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Upset in the Paint
For the first time in nine years, the students from the Average Joe’s all-star team defeated the faculty in the annual basketball game, winning 53-43. Every year, students and faculty compete during Invite Back Weekend, where newly-admitted students are welcomed to campus to get an in-person taste of life at Woodberry. The game illustrates the tight student-teacher relationship and the competitive environment surrounding the school.
Factors that Contributed to the Faculty Loss
A few factors contributed to the faculty's loss. Whether it was the absence of a few key players, failure to finish shots, or a lack of practice, the faculty had their hands full.
“We certainly didn’t shoot well, and there were a couple of moments where I thought we were impatient,” said Dean of Students Ryan Alexander. “Some might look at that as evidence that the faculty were a little overconfident.”
The faculty lacked their usual presence on the court. Football coach Jackson Matteo couldn’t play this year due to issues with his achilles. Gerry Wixted, a star basketball player at Dickinson College, also didn’t play, which prevented the faculty from gaining a serious advantage.
“The loss of [former Spanish teacher] Joe Nero was massive,” said Head Trainer Connor Jessop. Joe Nero was the basketball manager at Davidson College, yet he was skilled and knowledgeable on the court.
Despite the loss, the faculty praised the students' play.
Students Strengths
“They were patient. They moved the ball around, and they just shot better than us,” said Jessop.
“These guys were a good group of seniors. They were big, athletic, and their tempo was better,” said Alexander.
The Average Joe's all-star team consisted of only athletic and competitive guys. Their consistent practices and refinement of shooting helped them to finally beat the faculty.
Two “big” factors for the students’ victory were Nick Logan and Julius Davis.
“They had a lot of rebounds and scored a lot of points in the paint. That's the reason we won,” said Tommy McMillan, another key player on the students’ side. Julius and Nick posed a significant physical presence on the court, where the faculty usually has the advantage.
“I think it's because of our physical presence. We had the size to dominate the faculty. Nick and I have been playing since middle school, so we have a lot of chemistry on the court,” said Julius.
Players such as Mark Wamhoff, Kobie Beal, Will Leahy, and Tommy McMillan contributed to the team's success.
“Tommy’s ankle breaker on Truett Wason was definitely a highlight of the game. It really raised the team's morale,” said Julius.
Despite Nick and Julius’s phenomenal play, Tommy certainly had the highlights of the night. Tommy dropped Wason and was involved in a slight altercation with math teacher Mason Galanto.
“I got a rebound under the rim. Mr. Jessop was guarding me, so there's no chance I had the lay-up. So I was just sitting there, holding the ball, and then somebody grabbed the ball from behind me. I thought to myself, that's kind of weird. All of a sudden, I get picked up and dropped on the ground. I sat there on the ground, confused about what just happened,” said Tommy.
Galanto received a tech and sat out for the rest of the game. Although the situation may have lowered faculty morale, it significantly boosted the students' spirits.
Atmosphere
“I haven't seen energy like that at maybe any sporting event ever. It was an awesome environment,” said Jessop. Students and faculty agreed on the game environment.
“I have not seen a gym that invested in the game. I mean, that was insane. It felt like a state championship game,” said Julius.
Having the game during the invite-back weekend is intentional, as it gives prospective students a glimpse of the Woodberry atmosphere.
“Invite-back weekends are crucial weekends. For us, these prospects must have a great experience. And even if it means the faculty has to take one for the team, so be it,” said Alexander.
What the future holds
Looking forward, next year's game may be the most competitive one yet. Both students and faculty will be looking to maintain a record, so the competition will be fierce.
“I don’t enjoy losing to anyone, but losing to a group of students is extra frustrating,” said Jessop. The faculty still thinks about the loss, fueling the flame for next year's game. “I've lost sleep over the loss. I'm not afraid to admit it.”
The faculty has issued a word of warning for next year's student team. Two words are uttered from the faculty's mouth: be prepared.
“I think the biggest thing is not looking past the game, but I worry for the junior class. The giant has now been awoken,” said Alexander.
“There aren't many people that I would be concerned about. You can quote that. I don't think the junior class has what it takes,” said Jessop.
Despite the faculty's warnings, this year's students are hopeful for the next generation of Average Joes All-Stars. They believe the students can win again.
“You’re in better shape than the faculty, so use that to your advantage. It's a pace game; you have to take every shot,” said Julius.
“Work on your shot and practice with your guys, because that's what’s gonna win the game,” said Tommy.
— Reporting by Ryker Simpson ’26
Woodberry Forest School is an exceptional private school community for high school boys in grades nine through twelve. It is one of the top boarding schools in the United States and one of the only all-boys, all-boarding schools in the country.
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