Bryson Orso Leads Northview In 46-45 Win Over L.E.A.D.S. Academy
December 3, 2024
The L.E.A.D.S. Academy Lions hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to the Northview Chiefs 46-45 on Monday night in Bratt.
For Northview:
- Bryson Orso — 12 points, nine rebounds, three blocks
- Caleb Levins — nine points, six rebounds, two steals
- Robert Mitchell — seven points, two steals
- Easton Odom — six points, four rebounds
- Zykel Jones — five points, three rebounds
- Miles Smith — four points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals
- Brain Yoder — two points
- Beau Daw — one point
With the win, Northview improved to 2-3 on the season. Up next, the Chiefs will travel to Flomaton Thursday night.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Thrill Sellout Crowd Saturday With Dramatic OT Shootout Win
December 1, 2024
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers correspondent
The Ice Flyers began a defining week with only two wins for the season.
They picked up two in 24 hours, following a dramatic 4-3 overtime shootout win Saturday night against the Birmingham Bulls, sending a sellout crowd of 8,049 on a $5 ticket game at the Pensacola Bay Center into the chilly night air, warmed by a celebratory scene on the ice.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“It was especially a good win for our fans,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “It’s been very frustrating to have big crowds and not be able to pay them back for all the support.
“Another amazing crowd and we keep getting them over and over again. Kudos to (Ice Flyers owner) Greg (Harris) and the front office and to the community for supporting us. Obviously, we have been in a bad funk. There’s been a lot of things that have gone wrong to start the season.”
A lot of things, however, went right this week. Even though the Ice Flyers dropped a 3-2 game Wednesday – the first of the twin $5 ticket nights – against the first-place Huntsville Havoc, the performance brought encouragement.
It carried into Friday’s road win at Macon. The team bus arrived around noon Saturday from that trip. Hours later, the Ice Flyers faced Birmingham in the Thanksgiving week’s finale.
“Obviously, it’s a great feeling,” said Ice Flyers assistant captain Ivan Bondarenko, who assisted on the team’s first goal of the game. “We’re starting to head in the right direction. Everybody is coming together. And we’re starting to play as a team and supporting each other. That is the key for us.
“Even when you’re tired you’ve got to push through it and enjoy it. That’s all we did and that’s how we came up out on top.”
The Ice Flyers tied the game 1-1 on Cayden Cahill power-play goal with 9:48 left in the period. They followed with consecutive goals in a 1-minute, 18-second span to take a 3-1 lead into the second intermission.
But the Bulls tied the game with a pair of goals in the first six minutes of the third period, sending a feeling a dread throughout the arena.
Ice Flyers goaltender Kevin Resop kept the score tied with saves later in the period. In the overtime, Resop saved the night for the Ice Flyers with a flurry of great saves in the final 90 seconds of the 5-minute OT. In the shootout, he was just as brilliant, thwarting Birmingham’s first four shooters to win the game.
“Kevin was the star of the game,” Graham said. “He made some tremendous saves in overtime to give us a chance to get to the shootout and for him to close the door like that in the shootout.”
The Ice Flyers’ fourth shooter, defenseman Tim Faulkner, broke the back-and-forth stops by both teams’ goaltenders with his wrist shot into the top corner.
“We practice the shootout every week and it’s sort of a running joke, but I do kind of score in the shootout, so coach (Graham) told me he might put me in,” Faulkner said. “I had a move in mind and it worked. It’s just one of those things I have done so many times.”
Hugo Koch followed with a simple deke and slid the puck smoothly through Bulls’ goaltender Hayden Stewart’s legs for the game winner.
“For Tim Faulker and Hugo Koch to be the ones that score for us, just tremendous for the group,” Graham said. “It has been very dark and gloomy around here. We have been trying to keep a positive mindset on it.
“The guys have been coming to work and buying in on the video sessions. We have some really unfortunate things happen, but it’s great to see them celebrating in there right now.”
The Ice Flyers played with four guys on injured reserve and Sam Dabrowski unable to play after getting an eye injury Friday against Macon. This is how it has been, unfortunately, for the Ice Flyers in their first 15 games of the season.
