKEyAcehNBfTzEqymstBDQwJTvUMrHHtp8mnvNILIkcMJ9APatglvb-YoH78wArLn6vehiMafmIVgb95DoqU5hZhy-BhSUjS3M-Mj3et93tIyizqvUE7_3dfhkShyecCD51EeF74w=w640-h518" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">The lady Yellow Jackets shot 26-33 (79%) at the free throw line. (photo via <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-girls-beat-thomas-dale-in-state-semifinals/collection_13dce6e2-9e19-11ec-b9a1-3375e7b5bc56.html#1" target="_blank">InsideNova</a>)</span></b></i></div><br><p>Thomas Dale threatened to end OP's run when an Alex Brown block called as a foul awarded the Knights two free throws. They'd miss both, and Danielle Darfour found Kori Cole for another and-one. </p><p>Darfour would hit one of the biggest shots of the night- a three-pointer off a Kellogg assist- on the Yellow Jackets next possession, giving her team a ten point lead at 42-32. </p><p>"I knew I had to release it quickly. I knew the three would set us up for the rest of the game, so I knew I had to take that shot," said Darfour. </p><p>OP would find themselves up 46-32 with just under a minute to go, capping off a 17-1 Yellow Jackets run over the course of six minutes. </p><p>The rest of the game was a majority of Kellogg free throws, knocking down eight straight to seal the game. Kellogg would lead her team in scoring with 17 points with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a flawless 10-10 from the free throw line. </p><p>I asked Hailey how it feels to once again be in the championship game. </p><p>"It feels amazing to go back to the championship. You put
into perspective that this could be the last game, and we want to go as far as we
can. We all love each other- this is a family. We just have to lock in and stay
composed. We’re ready. We want to get this championship and our
revenge."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4RFkWPzZMJToO3WWu94SJ-phZ1PPJyKVURZmJWD_m1_EZeUQn2fay3amOmLyG2-z6E04yJJQ4W1s5O_82VsLMxOpgA5sP3-bkiQTfRT9ddJUxFf0B076ydQcYxLQG9FhuO3MPeh-IherSd4x3Zyo9UKlnMV_LtnLk2mKFU7MjFMSTlCRDKvctvSrDCg=s4276" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3208" data-original-width="4276" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4RFkWPzZMJToO3WWu94SJ-phZ1PPJyKVURZmJWD_m1_EZeUQn2fay3amOmLyG2-z6E04yJJQ4W1s5O_82VsLMxOpgA5sP3-bkiQTfRT9ddJUxFf0B076ydQcYxLQG9FhuO3MPeh-IherSd4x3Zyo9UKlnMV_LtnLk2mKFU7MjFMSTlCRDKvctvSrDCg=w640-h480" width="640"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A 17-1 run over the course of 6 minutes in the fourth quarter led to OP's 26th win on the season.(photo via <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-girls-beat-thomas-dale-in-state-semifinals/collection_13dce6e2-9e19-11ec-b9a1-3375e7b5bc56.html#1" target="_blank">InsideNova</a>)</span></div><p>I also caught up with Kori Cole who has scored at least 14 points in three straight games. </p><p>"I'm so proud of us. From the beginning, we were counted out. No one thought we could get here, but we did. Coach Kelly- that woman is phenomenal. When it came down to it- I embraced the contact. Knocking our free throws down, the and-ones...that's what got the hype up."</p><p>I finally caught up with an emotional Chrissy Kelly who gave Thomas Dale credit in their tough style of play.</p><p>"They're good. That athleticism, speed, their intensity. That was hard what they did for thirty-two minutes. They're insane."</p><p>She also spoke to her team's second half 17-1 surge. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0voNOBzqCRXDEp_GDNW_9cu60R148vWWtkLTKqJuZAD6trHWdLt0X45OuiVsN2y31SRU6MvFfGJQqvYdIG8IlkdD7NUqUrAgbjE4XvoEU4BxkpFwkzz0Krwm4kXVAaIYPjHsk-pgjuRCih_tjpTCHQA2fSxn1aITk8fO32gx1xTvDWhHS1CftUzgLUA=s4758" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4758" data-original-width="3522" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0voNOBzqCRXDEp_GDNW_9cu60R148vWWtkLTKqJuZAD6trHWdLt0X45OuiVsN2y31SRU6MvFfGJQqvYdIG8IlkdD7NUqUrAgbjE4XvoEU4BxkpFwkzz0Krwm4kXVAaIYPjHsk-pgjuRCih_tjpTCHQA2fSxn1aITk8fO32gx1xTvDWhHS1CftUzgLUA=w474-h640" width="474"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Junior forward Kori Cole scored at least 14 points for the third straight game, including a 9-14 performance from the free throw line. (photo via <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-girls-beat-thomas-dale-in-state-semifinals/collection_13dce6e2-9e19-11ec-b9a1-3375e7b5bc56.html#1" target="_blank">InsideNova</a>)</span></i></b></div><p>"They made that decision. This is a group that believes in themselves. They are the epitome of blue collar workers. They share in each other's excitement. They want every single person that steps on the floor to be successful- and they don't care who it is. They've taught me about patience, composure, selflessness. They've taught me a lot."</p><p>After hearing her team's 26-33 (79%) effort at the charity stripe, Kelly shared what she preached with her team about at practice. </p><p>"As the season goes on, free throws will be separators. If you don't put the work in, it will cost us our season. I tell them stories of my experience and they take it all in."</p><p>Lastly, Kelly discussed the championship rematch versus James Madison and any talk of unfinished business. </p><p>"I don't think it's unfinished business. You've got one day at a time to prepare for thirty-two minutes. We've earned the right to be here. The last three games my kids have worked really hard and deserve this opportunity to play thirty-two more minutes."</p><p>The Class 6 State Championship tips off Friday afternoon at 12:30 pm from the Siegel Center at Virginia Commonwealth University. The James Madison Warhawks (26-2) come in averaging 59 points per game and are on a 18-game win streak. Osbourn Park (25-1) is currently riding a 20-game win streak. </p><p>For more on the lady Yellow Jackets, follow them on Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ophswbb" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a>. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br><p></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-19780154872353342212022-03-04T23:28:00.000-08:002022-03-04T23:28:03.145-08:00Osbourn Park Bests James River Midlothian in First Round of State Playoffs<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibqxDHsTV8zWnWVpIsQZgY66lkEdxFrNtOuOGxKyqn9i9rczC6FPdgMRVV6pAH0mOGOwdWefya8P3G5sgUmBDNc8Hkyf92RR37Pr88iNsUUP0orS22QEZft80D---Qky-YcVYX6QE_5VggwoWArV36i5iP_TSc-5ZUInA4mhVeujgEOYuITXEMwmcBmw=s1297" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1297" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibqxDHsTV8zWnWVpIsQZgY66lkEdxFrNtOuOGxKyqn9i9rczC6FPdgMRVV6pAH0mOGOwdWefya8P3G5sgUmBDNc8Hkyf92RR37Pr88iNsUUP0orS22QEZft80D---Qky-YcVYX6QE_5VggwoWArV36i5iP_TSc-5ZUInA4mhVeujgEOYuITXEMwmcBmw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Yellow Jackets celebrate their win over James River Midlothian in the first round of the state playoffs. </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>After a week off following their Region 6B Championship <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/02/osbourn-park-girls-defeat-woodbridge-to.html" target="_blank">win over Woodbridge</a>, Osbourn Park hosted James River Midlothian on Friday night. There'd be no signs of rust as OP's locomotive powered through to a 59-35 victory over the Rapids. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yellow Jackets junior guard Danielle Darfour would once again be tasked with defending the opposition's best player. Last week it was Amani Melendez and this week it was the number one recruit of the class of 2025, freshman phenom guard Lanie Grant. Grant <a href="https://richmond.com/sports/high-school/james-river-girls-basketball-freshman-phenom-lanie-grant-verbally-commits-to-unc/article_e942a753-03ac-5117-a98f-5565e63767fd.html" target="_blank">verbally committed to the University of North Carolina prior to the start of this season. </a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Things got off to a rocky start as Darfour committed an early foul on Grant. The freshman calmly sank the two free throws. Despite the early foul, Darfour would never once be in foul trouble the rest of the game. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEdmUFHl1cZQ82syBL_M83KYNALUq0ScGfXIIBDCknZ1OQfPDCtJtuh473hZwavjn8sOIbbCxOoQGC8Vnsi4OTohNyhbTGOKkIJ4xyYLUeh6YckbpGGp_AHEr3uHPY3ak2UzvBpxtu8KkR3vL1dB77r69QbyUIqDeIJTaV4k_Do7xgXM0JGhYpi_mvww=s1298" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1298" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEdmUFHl1cZQ82syBL_M83KYNALUq0ScGfXIIBDCknZ1OQfPDCtJtuh473hZwavjn8sOIbbCxOoQGC8Vnsi4OTohNyhbTGOKkIJ4xyYLUeh6YckbpGGp_AHEr3uHPY3ak2UzvBpxtu8KkR3vL1dB77r69QbyUIqDeIJTaV4k_Do7xgXM0JGhYpi_mvww=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park junior Danielle Darfour guarding James River Midlothian's Lanie Grant. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="http://www.shotsbycannon.com" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></i></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Osbourn Park forward Kori Cole answered with a pair of free throws of her own minutes later, and Darfour scored on a layup to put the home team up 9-4 with 4:30 left in the first quarter. Lanie Grant would be called for a charging foul on the Rapids' next possession, and Osbourn Park wasted no time taking advantage. Senior Hailey Kellogg would find Kori Cole for a three-pointer to put them up 12-4 at the 2:30 mark. After one quarter, the blue and yellow would hold a 13-6 lead. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">James River Midlothian sophomore guard Katrina Scholtz drilled a shot from deep to bring the Rapids within three points at 13-9 to kick off the second quarter. Junior Yellow Jacket guard Alana Powell answered with a pair of free throws, and sophomore guard Angie Yaan sank a three to stretch OP's lead to 19-10 with 5:00 left in the half. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Darfour would turn the ball over on OP's next possession and Lanie Grant was off the the races seemingly for a basket. Hailey Kellogg would never give up, craftily poking the ball out to prevent a score. Grant would get a measure of revenge with a smooth step-back three the next time up the court as OP led 19-13. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Rapids would put Osbourn Park into the bonus halfway through the second quarter. OP would miss the free throw, but Danielle Darfour snagged the offensive rebound for an easy putback. Darfour would finish the game with 6 points on 3-4 shooting with 1 rebound and 1 assist. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Alana Powell would close out the half slashing for a layup as Osbourn Park led 25-17 after two quarters. Powell led all Osbourn Park scorers with 18 points on 6-9 (1-3 3PT) shooting. She'd also add 6 rebounds, 4 assists and go 5-9 from the charity stripe. The four assists tied Kellogg for most as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnc2dii8Ix7PuEH09gbYC0YQ2-Z_GALy6FLj6oEwfMSOJDaX29YlwotW66CFf9H4TA5Vil_sKNdbm1IKfcU_AnW8QHTNR99PL2xLB1KtTzV8QsKa8HkL8hW2Et43a3RGoFnx63vEwONzg7V1vXUfSDPVW56coH5HnW-UZRfoQ_qms3Yfq95tCX0AFZaQ=s2276" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2276" data-original-width="2276" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnc2dii8Ix7PuEH09gbYC0YQ2-Z_GALy6FLj6oEwfMSOJDaX29YlwotW66CFf9H4TA5Vil_sKNdbm1IKfcU_AnW8QHTNR99PL2xLB1KtTzV8QsKa8HkL8hW2Et43a3RGoFnx63vEwONzg7V1vXUfSDPVW56coH5HnW-UZRfoQ_qms3Yfq95tCX0AFZaQ=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Junior guard Alana Powell led Osbourn Park with 18 points on 6-9 shooting. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photos via <a href="http://www.shotsbycannon.com" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Osbourn Park was held scoreless for a little over two minutes to start the second half and the visitors began to close the gap. A 6-0 run via three-pointers by Grant and sophomore guard Alisha Whirley cut OP's lead to 25-23 with 5:44 to go in the third. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While the home crowd grew nervous, Osbourn Park never lost focus. They'd respond with a 13-0 run capped off by a Kori Cole offensive rebound and putback, forcing a Rapids timeout. A Lanie Grant layup would break it, and Yellow Jackets head coach Chrissy Kelly immediately called a timeout of her own with 1:38 left in the quarter. Connections from Kellogg to Cole and Cole to freshman center Alex Brown gave OP a 44-27 lead heading into the final quarter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5T7eDwvIgU4M1u0_hAMFzeqO1LFu4M_xsu6azRJMwSQG5RH7R56y0vo_6BF_20G5DiqdkGysqzD0T7RbZMPuRXZRMjYok1VHTsOXcgZW7o0MAiw11OTiYnCXso63O5ESUmyylHZnUmOkTmDT9acRV4UHAvpOdij_2cDieMX2a-fn8SZSmIGsJqglorQ=s865" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5T7eDwvIgU4M1u0_hAMFzeqO1LFu4M_xsu6azRJMwSQG5RH7R56y0vo_6BF_20G5DiqdkGysqzD0T7RbZMPuRXZRMjYok1VHTsOXcgZW7o0MAiw11OTiYnCXso63O5ESUmyylHZnUmOkTmDT9acRV4UHAvpOdij_2cDieMX2a-fn8SZSmIGsJqglorQ=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow Jackets junior Kori Cole had another all-around great game, totaling 14 points, 4 steals, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. (photo via <a href="http://www.shotsbycannon.com" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>Osbourn Park's relentless motor on both sides stretched the lead in the fourth to as much as 25 points. Hailey Kellogg and Danielle Darfour would checkout as the crowd gave them a round of applause. Into the game came senior Chloe Wolf-Pullen who immediately made an impact with a block before the Yellow Jackets would spend the majority of the final minute draining the clock. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the game, Kori Cole spoke to her and her team's effort. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"We are a big defensive team- that’s how we get our momentum
going, Danielle did an amazing job on Lanie. We find our rhythm and the way we
play and that’s when we open up those scoring gaps."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also asked Alana Powell about what led to her success at attacking the basket tonight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"We work hard every day. We work on contact finishing, defense, transition from both sides of the ball and it just translates to games. It's all about countering the other team's offense. When they have runs, we need to capitalize. It's all about composure and making good decisions."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMEd9YDO3HmILeVW2EirW5OcQ7lmJy32iC6vZVKje5nicBSmgdGhd-Ewjuknj1FlDdbiJiAMfteG7PNsR-WWWPt9ixrUFJQ5fUdTwDtNmlF_HZWxUkfLM_PX85vLcp7ULbe20p-IMwCDH9m79BgqX3yIBhG56TajcDRQBkcNpvEqXb-OMQyfBR58Pb2Q=s865" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMEd9YDO3HmILeVW2EirW5OcQ7lmJy32iC6vZVKje5nicBSmgdGhd-Ewjuknj1FlDdbiJiAMfteG7PNsR-WWWPt9ixrUFJQ5fUdTwDtNmlF_HZWxUkfLM_PX85vLcp7ULbe20p-IMwCDH9m79BgqX3yIBhG56TajcDRQBkcNpvEqXb-OMQyfBR58Pb2Q=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Freshman center Alex Brown tallied 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals on 4-6 shooting.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via Pierre Cannon)</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally I spoke to head coach Chrissy Kelly who was unfortunately experiencing some discomfort due to a cracked tooth she sustained in the second quarter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"I initially had felt something yesterday. I just chew gum <i>really </i>hard, and I felt like my tooth was about to come out."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yet despite the excruciating pain, her focus never wavered in leading her team to a second straight state semi-final appearance. Before she offered insight on her team's effort, Kelly praised the talent of James River Midlothian. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Lanie Grant's composure- it's just wild how good she is. As a coach you sit back and hope you make every point she scores hard, but you also sit back in awe and appreciate how beautiful her game is. She's very smart with the ball. They had a cohesive aura about them in warm-ups. That's a really well-coached team."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Takes one to know one. Kelly then spoke about her team's approach tonight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"I tell them, 'we're going to have breakdowns, people are going to score- but you can't get stuck in that moment'. Tonight we never got stuck in those moments James River made runs. They work this hard in practice every day. It's not unfamiliar when there's pressure for them. Staying composed is critical."