The new Timesland top 15 is out and plenty of changes were made after four major meets were held over the weekend.

Among the highlights:

*Blacksburg put four runners under two minutes in the boys 800 meters at the MileStat Elite Classic in Richmond.

*Nick Link of Blacksburg ran 4:16.05 in the 1,600, while Noah Combs clocked 9:22.88 in the 3,200. Blacksburg’s Emily Beaty ran 5:06.22 in the girls 1,600.

*William Byrd’s Marcellus Fletcher went 46 feet in the triple jump at the Joe Curcio Invitational in Lynchburg where Alexis Brown of James River tossed the shot 38-10 and Liberty’s Nicole Smith threw the discus 121-8.

2013 TIMESLAND TRACK AND FIELD CHECKLIST

NOTE: Rankings are based on major invitationals and postseason meets. Meets include are Knights Invitational, Raleigh Relays, Big Red Invitational, Vince Bradford Relays, Mike Brown Invitational, Falcons Track Classic, Colonel Classic, Judy Thomas Invitational, Frank Carver Invitational, All-American Relays, Amherst Invitational, Tri-Cities Track Classic, Buffalo Invitational, MileStat Elite Classic, Joe Curcio Invitational and Bearcat Invitational.

BOYS
100 meters
1. Khalil Bonds, William Fleming (Colonel), 11.03
2. Andrew Storms, George Wythe (All-American), 11.10
3. Brandon Carter, Martinsville (Colonel), 11.18
4. Ryan Layman, George Wythe (All-American), 11.40
5. Arius McConnell, Salem (All-American), 11.41
6. Tanner Reed, Christiansburg (Colonel), 11.43
7. Riley Blevins, Marion (Thomas), 11.48
8. Joey Augustin, Christiansburg (Curcio), 11.53
9. Jamaal Preston, Liberty (Big Red), 11.55
…..Travis Hedgepeth, George Wythe (All-American), 11.55
11. Ryan Sims, Blacksburg (Knights), 11.57
12  Josh Pearson, Bassett (Buffalo), 11.58
13. Patrick Shulz, James River (All-American), 11.64
14. Ryan Kelly, Hidden Valley (Colonel), 11.65
15. Davonta Womack, Salem (Curcio), 11.67 Read more »

Northside’s Tierra Saunders took over the 2013 Timesland lead in the girls 400-meter run with an impressive clocking of 57.66 seconds last week in winning the event at the Amherst Invitational in Amherst.

William Byrd’s Marcellus Fletcher is the new Timesland leader in the boys triple jump at 44 feet, 11 inches.

Those were among the top performaces over the weekend in Timesland.

The updated Timesland track checklist is below.

NOTE: Rankings are based on major invitationals and postseason meets. Meets include are Knights Invitational, Raleigh Relays, Big Red Invitational, Vince Bradford Relays, Mike Brown Invitational, Falcons Track Classic, Colonel Classic, Judy Thomas Invitational, Frank Carver Invitational, All-American Relays, Amherst Invitational and Tri-Cities Track Classic.

BOYS
100 meters
1. Khalil Bonds, William Fleming (Colonel), 11.03 2. Andrew Storms, George Wythe (All-American), 11.10 3. Brandon Carter, Martinsville (Colonel), 11.18 4. Ryan Layman, George Wythe (All-American), 11.40 5. Arius McConnell, Salem (All-American), 11.41 6. Tanner Reed, Christiansburg (Colonel), 11.43 7. Riley Blevins, Marion (Thomas), 11.48 8. Jamaal Preston, Liberty (Big Red), 11.55    Travis Hedgepeth, George Wythe (All-American), 11.55 10. Ryan Sims, Blacksburg (Knights), 11.57 11 . Josh Pearson, Bassett (Colonel), 11.59 12. Patrick Shulz, James River (All-American), 11.64 13. Ryan Kelly, Hidden Valley (Colonel), 11.65 14. Elijah Onks, George Wythe (Thomas), 11.69 15. Fe’zahn Scott, Patrick Henry (Knights), 11.71    Dean Sayers, Hidden Valley (Colonel), 11.71 Read more »

Congrats to Ryan Gravley of Carroll County, Tay Taylor of Salem, Caleb Tanner of Floyd County and Sa’Mone Moore of Covington.

They have been named basketball players of the year in their respective regions.

