ROCKINGHAM — Just because school is out for the holiday break doesn’t mean that’s an excuse for several of Richmond Senior High School’s athletic programs to take some time off.
Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, along with the Raider wrestling team, will compete in holiday tournaments before students return to the classroom on Monday, Jan. 6.
Lady Raiders prepared for Sheetz Invitational
Head coach Teddy Moseley and the Lady Raider basketball team were supposed to play in two holiday tournaments, but saw the Anson Holiday Classic canceled hours before it was supposed to start this past weekend.
But Richmond (5-2) will return to the court in the Sheetz Invitational at North Davidson High School on Thursday, Dec. 26. Looking to continue its best start under Moseley, Richmond will take on the host Lady Black Knights (8-1) in what could be the team’s toughest challenge to date.
The Lady Raiders are coming off a 51-4 win over Cheraw High School last week, a game that Moseley said boosted the team’s confidence. He added that he hopes to see his team carry that momentum against North Davidson.
Tipoff against the Lady Black Knights is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in Lexington. Richmond’s second opponent is to be determined.
Raiders set for return to Ashbrook Holiday Hoopfest
The third annual Ashbrook Holiday Hoopfest, a three-day event, is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday this week, and the Raiders will make their return to the tournament for the second straight year. Last season, Richmond went 2-1 and finished in fifth place.
Featuring one of the premier holiday tournament lineups, the Hoopfest will feature eight teams: Richmond, Weddington, Vance, South Mecklenburg, Hickory Ridge, Hunter Huss, Butler and host Ashbrook high schools.
Head coach Donald Pettigrew and the Raiders (7-0) will start the tournament’s first game against Weddington High School (8-2) on Thursday at 3 p.m. Richmond is off to its best start in recent memory and is coming off statement wins against Pinecrest and Cheraw high schools prior to the break.
Last season, Vance defeated Huss in the championship game, and the Raiders will look to dethrone the Cougars this winter. Richmond’s second and third round opponents are to be determined.
Note: Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams will return to Sandhills Athletic Conference play on Friday, Jan. 3, at Jack Britt High School.
Wrestling to battle in Holy Angels Invitational
Closing out Richmond’s holiday break festivities will be the Raider wrestling team, which will travel to the Bojangles Arena in Charlotte for the annual Holy Angels Invitational. The largest tournament Richmond will compete in this season, the event hosts wrestlers from 85 teams.
Head coach Earl Nicholson and the Raiders also competed in the Battle at the Creek, a 25-team tournament at Mallard Creek High School over the weekend. Richmond finished 15th overall, and full results will be published in the Tuesday edition of ROSports.
The Raiders will compete in the Holy Angels Invitational, an individual tournament, on Saturday and Sunday.
