Prep Insiders

Friday's Top Basketball Performers

2012-01-27T19:53:00.011-05:00

FRIDAY NIGHT'S BASKETBALL TOP PERFORMERS
Dorian Albritton, Davidson Day: 18 points, six rebounds in 66-62 win over North Hills Christian. Teammate Phillip Anglade had 16 points. Davidson Day (23-3) plays at Victory Christian Tuesday.
Mark Blackmon, West Charlotte: 27 points in come-from-behind win at Mooresville Friday. North Carolina coach Roy Williams was at the game.
Sharee’ Boyd, Hopewell girls: 19 points, eight rebounds, three steals, two assists in 53-43 win over Lake Norman Friday when she became the school’s all-time leading girls scorer. She had 15 points against Hough Tuesday.
Devonte Boykins, East Rutherford: Sophomore had 20 points, eight rebounds, three steals, two assists in a win over AC Reynodls Friday. He had 30 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, four steals and two blocks against Patton Tuesday.
Amanda Dobner, Hickory Grove girls: 19 points, 19 rebounds against Metrolina Christian
Javonte Douglas, Kennedy Charter: 21 points, 10 rebounds in 99-59 win over Walnut Grove. Teammate Donte' Clark had 19 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Douglas had 16 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and two assists against Grace Academy Tuesday.
Shannon Hines, R-S Central girls: 25 points in 67-52 win over Morganton Freedom.
Peter Jurkin, United Faith: 27 points and 15 rebounds in a 107-74 win over Gaston Day. Teammate Braxton Ogbueze had 26 points and four rebounds. Gaston Day's Keyshawn Woods finished with 37 points and 10 rebounds. He's the leading scorer in the Observer's coverage area.
Alexandra Mayo, Providence girls: 17 points, eight rebounds and two steals iin 47-44 win over Independence. Teammate Morgan Uptegraff finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals.
Shelton Mitchell, Cuthbertson: 20 points, eight assists, six steals and five rebounds against Monroe.
Tiffany Mitchell, Providence Day girls: South Carolina signee had 28 points, eight rebounds, seven steals and three assists in 59-32 win over Sweet 16 No. 5 Charlotte Christian Friday. Mitchell, whose team is ranked No. 6, had 25 points, 12 rebounds and four steals against Carolina Day Wednesday and 31 points, five rebounds, five steals and three assists against Charlotte Catholic Tuesday.
Diondre Pratt, Anson Senior: 33 points in win over Weddington.
Symphonie Richardson, Butler girls: 24 points, 15 rebounds in 56-47 win over East Mecklenburg. Tuesday against No. 1 Myers Park, she had 17 points and eight rebounds.
Shivaughn Wiggins, North Mecklenburg: 29 points, four rebounds, four assists in 79-61 win over Hough. Teammates Josh Stepoli (22 points, 8 rebounds) and Tahjai Watt (8 points, 10 rebounds) also had big games for the Vikings.

Charlotte Christian to host charity baseball camp Feb. 12

2012-01-26T14:52:00.001-05:00

Charlotte Christian’s “Sports That Serve” Baseball camp is Feb. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $75 and proceeds benefit Sports That Serve, a non-profit that seeks to use athletics to develop the character of America’s youth while raising funds for people living in poverty around the world.
This year’s speaker will be for North Carolina and Major League pitcher Dave Lemonds. Info? Visit sportsthatserve.org

Myers Park boys, Hough girls hit first place in conference with big wins Tuesday

2012-01-24T23:43:00.002-05:00

Myers Park stops East Meck in battle for first place in SW4A first place teams
Myers Park helped break a four-way tie for first place in the Southwestern 4A with a 60-52 win over East Mecklenburg.

The Mustangs (12-7, 7-2) won for the fourth straight time and kept up with South Meck (15-4, 7-2) and Butler (11-7, 7-2) in the league championship race. Patrick Wallace had 24 points for Myers Park and teammate Alex Garner finished with 15.

East Mecklenburg (11-7, 6-3) had a six-game win streak snapped, but the Eagles – who got 14 points from Miles Leathers Tuesday and 12 from Jaye Hunt – can get right back into the league championship race with a win at Butler Friday in another huge conference game.

Hough girls stop Hopewell, take over first place in I-Meck 4A

Hough’s girls held Hopewell to only six points in the first half and won 39-31 Tuesday night. The win put Hough (12-6, 8-1) alone in first place in the I-Meck 4A. Hopewell (12-6, 7-2) fell into a second place tie with Mallard Creek (14-3, 7-2).

Hough got 12 points each from Kelsey Dean and Julia Brown. Hopewell’s Sharee Boyd had a game-high 15 points.

Grace Academy girls player sets Meck County single game scoring record

2012-01-24T21:20:00.000-05:00

Tuesday night, against Kennedy Charter, Grace Academy's Greta Tamasauskaite had a girls high school game to remember.

She scored what's believed to be a Mecklenburg County record 57 points in an 83-57 win over Kennedy Charter. Her record-setting performance overshadowed a brilliant game from Kennedy Charter's Rajsha Blackmon.

Blackmon, the area's leading scorer (31.8 points per game) and No. 6 rebounder (11.8), had 37 points, eight rebounds, three rebounds and two assists.

Grace Academy took a 22-8 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, and Tamasauskaite set an unofficial record.

According to Charlotte Observer records, Providence Day's Konecka Drakeford held the record since 1991, when she scored 51 points in a win over rival Charlotte Christian. The N.C. record, according to N.C. High School Athletic Association records, is 61 by Shea Ralph of Fayetteville Sanford in 1995.

Tamasauskaite's performance ranks fourth in state history.

Below are reported girls state and county boys and girls records:

N.C. Girls Single Game Scoring Marks
61 Shea Ralph Terry Sanford vs. Person (regʼl) 1995 103-39
60 Tracie Taylor SW Onslow vs. Dixon 1987 83-76
60 Ann Ellis South Iredell 1977
57 Greta Tamasauskaite, Grace Academy vs. Kennedy Charter 2011
56 Nicori Sinclair South Robeson vs. St. Pauls 2009
55 Amy Simpson Morehead vs. Reidsville 1999 98-50
53 Wendy Palmer Person vs. Northern Durham 1991
52 Shea Ralph Terry Sanford vs. Person (regʼl) 1995
51 Konecka Drakeford Providencce Day vs. Charlotte Christian 1991
51 Vicki Inman Pisgah vs. Smoky Mountain 1991
51 Nakisha Stewart Bunn vs. Northern Vance 2002
50 Charlette Hargrove Pinecrest vs. Pine Forest 1992
50 Gloria Burks Beddingfield vs. Kinston 1982 79-50
50 Shayla Hodges Enloe vs. Southeast Raliegh 2008 73-81

MECKLENBURG COUNTY GIRLS SCORING RECORDS
57 Greta Tamasauskaite, Grace Academy (2011)
51 Konecka Drakeford, Providence Day (1991)
49 Andrea Stinson, North Mecklenburg (1987)

MECKLENBURG COUNTY BOYS SCORING RECORDS
Taylor Mokris, Providence Day, 53 (2001)
Jamie Skeen, North Meck, 52 (2005) 
Bray Pemberton, North Meck, 52 (2001)
Brandis Raley, Gaston Day (Charlotte native), 52 (2004) 
Chuck Wittman, Charlotte Catholic 47 (1993)

Tonight's High School Basketball Games

2012-01-24T09:50:00.000-05:00

North Mecklenburg at West Charlotte, tonight, 7:45 p.m.: West Charlotte (14-5, 6-2 I-Meck 4A) is the only N.C. team to beat North Meck (16-2, 7-1) this year. Another win and the Lions would be tied for first place and own a tiebreaker over the Vikings. It's a must-win for both teams.

Hopewell girls at Hough, tonight, 6:15 p.m.: Hopewell (11-6, 7-1 I-Meck 4A) and Hough (11-6, 7-1) are tied for first place in the conference, one game ahead of Mallard Creek (13-3, 6-2). Hough has won five straight games.

Myers Park at East Mecklenburg, tonight, 7:45 p.m.: Myers Park (11-7, 6-2) beat Butler (10-7, 6-2) Friday and created a four-way tie for first place in the Southwestern 4A conference. South Meck (14-4, 6-2) and East Meck (11-6, 6-2) are also in first place. East Meck is at Butler Friday.

Providence Day girls at Carolina Day, tonight, 6: Providence Day is the reigning 3A private school champ. Carolina Day is the reigning 2A champ.

Northwestern at Rock Hill wrestling, tonight, 5:30 p.m.: The arch rivals meet for the region championship. Also at the meet will be five-time N.C. state champion Winston-Salem Parkland.

Tonight's Mecklenburg County Basketball Schedule
Girls tip approx 6:15 p.m. followed by the boys unless listed
Charlotte Catholic at West Mecklenburg; Hopewell at Hough; Independence at Ardrey Kell; Mallard Creek at Lake Norman; Myers Park at East Mecklenburg; North Mecklenburg at West Charlotte; Olympic at East Gaston; Berry at Garinger; Rocky River at Butler; South Mecklenburg at Providence; Vance at Mooresville Senior; Charlotte Christian at Country Day; Cannon at Charlotte Latin; Hickory Grove at Covenant Day; Gaston Day at Davidson Day; Kennedy Charter at Grace Academy, 4:15 p.m.; Lake Norman Charter at Cherryville; Northside at Metrolina Christian; Providence Day at Carolina Day; SouthLake at Asheville School; United Faith at Hickory Christian

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/24/2953423/high-school-sports-gameday.html#storylink=cpy

Mecklenburg County Standings 01/23/2012

2012-01-23T16:03:00.000-05:00

Boys’ Standings

Southwestern 4A

    Conf    Overall
Butler    6-2    10-7
East Mecklenburg    6-2    11-6
Myers Park    6-2    11-7
South Mecklenburg    6-2    14-4
Rocky River    4-4    7-10
Ardrey Kell    2-6    6-12
Providence    2-6    3-12
Independence    0-8    1-17
I-Meck 4A

    Conf    Overall
North Mecklenburg    7-1    16-2
Mallard Creek    6-2    11-4
W. Charlotte    6-2    14-5
Mooresville    5-3    9-6
Vance    3-5    8-8
Hopewell    2-6    4-13
Lake Norman    2-6    9-6
Hough    1-7    6-12
ME-GA 7 3A/4A

    Conf    Overall
Olympic    6-0    18-0
Charlotte Catholic    6-1    15-3
Berry    5-3    14-4
Harding    4-3    15-3
East Gaston    3-4    8-9
West Mecklenburg    1-6    2-14
Garinger    0-7    2-16
CISAA

    Conf    Overall
Charlotte Christian    2-0    14-6
Charlotte Country Day    1-0    9-10
Charlotte Latin    1-1    11-7
Cannon    0-1    5-15
Providence Day    0-2    9-11

Girls’ Standings
Southwestern 4A

    Conf    Overall
Myers Park    8-0    18-0
Ardrey Kell    7-1    15-3
Butler    5-3    8-9
Independence    4-4    5-11
East Mecklenburg    3-5    5-12
Rocky River    3-5    7-9
Providence    2-6    4-13
South Mecklenburg    0-8    2-16
I-Meck 4A

    Conf    Overall
Hopewell    7-1    11-6
Hough    7-1    11-6
Mallard Creek    6-2    13-3
West Charlotte    4-4    7-7
North Mecklenburg    4-4    11-7
Lake Norman    2-6    8-7
Mooresville    1-7    3-10
Vance    1-7    4-12
ME-GA 7 3A/4A

    Conf    Overall
Berry    7-0    16-1
Harding    6-1    13-2
West Mecklenburg    4-3    9-5
Charlotte Catholic    4-3    9-8
Olympic    2-4    6-7
East Gaston    1-6    7-10
Garinger    0-7    0-12
CISAA

    Conf    Overall
Charlotte Christian    2-0    14-3
Providence Day    2-0    17-3
Charlotte Country Day    0-1    6-10
Cannon    0-1    5-15
Charlotte Latin    0-2    6-9

Mecklenburg County Standings

2012-01-16T15:10:00.000-05:00

Boys’ Standings
Southwestern 4A

    Conf    Overall
Butler    6-1    10-6
South Mecklenburg    5-2    13-4
East Mecklenburg    5-2    10-6
Myers Park    5-2    10-7
Rocky River    4-3    7-9
Ardrey Kell    1-5    5-11
Providence    1-5    2-11
Independence    0-7    0-15
I-Meck 4A

    Conf    Overall
North Mecklenburg    6-1    14-2
Mallard Creek    5-2    10-4
Mooresville    5-2    9-5
W. Charlotte    5-2    13-5
Vance    3-4    8-6
Hopewell    2-5    4-11
Lake Norman    1-5    8-5
Hough    0-6    3-11
ME-GA 7 3A/4A

    Conf    Overall
Olympic    6-0    17-0
Charlotte Catholic    5-1    12-3
Berry    3-3    12-4
East Gaston    3-3    8-8
Harding    3-3    14-3
West Mecklenburg    1-5    2-13
Garinger    0-6    2-14
CISAA

    Conf    Overall
Charlotte Christian    0-0    11-5
Charlotte Latin    0-0    9-6
Providence Day    0-0    9-8
Country Day    0-0    8-9
Cannon    0-0    5-13

Girls’ Standings
Southwestern 4A

    Conf    Overall
Myers Park    7-0    17-0
Ardrey Kell    6-1    14-3
Butler    5-2    8-8
Independence    3-4    4-11
East Mecklenburg    3-4    5-11
Rocky River    2-5    6-8
Providence    2-5    4-12
South Mecklenburg    0-7    2-15
I-Meck 4A

    Conf    Overall
Hopewell    6-1    10-6
Hough    6-1    10-6
Mallard Creek    5-2    12-3
West Charlotte    4-3    7-6
North Mecklenburg    3-4    9-7
Lake Norman    2-5    8-6
Mooresville    1-6    3-9
Vance    1-6    4-10
ME-GA 7 3A/4A

    Conf    Overall
Berry    6-0    13-1
Harding    5-1    12-2
West Mecklenburg    4-2    9-4
Charlotte Catholic    3-3    7-7
Olympic    2-4    6-7
East Gaston    1-5    7-9
Garinger    0-6    0-11
CISAA

    Conf    Overall
Cannon    0-0    4-14
Charlotte Christian    0-0    12-3
Charlotte Country Day    0-0    6-8
Charlotte Latin    0-0    5-7
Providence Day    0-0    14-2

Olympic's Allerik Freeman a special player delivering magical moments

2012-01-15T01:09:00.002-05:00

Friday night at sold-out Charlotte Catholic, Olympic's Allerik Freeman gave a complete demonstration of why he's one of the nation's top 10 boys' basketball players in the junior class.

Forget about the numbers but they were good: 23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals.

Friday night, during the Trojans' 83-66 win, it was all about the moments.

Whenever Catholic was making a push - and Catholic is a very good high school team that will challenge for a 3A state title - Freeman was there with a play. Sometimes it was a big rebound in traffic against taller players. Sometimes it was a steal, or moving a teammate to the right spot, or acting as though he would try for a block to force a Catholic player into an awkward shot attempt - and a miss.

But the biggest moment came with 5 minutes, 17 seconds left in the third quarter and Olympic ahead 37-36. Mark Pollack had just hit two free throws for the Cougars. The Trojans had blown a 36-21 lead and a chance to have an easy Friday night.

Catholic's crowd suddenly came back to life. You couldn't hear your neighbor if he was yelling at you.
Freeman? He gets the ball, about two arms' lengths from the front of the Catholic student section and pulls up on an emblem that's stuck on the Cougars' court about, say, 30 feet from the basket. We're talking well beyond NBA 3-point range.

The shot is pretty. The shot is perfect. And it sparks an 8-0 Olympic spurt that essentially puts the game away.

Freeman did a lot of magical things Friday, a 6-foot-3 guard dominating a game that had about 10 guys who will play a pretty high level of college basketball.

None was better than that.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/14/2926363/olympic-junior-freeman-a-special.html#storylink=cpy

Butler goes 3OT to beat rival Independence

2012-01-13T23:24:00.001-05:00

It took three overtimes, but Butler finally beat arch rival Independence 104-93 Friday.

The Bulldogs outscored Independence 20-9 in the third OT to win.

Butler junior Riley Ferguson had 27 points and his brother, Zach, a senior, had 17. Independence got 26 points from Tayon Gleaves.

A few changes, one new team in Sweet 16 basketball poll this week

2012-01-09T16:32:00.000-05:00

There’s some minor changes in the Charlotte Observer boys and girls Sweet 16 basketball polls this week, but not much at the top.

