The Best Of 2020/21 Season and The Kristie Vick Award

After over 100 games this year, I’ve sat down and selected the best in several categories by using scientific data and computer technology to draw a definitive conclusion based on power ranking and strength of schedule. And when that failed, I flipped a coin.

Included is the semi-prestigious (and mostly unknown) Kristie Vick Award.

This idea began a couple of years ago when I decided to have an unoffical “Kristie Vick Award” winner. Kristie was a Southern Vance legend who reeled in conference Player of The Year awards in three different sports.. all in one school year. Last year it was Brycelyn Woodward. This year, I decided to recognize several of my favorite players from the past year.

You won’t find my “all star” selections any where else; the AP doesn’t want to touch it and you’ll soon see why. There is no trophy and it isn’t likely they’ll use this award on their resume or in their Hall Of Fame speech someday. So take a moment and look through these pictures and let’s enjoy what was truly the best of the 2020/21 season, including the Kristie Vick Award.

*picture of Kristie Vick by Daily Dispatch; all other photos by Gill Clopton.

Best Enemies

Before recent years, I can’t say I was ever a fan of 1A sports, but I now see something in the division that I really love. These girls are best friends with girls they compete against on a weekly basis. Several times, I was able to get a post game picture of 2 or 3 players reprsenting opposing teams. In the case of Camryn Stancil and Alexis Moseley, Camryn was in the crowd to support her “sister” on Senior Night. She wouldn’t tell me which team she was pulling for.

Best Capture

To me, this picture is more about who’s in it. Kadence Woodlief and Allie Bliss have made this year fun. Camryn Stancil in the background made the picture even better. All three of these girls are very talented multi-sport athletes. They work very hard and they always give 100%, but they keep things in perspective. For them, the games are still fun… and it shouldn’t be any other way.

Best Picture Of A Silk Worm

Anytime I go to VCS, I hear my favorite words: “can you take my picture?” But until Kyiah Simmons asked, I don’t recall anyone ever asking me to take a picture of them and their silk worm. Any successsful high school coach will tell you that teams are more likely to find success if they’re having fun. That is certainly the case with VCS softball; that’s what this picture says to me. The other two girls with Khiah are Allie Bliss and Charly Cooper.

Best Coaching Moment

This is one of my favorite pictures from this year. OPS coach Tony Woodlief is having a between innings chat with Kaylin Gooch. Kaylin is the middle school catcher. One thing I’ve noticed in this area is that the catcher is often the tallest person on the team, or close to it. That’s not going to be the case when Kaylin gets to the varsity level, but she has a dead-on target throw to second.

Best College Bound Athlete

It’s been a hectic two year stretch for Viper softball, as well as other sports at the school. But the softball team held together well. Malia Simmons has found ways to keep herself in playing condition by traveling the east coast on a travel team, but she never missed a day at Vance County High school. Malia also set a goal for herself to graduate in the top 10 percent… she won that battle too. Winston-Salem State has a top notch freshman on deck.

Best Show-No-Fear

From the first game I saw her play, there was something about Victoria Vaughan that I liked. In a normal year, she would have been learning the game as a jayvee, but in this anything-but-normal year she found herself competing against some of the best volleyball players in North Carolina, all who seemed to be about two feet taller than she was. But she and her teammates stuck with it. As the year progressed, they would get a little better with each passing game. They didn’t round up any statistical wins, but I think Emani Foster would be proud of them.

Best Floor General

The look of frustration on Laney Beale’s face tells the story; Yu’Myah Hargrove was getting on her last nerve. It’s not easy to rattle a Chapel Hill player; they are one of North Carolina’s most storied programs in girls’ basketball. But led by Yu’Myah, the Vipers took them to the limit.

Best I-Got-Your-Back Friend

Maci Taylor kept trying to tell me something during the warm ups, but because of Covid protocol, I couldn’t approach her. In fact, I had messaged her before the game and told her not to come over to me until we left the school. But she was trying so hard to tell me something. Finally she shouted for me to check my messages, but my phone was in the car. Then the ref came over and told me what she was trying to tell me… my focus light was on and needed to be disabled. Maci was afraid I’d get kicked out (focus lights are not allowed) and I didn’t know it was on, but the ref was very nice about it.

