Piedmont’s winter sports – basketball and swimming – have many familiar faces leaving after the season or graduating.
Basketball’s senior day was Feb. 8, with both squads winning their games. The women’s team dominated Wesleyan College 86-42, with the men’s team beating Warren Wilson 98-77. The games were not the main focus, for the limelight went to the seniors of each team.
Ashley Scott, Andelin Hill and Nae-Nae Eades have been key pieces to the Lady Lion’s tremendous season, as they sit atop the CCS standings.
Scott has averaged nearly 10 points a game this season and is one of the best shooters for head coach Jamie Purdy. Hill has been essential to the Lions, as she boasts 14 points per game. Eades, the main point guard for Piedmont, has been a natural leader and averages seven points per game.
On the men’s side, four seniors were recognized – Bailey Wiseman, Javi Marlowe, Griffin Neville and Zach Oeschle. Wiseman, Marlowe, and Neville have all been essential starters this year. Wiseman and Marlowe both average double-digit points, and Neville is a tremendous physical force. Oeschle was injured during Senior Day but still was able to log one minute late into the game after a timeout.
“This is such a close-knit team. We all genuinely love each other, so [I’ll miss] the friendships,” said Wiseman.
For swimming, many beloved seniors had their final season. The graduated seniors will leave Piedmont hoisting conference championship and runner-up trophies, with the men’s team winning the title for the second year in a row and the women being conference runner-ups.
Seniors for the men’s team include Conference Swimmer of the Year Leandro Forero, Erick Fortner, Glynn Morgan, Kyle Rutberg and Draylon Starks.
“It’s a privilege to swim at Piedmont. I feel like I left a mark here at Piedmont, and it’s really a privilege to swim under Teddy Guyer,” said Forero. “He gave me the opportunity to swim at the collegiate level, and without him, I wouldn’t have fulfilled my dreams.”
On the women’s side, three seniors finished their collegiate careers: Olivia Bechtel, Brynne Gillilan and Madison Nance.
As Piedmont winter sports come to a close, basketball and swimming seniors take their final leave, with parents and fans alike coming out to support them. These faces have left a lasting impact on Piedmont athletics.