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Monday's state semi-finals pit OP (25-1) against <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/va/chester/thomas-dale-knights/basketball/girls/" target="_blank">Thomas Dale (20-4)</a> following the Knight's 47-38 win over Woodbridge. Thomas Dale comes in riding an eight-game win streak- but that pales in comparison to Osbourn Park's nineteen in a row. The irresistible force meets the immovable object as the Knights average 58.4 points per game and the Yellow Jackets allow 30.9 points per game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more on the lady Yellow Jackets, follow them on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ophswbb/" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-34077175804954820692022-02-26T19:06:00.009-08:002022-02-26T19:14:08.161-08:00Osbourn Park Girls Defeat Woodbridge to Win Second Straight Regional Championship<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfCTRIlfGdBKMqXf_I9292HmeuT9Y65DThQCnTJIaNVV1RCWJV5oPAGM_1k9V2Qs2uB4T0-baVY3sO7rk3bd2OBtEIPF3mlDSU6KXINsqxAtoEb-L9IfnW-y2CGSJQX4o8Qv4_FQO9n-mRaTYj3wpOhzd-UwwQ8zsjK3rC3AKUARsszRG4ILxbNeCw1w=s4700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="4700" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfCTRIlfGdBKMqXf_I9292HmeuT9Y65DThQCnTJIaNVV1RCWJV5oPAGM_1k9V2Qs2uB4T0-baVY3sO7rk3bd2OBtEIPF3mlDSU6KXINsqxAtoEb-L9IfnW-y2CGSJQX4o8Qv4_FQO9n-mRaTYj3wpOhzd-UwwQ8zsjK3rC3AKUARsszRG4ILxbNeCw1w=w640-h496" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park head coach Chrissy Kelly celebrates with her team and coaching staff following their second straight regional championship. (photo via <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-woodbridge-girls-basketball/collection_2cc80b28-9531-11ec-a8c4-d7a0c353a31b.html?fbclid=IwAR2yHp9yUfii45gw-nklEOcFxE9BydpY2O6vSoe5LucNJWCjAbcuqYRiT_E#1" target="_blank">InsideNova</a>)</span></b></i></div><br /><p></p><p>Fresh off their <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/02/osbourn-park-girls-headed-to-regional.html" target="_blank">regional semi-final win over Freedom South Riding</a>, the lady Yellow Jackets looked to keep things rolling on the road at Woodbridge in the final. They would do just that, winning 52-42. The win extends their current streak to eighteen games and puts them at 24-1 on the season. </p><p>The two teams would engage in a bit of a feeling out process for the better part of the opening quarter. Osbourn Park junior Alana Powell would break the ice at the 3:53 mark with a layup. Minutes later, freshman center Alex Brown would be fouled and make the shot. Junior Kori Cole would add on, going coast-to-coast and giving OP a 6-0 lead. </p><p>With :25 left, Woodbridge senior Reina Washington got her team on the board with a long three-pointer to cut the Yellow Jackets' lead in half. The visitors would answer with a three-pointer of their own. Kori Cole found Hailey Kellogg for a three-pointer just before the quarter ended with OP up 9-3. </p><p>Woodbridge senior Amani Melendez was held scoreless in the opening stanza, going 0-7 from the field. With 6:12 to go in the half, she'd make the most of her first trip to the free throw line by hitting both shots. Melendez finish the game with 23 points. </p><p>The rest of the second quarter played out like a heavyweight slugfest with neither team backing down. Reina Washington would hit another deep three to cut OP's lead to a point at 9-8. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMpddA6zTawvUMKwLHYH_N_YNdhmR7dKxlOlpY1bDfX320QZvJReuJF5fXA8UyNkrw88vFITO3zVdOLWLFvCcH9Og0HSXNdTDtHZ8lCkejKLQ-IIXUKNnitv0x6uhZT1gZZgwg9tDxvO1trgBqoijT9bYcClLr1mQAy63gd5wFmG99v-eWEJakDm8thg=s4914" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4914" data-original-width="3648" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMpddA6zTawvUMKwLHYH_N_YNdhmR7dKxlOlpY1bDfX320QZvJReuJF5fXA8UyNkrw88vFITO3zVdOLWLFvCcH9Og0HSXNdTDtHZ8lCkejKLQ-IIXUKNnitv0x6uhZT1gZZgwg9tDxvO1trgBqoijT9bYcClLr1mQAy63gd5wFmG99v-eWEJakDm8thg=w476-h640" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park junior Kori Cole finished with a team-high 14 points. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-woodbridge-girls-basketball/collection_2cc80b28-9531-11ec-a8c4-d7a0c353a31b.html" target="_blank">InsideNova</a>)</span></i></b></div><br /><p>Osbourn Park answered Woodbridge's run with one of their own as Alana Powell found Kori Cole to put their team up 14-8. Not to be outdone, Melendez hit two more free throws to knot things at 14 with just over three minutes left in the half. Powell found Cole again- this time from behind the arc- to go up 17-14. Woodbridge's Washington was scorching hot, draining her third three-pointer to tie the game at 17 with just over a minute left in the half. A free throw by Osbourn Park gave them an 18-17 lead after two quarters. </p><p>Woodbridge would take their first lead of the night when Amani Melendez scored five straight in the opening minute. Despite the surge and raucous home crowd, the Vikings would only hold the lead for a total of a minute all game. </p><p>Hailey Kellogg would connect with Alana Powell, but a Melendez three-point play knotted the game at 25. The Yellow Jackets would get momentum at a pivotal time via a 4-0 run, followed by a charging foul on Woodbridge. Down 31-27, the Vikings countered with a three from freshman Elawnie Wilkins. OP sophomore sharpshooter Angie Yann came into the game and immediately swooshed a three. Osbourn Park headed into the final quarter up 36-32. </p><p>The road team got off to another stellar start to open the fourth after a three from Kellogg then a steal and layup by Powell. Woodbridge would call a timeout, down 41-33 with 6:22 to go in the game. </p><p>Amani Melendez seemingly answered coming out of the timeout with a basket- but it was nullified when a ref called her for a charge on OP's Alex Brown. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyGu_8FTN4xf9aXuhxjystvcpHwSpr00bi7nnRqsmozTSnJoa9ZI7NHn4AoNVzpKHzwtZPSNiy1SccszaYMjRpCO6Qvyvc6kN7aeW2jcP_IdZG25wQAHxJwCq0PCdQE7P7crEGwdT6PWd0fX3__WuK7vyjhQleacKiVSLhcFYeUg4Kkme7MHw1Fuob_g=s4116" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="4116" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyGu_8FTN4xf9aXuhxjystvcpHwSpr00bi7nnRqsmozTSnJoa9ZI7NHn4AoNVzpKHzwtZPSNiy1SccszaYMjRpCO6Qvyvc6kN7aeW2jcP_IdZG25wQAHxJwCq0PCdQE7P7crEGwdT6PWd0fX3__WuK7vyjhQleacKiVSLhcFYeUg4Kkme7MHw1Fuob_g=w640-h544" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yellow Jackets junior Danielle Darfour guarded Woodbridge's sensational Amani Melendez for a majority of the game.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-woodbridge-girls-basketball/collection_2cc80b28-9531-11ec-a8c4-d7a0c353a31b.html" target="_blank">InsideNova</a>)</span></i></b></div><p>Osbourn Park junior Danielle Darfour scored her only basket to give her team a 43-33 lead. She'd also go 2-3 at the free throw line and gather 3 rebounds- but her most important contribution was her stout defense all night on Amani Melendez. Darfour constantly stayed with her and in front of her, never being close to getting in foul trouble. </p><p>After a timeout at the 4:10 mark, Hailey Kellogg threaded the needle and found Alex Brown for a basket. Amani Melendez countered to keep her team within nine points at 47-38, but a Woodbridge turnover led to Kori Cole finding Brown to put OP up 49-38 with 1:25 left in the game. </p><p>The rest of the game was academic with Osbourn Park hitting 5 of their final 6 free throws. Hailey Kellogg, Alex Brown and Alana Powell led the Yellow Jackets with 6 rebounds a piece. Kori Cole led the team with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals while going 5-6 from the charity stripe. Other double-digit scorers for the blue and yellow included Kellogg (13) and Powell (11). Another key stat would showcase Osbourn Park's offensive discipline as they only totaled 4 turnovers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbLpIHamlOS0G7UjIuFxCT_FQWQtLu4lLt-lLqTnny9tlI4M1DYzM693mYH2EyxDYouVlOOs2b2UGLfAK-S_M-5bMGdWjNESGjlYJK_s_yN2wJgGoYagkrI7KijCPGwl0yXAWqWLrM95DHQ6-JSU91uktU6pq8lkUj1XbqYTCtaBmLNsBmKvNXqKEi3A=s5424" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5424" data-original-width="3414" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbLpIHamlOS0G7UjIuFxCT_FQWQtLu4lLt-lLqTnny9tlI4M1DYzM693mYH2EyxDYouVlOOs2b2UGLfAK-S_M-5bMGdWjNESGjlYJK_s_yN2wJgGoYagkrI7KijCPGwl0yXAWqWLrM95DHQ6-JSU91uktU6pq8lkUj1XbqYTCtaBmLNsBmKvNXqKEi3A=w402-h640" width="402" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cedar Run District Player of the Year Hailey Kellogg was one of three Yellow Jackets in double digits (13) and grabbed 6 rebounds with 2 assists and 3 steals. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/photos-osbourn-park-woodbridge-girls-basketball/collection_2cc80b28-9531-11ec-a8c4-d7a0c353a31b.html" target="_blank">InsideNova</a>)</span></i></b></div><p>I spoke to Yellow Jackets head coach Chrissy Kelly after the game. </p><p>"It feels great. I'm exhausted, tired- but completely filled with pride for a group of kids where only one experienced this last year...and that was Hailey. To be able to handle all that comes with being in that moment, I'm just ridiculously proud."