Cedar Ridge High School

Following her team’s most successful season since 2015, Cedar Ridge volleyball coach Anna Seethaler has been named the Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year.

In addition, Cedar Ridge junior Marlee Rakouskas and freshman Cameron Lloyd were named to the All-Big 8 Conference team this week.

Orange, who finished 16-8, had seniors Kaitlyn Werden and Brooke Fryar named to the All-Big 8 team.

Seethaler took a Cedar Ridge team that posted a 7-15 record in 2018 and led them to an 18-6 season, despite losing promising middle hitter Lydia Wood during the summer after she transferred. Cedar Ridge stormed out to a 6-0 start. After they suffered their first setback at Jordan on September 9, the Red Wolves stunned Chapel Hill the following night in Hillsborough. It was the Tigers’ first and only loss of the season.

Chapel Hill won the 3A State Championship over West Henderson in Raleigh two weeks ago.

As if that wasn’t enough, Cedar Ridge defeated Orange in five sets at Panther Gymnasium 48 hours later. It was the first time Cedar Ridge win at Orange since 2015.

“Ours was a team that showed up for each other. We worked as a unit, as a team, as a family,” Seethaler said after the season-ending loss to Gray’s Creek in the 3A State Playoffs. “Throughout the season the parents, grandparents, friends, administrators and players all showed up and worked together to make some really incredible things happen. There were challenges and upsets and annoyances, like any other family. But everyone just kept showing up through all of it.”

From the time the season unofficially started with a scrimmage at Burlington’s (non-air conditioned) Fairchild Community Center in early August, Seethaler was set to play three freshmen in her regular rotation. Indeed, Lloyd, Julie Altieri and Cameron Lanier started right away and immediately posted impressive numbers.

“For me, actions speak louder than words,” Seethaler said. “Even though I was hopeful and open gyms were looking good AND I kept hearing ‘we’d have a great team this year’, I didn’t really know what we were capable of until we actually competed throughout  the season. About half way through the season I looked back at where we came from, even from last year and thought ‘Well dang. We’ve won more games halfway through this season than we won the entire season last year, I’d say we are doing pretty good.’”

Lloyd was the only freshman in the Big 8 Conference who finished in the top five in kills, aces and digs. She registered 342 kills, 68 aces and 237 digs. On September 17 against Northern Durham, Lloyd had a triple-double with 17 kills, 12 aces and ten digs.

During Cedar Ridge’s team banquet last week, Lloyd was named the Team MVP.

Rakouskas, a junior libero, had 224 digs and 472 service receptions. She had a season-high 20 digs and 37 service receptions in a 3-2 win over Northwood on October 1.

The Orange volleyball team won more games than any other Lady Panther squad this decade. Fryar, who signed with Gardner-Webb last week, was a senior libero who led the team with 276 digs and 338 service receptions. She was third on the team with 52 assists.

“I owe (Orange) Coach (Kelly) Young a lot,” Fryar said. “She’s coached me since I was a freshman. Now I’m a senior. She just really helped out my game.”

Werden led Orange with 36 aces and 290 assists. She was second on the squad with 121 digs. In a victory over Northern Durham on September 26, Werden had 18 assists and 13 digs.

Cedar Ridge’s Altieri and Emma Downing were named honorable mention All-Big 8.

Orange sophomore Lottie Scully and senior Elizabeth Vosburg were also named honorable mention.

The post-Darius McLeod era of Cedar Ridge wrestling is off to a good start.

On Wednesday night, Cedar Ridge defeated Walter Williams 45-36 in Burlington. It was the first dual match of the season for the Red Wolves.

It also served as a steady tune-up for the Red Wolves Invitational, an all-day individual tournament at Cedar Ridge High School on Saturday.

It was the first dual match for Cedar Ridge head coach Scott Metcalf since the graduation of McLeod, who qualified for the 3A State Championships last February. McLeod ended his career with 98 victories and is now studying music at Western Carolina University.

