The Lady Falcons enjoyed a fast start to open their annual Silent Night basketball. On an evening where the fans and student section stays silent until the Falcons score their fifth point, the Falcons wasted no time getting on the board.
What has become their staple, a high-pressure defense led the Falcons to a 22-7 first quarter start ultimately pushing it to 43-18 at the half. Every Falcon in uniform scored on the evening, as ball movement and making the extra pass were on display.
Coach Brase shared, “Tonight was truly a team win. We had quick rotations going with everyone seeing quality minutes. Each young lady who hit the floor brought energy, passion, and played with a will to compete. It’s a testament to them as a group and the desire they have to be successful.”
The Falcons were led by junior Hadiya Balser’s double-double pulling in 14 rebounds to join her 30 points. The win moved the Falcons to 15-2 overall and 8-0 in Tri- TAC conference play.
Hadiya Balser scores.
Monday, the Falcons traveled to Durham to participate in the CE Jordan MLK Classic. The one day showcase featured some of the top schools in the state of North Carolina.
The Falcons tipped off against Heritage High School, currently the #2 team in all of NC (public or private). A quick start from Heritage saw the Falcons scrap to a 48-16 halftime score.
The Falcons fought throughout the afternoon, fighting for loose balls and working on their defensive rotations. In the end, Heritage’s depth, defensive pressure, and hot shooting were too much for the Falcons to overcome with a final score of 23-71.
Senior Ralayah McRae led the Falcons with 7 points on the evening. The loss moves the Falcons to 15-3, 8-0 on the season.
The Falcons proceeded to face American Hebrew Academy on Tuesday at home with another win. The Falcons’ last home game is this Friday against Trinity Academy of Raleigh. Basketball and Cheerleading senior student athletes will be recognized. The game starts at 5 p.m.
The Varsity Swimming team headed back to American Hebrew Academy to compete against Burlington Christian Academy, American Hebrew Academy, Carolina Friends School and Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill on Thursday, January 17.
The O’Neal Boys team took home wins against Burlington Christian 63-62 and Carolina Friends 69-36. The lady Falcons swept the meet beating all 4 competing teams.
The total results of the meet: O’Neal Boys: 63-62 BCA; 63-76 AHA; 69-36 CF; 60-65 TSDCH; won two, lost two. O’Neal Girls: 100-96 TSDCH; 123-53 CF; 117-45 BCA; 112-91 AHA; won four.
On Thursday, Jan. 24, the Falcons host Trinity Academy, Cape Fear Christian School and a home school team for senior night.
Feature photo: O’Neal senior Lauren Millard swims the butterfly.