With that in mind, Bondarenko had an impassioned message for the fans afterward. In two games this week, one on the night before Thanksgiving, another on Saturday, the Ice Flyers had sellout crowds at the Bay Center.
“You all have been showing up day in and day out and supporting us,” he said, during a post-game interview. “We haven’t had the start that we wanted but you guys have not slowed down and you guys keep cheering us on and it’s unbelievable.
“A lot of this is thanks to you guys, so we appreciate your support.”
FIRST PERIOD
A scoreless opening period had its noteworthy moments.
Only seven seconds into the game, following a lengthy delay, the Ice Flyers had to send out a penalty kill unit. They were whistled for too many men on the ice in a strange sequence that came off the opening faceoff.
They kept the Bulls from a good shot and got the penalty kill. Later in the period Resop made his first big save on a point-blank wrist shot.
Ivan Bondarenko had the Ice Flyers best scoring chance with a wrap-around attempt with 6:13 remaining.
When the period ended, the Ice Flyers players remained on the ice for the ceremony saluting Jim Chestnut, the team’s equipment manager, who worked his 1,500th game in minor league, professional hockey.
For a photo gallery, click here.
SECOND PERIOD
Birmingham’s Tayor Brierley, blasted a one-timer past Resop following a faceoff with 14:47 left in the period.
Ice Flyers followed with three consecutive goals from Cayden Cahill, Cameron Cook and Adam Pilotte to take a two-goal lead into intermission.
For Cook, it was his sixth goal of the season. Bondarenko picked up his sixth assist. Koch had assists on two of the three goals before his game-winning heroics in the shootout.
THIRD PERIOD
Birmingham tied the game on a pair of goals that followed defensive mistakes in the Ice Flyers zone. It’s been the kind of thing Graham and the team have worked to try to avoid.
Offensively, the Ice Flyers had few chances and neither team had a power play. Resop finished regulation play and the five-minute OT having stopped 32 of 35 shots.
GAME NOTABLES
Ice Flyers owner Greg Harris addressed the crowd in the first intermission to honor Jim Chestnut. He was presented a glass enclosed frame with a personalized jersey. In addition, Harris announced a $1,500 gift card in honor of the 1,500 games.
Cameron Cook’s goal Saturday occurred on his 27th birthday.
The sellout pushed the Ice Flyers to a 6,000-plus attendance average for their first seven home games this season.
Four players remained on the injured list Saturday: Matt Wiesner, Tyler Adams, Sean Gulka. Graham said afterward that Gulka may have the best chance of returning soon.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Ice Flyers at Birmingham Bulls
WHEN: Thursday (Dec. 5), 7:05 p.m.
WHERE: Pelham Civic Complex, Pelham, Ala.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Third Period Rally Falls Short Against Huntsville (With Gallery)
November 28, 2024
by Bill Vilona, Ice Flyers correspondent
Playing with a roster quickly rearranged and two players short, the Ice Flyers still gave themselves a chance Wednesday night against the league’s first-place team.
The effort in the Ice Flyers’ 3-2 loss against the Huntsville Havoc, amid a sellout crowd on $5 ticket night at the Pensacola Bay Center, provided encouragement for the immediate future.
“I really loved our effort and the total buy-in,” said Ice Flyers coach Gary Graham. “We had 14 skaters (Wednesday). A very difficult lineup to play against a veteran, seasoned, deep team like Huntsville. And I thought they all bought in and did a good job.
“We had three new forwards that literally just came in the last 24 hours, and we were playing with five defensemen. We generated a ton of scoring chances, enough to win the game.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
After a scoreless first period, the Havoc scored the game’s first goal in the opening minute of the second period. The Ice Flyers answered with Cory Dennis scoring late in the period to make it 1-1 entering the final frame.
Huntsville took a 3-1 lead in the third period, but Ivan Bondarenko’s goal with 7:06 left re-energized the arena. The Ice Flyers pulled goaltender Kevin Resop with 1:38 remaining and had a scoring chance in the final minute that was thwarted by Havoc goaltender Brian Wilson, who stopped 33 shots in the game.