Last season, McLeod finished 35-14 at 132 pounds. In the Mideast Regionals at Southeast Guilford High School, McLeod received ten stitches to his bottom lip after he was head-butted by Westover’s Lydell Canady. Despite that, McLeod finished the match and won it 8-6.

“I miss him,” Cedar Ridge Wrestling Coach Scott Metcalf said. “He was awesome. No one had a bad word to say about Darius. He was two wins shy of 100 for his career. We can’t replace him.”

Nonetheless, Metcalf will try to, starting with tri-Captains Ruffin Wyrick, Cutter Tate and James Rosati-Brown.

“We’re looking for leadership from all of them,” Metcalf said. “Cutter brings toughness and confidence. His demeanor isn’t over the top. I think the guys really respond to him. He’s like a big brother because he helps the younger guys.”

Against Williams, it was Alex Christian who came up with a critical pin at 182 pounds that led the way to the Red Wolves first dual match win of the year. Christian pinned Jordan McDowell in 1:14.

Daina Pritchard opened his season with a 14-7 major decision over Sam Sturgill. At 138, Alex Davis pinned Joshua Silva in 1:58. Rosati-Brown pinned Nick Wolfe in 42 seconds at 152 pounds.

Fernando Martinez (106), Wyatt Robinson (160) and Donaldo Aguilar (220) earned forfeit wins for the Red Wolves.

Cedar Ridge also returns Kady Watkins, who made history last year as the first female wrestler from Hillsborough to compete for a individual state championship.

In fact, Watkins’ participation with Cedar Ridge has carried over across school. Now, there are four female wrestlers on the Red Wolves team.

“I think she just wanted to stay competitive in something,” Metcalf said.
“She had a gymnastics background. She just fell in love with wrestling.”

Watkins competed at 126 pounds in the Women’s Invitational State Championships in Winston-Salem last February. While she has competed in tennis and ran track at Cedar Ridge, she considers wrestling her top sport.

“I think it’s just growing throughout the state,” Metcalf said. “Some of the other states are starting to sanction women’s divisions. With MMA (mixed martial arts) becoming popular, that’s getting women involved in wrestling. I love to see the sport grow.”

Cedar Ridge will host 15 other teams at the Red Wolves Invitational on Saturday morning. The field includes Person, Carrboro, Bartlett Yancey, East Forsyth, Enloe, East Wake, Leesville Road, Trinity and Chatham Charter.

Last season, McLeod finished second in the Red Wolves Invitational at 132 pounds, losing in the final.

Over the next week, we’ll hear from Orange and Cedar Ridge athletes about what they’re thankful for. Everyone is thankful for family and friends, so we went searching for other things that they’re giving thanks for this November. Here’s part 1, featuring Tori Dalehite, Brooke Fryar, Tionna Carter and Michael Nicholson.

Chris Walker has a long memory.

When Orange defeated Cedar Ridge 4-1 in 2017 at Red Wolves Stadium, Walker muttered afterward that he hadn’t lost to Orange at home since he took over as coach in 2013.

On September 18, it appeared another loss to Orange was certain. Rohan Kasthuri scored in the second half to bolt the Panthers ahead 3-1 with 22:30 remaining.

To make matters more difficult, Cedar Ridge already had lost leading scorer Brandon Garcia, who was injured midway through the second half. Garcia had a seven-game scoring streak to open the season and didn’t return until the 2nd overtime session, and barely touched the ball even then.

With 17:00 remaining, the Red Wolves went on the attack. Freshman Nicholas Frank scored two goals in a span of 43 seconds to tie the game.

Junior Dean Allen fed Frank with two gorgeous through passes on each goal that ultimately sent the game into penalty kicks.

Fittingly, Frank laced the game-winning penalty into the middle right side of the net. Cedar Ridge junior goalkeeper Ty Corbin made the save on Orange’s final attempt to start a wild celebration among the Cedar Ridge players.

