The basketball programs at Charlottesville High School this season, wow. The boys team led by Coach Mitchell Minor, are just barely second in the district, with a record of 20-4. The girls, headed by coach Jim Daly have maintained an undefeated record all season and are now 24-0 headed into regionals. Among the two teams, captains Aidan Yates and Rayquel Allen lead the charge, both surpassing the 1,000 career point marks. Yates, with a notable 41-point game over Louisa County. However, both teams are backed with quite strong squads. As the postseason is upon us, and the incredible regular seasons come to a close, there is no doubt that this is a historic season for CHS basketball.
The girl’s team has rolled into this season much more aggressively, on both offense and defense, trying to “keep the pace” says Coach Daly. They have been successful by not fouling while keeping the game flowing at their speed. As the end of the season progresses, the girls have used this strategy to beat the cross-town rivals of Albemarle High School twice (70-26 and 80-40), and Western Albemarle twice (55-49 and 46-40) as well. They also beat top-ranked private school Covenant by a score of 51-49 in the holiday tournament (which they ultimately won). Their biggest victories include; a 67-point score over Louisa and a 65-point win over Goochland. In preparation for these games, Coach Dally says the girls have an upper hand over their opponents with the pure depth of the team: “Our practices have been very competitive… we have a lot of girls that would start for almost every other team in the district.” They use this talent to fluctuate lineups and build their chemistry. Most recently, the girls defeated Western Albemarle in the Jefferson District Championship game (56-37) to keep their undefeated season alive. They want to keep each week as competitive as possible, and they are doing just that.
The boy’s team is also having an amazing season, rolling into the final week of the regular season with only three losses. Throughout the winter, the team has demolished many teams and had a big win over Albemarle High School at home (59-55). The guys also won their holiday tournament, beating the number 5 team in the state (at the time) 60-56. They then defeated another top team, Patrick Henry by a score of 73-60. In the Jefferson District tournament, the boys got a massive road win at Western Albemarle in which they erased a 13-point deficit. Coach Mitchell Minor said “We do not look down the road” as they try to “take one game at a time.” During practice each week the team looks at “opposing team size, speed, and the game strategies of their coach.” With a very experienced starting lineup, the team feels strong going into the postseason.
With two incredible seasons underway, and a long postseason incoming, the Knights are making our school proud. Home and away crowds of students have had an incredible turnout, and the games have been something to look forward to for many around the school. Led by their seniors, the teams look to bring home a pair of regional and state championships.