</p><p>With the win comes a whole week off for Osbourn Park, and Kelly is rewarding the team.</p><p>"I gave them the day off tomorrow. They need rest. We find out who we play, and take it literally one day at a time."</p><p>When I asked her how she would celebrate the momentous occasion, the Osbourn Park head coach put everything in perspective. </p><p>"Not watch film. Not practice plan. Not a lot of people know, but my sister's terminally ill. Basketball season takes me away from her. I'm going to spend the weekend with my sister. If she could be here, she would be. She was a huge supporter of me growing up. She's fought the last six years and she's my inspiration."</p><p>Osbourn Park will host their first round match-up against James River Midlothian (20-3) next Friday, March 4th. James River Midlothian is coming off a 44-38 loss against Thomas Dale in the Region A championship. The loss snapped an 11-game win streak for the Rapids. The Rapids enter the state playoffs averaging 53.9 points per game. </p><p>For more on the Osbourn Park girls, follow them on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ophswbb/" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a>. </p><p><br /></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-28597961283802476772022-02-24T21:55:00.002-08:002022-02-24T22:02:04.084-08:00Osbourn Park Girls Headed to Regional Final After Win Over Freedom SR<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1hTdN5QEMq3LlFL1esF8QGQpYtX7RPh7kTULpjl-bTbmI2E5m2IUywjb6-0A33zlW_hwsowvjlCF0aUdQ5vthY0C0JoNm42VkUTvFCisHdPMp8iONs_5Fo0xci4Em1PaBKgK-3Xb-lQ-R6s1rUDzXr_fNnSAijzTr191Eo_h2seMsFAKkuSjZvg0Cgw=s1298" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1298" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1hTdN5QEMq3LlFL1esF8QGQpYtX7RPh7kTULpjl-bTbmI2E5m2IUywjb6-0A33zlW_hwsowvjlCF0aUdQ5vthY0C0JoNm42VkUTvFCisHdPMp8iONs_5Fo0xci4Em1PaBKgK-3Xb-lQ-R6s1rUDzXr_fNnSAijzTr191Eo_h2seMsFAKkuSjZvg0Cgw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Chrissy Kelly continues to get the most out of her team as Osbourn Park returns to the regional final Friday night at Woodbridge. </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(photo via <a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Osbourn Park ladies continued their winning ways Wednesday night when they hosted Freedom South Riding in the regional semi-finals, outlasting the Eagles 49 to 35. It was the team's seventeenth win in a row to put the Yellow Jackets at 23-1 on the season. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The lady Yellow Jackets have been known for their swarming defense all season, and Freedom immediately felt their presence by turning the ball over on an inbounds play. Despite the pressure, Freedom would eventually kick off the scoring with a layup by junior Grace Farrar. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Osbourn Park junior Kori Cole would break the ice for the home team, scoring a layup while getting fouled. She would miss the free throw, a problem that plagued OP throughout the game. As a team they would finish 5-14 from the charity stripe. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With 3:52 left in the first quarter, senior guard Hailey Kellogg would blow by the Eagles' defense and draw a foul. Soon after, junior Alana Powell would steal the ball and find senior Kacey Kelly for an easy basket. OP would have an early 8-4 lead with 2:30 to go. Sophomore Angie Yann would hit the team's first three-pointer immediately upon entering the game, bumping up the lead to 13-8. The Yellow Jackets would lead 15-10 after one quarter. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih2HwrNKlDzdNH78jifVIJD4AscW8EO2fMLyiQPuk1NpOu5zQHpyiPAI1B3Xp4u0aTz-3-su_FUBp2SM4K9yNnKeBV1CkPOlmLTFQXGCAbS34q6UMyNTwDYlgnaDHcKFEpLRlXrFD-F7BSlLogNy8v3Z0gFlgbpLTcs0cx62RwkQMTEdVUBEUOASSWdg=s865" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih2HwrNKlDzdNH78jifVIJD4AscW8EO2fMLyiQPuk1NpOu5zQHpyiPAI1B3Xp4u0aTz-3-su_FUBp2SM4K9yNnKeBV1CkPOlmLTFQXGCAbS34q6UMyNTwDYlgnaDHcKFEpLRlXrFD-F7BSlLogNy8v3Z0gFlgbpLTcs0cx62RwkQMTEdVUBEUOASSWdg=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Junior Alana Powell led OP with 10 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></i></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">OP would pick up right where they left off when junior Danielle Darfour found freshman center Alex Brown for a basket. Brown and Alana Powell would lead the Yellow Jackets with 10 points each. Powell would then find Kacey Kelly again as their team stretched the lead to 19-12, spurring a Freedom timeout. Powell would lead all players with 5 of her team's 12 assists on the night.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hailey Kellogg took her turn at finding Kelly for a slashing layup off a fast break a minute later. Danielle Darfour left her mark on the game, completing a three-point play the hard way as OP built a twelve point lead at 26-14 with just over a minute left in the half. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Senior Chloe Wolfe-Pullen would get in on the action, finding Kori Cole for a two points with 20 seconds to go. OP went into the half up 28-15. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kacey Kelly would connect twice with Alex Brown in the third quarter to give OP a 32-19 lead. Freedom turned the ball over on their next possession, allowing for Chloe Wolfe-Pullen to dish it to Alex Brown for a bucket. Chloe would be on the receiving end of a basket just a minute later courtesy of Alana Powell. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP4N8cf3OWr3yYHlkCG8G9nUBC1vC7wk1Wt67yu31nAAglYfUZu8BAZioAK-M2YZCgBNJuOLJMjdWxe4TX7HrAMZduHYV7UOhSPDrLHD6JQIyPAbqGeyTaR1TSCg5YFWlQi9UDtDyW9tn7fuqLTEdEV0xme-KGsjk7DlyxGKwL7fl4i7YuHpGcaE95RQ=s865" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjP4N8cf3OWr3yYHlkCG8G9nUBC1vC7wk1Wt67yu31nAAglYfUZu8BAZioAK-M2YZCgBNJuOLJMjdWxe4TX7HrAMZduHYV7UOhSPDrLHD6JQIyPAbqGeyTaR1TSCg5YFWlQi9UDtDyW9tn7fuqLTEdEV0xme-KGsjk7DlyxGKwL7fl4i7YuHpGcaE95RQ=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Junior Kori Cole would chip in 5 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></b></i></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">OP would make their second three of the night once again via Angie Yann from Alana Powell to go up 30-23. Freedom did a great job at limiting open looks for OP, especially midrange jumpers. The Yellow Jackets did not make a mid-range jumper all night, scoring off a variety of layups, free throws and four three-pointers. Freedom would head into the final quarter trailing 39-25. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Freedom would threaten to close the gap in the fourth, getting to within twelve points. OP was having none of it and broke away to a 49-31 lead via two three-pointers from Kellogg and Powell with the two alternating on the assist and shot each time. Freedom would once again turn over the ball on an inbounds play. OP would force 18 turnovers throughout the game. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I caught up with OP head coach Chrissy Kelly after the game. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I'm proud with the constant effort. They really were resilient when Freedom played a tremendous game. They punched us in the face and had us stumbling, and when that happened we still had the ability to trust in each other. Every game gets harder as you move forward. Freedom read the back screens."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kelly spoke to the team's 5-13 effort on free throws, too. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I preach it all the time. The reality of it is the deeper you get, free throws become a critical part of the game. We put ourselves in foul trouble by putting them in the bonus early in both halves via undisciplined defense."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Osbourn Park now heads on the road to face a stout Woodbridge Vikings squad only four days after the <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/02/osbourn-park-bested-by-woodbridge-in.html" target="_blank">boys' season ended there</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"At this point, you have to win on the road. Championships are won on the road. My focus is fixing some defensive breakdowns and preparing the best way possible to play a team that has a ton of momentum like they do."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Momentum is also on OP's side as they ride a 17-game win streak with 15 by 15+ points, 14 by 20+ points and an average margin of victory of over 27 points. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tipoff is at 6:30 pm at Woodbridge high school. For more on the Osbourn Park ladies, follow them on Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ophswbb" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a>. </div><p></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-54456789358856578222022-02-24T21:02:00.006-08:002022-02-24T21:02:58.559-08:00Osbourn Park Bested by Woodbridge in Regional Opener<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid2-czpi5dki4idjcpPnFrDsnUtzULjgZQbf__Znnwp5mDrl2ySIVpQW08Symw-oY-IJvV5AsBiU26ypUievlSIrYvDJqsu_7M0WRtuPzBRyReGw7UyuW-cb0L68RIxcTvN-2jtreGtJfeMoWfdpH_d5Wk2BjS9jlLvOUv8O3uIY-2wMQG_vzQDE0cpA=s690" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="518" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid2-czpi5dki4idjcpPnFrDsnUtzULjgZQbf__Znnwp5mDrl2ySIVpQW08Symw-oY-IJvV5AsBiU26ypUievlSIrYvDJqsu_7M0WRtuPzBRyReGw7UyuW-cb0L68RIxcTvN-2jtreGtJfeMoWfdpH_d5Wk2BjS9jlLvOUv8O3uIY-2wMQG_vzQDE0cpA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park head coach Jeremy Coleman strategizes with his team during a timeout. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/193139870@N08/albums/with/72177720296578021" target="_blank">Amber Bonner</a>)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div>After an opening round loss in the Cedar Run District playoffs, Osbourn Park hoped to right the ship by beating Woodbridge in opening round regional action this past Monday. Woodbridge would "defend The Bridge" and beat OP in a close game, 47-45. <p></p><p>Both teams would start the feeling out process for the first few minutes with Woodbridge up one basket, 8-6. They'd jet out to a 15-8 lead thanks to a 7-2 run. Junior big man Cam Portis would be called for two early fouls and sit out the rest of the quarter. </p><p>OP would call a timeout after a three-pointer by Vikings sophomore forward Riley Jacobs. Woodbridge would lead 16-11 after the first quarter. </p><p>Osbourn Park would draw first blood in the second quarter with a layup by senior guard <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/01/senior-spotlight-logan-dwyer.html" target="_blank">Logan Dwyer</a>. Junior Yellow Jackets center Josh Okuadido would pick up his second foul with 5:44 left in the half. Freshman forward <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/01/player-spotlight-rj-jones.html" target="_blank">RJ Jones</a> would knock down a three via a <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/02/buzzworthy-tavyahn-faison.html" target="_blank">Tay Faison</a> assist to get within a point, 19-18. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz63erQXVVf4gwmpWlX-zhfL25MB5nQ9kBofQPdnlOzxdWYGIOe4JednprNz72f8WXiaxg7gDRsP71x0ZnPRd_LrYlGRo8iHGn22jwdPMBsLtlrjmr6ez_HqKOTLr9FIikpasMZGsO6BcVUDY-vbpRI3hS7vbiDK1eoMrOf8YrxpQnTJg1VJHCgnivgg=s690" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="446" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz63erQXVVf4gwmpWlX-zhfL25MB5nQ9kBofQPdnlOzxdWYGIOe4JednprNz72f8WXiaxg7gDRsP71x0ZnPRd_LrYlGRo8iHGn22jwdPMBsLtlrjmr6ez_HqKOTLr9FIikpasMZGsO6BcVUDY-vbpRI3hS7vbiDK1eoMrOf8YrxpQnTJg1VJHCgnivgg=w414-h640" width="414" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Senior guard Logan Dwyer led OP with 16 points in his final game as a Yellow Jacket. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/193139870@N08/albums/with/72177720296578021" target="_blank"> Amber Bonner</a>)</span></i></b></div><br /><p>Moments later, sophomore guard <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/01/osbourn-is-still-in-midst-of-long-delay.html" target="_blank">Trey Terrell</a> would rise up for a beautifully-timed block on a Woodbridge center. Unfortunately for the OP faithful, a referee would deem it a foul and award the Vikings two free throws. Woodbridge would have possession and turn the ball over on a travel. Osbourn Park would take advantage immediately when Trey Terrell was fouled, putting his team in the bonus. He'd knock down both free throws to knot the game at 20 a piece. </p><p>Vikings senior guard Monte Gabriel would put his team ahead with a layup at 22-20. Woodbridge would go into the half up 24-20. </p><p>The Vikings would kick off the second half on a 6-2 run. Logan Dwyer would find Tay Faison with a great pass down the court for a three-pointer to get their team within five points at 32-27. A few plays later, RJ Jones would find senior Daniel Salguero for a three of his own. Salguero would reward Jones a minute later after stealing the ball to tie the game at 34. He found Jones one more time with 20 seconds left in the quarter as Osbourn Park carried a 36-34 lead into the fourth quarter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2K-_lqTpD6pVOxs8wTae2uszFM6McsScvV0tXyCP2ccHxua7mjQmp-9p_XZG-hr21Wm0daz93-XfQ3M_5ZG9IsQfKVDzDz9-JJ6en9mSGiKeXPAmd_iMiUNt1FoX6-dnPx785WFAn8UrP166A94Yhb-Cabih4xWi1m7tQ_DxyEsle66REqAsQyWYTvw=s690" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="416" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2K-_lqTpD6pVOxs8wTae2uszFM6McsScvV0tXyCP2ccHxua7mjQmp-9p_XZG-hr21Wm0daz93-XfQ3M_5ZG9IsQfKVDzDz9-JJ6en9mSGiKeXPAmd_iMiUNt1FoX6-dnPx785WFAn8UrP166A94Yhb-Cabih4xWi1m7tQ_DxyEsle66REqAsQyWYTvw=w386-h640" width="386" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Junior center Joshua Okuadido with a key block late in the game. He'd finish with 6 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. (photo via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/193139870@N08/albums/with/72177720296578021" target="_blank">Amber Bonner</a>)</span></i></b></div><br /><p>Woodbridge would once again start the fourth quarter on another run (this time 6-0) to go up 40-36. Osbourn Park called a timeout with 6:46 left in the game. Two minutes later, Trey Terrell found Josh Okuadido for a bucket off a stellar pass inside to tie the game at 42. Logan Dwyer would hit a jumper to take the lead, but senior Vikings guard Brian Jackson would answer with a three-pointer to put the home team up, 45-44 with 3:23 to go in the game. </p><p>Josh Okuadido would tie the game at 45 with a free throw. He'd then steal the ball and find Tay Faison who was called for an untimely charge. With 1:25 left in the game, Osbourn Park took a timeout to regroup. Coming out of the timeout, Osbourn Park would have a lengthy possession, not attacking until there were under 25 seconds to go in the game. </p><p>Woodbridge senior point guard Malik Hunter would poke the ball out of bounds, giving OP another possession with 18 seconds to go. OP would find RJ at the three-point line. His miss would go long and ignite a Woodbridge fastbreak. Senior guard Michael Cooper would find himself with the ball and an open layup to put his team ahead 47-45 with 2.1 left in the game. OP would come out of a timeout and hope for a miracle. Tay Faison caught the inbounds pass and launched it from three-quarters court to no avail, as Woodbridge would win and move on to the next round of regionals versus Battlefield. </p><p>I caught up with an emotional Logan Dwyer after the game, his final one in a Yellow Jackets uniform. Dwyer finished the game with a team-high 16 points on 6-10 shooting (2-4 from 3). </p><p><span style="color: #0f1419; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">"I felt like we played a really solid game and had great energy the whole game. We made some mistakes but we didn’t get down about it and kept going. I hate how it ended but I know that we have it our all.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was happy with how I played. I felt like it was the perfect way to go out. It was one of my best shooting nights and just overall decision-making. I wish I could have that feeling every time I play."</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally I asked Logan about this being the final chapter in his Osbourn Park basketball career.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1419; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Basketball has been a huge part of my life for so long and knowing that this was my last season was hard. I gave it my all and hoped for the best and while it didn’t end the way I wanted it to, I was happy to have such a great experience playing the sport that I love. I will always miss playing basketball at the high school level but I know the memories will always be with me. Basketball will never truly be gone from my life."</span></span></p><p>I also was able to get Osbourn Park head coach Jeremy Coleman's thoughts on the game.</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Their effort tonight was astounding. They executed the game plan.
