Post Tagged with: "Atlantic Cape Junior High League"

Spirit Week Spurs on ACS Basketball Teams; MS Boys, HS Girls Teams Undefeated, HS Boys in 2nd Place

ACS students and staff got fired up to support our basketball teams during Spirit Week, dressing up each day to various themes, starting  with Green-and-White Day on January 27 and ending with Whiteout Day on February 3. Best dressed prizes were given out to students each day.

The Varsity Girls’ Team is undefeated in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference and the Varsity Boys’ Team is in 2nd place. Based on their winning records, both teams will advance to the playoffs, with a bye in the quarter-finals on February 21 and then playing in the semi-final playoffs on February 23.

The ACS Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team is currently undefeated in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference.

The Middle School Boys’ Team is undefeated in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League and has been invited to play in the upcoming Northfield Invitational Tournament. The MS Boys will play their first tournament game on February 15 against the William Davies Middle School at 6:45 pm at the Northfield Community School gym. The Middle School Girls’ team is 5-4 in league play. Both teams will play their last games of the season on February 16, away at The Pilgrim Academy.

“We are so grateful for the enthusiastic support from our school families, alumni, and friends in the community who have been packing our gym for all our home games,” said Athletic Director Pam Hitchner. “We look forward to seeing them at all the remaining games this season, particularly at our semi-final playoff games on February 23.”

Hitchner also encouraged ACS fans to attend the February 10 8th Grade Night and February 17 Senior Night home games. 8th grade players and 12th grade players and their parents/guardians will be recognized and thanked before the start of each of the  games for their contributions to their teams.

Spirit Week, organized by Hitchner, featured fun themes including Neon Day, Tropical Day, Wild West Day, and College/Pro Team Day. On Wild West Day on February 1,  Andy the Armadillo from the Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Egg Harbor Township surprised students during lunch and picked the winners for those best dressed in Western attire. Winners received special Texas Roadhouse T-shirts and discount coupons to Texas Roadhouse. Additional coupons were also given to every student and school employee.

For Whiteout Day on February 3, the students selected for best-dressed received Wawa Gift Cards and those who wore all white attire got free admission to the home games that night against Pilgrim Academy. For middle school and high school students, there was a half-court basketball shooting contest during lunch on January 31 and a 3-point shooting contest on February 2. Winners also received Wawa Gift Cards.

 

 

 

 

 

Middle School Girls’ Basketball Team Playing With Enthusiasm, Seeking to Honor God On and Off Court

The Middle School Girls’ Basketball season kicked off in early January and the large, 20-player squad has been playing with enthusiasm and a focus on honoring God on and off the court, according to its new head coach, faculty member Daniel Vasquez. As of January 20, the team had posted a winning record of 4 and 2 in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, and is improving and gaining confidence with every game.

“This team is such a joy to coach,” said Vasquez, who is assisted by ACS 2021 alumnus and former standout Varsity Girls’ team member Sydney Pearson, and Jen Domsic, whose 7th grade daughter, Caelyn, is a team member. “They are very coachable, tenacious, and relentless,” Vasquez said. “They want to be better and we often have to force them to leave the court because they just cannot get enough basketball.”

Vasquez also described the team as a group of girls who want to honor Jesus. “They are showing this with their attitudes and lifestyles on and off the court,” Vasquez said.

The team’s theme verse is Proverbs 31:30 — “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Vazquez said the team members have all memorized the verse and are learning to live in the fear of the Lord together.

A number of players have been excelling over the past six games and are helping lead the team to victory. 8th grader Shelby Tomlinson is the team’s top scorer and also leads the team in steals. 8th grader Kalee Tardif is the second-highest scorer and is also strong on the boards and in steals. 7th grader Malena Meyer leads the team in rebounds, is the third-highest scorer, and has chalked up over 7 steals. 7th graders Caelyn Domsic and Solia Pecou are also top rebounders and 8th grader Isabella Santos, in her first year on the team, is excelling on defense and getting lots of steals.

The 20 members of the team are: Kendall Bouchard, Sophia Capito, Natalie Dickson, Caelyn Domsic, Isabelle Edwards, Mia Gaffney, Lucy Huff, Gracie Leon, Grace Lushina, Ja’Niyah Martin, Layla McCarthy, Malena Meyer, Nadia Pearson, Solia Pecou, Nina Purdy, Sophia Rose, Isabella Santos, Kaila Smalls, Kalee Tardif, and Shelby Tomlinson.