The list is below:

BOYS BASKETBALL
REGION IV
First team
Ryan Gravley, Carroll County, sr.; Dylan Hodson, Hidden Valley, sr.; Paris Jamison, Martinsville, sr.; Josh Hess, Abingdon, jr.; Mack Owens, Abingdon, sr.
Second team
Troy Mann, Salem, jr.; Chris Hampton, Magna Vista, sr.; Michael Ayares, Blacksburg, sr.; Joey Augustin, Christiansburg, sr.; Ethan Richardson, Marion, sr.
Player of the year
Ryan Gravley, Carroll County.
Division 4 coach of the year
Brad Hawks, Carroll County.
Division 3 coach of the year
B.J. Lasley, Abingdon.

REGION C
First team
Caleb Tanner, Floyd County, jr.; Isaiah Phillips, Radford, jr.; Tyler Crockett, Glenvar, sr.; Asher Dillow, Bland County, sr.; Charlie Fitzgerald, Parry McCluer, sr.
Second team
Reid Sturgill, Chilhowie, sr.; Brandon Lemons, Floyd County, sr.; Isaac Baltazar, George Wythe, sr.; Colby Hill, Graham, soph.; Jeremy Williams, Glenvar, soph.
Player of the year
Caleb Tanner, Floyd County.
Division 2 coach of the year
Rick Cormany, Radford.
Division 1 coach of the year
Nelson Fox, Parry McCluer.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
REGION IV
First team
Tay Taylor, Salem, sr.; Brittany Allen, Richlands, jr.; Ebony Reynolds, Patrick County, soph.; Taylor Blevins, Abingdon, soph.; Andrea Venable, Bassett, sr.
Second team
Tessa Foley, Salem, sr.; Taylor Catron, Tazewell, sr.; Darian Thornton, Christiansburg, sr.; Hailey Singleton, Hidden Valley, fr.; Cassie Richardson, Richlands, sr.]
Player of the year
Tay Taylor, Salem.
Division 4 coach of the year
DeWayne Harrell, Salem.
Division 3 coach of the year
Dennis Palmer, Richlands.

REGION C
First team
Sa’Mone Moore, Covington, jr.; Danielle Catron, Chilhowie, jr.; Kasey Uecker, PH-Glade Spring, sr.; Brooke Bostwick, Auburn, jr.; Maggie Wilbourne, Glenvar, soph.
Second team
Amanda Hollandsworth, Floyd County, jr.; Ashley King, James River, sr.; Sarah Whisman, Fort Chiswell, sr.; Sydney Lindsey, Galax, soph.; Carley Lytton, Floyd County, soph.
Player of the year
Sa’Mone Moore, Covington.
Division 2 coach of the year
Alan Cantrell, Floyd County.
Division 1 coach of the year
Mark Pifer, Covington.

Here are the VHSL basketball semifinal pairings:

GROUP AAA BOYS
Henrico vs. W.T. Woodson, Monday, 3:15 p.m.
John Marshall vs. Wakefield, Monday, 8:45 p.m.

GROUP AAA GIRLS
Lake Taylor vs. Colonial Forge, Monday, 1:30 p.m.
Princess Anne vs. Stonewall Jackson, Monday, 7 p.m.

GROUP AA DIVISION 4 BOYS
Salem vs. Potomac Falls, Tuesday, 9 p.m.
Grafton vs.  E.C. Glass, Wednesday, 12:45 p.m.

GROUP AA DIVISION 4 GIRLS
Bassett vs. Courtland, Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Salem vs. Loudoun County, Wednesday, 11 a.m.

GROUP AA DIVISION 3 BOYS
Bruton vs. Spotswood, Tuesday, 11 a.m.
Fort Defiance vs. Brunswick, Tuesday, 5 p.m.

GROUP AA DIVISION 3 GIRLS
Spotswood vs. Poquoson, Tuesday, 11 a.m.
Richlands vs. Brunswick, Tuesday, 3 p.m.

GROUP A DIVISION 2 BOYS
Radford vs. Essex, Thursday, 7 p.m.
William Monroe vs. Gate City, Thursday, 9 p.m.

GROUP A DIVISION 2 GIRLS
Floyd County vs. George Mason, Friday, 10:30 a.m.
Central-Wise vs. Clarke County, Friday, 12:15 p.m.

GROUP A DIVISION 1 BOYS
J.I. Burton vs. Altavista, Thursday, 1 p.m.
Parry McCluer vs. West Point, Thursday, 5 p.m.

GROUP A DIVISION 1 GIRLS
Castlewood vs. East Rockingham, Thursday, 11 a.m.
Clintwood vs. Altavista, Thursday, 3 p.m.

