by Shawn Nowlin
Ask a Patrick Henry High graduate if they could one-up any high school in the Roanoke Valley and there’s a good chance the answer will be William Fleming… and vice versa as well.
Like NCAA competitors Duke and UNC, less than ten miles separate PH and Fleming. Given the geographical ties and history between the two schools, it should come as no surprise that bragging rights are always at stake anytime they are competing against each other, regardless of circumstance.
For months, people had their sharpies ready to circle Jan. 22 on their calendars to see the school’s varsity squads compete on the hardwood.
A back-and-forth contest in the first quarter, at halftime, Patrick Henry held a four-point lead. By the third quarter, the lead reached double digits. On both sides of the ball throughout the game, Dariyon Williams, Tavon Jumper and William Fowler did the heavy lifting.
One of the best athletes in the area, Williams used his height and strength to pull down several crucial rebounds in traffic.
To force overtime, Fleming had to overcome a 14-point deficit. Courtesy of a Zhiy Steelman three-point play, the Colonels cut the lead to seven in the second half at one point.
The double-overtime thriller came down to the free-throw line and consecutive defensive stops. Final score, 75-70, PH victory.
Three days after defeating their crosstown rivals, Patrick Henry routed Christiansburg High at home, 75-58.
Historically, both programs have won countless awards of note, produced several notable NCAA student-athletes and can claim at least one NBA player.
Since 1996, Jack Esworthy, also a science teacher, has served as head coach of the Patriots. With more than 400 victories under his belt, three years ago, he guided PH to a state title game appearance.
In June 2024, longtime Fleming coach Mickie Hardy called it a career after winning more than 300 games. In addition to the VHSL 2007 Class AA title, Hardy led Fleming to numerous regional and district titles.
For those wondering, Fleming still holds a decisive advantage over the last 11 games: Dec. 17, 2025 (42-41, Fleming), Jan. 23, 2025 (60-46, PH), Dec. 18, 2024 (50-47, Fleming), Jan. 10, 2024 (58-56, Fleming), Dec. 7, 2023 (74-60, Fleming), Jan. 18, 2023 (62-59, Fleming), Dec. 6, 2022 (57-55, Fleming), Jan. 26, 2022 (45-44, Fleming), Dec. 8, 2021 (56-44, Fleming), Jan. 22, 2021 (58-55, PH) and Jan. 19, 2020 (50-42, Fleming).
Fans will likely have to wait until winter before the Patrick Henry boys play Fleming again.