Best Future All-Star

I don’t know if I was the first person to get a picture of Emerson Thompson on the front page of a daily newspaper, but I have a feeling it’s something I’ll brag about some day. She doesn’t dazzle you with moves the way Danielle Charlesworth did and she doesn’t pour in points the way Danyell Parker did, but she’s every bit as good and probably more valuable as a team player. She’s also one of the nicest kids you’ll ever read about.

Best Tee Time Trio

I don’t know if anyone expected much success from the VCS golf team, but they found quite a bit of success. When I took this picture, Jadyn Cooper, Ava Howard and Grace Stovall were excited about the approaching post season…. a post season they should have all been a larger part of.

Best “I Sure Will Miss Them” Grads

There’s always an empty feeling when a player walks off the floor/field for the final time. These three left a massive impression on me and to say I’ll miss them would be the understatement of all time. But Jillian Haith, Malia Simmons and Tymiah Wimbush have an entire world to conquer, and I think we’re in good hands with them out there chasing their dreams. (And thank goodness for social media so I can keep up with them).

Best Knuckleball

From a distance it didn’t look like much. But I noticed all these girls of an otherwise potent offense kept heading back to the bench after striking out. What kinda junk is this girl throwing out there? As a former pitcher, watching Addyson Faucette was a pleasure seldom found at ball games. Of course, it wasn’t really a knuckleball she was throwing, but it reminded me of all the things I heard great batters say about Phil Neikro’s knuckler, like “it giggles at you when it goes by”.

Best Memory

On Senior Night, Jordan Dunn made her final regular season appearance in the best of ways… she picthed a perfect game.

Best Player I Hope To See Again

This category is limited to girls who play in other parts of the state. Amelia Taft is a fantastic volleyball player at JH Rose, but I’m not likely to see her play in Greenville. She got my attention at Sinjin Park and I hope to see her there again later this summer.

Best One-Two Punch

Kennedy Teasley and Madison Primm aren’t exactly interchangeable, but they both play third base and they both pitch. It’s sort of a pleasant scenario for Falls Lake softball as they are each very good at both positions. This was a year of growth for the Firebirds, and they found quite a bit of success in a very powerful conference. With most of the team returning, including this one two punch, there is a lot to look forward to.

Best Picture

During the final moments of her final home game, Malia Simmons appeared to be lost in memories as she looked over the field she dominated for four years. Malia will go down in history as one of Vance County’s all time great athletes, but I will always remember her as one this area’s all time great people. And don’t be surprised if I show up at one of her college games to take pictures.

Best Offensive Play

I didn’t get to see Hailey Grissom much this year, but she is still one of my favorite people to write about. The unique thing about this picture is the apparent challenge Hailey posed… her kill was a point, and it was scored against one of the best defenders in the state (#12).

Best Player To Keep An Eye On

I guess there are things I look for in a player, especially a young player just beginning to make her mark. It’s hard to explain just what that something is, but Addison Rowan was the first player to get my attention this season. Addison has an obvious love of the game and appears to have the dedication that’s needed to succeed. She also has talent and a coach who can teach her to make the best of it.

Best Pooch Attack

I don’t know who raised that dog, but he’s at every VCS softball game, and if you’re wearing a VCS uniform, he’ll come right up to you and request some affection. But if you’re Jordan Dunn, he’ll jump up in your arms.

Best Pose For A Picture

Emerson Thompson is very non-chalant about the attention she gets, and she always stops and lets me take a picture after the game. But I’m not too sure what she was thinking when I took this one during a breather from the game.

Best Road Trip

I told Brianna Sherwood’s parents that their daughter is my excuse to get out of Henderson a couple of times a year. But I think they both know that I really enjoy photographing this girl. It’s really cool to watch these kids grow and to see the effort they put into making their dreams a reality. But in Brianna I also see so much of what I see in Maci Taylor, like the way she is altering her athletic goals to accommodate her educational goals.

Best Runnin’ Thru The Woods Picture

As Ella Cate Johnson passed by, I tried to remember why I didn’t run cross country. I loved running long distance when I was young. As she turned toward Boyd Farm, I asked someone standing beside me what happens if they see a snake. Suddenly I remembered why I didn’t run cross country. Of course, that has nothing to do with the picture; it’s just that I’ve never had the chance to talk to Ella Cate. But I do know that the hard work and love of running she displays is the ground work for a possible state title.