The team has eight more games to play in the season, including two homes games the week of January 23 — playing Folsom Middle School on Wednesday, January 25 at 3:45 p.m. and Assumption Regional Catholic School on Friday, January 27, starting at 3:30 p.m. Come on out and cheer our team on to victory!

Pictured below are photos from the January 18 home game against Egg Harbor City Community School, which ACS won 17-4.

Middle School Boys’ Soccer Team Finishes in 1st Place in Atlantic Cape Junior High League

By Robby Barberio

As soccer season comes to an end, our middle school teams both posted winning records for the season.  Congratulations to the Middle School Boys’ Team for finishing in first place in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League with an undefeated record of 8 wins, 0 losses, and 3 ties. The Middle School Girls’ Team finished its season with a record of 5 wins and 4 losses.

The Middle School Boys played a tie-breaker game at home on November 1 to determine first place in the League. The Cougars came out with a 2-0 victory over The Pilgrim Academy. 8th grader Micah D’Anna scored both goals. The Girls finished their season on October 26 with a game against Alder Avenue Middle School.

Both teams welcomed new coaches this year –Becky Pineo as the Middle School Girls’ Coach and Silas Nixon as the Middle School Boys’ Coach.

Pineo, originally from Lewiston, Idaho, has coached soccer, basketball, softball, and tennis. She coached at Cumberland Christian School, Pleasantville High School, and Buena Regional High School.

“One reason I decided to coach at ACS is the love I have for the sport of soccer!” Coach Pineo said. “But above all getting to glorify Jesus through coaching is my passion!”

Nixon coached his first-ever team this year. Born and raised in Northfield, New Jersey, he played soccer as a youth and always enjoyed watching soccer. He attended his first-ever ACS soccer game last fall and expressed an interest in coaching to Athletic Director Pam Hitchner. A few days later, Mrs. Hitchner asked him to coach. After praying about it, Coach Nixon decided to take the position.

“Coach Nixon did a great job with the team and the boys worked hard under his leadership,” Hitchner said. “Last year, the team had a strong group of 8th graders who moved up to high school, but the players who moved up into active playing time this year really improved in their skills and teamwork. It was exciting to watch them play.”

 

 

 

Middle School Baseball, Softball Teams Making Their Mark at Midway Point in Season; Teams Face St. Joe’s on Monday

Now midway into their seasons, the Middle School Boys’ Baseball team is undefeated with a 4-0 record and the Middle School Girls’ Softball team has a strong 5-2 winning record in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League. Both teams will play St. Joe’s at home on Monday afternoon. Come on out and cheer our teams to victory.

On May 10, the 14-member Boys’ Baseball Team played a double-header against Pilgrim Academy and won both games handily under the 10-run rule. Against the Alder Avenue Middle School in Egg Harbor Township, 7th grade starting pitcher Ethan Costello threw a no-hitter and ACS won that game 12-2.

“We have a lot of talented players who are strong hitters at bat and we are working hard in every practice to help our players develop and strengthen their skills in every area,” said head coach Charlie Costelllo, in his 2nd year at the helm. He is assisted by Jayson Benson, Russ Cook, and Vincent Falcone. In addition to pitcher Ethan Costello, Coach Costello has five other players who rotate onto the mound – 8th grader Johnny Cook, who also plays catcher; 7th grader Luke Odell; 7th grader Aidan Schlemo, who also plays outfield; and 8th grader Jeriko Thomas.

The other players on the team are: Logan Benson (1st base), Colton Carney (outfield), Eli Casey (shortstop), Calvin Costello (2nd base), Micah D’Anna (outfield), Josh Maxwell (catcher), Alex Newhall (outfield), Justice Settles (outfield), and Luca Sulivan (3rd base).

The 17-member Girls’ Softball Team welcomed a new starting pitcher this season – 7th grader Emilee Richards – and her strong skills on the mound and at bat have helped ACS advance to a 5-2 record. Serving as relief pitchers are Ashlee Alford and Annalena DiMaio. Richards has two home runs so far this season. Other leading hitters on the team include 8th grader Skyler Shivers, who hit a triple and a double in the May 10 double-header against Pilgrim Academy, shortstop Hazel Burgan, catcher Marley Odell, and outfielder Alexis Shropshire. Other team members are: Alexis Andujar, Stephanie Ballester, Ava Barberio, Gianna Flynn, Keira Frontino, Rielly Kisielewski, Lydia McCarthy, Gerliana Merette, Nadia Pearson, and Anyae Welch.

