Lt. Nick Brantley Scholarship Tournament concludes

Published 11:33 pm Friday, November 19, 2010

AHOSKIE – It was a night of champions.

Last night, four new champions were crowned at the end of the Lt. Nick Brantley Scholarship Tournament sponsored by United Country Joe Murray Realty.

The Lawrence Academy varsity boys were the repeat winners in the tournament’s final contest. The Warriors outlasted Bertie County rival Bethel Christian Academy by a final of 57-45.

Third place in the boy’s division went to Ridgecroft School. The Rams defeated Northeast Academy 45-36 during Thursday’s Consolation games.

The Eagles, however, bounced back to top Pungo Christian Academy 43-35 to finish fourth in the tourney.

In the varsity girl’s championship, Ridgecroft School earned its third Brantley Scholarship Tournament championship. The Lady Rams defeated Northeast Academy in the finals by a count of 62-20.

Third place went to Bethel Christian Academy who defeated Lawrence Academy 45-21 in Thursday’s Consolation. Pungo Christian Academy then knocked off the Lady Warriors 28-10 to claim fourth in the tourney.

The JV Boy’s champions hail from Northampton County as the Eagles of Northeast Academy took that title. Northeast defeated Pungo Christian Academy in the finals of the tourney by a count of 36-22.

Finishing third was Bethel Christian Academy while Ridgecroft School finished fourth and Lawrence Academy came in fifth.

The JV Champions on the girl’s side of the bracket was Ridgecroft School. The Lady Rams raced to an early lead and defeated Northeast Academy 46-5 in Friday night’s finals.

Third place went to Pungo Christian Academy and fourth to Bethel Christian. Lawrence Academy finished fifth.

After the event, the awards ceremony recognized those who excelled in the tournament.

Three new student-athletes earned the Lt. Nick Brantley Scholarship with Sara Hackney of Ridgecroft School earning the overall award while Davis Harrell of Northeast Academy and Brice Harrison of Ridgecroft School earned the other two scholarships.

The Most Valuable Player of the boy’s tournament was Lawrence Academy’s Trace Larabee. He was joined on the All-Tournament Team by teammates Cade Larabee and Travis Whitehead. Also honored as All-Tournament were Bethel Christian Academy’s Kyle Freeman and Shane Tripp and Ridgecroft School’s Austin Britton.

The MVP of the girl’s bracket was Ridgecroft School’s Miller Bryant. Teammates Hennie Larabee and Brice Harrison were also tabbed All-Tournament. Northeast Academy placed Ashton Liverman and Taylor Cocke on the team while Bethel’s Kelsie Conner was also selected.

The awards were presented by Nick Brantley’s parents, Keith and Joyce along with Sgt. Maj. (Ret) Johnnie Ray Farmer.  Friday night also saw the tournament host the JROTC Color Guard from Hertford County High School during the national anthem which was sung by Captured Heart.

The event was the fifth annual tournament honoring Nick Brantley and his contributions as a student-athlete at Ridgecroft School and serving in the United States Navy.

Details of the championship games will be published next week.