Gametime Henrico: Jan. 9-15, 2023

The Wildcats’ wrestling squad had an impressive showing at the Tommy Legge Memorial Tournament, placing fourth overall as a team and crowning three individual champions. David Simon won in the 126-pound weight class, Cameron McKay won the 144-pound weight class, and Asadbek Komiljon won the 175-pound weight class. Seniors Ajay Pai (106) and Nicholas Gagliardi (HWT) each earned podium finishes in third place.

Freeman High School

Third Team All-Region offensive line selection and Big River Rivalry All-Star selection Alex Brann made his college decision last week, opting to continue his academic and athletic career at Christopher Newport University, an NCAA Division III school competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. Brann was a two way starter for the Mavericks, demonstrating tremendous speed while pulling and getting to the second level of defenses, while also putting up 10 tackles for losses during the 2022 season.

Glen Allen High School

The Glen Allen basketball squads, both boys and girls, have been making statements so far this season. The boys’ team is on a six-game winning streak and won three of those games last week against some formidable opponents. In Tuesday's game against Tucker (0-14), Kris Tiller led the Jags in scoring with 22 points and 5 assists, while Faron Friend put up 10 points and Ford Michelow put up eight points in a dominant 62-30 win. The very next day, the Jags were led by Dallas Chavis, who scored 14 points. Kris Tiller scored 10 points, and Chris Dopp and Kam Tiller each scored seven in a 54-50 win over Hanover (8-6). Last Friday, the Jags took on Godwin (10-3) and pulled out a close 54-53 win. Jordan Brown and Kris Tiller each scored 22 points on the night to help Glen Allen improve to 11-3 on the season.

The girls are currently ranked No. 3 in all of Virginia and No. 1 in Class 5 after their impressive 11-0 start. Last week, they defeated Tucker (2-10) 65-15, Hanover (8-5) 66-59, Godwin (10-4) 60-23, and Princess Anne (12-1) 63-48. The Jags have outscored their opponents 650-373 this winter, thanks in large part to senior guard Cierra McGinlay who is averaging 20.8 points per game, and sophomore guard Sydney Worsham, who has been taking care of things defensively, averaging 4.6 steals per game. The Jaguars will face Freeman (5-8) on the road in their next matchup.

Godwin High School

The Eagles’ track and field team was back in action this past weekend at the Virginia Showcase Invitational at Liberty University. Junior Standout Berkeley Nance ran a time of 9:08.78 in the 3200-meter run to place fifth overall and take a 19-second lead in the Region 5B standings this season. Nance's time also tops all runners in Class 5 and is the third-fastest time in the state of Virginia.

Henrico High School

Senior track and field athlete Malachi Hayes made his college decision this past week, deciding to compete for Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio on an academic and athletic scholarship. Hayes has been having a strong year, during which he already has improved by exactly 10 feet from last year's indoor season. His mark of 49 feet, 10 inches is the top mark in Region 5B, the second best mark in Class 5, and the 14th-best mark in Virginia.

Hermitage High School

Panthers’ football standout Jeremiah Coney was named to the 2022 VHSL All-State team last week as a running back for his outstanding performances this past season. Coney rushed for 1,400 yards and 21 touchdowns during his senior season, adding to his grand total of 4,200 rushing yards and 64 rushing touchdowns throughout his career at Hermitage. Coney was the 2021 Region 5C player of the year, is now a two time all-state selection at running back, and is taking his talents to the ACC, where he will compete for Virginia Tech.

Highland Springs High School

The Springers’ football team not only was the last team standing this year in Region 5 with a historic 15-0 championship run, but they also dominated the Virginia High School League’s all-state football honors. Fittingly, including both the first team and second team, the Springers had a total of 15 all-state selections, and both the offensive and defensive players of the year are returning next season. Khristian Martin was a first-team all-state selection at quarterback and won offensive player of the year. Brennan Johnson was a first-team all-state selection at linebacker and took home defensive player of the year, and Loren Johnson won coach of the year honors. On the first-team offense, T’Khi Alexander was selected for offensive line, Aziz Foster-Powell was selected for running back, and Takye Heath was selected for receiver. Defensively, Miles Greene and Frank Coleman were selected for the defensive line, Lance Nelson and Darius Taylor were selected for linebacker, Braylon Johnson was selected for defensive back, and Heath was selected for both defensive back and punt returner.

Varina High School

The Blue Devils’ boys’ basketball team improved to 10-1 on the season with a 83-39 victory over Mechanicsville (1-12) and a 73-53 victory over Henrico (6-8). Against the Warriors, Kennard Wyche Jr. played at a different level, putting up a game-high 38 points. Multi-sport athlete Myles Derricott also had a strong outing, scoring 14 points on the night. With those two wins, the defending state champions extended their winning streak to nine games. Varina will have a good opportunity to keep its winning streak alive in its next two games against Patrick Henry (3-8) and Armstrong (1-9) this week.