EDENTON – Both Hertford County Middle School teams made the Coastal Athletic Conference girls and boys championship games here Monday night for the first time since 2008.

The Little Lady Bears won Saturday in the semi-finals – also at Chowan Middle School – by defeating Central Middle School of Gates County 37-29; thanks to 21 points from Desiree Askew. That win moved HCMS into the title game where they faced the host team, but came up short, 26-24, in a close contest.  Askew had 20 points in that game while Qua’Dajah Ruffin added four for the team which finished second in the regular season and runner-up in the tournament.

The Hertford County Middle School boys team avenged the loss that spoiled their perfect season by knocking off Martin Co.-Riverside in the Saturday semi-final, a re-match of the last game of the regular season; this time Hertford County won 43-35. However, the Baby Bears’ title hopes were dashed as they fell to Washington County Union School of Roper in the championship game, 59-51.  Earlier, HCMS had won 11 straight games before Riverside topped them in the season finale.

Keondre Rodgers was leading scorer this year averaging 16 points while Jesse Sawyer averaged 10 points per game on the team that ended the year 12-2.  The team’s honor roll athletes included Tye Saxby, Marcus Lewter, Jaylon Lee Nasean Alfred, VaShaun Smith, Jr., Daniel Blythe, and Daylan Askew.  Others on the squad who contributed include Jaheim Taylor, Taric Raynor, Jesse Sawyer, Tyrick Spivey, Jordan Wynn, and Bryant Williams, Jr.

“It was an honor working with a great group of young men,”said coach Leon Eason. “They came to practice every day ready to work hard and eager to learn. They laid it on the line every night representing Hertford County Middle School and displayed the true meaning of the word ‘team’.  Thanks to Coach Rodgers for his dedication and commitment.  It was a great season fellas, I love you guys.”

Congratulations to both teams for a successful season.