Zone was uncomfortable for them- but it gave us an opportunity to be there in
the end. I trusted who I had in the game. RJ had a good look at the basket, it
just didn’t fall. I’m proud of the defensive effort after the missed bucket and
our hustle back."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I then asked about losing the senior trio of Logan Dwyer, Daniel Salguero and Malcolm Bilal. </p><p class="MsoNormal">"Logan was a four-year varsity starter. His high IQ and defense as a freshman is what got him on the team. He challenged
the seniors that year and won. We'll definitely miss his leadership. Daniel is a great kid and only had him one year. I wish I had more time with
him. He would calm our team down when things got out of control. Malcolm started off with adversity via an injury freshman year, but ever since then he always came to work and had a positive attitude no matter what."</p><p class="MsoNormal">While these recaps are never about me, I would just like to state it's been a blast covering this team this season through the highs and the lows. I've enjoyed getting to know the team, staff and players' families as well as the Prince William high school sports community as a whole. (Thank you Alex Khu!) </p><p class="MsoNormal">I would like to thank <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/193139870@N08/" target="_blank">Amber Bonner</a> for her stellar work all season as well as <a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a> who takes pics of all sports throughout Prince William County. Without them, these pieces would not come to life like they have. Lastly, I would like to thank Jeremy Coleman and Keith Lane for the opportunity to cover the team and all the coaches who made me feel welcome. </p><p class="MsoNormal">See ya'll next season and enjoy the various high school tournaments. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Osbourn Park basketball would like to thank their sponsors of the 2021-22 season:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.battlefieldford.net/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="795" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOUor_W-zc5oqwl-DureiEA6Vl7HdSoCCZkHRpdNb6KsXtwPLE0upNTiGyBjkIxnYQ0k4b57yMDMAGcUwtdryJ93jmlRb7vapy9b-Xk2_SFFdC-xpUzZudjALHf-Z1MZbh6a5m_OIH01zHZxRnIX67d1ZMUw8f7a30Nkra8iyM0Iats4tD1aho1RjdBA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hiscreationsgardencenters.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQKgFfmeIp97rLNrD0poFm-4F4zPJ5vLTdpAJxLapOYa1k5emqouO4TmxX4h9GlHEBRopdwjra4KtJT39It2CDi9jqB2m1mJQ5IOtBV-YS1wXyTwRBCGiiHqZjAZA5rAG9cptieOtnliJaVpCtyKc54RgjJ0GGS4SKvQ48xx0pMAoFsogoSKUa_RCfeQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs_Fo3i07mfU8EALq_Ky9vBOhfWwL2J1UxaTT_EIUZQMheTsI_7q_C7rcWvAGIEVO4CSpMmzEI251uT0caO_bW9PiQx1coAXklRqSO9dG2O7XmnnO-qF7mTvkzIvq_IruroXZbrztIxWpnbOiLGwwcbgf-jYt80FeVaxOR1kMDTb8AO0W2POgp9ei98g=s1446" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1446" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs_Fo3i07mfU8EALq_Ky9vBOhfWwL2J1UxaTT_EIUZQMheTsI_7q_C7rcWvAGIEVO4CSpMmzEI251uT0caO_bW9PiQx1coAXklRqSO9dG2O7XmnnO-qF7mTvkzIvq_IruroXZbrztIxWpnbOiLGwwcbgf-jYt80FeVaxOR1kMDTb8AO0W2POgp9ei98g=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">USMC Memoriam - Joseph Dwyer</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.emd-llc.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWpCzOKc9Rs68FqBtaHZA8QdBj6cFJ0jqcm900iH1eGLBNtdjAvqx67lY5pdSEIWL0wDL__XV6KtTeXhx_1pabsP3oLhU1HLVjOO215qj70JqtSM1JegNmOua2ATg3IFKfSV9uhPazZZG6DoMyXqs_5DWiwclqB3Mc6HkNF2tMzgFuzDviUs-kZXuULg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://jacksonavenue.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="415" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEin8I-e5y7PPrNSvmThWoK0AlzMQlfvb0cVPw8dkj5vTk3MI39Yexvym_ybh6_ph89KDiYu37mTFx__rNp0JeOgmu38baHB6Cfa3kGNkdArTHyFD1mOhgkPxdbaDDIN7rbKLJ0xYql0LJ275pga4uRw5A6qCmoZ48eJ77I5cUEfn5ElvpPvMp386tQBAA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-2704340419692684132022-02-18T15:51:00.002-08:002022-02-18T15:51:45.690-08:00Osbourn Park Girls Defeat Patriot for Second Straight District Championship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiQLrMpUfoeY5I77VzVsw4aO9i6ljl-rwaRIphNSX2it6xyndGXu3cEzth_oZitJOf62UAEsf3PwnZgCR-55a4hevZ_BrkH-LvZbQY0YsjtquQgIf6V_Ve5hmYkYlUVVCxrmvxAjpCKsTgQAQDi09QEbHQwaor1JOAtSq1sM8rVT3zhkVtrt4NOXYBgg=s1298" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1298" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiQLrMpUfoeY5I77VzVsw4aO9i6ljl-rwaRIphNSX2it6xyndGXu3cEzth_oZitJOf62UAEsf3PwnZgCR-55a4hevZ_BrkH-LvZbQY0YsjtquQgIf6V_Ve5hmYkYlUVVCxrmvxAjpCKsTgQAQDi09QEbHQwaor1JOAtSq1sM8rVT3zhkVtrt4NOXYBgg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Osbourn Park coaches and players celebrate back-to-back Cedar Run District championships.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: small;"><i>(photo via <a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</i></b></div><p>Fresh off their 44-37 win over Gainesville, the Osbourn Park girls looked to attain consecutive Cedar Run district championships against Patriot on Wednesday night at home. They would come away successful, beating the Pioneers 58-36 to go 21-1 on the season. </p><p>Patriot kicked the game off with a 4-0 start, but OP stormed back to take a 7-6 lead following a three-point play from junior Alana Powell and a three-pointer from senior Hailey Kellogg with 4:40 remaining in the quarter. The score remained low as the two teams jostled for momentum with OP leading 10-8 after one. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN1Y2tjnpFhefoLDf33HmCUFJlBMwSaujc6kLgL2U-1AxFd0K9xNNiiKUFKrL7ZJhUpsE04z3yX-CruCgIhXTUHkGzdpOZp_Yqsv1HjhHLzN0TQR7swkN7TbJJHLQn4hLxQv67v0-kYmb9AeIWJ7XAtFPIw4PuI4yW3Z9RWZFqax7s9QiNvbUclI5qqg=s865" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN1Y2tjnpFhefoLDf33HmCUFJlBMwSaujc6kLgL2U-1AxFd0K9xNNiiKUFKrL7ZJhUpsE04z3yX-CruCgIhXTUHkGzdpOZp_Yqsv1HjhHLzN0TQR7swkN7TbJJHLQn4hLxQv67v0-kYmb9AeIWJ7XAtFPIw4PuI4yW3Z9RWZFqax7s9QiNvbUclI5qqg=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Senior point guard Hailey Kellogg led OP with 19 points including five three-pointers. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via<a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank"> Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></i></b></div><p>The Yellow Jackets would create separation immediately in the second quarter after a quick 5-0 run made the score 15-8 with just over six minutes to go in the half. Scoring came in bunches for the home team. Powell blew by the Pioneer defenders for a layup to put OP up 22-12, and a five-point surge via a jumper and three-pointer from Kellogg extended their lead to fifteen. The Osbourn Park ladies used a 19-4 second quarter to head into the half up 29-12. </p><p>OP would refuse to let up on the gas pedal in the third quarter, using their swarming defense and hot shooting to expand their lead. OP head coach Chrissy Kelly took a timeout with 4:46 left in the third to refocus her team despite a seventeen-point lead. </p><p>Immediately following the timeout, Hailey Kellogg hit another shot from deep. On their next two trips down the floor, she and Alana Powell traded assists and three pointers to open up the game to 42-16 with just over three minutes to go in the third quarter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkD8Zb5E5WMBNIVCPklwxcvJ4XntLAJ_2A4LtAsSlQ1m-Cd6g3QjPvVEh2iTRMyOeKrAX1hptFQ9C8CUnbnjbHZoDMzKjNhOu2t-61i945QOC-MZNQKEs-3aPDzjmOp8sd02hZtjbUKwLCGCFrpLHi0FfCdIr2mtuTfOh5ri8Nejf8ghGGE_YmICbo1w=s865" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkD8Zb5E5WMBNIVCPklwxcvJ4XntLAJ_2A4LtAsSlQ1m-Cd6g3QjPvVEh2iTRMyOeKrAX1hptFQ9C8CUnbnjbHZoDMzKjNhOu2t-61i945QOC-MZNQKEs-3aPDzjmOp8sd02hZtjbUKwLCGCFrpLHi0FfCdIr2mtuTfOh5ri8Nejf8ghGGE_YmICbo1w=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Junior guard Alana Powell was second in scoring with 14 points and led the Yellow Jackets with 4 assists.</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></b></i></div><p></p><p>The two scoring dynamos combined for 33 points. Kellogg would finish 7-11 (5-8 from beyond the arc) for a game-high 19 points with 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals. Kellogg was also named <a href="She was named the 2021-22 Cedar Park District Player of the Year on Friday." target="_blank">Cedar Run District Player of the Year on Friday. </a></p><p>Powell would tally 14 points, going 5-11 (2-3 3P) from the field with 2 rebounds, a team-high 4 assists and 2 steals. </p><p>They'd head into the final period up 44-19. Patriot had their most competitive quarter in the fourth, outscoring OP 17-14. They were led by junior Addisyn Banks with 12 points. OP sophomore guard Angelina Yann would cap off the Yellow Jackets shooting from deep with a beautiful high-arcing three to put her team up 27. </p><p>Osbourn Park used their trademark defense to the tune of 16 steals, forcing 21 Patriot turnovers. They'd also finish the game going 8-13 (61%) from beyond the arc. Freshman center Alex Brown had a team-high 11 rebounds with 6 off the offensive glass.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbKvjZmnTXlY2SwyHgfI9vWof03Q9A3uKRyet2ZDcmdbJOq7D4P0Ci1-efNrTiEjIy9fLdYt2AUziNImEKyBcdiN7-g94jRbM5-YeeAngN3O7uB-OVfQb38qpIHLOG5LCO0-nZOe4fIYSjP5gTJ55B8i_kKhvzcJD2057TnPiAj_LmqpRP1BwNB3m2dg=s1297" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1297" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbKvjZmnTXlY2SwyHgfI9vWof03Q9A3uKRyet2ZDcmdbJOq7D4P0Ci1-efNrTiEjIy9fLdYt2AUziNImEKyBcdiN7-g94jRbM5-YeeAngN3O7uB-OVfQb38qpIHLOG5LCO0-nZOe4fIYSjP5gTJ55B8i_kKhvzcJD2057TnPiAj_LmqpRP1BwNB3m2dg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under Chrissy Kelly, Osbourn Park has won the Cedar Run district championship four out of the last five seasons. </span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.shotsbycannon.com/" target="_blank">Pierre Cannon</a>)</span></b></i></div><p>I caught up with Chrissy Kelly after the game as she reflected on winning Osbourn Park's second straight district championship. </p><p>"This is a big one. This is a group that really had to make a decision after losing the amount of kids we did coming into the season. This group had zero experience in regards to being in this moment. For them to rise to the occasion, I'm just extremely proud. I love this group. They're just a really great group of kids."