“I told our guys at halftime we had to go back to our game plan,” said Walker, his voice hoarse from an intense night off coaching. “I pulled Nick in the first half because he told me ‘Coach, I’m not getting the ball.’ And I asked him what he was going to do? I told him he had to do more to get the ball.”

And he did. On consecutive possessions in the 2nd half, Frank received the ball after 20-yard runs. His first goal came from 20 yards away after Orange’s goalkeeper came out of net as Frank collected a gorgeous balll from Reese Weaver.

Less than a minute later, Frank received another pass to even the game.

Orange led penalties 3-2 after three rounds, but Corbin made saves on the last two attempts.

Garcia, Weaver, Erickson Thole and Frank scored penalties for Cedar Ridge.

The rematch in Hillsborough would be just as dramatic. Orange’s Elliott Sikes sent the game into overtime on an equalizing goal with 1:06 remaining in the second half.

Tyler Werden started the scoring for Orange. Frank and William Mendoza put the Red Wolves ahead with consecutive goals, including one assisted by Victor Garcia-Salazar.

After two scoreless overtime period, it came down to penalty kicks once again. In penalties, it once again boiled down to the fifth and final round. Frank calmly slotted his attempt past Orange goalkeeper Jonathan Cowan. Kasthuri stepped up and missed wide right on the final attempt.

The Cedar Ridge huddle at midfield exploded and rushed to join their goalie. As they raced past him at full speed, Kasthuri, seemingly in slow motion, fell to the ground.

Cedar Ridge would narrowly miss the playoffs with a 7-12-1 record. They had close losses to Northwood and Southern Durham to conclude the season, but they succeeded in sweeping the Hillsborough Derby from its arch rivals. Orange ended the year 7-13, 4-10 in the Big 8 Conference.

Just as the clock went to zero in his head coaching debut, Jaison Brooks wanted to capture the moment that he wishes would last forever.

It was a night every coach dreams of in his first game. Cedar Ridge, which went 1-23 the season before, had just routed the North Carolina School of Science and Match 77-48. The gym, triggered by the electrifying play of guard Mekai Collins, started to empty.

Brooks pulled out his iPhone to take a photo of the scoreboard, where the Red Wolves equalled its win total from all of last season on opening night.

It was certainly one to remember for the Red Wolves, who had as much life and enthusiasm than any point last year. Collins, in his return to Cedar Ridge after he spent his junior season at Orange, finished with 20 points to lead all scorers.

Junior Ian Johnson added ten points on a night where 14 Red Wolves scored.

“Mekai is one piece of the puzzle,” said Brooks. “He’s an awesome player. He plays with great intensity. He knows how to handle the ball, attack the basket and score. That’s an valuable asset that we definitely need on this team. The collaborative effort of everyone has added something to this team. He’s added some gasoline to the fire.”

Science and Math tied the game at 9 midway through the first quarter after a three-pointer from Ben Kersey. Johnson followed with a three-pointer, and Andrew Altieri canned a three-pointer at the first quarter buzzer to put Cedar Ridge ahead 25-13.

The Red Wolves finished the first half with 49 points, which included two more three-pointers from Johnson. James Ragland, Grayson Ramos and Chris Tinnen also added treys in a decisive spurt that put the game away. For comparison’s sake, Cedar Ridge failed to score 49 points in regulation in 17 of its 24 games last season.

At one point in the second half, Cedar Ridge led 54-27. It was a ridiculously dominant showing by Cedar Ridge after last season’s 1-win campaign, it’s hard to believe it was the same team. Of course, in some ways it wasn’t with Collins’ reemergence added a scoring punch that the Red Wolves desperately lacked last season.

Milan Wilkerson had 14 points to lead the Unicorns (0-3).

Cedar Ridge travels to Carrboro on Wednesday, then goes to Chatham Charter in Siler City on Thursday.

In the women’s game, NCSSM defeated Cedar Ridge 52-31. It was William Dobbs’ debut as head coach of the Lady Red Wolves.

