Saturday was an excellent basketball day here in the Roanoke-Chowan area.

I personally would like to thank the Athletic Directors, coaches and players of Ahoskie Christian School, Bertie High School, Bethel Assembly Christian Academy, Hertford County High School, Lawrence Academy, Northeast Academy, Northampton County High School – West and Ridgecroft School

Because of their hard work, our first Media Day and Scrimmage was a huge success.

The girl’s teams of those eight schools gathered at Ridgecroft and the boys teams at Hertford County as each of the area’s teams had the opportunity to scrimmage and have a good day of enjoying basketball.

I was over at Ridgecroft for the event while Sports Writer David Friedman handled the duties at HCHS. Both of us were impressed the work and effort of the respective ADs (Doug Cobbs and Charles Simmons). They made our day a lot easier.

The players of the area were extremely impressive. They worked hard, played hard and showed the kind of sportsmanship I am proud of when I see it in our area.

Most of the kids were able to play, though some missed the day due to finishing football or injuries. Most of those still were there to support their team.

My only regret is an injury to Ridgecroft’s Hayes Bryant who was to visit a doctor Monday to see if there was any damage to an already bad knee. Our thoughts and prayers are with her.

I couldn’t have asked for better cooperation from the officials thanks to the dedication Jodie Andrews showed to the event. They were there on time, helped the players and allowed us to conduct the kind of scrimmage our coaches wanted.

We’ll give you an overview of what happened in Thursday’s edition of the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald. That will go along with a lot of pictures where you’ll see teams that rarely or never play each other getting a chance to square off on the hardwood.

Personally, I think basketball in the area is going to be better this season than it was a year ago.

I’m not sure how many people know that Lawrence Academy junior Jay Spencer was accidentally shot in a hunting accident Friday morning.

Jay, the son of Lawrence football coach Alan Spencer, has undergone several surgeries and is doing as well as can be expected.

Sunday afternoon Alan Spencer said he was appreciative of the calls and support Jay and his family have received.

The extent of the damage is still not determined, but there is a lot of work and surgery ahead. I ask that you keep Jay, the Spencer family and Lawrence in your thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks.

Questions? Comments? Snide remarks? All are welcome. You can reach me at thadd.white@r-cnews.com or call me at 332-7211.

Be careful out there and be good sports.