Last week, the Union Pines Vikings dominated on the mat and on the court.
Union Pines Wrestling:
The Vikings traveled to South View High School to compete in the Baddest Cats on the Mat tournament. The Vikings did not come home empty-handed. The Vikings won the tournament for the fourth straight year — 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021. There was no tournament in 2020 due to COVID. Aiden McCafferty came home as the most outstanding wrestler after going 4-0 on the day and pinning all his opponents.
Other outstanding Viking individual performances: Finn McCafferty 5-0 at 132 pounds with four falls, Nicholas Mascolino 5-0 at 182 pounds with four falls, Jayden Crawford 5-0 at 113/120 pounds with three falls, Johann Diaz 5-0 at 126 pounds with three falls, Joseph Vrabcak 5-0 at 138 pounds with three falls, Brock Sulivan 5-0 at 160/170 pounds with three falls, Houston Leeah 3-0 at 152/160 pounds with two falls, and Dustin Maness 3-0 at 152 pounds with two falls.
Union Pines 66 Pine Forest 13
Union Pines 84 Smith 0
Union Pines 78 St. Paul’s 6
Union Pines 63 Overhills 15
Union Pines 58 Southview 18
Union Pines Men’s Basketball (7-0):
The Vikings keep their undefeated season going. On Tuesday, the Vikings traveled to Lee County to open the conference play, and they were able to win in a close one 56-53. On Friday, the Vikings traveled to Jordan-Matthews and sealed a big win 70-35.
Union Pines Women’s Basketball (5-2):
The Lady Vikings continued the Union Pines hot streak last week. They won their conference opener on the road at Lee County 48-38. On Friday, the Lady Vikings traveled to Jordan-Matthews to get a big win 63-27.
North Moore Men’s Basketball (2-3):
The Mustangs drop two losses last week at home bringing their record to 2-3 overall and 0-1 conference. On Monday, the Mustangs were defeated by Jordan-Matthews with a close finish 54-52. A little different story, but same result Wednesday night against Research Triangle. The Mustangs were defeated in a blowout at home 82-30.
North Moore Women’s Basketball (1-3):
The Lady Mustangs got their first win on the season but not before hosting Jordan-Matthews on Monday and taking a loss 60-49. Their first win of the season came Wednesday night when they hosted Research Triangle. The Mustangs were able to get that first win with a 52-25 victory.
O’Neal Men’s Basketball (5-3):
The Falcons were able to seal two wins last week. On Monday, the Falcons hosted and defeated Village Christian Academy 74-39. On Friday, Burlington Christian Academy traveled to Southern Pines to open conference play. The Falcons didn’t disappoint as they sealed their conference opener with a 47-44 win.
O’Neal Women’s Basketball (6-2):
On Monday, the Lady Falcons lost a nail-biter in a cross-county matchup against Pinecrest 36-35. Friday, the Lady Falcons opened their conference play at home against Burlington Christian Academy. The Falcons put up big numbers in their conference win 64-14.
Pinecrest Wrestling:
According to a release on Pinecrest Wrestling’s Facebook page, “Due to a Covid related issue on the team, the health department and Moore County Schools have moved to a cautionary stance to safeguard our team and our season. Therefore, the team is not authorized to wrestle in the Piedmont Tourney this Saturday. We should be back to action and practice Monday December 13, 2021. Alumni night is still (tentatively) scheduled for December 15th.”
Pinecrest Men’s Basketball (2-2):
The Patriots lost their conference opener on Friday at Richmond Senior 40-68. The Patriots bare off to a 2-2 overall start on the season.
Pinecrest Women’s Basketball (4-2):
The Lady Patriots took on O’Neal School Monday night. The Lady Patriots and Lady Falcons have been playing tough in this early season. This cross-county game did not disappoint. The Patriots were able to seal a road win 36-35.
The Patriots tried to take that momentum to Richmond for their conference opener. The conference opener was hard-fought going into overtime. The Patriots drop that conference opener 46-52.
Sandhills Community College Basketball (8-4):
The Flyers continued the winning path last Monday when they traveled to Pfeiffer University winning 115-79.
Games and Matches This Week:
North Moore Men’s Basketball (2-3):
Monday at South Davidson (4-0) 6 p.m.
Thursday at O’Neal (6-2) 6 p.m.
Friday at Graham (0-3) conference 6 p.m.
North Moore Women’s Basketball (1-3):
Monday at South Davidson (4-1) 6 p.m.
Thursday at O’Neal (5-3) 6 p.m.
Friday at Graham (0-3) conference 6 p.m.
O’Neal Swim:
Tuesday for tri-meet at O’Neal 4:30 p.m.
O’Neal Men’s Basketball (5-3):
Thursday against North Moore (2-3) 7:30 p.m.
O’Neal Women’s Basketball (6-2):
Thursday against North Moore (1-3) 6 p.m.
Thursday, O’Neal will hold their annual Silent Night against cross-county opponents North Moore.
In a press release from Assistant Athletic Director Lulu Brase explained the event: “Silent Night is a tradition at The O’Neal School’s basketball games where we come together as a community to cheer on our Falcon basketball teams. O’Neal students and fans of all ages dress up in their PJs and fill the gym. The crowd stays silent until the Falcons score their 10th point of the game. Then … unified pandemonium ensues!!! Our collective excitement for our teams reminds us all, that together we are better. Together we are ONE O’NEAL!”
Pinecrest Wrestling:
Alumni night is scheduled for Wednesday. Be sure to check with the school before attending.
Pinecrest Men’s Basketball (2-2):
Tuesday against Millbrook (4-1) 6:30 p.m.
Saturday Dexter Cooley Showcase at Wakefield High School against Bunn (1-4). 1:30 p.m.
Pinecrest Women’s Basketball (4-2):
Tuesday at Millbrook (5-1) 6:30 p.m.
Sandhills Community College Basketball (8-4):
Wednesday against Shooting 4 Greatness Academy 7 p.m.
Saturday against Thomas Nelson CC 3 p.m.
Union Pines Wrestling:
The Vikings will travel to Hoke County for a tri-meet on Tuesday.
Union Pines Men’s Basketball (7-0):
Tuesday at Montgomery Central (1-4) 7:30 p.m.
Union Pines Women’s Basketball (5-2):
Tuesday at Montgomery Central (2-3) 6 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday CCS Holiday Tournament at Fayetteville State Capel Arena.
Round 1: against Seventy-First (6-0) time TBA
Feature photo: Union Pines Wrestling team pose for a picture after winning the Baddest Cat on the Mat tournament. Photo credit: Roger Coble.
~Article by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Curtis Self.