“Overall, I can’t believe I’m saying this (with the team) in dead last (in standings), but I actually really enjoyed watching (my team) Wednesday,” Graham said. “They competed. They bought in.”
Now, the challenge is to find success.
The Ice Flyers will spend Thanksgiving Day together in Pensacola before leaving early Friday morning for a five-to-six-hour bus trip to Macon, Georgia, to face the Macon Mayhem. The Mayhem are six points ahead of the Ice Flyers at the bottom of the SPHL standings.
After that game, it’s back to Pensacola for the second $5 night Saturday against the Birmingham Bulls, which promises another packed arena.
“What a great first impression for the three new guys to see how this place could be rocking,” Graham said. “It’s just disappointing for our fan base to not get a win. That falls on my shoulders first and foremost.
“But we’re doing everything we can behind the scenes to improve the roster, improve our team. Bailey (Walker) is working her tail off as (team) trainer to get these guys (on the injured list) back and healthy, so I am very optimistic about the future here, even though it looks pretty gloomy right now.
“But you don’t miss or make the playoffs in November. There’s a lot of season left. What we need to do is get this group healthy, come together, and start finding the right way to win hockey games. I think (Wednesday) was a step in the right direction.”
FIRST PERIOD
A scoreless first period was not without scoring chances. The Ice Flyers created more, aided by the only power play of the period, leading to a 16-10 edge in shots over the Havoc.
The Ice Flyers got their first shot on goal with just over four minutes expired. A minute later, Shane Bull got a close-range shot that Havoc goaltender Wilson thwarted.
Later, Greg Smith and Cayden Cahill had opportunities inside the faceoff circle but were turned away. The nearest goal occurred during a power play after Havoc enforcer Cole Reginato was whistled for slashing with 5:59 left.
Sam Dabrowski rifled a wrist shot that clanged off the crossbar, echoing through the arena, but no goal celebration followed.
SECOND PERIOD
The period began in a deflating way for the Ice Flyers but ended well.
Just 44 seconds in, Matt Allen scored for the Havoc, receiving a perfect pass from Jack Jaunich on a 2-on-1 rush. Allen skated across the crease, deked goaltender Kevin Resop, and flicked the puck into a wide-open net.
The Ice Flyers faced a two-man disadvantage after penalties to Tim Faulkner (hooking) and Cayden Cahill (slashing) left them in a 5-on-3 situation for over 90 seconds. However, the penalty-kill unit and Resop excelled, keeping the game at 1-0.
That defensive stand was followed by Cory Dennis tying the game with 3:02 remaining in the period. Dennis received a pass from Greg Smith on a 2-on-1 rush and rifled a wrister into the top corner of the net.
THIRD PERIOD
With Greg Smith in the penalty box, the Havoc nearly scored, hitting the post.
Huntsville took a 2-1 lead with 12:57 left when Jaunich scored the first of his two goals on a one-timer past Resop. Minutes later, Jaunich capitalized on a turnover, slipping past the Ice Flyers’ defense to extend the lead to 3-1.
The Ice Flyers cut the deficit to 3-2 when Bondarenko scored off a faceoff and pass from Dennis with 7:06 left.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Ice Flyers at Macon Mayhem
WHEN: Friday, 6 p.m. (CST)
WHERE: Macon Centreplex, Macon, Ga.
The Ensley Chiefs Are Now The Ensley Hurricanes
November 27, 2024
The Ensley Chiefs have a new name — the Ensley Hurricanes.
“Once a popular destination for parents and their children, youth recreation sports in Escambia County have faced challenges in recent years, leading to several parks closing their programs Recognizing the need for change, the board, coaches, parents, and children all agreed that a new direction was necessary,” Ensley Sports president Tony Vance said.
“Our new look reflects the passion and ambition that drive our community to create exceptional experiences for our football and cheerleading programs,” Vance said.
Ensley Sports offers programs that include football, cheerleading and flag football. at the John R. Jones Athletic Complex on Nine Mile Road.
Image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Argos Volleyball Earns 18th Straight NCAA Tournament Appearance
November 26, 2024
The University of West Florida women’s volleyball team has made its 18th straight NCAA DII Tournament appearance. During the NCAA selection show on Monday evening, it was announced that the Argos earned the No. 6 seed in the South Region.