In the Pilgrim Academy double-header on May 10, ACS split the difference, winning the first game 24-14 and losing the second game 13-12. Mike Bohs, in his 5th year as head coach, is optimistic that the team will finish the season with a strong winning record. He even hopes to post a win the next time ACS faces the Alder Avenue Middle School team, which has a pitcher throwing 50 mph pitches. “We will continue improving and supporting each other to be effective as a team, whether we’re at bat or in the field,” Bohs said. He is assisted by ACS 2021 alumnus Sydney Pearson.

 

ACS Launching New Track Club This Week, Athletes to Compete in Several Meets

A new Track Club for students in grades 6-12 is launching this week, with 45 students expected to gather for the first after-school practice on Wednesday, March 30. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner, who is heading up the club, said ACS athletes will be competing in at least four track meets that are scheduled for this spring, including the Mid-Atlantic Christian School Association track meet on April 26 and 27 at Messiah University in Pennsylvania.

“Our goal is to introduce another sport at ACS and give our students who have gifts and talents in different areas a chance to develop and grow those abilities,” Hitchner said.  PE teacher Josh Clark and faculty member Drew Carney, who has experience as a distance runner, will be assisting Hitchner in training the athletes in the club. ACS parent Harold Scott is also donating a javelin and will be training students for competition.

Hitchner said a new long jump runway and sand pit were installed on the campus this week, relocated to an area parallel to the ACS track, thanks to material and services donated by Ralph Clayton and assistance from ACS staff.  The track club members will also be competing with new ACS track shirts, made possible in part by gifts from several donors.

ACS will host a dual track meet on May 17 against King’s Christian School and plans are in discussion for ACS athletes to compete in meets with schools in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League. ACS will also be hosting the annual Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference track meet on May 12 and throwing a javelin will be added to the meet.

There is a $50 athletic fee for participation in the Track Club and practices will be weekly on Wednesdays. Hitchner said students who play on an ACS baseball or softball team can also participate in the Track Club and will not have to choose one or the other.

Middle School Soccer — Winning Seasons for Boys’ and Girls’ Teams; Former MLS Pro Player Gives Boys’ Team Pointers at Recent Practice

Our Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ soccer teams have worked hard and achieved winning seasons as they head into their final week of competition next week in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League. The Middle School Boys’ team also got special training at a recent practice from a guest coach — former Major League Soccer (MLS) player, Rich Balchan.

The 23-member Middle School Boys’ team, under head coach David O’Connell, has an overall record of 7 wins, 1 loss, and 1 tie, and in league play has 5 wins, 1 loss and 1 tie. The 22-member Middle School Girls’ team, under head coach Casey Hopwood,  is 3-3-1 in the league, with an overall record of 3 wins, 4 losses, and 1 tie. Check out the Athletic Calendar on the ACS website or ACS Family App for next week’s game information. Come on out and cheer on our Cougars to victory!

Coach O’Donnell invited Balchan to work with the Middle School Boys’ team and felt his input had a positive impact on his young players. Balchan played professional soccer from 2011-2017, including stints with two MLS teams — the Columbus Crew in Ohio and the Real Salt Lake in Utah. Balchan now lives in Atlantic County and is the Director of Coaching at Hamilton Elite FC, a youth soccer club in Mays Landing.

“Our boys really got some good insight into the kind of skills and discipline that are needed to become a professional athlete,” O’Donnell said.  At their September 30 practice, Balchan led the players in passing and receiving skills and guided them on game play movement, positioning, and strategy.  He also posed with the players for a team photo during the practice.

 

Get Ready for Middle School Soccer Tryouts on Thursday, Sept. 9 After School

Calling all middle school boys and girls to put on their cleats and come out for soccer tryouts on Thursday, September 9, starting at 3:30 p.m.  Our middle school teams will be playing against public and non-public schools in the competitive Atlantic Cape Junior High League. Come on out and be a part of a program that focuses on teamwork, building skills, and learning the importance of good sportsmanship.

Leading the teams as coaches will be Casey Hopwood, in her 8th year as head coach of the Girls’ team, and ACS parent David O’Donnell, in his first year as head coach of the Boys’ team.

