SPORTS

Girls’ Basketball Wins Fifth Consecutive State Title

By Kana Roarty and Helena Savage

The Princess Anne girls’ basketball team has done it again, winning its record-setting fifth consecutive state championship, defeating Thomas Edison High, 61-45, March 8. The team finished the season with a 26-1 record. It was the program’s ninth state title.

Despite the elation for this unprecedented feat, for senior captain Xaria Wiggins, it was a bittersweet experience. “I’m definitely going to miss my teammates because they’re like my sisters,” said Wiggins, who has committed to play basketball next year at Mississippi State.

After four years on the team with head coach Darnell Dozier, Wiggins expressed the close bond that she has created with him, even comparing him to something like a “second dad.”

Although Wiggins injured her ankle at the semi-finals two days before the championship game which led to her limited playing time, the Lady Cavs were never really challenged by the Eagles.

Senior Makayla Dickens and junior Brianna Jackson provided the team with the performances and leadership to lead to the victory, and sophomore Jasha Clinton who led the team in scoring this year, did so in the title game, dropping in 17 points.

Jackson, who scored 12 points and had 15 rebounds and dominates on defense with her 6-3 stature, will be one to watch next season as she plans to “lead the team to another (state) ring.” Many fans compare her to 2011 graduate Elizabeth Williams, who now plays with the WNBA for the Atlanta Dream, due to their similarities in size and exceptional defensive skills on the court.

The Lady Cavs are ranked 10th nationally by MaxPreps and show no signs of slowing down, especially with skillful newcomers such as freshman Aziaha James. “It is a great experience this young, playing in the game with seniors and juniors,” said James.“Winning the championship is the best thing.”

FOUR GIRLS BASKETBALL PLAYERS SELECTED FOR ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

By Monika Davis

Three seniors, Edley Drawhorn, Diva Hubbard, and Danyael Goodhope, along with sophomore Xaria Wiggins, were recently selected for the Atlantic Conference 9 All-Conference Basketball team.

When Drawhorn found out she was in the running for the award, she tried extra hard, knowing that coaches were analyzing her every move. 

Goodhope is happy to see that four years of hard work are paying off. She believes that never giving up, as well as hours of running to stay conditioned, all contributed to the success of the team.

Hubbard, who was selected for the All-Conference team her sophomore year and is the two-time State Player of the Year, says it feels really good to be chosen again as a senior. She will be attending the University of Minnesota in the fall and was also named Conference 9 Player of the Year.

Wiggins, the youngest of the four, says she was not expecting the acknowledgement but is honored to be chosen as a sophomore, a rare feat.

HOWARD IS HARVARD BOUND

By Ashley LaCasse // 12/3/15

Dreams really do come true for senior Chase Howard. While recently warming up for a volleyball game, he discovered that he had been accepted into the prestigious Harvard University for volleyball.

“When I saw the call pop up on my screen, I was almost too nervous to answer,” said Howard. “That call determined my entire future.”

Howard has been playing volleyball since he was a little kid, and has been a member of the Princess Anne team since freshman year.

“Volleyball started as a hobby for me, but has eventually grown into one of the most important aspects of my life,” said Howard.

Howard’s dream was to play volleyball in college; it seemed a natural transition, since Howard has been playing for so long. However, he never imagined he would have the opportunity to play for a university as respected as Harvard.

Volleyball coach and science teacher Jeff Kinser has had the pleasure of watching Howard improve and evolve since he stepped onto the court three years ago.

“Chase has become an exceptional volleyball player and young man,” said Kinser.

Long-time friend and teammate junior Josh Dechert supports Kinser’s appraisal of Howard. Dechert has known Howard since he was little and admires his friend.

“Chase is not only a great player,” said Dechert, “but he is also a great friend.”

In addition to possessing all of these admirable qualities, Howard is also an exceptional student and hard worker.

“He’s the smartest guy in my biology class and a great officer of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA),” said FBLA president and classmate Katherine Johnson. Howard acts as treasurer of FBLA and is currently taking almost all advanced classes.

Howard was nervous when he discovered that Harvard was also going to consider academics as well as his athletic ability. Even though Howard is not in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, he is still taking three IB classes, including IB higher level biology, and excelling in them.

“I had big shoes to fill when my brother [Reed Howard] graduated,” said Howard. “He really motivated me to do the best that I can.”

Not only does Howard do the best he can academically, he is also a star player in both volleyball games and practices.

“He always gives 100 percent in practice, even when it doesn’t count,” said Dechert. “Chase really motivates me to do better at practice so I can have more playing time during the games.”

“Harvard made a great decision when they recruited Chase,” said Kinser. “I’m very proud to have been his coach for four years.”

Even with all the praise and congratulations, Howard remains humble.

“I couldn’t have gotten where I am without the support of my friends and family,” said Howard. “I look forward to starting my next chapter at Harvard and I am so thankful for this opportunity.”

BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL WINS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

11/20/15

Congratulations to the boys’ volleyball team who conquered Maury tonight in the state final. The team has won three state championships in a row.