Since the end of the high school sports seasons, we’ve been taking a look at how Hoke’s spring teams performed, as well as their outlooks for the future. We’ve looked at baseball, softball and girls’ soccer in previous issues. Now we take a look at the sports that focus on individual performance. While team scores determine the winners and losers in golf, tennis and track and field, the athletes find themselves alone in the spotlight while the competition is going on.
This year
The Bucks had strong performances in boys’ golf and track and field, with the golf team having its best performance in the state meet in program history. Track and field was well represented at the regional meet and sent an athlete to compete for state titles in three events. Boys’ tennis found the going tougher as it struggled on the court this season.
Top performers
Junior William Leak had dominant performances in the triple jump and high jump at the state meet with among the top distances in 4A this season. He also competed in long jump, finishing twelfth. Eight other male athletes and three females also represented Hoke at the regional track and field championships. In golf, Jordan Palmer and Robert Reedy became the first members of the boys’ golf team to represent Hoke at the state meet.
Saying goodbye
Reedy was a senior and ended his Hoke County golf career with a 42nd place finish at states. Track and field needs to replace DeQuavious Mosley, who made regionals in the long jump, hurdler Ja’Von Morrisey and shot putter Joey Castaneda. Braydon McKoy, who played doubles for Hoke tennis, will also depart.
Building blocks
The track team returns Leak, as well as most of the athletes that made regionals.
Sprinter Orza Salone, Darrien Frazier (400 meters) and hurdler Nasir Wells will be seniors. Sprinter Tyriek Davis, girls’ sprinter Jaida Hines and boys’ high jumper Jaydon Smith will be juniors. Girls’ distance runner Harley Hardin and girls’ sprinter Arielle Owens are rising sophomores.
The golf team returns Palmer, who finished 78th at the state meet.