The first games of the middle school season will be on Thursday, September 16 away at Gloucester County Christian School in Sewell. Information on all upcoming middle school games is posted on the ACS website on the “Middle School Athletic Calendar” page under the “Athletics” tab and can also found on the ACS App. The calendar is updated as needed.

Please make sure that all your student’s athletic participation forms are completed by the first day of practice. The packet of Athletic Forms is available in the school office and on the ACS website and App under “Athletics.” An Athletic Fee of $150 for Middle School players will be due for all players who make the team rosters.

We’re looking forward to a great season.

High School, Middle School Students Receive Awards for Athletic Participation, Leadership, and Team Success

High school and middle school students who played on an ACS sports team during the 2020-2021 school year received recognition for their participation, leadership, and athletic abilities at Athletic Awards Programs on May 28 and June 7.

At the High School Athletics Awards event on May 28, it was a time to celebrate and reflect on a distinguished year of achievement. In the fall sports season, the Varsity Girls’ Soccer team won the Tri-State Christian Athletic Championship for the fifth year in a row and senior Chloe Vogel was named the conference MVP for the second consecutive year. Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach Carly Witherow was named TSCAC Coach of the Year for the second year in a row. The Varsity Boys’ Soccer team finished the regular season in first place, the first time since 2012, but after playoff competition ended the season in third place.

In the winter season of Varsity Basketball, both the Boys’ and Girls’ teams earned the TSCAC Championship Title. The Varsity Boys’ team, under the experienced leadership of senior point guard Malachi Green, beat the first place undefeated team, King’s Christian School, in an exciting and memorable championship game. During the Awards Program, Hitchner announced that Green will be attending Middlesex College in the fall to play basketball and he signed his Letter of Intent during the program.

Senior Malachi Brown signing his Letter of Intent to play basketball in the fall at Middlesex College.

The Varsity Girls’ Basketball team was undefeated, finishing in first place in the regular season and achieving the conference title. Senior Cristen Winkel was name the TSCAC Girls’ Basketball MVP.  During the season, co-captain Sydney Pearson got her 1,000th career point and co-captain Olivia Chapman pulled down 500 career rebounds. The ACS girls’ and boys’ teams took first place in the TSCAC track meet. The spring Baseball/Softball season had not yet concluded, but Hitchner congratulated both teams for making it into the final TSCAC championship games to be held just days after the awards program.

11th grader Aaron Glancey and 12th grader Chloe Vogel were chosen by the Athletic Department to be the recipients of the 2021 Billy Robinson Award that recognizes one high school boy and one high school girl for significant achievement, Christian testimony, and athletic ability. Joshua Jacoby, Shelby Einwechter, and Sydney Pearson  received the Cougar Award, which is given to seniors who have demonstrated outstanding Christian character, leadership, responsibility, and commitment in the area of athletics.

During the program, the head coaches of the various teams presented certificates and special awards to their players, including the Coach’s Award, Most Valuable Player, and Most Improved Player. The coaches participating in the program were: girls’ soccer — Carly Witherow; girls’ basketball — Kaylee Breunig and Dara Kimmerley; boys’ soccer — Andres Tortola; boys’ basketball — Dan Carney; boys’ baseball — Gus Casey; and girls’ softball — Dara Kimmerley. Cheer team co-coach Kelly Flynn presented a Varsity letter and cheer pin to high school members of the squad. Hitchner also recognized senior Shelby Einwechter for winning first place in the TSCAC Golf Tournament on May 19, with a score of 41 (+7).

At the Middle School Athletic Awards program on June 7, students who participated in soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and cheer were recognized and honored. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner thanked the coaches for an outstanding year in spite of challenges dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. There was no conference competition during the soccer and basketball seasons within the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, of which ACS is a member. But in non-conference play, the Middle School Girls’ soccer team lost just one game and the Girls’ basketball team went undefeated. The Middle School Boys’ Soccer team had an undefeated season and the Boys’ Basketball team had an 11-2 winning season. The Middle School boys’ and girls’ track teams also came in first place in the TSCAC track meet.

In the spring, Atlantic Cape League competition resumed for the Middle School Baseball and Softball seasons, with all league schools playing in one bracket. The MS Boys’ Baseball team and the MS Girls’ Softball team each lost just one game during the season and both finished in 2nd place in the league.

