Our Girls and Boys Track & Field, Boys JV Basketball Team, and Varsity Girls Basketball Teams were all recognized at the April School Board meeting. Most of our student-athletes are multi-sport athletes, so coaches were proud to accept the recognition on their behalf. Congratulations to all of our student athletes who excel in sports and in the classroom. We are so proud of you!
PECHS Track & Field
Coaches: James Baker, Dawn Woodard, AJ Watkins
PECHS Track & Field finished as runner-up in the Region 2A Championships at Boo Williams Sportsplex, with both boys and girls delivering outstanding performances.
Aliyah Rachels was recognized as an All-State performer in the triple jump and the 55-meter hurdles. She captured first place in the triple jump, placed second in the 55-meter hurdles, finished fourth in the long jump, and earned fifth in the high jump. Makayla Eppes also contributed with a fourth-place finish in the 55-meter dash.
Curtis Patterson earned All-State honors in both the long jump and triple jump. He placed second in both events and added a fifth-place finish in the 55-meter hurdles.
Earlier in the season, both the girls and boys track teams were named Region 2A Indoor Track Runner-ups. The girls team was led by Aliyah Rachels, who was crowned Regional Champion in the high jump, triple jump, and 55-meter hurdles, while also finishing second in the long jump. The boys team was led by Curtis Patterson, who earned Regional Champion titles in the 55-meter hurdles and long jump and placed second in the triple jump.
Several Eagles qualified to compete at the 2A State Indoor Track Meet, held March 4–5 at Liberty University. Athletes qualified by placing in the top three at the regional meet or by meeting a state qualifying standard during the season.
State qualifiers included:
Melia Allen in the 500-meter run, Makayla Eppes in the 55-meter dash, Portlyn King in the 55-meter hurdles, Breasia Palmer in the high jump, Alivia Rachels in the shot put, Aliyah Rachels in the 55-meter hurdles, high jump, long jump, and triple jump, Truth Woodard in the triple jump, Jayden Eppes in the 55-meter dash and as part of the 4x200 and 4x400 relay teams, Jadai Green and Jakenzie Green as members of the 4x200 relay team, and Jonathan Hancock and Dajuan Jeter as members of the 4x400 relay team.
PECHS JV Boys Basketball captured the James River District Tournament Championship over Cumberland High School, led by Coach Terrence Edmonds and student athletes Donald Allen, Alex Anderson, Jaylin Boyd, Avan Carrington, Josiah Hayes, Caleb Holman, Elijah Hunt, Michael Malone III, Tamarion Nash, Silas Perkins, Ki’shawn Spencer, Christopher Tisdale, Da’marian Warren, and Melvin Wright III.
PECHS Varsity Girls Basketball captured the James River District regular season and tournament championships, finished runner-up in the Region 2A tournament, and advanced to the VHSL State Quarterfinals, with Coaches Howard Paras, Olin Williams, Jermaine Harris, LaTanya Robinson-Savage, and Deshawn Johnson. The team includes Ashley Barksdale, Ta’Nya Booker, Da’Nya Booker, Anyshia Clark, Kamiya Killebrew, Dashara Kimbrough, Amahri Miller, Breasia Palmer, Keshawna Peaks, Aliyah Rachels, Madisen Tillerson, and Mar’liah Watson.
All District:
1st Team: Aliyah Rachels, Anyshia Clark,
2nd Team: Ashley Barksdale, Kamya Killebrew
Player of the Year: Aliyah Rachels
Coach of the Year: Howard Paras
All Region:
1st Team: Aliyah Rachels, Anyshia Clark
2nd Team: Ashley Barksdale, Kamya Killebrew
Coach of the Year: Howard Paras
All State:
2nd Team: Aliyah Rachels