Heritage’s football team danced in Salem Stadium three months ago.

Salem made sure there would not be a repeat in boys basketball Saturday.

Alex Light, an offensive tackle on Salem’s football team that lost to Heritage in the Division 4 state semifinals, scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lift the Spartans to a 53-45 win over the Pioneers in a Division 4 basketball quarterfinal at Salem Civic Center.

Light was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field and 2-for-2 from the  foul line as Salem seized an early lead and held on to advance to a semifinal at 9 p.m. Thursday in Richmond against Potomac Falls.

John Repass added 12 points for Salem (17-10). Justin Joyner led Heritage (20-7) with 16 points.

Tay Taylor is one of three Salem girls basketball players who is a natural left-hander and whose father trained to shoot right-handed.

Taylor made it pay off Saturday at Salem Civic Center as she used several drives for left-handed layups to score a game-high 16 points and lead the Spartans to a 46-34 victory over Roanoke Valley rival Lord Botetourt in a Group AA Division 4 quarterfinal.

It was the Spartans’ third win over the season over Lord Botetourt (15-12).

Maddie Price hit three 3-pointers and added 13 points as Salem (24-3) booked a semifinal date at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Richmond against Loudoun County, a 53-48 winner over Grafton earlier Saturday in Norfolk.

Tessa Foley added 12 points for Salem, all in the first half.

Bassett’s girls also advanced to Richmond with a 57-44 win over Region III champion Heritage. Kaliya Barbour led the Bengals (17-4) with 13 points and  nine rebounds. Bassett had Heritage at arms length for most of the game.

Bassett will face 2012 Division 4 runner-up Courtland in a semifinal at 7 p.m. Tuesday at VCU.

The Bengals last made the semifinals in 2000 when they won the Group AA title under former head coach Lisa Black.

*****

The boys basketball teams from Essex and J.I. Burton brought losing records to Salem for VHSL basketball quarterfinal games.

Both will move on to Richmond for the semifinals after victories early Saturday.

Essex (9-12) has just beaten Dan River 52-49 in a Group A Division 2 quarterfinal, getting a go-ahead 3-pointer from Keith Bundy, Jr. in the final 30 seconds to wipe out a 49-48 deficit. Bundy added a free throw with nine seconds left and the Wildcats missed a potential tying shot at the buzzer.

It was the second straight heartbreaker for Dan River in Salem. The Wildcats fell to eventual state champ Lancaster last March when a last-second stickback rolled out.

Saturday’s first fantastic finish came in the first of seven games as J.I. Burton (14-14)  defeated Bland County 46-44 in a Group A Division 1 boys on a last-second jumper by Alex Keys. The game-winner by Keys sparked a celebration at midcourt that featured one Burton player performing backflips.

All four runners-up defeated region champions in Division 1 games matching Region C against Region D.  Castlewood took a 52-47 win Friday over Covington, while Northwood topped Clintwood in girls quarterfinals. Parry McCluer’s boys bounced back from a loss to Bland County in the Region C final to defeat Castlewood 53-34 on Saturday at UVa-Wise

Floyd County’s girls and Radford’s boys had no such worries Friday night, posting comfortable wins

In a Division 3 girls quarterfinal in Wise, Richlands overcame an early deficit to defeat Brookville 47-45 in overtime.

Patrick Henry boys basketball coach Jack Esworthy needs one victory to become the school’s leader in career victories.
Esworthy has 213 wins heading into tonight’s home game against William Fleming, tying him with Woody Deans on PH’s career list.
Meanwhile, PH senior guard Marcus Banks is within 100 points of the school’s career scoring record, set in the 1980s by Chuck Kepley.
The PH-Fleming game is just one of several big matchups on tonight’s schedule.
First place is on the line in the Three Rivers District boys race as Floyd County (14-2, 4-0) visits Radford (13-2, 4-0). Radford defeated Floyd 84-59 in the semifinals of the Fort Chiswell holiday tournament.
Carroll County, one of the state’s few unbeaten teams, will host Marion with first place at stake in the Southwest District.
Northside, which has a one-game lead over Rockbridge County and Lord Botetourt in the Blue Ridge District boys race, plays at Rockbridge tonight.

Salem’s girls go to Hidden Valley. Both teams are 3-0 in the River Ridge District. Everyone else in the league has at least two district losses.
Lord Botetourt’s girls play at Alleghany. A win by Alleghany could possibly throw the Blue Ridge race into a four-way tie.