Scarriest Moment

There are several reasons I keep going to VCS, but the main one is Allie Bliss. The photo blogs I do are actually styled according to what Allie looks for in pictures. When I saw her on the floor motionless, it sent a fear through my body that I can’t describe. She missed a couple of games, as did Camryn Stancil, but they both returned with all-conference performances.

Best Scholar Athlete

I wasn’t really sure who Faith Orr was other than being on my Facebook friend list until she introduced herself one day. One of her former teachers told me of this incredible young person that I need to meet again… and I did. I don’t know if Faith knows this, but she offered some comments that really lined up with prayers I made just hours before, and that shaped the remainder of the school year for me. Side note: Faith is also a fantasatic singer.

Best Slide Into Third

Kadence absolutely refuses to hit a home run while I’m there (just kidding, Kadence), but I did grab this picture of her stealing third base against East Wake Academy. I heard a few shouts from the EW fans, assuring the umpires that Kadence was tagged out… but I have proof she was safe.

Best Smile

Caroline Merritt is all business when she walks onto the volleyball court. Well… most of the time she is. On this particular day, something grabbed hold of her funny bone and wouldn’t let go.

Best Sunglasses

First thing I noticed about Ashbee Stanbridge was those killer shades she was wearing. But it didn’t take long to be captivated by how incredibly talented she is behind the plate. In a conference where taking second base without a throw is commonplace, Ashbee will create a new policy for opposing teams. She does a great job of holding runners in place, and she reminds me a lot of Malia Simmons.

Best Teenage Girl Pose

The most fun I had this season was probably photographing the Cedar Ridge volleyball team. This extremely talented team is a class act and they have been for the past couple of years. The Vipers actually had a third set lead at one point, and they left this game with a lot of self confidence. I really believe CR was happy for them. I was hoping the Wolves would win the state title; I can’t imagine a team deserving it more.

The Move Over, Cara Kirby Award

Health issues kept me from seeing Leah Moseley as much as I would have liked this year, and seeing her more is at the top of my bucket list for next year. I’m very particular about who I spotlight in blogs and I get the impression that Leah is everything I look for in a student athlete. Who knows; maybe I can catch up with her at a summer tournament or practice (that’s a hint, Leah) and learn more about her… and maybe even tell her about some of the great tennis players to come out of Vance County.

The Flying Under The Radar Award

This kid is so cool. She is probably the most photogenic person I know and has the personality to match. She’s also very talented, in the classroom as an honor student and on the court as a varisty player despite being in the 8th grade. Next year, she’ll take over a team that loses heavy to graduation, but she’ll have the experience and the drive to make it work.

The Best Up-And-Coming Player

The girl in white isn’t that tall; everyone looks like that standing beside Marie Scott White. MS is the hardest working player I watched this year… kinda like Allie Bliss would be on a soccer field. The best thing about it is that she’s finding success against the older girls. She knows how to put the ball in the goal and she does it. By the way Marie Scott; I grew six inches between 7th and 8th grades.

Viper To Build Around Award

Camilla Welborne shows a lot of promise on the basketball court. I haven’t been able to see her much, but I saw enough to get my attention and give me hope for a good season next year.

Best Extra Effort

I saw Zoie (I don’t know her last name) three times this year and she got better each time. She is a great defensive player and has a history of unbelievable digs. The state title game was probably her best game.

Best Beat Out The Throw To First Picture

This was supposed to be an easy out, but Kadence Woodlief is never an easy out. She did exactly what she was suppsoed to do; she dropped the bat and ran as hard as she could. A half second delay and she would have been thrown out.

Best Beach Dive

I honestly don’t remember what happened; somehow the ball got away from Addie White and Brianna Sherwood dove to save it. If I recall corectly, Brianna was able to get the ball back into play and Addie was able to get it back over the net.

Best Action Shot

This is one of my favorite pictures of the season; Kyiah Simmons attempts to block a kill from Sam Huff. I wasn’t able to get many sports pictures in the newspaper but this one did make it. Both of these girls are exceptional volleyball players.

