Varsity Boys Basketball
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The Athletic Department held it's Annual Winter Sports Ceremony on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Many athletes were honored by their respective teams for their dedication and hard work. There were only a few that received All-Conference Honors in their sport. All-Conference nominees were selected and voted on by other coaches in conference who felt they were an assest to their teams success. The following athletes received the All-Conference nod:
Swimming: Senior Fabián Fallas Retana, Junior Alex Luebke, Sophomore Spencer Murray, and 7th grader Grant Murray
Varsity Girls Basketball: Senior Maya Foster, Senior Rebekah Leshnock, Junior Eliza Everett, Sophomore Kate Benson, Sophomore Jordyn Driggers, and Honorable Mention Nominee Senior Izzy Driggers
Varsity Boys Basketball: Junior Preston Copeland was named to the All-Conference Team, and Junior Cooper Berkoff was named All-Conference Honorable Mention.
Please join the Athletic Department & the Warrior Club in congratulating these athletes for their efforts during the Winter Sports Season!
Our Varsity Boys Basketball team suited up for another conference matchup against Wake Christian on Friday, January 5th. The Warriors were still looking for their first win in the conference and knew this would be a tough road game. The Warriors got on the score board first by feeding the ball inside to Junior Preston Copeland. The game had several lead changes with both team going on several scoring runs. With 2 minutes left before the end of regulation the Warriors found themselves down 9 points. The Warriors did not give up and picked up their defensive pressure. The Warriors were scrambling and diving for loose balls which caused the Bulldogs to rush offensively resulting in several turnovers for them. Junior Grey McMahon made big time plays for the Warriors in moments they desperately needed them. The Warriors cut the deficit down to 3 points before the end of regulation. A key steal by Junior Akila Proctor gave the possession back to the Warriors with 17 seconds left on the clock. Freshman George Coleman came in clutch for the Warriors as he had done several times during the contest. Coleman, remaining true to form, knocked down a clutch 3 pointer to tie the game and send it into overtime. In the first overtime, the Warriors picked up some untimely fouls that sent the Bulldogs to the line for freethrows. The Warriors found themselves down again and had to claw their way back into the game. The Warriors kept the defensive pressure on and after being down forced a second overtime on layup from Junior Kazim Oladipo. During the second overtime, starting point guard Cooper Berkoff would foul out but not before he scored on a big drive to the basket, had a few steals, and key assists for the Warriors. The Warriors hung their hat on the strength of their defense and came out victorious on the road. The Warriors had a well balanced scoring attack with 5 players in double figures. Junior Preston Copeland led the scoring for the Warriors with 20 points. Freshman George Coleman added 18 points. Junior Akila Proctor chipped in with 12 points and Juniors Cooper Berkoff and Kazim Oladipo both finished the night with 11 points.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team participated in the Hickory Grove Invitational over the Christmas Break. The Warriors played the host team on opening night. The Warriors got off to a slow start and the Lions were able to take advantage by hitting several outside shots. The Warriors began to turn things around and it starts on the defensive side of the ball. The Warriors press proved to cause trouble for the Lions and we began to stretch our lead. The Warriors went in the locker room up by 11 at the half. The Warriors continued to turn up the pressure on defense and add on to their lead. Every player in a Warriors' uniform was able to see minutes and contribute to the victory. The Warriors were led in scoring by Junior Preston Copeland who put up a double double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Juniors Kazim Oladipo and Cooper Berkoff had 12 points/6 reounds and 9 points/8rebounds respectively. Freshman George Coleman added to the balanced scoring for the Warriors with 11 points and hoisted 7 rebounds as well.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team hit the road and headed down to Kinston, NC to take on Arendell Parrott Academy. The Warriors needed to gain a win to try and right the ship after their last contest. The Warriors were tested by the physicality of the Patriots and had to learn how to ban together and weather the storm. The Warriors came out better in the second half and were able to adjust to the way the game was being called. The Warriors were able to get a much needed road win and provide Asst. Coach Tim McMahon with a nice birthday present. Junior Cooper Berkoff led the Warriors scoring charge with 15 points. Berkoff also added 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals to his stat line. Junior Preston Copeland chipped in with 12 points and 3 rebounds.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team travelled to take on Raleigh Charter School on Friday, December 8th at a neutral location. The Warriors were coming off of a good win at home and wanted to continue progressing. The Warriors were once again without the leadership of Junior Cooper Berkoff due to an unforeseen family emergency. The Warriors also had to face the fact they would also be without Junior Grey McMahon due to an injury sustained at practice. The Warriors started the game off slow and made a lot of unforced errors. The Warriors began to run their press and were able to get some easy baskets that sparked them offensively. The Warriors had balanced scoring from 3 key contributors. Freshman George Coleman led the Warriror with 20 points. George also added 7 rebounds to his total for the night. Junior Kazim Oladipo chipped in with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Junior Preston Copeland rounded out the double digit scorers with 15 points. Preston also led the team in rebounding with 9.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team hosted the Falcons of Friendship Christian Academy. The Warriors were ready to compete and improve overall as a team. The Warriors started the game of hot and jumped out to an early lead. The Warriors moved the ball well and was intentional about getting the ball inside which in turn opened up the outside scoring for the Warriors. The Warriors executed better on defense and were able to utilize new defensive schemes. The Warriors had well-balanced scoring in this contest. Junior Cooper Berkoff recorded his first double double of the season as his stat line read 10 points, 10 assists, and 2 steals. Junior Preston Copeland lead the Warriors in scoring with 19 points but he also cleared the glass with 15 rebounds that led to his double double night. Junior Kazim Oladipo chipped in with 12 points and 6 rebounds and Freshman George Coleman added 12 points and 5 assists towards the Warriors' win.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team hosted the Lions of Trinity Academy of Durham + Chapel Hill. The Warriors were looking to build on the things they did well in the previous contest. The Warriors started the game off on a roll and quickly developed a big lead over the Lions. The Warriors were moving the ball and getting inside to Junior Forward Preston Copeland. Although the Warriors seemed to be in control the Lions would not go away and the lead that appeared to be insurmountable had been cut down to single digits. The Warriors regained focus and was able to hold the Lions at bay. Junior Preston Copeland led the way for the Warriors with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Junior Cooper Berkoff chipped in with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.
Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team suited up for their game against the Falcons of O'Neal School to see who would take 3rd place in the Durham Academy Tip-Off Classic. The Warriors were trying to bounce back from a loss to the host school the previous night. The Warrior got off to a slow start in the first half and had a bit of a scoring drought. After a time-out the Warriors were able to regroup and pick up their energy defensively. On the offensive end it was Junior Cooper Berkoff that sparked the scoring for the Warriors. Berkoff was able to score in multiple ways for the Warriors as well as make key plays. Cooper Berkoff was the leading scorer for the Warriors and ended his night with 29 points. For his efforts, Cooper was named to the All-Tournament team. Junior Kazim Oladipo and Freshman George Coleman chipped in with 14 points.