Olympic and Northside Christian are still unbeaten and 1-2 in the boys poll.

Unbeaten Myers Park and private school power Providence Day are still 1-2 in the girls poll.

Only one new team joined this week. Harding’s girls are No. 16. The Rams have won 11 straight since losing their opener 62-53 to No. 8 Ardrey Kell. Harding plays No. 5 Berry on the road Friday in one of the biggest girls games of the year.

Boys
Rk.    School    Rec.    Prvs.
1.    Olympic (4A)    15-0    1
2.    Northside Christian (IND)    14-0    2
3.    Concord (3A)    12-0    3
4.     Lancaster (4A)    14-1    7
5.    North Mecklenburg (4A)    12-2    8
6.     Freedom (3A)    14-1    9
7.     Berry (3A)    12-2    4
8.     Harding (3A)    11-3    5
9.    South Mecklenburg (4A)    12-3    12
10.     Charlotte Christian (IND)    10-3    14
11.    Mooresville (4A)    8-4    16
12.    West Charlotte (4A)    11-5    6
13,    South Point (3A)    10-1    13
14.    Cuthbertson (2A)    12-1    10
15.    North Rowan (1A)    10-2    15
16.    East Rutherford (2A)    11-2    11

Dropped out: None. On the bubble: Butler (4A, 9-5); Charlotte Catholic (3A, 12-2); Hickory (3A, 13-2); Mallard Creek (4A, 9-3); Robinson (3A, 9-1); Statesville (3A, 10-3); Sun Valley (4A, 11-4)
Girls
Rk.    School    Rec.    Prvs.
1.    Myers Park (4A)    15-0    3
2.    Providence Day (IND)    14-2    1
3.    Charlotte Christian (IND)    9-2    5
4.    Porter Ridge (4A)    13-0    4
5.    Berry (3A)    13-1    6
6.    Mallard Creek (4A)    11-2    3
7.    Hickory (3A)    14-1    7
8.    Ardrey Kell (4A)    12-3    8
9.    Salisbury (2A)    11-2    9
10.    Rock Hill Northwestern (4A)    12-1    10
11.    Bandys (2A)    12-0    11
12.    R-S Central (3A)    13-1    12
13.    Carson (3A)    14-1    13
14.    Newton-Conover (2A)    10-3    14
15.    Forestview (3A)    12-2    16
16.    Harding (3A)    11-1    NR

Dropped out: Freedom (4A, 11-5). On the bubble: Forest Hills (2A, 7-3); North Iredell (3A, 9-3); North Stanly (2A, 13-0)
Note: To be ranked in the Observer’s Sweet 16, a team must be in the newspaper’s coverage area, must field football and basketball teams and not allow a student-athlete to re-class once they’ve started ninth grade. For a detailed look inside the poll, including the criteria used to compile it, visit this link: http://bit.ly/prNoYM

Mallard Creek's D.J. Humphries named national offensive linemen of the year

2012-01-07T11:51:00.000-05:00

Mallard Creek football All-American D.J. Humphries has been named the top offensive lineman in the country.

Humphries is in San Antonio today to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He is a Florida recruit. You can watch Humphries and several other area stars in today's game at 1 p.m. on WCNC, Channel 36.

Below is the U.S. Army news release:

U.S. ARMY ALL-AMERICAN BOWL SELECTS
2012 ANTHONY MUÑOZ LINEMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER

D.J. Humphries Named Top Prep Lineman in the Country

(SAN ANTONIO) Jan. 6, 2012 - The U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee today announced D.J. Humphries (Mallard Creek High School, Charlotte, N.C.) as the winner of the prestigious Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year award, given to the top prep lineman in the country. The 6'6", 280-pound offensive lineman led Mallard Creek to a 13-1 record and an appearance in the North Carolina 4AA Semifinals while helping the offense to nearly 48 points per game.

"D.J. showcases not only the kind of strengths found in every Army Strong Soldier, but he also demonstrates the traits that are the hallmark of Anthony Muñoz," said John Myers, Director of Strategic Communications, Marketing and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. "Anthony Muñoz was a leader to his teammates on the field, possessing the mental, emotional and physical strengths that powered his collegiate and NFL careers."

"Humphries is one of the most athletic offensive tackles to come around in years. He has a great frame to fill out, uses his long arms and quick feet effectively in pass protection and is powerful and aggressive in the run game. He is just starting to scratch the surface of his ability. His potential is unlimited," said Mike Farrell, Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst.

Muñoz is regarded by many as the top offensive lineman in professional football history and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame after playing 12 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was honored by being named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and to the NFL's 1980s All-Decade Team. In college, Muñoz starred at the University of Southern California where he was a two-time All-American in 1978-79.

The 2011 Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year award recipient was U.S. Army All-American Ray Drew of Thomasville, Ga., who currently plays for the Georgia Bulldogs. The 2010 recipient was Seantrel Henderson from St. Paul, Minn., who is currently the starting right tackle for the Miami Hurricanes.

Friday's top performers

2012-01-07T00:56:00.002-05:00

Zach Ferguson, Butler: 23 points in Friday's 65-56 win over Providence. Butler (9-5, 5-0 Southwestern 4A) won its third straight game. Ferguson got a basketball college scholarship offer from Virginia Military Institute after the game.

Jessica Gaston, West Charlotte girls: 17 rebounds in 42-37 win over Lake Norman. Teammates Gabrielle McClain (14 points, seven rebounds, four steals) and Rachel Porter (15 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals) also had strong games.

Keousha Griffin, Harding girls: 12 points, 15 rebounds in 65-22 win over Olympic.

Nicole Graham, Mallard Creek girls: 24 points in 61-52 win over Hopewell.

Jarvis Haywood, Harding: 26 points in 63-62 loss to Olympic.

Miles Leathers, East Mecklenburg: 12 points in a 54-36 win over Ardrey Kell. Leathers and East Meck's defense limited Ardrey Kell to 13 points in the second half and just four in the fourth quarter.

Shelton Mitchell, Cuthbertson: 35 points in 84-53 win over Monroe Central.

Braxton Ogbueze, United Faith: Florida recruit had 27 points, two rebounds and two assists in 70-50 win over North Hills Christian. Indiana recruit Peter Jurkin had 11 points and eight rebounds.

Symphonie Richardson, Butler girls: 25 points in 60-49 win over Providence. Providence's Morgan Uptegraff had 17 points, two rebounds and two assists.

Ciera Rucker, Queens Grant Charter girls: 15 points, five steals, three rebounds, three assists in 46-24 win over Covenant Classical.

Goddess Steele, First Assembly girls: 20 points, six steals, four assists in 66-29 win over Gaston Christian.

Andrew Wheet, First Assembly: 36 points in 80-65 win over Gaston Christian.

Mike Bradley resigns as North Mecklenburg football coach

2012-01-04T21:37:00.000-05:00

After three years as head football coach at North Mecklenburg High, Mike Bradley has resigned. He plans to retire from teaching and coaching.

Bradley's teams were 10-24 in his three seasons. He has more than 30 years teaching and coaching experience.

North Mecklenburg athletics director Kevin Wilson said the coaching vacancy will be posted immediately at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' website and will be tied to a teaching position.

Tuesday's Night's Standout Performers

2012-01-04T00:13:00.001-05:00

Elevator
Up: Rajsha Blackmon, Kennedy Charter girls: The area’s leading scorer (28 points per game) also averages nearly 10 rebounds a game. Blackmon, a junior, had 46 points, 15 rebounds, five steals and an assist in 60-48 loss to Caldwell Academy during the SouthLake Christmas Classic.
Up: First Assembly girls defense: Held Northside Christian scoreless in first quarter of a 59-19 win Tuesday.
Up: North Mecklenburg girls: Huge upset of Sweet 16 No. 3 Mallard Creek Tuesday. Vikings led 19-9 after first quarter of 57-51 win.
Up: Charlotte Catholic: Upset of No. 5 Harding ended Rams’ three-game win streak and dropped Harding (11-2, 1-2) to under .500 in the ME-GA 7 with huge game with No. 1 Olympic coming at home Friday. Catholic’s Robert Champion had 27 points. Jarvis Haywood had 27 for Harding.

Tuesday’s Basketball Stars
Kelly Beasley, North Mecklenburg girls: Career-high 18 points, four rebounds in big 57-51 win over No. 3 Mallard Creek (10-2, 3-1 I-Meck 4A). Teammate Jasmine Cash had her first career double-double -- 10 points and 11 rebounds. North Meck (7-6, 1-3) got its second win in a row and its first conference win.
Keith Davis, Garinger: 24 points in 55-54 loss to East Gaston
Zach Ferguson, Butler: 24 points, 14 rebounds, three steals, three assists in 62-47 win over Ardrey Kell.
Diamond Foggie, Vance girls: 28 points, six rebounds, three assists in 65-60 overtime win over Lake Norman. Vance (3-8, 1-2 I-Meck 4A) ended a five-game losing streak.
Matthew Godley, Cannon: 32 points in 82-78 win over Victory Christian.
Kendall Knorr, Concord: 23 points in 69-45 win over Cox Mill for Spiders (11-0), No. 3 in the Observer’s Sweet 16. Teammate Darren Black had 17.
Brody Koerner, Robinson: 22 points, 10 rebounds in 89-55 win over Central Cabarrus. Teammate Elijah Hampton went for 19 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and four assists.
Bri Mack, SouthLake Christian girls: 27 points, 18 rebounds, four blocks in 73-64 win over Metrolina Christian. Teammate Kourtney Hailey had 25 points, six assists and four steals for SouthLake (9-5).
Raphael Montgomery, Mooresville: sophomore had 20 points, 10 rebounds in 70-55 win over Hopewell.
Christelle Shembo, Ardrey Kell girls: 18 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, three assists in 60-37 win over Butler. The Knights (10-3), No. 8 in the Sweet 16, held Butler to just 14 points in the first half. Jaymee Fisher-Davis had 20 for the Bulldogs.
Brittany Smith, Myers Park girls: 19 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 84-36 win over Providence. Smith made 3-of-4 3-point shots. She also had five assists. Teammate Roddreka Rogers had 14 points for the Mustangs (14-0), No. 1 in the Observer’s Sweet 16 poll.
Shivaughn Wiggins, North Mecklenburg: 26 points, four rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks in 66-44 win over Mallard Creek.

Olympic's boys, Myers Park's girls sit atop Observer Sweet 16 basketball polls

2012-01-02T17:26:00.001-05:00

After a few weeks off, the Observer’s Sweet 16 basketball poll returns with a lot of changes -- and a lot of potential teams.

Olympic, still unbeaten, remains at No. 1, just ahead of two more unbeatens -- Northside Christian and Concord. Three new teams are in this: South Mecklenburg, which won a Christmas tournament in Rock Hill, South Point, which won a Christmas tournament in Cherryville, and North Rowan, which won a Christmas tournament in its home county.

There are eight teams “on the bubble,” just waiting to get into a tightly packed poll.

-- On the girls side, Myers Park moves into the top spot.

Former No. 1 Providence Day dropped to No. 2 and unbeaten Porter Ridge, unranked in the last poll, zoomed all the way to No. 4. Another team making a big move was 2010 N.C. 4A Western regional finalist Mallard Creek. The Mavericks moved from No. 13 to No. 3.

Boys Sweet 16
Rk.    School    Rec.    Prvs.
1.    Olympic (4A)    13-0    1
2.    Northside Christian (IND)    12-0    2
3.    Concord (3A)    10-0    4
4.     Berry (3A)    12-1    8
5.    Harding (3A)    11-1    11
6.     West Charlotte (4A)    10-4    3
7.     Lancaster, SC (4A)    9-1    5
8.     North Mecklenburg (4A)    10-2    10
9.    Freedom (3A)    13-1    7
10.     Cuthbertson (2A)    11-0    13
11.    East Rutherford (2A)    10-1    16
12.    South Mecklenburg (4A)    10-3    NR
13,    South Point (3A)    8-1    NR
14.    Charlotte Christian (IND)    9-3    9
15.    North Rowan (1A)    9-2    NR
16.    Mooresville (4A)    5-4    6
Dropped out: Sun Valley (4A, 9-4); Salisbury (2A, record NA); Weddington (3A, 8-5) On The Bubble: Anson Sr. (3A, 7-2); Ashbrook (3A, 10-2); Butler (4A, 7-5); Charlotte Catholic (3A, 9-2); East Burke (3A, 7-3); Hickory (3A, 11-2); Mallard Creek (4A, 8-2); Robinson (3A, 6-1);
Girls Sweet 16
Rk.    School    Rec.    Prvs.
1.    Myers Park (4A)    13-0    3
2.    Providence Day (IND)    11-2    1
3.    Mallard Creek (4A)    10-1    13
4.    Porter Ridge (4A)    11-0    NR
5.    Charlotte Christian (IND)    8-2    2
6.    Berry (3A)    11-1    15
7.    Hickory (3A)    12-1    5
8.    Ardrey Kell (4A)    10-3    4
9.    Salisbury (2A)    11-2    7
10.    Rock Hill Northwestern (4A)    10-1    NR
11.    Bandys (2A)    10-0    12
12.    R-S Central (3A)    11-1    NR
13.    Carson (3A)    11-1    NR
14.    Newton-Conover (2A)    9-3    8
15.    Freedom (3A)    10-4    11
16.    Forestview (3A)    10-2    10
Dropped out: Concord (3A, 3-5); Hopewell (4A, 7-5); North Iredell (3A, 8-3); South Point (3A, 5-4). On The Bubble: Forest Hills (2A, 7-3); North Stanly (2A, 10-0); Weddington (3A, 8-4)
Note: To be ranked in the Observer’s Sweet 16, a team must be in the newspaper’s coverage area, must field football and basketball teams and not allow a student-athlete to re-class once they’ve started ninth grade. For a detailed look inside the poll, including the criteria used to compile it, visit this link: http://bit.ly/prNoYM

The (old) Bojangles' Shootout is back (or the Hardwood Classic just got good)

2011-12-29T00:25:00.000-05:00

Wednesday night, during the boys semifinals in the first Hardwood Classic, the magic came back to Bojangles' Coliseum.

After two down years, when the event was still called the Bojangles' Shootout, the popular Christmas tournament, once called the best post-Christmas tournament in the nation by a major national news publication, started looking like its old self.

The crowd was large. The place was loud. The games, between Northside Christian and Kennedy Charter then Mooresville and Davidson Day, were high-level, nail-biting affairs that came down to the final possessions. I couldn't hear myself talk to my neighbor or hear my iPhone ring.

As we head to tonight's championship finals, there are three really good games to look forward to on the final night: the Davidson Day-Kennedy Charter third place boys game at 5:10 p.m. will be as good as most any championship game you'll find in any holiday tournament in the Carolinas.

Kennedy Charter has at least six future Division I players, including the best player at the event, 6-5 junior guard Donte' Clark. Davidson Day has about five, including the quickest player at the tournament, 5-11 senior guard Rashun Davis.

The Kennedy-Davidson game will be fast paced and fun.

The girls championship game at 6:50 will match defending tournament champion Berry and Ardrey Kell, and both teams could reach regional or state championship games -- Berry in 3A and Ardrey Kell in 4A.

Then the 8:30 boys championship between Northside Christian and Mooresville will match a great team (reigning champion Northside) against a solid Mooresville team led by one of the best players at the event: senior guard Shawn Lester. Northside is No. 2 in the Observer's Sweet 16 poll. Mooresville is No. 6.

Lester, a 6-3 guard signed to Charlotte, has put on two amazing performances at this event and 49ers fans probably should come check him out Thursday. I'm guessing they'll like what they see.

Lester had 26 points in the semifinals and blocked a point blank layup by a center with 25 seconds left to prevent Davidson Day from tying the game. Then with 13 seconds left, he sealed the game with a pair of free throws to give his team a four-point lead.

It was nice to see the tournament get its teeth back Wednesday night. Let's hope it continues on the most important night Thursday: title night.

Live from Wednesday's Hardwood Classic at Bojangles' Coliseum

2011-12-28T11:17:00.007-05:00

Get live score updates by clicking this link for twitter.com/langstonwertzjr

See coverage from Tuesday, including a look at Kennedy Charter and Mooresville's win over Ardrey Kell by clicking here

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSIDE WEDNESDAY'S HARDWOOD CLASSIC TOURNAMENT

Today's Boys Semifinals: Northside 83, Kennedy Charter 79 (OT); Mooresville 57, Davidson Day 55.
Today's Boys Consolations: Forestview 55, Queens Grant 40; Ardrey Kell 60, First Assembly 57
Thursday's Boys Championship: Kennedy Charter vs. Mooresville, 8:30 p.m.
Thursday's Boys Third Place Game: Kennedy Charter vs. Davidson Day, 5:10 p.m.
Thursday's Boys Fifth Place Game: Forestview vs. Ardrey Kell, 1:50 p.m.
Thursday's Boys Seventh Place Game: Queens Grant vs. First Assembly, 10:40 a.m.