During the Middle School program, Hitchner also thanked and recognized two new first-year coaches for their efforts — Brandon Stevens (boys’ soccer) and Charlie Costello (boys’ baseball). The other head coaches of Middle School teams, who presented certificates to their players and spoke about their accomplishments, were: girls’ soccer — Casey Hopwood (unable to attend, but her remarks were read by Hitchner); girls’ basketball — Grant Miller; boys’ basketball — Lee Martin; softball — Mike Bohs; and cheer — Kelly Flynn and Morgan Gibson. The athletes and family members enjoyed ice cream sundaes at a reception following the ceremony.

 

Middle School Baseball, Softball Teams Both Undefeated Going into Second Half of Season

We’re rooting for the Middle School Baseball and Softball Teams that are both undefeated at this half-way point in the season as they compete against public and non-public schools in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League.

The Middle School Boys’ Baseball Team is led by ACS parent Charlie Costello, in his first year as head coach, assisted by ACS parent Jayson Benson. The team record is 5-0, with several players pitching from the mound — Charlie Costello, Adam Schlundt, and Jayden Sanchez — and CJ Ford catching behind the plate.  The 12 members of the team are: Logan Benson, John Cook, Calvin Costello, Charlie Costello, Ethan Costello, Micah D’Anna, CJ Ford, Luke Odell, Seth Phillips, Jayden Sanchez, Adam Schlundt, and Justice Settles.

The Middle School Girls’ Softball Team is led by Mike Bohs, in his fourth year as head coach, and assistant coaches Jennifer DiMaio and Richard Jackson.  In addition to selecting a roster of players to compete in the games, Coach Bohs also decided to form a practice squad to give interested 6th grade girls an opportunity to improve their game.

The 14 members of the Girls’ Softball team are: Ashley Alford, Isabell Alford, Ava Barberio, Sophia Costello, Annalena DiMaio, Rebecca DiMaio, Ava Dixon, Gianna Flynn, Keira Frontino, Lydia McCarthy, Marley Odell, Skyler Shivers, Taylor Sutton, and Anyae Welch. The members of the 6th grade practice squad are: Alexis Andujar, Mackenzie Flynn, Kiera Loo, Nadia Pearson, Alexis Shropshire, and Shelby Tomlinson.

The Girls’ Softball team posted a close 4-3 victory at home on Tuesday, May 4 against Ocean City Middle School, with 8th grade pitcher Ava Nixon getting the win.

The ACS Middle School teams both play Friday, May 7 — the Softball team away at North Wildwood and the Baseball team away at Ocean City Middle School. Both teams will play at home again on Wednesday, May 12 against Doane Academy. Go Cougars!

Check the Middle School Athletic Calendar on the ACS website for all upcoming game schedules.

 

 

Middle School Soccer Teams Post Strong, Winning Seasons

Congratulations to our Middle School Soccer teams for posting a strong, winning season this fall.  The Middle School Boys’ team was undefeated with an 8-0 record  and the Girls’ team was 8-1.

Both teams played their final games at home on October 26. The ACS Boys, under head coach Brandon Stevens, beat King’s Christian School 3-1  and the ACS Girls, under head coach Casey Hopwood, beat Cumberland Christian School 4-3.

Since 2008, the ACS Middle School teams have competed in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, but due to the coronavirus outbreak, the league cancelled this year’s season. “In spite of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to put together a solid season of non-league games and we’re so proud of the success of both teams,” said Athletic Director Pam Hitchner. “I have told our players many times that we have a lot to be grateful for.” (Photo credit: Katherine Kong)

ACS faced off against Pilgrim Academy on Thursday, October 29 and the Girls’ team won 5-1 and the Boys’ team won 1-0. In the Girls’ game, 8th grader Taylor Murphy scored 3 goals and 8th grader Sophia Johnson scored two goals. 6th grader Micah D’Anna scored the lone winning goal for ACS in the Boys’ game.

 

ACS Holds Virtual Awards Ceremonies for High School, Middle School Athletes

High school and middle school students who played on an ACS sports team during the 2019-2020 school year received recognition for their participation, leadership, and athletic abilities during virtual Athletic Awards Ceremonies on June 4 that were streamed on the Atlantic Christian YouTube channel.  