UWF will take on No. 3 seed Tampa in the first round. The Argos played Tampa back in September when the Spartans were ranked No. 1 in the nation. Since that game, UWF has not lost a match, having won 22 straight and only dropping a total of six sets during that span. The Argos enter the NCAA tournament as one of the hottest teams in the country.
“We are excited to compete in another South Region Championship,” said head coach Melissa Wolter. “Our region is deep, but we are part of the depth. We had a chance to play Tampa earlier this fall so we are familiar with them. But both teams have changed a lot since then. Our team is excited about this opportunity and will take it one match at a time. But make no mistake, we are playing to win!”
No. 1 seed Lynn University will serve as the host for the South Region bracket. Tournament play will begin on Thursday, Dec. 5.
West Florida (27-5, 20-0 GSC) won the Gulf South Conference Championship on Sunday, defeating Alabama Huntsville, 3-1.
Photo: Jon Rose/UWF for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Central High Cheerleaders Perform At Halftime Of Alabama Game
November 24, 2024
Last weekend, the Central High School cheerleading squad had a chance to perform at the University of Alabama homecoming game and dance at halftime.
“This was such a great experience for our girls and we are so glad that we could take them,” Central cheer assistant coach Kassidi Calloway said.
The Central High cheerleading roster includes:
- Head coach: Savannah Paramore
- Assistant coaches: Kassadi Calloway, Jescie Roberts
- Amya Allen, 7th grade
- Adalynn Kilburn, 7th grade
- Morgann Caraway, 7th grade
- Isabel Holloway, 8th grade (captain)
- Leiah Brown, 8th grade
- Adela Freeman, 9th grade
- AbbyGail Jakes, 9th grade
- Natalee Morris, 9th grade
- Summer Bowman, 9th grade
- Cambridge Gordon, 10th grade
- Jordan Newbegin, 10th grade
- Ziva Payne, 10th grade
- Savannah Sullivan, 10th grade
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Beat Atmore Blue Devils 71-68 In Nailbiter Home Opener (With Gallery)
November 23, 2024
The Tate Aggies beat the Escambia County (Atmore) Blue Devils 71-68 in a nailbiter that came down to the final seconds Friday night in Cantonment.
For a photo gallery, click here.
For the Aggies and Coach Clyde Abney, it was big home opening win as they improved to 2-0 after an 80-68 defeat of Choctaw on the road Wednesday night. The Blue Devils are now 4-1 as a four-game winning streak came to a half at the hands of the Aggies.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Fall To Pensacola Christian Warriors (With Gallery)
November 22, 2024
The Northview Chiefs fell to the Pensacola Christian Academy Warriors in varsity boys and girls action Thursday night in Bratt.
The PCA boys defeated Northview 68-33, and the PCA girls topped Northview 58-10.’
For a photo gallery from the boys game, click here.
Up next, Northview will be off until after fall break next week. The Chiefs boys will host L.E.A.D. Academy at 5 p.m. on December 2, and the Northview girls will host the Escambia High gators at 5:30 p.m. December 3.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Boys, Girls Sweep Atmore Christian (With Gallery)
November 20, 2024
The Northview Chiefs swept two from Atmore Christian School Tuesday night in Bratt.
The Northview boys defeated Atmore Christian 55-42, while the Chiefs girls beat ACS 53-8.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Up next, Northview will hot Pensacola Christian Academy Thursday — girls at 5:03 p.m. followed by boys action.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate’s Jordan Smith Signs With New College Of Florida
November 20, 2024
Tate High School’s Jordan Smith has signed to play softball for New College of Florida.
Smith is four-year starter for Tate varsity softball and has been on the Tate golf team for three years. She has a 4.9 high school GPA and a 3.68 college GPA with 47 credit hours as a dual enrollment student at Pensacola State College. She has been dual enrolled at PSC since her junior year at Tate and is a member of the National Honor Society.
A few fun facts about Jordan Smith: She is a twin, she coached a 10u softball team recently and will graduate with her AA from PSC before she graduates high school.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
