RCPS sports update
The Virginia High School League (VHSL) last week announced the standings of the Wells Fargo Cup, an annual athletics ranking based on teams’ participation in state tournaments. Rappahannock County High School, on the strengths of the girls cross-country team finish and the volleyball team’s state championship, is currently ranked seventh of approximately 50 Group 1A schools. This is Rapp’s highest ranking ever in the Wells Fargo standings and, with the success seen so far in winter sports, hopes are high that the top 10 ranking will continue through the year.
And although winter weather has descended on Rappahannock County, sports teams are providing plenty of heat with some scorching early season performances.
Wrestling: Last Saturday both varsity and Junior Panther wrestling squads took to the road for tournaments and brought home some victories. Varsity participated in the Cosby High School Titan Classic, and when the final pin was recorded, the 1A Panthers came home with a seventh-place finish in a crowded field of 20 schools, all of which were 2A and larger.
Individual achievements included Christian McCracken, who went undefeated on the day and took first in the 152 weight class, Olin Woodward (second place in the 132 class) and Johnny Beard (second in the 182 class). Quenton Woodward placed fifth in the 120 class and Sam Barnes sixth in the 138 weight class.
The Junior Panther squad took part in their meet last weekend at Skyline High School. In addition to placing as a team, notable individual performances were turned in by Kent White, with a second place at 195, and
Zach Abdullah and Austin Kennedy who took thirds in the 106 and heavyweight classes, respectively. Also, Taven Murrah placed fourth at 140 and T.J. Keane fifth in the 120 division.
This Saturday (Dec. 17) varsity wrestlers travel to Madison County High School for a tournament that begins at 10 a.m., and are hoping for a strong contingent of fans to cheer them on.
Girls basketball: After a slow start (due in large part to the success of volleyball and the subsequent absence of many key players when practice began back in November), the team has found its groove and notched a couple wins early in the season. Varsity dropped their second game of the season at Luray last week but then found the “W” in their home opener last Wednesday against Nelson County and ten again last Friday versus conference opponent Lancaster. Senior Kayla Robey led the scoring in the Luray and Nelson games, with 14 and 16 points respectively, including a fourth quarter against Nelson where she poured in eight much needed points.
On Friday against Lancaster, Julia Estes took topscoring honors, putting in 23 points to go with her 19 rebounds. Senior Missy Phillips and freshman Olivia Atkins have also contributed to the points total, with Missy scoring eight points in each of the last three games and Olivia hitting double digits in the last two. An aggressive defense has led the way for the varsity squad, with many baskets the result of steals.
On the JV side, coach Jeff Atkins’ team dropped their first game of the season to Luray but bounced back with wins over Nelson and Lancaster to boost their record to 4-1. In the Nelson victory, Carrington Wayland lead the team with 21 points, followed by Jenna Robey with 11 points. Robey led the Panthers’ scoring attack against Lancaster, recording 11 points, followed by Carrington Wayland and Mackensie Clark, each with nine points.
This Monday, the teams hosted Nelson County and then Luray on Wednesday (results too late for this article). Tomorrow night (Friday, Dec. 16), the squads travel to Bull Run opponent Strasburg.
Boys basketball: Coach Mike Atkins’ team has struggled since opening the season 2-0 but solid performances are cause for optimism. The team has dropped road games to William Monroe and Nelson County while battling sickness but as the players’ health improves Atkins expect the team’s performance to follow.
Gavin Jenkins, Josh Racer, Ethan Sumner and Ryan Atkins have led the scoring attack with big men Justin Ramey, Chris McCullough and A.J. Palmer racking up numerous rebounds. The Panthers took to the road this Monday, going to Stonewall Jackson where they hoped to return to the winning track (results too late for this article), and then host Strasburg tonight and Nelson County next Monday (Dec. 19).
Coach Henry Shackelford’s JV squad also lost to William Monroe but bounced back with a win at Nelson, 48-37, to match varsity’s 2-2 record. Like their varsity counterparts they traveled to Stonewall this week and then host Strasburg tonight and Nelson on Monday.
Junior Panther basketball: Rapp’s Junior Panther boys’ and girls’ teams have gotten off to an undefeated start with home wins against both Signal Knob Middle School and Fresta Valley last week. This Monday the teams traveled to Luray and were home on Tuesday versus Front Royal Christian Academy, results of both games too late for this article. Tonight the teams head to Chelsea Academy in Front Royal and then return to the home court on Tuesday (Dec. 20) against William Monroe. The teams wrap up their pre-Christmas schedule on Wednesday (Dec. 21) at Madison County.
As always, all game and practice schedules can be found online at rappahannockcountyhs.rschoolteams.com. Go Rapp! — Brandon Burley, athletic director