Athletic Director Pam Hitchner was the featured speaker in both awards videos, describing the high points of the soccer and basketball seasons and congratulating the teams for a very successful year. “I’m very proud of our teams and what it comes down to is we have very excellent coaches that are committed and great at what they do,” Hitchner said. “The commitment is second to none.” The coaches of each of the High School and Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer and Basketball teams and the coach of the Cheerleading team also presented individual athletic awards to their players in separate videos posted on the ACS YouTube channel. CLICK HERE to watch the videos.

TSCAC MVPs — Varsity Girls’ Soccer MVP Chloe Vogel (left) and Varsity Girls’ Basketball MVP Sydney Pearson (right).

In the High School Virtual Awards Ceremony video, Hitchner noted that ACS varsity teams brought home two conference championship trophies — in Varsity Girls’ Soccer and Varsity Boys’ Basketball — and that two ACS athletes were named MVPs in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference (TSCAC) — junior Chloe Vogel in Varsity Girls’ Soccer and junior Sydney Pearson in Varsity Girls’ Basketball.

The Varsity Girls’ Soccer team, under head coach and ACS alumnus Carly Witherow (’08), earned its fourth straight championship and had another undefeated season. Coach Witherow was named TSCAC Coach of the Year. The Varsity Boys’ Soccer team, under first-year coach and ACS alumnus Ben Chapman (’13), had its best season since 2013 and advanced to play in the TSCAC tournament consolation game.

In basketball, the Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ teams were both undefeated in the conference in the regular season. The Varsity Boys, led by head coach Dan Carney, went on to win the TSCAC championship and advanced to win its division at the National Christian School Athletic Association’s national tournament in Ohio. Three players achieved noteworthy career milestones — senior Dan Roland and junior Landon Shivers each pulled down 500 rebounds and senior Ben Noble scored 1,000 points. The Varsity Girls’ team, under head coach and ACS alumnus Kaylee Breunig (’12), finished in 2nd place after a tough loss in the championship game. The Varsity Girls’ team also for the first time in school history won the Delco Tournament in Pennsylvania, with junior Cristen Winkel being named tournament MVP.

In the Middle School Virtual Awards Ceremony video, Hitchner reflected on a number of team achievements. The Middle School Girls’ Soccer team, under head coach Casey Hopwood, and the Middle School Boys’ Soccer team, under head coach George Dickson, both posted winning seasons.

In basketball, both the Middle School Girls’ and Middle School Boys’ teams kicked off the season strong by winning first place in the Pilgrim Academy Tournament. Ethan Haynes (above, second from right) and Evangelina Kim (above, on right) were named the tournament MVPs, joined by five other players who were named to the All Tournament teams — Jayden Dixon, Jackson Gayeski, Noah Gibbs, Kendall Murphy, and Kayaha Smalls. The teams continued playing well throughout the season, with the Middle School Girls, under coach and ACS alumnus Grant Miller (’07), winning first place in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, and the Middle School Boys taking second place. Throughout the basketball season, the 15-member Cheerleading team, under coach Kelly Flynn, led the crowds in the ACS gym in chants and performed during halftime. 9th grader Lauren Kent and 8th grader Haven Sanchez served as co-captains.

2020 Cougar Award Recipients — Senior Emily Kelley (left) and senior Dan Roland (right).

During the High School Virtual Awards Ceremony, Hitchner announced the recipients of two special annual high school sports awards — the Cougar Award and the Billy Robinson Award. Seniors Emily Kelley and Dan Roland received the Cougar Award, given to one male athlete and one female athlete who have demonstrated outstanding Christian character, leadership, responsibility, and commitment in the area of athletics. Both athletes played all three sports for all four years of high school at ACS. Junior Sydney Pearson and senior Ben Noble were chosen by the Athletic Department to be the recipients of the 2020 Billy Robinson Award, in recognition of significant achievement, Christian testimony, and athletic ability.

Three Varsity basketball players reached significant career milestones during the 2019-2020 season. Senior Dan Roland (left) and junior Landon Shivers (right) pulled down 500 rebounds and senior Ben Noble (center) sank 1,000 points.

Noble was also asked to speak at the conclusion of the High School Virtual Awards Ceremony about out how his life was impacted by playing sports at ACS and to give a challenge to the younger athletes at ACS. Noble has committed to play on the Men’s Soccer team at Cairn University and was the 2020 recipient of the TSCAC Rex Feltman Award, a $750 scholarship given to one outstanding senior boy and girl athlete in the conference who will be attending a Christian college and pursuing ministry. 