Cedar Ridge jumped out to an 8-2 lead behind three-pointers from NaDia Oswald and Amiyah Gibbs. The Unicorns shifted into a 1-2-2 full-court zone press, which left the Red Wolves in a quandary since it was their first game without since the graduation of its all-time leading scorer, Madison Wardlow.

The Unicorns went on a 18-2 run and held the Red Wolves to two field goals in the second quarter. NCSSM led 21-15 at the half. They pulled away late.

Oswald was the only Red Wolf in doubles figures with eleven points. Gibbs scored five.

Bella Alfaro paced NCSSM with 15 points, while Anna Coley added 12.

Cedar Ridge will travel to Carrboro on Wednesday night at 6.

Cedar Ridge’s Ian Johnson had ten points in the Red Wolves’ season-opening win over the North Carolina School of Science and Math on Monday night at Red Wolves Gymnasium. Johnson came out firing with two three-pointers in the first half. Cedar Ridge showed its depth under new head coach Jaison Brooks. 14 Red Wolves scored as Cedar Ridge never trailed against the Unicorns. There was only one tie in the game at 9-9, at which point Cedar Ridge promptly went on a 11-1 run. Johnson and Mekai Collins were the only Red Wolves in double figures. Cedar Ridge had 26 bench points as they equaled its win total from all of last season as Coach Brooks won his first game as a head coach. The Red Wolves will travel to Carrboro on Wednesday night, then go to Chatham Central on Thursday in Bear Creek. 

We have a new team at the bottom of the football power rankings this week! And if you think that has something to do with the title of this column, you would be right. I’m sure the tens of Duke football fans on the planet will have a tough time reading this one. 

Note: Florida State did not play a conference team this week, therefore there will be no analysis for Florida State.

Pitt

With the Panthers holding on to win in overtime against the always tough Tar Heels, the Coastal crown is very much in play for Pitt. If the Panthers win out, and Virginia Tech wins the commonwealth clash, that would send Pittsburgh to their second straight ACC Championship game. Do I think it happens? Not particularly, but I don’t think it’s a ridiculous proposition either.

Clemson

Clemson continues their quest of beating the ever-living crap of everybody in their path en route to another College Football Playoff appearance. Wake Forest was their most recent victim, and poor South Carolina 2 weeks from now is the next. Don’t expect Dabo to hold back anything in any game the rest of the way for the Tigers.

Syracuse

I FINALLY GET TO PUT MY SCHOOL IN THE WINNERS SECTION OF THIS COLUMN! All my excitement aside, with their dominating win over Duke, bowl hopes are still somewhat alive for the Orange. With defensive coordinator Brian Ward gone, the Orange turned in their best performance of the season. If Ward was the issue, and that’s the true capability of that Orange defense, wins over both Louisville and Wake Forest in their last 2 games seems unlikely, but not nearly as unlikely as it seemed prior to the Duke game.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech thoroughly dominated Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Like Clemson, Virginia Tech seems to be on a mission to destroy anyone and everyone in their way. Credit to Justin Fuente, the Hokies really got the ship turned around after the drubbing at the hands of Duke, and I think this is a team that could make things interesting, albeit slightly, for Clemson in the ACC Championship if that’s the matchup.

Louisville

Louisville secured bowl eligibility with their win over a dismal NC State team. More than anything else, I want to take the time to give Scott Satterfield a shoutout for how well he’s done in year one at Louisville. He took the team projected to finish dead last in the Atlantic and has made them a bowl eligible team who has been able to compete with everyone (barring Clemson of course.) It’s absolutely ridiculous how quickly Satterfield got this ship turned around, and if he can get recruiting going on the level he’s capable of, this will be a very, very good team in a couple years.

North Carolina

The Tar Heels 4th quarter magic wasn’t enough against Pittsburgh, and they continue to confuse the heck out of me with how well they’re capable of playing in the 4th but can’t do it for a whole game. Ultimately, I think this will end up being a bowl-eligible Carolina team with their next 2 games against Mercer and an NC State team you know that Carolina is really going to be ready for this year. That being said, this could have been so much more of a great season for the Heels. If recruiting is any indicator, I would expect the Heels to be a perennial threat to get 10 wins in a couple years.