Best Home, Sweet Home Picture

Tymiah Wimbush crosses home plate for a much needed run against Northwood. Tymiah and Malia will be teammates again next year and I’m already mapping out plans to go see them play again.

Best Duke Fan

After a great 7th grade season, Abby Taylor found herself playing a lot of varsity ball this year, compliments of a virus. I haven’t heard her say a lot about it, but I thought she did pretty good against the older girls. Either way, she’s still America’s biggest Duke fan… and that’s enough for me.

And there are some much more serious moments that I’ll always remember:

Best “Well Done” Moment

It’s not every day a player leaves the floor to a standing ovation after not scoring a single point. But in a game against Roxboro, Peyton Pittard put on a defensive clinic that was the difference in the game. In the following game, Peyton buried a three pointer that gave the Knights a critical two possesion lead. If only I had a picture of Brian Howard when the ball went in.

Best In Sportsmanship

During a season in which Vance County High lost so much, they never lost their sportsmanship. In this photo, the seniors on the Northern Durham tennis team were honored by the Vance tennis coach after the girls were unable to have their own Senior Day. A few days later, the Southern Durham softball team also had their Senior Day at Vance County High.

Best “Who We Are” Moment

Before the VCS/Falls Lake softball game, Allie Bliss wanted to have a prayer and small tribute to SHP Trooper Brent Montgomery’s family. One field over, OPS softball players were practicing. During a moment of silence, I glanced over and saw Emily Faucette standing on first base at attention. All the OPS players had stopped their practice while the VCS players said farewell to a fallen friend.

Best Moment Of Honor

I lost my dad when I was in school; I know how bad it must have hurt Emma Montgomery on Senior Night for him not to be there as her escort. I can only imagine how much it meant to her when five state troopers stepped in to show their support.

Best Team

In almost every game they played, they knew they would lose on a mercy rule. But they kept pushing and they kept working until finally, moments before this picture was taken, they recorded their first victory. Afterwards, they displayed the sportsmanship and respect that is indicative of who they are, complimenting the other team on an incredible effort. I was honored to photograph these girls this year.

Best Young Friends

Looking back a year ago, when a doctor told me I had a fatal tumor, it was the VCS cheerleaders who told me it wasn’t true. When Abby’s season ended, it was these girls who offered to stand in as the “girl in the Duke shirt”. When things began to fall apart this year, it was the VCS cheerleaders who stood up and took a stand for me. I once wrote that cheerleaders are the ambassadors to their community; these girls have taken ambassadorship to a whole new level. They will always hold a place in my heart.

A Defining Moment

At the end of the first inning, VCS brought up one more batter: Makenzie Pendergrass. This wasn’t Makenzie’s first at-bat, but if she got a hit there would be something extra this time. As always, she got the hit, and with some help from Bug Dickerson and Aubrey Puryear, she made her first trip around the bases. The entire VCS team, as well as the umpires, the Roxboro Community Players, and the coaches and fans of both teams took part and hopefully made it a special day for Makenzie.

The Kristie Vick Award

No player in local history has domintaed an entire sports calendar the way Kristie Vick did. She was conference player of the year in three sports, but there was more to Kristie than could be found in the sports pages. She earned the eternal respect of every team she faced, and the eternal friendship of every teammate she shared the field with. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. She was an honor student. Her teachers and classmates still talk about the wonderful young lady she was.

There are lots of players I met this year who remind me of Kristie in some small way, none moreso than Kadence Woodlief. It’s safe to assume that no OPS team would have been the same without her. When she walks away after a game, she does so knowing she left it all on the field.

When Jennifer Taylor asked me to go see Kadence, I didn’t hesitate. But I know Jennifer and I knew there was more to the story than I’d see on a basketball court. To too many student athletes, sports is a way of life. But to Kadence, sports is a part of life. The Kadence I’ve gotten to know over the past year is a very charming and very intelligent young lady. She has nothing but good to say about her teammates, and you can always see her eyes light up when little sister makes a good play on the middle school team. She even finds time to speak to a tired old photographer who probably gets on her nerves taking pictures.

Kristie Vick would be proud.

Kadence, I hope I didn’t embarrass you too much this year; next year I’ll introduce you to Kristie’s sister. See you soon on the volleyball court.