“One of the coolest things about ACS sports is that the coaches invest in you and pour into your life on and off the field,” Noble said. “They care more about the athlete than about winning or losing.” Noble encouraged the younger athletes to work hard, set goals, and be a team player, concluding with the charge stated in Colossians 3:23, which says — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for men.”

In compliance with COVID-19 regulations, student athletes were able to come to the ACS campus on June 15 to pick up their well-earned awards, letters, pins, trophies, and plaques.


Batter Up! Baseball/Softball Season Preview

The High School and Middle School Baseball and Softball seasons are getting underway. High School tryouts will be held on Monday, March 9 and Middle School tryouts will be on Monday, March 23. Interested students should sign up in the gym. Check out the ACS website under the “Athletics” table for the game schedules of all our teams. Hope to see you in the stands!

The Varsity Baseball team will play its first game on Friday, March 20 — a non-league home game against Annapolis Area Christian School. The Varsity Baseball team will play its second, non-league game on Friday, March 27 at home against Oakcrest High School. The first Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference games for the Varsity Baseball and Softball teams will be on Tuesday, March 31 at home against Pilgrim Academy.

The Middle School baseball and softball teams will play their first games in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League on Tuesday, April 21 at home against Pilgrim Academy.

The head coaches who will lead our high school and middle school teams this season are:

  • Varsity Boys’ Baseball — Ben Chapman, in his 1st year. Chapman is a 2013 alumnus who was a stand-out baseball player at ACS and went on to be a pitcher on Cairn University’s baseball team;
  • Varsity Girls’ Softball — Dara Kimmerley, in her 6th year, with a strong record of winning seasons, including a TSCAC championship in 2017, a first place regular season finish in 2018, and taking the team to the championship game in 2019.
  • Middle School Boys’ Baseball — Charlie Costello, an ACS parent in his first year as head coach. He assisted former head coach Rob Barberio last year when the team finished in 3rd place in the league.
  • Middle School Girls’ Softball — Rick Jackson, an ACS parent in his first year as head coach. He assisted former head coach Mike Bohs, who led the team to a 1st place finish in the league in 2018 and tied for first in 2019.

MS Basketball Teams Finish 1st & 2nd in Atlantic Cape Jr. High League

The ACS Middle School Girls’ Basketball team, holding the first place trophy at the Jan. 25 Pilgrim Academy middle school basketball tournament.

The Middle School Girls’ and Boys’ basketball teams wrapped up excellent seasons, with the girls finishing in first and the boys in second place in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League. Both teams also took first place in a middle school tournament on January 25 hosted by Pilgrim Academy.

The ACS Middle School Boys’ Basketball team won first place at the Jan. 25 Pilgrim Academy tournament, that featured six area boys’ middle school teams.

The MS Girls’ team, in its second year under head coach and 2007 ACS alumnus Grant Miller, finished 10-3 overall. The MS Boys’ team, under head coach Lee Martin who is also in his 2nd year, also finished 10-3. The final games of the season were played at home against Assumption Regional Catholic School, with the boys winning their game and the girls losing, their only league loss of the season.

“We’re very proud of the way our players worked together and supported each other,” said Athletic Director Pam Hitchner. “The skills of the players steadily improved and they showed exemplary character and sportsmanship throughout the season.”

The 15 members of the MS Girls’ team were: Riley Cook, Sophia Costello, Gianna Flynn, Sophia Johnson, Rebecca Kelley, Evangelina Kim, Ryleigh Martin, Kendall Murphy, Taylor Murphy, Alicia O’Donnell, Ruth Oke, Skyler Shivers, Kayaha Smalls, Taylor Sutton, and Anyae Welch.

The 14 members of the MS Boys’ team were: John Cook, Calvin Costello, Charlie Costello, Judah Dawkins, Jayden Dixon, Jackson Gayeski, Noah Gibbs, Ethan Haynes, Emmanuel Johnson, Caden Kim, Chase Leach, Joseph McCrae, Jayden Sanchez, and Adam Schlundt.

Middle School Basketball Teams Off to a Great Start

Atlantic Christian School’s Middle School Girls’ and Boys’ basketball teams are off to a great start in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, both with strong winning records at this half-way point in the season.

“Both teams have a lot of talented players who can defend and score and they’re doing very well,” said Athletic Director Pam Hitchner. “One highlight in the season so far has been beating Saint Joseph Regional School at their home court in Somers Point. They always have good teams and this is the first time in several years that both of our teams have beat them.”

