GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Another year has begun for the Lady Flucos’ Basketball team as they return to build on their successes of the previous season.  One of the key players for the Flucos is returning senior Kiana Childress, who received a First Team All-District and Region spot last year and was a Co-Conference Player of the Year. “I want to help our team be as good as it can and help the new and inexperienced girls get better,” said Childress, who is also working for a First Team All-State nomination.

Coaches Chad White and Nick Ward decided they would start the season differently this year by making the girls go through a week of “boot camp” to get them into shape for the season they have ahead.  The boot camp consisted of a lot conditioning without playing basketball. “It was great for the team.  The camaraderie and how the girls came together as a team will help us this year.  They realized that there wasn’t anything they can’t do by pushing each other,” said Ward.  “Boot Camp got us into shape and made us come together as a team to finish. We [all] passed, so it felt great to finally practice,” said junior guard Bri Harris.

The Flucos started their official season off with a home game against Waynesboro on Dec. 2 where they lost a hard-fought game by three points and came down to the final shot and buzzer.  “We played well and we found out what we need to work on,” said Harris.  Childress led all scorers with 12 points in her first game of the year.  The girls had a short week to prepare for their next two games as they took on Harrisonburg on Dec. 5 and Amherst on Dec. 6.  Preparation was key. “They were bigger, so we worked on our full court breaks because we are quicker and would have an advantage,” said Childress.  The Flucos took both games and won them fairly easily behind Childress’ play highlighted by 20 points.

Meanwhile, the JV girls’ basketball team, led by Coach Jaime Stafford, lost all three games is their first week. It was a hard start to the season, but they have much to look forward to and hope to improve their game this week. Both teams will host Albemarle on Dec. 9 and travel to Orange on Dec. 12.

SWIM

Despite recent challenges, including not being able to practice due to a closed pool, the Fluvanna swim team kicked off their season on Dec. 3 when they faced Waynesboro and Alleghany.  The Flucos’ had a strong performance as both boys’ and girls’ teams won their meet fairly easily. “We couldn’t swim for two weeks so it felt great to win,” said junior Maddie Messier.    The boys’ team beat Waynesboro 64-26 and Alleghany 53-25.  They placed first in the 200 Yard Medley Relay, first in the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay, and first in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay.  Sophomore Michael DiFazio placed first in the 100 Yard Backstroke, while freshman Sam Hagan also placed first in the 100 Yard Breaststroke.  “The meet went well. It was a solid start to what we hope will be a fantastic season,” said boys’ Coach Jimmy Small.

Under the direction of Coach Feda Morton, the girls’ team defeated Alleghany 58-36 and squeaked out a win against Waynesboro with a score of 49-45.  The girls’ 400 Yard Freestyle Relay team finished first, while freshman Caylyn McNaul finished first in the 50 Yard Freestyle and the 100 Yard Freestyle.  The Flucos next traveled to Charlottesville for a meet on Dec. 9.

TRACK

The Indoor Track team had their first meet of the season at Liberty University in one of the biggest meets of the year, featuring over 20 different teams from as far away as North Carolina.  Both boys’ and girls’ teams competed well, but only placed a couple of players due to the stiff competition.  “We didn’t expect to win, but it was good for us to race against some of the best to see where we stand,” said boys’ Coach Tom Casto.  Senior Travis Moe was the only Fluco to place in the competition, also qualifying for Regionals for the 3200m and being just seven seconds off the state time.  Freshman Jack Rice qualified for Conference in the 3200m, while senior Markyll Bland came close to qualifying for Conference for the high jump.  “I thought the meet was good with what we had.  We were missing some seniors so I’ll be happier with them back,” said Casto.

On the girls’ side, junior Avery Haislip qualified for the State competition for pole-vaulting, while sophomore Erin Blackburn qualified for Regionals for pole-vaulting.  The Flucos’ 4×800 relay team, consisting of Kristen Cabrera, Hayley Kline, Haley Kennedy, and Saige Haney, also qualified for the Regional meet.  The Flucos next travel to Woodberry Forrest on Dec. 13 in a smaller competition consisting of six teams.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Fluvanna Basketball is back and with higher expectations than ever led by experienced Head Coach Munro Rateau. On Nov. 21 the Flucos played their Foundation game home against the Goochland Bulldogs with an easy win of 66-45. “We didn’t play too well in the first half– our offense wasn’t clicking– but in the second half we finally had it going. We started to make the extra pass which led us to score 40 points in the second half. Our defense was a lot better too,” said senior Vincent Agee.  The Flucos faced their next opponent, Harrisonburg, at home on Dec. 5.  According to senior Julian Bonner, the time off from games was helpful.  “These past few weeks we’ve really gotten after each other at practice and have been making each other better,” he said.

The Flucos started their official season on a high note, defeating Harrisonburg 58-44.  “I think we played really well. I liked the way we played defense; we got out and ran and got some easy points,” said Agee. The next game, against Amherst on Dec. 6, proved to be a little tougher, but the Flucos still pulled out a win, 65-56.  The team knows they still have areas to work on in order to keep improve their consistency in both offense and defense.  “I think our defense is good but I think we need to shoot a little better and communicate more,” said Bonner.

Looking ahead, the Flucos hope to add three more victories to their record this week, taking on Albemarle on Dec. 9, Orange on Dec. 12, and Waynesboro on Dec. 13.  “Our goal is always to play at our highest level. We have to expect that at all times during the game otherwise we couldn’t expect to win,” said Agee.  The Flucos know they will face some tough competition this season, but they are optimistic.  “If we can keep working hard every day we can be a really good team, I expect us to win Conference and go to States,” said Bonner.

As for the JV team, they haven’t started off where they wanted but still have a lot of potential.  “The season has been a little rough to start but we have a lot of new players this year so we’re not really familiar with each other and our team chemistry isn’t the best. We’re working on becoming a better team and it takes time,” said sophomore Colby Deforge.  After losing to Harrisonburg 39-29 and to Amherst 52-27, the Flucos are focusing on being optimistic. “The games this past week were tough, but we just need to forget about them and prepare for our next opponent,” said sophomore Victor Agee.  Both JV and Varsity will take on the Albemarle Patriots on Dec. 9.

SCHOLASTIC BOWL

The Scholastic Bowl team had a meet at Monticello Dec. 3 and went 3-1, defeating Powhatan, Louisa, and Orange, but losing to Albemarle.  “We did so well that in the last game we subbed out our best person because we were winning by so much,” said junior Chris Robey.  Competing in knowledge categories ranging from literature and history to sports, the Flucos practice twice a week under the tutelage of Coach Jimmy Small.  “A lot of our people were new this year, but everyone has progressed greatly and have adjusted to their roles. They’re getting used to the questions they’re being asked and I’m very confident in my team and think we can go far,” said junior Abby Lintecum. The team’s next meet is Dec. 10 against Powhatan.

BOYS’ WRESTLING

Fluvanna Wrestling started their season with top finishes in their very first tournament. The Flucos finished 3^rd out of 13 teams at Varina High School at a tournament filled with top public and private schools from the Tidewater area.  “I thought we did really and started off great as a team with eight of our starters placing at the tournament. Everyone has been really focused and improving a lot since our very first practice,” said senior Donnie Wilson.  Assistant Coach Jordan Divine has high hopes for the season. “I expect us to make it to Regionals as a team and our top wrestlers to make it to States,” he said.  The Flucos’ next match is on Dec. 10 hosting FUMA and William Monroe.