Wake Forest

What can I really say about Wake? They got killed by Clemson. Outside of that, the Wake Forest dream of going to an Orange Bowl is likely off the table now due to Virginia Tech being as hot as they are. Seems like a bit of a disappointing season for Wake when you look at it this way, but this program is as healthy as it has been in years. If you’re a Wake fan, you better pray Clawson doesn’t bolt for a job like Florida State, Arkansas, or possibly even Michigan State at the end of this season.

Duke

They’re bad, they’re REAL bad. The fans don’t care about this Duke team, the quarterback is a great guy but not a great quarterback, and their offensive coordinator is completely inept. Mix all these things together, and you have the new worst team in the conference after you get trounced by who I previously thought was the worst in Syracuse.

Georgia Tech

As soon as I thought they were getting better every week, they get killed by Virginia Tech. That being said, Wake got killed by VT too. The Jackets are in a tough spot this year, like I’ve said many times this season, it will be a few years before they even threaten to be bowl eligible, but I do feel like Geoff Collins has them going in the right direction.

NC State

Is Matt McKay still around? He was the only quarterback that wasn’t a complete turnover machine for the Pack. The quarterbacks are bad, the secondary is bad, and the linebackers are really young. Injuries have also been a huge issue for the Wolfpack thus far. This season has been a wash for State for some time now, and their hopes of reaching a 6th straight bowl game seem highly unlikely.

Football Power Rankings

1. Clemson, duh.
2. Virginia Tech
3. Virginia
4. Pitt
5. Miami
6. Wake Forest
7. Louisville
8. North Carolina
9. Florida State
10. Boston College
11. Syracuse
12. NC State
13. Georgia Tech
14. Duke

Football Predictions

NC State at Georgia Tech (-1.5): Georgia Tech, 21-17

Liberty at Virginia (-17): Virginia, 34-20

Boston College at Notre Dame (-20): Notre Dame, 38-14

Mercer at North Carolina (-39): North Carolina, 52-10

Pitt at Virginia Tech (-3.5): Virginia Tech, 24-21

Syracuse at Louisville (-9): Louisville, 28-24

Miami (-18.5) at Florida International: Miami, 35-10

Duke at Wake Forest (-7): Wake Forest, 38-14

Last week’s predictions: 4-2

Season total: 23-17

Basketball Power Rankings

1. North Carolina
2. Duke
3. Virginia
4. Louisville
5. NC State
6. Miami
7. Syracuse
8. Florida State
9. Notre Dame
10. Georgia Tech
11. Pitt
12. Virginia Tech
13. Boston College
14. Clemson
15. Wake Forest

Basketball Predictions

Vermont at Virginia: Virginia, 57-40

Cornell at Syracuse: Syracuse, 75-62

Georgia Tech at Georgia: Georgia, 81-77

Duke vs California (Madison Square Garden, NYC): Duke, 85-74

Wake Forest vs Davidson (Spectrum Center, Charlotte): Davidson, 71-68

DePaul at Boston College: DePaul, 92-78

Last week’s predictions: 6-0

Season total: 11-2

Mekai Collins made his return to Cedar Ridge in a big way on Monday night. Collins, after spending last year at Orange, had a game-high 20 points as the Red Wolves defeated the North Carolina School of Science & Math. 77-48. The Red Wolves never trailed after Chris Tinnen opened the game with a technical free throw after the Unicorns were called for dunking in pregame warmups. Once the game started, Collins’ up-tempo game kicked into high gear as the Red Wolves scored 49 points in the first half. Collins spent his first two seasons at Cedar Ridge. After he left following his sophomore season, the Red Wolves went 1-23 last year. On Wednesday, Cedar Ridge will try to surpass its win total from all of last season when they travel to Carrboro. You can hear that game on Hillsboroughsports.com starting a 6 PM with the women’s game. Tim Hackett & Jason Knapp will have the call.