Today's Girls Semifinals: Berry 47, Hickory Ridge 43; Forestview vs. Ardrey, 5:10 p.m.
Today's Girls Consolations: Anson County 48, Queens Grant 21; Hough 56, Covenant Day 18
Thursday's Girls Championship: Berry vs. Forestview/Ardrey Kell, 6:50 p.m.
Thursday's Girls Third Place: Hickory Ridge vs. Forestview/Ardrey Kell, 3:30 p.m.
Thursday's Girls Fifth Place: Anson County vs. Hough, 12:10 p.m.
Thursday's Girls Seventh Place: Queens Grant vs. Covenant Day, 9 a.m.

BOYS ROUNDUP
Forestview 55, Queens Grant 40: At halftime, Forestview trailed 24-21, but the Jaguars turned it around in the second half, forcing Queens Grant into 19 percent shooting and outscoring Queens Grant 34-16. Calvin Johnson had 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals for Forestview, which has won four of its last five games. Teammate Devante Machins had 10 oints, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Queens Grant got 12 points and 10 rebounds from Kriston Beasley.
Forestview 12 9 13 21 -- 55
Queens Grant 13 11 7 9 -- 40
FORESTVIEW 55 -- Adams 9, Clyburn 2, Calvin Johnson 15, Devante Machins 10, Nichols 8, Wallace 7, Guffey 4
QUEENS GRANT 40 -- Lee 4, Trey Brown 14, Kriston Beasley 12, Singletary 2, Johnson 2, Lester 6

Ardrey Kell 60, First Assembly 57: The Knights rallied to win with a 23-11 push in the fourth quarter after trailing 36-24 at halftime. Ardrey Kell limited First Assembly to 28.6 percent shooting in the second half after First Assembly shot 52 percent in the first half. Ardrey Kell was led by Tate Small (16 points, 7 rebounds) and Elvis Kisonas (14 points). Nate Cantadore had 19 for First Assembly.
First Assembly 17 19 10 11 -- 57
Ardrey Kell 15 9 13 23 -- 60
FIRST ASSEMBLY 57 -- Allison 2, Andrew Wheet 14, Nate Cantadore 19, Williams 8, Will Nork 14
ARDREY KELL 60 -- Sellers 4, Barclift 2, Tate Small 16, Copper 5, Elvis Kisonas 14, Santa-Ana 9, Scott 8, Cooper 2

GIRLS ROUNDUP
Anson County Girls 48, Queens Grant 21: Anson jumped out to a 22-2 lead in the consolation game Wednesday and lead 29-10 at halftime. Anson outrebounded Queens Grant 41-27, forced 34 Queens Grant turnovers and held Queens Grant to just 30 percent shooting. Keyara McKnight (13 points, 8 rebounds), Jillian Murray (10 points, 4 steals) and Jaida Robinson (8 points, 13 rebounds) led the Bearcats, who will play in Thursday's fifth place game.
Anson 22 7 13 6 -- 48
Queens Grant 2 8 6 5 -- 21
ANSON 48 -- Keyara McKnight 13, Anderson 2, Jillian Murray 10, Robinson 8, Little 8, McRae 3, Rivers 4
QUEENS GRANT 21 - Graves 6, Siamos 3, Staton 4, Clifton 8

Hough 56, Covenant Day 18: Hough held Covenant Day scoreless in the first quarter and to only two points in the third. Covenant Day shot 11 percent for the game. Hough, which will play Anson Senior in Thursday's fifth place game, was led by Kelsey Dean (11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals), Anna Diggs (11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists) and Brandi Arey (10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals). Covenant Day's Anna Melton had 3 blocks.
Covenant Day 0 11 2 5 -- 18
Hough 13 12 16 15 -- 56
COVENANT DAY 18 -- Melton 6, Brace 2, Manns 3, Hite 2, Mosteller 5
HOUGH 56 -- DeMarcus 2, Anna Diggs 11, Brandi Arey 10, Kelsey Dean 11, Brown 4, Carroll 4, Montgomery 4, Cowie 4, Fisher 5, Williams 1

Berry 47, Hickory Ridge 43: Berry reached its second straight championship game after winning the Bojangles' Shootout last year. The tournament has changed names, but the Cardinals are back in the finals after an overtime win over Hickory Ridge. Berry's Essence Baucom had 18 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals in the win. Hickory Ridge's Jordan Strode had 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 blocks.
Berry 8 9 11 12 7 -- 47
Hickory Ridge 12 10 5 13 3 -- 43
BERRY 47 -- Essence Baucom 18, Imani Parr 10, Brown 2, Quinn 6, Marcus 6, Johnson 2, Shorter 3
HICKORY RIDGE 43 -- Evans 3, Kiana Davis 13, Jenna Cachine 10, Jordan Strode 17

Live from Tuesday's Hardwood Classic at Bojangle's Coliseum

2011-12-27T13:53:00.006-05:00

Get live game scores by clicking here for twitter.com/langstonwertzjr

Tuesday's Boys Scores: Kennedy Charter 97, Queens Grant 63; Northside 64, Forestview 44; Mooresville vs. Ardrey Kell, 6:50 p.m.; First Assembly vs. Davidson Day, 8:30 p.m.
Boys Semifinal Pairings Wednesday: Kennedy Charter vs. Northside, 6:50 p.m.; Mooresville/Ardrey Kell vs. First Assembly/Davidson Day, 8:30 pm.
Boys Consolation Pairings Wednesday: Queens Grant vs. Forestview, 10:40 a.m.; Mooresville/Ardrey Kell vs. First Assembly/Davidson Day, 1:50 p.m.

Tuesday's Girls Scores: Hickory Ridge 55, Queens Grant 39; Berry 44, Anson 42; Forestview 43, Hough 41; Ardrey Kell 63, Covenant Day 30.
Girls Semifinal Pairings Wednesday: Hickory Ridge vs. Berry, 3:30 p.m.; Forestview vs. Ardrey, 5:10 p.m.
Girls Consolation Pairings Wednesday: Queens Grant vs. Anson County, 9 a.m.; Hough vs. Covenant Day, 12:10 p.m.

BOYS GAMES ROUNDUP
Kennedy Charter 97, Queens Grant 63: Unbeaten Kennedy Charter started slow against Queens Grant, slowed down by the Queens Grant zone defense, but the Eagles pulled away behind 17 points each from Donte' Clark, J.J. Douglas and Shaquille Cherry.

Queens Grant got 18 points each from Kriston Beasley and Trey Brown.

Northside Christian 64, Forestview 44: Northside gave up 22 points in the second quarter and led only by 3 in the first half as Forestview rallied from a 15-point early deficit, but in the second half, Northside's defense caused Forestview all kinds of problems. The Jaguars scored only 15 points and shot 32 percent.

Northside got 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists from Lawrence Cooks and 16 points, 4 steals and 3 assists from Davon Bell. Forestview's Sean Spencer had 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals.

GIRLS GAMES ROUNDUP
Hickory Ridge 55, Queens Grant 39: Hickory Ridge's defense held Queens Grant to single digit scoring in three of four quarters in a relatively easy win. Hickory Ridge led 33-13 at halftime and was led by 24 points and 8 rebounds from Kiana Davis and 19 points and 11 rebounds from Jordan Strode.

Queens Grant got 13 points and four rebounds from Crystal Siamos.

Berry 44, Anson Senior 42: Berry rallied to gain a late edge, helped along with a technical foul on Anson for calling a timeout when the Bearcats had none. Still Anson had a chance to tie the game with 0.04 seconds left, but Bearcats guard Jillian Murray missed her first free throw. She missed the second intentionally but Berry got the rebound.

Berry got 17 points, 9 assists and 4 rebounds from guard Essence Baucom, plus 12 points and 11 rebounds from Jessica Marcus. Anson's Murray had 15 points, 9 steals and 5 rebounds.

Gastonia Forestview 43, Hough 41: Forestview's Bre Armstrong hit a driving layup with less than five seconds left to lift her team to the win. Hough had a chance to tie but turned it over on its final possession. Armstrong finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. Julia Brown led Hough with 18 points and 18 rebounds.

Ardrey Kell 63, Covenant Day 30: Ardrey Kell held Covenant Day to 23 percent shooting in an easy first round win. Wake Forest recruit Christelle Shembo had 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 steals.

Could UNC Charlotte host NC High School championship games?

2011-12-26T21:39:00.000-05:00

Recently, I started thinking about how good it would be for the annual Shrine Bowl football game, played between the best high school seniors in the Carolinas, to come back to Charlotte. The game should be played at UNC Charlotte. You can read more about that here.

But the possibility of using UNC Charlotte's upcoming 15,000 seat facility to host the prep all-star football game got me to thinking:

It would also be great to use it to host a N.C. state championship football game or two. Currently, the N.C. High School Athletic Association holds its championship games at Wake Forest, North Carolina and N.C. State.

Those three venues split eight championship games.

Adding Charlotte to the mix would allow each venue to host two games, and Charlotte is probably the most "right sized" venue of the quartet. The others swallow up the crowd, and coming to UNC Charlotte's campus would add a more western site to the mix, where most title games in all sports are held up east, near Raleigh-Durham.

And Charlotte would be great for basketball, too. The 9,000 seat Halton Arena is just perfect for the state championship basketball games. Currently, they're at the Dean Smith Center and Reynolds Coliseum. Smith Center is huge, but nice, and Reynolds is more the right size. Charlotte is the right size and the 49ers fans love basketball; and of course, the 49ers athletics staff probably wouldn't be too upset about the prospect of some of the state's top players coming to play on their campus and some of the state's best players coming to watch the games in their pretty facility.

Hardwood Classic Christmas Tournament tips Tuesday, with promise

2011-12-25T20:53:00.001-05:00

The first Hardwood Classic Christmas Tournament this week could be special.

The game takes over the date and site at Bojangles' Coliseum where the old Bojangles' Shootout had been held in recent years. The tournament runs Tuesday through Thursday.

The Charlotte Sports Commission, which is putting on the tournament, is also trying to breathe new life into the event by putting together the strongest field in three years, at least on the boys side.
The boys tournament should be fun to watch with Sweet 16 No. 2 Northside Christian and No. 6 Mooresville in the field along with private school power Davidson Day and new area power Kennedy Charter Public School.

In fact, all four of those teams could meet in the semifinals, including a Northside-Kennedy Charter meeting that could stand as the biggest Mecklenburg County game of the year so far.
Both teams are unbeaten, stocked with a plethora of college recruits and two of the area's top coaches in Northside Christian's Byron Dinkins and Kennedy Charter's Ed Addie.

One small change I hope organizers will consider for this or future events. In recent years, having back-to-back girls games in the 3:30 p.m. and 5:10 p.m. time slots has caused the event to lose momentum. I'd move the two girls games back one timeslot each day to avoid this.

Other than that, I think the Mecklenburg County Christmas tournament is back.

Looking forward to it.

Tickets to the Hardwood Classic are $12 for adults and $6 for children and students under 18 with valid ID. Children under 3 get in free. Parking is also included in the ticket price.

Day One Schedule, Tuesday, Dec. 27: Queens Grant girls vs. Hickory Ridge, 9 a.m.; Queens Grant vs. Kennedy Charter, 10:40 a.m.; Anson Senior girls vs. Berry, 12:10 p.m.; Northside Christian vs. Forestview, 1:50 p.m.; Hough girls vs. Forestview, 3:30 p.m.; Covenant Day girls vs. Ardrey Kell, 5:10 p.m.; Mooresville vs. Ardrey Kell, 6:50 p.m.; First Assembly vs. Davidson Day, 8:30 p.m.

Shrine Bowl airs on ESPNU Saturday

2011-12-23T19:52:00.001-05:00

ESPNU TO TELEVISE SHRINE BOWL OF THE CAROLINAS GAME PRESENTED BY BI-LO

SPARTANBURG, SC – This past Saturday, December 17 was the 75th Anniversary of the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. This year’s game was one of the best in recent memory. Fans who were unable to attend can still watch the all-star match-up. ESPNU will air three (3) tape delayed telecasts of the December 17th game. The first showing
will be on Saturday, December 24, 2011, at 8:00 PM EST.

The announcement marks the 4th year of the agreement between ESPNU and the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. The deal originated in 2008 under the guidance of Scholastic Sports Marketing, a sports marketing firm based in Charlotte, NC that serves as the game’s official marketing arm. The game will air two (2) additional times on
Monday, December 26 at 3:00 AM EST and Wednesday, January11, 2012, at 8:00 AM EST. ESPNU is now
available in 73 million homes nationwide.

For the first time, the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas was streamed live on ESPN3. Fans can watch the all-star game for a limited time as the game is archived on-line at www.espn3.com.

“There is no other network that offers amateur premier sports content like ESPNU and to have our game front and center is special. Thanks to ESPNU and ESPN3, the Shriners Hospitals, all 88 student-athletes selected for this
year’s game will experience the thrill of playing on the big stage,” Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas Chairman of the Board, Billy Benfield said.

This year was the 75th playing of the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, the oldest prep football all star game in America.

The annual classic, established in 1937, pitted the top 44 high school football players from North Carolina against the top 44 from the state of South Carolina. The game was played at Gibbs Stadium on the campus of Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina on Saturday, December 17. Event proceeds benefit the Shriners Hospitals
for Children.

N.C. Associated Press All-State team announced

2011-12-20T19:04:00.000-05:00

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – State champion Havelock and finalist Shelby Crest each placed two players on The Associated Press all-state prep football team for 2011 in North Carolina.

Havelock receiver Pharoh Cooper and versatile threat Zach LaHaie led their school to the Class 3-A championship and an unbeaten season, while Crest defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard and defensive back Rhaheim Ledbetter – a Florida recruit – made the team after helping their school reach the 3-AA final. They were the only schools to have multiple AP all-state picks on the 27-player squad in voting results released Tuesday.

Two others players – Greensboro Page quarterback James Summers and Tarboro running back Todd Gurley II – also made the team after leading their schools to state championships. Summers is a North Carolina State recruit.

Charlotte Mallard Creek offensive lineman and Florida recruit D.J. Humphries was a unanimous pick on all 16 ballots from sports writers across the state to make the team for the second straight season. Western Guilford offensive lineman Brock Stadnik, a South Carolina recruit, also made the team for the second straight year.

Joining Summers and Gurley in the offensive backfield was Raleigh Millbrook running back and Georgia recruit Keith Marshall, while East Chapel Hill's Alex Moore and Western Alamance's B.J. Bunn joined Cooper at receiver. Charlotte Catholic's Mark Harrell (Notre Dame recruit), South Mecklenburg's Casey Blaser (Duke recruit) and Davie County's Cole Blankenship joined Humphries and Stadnik on the offensive line, while South Granville's Matthew Fuhr made the team at tight end.

Durham Hillside lineman Jamal Marcus had 14 votes to lead the all-state defense, joining Bullard, Forest City Chase's Carlos Watkins and West Forsyth's Alex McCalister in the front four.

Charlotte Vance's Larenz Bryant, Charlotte Berry's Nick Dawson and Matthews Butler's Peter Kalambayi made the team at linebacker.

In the secondary, Morganton Freedom's Marcus Kincaid, Hope Mills South View's B.J. Fields and Indian Trail Porter Ridge's Chris Duffy joined Ledbetter on the team.

For special teams, Charlotte Latin's Paul Griggs was voted in at place-kicker, Northwest Cabarrus' Bradley Pinion (Clemson recruit) was selected at punter and Greenville Rose's Marquis Gorham made the team as a kick returner.

2011 AP all-state prep football team for NC By The Associated Press
The voting breakdown for the 2011 Associated Press all-state prep football team for North Carolina, as cast by a 16 statewide media members in voting results released Tuesday. Number of votes are in parentheses.

