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Carolina Academy running strong in athletics

By David Shelton

Staff Writer

Lake City – Roger Bazen spent 28 years as a teacher and coach in the public school system before retiring. He took on the role as athletic director at Carolina Academy about 18 months ago and seems to be enjoying his new gig.

Carolina Academy is a small private school in Lake City but a school with a rich athletic tradition. Bazen says the success of the past is evident and he sees a commitment to continued success.

“They love their sports here at Carolina Academy and people really do care about their kids,” said Bazen. “It’s a good place to work. When people care about what they are doing, it’s a good environment. We have good teams and good athletes here and we’re looking for more success this year.”

Carolina Academy has won 18 state championships over the years, including a state AA softball title this past spring. The softball and girl’s tennis programs have been the most successful at the school, each winning five state titles. The baseball program has won three state championships and the boy’s basketball program and golf program have won two titles each. The school has captured a state title in girl’s basketball as well.

Speaking of girl’s basketball, Bazen recently announced the hiring of a new coach, John Wall. Wall has been a successful coach on the private school level for a number of years and brings a wave of enthusiam to the position.

“He is a well-respected coach in this area and has won everywhere he’s been so we’re pleased to have him take over our girl’s program this winter,” said Bazen.

Carolina Academy will have a few other new coaches this fall.

Robert Phillips is the new varsity boy’s basketball coach, moving up from his role as an assistant.

The girl’s tennis program will be under the direction of Ron Avant this fall. Avant is a local minister with a strong background in tennis.

“The tennis program has been really good for a long time and I feel sure Ron will continue that success,” said Bazen.

Carolina Academy started volleyball last fall and their first team played a partial schedule while learning the ropes. Bazen says the program will elevate to full status this fall and will play a complete schedule. Kim Phillips is the coach of that team.

“There seems to be an interest in the sport and it’s taking off pretty well,” said Bazen.

Returning as the head football coach this fall is Scotty Phillips, who also coaches the successful softball team in the spring. The head junior varsity coach in football is Patrick Bunch.

Wade Jordan will return next spring as the school’s baseball coach while Lee Edwards will return as the junior varsity baseball coach.

Returning as the junior varsity tennis coach is Susan Palmer and Phillip Poston will return to coach junior varsity boy’s basketball.

Lee McAllister is the school’s golf coach and Bobby Dukes is the junior varsity softball coach. After a time away from coaching, Ginger Joye returns as the school’s cheerleading coach. Vickie Parker is the junior varsity cheerleading coach.

 

 

he varsity level but we have played pretty well," said the coach. "We have improved a lot and we will even more over the season."
The roster is just seven players deep. Three returnees include Junior Samantha Sparrow, senior Sydney Rutherford and sophomore Lizzie Heath.
Sparrow is a leader and top scorer on the squad. The junior has played varsity for several seasons and is averaging double figures in scoring.
"Samantha plays with a lot of effort," said the coach. "She's having to play the three spot which she is a little undersized for, but she battles. She brings us outside shooting ability and she can penetrate and score or dish it off to another player."
Rutherford is in her second season at Carolina. She brings an improved outside shoot to the season.
"Sydney is very quick and athletic," noted the coach. "She's a leader just like Samantha. She's will score some points for us and she will lead us in rebounding over the course of the season."
Heath started in about half of the games last year and is starting to come into her own as a varsity player.
"Lizzie is only about 5'6" but plays inside for us. She battles  and works hard on the boards. Hopefully we can keep her out of foul trouble. She should end up being one of our top scorers this year."
Moving into the other starting roles are eighth grader Emily McElveen and senior Allison Rhodes.
"Emily is playing with a brace on her knee and that slows her a bit, but she is a very good basketball player," said the coach. "I think she's going to score a few points for us"
Rhodes played on the junior varsity team through her freshman year and was on the varsity as a sophomore. After taking last season off, she's returned for her senior campaign.
"Allison plays hard and hustles on defense," said the coach.
Filling out the roster are freshmen Kasey Etheridge and Stephanie Poston.
"I was hoping they could play on the junior varsity team this season, but we need them to play on the varsity," said the coach.
Katie Floyd is a transfer who will be eligible the last week of January. Baker is looking to add her to the mix as soon as possible.
"We're going to have our hands full with some of the teams in our region," said the coach when asked about his team's prospects. "If we can rebound and stay out of foul trouble we should be able to play with even the top teams."