</p><p>On the horizon for Osbourn Park stands a first round regional playoff game against Forest Park on Monday night at 6:30 pm at home. </p><p>"One day at a time. We have to work on tomorrow. We have to get Alana's ankle healthy. We just have to keep working on the little things that keep you playing for a long period of time."</p><p>For more on the lady Yellow Jackets, follow them on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/girlsophs" target="_blank">@GirlsOPHS</a> and Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ophswbb/" target="_blank">@OPHSWBB</a>. </p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-66024969357120194322022-02-11T19:52:00.002-08:002022-02-11T21:15:40.312-08:00Osbourn Park Avenges Loss Versus Unity Reed in Opening Round<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyicQcRWWT4BAdQeIxS2pdMdW3Wkhze8Iv-Q-klIhWW2sXpyCDHYzQPV1Wsm1riKxOAx_swCrizPvjpon3pYtDL8Mm9LTOY8GoDgAosk-nePzshKmV-uIkBSvKCVRqWJ7bi1f-FxxQgaN7KJVICjUGQcKhiGVS4WjZ3LYwpZDO7BYD-wWKGtejfMuWSQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyicQcRWWT4BAdQeIxS2pdMdW3Wkhze8Iv-Q-klIhWW2sXpyCDHYzQPV1Wsm1riKxOAx_swCrizPvjpon3pYtDL8Mm9LTOY8GoDgAosk-nePzshKmV-uIkBSvKCVRqWJ7bi1f-FxxQgaN7KJVICjUGQcKhiGVS4WjZ3LYwpZDO7BYD-wWKGtejfMuWSQ=w640-h426" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park used homecourt advantage to beat Unity Reed in opening round action on Thursday night.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/193139870@N08/albums/with/72177720296597677" target="_blank">Amber Bonner</a>)</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Osbourn Park's regular season ended on a sour note last Monday when they <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/02/osbourn-park-loses-to-unity-reed-in.html" target="_blank">lost to Unity Reed, 79-68</a>. They looked to right the ship Thursday in opening round playoff action and did just that, winning 69-56 at home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jeremy Coleman's Yellow Jackets were aggressive from the start. Not even thirty seconds in, senior guard <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/01/senior-spotlight-logan-dwyer.html" target="_blank">Logan Dwyer</a> completed a three-point play. Dwyer would later find freshman guard <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/01/player-spotlight-rj-jones.html" target="_blank">RJ Jones</a> for a three-pointer to put OP ahead 11-2, forcing a Unity Reed timeout with 3:32 left in the first quarter. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgteFg6o57mABN5Ewtq41RA_yYWIsONfiYWDoD5YZ63DKS129nShhNf21P_F8LDDGiFo-LZjwlBYyyHKrpnIlYPXDhgdcZsLpbBJY58FcIwrnEFqEWcro8kCjfEVT4yMSifAAyJ2yUzXCpa1z4m3QLoy6aTyht_g0NED7gTH38-wIyUni2bTAbRT1KsLQ=s1564" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgteFg6o57mABN5Ewtq41RA_yYWIsONfiYWDoD5YZ63DKS129nShhNf21P_F8LDDGiFo-LZjwlBYyyHKrpnIlYPXDhgdcZsLpbBJY58FcIwrnEFqEWcro8kCjfEVT4yMSifAAyJ2yUzXCpa1z4m3QLoy6aTyht_g0NED7gTH38-wIyUni2bTAbRT1KsLQ=w640-h640" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Osbourn Park's home crowd brought the energy all night long, including support from the the 19-1 girl's team. </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photos via Amber Bonner)</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sophomore guard <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/02/buzzworthy-tavyahn-faison.html" target="_blank">Tay Faison</a> returned after a one game absence and was a factor all night for Osbourn Park on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately for OP fans, he'd collect a technical foul early on after an interaction with a Unity Reed player. Senior Lions guard Sean Scott would hit both free throws to make it 11-4. Unity Reed's first eight points would all be off free throws. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">With just over a minute to go, senior guard Daniel Salguero would find freshman guard Jalen Proctor for a three-pointer to go ahead 18-10. The quarter would end with the home team in control, up 20-10.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Proctor would return the favor early in the second quarter when he assisted on a Salguero three. Junior center Josh Okuadido would build off that momentum with a baseline dunk to push the lead to 25-12. Unity Reed would burn another timeout. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Things would not improve for the Lions as Logan Dwyer timed his steal perfectly off an errant pass, dashing to the other end for two points and giving OP a 15 point lead, 27-12. OP's three-point barrage would continue via Proctor and Salguero to give the Yellow Jackets a 20 point lead at 36-16. They'd shoot 8-17 (47%) from beyond the arc. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ball movement was a key ingredient all night long, a great display being when Salguero stole the ball, passed to junior big man Cam Portis who found Logan Dwyer for a layup giving OP a 22 point lead. Dwyer realized the significance heading into the night, and even more after the win. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I thought we came out with great energy and maintained it throughout the game. We played a great team game with lots of people scoring. Overall it was a great way to start off the playoffs and even sweeter as a senior because I want to leave the program right and I think we are on the path to do that." Dwyer would also lead OP in assists with 6. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Those Logan mentioned scoring included himself (11) and four other players in double figures: Tay Faison (11), Daniel Salguero (10), Okuadido (17), Proctor (10). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Portis would pick up his second foul when he'd collide with Sean Scott later in the half. Scott would stay down and come out of the game, but gather himself to return soon after. Osbourn Park would go into the half up 41-23. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig68A-t1WHJny-cUpOHgFKtOZ387ycEm2RuM8wQ89nDCL_KHtUNgWAqSDHZJ7ZyEaQPlnyMeYTeM4jRgHqFcZauL0KXtV30wTkW4tzn34ym07qdJvC4QCeO4go55OGTnGk7rMz_LW50xuUhJz1PRE_xKEoA2MXhc-oKeIYZhykpXh-VpI7MywJDOE2hA=s1564" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig68A-t1WHJny-cUpOHgFKtOZ387ycEm2RuM8wQ89nDCL_KHtUNgWAqSDHZJ7ZyEaQPlnyMeYTeM4jRgHqFcZauL0KXtV30wTkW4tzn34ym07qdJvC4QCeO4go55OGTnGk7rMz_LW50xuUhJz1PRE_xKEoA2MXhc-oKeIYZhykpXh-VpI7MywJDOE2hA=w640-h640" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Yellow Jackets would have five players score in double digits: Josh Okuadido, Logan Dwyer, Tay Faison, Daniel Salguero and Jalen Proctor. </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photos via Amber Bonner)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">OP would find more success early in the third and extend the game to their largest lead of the night of 24 points at 52-28 following two Josh Okuadido free-throws. OP would take advantage of the charity stripe, shooting 11-14 (78%) on the night. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">They would then hit their roughest stretch of the night as Unity Reed went on an impressive 15-3 run to get within 12 points at 55-43 following a jumper from Sean Scott and a three-pointer from junior forward Charles Pargo. Yellow Jackets head coach Jeremy Coleman would call a timeout with 3:54 left in the game. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Immediately after the timeout, sophomore guard <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/01/osbourn-is-still-in-midst-of-long-delay.html" target="_blank">Trey Terrell</a> would pass it to Tay Faison who connected with Okuadido for another dunk. Okuadido would have a double-double that included 17 points and 10 rebounds. He'd go 5-7 from the free throw line and have a season-high 6 blocks. He'd dazzle on the baseline all night long with a variety of dunks and even a reverse layup for good measure. I spoke to Okuadido after the game. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Our loss against Unity Reed shouldn't have happened. We had to set the record straight when we came out to play them. I've been putting in more work on my movement on offense and it's been paying off in recent games."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">He continued, "I want us to have the same energy tonight on Monday when we face Patriot and do our thing."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD5qWuZQw4US4PRhehJe0bNzOn00aSpDeaGBLWgw8x7p9oaVzJ2RZiCq8bPeWx-grIxUx-ZgQLHDe2o6LRTkjcMOsJVIAVE1Sub7CgMU2IJ5jrNuLhGoXyQqTalmFHx-QbGtyMFkfEVqu2GMY2XOD4EIIBhAFnJyKnk0BDVzBF6CI0bb4OTz-zfTmxsw=s1564" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD5qWuZQw4US4PRhehJe0bNzOn00aSpDeaGBLWgw8x7p9oaVzJ2RZiCq8bPeWx-grIxUx-ZgQLHDe2o6LRTkjcMOsJVIAVE1Sub7CgMU2IJ5jrNuLhGoXyQqTalmFHx-QbGtyMFkfEVqu2GMY2XOD4EIIBhAFnJyKnk0BDVzBF6CI0bb4OTz-zfTmxsw=w640-h640" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Josh Okuadido led the Yellow Jackets with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 6 blocks. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photos via Amber Bonner)</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I caught up with head coach Jeremy Coleman after the game. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Tonight we came out with lots of energy and were determined to limit their open looks. We knew we'd have to rebound the ball well. Josh was tremendous in leading the effort in all facets of the game. Cam Portis also provided solid defense. Jalen Proctor hit some key long balls off the bench, too. This is a great victory for these young men and the program and I'm proud to be their coach."