OFFENSE

QB–James Summers, Greensboro Page (6)

RB–Todd Gurley II, Tarboro (15)

RB–Keith Marshall, Raleigh Millbrook (8)

WR–Alex Moore, East Chapel Hill (10)

WR–Pharoh Cooper, Havelock (8)

WR–B.J. Bunn, Western Alamance (7)

TE–Matthew Fuhr, South Granville (12)

OL–D.J. Humphries, Charlotte Mallard Creek (16)

OL–Mark Harrell, Charlotte Catholic (14)

OL–Brock Stadnik, Western Guilford (11)

OL–Casey Blaser, South Mecklenburg (8)

OL–Cole Blankenship, Davie County (6)

–––

DEFENSE

DL–Jamal Marcus, Durham Hillside (14)

DL–Jonathan Bullard, Shelby Crest (13)

DL–Carlos Watkins, Forest City Chase (9)

DL–Alex McCalister, West Forsyth (5)

LB–Larenz Bryant, Charlotte Vance (12)

LB–Nick Dawson, Charlotte Berry (9)

LB–Peter Kalambayi, Matthews Butler (8)

DB–Marcus Kincaid, Morganton Freedom (9)

DB–Rhaheim Ledbetter, Shelby Crest (9)

DB–B.J. Fields, Hope Mills South View (7)

DB–Chris Duffy, Indian Trail Porter Ridge (6)

–––

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK–Paul Griggs, Charlotte Latin (9)

P–Bradley Pinion, Northwest Cabarrus (11)

KR–Marquis Gorham, Greenville Rose (8)

ATH–Zach LaHaie, Havelock (5)

Here's why the Shrine Bowl needs to come back to Charlotte, UNC Charlotte

2011-12-19T11:25:00.002-05:00

So North Carolina beat South Carolina in the Shrine Bowl Saturday. I think the score was 26-19. Problem is, for folks in this state, the Shrine Bowl just doesn't mean what it used to, and that's a shame considering high school football in this state has taken off the way it has, and interest in high school football in this state has taken off the way it has.

The Shrine Bowl started in 1937 and was based on the East-West College Shrine game in California. A Charlotte fire chief named Hendrix Palmer helped put on the first game in December 1937. That game attracted 5,500. Admission was a buck. It was the nation's first high school all-star football game.

And it was was played here until 2000, when organizers moved it, basically because it just wasn't attracting the crowds it once had. I remember when the game would draw 20,000 and was shown on live TV that you didn't need cable or an internet connection to see. But by 2000, moving was the right thing to do. Crowds were way down. TV ratings were way down.

At the time, high school football in Charlotte had been going down, too.

The game moved around for a few years before landing in Spartanburg, S.C., about a 90 minute drive south of Charlotte and too deep into South Carolina for the game to matter for most N.C. fans.

Check the N.C. papers. Shrine Bowl coverage was sparse during the week and live game coverage wasn't strong either. Shame. The game matches the best players from North and South Carolina. It's a wonderful event, and over the years the Shriners have raised more than $70 million for children with disabilities in the Shriner's Hospitals.

It's funny, but in 2000, when the game left town, high school football really began to take off in North Carolina and especially in Charlotte. Independence won seven straight state championships. Skip one year and Butler won two more. Charlotte Catholic won a couple in smaller classifications. Mecklenburg County, and North Carolina, began to produce All-Americans with great regularity.

High school football began to matter like it never had before. But the high school football season, in this state at least, ended when the state championships did. For the kids who made the Shrine Bowl team, it was probably a great week, full of memories. But I can't tell you how many emails I got (and get) from people wondering what the Shrine Bowl is, or wondering why they stopped playing it.

If you're going to have a game with the best players from both states, you play it in a border town. Charlotte sits on the state line for both states. This is where the game started.

Memorial Stadium is old and in need of repair. So you can't hold it there. Bank of America Stadium, where Cam Newton's Panthers play, is too big, and probably too expensive.

The perfect solution, friends, is Charlotte, UNC Charlotte. The 49ers are about to launch a football team in August, 2013. Charlotte's new 15,000-seat stadium will open in August 2012.

Besides a really big high school football game to kick off the place -- can you hear me Butler and Mallard Creek -- wouldn't it be cool to have the Shrine Bowl come back to town and help open up the 49ers new digs?

I think it would help the Shrine Bowl, too. Imagine living in, say, Durham, and thinking of going to watch. Don't think I want to drive from Durham to Spartanburg unless my kin is playing. But I can see going from Durham to Charlotte. And Charlotte's a media hub. The Shrine Bowl's Q rating instantly goes up by coming back. And the interest in high school ball here, particularly about high school stars who are going to college, has never been greater.

Listen, end of the day, the Shrine Bowl is about some of the two states' top recruits.

It's time to bring them -- and the game itself -- back home. Back to where it all started.

Sources: Vance nominates Keith Wilkes to be next football coach

2011-12-16T18:05:00.002-05:00

Vance High's next football coach could be a Forsyth County Hall of Famer who led Winston-Salem Carver to two state championships.

According to sources close to the program, Vance has nominated Keith Wilkes to be its next football coach. Wilkes' hiring would have to approved by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. If approved, Wilkes would replace Phil Culicerto, who coached Vance in 2009 and 2010. Culicerto's 2010 team finished 11-4 and reached the N.C. 4AA semifinals.

Culicerto was forced to resign days before the start of the 2011 season because he hadn't completed requirements to get his teaching certificate renewed. Culicerto later rejoined the staff as a volunteer assistant and offensive coordinator Billy Leeson was named interim head coach.

The Cougars started the season 1-6 amid the coaching issues and a few player transfers. Vance recovered for a four-game win streak to close the regular-season which got the Cougars into the playoffs. Vance lost in the first round to Ardrey Kell.

Leeson indicated he was not interested in continuing as head coach. He is also Vance's dean of students.

Now it appears Vance has found its man.

Wilkes was 139-62-1 at Winston-Salem Carver from 1992-2007. His teams won 11 conference championships, and won state titles in 1998 and 2003.

Wilkes, 48, was part of the 2011 class of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County High School Sports Hall Of Fame.

Wilkes resigned from Carver in 2007 and took a job at Shiloh High in Snellsville, Ga. He was 9-21 in three seasons before he resigned last season.

Wilkes graduated from North Forsyth High in 1981 and was an All-America offensive lineman at Winston-Salem State in 1985.

Wilkes and Vance athletics director Glenn Blafield were unavailable for comment Friday, but Wilkes told the Winston-Salem Journal earlier this year, just before he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, that he hoped to return to N.C. coaching.

"It's the right thing to do, to get back up there and finish it up," Wilkes told the Winston-Salem newspaper. "I have about 10 years left, but that's my main thing, to get back to North Carolina."

Vance High looking for new football coach

2011-12-08T10:06:00.000-05:00

Vance High athletics director Glenn Blafield said the school has posted its head football coaching vacancy and has begun accepting applications.

Vance head coach Phil Culicerto had to step down just before the 2011 season began last August due to problems with his teaching certification. Culicerto later rejoined the staff as a volunteer assistant and offensive coordinator Billy Leeson was named interim head coach.

The Cougars reached the N.C. 4AA semifiinals in 2010 and began the season with high hopes, but started the season 1-6 amid the coaching issues and a few player transfers.

Vance recovered for a four-game win streak to close the regular-season which got the Cougars into the playoffs. Vance lost in the first round to Ardrey Kell.

Leeson indicated he was not interested in continuing as head coach. He is also Vance's dean of students, and now the school has begun looking for a permanent replacement.

Blafield said applications will be taken for two weeks and the school hoped to start interviews after the holidays.

"Now that the season is over, we have to move forward," he said. "We knew Billy going in was only the interim, and we had to make some decisions. We have a good program and we have to get another coach in here to take it to the next level."

Concord Cannon star Alec Wintering leaves basketball team

2011-12-06T14:08:00.001-05:00

Concord's Cannon School, a member of the Charlotte Independent Schools Athletic Association, will play the remainder of the season without its best player.

Junior point guard Alec Wintering, who has four college scholarship offers, has left the team, his brother, Daniel, told the Observer. Daniel Wintering said his brother is still attending Cannon but that the family is looking to potentially move him.

Daniel Wintering said the midseason switch had to do with a series of disagreements with Cannon coach Glen Taylor.

According to Daniel Wintering, he and his family met with Cannon headmaster Matt Gossage and athletics director Rod Rachal Monday night and informed them on their decision.

Taylor, contacted by the Observer, referred the newspaper to Gossage.

"They made a decision that's best for Alec, I guess," he said. "This is an ongoing issue at school."

Taylor declined further comment. Gossage didn't return calls but Cannon athletics director Rod Rachal called the newspaper with a written statement:

"Yesterday (Monday), Alec Wintering's brother informed us Alec would no longer play basketball at Cannon due to a difference of opinion between our varsity head coach and Alec's brother. Alec is a great young man and contributes tremendously to our school community."

A 5-foot-9 guard, Wintering led Cannon in scoring (18.4 points), was third in rebounds (2.4), first in steals (2.6) and first in assists (3.3). He has scholarship offers from Duquesne, Florida International, Manhattan and Iona, according to his brother.

Note: comments on this blog post have been deleted due to abuse

Rocky River all conference football team

2011-12-06T08:37:00.000-05:00

2011
Rocky River Conference
Football All-Conference

All Conference
Treshun WynnMonroeEmmitt AfamCuthbertson
Quay ChambersMonroeJulius StradfordCuthbertson
Caleb WalkerMonroeRyan KendallCuthbertson
Ashad ByrdMonroeKevin McVayCuthbertson
Mason SledgeMonroeZach PanekCuthbertson
Jaylan BarbourMonroeKyle EissPiedmont
Jamarcus GlennMonroeBrandon GentryPiedmont
Brandon LittleMonroeAaron BraswellPiedmont
Tyreke LaneyForest HillsHunter PurserPiedmont
Jamal LittleForest HillsTrae FunderburkCATA
Marques ThomasForest HillsJohn QuniteroCATA
Jamarcus ClyburnForest HillsTyree DrakefordUnion Academy
CJ KiserForest HillsRasheed RushingUnion Academy
Matt PrivetteForest HillsBJ HillWest Stanly
Cameron SavolNorth StanlyRJ HolbrookWest Stanly

Honorable Mention
Jermany HammondMonroeMontez RorieMonroe
Jared LeeForest HillsGreg BelinForest Hills
Brian LatimoreCuthbertsonAlex NortonCuthbertson
Sawyer BaucomPiedmontDavis DixonPiedmont
Josh Sawyer CATANick CrowellCATA
Devin ChambersUnion AcademyAntonio JamesUnion Academy
TJ RushingWest StanlyChase LewisWest Stanly
Anthony LongNorth StanlyTyler CodyNorth Stanly

Offensive Player of the Year – Quay Chambers - Monroe
Defensive Player of the Year – Mason Sledge - Monroe
Coach of the Year – Tad Baucom – Central Academy

Carolina Preps NC Top 25 football poll

2011-12-06T00:22:00.002-05:00

The final CarolinaPreps.com Top-25 Media Poll of 2011 has been voted on and published. Greensboro Page received 10 of the 18 first-place votes cast to move ahead of Scotland in the rankings.

Team Record Prev Points
1. Greensboro Page (10) (15-0) 2 442
2. Scotland (8) (15-0) 1 440
3. Havelock (15-0) 5 394
4. Mallard Creek (13-1) 4 393
5. Northern Guilford (14-1) 8 362
6. Indian Trail Porter Ridge (14-1) 6 360
7. Garner (15-1) 3 359
8. Matthews Butler (11-2) 7 345
9. New Bern (12-2) 11 252
10. Fayetteville Britt (11-3) 12 243
11. Mooresville (12-3) 14 239
12. Boiling Springs Crest (12-4) 10 217
13. Charlotte Catholic (13-1) 13 214
14. West Rowan (13-3) 9 212
15. Lawndale Burns (13-2) 15 194
16. Raleigh Leesville Rd. (12-1) 16 182
17. Durham Hillside (11-2) 17 176
18. New Hanover (10-3) 19 149
19. Wilson Hunt (13-1) 21 104
20.Tarboro (13-2) NR 95
21. Fayetteville Byrd (13-1) 24 72
22. Winston-Salem Mt. Tabor (11-2) 22 58
23. West Stokes (16-0) 25 57
24. Lincolnton (14-2) 18 51
25. Asheville (12-1) 23 50

Others receiving votes: Kinston 46, Belmont South Point 28, Swain County 24, Charlotte Independence 18, Murphy 13, Ayden-Grifton 10, Southeast Raleigh 7, Kannapolis Brown 6, Richmond County 6, Morganton Freedom 6, Jones Senior 5, Northwest Guilford 5, Nash Central 5, Apex Middle Creek 4, Wilmington Laney 3, Cleveland 2, Albemarle 1, Franklin 1

The Southern Carolina All-Conference football team

2011-12-05T12:14:00.001-05:00

Southern Carolina Conference
All Conference Football
Punter - #6 Matt Wogan Jr Porter Ridge
Kicker- #2 Tyler Cochran Soph Marvin Ridge
Specialist-# 7 Rodrick Evans Jr. Anson
Offensive MVP- #5 Lee McNeill Sr Porter Ridge
#22 Jadarrius Williams Sun Valley
Defensive MVP-#7 Buck Jones Weddington
Coach of the Year – Blair Hardin Porter Ridge
Offensive
Offensive Line
#67 Ismael Bailey Jr Anson
#72 Trey Cherry Sr Marvin Ridge
#50 Cam Hunt Sr. Marvin Ridge
#64 Matt Brantley Sr. Parkwood
#59 James Houston Jr Parkwood
#74 Thomas LaBianca Sr Porter Ridge
#72 Tim Dose Sr Porter Ridge
#60 Ethan Suzenvick Jr. Porter Ridge
#55 Jarred Barr Sr. Sun Valley
#77 Jacob Cannell Jr Sun Valley
#55 Bobby Jenkins Sr Weddington
#79 Zach Cooper Soph Weddington
Running Back
#21 Brandon Smith Sr. Anson
#23 Jacob Henderson Soph Marvin Ridge
#10 Najee Davis Sr Porter Ridge
Wide Receiver
#7 Carter Harris Sr Marvin Ridge
#7 Jordan Oakley Sr Porter Ridge
#12 Jody Fuller Sr Sun Valley
#10 Will Holmes Sr Sun Valley
#2 Colin Lisa Soph Weddington
Quarterback
#9 Tyler Chadwick Sr Marvin Ridge
#14 Drew Ponderbarac Sr Weddington
Defensive Line
#55 Adam Smits Jr. Marvin RIdge
#32 Phil Younis Sr. Marvin RIdge
#51 Ryan Dilworth, Jr Porter RIdge
#50 Shane Burns Sr Porter Ridge
#55 Justin Oldja Sr Porter Ridge
#34 Avery Worsham Jr Porter RIdge
#73 Eddie Kelly Jr Sun Valley
#45 Shane Vogel Sr Weddington
Linebacker
#40 Matt Townsend Sr Marvin Ridge
#2 Chad McWhorterv Sr Parkwood
#15 Nick Vagnone Soph Porter Ridge
#40 David Marino Sr Sun Valley
#32 Luke Gill Jr Sun Valley
#6 Cordarrius Williams Jr Sun Valley
#42 Heath Moore Jr Weddington
#16 Darius Brower Sr Weddington
Defensive Back
#25 Luke Stennett Sr Marvin Ridge
#2 Marcus Freeman Jr Porter Ridge
#11 Chris Duffy Jr Porter Ridge
#4 Danny Sawyer Sr Sun Valley
#9 Billy Ryan Jr Weddington
#4 Cole Finch Sr Weddington

Thoughts, observations from the N.C. 4AA and 4A state championships

2011-12-03T23:46:00.000-05:00

-- After watching Greensboro Page win its first state title since 1986, I enjoyed watching the emotion of the players and a huge crowd at Winston-Salem. Nothing against Page, but I couldn't help but wonder how this team had beaten Mallard Creek and Butler on back-to-back weeks in the N.C. 4AA quarterfinals and semifinals. I didn't see either one of those games but was surprised Butler lost a 26-6 lead and Mallard Creek lost a 19-7 advantage to the state champion Pirates.

Page isn't as big or athletic as Butler and Mallard Creek and while Page QB James Summers is special, but both Mallard Creek and Butler have players of similar talent, and more of them. Maybe it's like CarolinaPreps.com editor Chris Hughes told me: "Greensboro Page just wanted it more."

-- Scotland County had been getting mentioned by a lot of high school people in the know as the best overall team in the state. I wouldn't say that after watching the Scots beat Porter Ridge 42-16, but their team speed is impressive and they had the same kind of "want to" as Page did.

-- Porter Ridge, No. 1 in the Sweet 16, is a very good team and deserving of the finals. Despite what the score may make it sound like, the Pirates had many chances to win the 4A final. Porter Ridge actually had the ball deep in Scotland territory down 21-16 in the fourth quarter before a run of turnovers led to easy Scotland scores to end the game.