The MS Girls’ team, led by Grant Miller in his second year has head coach, is undefeated in the Atlantic Cape League with a 6-0 record, and is 6-2 overall. The two losses came in early December at the start of the season when ACS played in the Dixie Howe Tournament in Ocean City. The MS Boys’ team, under second year head coach Lee Martin, has a 5-1 record in the Atlantic Cape League and is 7-2 overall. The team won 2 out of 3 games in the Dixie Howe Tournament.

Middle School Basketball Teams Wrap Up Winning Seasons

 

The Middle School Girls’ and Boys’ basketball teams wrapped up excellent seasons with wins over conference rival The Pilgrim Academy on Tuesday, February 12. The Middle School Girls’ team, under head coach Grant Miller, started the season with a tournament win at ACIT and also finished as runner-up in the Pilgrim Invitational Tournament. They posted a final record of 15-5, placing second in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League and going undefeated in the 10-minute league “JV” games. “We thank God for these achievements,” said Miller. “But we are even more grateful that He helped us draw closer to His kingdom this season.”

The boys’ team, under head coach Lee Martin, started the season 1-3 before winning 9 of their last 10 games for a final record of 10-4 and placing second in the conference. “Winning games is obviously one of our goals, and reaching that goal has been fun.” said Martin. “But the most significant thing we accomplished this season was growing together in skill, teamwork, and character. God used the ups and the downs to help us all get better in a lot of ways.”

Exciting Basketball Season Underway for Six ACS Cougars’ Teams

Cougars’ Basketball is in full swing with six teams playing in this 2018-19 season. Congratulations to the High School Varsity Boys’ basketball team, under head coach Dan Carney, for beating Gloucester County Christian School this week at home and remaining undefeated with a 6-0 record and in first place in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference at this half-way point in the season. Tuesday’s game against Gloucester was a real heart stopper, with forward Cole Johnson sinking a 3-point shot with 3.5 seconds left in the game that tied the score and sent the game into overtime. ACS went on to win in overtime, 59 to 56. Johnson, finished with 14 points, joined by other outstanding contributions from forward Landon Shivers with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks, and point guard Ben Noble with 16 points. CLICK HERE to see a highlights video of Wednesday’s thrilling win. The High School Varsity Girls’ basketball team is also having a strong, winning season, with a 4-1 record and in second place behind King’s Christian School in the TSCAC.  The Lady Cougars, under head coach Kaylee Breunig, beat Gloucester County Christian 51-21 at home this week. The JV Boys’ and Girls’ teams are also seeing success and are gaining a lot of on-court playing time experience.

The Middle School teams are a third of the way into their season in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League. The Middle School Girls’ team, under head coach Grant Miller, started off strong winning a season-opening non-league tournament at ACIT and have continued to excel in posting an 8-1 record so far. Seventh-grader Evangelina Kim is the leading scorer off the bench as well as a strong spiritual presence on the team. The Middle School Boys’ team, under first-year coach Lee Martin, is currently 3-3 and continues to improve each time the young players take the court. Eighth grade guard Caleb Vogel has lead the team in scoring, averaging almost 15 points per game.

Middle School Soccer Teams Excelling — Boys’ Team Undefeated, Girls’ Team 6-1

The Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer teams are making their mark this season in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, which includes local area public and parochial schools. The 16-member Boys’ team is undefeated, with a 7-0 record to date, and five games left in the season that concludes October 30. The 23-member Girls’ team, led by Coach Casey Hopwood, is 6-1 and for the first time in school history defeated Linwood 3-2 on Thursday.

The Middle School Boys’ coach and ACS parent Tom Ellison said his team members were determined at the beginning of the season to do something special and had set a goal to go undefeated, a feat that has not happened in over a decade. Coach Ellison said the team has scored an astonishing 30 times on its opponents and has only given up 3 goals in the past seven games. The team is comprised of predominately 8th graders, most of whom have been playing together since fifth grade.

“The players genuinely care for one another on and off the field and play with a close-knit unity and a selfless attitude toward each another that can be clearly seen when you watch them play,” Ellison said. “These boys truly demonstrate what it means being all in for Jesus on the soccer field.” The middle school season ends on October 30. The boys’ and girls’ teams have home games next week — on October 23 and 25 starting around 3:45 pm. Come on out and cheer for our Cougars!