I walked into the story after it started so I will go back and forth a bit to tell it correctly because its a OneofUs.Care type of story.

 I walked up to the scorers table before the Junior Varsity game and I overheard Christy Shupe say ask Jerry, I’m sure he’ll contribute.

Ethan Richardson is trying to raise funds so he can go on a Church ⛪ Mission trip to South Africa 🇿🇦. The 👪 attends Christ Chapel in Galax and last year Ashton took a similar trip overseas.

 Now will go back to the beginning of the night when good natured Nathan Jones told Richardson he would donate $20.00 if he was brave enough to sing the National Anthem in front of the Varsity game. Now that we know the origin story and the role that Jones played we will jump forward once again.

 I told Christy that I would match what ever amount was raised and then spent a few minutes trying to encourage him to go forward with it.

 Here’s the depth of this young man 👨, he said that he wasn’t afraid to sing it but wasn’t sure that he could sing it well enough to honor the Song.

 Both Greg Talley and Mama Smoot have already posted the performance on Facebook for people to share.

 The Richardson family 👪 left the Gymnasium last night with $130.00 which means $260.00.

 But if you see the performance 🎭 and want to help this young man 👨 go on his mission trip here’s how you can do so. We are going to extend our offer to double up on the amount until Monday morning. So if you cross paths with any of the Richardson family 👪 over the weekend and want to help, Please do so.

 Also, even if you’re not in a position to help you should try and watch the video.

 Kudos to you, Nathan Jones and to you Christy Shupe !

This one with our Logo behind him is enough to make someone tear 😢 up

Tonight offered an opportunity to capture some of the JV Boys 👦 team families.

It was a pleasure to spend a moment or two with some folks that I hadn’t met before.

One more

Exciting News in regards to the game story coming up here in a bit – both of the Coaches have shared their thoughts which will add even more layers to the story !

I need to say Thank You 🙏 once again to Shane Reed for his assistance in getting the word out to the 👪 of the players!

 Gamer will come shortly !

Our Junior Varsity team is showing no effects from having played the last two evenings, jumping out to an early 15-0 lead. End of the 1st, 15-0

Cavs lead now 21-1 (4:20)….

Halftime – 21/9

Getting ready for the second half

Ethan Richardson introduced the Starting 5 tonight !

Your Final Score – Cavs 43, Knights 29 !

Captains meeting

Dane & Mr. Smoot

Varsity is underway now after Ethan Richardson performed the National Anthem.

Cavs leading 9-5 (4:00)

Cavs 23-6 after 1st

Halftime score 43 – 16 !

62-17 after 3rd – Paul Marshall is on Fire 🔥

Final Score (8:11 pm) –

Plenty of coverage to follow later on Hoops and Swimming 🏊‍♂️

#10 – Because Rick Nester isn’t playing Softball right now. My efforts are available in greater slots in our off season. My first Love takes place across the street but as our organization #2 goal is for folks to volunteer, I am happy to help those that want the assistance.

9 – The core group of parents he has surrounding his program are just fun, loving people that I feel fortunate to interact with.

8 – Paul’s Grandson plays on the team! If you haven’t been with us from the start, you might not get that reference.

7 – The depth of the Love that Anthony Barnes has for his players is unmeasurable. He might come off as a big mean Grizzly Bear but deep down inside he would do anything for his players.

6 – The way his players respond to said Grizzly Bear and his leadership! His young Student Athletes love that part of their program, they know that their Coach wants what’s best for them and nothing else.

5 – The unselfish way they play the game makes them so darn likable and fun to watch. The fact that they put as much pride into their defense as they do makes the game even more enjoyable to watch. You are seeing Cavalier effort on both ends of the court.

4 – Coach Barnes wants his players to be recognized for their efforts because he is so proud of them, not because of a desire for any self-promotion.

3 – Coach has assembled a solid staff from top to bottom and is very proud of them and their ties to our community.

2 – Coach has a sense of humor and that really helps if you have to deal with the likes of me.

The drum roll please………….

Using one of my all-time favorite Aaron Sorkin lines (from Studio 60)….

The number one reason that I hang out with Anthony Barnes is because Kris Richardson told me to. While that is an attempt to poke the Bear because that is what Kris and I do, there’s a great deal of truth to it. Barnes and I didn’t know each other at all, and my time is the most valuable possession I have. When I asked Kris about Anthony his answer was this – He’s the Real Deal.

Come out and support the Real Deal and his plucky side kick and their impressive group of Student Athletes tonight on The Hill. JV @ 5:30 & Varsity shortly after.

The swim 🏊‍♂️ teams will be busy over the next two days with meets in two different states. Tonight they will be up in Wytheville and tomorrow down in Kingsport, TN.

 Speaking of busy, the Boys 👦 Basketball 🏀 teams will finish their stretch of three games in three days at home against James River High School 🏫.

 The Junior Varsity is coming in on a positive note 📝 after holding on last night at Galax, 45-40.

 Folks, if you haven’t seen our Varsity Boys play this season you are missing out. They are scrappy, hard working 💪and fun to watch. You should come down, get yourself some popcorn 🍿 and enjoy their efforts !

Last night Mr. Gallimore handed me this highly informative piece of paper that highlights three of the All-Time greats that have worn the colors. It’s a neat picture of CCHS History !