-- A lot of people will point to Scotland's 82-yard pass from Kwashaun Quick to Travis Wall with 7:31 left to play as the biggest play of the game. It came on third at 9 with Scotland up 21-16. Porter Ridge looked like it would get the ball back in good field position. The pass was fit in between several defenders and was beautiful to watch.

But the biggest play to me was unfortunately an officials' call. On the previous possession, Porter Ridge had taken possession at Scotland's 36 after an interception. Porter Ridge ran a reverse down to Scotland's 2, but the play was called back for holding. It didn't appear to me that the penalty affected the play. On replay, I couldn't find the infraction, which doesn't mean it didn't happen.

-- I thought the officials were too active during both championship games. There were 17 combined penalties in the 4A final, but it seemed they always marred key plays. Maybe the teams were committing infractions to spring big plays, but too often those of us in the press box were throwing our arms in the air to see a big play end only to be followed by a yellow flag landing on the artificial turf.

-- I hadn't been to Wake Forest's field since the renovations were complete. It's an amazing place to watch a game now. The new press box is amazing and the big replay screen is out of this world. They turned on the SEC championship game between LSU and Georgia between the 4AA and 4A finals. It was amazing to watch the championship on such a clear, beautiful HD screen.

Mecklenburg County All-Conference Football Teams

2011-11-30T14:28:00.001-05:00

Here are the all-conference teams for CMS conferences as voted on by the league coaches. The Observer will release its All-Region, All-Mecklenburg and All-Observer teams during the week of Christmas.

Southwestern 4A
Offensive line: Riley Shea, Ardrey Kell; Matt Carrick, Ardrey Kell; Brandon McNeely, Butler; Chasz Cosby, East Mecklenburg; Drew Morgan, Independence; Ben Wetherby, Independence; Quan Austin, Myers Park; Harrison Monk, Providence; Bentley Spain, Providence; Casey Blaser, South Mecklenburg
Running Backs: Josh Glisson, Butler; R.J. Baker, Independence; Carlton Brown, Rocky River; Adam Nix, South Mecklenburg
Quarterbacks: Riley Ferguson, Butler; Evan Guest, Independence
Tight Ends: Elijah Roberson, Rocky River; Jason Connella, Independence
Wide Receivers: Chris Cummings, Ardrey Kell; Zach Ferguson, Butler; Uriah LeMay, Butler; Dequan Barnes, Independence; Kennedy Barkley, Myers Park; Matt Yates, Providence
Kicker: Nick Book, Rocky River
Specialist: Jonah Duggan, Ardrey Kell
Defensive line: Romeo Okwara, Ardrey Kell; Grant Polofsky, Butler; Brandon Jackson, Independence; Tony Adams, Independence; Zeron Hubbard, Myers Park; Alex Crockett, Myers Park; Daniel Garces, Providence; Sam Bramlett, South Meck
Linebackers: Sean Wiggins, Butler; Peter Kalambayi, Butler; Jacque Ikolos, East Meck; Kahlil Gonzalez, Independence; Matt Blanton, Myers Park; Mychal Turner, Myers Park; Isaiah Akins, Rocky River; Keelan Bozman, South Meck
Defensive backs: Tyler Morgan, Ardrey Kell; Channing Stribling, Butler; Richie Pharr, East Meck; Jack Tocho, Independence; Jermiah Rainey, Myers Park; Jordan Abrams, Providence; Sidney Lawson, Rocky River; Lamar Hood, Rocky River
Punter: Corbin Daly, Ardrey Kell
Defensive Specialist: Justin Askew, Providence
Offensive player of the year: Austin Duke, Independence
Defensive player of the year: Ian Dibble, Ardrey Kell
Coach of the year: Bill Geiler, Independence

I-MECK 4A
Quarterbacks: Andrew Goodman, Mallard Creek; Jalen Latter, Vance; Deonte Black, Mooresville; T.J. Mixon, West Charlotte
Running Backs: Denzel Heath, Hopewell; Jackson Campbell, Hough; DAngelo Tomlin, Mooresville
Wide Receivers: Dominique Heath, Hopewell; Corey Miller, Mallard Creek; Jamel Harbinson, Mallard Creek; Marquez North, Mallard Creek; Jake Forth, Lake Norman;Brandon Mobley, Hough
Offensive linemen: Blake Porter, West Charlotte; Monquavious Pryor, Hopewell; Demarcus Humphries, Mallard Creek; Keenan Williams, Mallard Creek; Xavian Burch, Vance; Keon Brewer, Vance; Karson Sherrill, Lake Norman; Anthony Magliozzi, Lake Norman; Christian Walker, Hough; Zachary Brown Mooresville
Defensive Linemen: Julius Frazier, West Charlotte; Tahja Watt, North Mecklenburg; Gabe Crocker, Hopewell; Randall Mash, Mallard Creek; Brandon Hudson, Vance; Garret Kight, Lake Norman; Blake Dueitt, Hough; Charles Wilkes, Mooresville; Deandre Coleman, Mooresville
Linebackers: Chris Dickerson, North Mecklenburg; Garrison Dark, North Mecklenburg; Nivel Peeler, Mallard Creek, Brian Smallwood, Vance; Nick Dykema, Lake Norman; Antonio Vanderburg, Mooresville; Scott Markofski, Mooresville; Martavion Moore, Mooresville
Defensive Backs: Xavier Wilkes, West Charlotte; Cam Underwood, Hopewell; Kailian Chavis, Hopewell; Bryan Walker, Mallard Creek; Takhare Donalson, Mallard Creek; Nolan Corpening, Vance; Lamar Johnson, Vance; Ryan Hall, Lake Norman; Nate Mays, Hough; Ben Craig, Hough; Brian Stockton, Mooresville
Offensive Player of the Year: Jela Duncan Mallard Creek
Defensive Player of the Year: Larenz Bryant, Vance
Kicker of the Year: Allen Robertson Lake Norman
Specialist of the Year: Terrence Clyburn North Mecklenburg
Coach of the Year: Hal Capps Mooresville

ME-GA 7 3A/4A
Quarterbacks: Kyle Hoffman, Berry; Rod Tinsley, Olympic
Running Backs: Willie Miller, Harding; Jarrett Harris, Olympic; Shawn Wilson, Harding; Elijah Hood, Catholic; David Herlocker, Catholic
Offensive line: Joe Hurney, Catholic; Chase Arnold, Catholic; Murphy Swancy, Catholic; Joe Wolljung, Catholic; Devin Wilson, East Gaston; Stephon Brooks, Berry; Antray Small, Olympic; Jeff Taylor, Olympic; Mike Jones, Olympic; Josh McCray, Harding
Wide Receivers: Dexter Abraham, Olympic; Marquis Osgood, Garinger; Demarcus Winston, Harding; Jakareen Smith, West Meck; Corey Nesmith, West Meck; Kedrick Davis, Berry; Germone Hopper, Berry
Tight Ends: Mark Harrell, Catholic; Zac Queen, East Gaston
Kicker: Mitch Lochbihler, Catholic
Offensive Specialist: Issac Garcia, Olympic
Defensive linemen: Shaquille Hart, West Meck; Laron Glenn, West Meck; Xavier Ford, West Meck; Rhett Odom, East Gaston; Robert Dinkins, Olympic; James Choulas, Catholic; Josh Conde, Catholic; Kemmi Pettway, Garinger
Linebackers: Matt Cincotta, Catholic; Jackson Krone, Catholic; Keith McAfee, Olympic; Keemar Noble, Olympic; Jeffrey Moore, East Gaston; David Stroud, Garinger; Tashion Singleton, West Meck; Nick Dawson, Berry
Defensive Backs: Jaryn Williams, Olympic; Deontre Barrett, Harding; Jack Brodowicz, Catholic; Brendan Carroll, Catholic; Quincy Lulendo, Garinger; Terrence Winchester, Berry; Prince Mayela, West Meck; Van Smith, West Meck
Punter: Cason Beatty, Olympic
Defensive Specialist: Malcom Everett, Berry
Defensive player of the year: Jack Brodowicz, Catholic
Offensive player of the year: David Herlocker, Catholic
Coach of the year: Jim Oddo, Catholic

NCHSAA conference proposal is good for Charlotte-Mecklenburg

2011-11-30T11:30:00.000-05:00

Every four years, the N.C. High School Athletic Association reorganizes its schools into new conferences, calling the process "realignment."

Every four years, there's a lot of consternation about where schools are placed. I can see trouble in some spots in the state from the first draft that's come out this week, but for Mecklenburg County, I don't see much of a problem at all.

Charlotte Catholic moves into what's traditionally been the Southwestern 4A and the Cougars will play schools like Ardrey Kell and South Meck and Providence, schools that are a 10-minute drive away, and beef up their schedule at the same time.

Union County's Porter Ridge joins the league and, best I can tell, Porter Ridge has always considered itself almost like a Mecklenburg County school. Many of the Porter Ridge parents work in Charlotte, live their lives in Charlotte and "think" Charlotte (at least judging by my emails).

Now they are Charlotte and will play Charlotte schools on a regular basis.

I also like A.L. Brown coming into a Charlotte conference. That brings a major football powerhouse in, as well as former Butler football coach Mike Newsome, maybe the state's top coach. Brown will get to tangle with rising football powers Mooresville and Mallard Creek and the basketball should be good, too, mixing those three in with North Meck and Vance.

The third league is interesting, too. By adding West Charlotte and Independence, the old ME-GA 7, can't be considered "the third league" anymore. It's got some serious star power. It may also rekindle what used to be the state's best rivalry between Independence and West Charlotte -- in football and basketball -- and I like East Meck moving to this league as well.

The schools, of course, can ask for change. The state association plans to create its own staff-generated model for schools to mull over. By January, schools will have to formally make counter proposals.

I really don't think that CMS needs to.

Mom surprises son with Turkey Day visit; son suprises mom with best game ever

2011-11-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

Evelyn Leathers took a job in Texas this year and hadn't seen her son, Miles, in two months. She decided to surprise him last week for Thanksgiving and come to his first game of the year against Sun Valley, ranked No. 12 in the Observer's preseason Sweet 16.

Evelyn got up at 2 a.m. last Tuesday to drive three hours to Dallas to try to get to the airport. When she got there, she would use a "stand-by" ticket, meaning her ticket was only good if a flight wasn't full. She didn't know if she would get a flight in time to make the Eagles game or not.

But she got to the gym in time.

And he saw her.

"It was really emotional for him," East Mecklenburg coach Jason Grube said, "because she surprised him. He hadn't seen her in a while."

Properly inspired, Leathers had the game of his life. He made a 70-foot shot just before halftime.
In the second half, he continued his hot play.

East Meck, which started last season 1-12 and finished 8-18, pulled off a big early-season upset, taking down Sun Valley 74-69.

Leathers finished with 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting. He had 13 rebounds, nine assists and five steals.
Grube said his mom gave him a big present by coming. And he said Leathers gave her one right back.

Texas sharpshooter Matt Jones commits to Duke

2011-11-28T21:53:00.000-05:00

DeSoto, TX, junior Matt Jones has committed to Duke, ESPN analyst Dave Telep said.

Jones, a 6-4 guard, is ranked No. 21 in the junior class by ESPN. He is Duke's first commitment in his class and made 45 percent of his 3-point attempts as a sophomore.

State football finals to be shown live on Time Warner cable

2011-11-28T15:48:00.002-05:00

For Immediate Release

TIME WARNER CABLE AND NEWS 14 CAROLINA OFFER EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE

OF THE NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Raleigh, N.C. (November 28, 2011) – For the first time ever, Time Warner Cable will air all eight North Carolina high school football championship games LIVE. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Football conference 1A to 4AA championship games will air on Time Warner Cable Digital Channels 521, 522 and 523 and on News 14 Carolina beginning December 2. In addition, digital cable customers can relive the plays, tackles and touchdowns for free on Time Warner Cable’s Carolina On Demand. Fans across the country and service members serving overseas that cannot attend the games can watch live streaming on News 14 Carolina’s award winning website, www.news14.com.

“Time Warner Cable is using all of our available programming resources to provide the best coverage of these exciting games,” said Jason Lockhart, Carolina On Demand manager. “Our customers have the exclusive advantage of watching the best teams from across the state as the action is happening. “

Championship Schedule:

Friday, December 2nd - NCHSAA 1A game, Jones vs. Murphy (Live from Carter Finley Stadium, NCSU) – 7:30PM – Channel 520

Friday, December 2nd - NCHSAA 3AA game, Northern Guilford vs. Crest (Live from Kenan Stadium, UNC) – 7:30PM - Channel 521

Saturday, December 3rd - NCHSAA 2A game, Tarboro vs. Lincolnton (Live from NCSU) – 11AM - Channel 520

Saturday, December 3rd - NCHSAA 3A game, Havelock vs. West Rowan (Live from UNC) – 11AM - Channel 521

Saturday, December 3rd - NCHSAA 1AA game, Ayden-Grifton vs. Swain County (Live from BB&T Field, WFU) – 11AM - Channel 522

Saturday, December 3rd – NCHSAA 4AA game, Garner vs. Page (Live from WFU) – 3PM – Channels 14, 114, 414, 1114

Saturday, December 3rd - NCHSAA 2AA game, Kinston vs. West Stokes (Live from NCSU) – 3PM - Channel 520

Saturday, December 3rd - NCHSAA 4A, Scotland vs. Porter Ridge (Live from WFU) – 7PM - Channel 522

On Sunday, following the live coverage of the games, Time Warner Cable digital customers can fast-forward, rewind or pause all of the magical plays as many times as they want on Time Warner Cable’s Carolina On Demand, channels 199 and 1047. Carolina On Demand is Time Warner Cable’s award-winning On Demand channel dedicated to bringing Carolina-oriented programming into the homes of nearly one million customers across the Carolinas.

Michael Jordan among celebrities at Charlotte Hoops Challenge

2011-11-26T20:47:00.001-05:00

Bobcats owner Michael Jordan attended the Charlotte Hoops Challenge at Waddell High this weekend, along with coaches from Georgetown, Cincinnati, Kansas State, Kentucky, Mercer and George Mason.

Jordan attended part of Friday's afternoon session and sat with family and friends.

More than 15 Division I prospects were playing in the tournament which began Friday and finished Saturday.

Saturday, nationally ranked United Faith dropped its second straight game, losing 64-57 to Charlotte's Evelyn Mack Academy. United Faith lost a close game to The Rock (FL) Friday. Also Saturday, Berry beat Buford (GA), which is ranked No. 1 in the Georgia 2A prep poll.

Here are Saturday's results.

Miller(VA) 14 7 8 18 47
The Rock(FL) 9 21 13 16 59
Miller: Jenkins 5, Hester 3, Gunner 2, D Anderson 10, Lodge 7, Washington 2, Canner 6, Andrew White 12
The Rock: M Wilbekin 11, A Chigha 12, Bitondo 3, G Fedanga 13, C Benzon 12, Jenkins 5, Ba 2

Davidson Day 11 10 4 26 51
Faith Baptist(FL)13 11 20 5 49
DD: Rashun Davis 24, Jordan 3, Brown 4, Monzon 2, Anglad 8, Carnegie 4, Briggs 6
Faith Baptist: Cabrera 4, Zach Sly 15, Djorojivic 7, Pigg 5, Thomas Horn 10, N'Doye 6

Milton(GA) 30 20 19 6 75
Hunter Huss 10 13 4 17 44
Milton: Shaquille Johnson 17, Mann 9, Evan Nolte 15, Coleman 6, J Patterson 15, Bush 4, Kornegay 2, Lewis 2, Glass 5
Huss: Floyd 2, Curry 3, J. Anderson 11, McDowell 4, Gardin 4, Allen 6, J. Kennedy 12, Hall 2

Berry 22 18 14 22 76
Buford(GA) 8 20 24 19 --71
Berry 76: Osandai Vaughn 22, Lancaster 4, Dajuan Graf 17, Cazmon Hayes 25, Hoffman 4, Christian 4
Buford 71: Isiah Williams 23, K Kellam 15, TJ Snipes 28, Mapes 5

United Faith 9 17 11 20 57
Evelyn Mack 10 16 20 18 64
United Faith: Obgueze 8, Vaughn 4, King 5, Zach Davis 14, N Mabso, Milovanovic 2, Peter Jurkin 10 Evelyn Mack: Darnell Rogers 11, Terrell Rogers 17 Felder 3, Grey 8, Millinghaus 4, S Millinghaus 17, Ewadea 2, Polite 2

Nationally ranked United Faith upset at Charlotte Hoops Challenge

2011-11-26T00:28:00.000-05:00

Nationally ranked United Faith lost a small lead in the fourth quarter before losing to Florida state power The Rock 53-50 on the first day of the Charlotte Hoops Challenge.

