RCPS girl basketball lineup
The RCPS varsity girls basketball team lined up for the national anthem at the Bull Run District Tournament on Feb. 12.
The Rappahannock County Public Schools’ (RCPS) basketball teams fought hard this season, finishing near the top of region rankings, but not advancing to the state tournaments.
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Boys Varsity Head Coach Colton Ball walks the sidelines at Riverheads High School on Dec. 2. The Panthers defeated the Riverheads Gladiators 66-58.
The boys’ team finished with a 14-9 overall win-loss record and in the 4th spot in the region rankings. They ended the season with a region tournament loss on Feb. 20 against Franklin High School.
Chloe Jenkins
Chloe Jenkins (3), sophomore at RCHS, travels down the court with the ball in a game against the Clarke County Eagles on Jan. 26. The Panthers won the game 43-41.
The Lady Panthers — the reigning state champions — ranked 3rd in the region this year with a record of 17-8. The girls ended their season in the regional semifinal tournament on Feb. 21 when the team lost against Buffalo Gap.
RCHS Senior Nolan Pierce
RCHS Senior Nolan Pierce (32) attempts a basket at the team’s game against Madison County on Jan. 20.
This year, both teams dropped down slightly from their 2022-23 season rankings. Last season, the Panthers ranked 3rd overall in the region, and the Lady Panthers won the state championship, their first state title. Courtney Atkins, athletic director at RCPS, said the teams worked hard this year, and that especially in smaller districts, teams can change a lot from year to year.
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RCHS junior Summer Shackelford looking for an open teammate at the Bull Run District Tournament on Feb. 12.
“We’re always looking to build. In a small school system, a lot of times the dynamic changes each year based on our numbers and student population…at the varsity level, we’re certainly looking to advance into those postseason tournaments,” Atkins said. “But most importantly, we’re just looking to build our programs in general, create a culture of a love for being a part of a team.”
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RCHS junior Jeremiah Phillips (23) attempts a basket in the team’s first round district game at the Bull Run District Tournament on Feb. 12.
Atkins said school sports and activities provide students with enrichment beyond the classroom, and enhances their high school experience. She said both teams hope to continue to grow in the future.
“Every year it could look different, but what’s important is that we’re growing,” Atkins said.
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RCHS sophomore Chloe Jenkins (3) smiling during a game against Luray High School on Jan.12.
RCHS senior Nolan Prince 2
RCHS senior Nolan Prince (32) blocked by a William Monroe High School player at a home game on Dec. 10.
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RCHS junior Shelby Clem holding the ball near the 3-point line in a game against Luray High School on Jan. 12.
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