Hatfield Era Begins with Big Win
The Trey Hatfield era for boys’ basketball started off with a bang. The Randolph Raiders (1-0, 0-0) won their opening game of the season over the Oakwood Mustangs (2-2, 0-0) by a score of 63-59.
Coach Hatfield had this to say about his first game as Head Coach, “that win was a great way to open our season. It was an incredibly hard-fought game against a team that played for a state championship last season. We had a lot of key contributors from players across the board. Our guys found a way to close it out in a great home environment.”
Hunter Wiggins was one of those key contributors. Wiggins led all scorers 23 points. Garrett Trousdale added 14 points and Grant Enfinger totaled 12 points.
Boys Cross Country State Championship Recap
The Randolph Raiders Cross Country team concluded their season at the AHSAA 6A State XC Championships. A beautiful fall day set the scene for the runners as they arrived at Oakville Indian Mounds in Oakville, Alabama.
The last race of this Cross-Country season for Randolph was the 6A Boys State Championship. Evan Shields and Wright McManus both earned All-State medals! They placed 11th (16:06) and 14th (16:12) respectively with both setting personal bests. Keaton Schroer, Wick Pfitzer, and Davis Cook rounded out our top 5. Four out of the top five set personal bests!
As a team, the Raiders were projected to finish 11th in the meet. They placed 7th with 224 points.
Girls Cross Country State Championship Recap
The Randolph Raiders Cross Country team concluded their season at the AHSAA 6A State XC Championships. A beautiful fall day set the scene for the runners as they arrived at Oakville Indian Mounds in Oakville, Alabama.
Our girls were the first race of the day. Anna Ragsdale led the Raiders in 19:26 for the 5000-meter distance placing 14th overall and earning All-State honors for the second year in a row. Meredith Walker, Julia Jennings, Lily Shah, and Lucy Zhang complete Randolph’s top 5.
Almost everyone set a personal or season best! Coming into the race, the girls were projected to place 14th. The team placed 12th scoring 317 points, just 1 point behind Fort Payne and Gardendale!
Raising the Bar: Football Season Review
As the final whistle blew and the dust settled on the gridiron, the Randolph Raiders could look back on a season filled with triumphs, challenges, and a record-breaking performance.
The Raiders kicked off the season with a determination to not only maintain but exceed the high standards they had set in previous years. Finishing 2nd in their region showcased the team's resilience and ability to compete at a high level.
One of the highlights of the season was the team's impressive accomplishment of making the AHSAA State Playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. This remarkable feat is a testament to the consistent excellence and dedication of the players, coaching staff, and the entire Raiders community.
For the third consecutive year, the Randolph Raiders hosted a first-round playoff game, establishing a new school record. The atmosphere at the Raiders' home field was electric as fans came out in full force to support their team. The privilege of hosting a playoff game is not only an acknowledgment of the team's success but also a testament to the strong sense of community and pride that surrounds Randolph football.
As the season comes to a close, the Randolph Raiders and their fans can reflect on a season filled with accomplishments and proud moments. The foundation of success has been laid, and the team's commitment to excellence bodes well for the future. The Raiders will undoubtedly enter the next season with high expectations, aiming to build on the legacy they've created.
Triumph and Tenacity: Cross Country Season Review
As the sun sets on another exhilarating cross country season, the Randolph Raiders can look back with pride and satisfaction at the remarkable achievements and indomitable spirit that defined their journey. With the Cross Country season complete, the Raiders are now enjoying a well-deserved siesta. With the training beginning in early June, the season is a long one, but the fruits of their labor are always realized for those who really put in the work.
The boys team would emerge as the Class 6A Section 6 Champions, edging out rival JP2 by 1 point. They would carry this momentum into the AHSAA Class 6A State Championships. In the state championship meet, the boys' team continued to showcase their mettle, finishing an impressive 7th overall among the best teams in the state. This outstanding performance is a testament to the unwavering dedication of each team member and the guidance provided by the coaching staff. Evan Shields and Wright McManus, two standout athletes, earned well-deserved All-State honors.