United Faith (1-1), coached by former Charlotte Hornet and Wake Forest great Muggsy Bogues, blew out Walnut Grove Christian in its first game earlier this week. United Faith led 24-22 at halftime and 36-34 at the end of the third quarter.

Braxton Ogbueze, a Florida signee, had 22 points, a game-high, for United Faith. Indiana signee Peter Jurkin had 11.

United Faith will play Charlotte's Evelyn Mack Academy in Saturday's 6 p.m. game.

-- Sweet 16 No. 2 Olympic rallied to beat Buford Ga. 63-53 in its first game. Buford is the No. 1 ranked 2A team in Georgia and reached the 2A finals last year. Here is a link to the game story and photos.

TODAY'S SCHEDULE AT WADDELL HIGH
12:00 .......The Rock vs. Miller
1:30 .........Faith Baptist vs. Davidson Day
3:00 .........Milton vs. Hunter Huss
4:30 .........Berry vs. Buford
6:00 .........Evelyn Mack vs. United Faith

FRIDAY'S RESULTS

United Faith 50
The Rock School (FL) 53

United Faith 12 12 12 14 -- 50
The Rock 9 13 12 19 -- 53

United Faith- Braxton Obgueze 22, King 4, David 4, Mabson 1, Milovanovic 8, Peter Jurkin 11
The Rock- Mitchell Wilbekin 16, Chigha 5, Diata 2, Bitondo 2, Glenn Feranga 12, Christian Benzon 14

Hunter Huss 65
Vance 62

Hunter Huss 13 15 16 21
Vance 10 21 20 11

Hunter Huss- Curry 3, Jordy Anderson 14, McDowell 2, Moore 6, Withers 4, Xavier Allen 12, Jaelen Kennedy 18, Hamilton 4

Vance- Calab Davis 25, Latter 3, Massey 7, Dorn 5, Roby 2, Brewer 7, Foggie 1, Frieson 8, Porter 4

Milton (GA) 74
Harding 58

Milton 21 16 26 10
Harding 17 6 10 25

Milton- Shaquille Johnson 13, C. Coleman 2, Mann 9, E. Coleman 4, Patterson 8, Bush 2, Kornegay 2, Lewis 2, Tevin Glass 14, Evan Nolte 18

Harding - Burrough 4, Byers 6, Jarvis Haywood 27, Patton 7, Linton 9, Mackins 4, Young 1

Olympic 63
Buford (GA) 53

Olympic 15 19 12 17
Buford 17 10 19 5

Olympic- Parks 9, Anthony 2, Mitchell 8, Dasent 6, Gladden 9, Allerik Freeman 11, Josh Smith 10, Brown 8
Buford - Isaiah Williams 17, Grose 3, Kellam 3, Snipes 9, Peyton Wehunt 13, Mapes 4

Davidson Day 36
Miller 47

Davidson Day 7 13 9 7 -- 36
Miller 15 12 14 6 -- 47

Davidson Day- Davis 5, Hariston 2, Jordan 2, Mercer 1, Albritton 6, Phillip Anglande 11, Carengie 8, Eddie 1
Miller - Jenkins 6, Majors 2, Hester 9, Gunner 7, D Anderson 15, Lodge 2, White 6

Faith Baptist (FL) 48
Evelyn Mack 53

Faith Baptist 14 5 14 15
Evelyn Mack 20 8 1 24

Faith Baptist - Kaghly 5, Sly 2, Djordjevic 5, Poston 4, Olsen 7, Pegg 3, Thomas Horm 13, M'Doye 8
Evelyn Mack - Terrell Rogers 14, R Grey 11, S Millinghouse 18, Ewuadea 4, Polite 4

Friday's 4AA semifinals to be shown live on Time Warner Cable

2011-11-25T00:26:00.001-05:00

4AA regional finals on TV tonight
Tonight's Eastern and Western 4AA championship games will be televised on Time Warner Cable. The West game between Mallard Creek and Greensboro Page will be on Time Warner digital channel 521. The East final between Fayetteville Britt and Garner will be on channel 520. Paul Doherty and former North Carolina and Kannapolis Brown great Ethan Horton will call the West game.

United Faith boys win big in Muggsy Bogues first game as coach

2011-11-22T21:06:00.000-05:00

With Florida coach Billy Donovan in the stands at United Faith, Falcons point guard Braxton Ogbueze gave his future coach a solid look at all of his talents.

Ogbueze, a top 40 national player signed to Florida, scored a game-high 23 points to go with four assists and two rebounds in United Faith’s 102-76 win over Walnut Grove Christian Tuesday night. Ogbueze and the United Faith starters didn’t play in the fourth quarter after busting the game open with a 28-7 surge in the decisive third quarter.

The Falcons, ranked No. 30 nationally by ESPN, won on the coaching debut of new head coach Muggsy Bogues, the former Charlotte Hornet and ACC great at Wake Forest.

“I felt very pleased about the way we played,” Bogues said. “The first half, I didn’t like the way we competed, but in the second half, the guys stepped up and took on the challenge. We’re still a work in progress, but I’m loving the way the guys are competing and how they want to get better.”

Eighth grader V.J. King had 14 points and five rebounds for the Falcons. Senior Zach Davis had 15 points, four rebounds and three assists and 7-foot Indiana signee Peter Jurkin had 14 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks.

Big shift in the Observer's Sweet 16 football poll

2011-11-21T13:17:00.000-05:00

With two weeks left in the regular season, the Sweet 16 championship is still up for grabs. One thing is for certain, however, there will be a new champion this year.

Butler has won the past two state championships in the N.C. 4AA class and won the past two Sweet 16 football championships. But the Bulldogs had two important streaks end this year. To start the season,
Butler lost 28-20 to Mallard Creek, ending a 31-game win streak.

Friday night in Greensboro, the Bulldogs blew a 26-6 lead and lost to unbeaten Greensboro Page 40-26. That ended Butler’s 12-game playoff win streak, and ended Butler’s hopes for a third straight state title, too.

Butler fell from No. 2 to No. 6 in the Sweet 16 this week, allowing Charlotte Catholic to move up a spot to No. 2.

The Cougars will try to reach the N.C. 3AA championship Friday at home against Crest, which is back in the poll this week at No. 16. Crest moved in after Myers Park dropped out, following last week’s 42-10 loss to No. 1 Mallard Creek. The Mustangs were only down four points to the nationally ranked Mavericks at halftime, but Mallard Creek scored five touchdowns in nine plays early in the second half to bust the game open.

Now, Mallard Creek will go to Greensboro Page in a battle of unbeaten teams for the right to go to the N.C. 4AA finals in Winston-Salem.

Rk.    Team (Class)    Rec.    Pvs.
1    Mallard Creek (4A)    13-0    1
2    Charlotte Catholic (3A)    13-0    3
3    Porter Ridge (4A)    13-0    4
4    Burns (3A)    12-1    5
5    Rock Hill South Pointe (3A)    12-1    6
6    Butler (4A)    11-2    2
7    West Rowan (3A)    12-2    8
8    Mooresville (4A)    12-2    9
9    A.L. Brown (3A)    12-2    7
10    Lincolnton (2A)    13-1    11
11    Albemarle (1A)    13-1    12
12    Independence (4A)    10-3    13
13    South Point (3A)    10-1    14
14    Providence Day (IND)    10-2    15
15    Crest (3A)    10-3    NR
16    South Iredell (2A)    13-1    10

Dropped Out: Myers Park (4A, 9-5). On the bubble: Ardrey Kell (4A, 8-4); Salisbury (2A, 11-3);
Note: To be ranked in the Observer’s Sweet 16, a team must be in the Observer’s coverage area, field football and basketball teams and not allow a student-athlete to re-class after ninth grade. For a detailed look inside the poll, including the criteria used to compile it, visit?
http://bit.ly/prNoYM.

2011-12 Boys Basketball Previews

2011-11-15T18:01:00.014-05:00

Here are boys basketball previews for the 2011-12 season.

A.L. BROWN
Class 3A
Coach : Shelwyn Klutz
2010-2011 Record 15-9
Returning Starters: Derrick Copeland 5-10 Jr G (8ppg,4apg in 2010-2011) Tevin Stark 6-4 Jr G 9.8ppg 8rpg in2010-2011) Braxton Waddell 6-4 Jr F 7.0ppg in 2010-2011) Micheal Carr 6-2 Jr G 6.0ppg 3spg in 2010-2011)
Key Newcomers: John Jones, Adrian Addison, Jamar Howie
Schedule
11/29 South Rowan
12/02@ Anson County
12/06 @ Carson
12/08 Lexington
12/09 @ South Rowan
12/13 JM Robinson
12/16 @ Central Cabarrus
12/20 @ Cox Mill
12/28-12/30 Cox Mill Christmas Tournament
1/3 Mt. Pleasant
1/6 @ Hickory Ridge
1/10 Northwest Cabarrus
1/13 @ Concord
1/20 @ JM Robinson
1/24 Central Cabarrus
1/25 Carson
1/27 Cox Mill
1/31 @ Mt. Pleasant
2/3 Hickory Ridge
2/7 @ Northwest Cabarrus
2/10 Concord

ALBEMARLE

Class: 1A

Coach: Al Andrew (314-155 18 years)

2010-2011 Record: 20-5.....Co-champions of Yadkin Valley Conference

Returning Starters: Gregory Childress Soph. 5'7" G (12 ppg, 4.5 apg, All YVC)

Key Newcomers: Wesley Deese Sr. 6'0" G, Deon Christian Jr. 6'0" F, T'kyle Williams Jr. 6'0" G, RJ Prince Jr. 6'7" C, Bryan Blanton Soph. 5'11" G, Andre Ridenhour Soph. 6'2" F, Da'quan Ellis Sr. 5'11" G; Lee Autry Fr. 6'2" C, Marquez Brown Jr. 5'7" G, AC Currie Jr. 5'9" F, Rashad Baldwin Jr. 5'10 F

Notables: Childress started every game as a freshman and is a college prospect. Coach Andrew enters his 19th season as head coach and 28th overall at Albemarle.

Schedule:

N29 @ SOUTH DAVIDSON

D2 @ WEST MONTGOMERY

D6 GRAYSTONE

D9 @ NORTH ROWAN

D13 @ NORTH MOORE

D14 WEST STANLY

D16 EAST MONTGOMERY

D28 @ WEST STANLY

D29 NORTH STANLY (@WEST STANLY)

J4 NORTH STANLY

J6 @ SOUTH STANLY

J10 @ CHATHAM CENTRAL

J13 SOUTH DAVIDSON

J18 WEST MONTGOMERY

J20 @ GRAYSTONE

J24 NORTH ROWAN

J27 NORTH MOORE

J31 @ EAST MONTGOMERY

F7 SOUTH STANLY

F10 CHATHAM CENTRAL

ANSON SENIOR
Class: 3A

Coach: Matt Sides (4th year as Head Coach

2010-11 Record: 12-13

Returning Starters: Diondre Pratt Sr. 6-3 G (16,5 ppg, 7rpg, All-Conference, All-District), Danny Bailey Sr. 5-8, PG, Bunyon Tyson, 6-2 Jr. G (8 ppg, 4rpg)

Key Newcomers: Ryan Lisenby Sr. 6'1", F, Stephen Minter Jr. 6'3" F

Notable: Anson returns 5 of last year's top 8, all of which are guards.

Schedule:

N22 East Montgomery

D2 A.L. Brown

D5 West Stanly

D6 @ Central Cabarrus

D9 @ Forest Hills

D17 "Clash at NC Central" vs. Farmville Central

D19-22 CMC-Union Holiday Classic @ Wingate University (opponent TBA)

D27-29 Farm Bureau Insurance Classic @ Chesterfield High School, SC (opponent TBA)

J3 @ Sun Valley

J6 @ Parkwood

J10 Weddington

J13 Marvin Ridge

J14 Forest Hills

J17 @ Porter Ridge

J20 Sun Valley

J24 Porter Ridge

J27 @ Weddington

J31 @ Marvin Ridge

F3 @ Porter Ridge

F8 @ Richmond

F10 Parkwood

F13-17 Conference Tournament @ Weddington
ARDREY KELL
Coach: Mike Craft 6th year ( 75-63)
2010-2011 record: 13-14
Returning starters: None
Top Newcomers: Markel Pollard So. (6-4, Gd/Fd), Justin Sellers, So. (6-2, Gd), Steven Santa-Ana, Fr. (6-2, Gd)
Notable: Only one senior on roster (Elvis Kisonas), AK will play in the Hardwood Classic at Bojangles Coliseum
Schedule:
Nov. 21 Harding
Nov. 28 @Weddington
Nov. 30 @ Hopewell
Dec. 2 Catholic
Dec. 5 Weddington
Dec. 7 Porter Ridge
Dec. 9 South Meck
Dec. 12 @ Marvin Ridge
Dec. 13 @ Independence
Dec. 16 Myers Park
Dec. 27-29 Hardwood Classic (Dec. 27 vs. Mooresville @ 6:50)
Jan. 3 @ Butler
Jan 6 East Meck
Jan 9 @ Rocky River
Jan. 13 @ Providence
Jan. 20 @ South Meck
Jan. 24 Independence
Jan. 27 @ Myers Park
Jan. 31 Butler
Feb. 3 @ East Meck
Feb. 7 Rocky River
Feb. 10 Providence
ASHBROOK
Class: 3A
Coach: Chad Duncan (3rd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 16-9
Returning Starters: Jayquan Mackey, Blake Payne
Key Newcomers: Antonio Blalock, Delshon Leach, Russell Bess, Alex Linder, Trey Dellinger
Notable: Jayquan Mackey and Blake Payne receiving interest, Grant Stafford is also back from last year
Schedule:
N22 Mallard Creek
N29 @ East Gaston
D1 @ Shelby
D2 Rocky River
D6 East Gaston
D13 @ Crest
D15 Shelby
D16 North Gaston
D20 @ South Point
D27 TBA @ Crest
D28 TBA @ Crest
D29 TBA @ Crest
J3 @ Kings Mountain
J6 Forestview
J11 @ Mallard Creek
J13 @ Hunter Huss
J20 Crest
J24 @ North Gaston
J27 @ South Point
J31 Kings Mountain
F3 @ Forestview
F10 Hunter Huss
BERRY
Class: 3A
Coach: Carlton Anthony (1st year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 27-3
Returning Starters: Dajuan Graf Sr. 6-2 G (15.4 ppg, in 2010-11), Osandai Vaughn 6-3 G (18.8 ppg, in 2010-11), Cazemon Hayes 6-4 F (8.7 ppg, in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: N/A
Notable: Dajuan Graf has committed to Florida Gulf Coast
Schedule:
N21 @ Vance
N22 @ Myers Park
N25 Buford (Buford GA) @ Charlotte Hoops Challenge
N29 @ East Mecklenburg
D2 Mallard Creek
D5 @ Hough
D8 @ Rocky River
D9 @ East Gaston
D13 Garinger
D14 Butler
D16 @ West Mecklenburg
D27-29 @ Freedom Invite
J6 Charlotte Catholic
J10 @ Olympic
J11 @ Butler
J13 Harding University
J20 East Gaston
J24 @ Garinger
J27 West Mecklenburg
F3 @ Charlotte Catholic
F7 Olympic
F10 @ Harding University
BUTLER
Class 4A
Coach Donald Kirby (1st year as Butler Head Coach 6 yrs as Head coach of West Mecklenburg)
2010-2011 Record 25-4
Returning Starters: Zach Ferguson Sr 6-4 215 SG/SF(13.8ppg 9 reb) Channing Stribling 6-2 JR SF 8.4 6 reb, Jeremy Page6-0 SR SG
NewComers: Michael Gaskin 6-6 post getting interest from several Big South Schools
Derrol McCladdie 6-4 Jr post player and Juwan Johnson 6-3 G
Notable: Zach Ferguson 6-4 Sr who has been a star Wide reciever for the football team and was all conference in basketball last season is getting strong interest from D-1 and D-2 Schools in basketball. Looking for a break out season this year from Zach.
Jr Juwan Johnson has recieved interest from several D-1 Schools.
Schedule

N21 at Mallard Creek

N29 at Olympic

D1 at Robinson

D6 Vance

D9 Myers Park

D13 at Rocky River

D14 at Berry

D16 at East Meck

D20 at Harding

D27-29 at Freedom Invitational

J3 Ardrey Kell

J6 at Providence

J9 South Meck

J13 at Independence

J20 at Myers Park

J24 Rocky River

J27 East Meck

J31 at Ardrey Kell

F3 Providence

F6 at South Meck

F10 Independence
CENTRAL CABARRUS

Class: 3A

Coach: Chris McDonald (1^st year Head Coach at Central Cabarrus)

2010-11 Record: 20-10

Returning Starters: Dey’Quan Heath 6’2 JR-Sharp Shooter & Slasher, Mason Spease 6’1 JR/SG-Zone Buster, Brandon Greene 5’6 SR/PG Team Captain,

Key Newcomers: AJ Atkins-SO/PG Transfer from North Stanly-Defensive stopper, Anthony Mullis SO/PF/6’5 gives us a big inside presence.

