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Can Owls soar again?
Wakefield School girls basketball coach Paul Sipes feels a little like a top chef whose restaurant opened to rave reviews. He’s satisfied a lot of customers and earned kudos for his blending of delicate flavors, but people are wondering if his establishment can earn five-star reviews a year later.
Wakefield made school history in 2007 by making the state tournament and finishing 21-8. While Sipes's new menu sure looks zesty — he has three starters back — reviews are pending.
“I feel good, but I’m not sure what to expect,” said Sipes, who actually likens himself to special forces commander preparing for his first battle.
Wakefield's three-month war is about to start, and Sipes is expecting a barrage of unfriendly fire from opposition in the Delaney Athletic Conference and Cavalier Athletic Conference – the two leagues Wakefield competes in.
In the DAC, Sipes expects Highland, Seton and Tandem Friends to be at the top of the 10-team race, with his Owls close behind. The CAC is not as formidable, and Sipes thinks Wakefield can defend its crown over Shenandoah Valley Christian Academy and Wakefield Country Day.
Sipes’ Owls will come at you with a lot of guards. That’s what you do when nearly all of your star players stand between 5-foot-6 and 5-8.
Wakefield must replace two 1,000-point scorers in Ashley Marchi and Lily Withers.
Fortunately, Withers’ younger sister Gracie is back as the starting point guard. Gracie earned herself the nickname “The Assassin” last year with a last second 3-point field goal to win a key game.
“Gracie is unbelievably fast. She can really stretch defenses and use her quickness to get around you,” said Sipes.
Also back is Katie Wyrick, a talented senior guard who tore her ACL last year and is not yet 100 percent. Wyrick wears a knee brace and is limited in practice...
See the Wednesday print edition of the Fauquier Times-Democrat for the complete story.
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