History will show that on January 25th, 2025 Carroll County High School won a Boys Basketball game 72-49 over neighboring Galax. Those facts will now and always be undisputed but it was a watershed day for a number of reasons in the history of Cavalier Boys Basketball.
Starting the game one point shy of the All-Time scoring record held by Tee Jackson, Bryce Smoot needed just 13 seconds to find the bottom of the net and the crowd was ready to show its appreciation for both Jackson and Smoot in a mid court celebration.
Now that we have covered The Basket, let’s turn to The Crowd. Athletic Director Kevin DeHaven might have had the Fire Marshall 🔥 on Speed Dial as the number of people in the building continued to grow. Historians might be able to talk about Glory Days where the Gym was packed and the upper bleachers were open but there’s no doubt that Saturday was the largest number of fans attending a Boys game in the regime of Barnes and Richardson.
The game itself is just a sidebar to the afternoon. Carroll County (14-0) played a picture perfect first quarter. Following the record breaking basket, CCHS added another 28 points and in a blink of an eye the score was 30-10 and the quarter ended 30-12.
Fellow Senior, Ethan Richardson scored eight of his game high 17 points during the stretch. By the time the game ended 10 of the Cavaliers scored atleast 3 points and the team was pulling hard for E J Conner and Landon Phillips to join the party.
Barnes will take the time one day to reflect back on Saturday afternoon but not yet. Coach knows that Kenny Rogers was right when he was singing about knowing when to hold them and knowing when to fold them. As great of a Day as it was on The Hill, there’s plenty more work to get to put in.
” Man what a fun and Exciting day to be a Cavalier. Huge day for Bryce Smoot surpassing T Jackson record early in the contest vs rival Galax,” said Barnes. ” I was very proud of our fast start and energy , being aggressive and putting up 30 in the first quarter, the best start full throttle I think we have had all season.”
Five years ago Barnes and Richardson set out on a journey. The first thing about Barnes you have to appreciate is the level of comfort he has with the partnership that is now in its ninth season. Borrowing once again from the Gambler, Barnes knows that you don’t count your winnings while sitting at the table, so the focus immediately shifts to Monday night up in the Highlands against the always tough Cougars.
“Placed two guys in double figures with Richardson 17, and (Isaiah) Easter with 12. Proud of the guys coming off the bench with combined 26 point being paced by Jay Burnett with 7,” added Barnes. “These guys put in the hard work and push the starters in practice improving them and making the TEAM first and number 1.Great family team atmosphere and I am excited to see the next couple weeks with this group. HOW ABOUT THEM CAVALIERS !”
Prior to the Varsity team earning victory number 14, Jason Stockner and his Junior Varsity crew earned victory number 10 on the season with a convincing 76-24 victory over Galax.
The younger Cavaliers (10-3) opened up with a 27-6 first quarter and never looked back. Hayden Jackson dropped 22 points and Blake Reed added 11 points on a day where all 14 played and 12 scored.
Carroll County returns to action 🎬 on Monday evening at Alleghany High School beginning at 5:30.
The Cavaliers had themselves a Day and it will prove to be one that should stand the test of time. But Barnes is hoping for so much more in his teams ” Last Dance”
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End story for Allen Worrell and The Carroll News.
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On a personal note 📝, the last two Home games have been fun for me as I had the opportunity to try and add my personal touch to the program.
Thursday night 🌙 was a substitute role and Saturday happened because Josh was a kind soul. Know that the writing ✍ will continue, with fun stories for the Junior Varsity team and Gamers for Varsity.
Know that Allen Worrell will have an Awesome feature story on Bryce Smoot now holding the record in the coming days !
Last one from yesterday, I still have some Photos 📷 from both Bill Gallimore and Mama Smoot to share and I will get that done ✔ before its time to go to Special Olympics Basketball 🏀.
Have yourself a Blessed Day and Thank You 🙏 for caring ❤
A.S.P.N on The Hill 