Scripps 7th graders win huge one but Waldon dominates 8th grade

Written Friday January 15th, at 9:50 AM

Middle School Sports in Lake Orion is always spirited, and hard fought everywhere when it comes to sports and other competitions. Either your wearing the green and the black, the green and the gray, or the green and the green. There is always a part of you that wants to say that your the best Middle School in Lake Orion, and this year is no different between Scripps, Waldon, and Oakview.

In the rivalry that is Scripps vs Waldon, the long time middle school rivalry in Lake Orion, this rivalry has never changed when it comes to school spirit, and hard work everyday. New rivals are within, a Scripps alum now coaches at Waldon for shot-put but one thing has become apparent during the 2009-2010 school year, and that has been Scripps ruling the 7th grade in most sports, while Waldon has won the 8th grade in most sports.

Football this season both Scripps and Waldon had their fair shares of ups and downs. In 7th grade Scripps won over Waldon, however Waldon returned the favor and beat Scripps in the 8th grade game. In Basketball it has been no different, clearly in Lake Orion the best middle school team has been Waldon in 2009-2010. In the last few years Waldon has had some powerful teams, I don't know if this is Waldon's best team they had but this team is a good one. Scripps has also had some powerful teams, and players in the past like Drew Maynard, and also Oakview has as well has had some good talent on their basketball program. In women's basketball however the only Lake Orion team to make the tournament was Scripps made the final four of the inaugural Middle School Championship tournament between the towns of Lake Orion, Clarkston, and Pontiac, while Waldon did not make the final four.

Scripps and Waldon split the 7th grade battles with both teams winning at home in boys basketball while Waldon has dominated the 8th grade, and Thursday was no different as these two teams duked it out again.

In the 7th grade game Waldon (1-9) came out strong midway in the second quarter, by going on a 6-0 run to close the half. Waldon took a 11-5 lead heading to the half, but Scripps (1-9) got some three point shooting help, that resulted in a 9-0 run to end the third quarter, and go up 14-11 after three quarters. The fourth quarter, Scripps got a technical for having six men on the court, which resulting in Waldon making one of two free throws to cut the lead to two 14-12, and then tied the game at 16-16 with three minutes to go in the game. Scripps then went on and hit another huge three, sending the Scripps fans, parents, and cheerleaders into a state of excitement as Scripps took the lead 19-16 on their arch rival from the west. Waldon however had one last shot, but the three was too short, and the Scripps faithful celebrated. They beat Waldon for their first win of the season, as they have the bye heading into the Middle School tournament, while Waldon plays top seed Pontiac at Pontiac Middle School.

The 8th grade was dominated by Waldon (7-3) but the first quarter Scripps (1-9) had their chances but most of their shots weren't going in and were making some mistakes, but it was only a 7-3 Waldon lead heading to the second quarter. The second quarter was when Waldon's basketball team and their "White Out" fans got it going, Waldon then went on a 11-1 run to close out the second quarter, changing their four point lead into a 14 point lead, as they led 18-4 at halftime. Waldon did not let up against their rival from the east. They scored 21 of their final 39 points in the second half. The third quarter score was 21-8 Waldon, which didn't make it any better for Scripps Waldon went on to a 39-18 victory over Scripps on Scripps's home floor. Now both teams head to the tournament, where it's the tournament is a new season for all to begin with.

The atmosphere by going to both the basketball games at Scripps and Waldon and football game was completely awesome to be a part of. Both student sections are very spirited from Waldon's White-Out to Scripps Student Section. A lot of class, and a lot of respect by all. I can't wait to see how wrestling goes in boys, volleyball and cheerleading in girls, along with my season track when it gets underway in March, it's going to be a fun ride for the next few months for both these two schools, and also add Oakview to the mix, and you got a three way dance.

Next year the rivalry continues for the 7th graders as they enter 8th grade. However for the 8th graders you will be wearing the green, and white representing Lake Orion High School, and united as one to compete against the other schools that represent the Oakland Activities Association in 2011 as freshman. So let's enjoy the ride of Middle School athletics.