Notable: Dey’quan Heath-Very good shooter, getting interest from Pembroke University, Mt. Olive College & Wingate University

Schedule:

11/21 S. Rowan-Varsity Only (H)

11/30 W. Stanly (H)

12/1 Jesse Carson (A)

12/6 Anson (H)

12/8 Charlotte Christian-No JV Teams (H)

12/9 P. Ridge (H)

12/13 Hickory Ridge (A)

12/16 AL Brown (H)

12/20 Concord (A)

Christmas Tournament @ Cox Mill

1/3 JM Robinson (H)

1/6 NW Cabarrus (A)

1/10 Cox Mill (A)

1/11 Sun Valley (A)

1/13 Mt. Pleasant (H)

1/20 Hickory Ridge (H)
1/24 AL Brown (A)

1/27 Concord (H)

1/31 JM Robinson (A)

2/3 NW Cabarrus (H)

2/7 Cox Mill-Senior Night (H)

2/9 Mt. Pleasant (A)

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC
Class: 3A
Coach: Mike King 2010-11 Record: 12-12
Returning Starters: Robert Champion (15 pts., 4 rebs.), Mark Pollack (9 pts., 4 rebs), Jack Brodowicz (5 pts., 3 assists, 2 stl)
Schedule:
N28 @ South Meck
N29 Providence
D2 @ Ardrey Kell
D6 Marvin Ridge
D9 @ Garinger
D13 West Meck
D21, 22 Holy Angels Tournament
D27, 28 and 29 St. Pius Tournament Atlanta, GA
J3 Harding
J6 @ Berry
J10 @ East Gaston
J13 Olympic
J17 Country Day
J20 Garinger
J21 Providence Day
J24 @ West Meck
J27 @ Latin
J31 @ Harding
F3 Berry
F7 East Gaston
F10 @ Olympic
CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN
Class: Independence 3A
Coach: Shonn Brown (12th season as head coach)
2010-11 Record: 27-6
Returning Starters: Patrick Rooks Jr. 6-2 G(10 ppg, 41% 3pt. in 2010-11), Ryan Potocnik 6-7, Sr. F (7 ppg. 5 rpg. All-CISAA in 2010-11) Ben Richter, 6-3 Sr. G (7 ppg, 40% 3 pt. in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Matthew Fisher-Davis – Freshman Starter at Butler High School in 2010-11
Notable: Patrick Rooks has verbally committed to Clemson
Schedule:
N18 at SouthLake
N22 Parkwood
N29 at High Point Christian
D2 at Forsyth
D3 N. Raleigh Christian
D6 Queens Grant
D8 at Central Cabarrus
D17 vs Northwood at Duke
D27-30 at Arby's Classic, Bristol, TN

J5 at Covenant Day

J10 at Greensboro Day

J13 Cary Academy
J14 Ravenscroft

J17 at Cannon

J19 Charlotte Latin

J20-21 Marriott Classic
J24 at Country Day

J27 Providence Day

J28 Rabun Gap

F3 Cannon

F7 at Charlotte Latin
F9 at Hickory Grove

F10 Country Day

F14 at Providence Day

F16 Wesleyan Academy

CHARLOTTE LATIN

Class: Independence 3-A

Coach: Chris Berger (3rd year as Head Coach)

2010-2011 Record: 9-17

Returning Starters: Matt Tome, 6'3 Sr. F (10.3 ppg, 5.6 reb.), Adam Herrmann, 5'10 Jr. G (11.2 ppg, 4.0 apg), Joe Baynard, 6'2 Soph. PG (5.8 apg), Rusty Reigel, 6'2 Soph. G (7.8 ppg, 4.5 reb.)

Key Newcomers: Jacob Nabatoff, 6'7 Jr. F brings size to the middle. David Herrmann, 5'8 Fr. G, brings point guard skills to the Hawks.

Notable: Matt Tome has committed to the University of the South for next year-Adam Herrmann was All-Conference in 2010-2011-Joe Baynard and Rusty Reigel started every game last season as freshman.

Schedule:

Nov. 21 at Hickory Grove

Nov. 22 Marvin Ridge

Nov. 29 Covenant Day

Dec. 2 at Durham Academy

Dec. 3 at Ravenscroft

Dec. 6 at Gaston Day

Dec. 9 Lake Norman

Dec. 16 Wesleyan Academy

Dec. 21-22 Holy Angels, hosted by Charlotte Catholic

Dec. 26-28 Leon Brigden Holiday Classic-Wilmington, NC

Jan. 7 St. Joseph's (SC)

Jan. 13 Forsyth Country Day

Jan. 17 Providence Day

Jan. 19 at Charlotte Christian

Jan. 20 Asheville School

Jan. 24 Cannon

Jan. 27 Charlotte Catholic

Jan. 31 at Country Day

Feb. 3 at Providence Day

Feb. 7 Charlotte Christian

Feb. 10 at Cannon

Feb. 16 Country Day

Feb. 21-25 NCISAA State Tournament

CHASE

Class: 2A

Coach: Kenneth Hines Sr.(7th year)

2010-2011 Record: 7 -15

Returning Starters: Carlos Watkins Sr. 6-4 c(20ppg, 10rpg) Keyshon Crawford Sr. 5-9 G .(10ppg, 5apg)

Newcomers: Kyle Bingham Jr. 6-5, Chris Mcmullen Sr. 6-2 transfer from Shelby

Notable: Carlos Watkins has committed to Clemson to play football,Shrine Bowl player, Army All American .

Schedule:

N21 @ N.Henderson

D01 N.Henderson

D06 Mitchell

D09 @ Mitchell

D13 @ Patton

D16 R S Central

D20 Burns

D 28,29,30 Cherryville Tournament

J03 Shelby

J10 @ Freedom

J13 @ E. Rutherford

J13 MLK Classic @ East Rutherford

J20 Patton

J24 @ R.S. Central

J27 @ Burns

J31 @ Shelby

F07 Freedom

F10     East Rutherford
CHERRYVILLE
Class: 1A
Coach: Scott Harrill (264 wins 44 losses)
2010-11 Record: 25 wins   5 losses
Returning Starters: Brandon Tuft Sr. All-Conference 2010-2011
Key Newcomers: Rhyer Davis Frosh, Grant Henderson Frosh
Schedule:
N21 North Gaston
N22 Gray Stone
N29 Piedmont
D2   @ North Gaston
D5   @ Piedmont
D7   Challenger
D9   Lincoln Carter
D13 @ Lake Norman Charter
D16 @ West Lincoln
D20 North Lincoln
D28-30 David Wright Holiday Classic in Cherryville (Boys & Girls)
Australia HSE, Bessemer City, Chase, Cherryville, First Assembly, Hickory Grove, Keysborough Australia, South Point, Thomas Jefferson
J3 East Lincoln
J6 Bessemer City
J10 @ Lincolnton
J13 Highland Tech
J20 @North Lincoln
J24 Lake Norman Charter
J27 West Lincoln
J31 @East Lincoln
F3 @Bessemer City
F7 Lincolnton
F10 @Highland Tech
CONCORD
Class 3A
COACH: Scott Brewer (Record at CHS is 106-16)
2010-2011 Record 25 - 4 (Lost in Regionals to Hickory)
Returning Starters: Kendall Knorr Sr 6'3 (16 ppg. 4.0 apg. 2.9 spg, 5.0 Rpg), Darren Black Jr. 5'11 (13 ppg. 3.3 apg)
Returning Players: Connor Burchfield Soph. 6'3 (5.5 ppg), BJ Beecher Jr. 6'7 (2.1 ppg) Jerry Burk Soph. 6'2 (2.0 ppg)
Top Newcomers: Tomeko Williams Sr. 6'3, Reid Aube Jr. 6'4,
NOTABLE: Kendall Knorr has signed with NAVY, and Darren Black, and Connor Burchfield are getting division 1 attention. BJ Beecher and Jerry Burk are outstanding talents comming off the football field.
Schedule
N22 E. Rowan
N26 Mt Tabor
D7 at Hopewell
D9 Salisbury
D13 at NW Cabarrus
D16 at Robinson
D17 Wilm. Hoggard at Duke
D20 Central Cabarrus
D28-30 Northwestern Holiday
J3 Cox Mill
J6 at Mt Pleasant
J10 at Hickory Ridge
J13 Kannapolis
J14 Roberson
J20 NW Cabarrus
J24 Robinson

J27 at Central Cabarrus
J31 at Cox Mill
F1 W. Rowan
F3 Mt Pleasant
F7 Hickory Ridge
F10 at Kannapolis Brown
CONCORD CANNON

Class: Independent 3A
Coach: Glen Taylor (3rd year at Cannon, 18th overall)
2010-11 Record: 12-18
Returning Starters: Alec Wintering Jr. 5’10” PG (24 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 6.3 apg, 3.1 spg), Matthew Godley Sr. 6’6” F (injured majority of the 2010-11 season), Tommy Chepke Jr. 6’3” F (injured majority of the 2010-11 season), Trevor McWilliams Jr. 6’1” G
Key Newcomers: Jared Hamilton Soph. 6’1” SG (transfer from Davidson Day, athletic and aggressive lefty scorer)
Notables: Cannon’s season will depend upon how well Wintering and Godley recover from ACL surgeries and how Chepke returns from ankle surgery. Wintering has been offered scholarships by Duquesne, Iona and Florida International. He is receiving heavy interest from Harvard, VCU, ECU and Tennessee. Godley is being recruited by DIII’s Denison, Hampden-Sydney, Randolph and Roanoke.
Schedule:
N11     @ High Point Christian
N15     Forsyth Country Day
N18     Cannon Classic vs. Durham Academy
N19     Cannon Classic vs. Rabun Gap/Hickory Grove
N22     Wesleyan Christian
N29     Metrolina Christian
D2       @ Greensboro Day
D9       Southlake Christian
D10     Calvary Baptist
D16     Kennedy Charter
D27     @ Carolina Day Christmas Tourney
D28     @ Carolina Day Christmas Tourney
D29     @ Carolina Day Christmas Tourney
J3        Victory Christian
J6        @ North Raleigh Christian
J7        @ Ravenscroft School
J12      Covenant Day
J14      @ Asheville School
J17      Charlotte Christian
J20      Queens Grant
J24      @ Charlotte Latin
J27      Charlotte Country Day
J31      Providence Day
F3       @ Charlotte Christian
F8       @ Lake Norman Charter
F10     Charlotte Latin
F14     @ Charlotte Country Day
F17     @ Providence Day
COUNTRY DAY
Class: NCISAA 3A
Coach: Dwayne Cherry (2nd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     13 - 13
Returning Starters: Ben Simons Sr 6'4" F, All Conference (2010 - 2011), holds CCDS record for 3pt. made in game, season and career 12.7 ppg 6.7 rpg (2010-2011); Zac Simons Sr 6'3" G Athletic wing player, 2nd leading rebounder 7.3 ppg 4.8 rpg (2010- 2011); Kendon McLaurin So 5'6" G Returning starting PG, 2nd in assist last season; Bryan Erb Sr 6'2" F one of the top players off the bench last season, athletic defender
Key Newcomers: Matthew Spears Jr 5'10" G
Schedule:
N22 @   Covenant Day Schl
N25 Alumni Game
N29 Hickory Grove Schl
D02 High Point Christian Schl
D07 Parkwood HS
D08 Fort Mill HS
D16 Southlake Christian Acad
D27-29 @   TBA
J04 @   Fort Mill HS
J06 Calvary Baptist,Winston Salem
J07 @   Camden Military Acad
J10 @   Gaston Christian Schl
J13 Ravenscroft Schl
J14 Cary Academy
J17 @   Charlotte Catholic HS
J20 @   Providence Day
J24 Charlotte Christian
J27 @   Cannon
J31 Charlotte Latin
F07 Providence Day
F10 @   Charlotte Christian
F14 Cannon
F16 @   Charlotte Latin
F21 @   NCISAA- 1st Round
F23 @   NCISAA- Q-Final
F24 @   NCISAA- S-Final
F25 @   NCISAA Championship
COVENANT DAY
Class: Independence 3A
Coach: John Whitley (4th year at school, 15th overall)
2010-11 Record: 12-15
Returning Starters: David Airing 6-5 G(20.8 ppg, in 2010-11), Ethan VanDeVelde 5-11 G(7.0 ppg, in 2010-11), Scott Jenkins 6-5 G(7.0 ppg, in 2010-11), Caleb Porter 6-4 F(6.8 ppg, in 2010-11), Ben Hawks 6-0 G(5.3 ppg, in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Joel VanDusen 6-4 F
Notable: 7 key players return from last year's team and David Airing is being recruited by several mid major Div. I schools
Schedule
N12 Freedom Christian
N15 Kennedy Charter
N18 @ High Point Christian
N22 Charlotte Country Day
N29 @ Charlotte Latin
D1 Union Academy
D2 @ Calvary Baptist
D6 @ Westminter Catawba
D9 @ Hickory Grove
D16 Forsyth County Day
D21-23 @ Shootout by the Sea (North Myrtle Beach, SC)
J3 Gaston Christian
J5 Charlotte Christian
J6 Northside Christian
J10 @ SouthLake
J12 @ Cannon
J13 Metrolina Christian
J17 First Assembly Christian
J20 Westminster Catawba
J21 Rabun Gap
J24 Hickory Grove
J27 @ Northside Christian
J31 @ Metrolina Christian
F3 SouthLake
F7 @ Gaston Christian
F10 @ First Assembly Christian
COX MILL
Class: 3A
Coach: Brad Hinson (3rd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:    8-16
Returning Starters: None
Key Newcomers: Sean Simms (Junior, 6-2 F) Jenaro Harris (Senior 5-10 G)
Notable: 3rd year of school existence
Schedule
N21- Home vs. North Meck
N22- @ West Stanly
N29-@Carson
D2- Home vs. South Rowan
D6- Home vs. Lake Norman Charter
D9- Home vs. Carson
D13- @ Mt. Pleasant
D16- @Hickory Ridge
D20- Home vs. AL Brown
D21- @ South Rowan
D28-30- CMC- Northeast Holiday Classic @ Cox Mill
J3- @ Concord
J6- @ Robinson
J10- Home vs. Central Cabarrus
J13- Home vs NW Cabarrus
J20- Home vs. Mt. Pleasant
J24- Home vs. Hickory Ridge
J27- @ AL Brown
J31- Home vs. Concord
F3- Home vs. Robinson
F7- @ Central Cabarrus
F10- @ NW Cabarrus
CREST
Class: 3A
Coach: Jerton Evans (1st year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     31-7
Returning Starters: Demarcus Smith 5'9 G (Jr.), Redd Hush 5'9 G (Sr.), Jonathan Bullard 6'4 F/C (Sr.), Jamarius Brooks 5'9 G (Sr.)
Key Newcomers: Brandon Smith, Chrishon Hartgrove, Jerick Haynes
Notable: Jonathan Bullard is a two sport athlete who has made the All-American Team for football.
Schedule:
N22 Shelby
N29 Burns
D6   @ Burns
D9   @Shelby
D13 Ashbrook
D14 TC Roberson
D16 @Forestview
D27-29 Cleveland County Christmas Tournament @ Crest(Shelby, NC)
J3     @N. Gaston
J6     Huss
J10   Kings Mountain
J13   @South Point
J20    @Ashbrook
J24    Forestview
J31    N. Gaston
F3      @Huss
F7     @Kings Mountain
F10   South Point
CUTHBERTSON
Class: 2A
Coach: Mike Helms (17th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     22-8
Returning Starters: Shelton Mitchell Soph. 6-3 PG(14 ppg, 4 assists, 4.2 rebs in 2010-11), Emmitt Afam 5-10, Jr. G (6 ppg, 2.6 assists in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Lucius McMillon 6-3 Jr F(4.7 ppg in 2010-11), Isiah Cureton 6-3 Jr G(3.3 ppg in 2010-11), Jorden Hardrick-Givens 6-1 Jr F(4.3 ppg in 2010-11), Cornelius Stradford 6-1 Jr F (2.6 ppg in 2010-11)
Notable: Shelton Mitchell has several D1 offers entering his sophomore year. 4 juniors who have played varsity basketball since their freshman year.
Schedule:
N22 @ Porter Ridge
N29 Marvin Ridge
D2 Weddington
D6 @ Parkwood
D7 @ Union Academy
D9 @ Weddington
D13 Sun Valley
D16 North Stanly
D19-22@ CMC-Union Holiday Classic
J3 Monroe
J5 Metrolina Christian
J6 CATA
J10 @ Forest Hills
J13 @ West Stanly
J20 Union Academy
J24 @ North Stanly
J27 @ Monroe
J31 @ CATA
F1 Piedmont
F3 Forest Hills
F7 West Stanly
F10 @ Piedmont