Check varsity.roanoke.com and the Timesland twitter site for scores tonight.

For tonight’s schedule, click here.

 Giles swept the individual honors on the Three Rivers District football team.
 Ian Mann was named offensive player of the year, while Garrett Lee was named defensive player of the year. Kearsley Dillon was the lineman of the year, and Giles’ Jeff Williams was voted coach of the year.
 The team is listed below:

FOOTBALL
Three Rivers District
FIRST TEAM
Offense
Quarterback – Levi Mullins, Glenvar, 5-10, 165, jr.; Utility/QB – Hunter Marshall, Radford, 5-11, 180, sr.; Running back – Ian Mann, Giles, 6-0, 175, sr.; Brett Whitlow, Giles, 5-6, 144, soph.; Dorian Harris, Floyd County, 5-11, 217, sr.; Wide receiver – Shaquille Bonds, Glenvar, 5-11, 155, sr.; Cole Worrell, Floyd County, 5-10, 171, sr.; Ron Ford, Eastern Montgomery, 5-9, 160, soph.; Tight end – Tyler Vaught, Floyd County, 6-3, 197, sr.; Lineman – Kearsley Dillon, Giles, 5-11, 240, sr.; Jared Farmer, Giles, 6-2, 245, sr.; Jason Ford, Glenvar, 6-0, 255, jr.; Brent Webster, Floyd County, 5-11, 198, sr.; Center – Miller Collins, Giles, 6-0, 204, sr.; Place-kicker – Caleb Findley, Radford, 6-0, 160, sr.; Kick returner – Jeremy Martin, Glenvar, 5-8, 150, jr.; At-large – Cody Rhodes, Giles, 6-3, 252, jr. Read more »

Twenty-eight Timesland teams will be involved in 22 games Friday and Saturday as the VHSL football playoffs open across the state.

So, I’ve been a little busy this week collecting enough information on some of these outlying teams as well as compiling the final Timesland regular-season statistics, which will appear in their usual place in The Roanoke Times on Friday.

A version of these capsule previews also will run in the paper. They will include my predictions for Friday’s 21 games and the one Timesland game Saturday. The prep fearless forecasters contest is still running, although the emails with the list of games was not sent out until late this afternoon.

Also, check Friday’s paper for a feature story on Patrick Henry assistant coach Jeff Johnson and a story on Cave Spring place-kicker Daniel Seymour, who will play in a football game Friday night and then run in the VHSL Group AA cross country championships Saturday morning. 

One note to those who have asked. Yes, the All-Region IV team did appear briefly on the blog Wednesday. It was sent in prematurely by one of the league’s ADs, and I complied with a request to take it down until further notice.

The playoff capsules sans predictions are below:

NORTHWEST REGION DIVISION 6
PATRICK HENRY (8-2) at COLONIAL FORGE (8-2)
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Coaches: Patrick Henry (Alan Fiddler), Colonial Forge (Bill Brown).
Scouting Patrick Henry: PH is in the playoffs for the first time since 2000 with the last playoff win in 1994. Virginia Tech-bound QB David Prince has run for 687 yards and passed for 703. Xavier Whorley (174 carries, 1,210 yards, 18 TDs) is the top back. LB Demetrius Anderson and DE Nate Lee (21 TFLs) lead the defense. PK Jacob Otterman has five FGs.
Scouting Colonial Forge: The Forge, located in Stafford, lost 21-14 at Franklin County last year in the first round. The Eagles are 3-2 against AAA playoff teams with losses to C.D. Hylton (35-16) and Massaponax (59-30). QB Damen Daniel (592 rush yards, 962 pass yards) leads the offense. Brown has won VHSL state titles at two other schools.
Next week: The NW Region reseeds. The winner gets either Hylton or Stonewall Jackson. Read more »

The schedule for the first-round of the VHSL playoffs has been set for Timesland teams. Twenty-one of the 22 Timesland games will be played on Friday. Radford will play at Clintwood at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The complete statewide schedule is below:
 
FIRST-ROUND VHSL PLAYOFF PAIRINGS
DIVISION 6
Eastern Region
Granby (9-1) at Ocean Lakes (10-0), Friday, 7 p.m.
Bayside (8-2) at Oscar Smith (9-1), Friday, 7 p.m.
Grassfield (8-2) at Salem-Virginia Beach (8-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
Western Branch (8-2) at Bethel (8-2), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Read more »