The girls' team, while falling just short of the sectional title, displayed incredible fortitude and skill to secure a runner-up position. Their tenacity propelled them to the grand stage of the state championship meet, where they faced stiff competition from the finest teams in the state. Ultimately, the girls' team claimed a commendable 12th place finish overall, a reflection of their hard work, discipline, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Anna Ragsdale would earn All-State honors for the Raiders.
As we reflect on the season that was, it's impossible not to be inspired by the collective achievements of the Randolph Raiders Cross Country program. The sectional triumph, the gallant efforts at the state level, and the individual accolades all contribute to a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
We are so proud of all the Randolph Raiders who competed during the 2023 season. We hope that this success will lead to more success for future years to come as well as enticing more Randolph student athletes to consider coming out for the program!
Boys’ Basketball Turkey Classic Recap
The Randolph Raiders wrapped up their 3-game schedule for the Turkey Classic Thanksgiving Tournament held at Madison Academy.
First Round Games vs. Shoals Christian Flames
The JV Boys Basketball team defeated the Shoals Christian Flames by a score of 75-43 in the first game of the Turkey Classic Thanksgiving Tournament.
The Varsity Boys Basketball team defeated the Shoals Christian Flames by a score of 48-41 in their first game of the Turkey Classic. This was a great team win as the Raiders were without several key players. Utilizing a total of only 7 players, the Raiders found a way to get the win!
Second Round Games vs. Wilson Warriors
The JV Boys Basketball team delivered another great performance with a commanding 73-45 victory over the Wilson Warriors.
The Varsity Boys Basketball team won another tough game against the Wilson Warriors by a score of 66-59. The Raiders hit some clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the game!
Third Round Games vs. Madison Academy Mustangs
The Varsity Boys Basketball team dropped their first game of the season 77-45 to the Madison Academy Mustangs in the final game of the Turkey Classic. The Raiders move to 4-1 overall on the season.
Girls’ Basketball Turkey Jam Recap
The Lady Raiders were looking to put an end to their 5-game losing streak as they prepared to play in the Turkey Jam Thanksgiving Tournament held at Woodville High School. They faced off in Game 1 against the North Jackson Chiefs on Monday, November 20 and in Game 2 they were up against the Section Lions on Tuesday, November 21.
First Round Game vs. North Jackson Chiefs
The Lady Raiders lost a tough, hard-fought game against the North Jackson Chiefs by a score of 49-46 in the first round of games at the Woodville Turkey Jam.
Second Round Game vs. Section Lions
In the second round of games at the Woodville Turkey Jam, the Lady Raiders dropped a close game to the Section Lions by a score of 36-33. The Lady Raiders now fall to 0-7 on the season.
Big thanks to our “Randolph School Sponsors”:
Hiley Automotive Group
Spine and Neuro
Haley’s Flooring & Interiors
Huntsville City Lifestyle
Interstate Batteries of Northern Alabama
Martin Fed
Sarah Ellis General and Cosmetic Dentistry
Slim Chickens
SportsMed
Twickenham Advisors
Albany Road Real Estate Partners
Clearview Cancer Institute
George Twitty, Jr with Graham and Company, LLC
H Luxury Travel
Huntsville Pet Resort
Little Rosies
Merit Bank
Onyx Aerospace
Paseur Law Firm, PLLC
Rocket City Drywall
Whitesburg Pediatric Dentistry
Whole Home Solutions
Vickie Ziegler & Nicole Reeves Real Estate/BHHS – Rise
Whether it be Band, Cheer, Dance, and Football on Fall Fridays, Basketball and Cheer on Winter Weekends, or Baseball, Soccer, and Softball on Spring Weekends, the Garth Campus is where the Randolph Community comes together to have fun while cheering on our Raiders! The Raider Rally News will keep you informed regarding all of our Varsity programs. #OneRandolph