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Osbourn Park gets a few days off prior to their semi-finals matchup versus 20-0 Patriot on the Pioneers court. They are 0-2 against them on the season, <a href="https://seanneutron.blogspot.com/2022/01/yellow-jackets-gutsy-effort-not-enough.html" target="_blank">last playing on January 24th</a>. Tipoff is at 7 pm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For more on Osbourn Park basketball, keep it tuned here and follow them on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/opjackethoops" target="_blank">@OPJackethoops</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Osbourn Park would like to thank their sponsors for the 2021-2022 season: </i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.battlefieldford.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="795" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitvLGnulRER9XVyDUYFf3IZ2hpmuoJfkKXxP6-r6P7IFyD60EJab4HJJD8KpwK8QLog9RhzItBWZGUfQydbp4C2VfbRovKVcRFnWhgZCIqBVQa85tPOiwNkRkZFTLtnSQWnOT6CLQz6WLgF45Oquh4GZBJoRAQ12Ne1oWJ6pz-nEdjwS0QhkEY3Z-6JQ=s320" width="320"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br></div></b><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: garamond, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">USMC Memoriam - Joseph Dwyer</span></b></div></b><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.emd-llc.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiob8LTcLY0SlfiyGpSgAyaWKIP_WqUqrBCEP8xG4FAaspiRj2YyTX5lNxZMHnq_N-EBcRgzPOfri33tQJ3nyNENBQKCB9uiLNtEJpzEt--wK1gzbilE3OsqqggBFEuDXly_FW6Ew_PwD3F9fZ1K7bnSnfZOxb-xZA-ILIDzUFieUpbGgODpVYV-NniPQ=s320" width="320"></span></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://jacksonavenue.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="415" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq9U6WH4QZ8a_PxDcpGuPVF4_e11iLTvwJvB5PauZZXNjHZiDlZXLCFEf1xZH4xVGlKFwr4cNeyuz5v8KyOBAgy5SpWXS4kBnX2814Vn8MowRGxHBY0IU-Yj-wvTn9Di88bAazXLcLXDmceyEEQ7YYt-nDiifktcOLB0vt4As7cy3u-hyRm2uq-Wkydg=s320" width="320"></a></div><br><i><br></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6177445440773889801.post-1137144352005333642022-02-09T17:37:00.002-08:002022-02-09T17:38:19.929-08:00Buzzworthy: Tavyahn Faison<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzpRVC3BRjzlab4kZDvc98K-_CkFKgNAKH_NQhkhTjhykVemNkCxEN3inn5qNoyILMheDBJxx6qAGjo9Cp5n1A29mnqY45is4v9s-OVsweyo6o8xVh34OTZqPGX25W3lHis-kwC8Y-zVaSPlxmtQKSUU5cts5r43kHSJc1K2eYWJ4HytzfO4Z6bTWXeg=s674" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="624" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzpRVC3BRjzlab4kZDvc98K-_CkFKgNAKH_NQhkhTjhykVemNkCxEN3inn5qNoyILMheDBJxx6qAGjo9Cp5n1A29mnqY45is4v9s-OVsweyo6o8xVh34OTZqPGX25W3lHis-kwC8Y-zVaSPlxmtQKSUU5cts5r43kHSJc1K2eYWJ4HytzfO4Z6bTWXeg=w592-h640" width="592" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/193139870@N08/albums/with/72177720296578021" target="_blank">Amber Bonner</a>)</span></i></b></div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>Osbourn Park recently wrapped up their regular season, securing home court in the first round of the playoffs versus Unity Reed Thursday night at 6 pm. Take a look at a big piece to the puzzle this season for the Yellow Jackets- sophomore guard Tavyahn Faison.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. When did you become interested in basketball? </span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I started playing basketball at the age of three in Oxon Hill.</span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2. Do you or have you played any other sports? </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course. I played football until I was 12 or 13. I also played soccer and tee ball when I was younger.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3. Players you follow or influence the way you play? </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sharife Cooper and Kyrie Irving</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>4. You can certainly score the ball, but you're also a very good defender. What do you credit that to? </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Knowing that defense wins games. Playing defense is the easiest thing to do on the court.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>5. How would you discuss the team's energy in general? </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have good days and bad days, but I look at my team as a brotherhood and what matters most is that we keep working hard together as a team.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>6. What do you see as your role this season? </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm the piece of the puzzle here to encourage my brothers to play at their highest potential individually and as a team. I'm big on assists to make sure everyone is included. Basically, when they score I score and we're playing as a team. MBK (My Brother's Keeper)..something my dad has always instilled in my heart and I will forever live by, on and off of the court.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>7. What does it mean to you to be a sophomore on varsity?</b> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">It means that my hard work is paying off. I train with the best in the area (Chauncey Beckett - MVM), constantly study film and clips, and play competitive basketball with the VA Legends during my off-season.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>8. Goals before the season started? And have they changed at all? </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">A personal goal for me was to be the top defender in the area. I believe that I have proven that I can defend and shut down the best of them this season. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>9. What would success be for this year's Yellow Jackets?</b> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I believe we have already succeeded when you compare our record from this season to last season. For this season, the greatest success would be bringing the championship home to Osbourn Park.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>10. Switching gears- favorite class and why?</b> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">PE. Because I can run around and ball and not think about additional stress. While I'm learning, I still get to wind down.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>11. Least favorite class? </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spanish</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>12. What were your goals in the classroom heading into the school year and have they changed since?</b> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Coming from a very tough year of virtual learning, my main goal was and is to try to stay focused and do the best I can.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>13. Any hobbies/talents outside of basketball? </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I really enjoy fishing and going to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's so peaceful.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>14. Favorite pre-game meal? </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chick-Fil-A. Two chicken sandwiches and an eight count nugget meal.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>15. How do you stay sharp when not practicing with the team? </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I either go train with my trainer (Chauncey) or I find a basketball court to put in some work with my dad and my boys.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>16. Thoughts on the team's record this season? </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">A lot of the games we lost, we shouldn't have. The coaches and players have been learning together to adjust. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>17. Favorite moment so far this season?</b> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">That feeling of getting my first in-game dunk at the NZone.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>18. What was your mindset heading into the recent stretch of four games in four days? </b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take it one game at a time, work in the moment and be the best on the court. Get plenty of rest and try to stay hydrated.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Osbourn Park would like to thank their sponsors for the 2021-2022 season:</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.battlefieldford.net/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="795" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidWJekYgIyWQP6MnWxmRFmxq0QFh5sX_g8AVCYAdqR82PwVVviZH2szlVH4DGGG4kP9ynJxZJ9Ma8_baKnustKQp_5oOtfMvM68vX5vVdSE9FfqY5LZlyn0K_C0DKsn7ka0pv3Qo_ojcNvbV3OsD9HrN3WUfki_Z39OSRdYrzBa2x1BNnNpTxvcjktIw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: black; font-family: Cambria; text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: garamond, serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">USMC Memoriam - Joseph Dwyer</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: garamond, serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.emd-llc.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtDP_4i3nPtyUIN0AEgYFRqmqzcfGfn5j8kupxmFX3gQrW8kIfaI6SN4sl33Xe7rIpVQTZ1LsxQ8F2q-SYCe3mnVOk-EvIV7tkEg5nIiapwvEW183jA80ArmLMU-wkCsgupNddBtC0vu6jC9GoHKWTHNyt6j2RusfwZ0gew4PMj9vTh56bHh4e43_h1Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://jacksonavenue.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="415" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVZ9yoKwcuaFTSgJ01PHaeuUWO824llvlDl1CgunILGtTYNXuFojrkjX3aUwc70R7qSrDl1Tk8-2aC06QI9u6oOD_CoMrK7_sawznvzgUWcJ96XejJnmgWclvsWNYoGbOEzCtZHK07nLO1mZqSpi5eEBeGTP3x-onUXqk5nVpyM7kfKRE3CQ6KaYl-sA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div><p></p>Seanneutronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236915401296221872noreply@blogger.com0