DAVIDSON DAY

Class: NCISAA 2A

Coach: Ron Johnson (3rd Year at Davidson Day, 44-17; 294-127 in 14 yrs. as a Head Coach)

2010-11 Record: 22-10

Returning Starters: Rashun Davis Sr. 5-11 G (13 ppg, in 2010-11), Phillip Anglade, Sr. F (INJ. Majority of 2010-11), Dorian Albritton, 6-4 Sr. G/F (9 ppg, in 2010-11), Richard Brown Sr. 6’5” F (5 ppg in 2010-11), DJ Carnegie Sr. 6’0” G (4 ppg in 2010-11)

Key Newcomers: Andrew Howard So. 6’7” F (MVP of last year’s JV team)

Notable: Richard Brown committed to Army; Dorian Albritton committed to VMI; Rashun Davis committed to Radford

Schedule:

N18-19 DDS Tip-Off

N21 @ Caldwell Academy

N25-26 @ Charlotte Hoops Challenge

D2-3 @ Mercedes Benz Showcase (Winston-Salem)

D6 United Faith+

D9 Gaston Day+

D10 @ Cape Fear (Wilmington)

D15 Australian Jr. National

D16 @ Cary Academy

D19-21 @ Augusta Christian Tournament (Aiken, SC)

D27-29 @ Hardwood Classic (Charlotte)

J3 North Hills Christian+

J6 Victory Christian+

J10 Statesville Christian+

J14 @ Northside Christian

J17 @ Hickory Christian+

J19 @ United Faith+

J24 @ Gaston Day+

J27 @ North Hills Christian+

J31 @ Victory Christian+

F3 @ Statesville Christian+

F4 Friendship Collegiate (Washington, DC)

F10 Hickory Christian+
EAST BURKE
Class: 2A CVAC
Coach: Jon Hancock (4 years at E. Burke 72-37)/ (career 239-163...15 years)
2010-11 record: (21-7)
Returning starters: Clay Byrd (6-1/jr/gd./20 ppg), Trevor Hyatt (6-3/jr/gd/11.5 ppg. 5.9 rebs.), Jacob Young (5-11/jr/gd), and Joey Santos (6-5/sr/fd.)
Key newcomers: Alex Kelly (5-9/fr/gd) and Landon Estep (6-4/225/fr/fd)
Notable: Clay Byrd made 98 3 pt. fgs as a soph....Byrd and Hyatt were all conference as sophmores....Byrd made the NCBCA All-District Team and is receiving Division I interest
Schedule:
N22 @ Patton
N29 Freedom
D1 Patton
D2 S. Caldwell
D6 @ Freedom
D9 @ S. Caldwell
D13 Bunker Hill
D14 McDowell
D16 @ Draughn
D27,28,29 Burke Invitational
J3 Newton-Conover
J6 W. Caldwell
J10 Maiden
J13 Bandys
J17 @ S. Iredell
J20 @ Bunker Hill
J24 Draughn
J27 @ Newton-Conover
J31 @ W. Caldwell
F3 @ Maiden
F7 @ Bandys
F10 S. Iredell

EAST LINCOLN

Class: 2A

Coach: Neil Hodges (12^th year as Head Coach)

2010-11 Record: 14-11 Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Conference 4^th place, 2A Sectionals

Returning Starters: Antwaine McLean, Sr., Guard, 5’10”, (13.6 PPG, 2.2 Rebounds, 3.3 Assists, 2.5 Steals, Southern Piedmont 1A/2A All-Conference), Garrett Young, 6’1”, Jr., Post, (8.8 PPG, 5.2 Rebounds, 1.3 Assists, 1.0 Steals, Southern Piedmont 1A/2A All-Conference), Tyler Brock, 6’3”, Jr., Guard, (8.0 PPG, 3.6 Rebounds, 1.8 Assists, 1.0 Steals), Marcus McDowell, Sr., Guard, 5’8”, (2.0 PPG, 2.6 Assists, 1.8 Rebounds, 1.0 Steals)

Key Newcomers: Charlie Hills, So., Post, 6’6”, Mason Leach, So., Guard, 5’9”, Domonique Smith, So., Guard, 5’10”, (Top players on last years JV team.)

Notable: East Lincoln has won 14 or more games and made the sectional playoffs for 7 consecutive years.

Schedule:

N29 Lincoln Charter

N30 @ Newton-Conover

D2 South Point

D6 @ South Point

D9 Newton-Conover

D12 @Lincoln Charter

D13 West Lincoln

D16 Lake Norman Charter

D20 @ Bessemer City

D28-30 East Lincoln Winter Jam

J3 @ Cherryville

J6 Lincolnton

J10 @ Highland Tech

J13 @ North Lincoln

J20 Bessemer City

J24 @ West Lincoln

J27 @Lake Norman Charter

J31 Cherryville

F3 @ Lincolnton

F7 Highland Tech

F10 North Lincoln
EAST MECKLENBURG
Class: 4A (Southwestern 4A)
Coach: Jason Grube (13th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     8-18 (6-8 SW4A)
Returning Starters: Jerrin Morrison 6-3, Jr W (13.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg in 10-11), Trent Richardson 6-4, Sr G (8.5 ppg 10-11), Miles Leathers 6-3, Sr. G (7.5 ppg, 3.5 apg in 10-11), Jaye Hunt 6-2, SR W (4.5 ppg in 10-11)
Key Newcomers: Several JV players from their SW4A conference championship
Notable: Jerrin Morrison was a sophomore All-Southwestern 4A selection last year and the Eagles made a late season push into the playoffs (defeating #1 seed AC Reynolds on their homecourt) finishing 5th in the SW4A after starting the season 1-12.
Schedule:
N22 @ Sun Valley
N29 Berry Academy
D1 @ Garinger
D2 @ Hopewell
D5 North Mecklenburg
D6 @ West Mecklenburg
D9 Independence
D13 @ Myers Park
D16 Butler
D27-29 @Freedom Holiday Tournament (Morganton, NC)
J3@ Rocky River
J6 @ Ardrey Kell
J9 Providence
J13 @ South Mecklenburg
J20 @ Independence
J24 Myers Park
J27 @ Butler
J31 Rocky River
F3 Ardrey Kell
F7 @ Providence
F10 South Mecklenburg
F13-17 SW4A Conference Tournament @ Ardrey Kell
EAST RUTHERFORD
Class: 2A
Coach: Brad LeVine (15th season)
2010- 2011 record: 27-1(2A State Champions)
Returning Starters: Devonte Boykins, Soph. (12 ppg; 8 reb), T.J. Watkins, Jr. (9 ppg; 5 st), Raheem Hampton, Sr. (14 ppg, 4 assists), Other Returners: Maddox Stamey, Sr.; Justin Barksdale, Sr.; Roddric Ross, Soph.
Key Newcomers: Benjamin Beckett, Jr.; Jarvis Hopper, Jr., Donald Wilkins, Jr.
Notable: All three returning starters were SMAC All Conference selections
Schedule:
N29   @West Henderson
D1     Highland Tech
D6     @AC Reynolds
D8     @Hunter Huss
D13   @RS Central
D16    Patton
D20    Veritas Christian
D27-28 Cavalier Christmas Classic
J3      @Burns
J6      Freedom
J10    @ Shelby
J13     Chase
J14     Martin Luther KIng Tournament
J20     RS Central
J24     @Patton
J27     AC Reynolds
J31     Burns
F3      @Freedom
F7      @Chase
F14-17 SMAC Conference Tounament
FIRST ASSEMBLY
Class: NCISAA 2A
Coach: Frank Cantadore II (1st year head coach)
2010-2011 Record: 28-3
Returning Starters: None...
Key Newcomers: Jon Allison 5’9 (Sr. PG), Sheldon Williams 6’5(Jr. C/F), Will Nork 6’4 (Sr. F), Nate Cantadore 6’0 (Jr. G)
Notable: Key Returners: Andrew Wheet 6’1 (Soph. G), Dante Simmons 6’3 (Jr. G/F)
Schedule:
N21@Calvary
N29 Westchester
D2@ Victory Christian
D6 Hickory Grove
D9 Westminster
D27-D29 Hardwood Classic Tournament
J3 @Northside
J6 @Gaston Christian
J10 @Metrolina
J13 Southlake
J17 @Covenant Day
J20 @Hickory Grove
J24 @Westminster
J26 Queens Grant
J27 Gaston Christian
J31 @Southlake
F3 Metrolina
F7 Northside
F10 Covenant Day
MAC Tournament
MAC Tournament
MAC Tournament
NCISAA Tournament
NCISAA Tournament
NCISAA Tournament
NCISAA Tournament
FOREST HILLS
Class: 2A
Coach: Warren Taylor (entering 5th year as Boys Head Coach)
2010-2011 Record: 12-12
Returning Starters: Kalief Harrison, Jr. 6-3 Forward, Roshad Gibson, Jr. 5-10 Guard; Jarvis Wilson, Jr. 6-1 Forward
Notable: Roderic Poag, 6-3 Forward; and Russell Smith, Sr. 6-2 Guard return with game experience
Key Newcomers: Terrance Huntley, Fr. 5-10 Guard; Dexter Barrett, Fr. 6-1 Forward; Stephon Clyburn Jr. 5-5 Guard
Schedule:
N29 @ Mt. Pleasant
D02 @ Central (Pageland, SC)
D06 Central (Pageland, SC)
D09 Anson
D13 Central Academy
D14 Weddington
D16 @ Union Academy
D20-23 CMC-Union Holiday Classic (Wingate University)
J03 @ West Stanly
J06 @ Piedmont
J10 Cuthbertson
J13 @ North Stanly
J14 @ Anson
J20 @ Central Academy
J24 Union Academy
J25 Monroe
J27 West Stanly
J31 Piedmont
F03 Cuthbertson
F07 Parkwood
F09 North Stanly
F10 @ Monroe
FORESTVIEW
Class: 3A
Coach: Dan Ghent (7th year, 92 - 68)
2010-11 Record:     31-7
Returning Starters: Dominique Adams Sr. 5'10 G (12.8 ppg, in 2010-11), Calvin Johnson 6'3, Jr. F (8 ppg in 2010-11) Quan Nichols, 6-3 Sr. C (4.2 ppg, in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Kevin Clyburn 6'2 Sr, F, Devante Mackins 6'2 G
Schedule:
N22 @ Providence
N28 Highland
N29 Nation Ford
D6 Providence
D8 @ Highland
D9 Lincolnton
D13 @ Nation Ford
D16 Crest
D20 North Gaston
D26-28 @ Bojangles Shootout
J3 @ South Point
J6 @ Ashbrook
J10 Hunter HUss
J13 @ Kings Mountain
J24 @ Crest
J27 @ North Gaston
J31 South Point
F3 Ashbrook
F7 @ Hunter Huss
F10 Kings Mountain
F 13 -17 Big South 3A Tournament
FREEDOM
Class: 3A
Coach: Casey Rogers (6th Season as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     21-7
Returning Starters (5): Darrion Evans Jr. 5-9 G (8.9 ppg, 6.1 apg), Khris Gardin So. 5-7 G ( 6.3 PPG), David Duckworth Sr. 6-3 F (9.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg), Raymond Beam Sr. 6-3 F (12.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg), Rob Noyes sr. 6-6 C (17 ppg, 10.2 rpg)
Key Newcomers: Tyler Triplett (6-3 athletic wing transfer from Patton) Chris Bridges (Leading scorer off 19-3 JV team last season)
Notable: Return 88% of last year’s team scoring. All Conference performers Evans and Noyes lead a versatile and balanced attack.
Schedule:
N25 @Draughn
N29 @East Burke
D1   McDowell
D2   Draughn
D6   East Burke
D7   @ Asheville
D9   @ McDowell
D13 Shelby
D16 Burns
D20 @ RS Central
D21   Alexander Central
D27-29 Freedom Christmas Tournament
J6   @ East Rutherford
J10 Chase
J13   @ Patton
J20   @ Shelby
J24 @ Burns
J27   RS Central
F3   East Rutherford
F7   @ Chase
F10 Patton
GARINGER
Class: 4A
Coach: Andre Dixon (2nd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     2-17
Returning Starters: Jamarkus Eisom Jr. 5-9 G(12 ppg, in 2010-11), Keith Davis 6-2, Jr. SF (10ppg of 2010-11) Kemmi Pettway, 6-3 Jr. PF (8 ppg, in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Quan King, 6-3 SF/SG, Paul Coleman 6-5 PF/C, Marquise Osgood 6-3 PF
Schedule
N21 @Myers Park
N28 @Vance
D1 East Meck
D2 North Meck
D9 Cathlic
D13 @ Berry
D16 Olympic
D27-30 @Holiday Tournament (East Lincoln)
J3@ EastGaston Day
J4 @ independence
J6 @ West Meck
J10 Harding
J 17 @ North Meck
J 20 @ Catholic
J24 Berry
J27 @Olympic
J31 East Gaston
F3 West Meck
F7 @ Harding
GASTON DAY
Class: Independent 2A
Coach: Casey Field (4th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     5-20
Returning Starters: Ben Carstarphen Sr. 5-6 G (4 ppg, in 2010-11), Shontrell Hopper So. 6-0 G (12 ppg, in 2010-11), Keyshawn Woods So. 6-3 G (23 ppg, in 2010-11), Abram Olson 6-1 F (4 ppg, in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Ray Chen Sr. 6-0 G (foreign exchange student), Nayquan Wilson Jr. 5-10 G, Ben Henderson 8th grade 5-10 G
Notable: Ray Chen has verbally committed to Belmont Abbey and Keyshawn Woods is a major D-I prospect (already offered by Charlotte)
Schedule:
N15 SouthLake Christian
N18 @ Oakbrook Prep
N22 Metrolina Christian
N29 Gaston Christian
D2 @ Asheville Christian
D6 Charlotte Latin
D9 @ Davidson Day
D16 Grace Academy
D21 @ Holy Angels Tournament
D22 @ Holy Angels Tournament
D27 @ Gaston Christian Tournament
D29 @ Gaston Christian Tournament
J3 United Faith
J6 @ Hickory Christian
J7 Westminster Catawba
J9 North Hills
J13 Victory Christian
J17 @ Statesville Christian
J20 Covenant Classical
J24 Davidson Day
J27 @ United Faith
J31 Hickory Christian
F3 @ North Hills
F7 @ Victory Christian
F10 Statesville Christian
GRAY STONE DAY
Class: Yadkin Valley 1A
Coach: Myron Harrington (2nd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:    4-21
Returning Starters: La'cario Sellers Sr. 6-0 G(16.8 ppg, in 2010-11), Carl Wagner Sr. 6-0 G/F (1.8 ppg, in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Alex Wang, Chase Clontz
Notable: La'cario Sellers is a definite candidate for conference player of the year
Schedule:
N22 @ Cherryville
N29 @ South Stanly
D1 Mount Pleasant
D2 South Davidson
D6 @ Albemarle
D9 @ North Moore
D16 @ Chatham Central
J3 @ West Montgomery
J6 @ North Rowan
J10 East Montgomery
J13 South Stanly
J17 @ South Davidson
J19 East Montgomery
J20 Albemarle
J24 North Moore
J31 Chatham Central
F3 West Montgomery
F7 North Rowan
F10 @ East Montgomery

HARDING

Class 3A

Coach: Walter Aikens ( 8th Year as Head Coach)

2010-11 Record: 12-14

Returning Starters: Aaron Linton Jr 5-6 PG, Emmanuel Patton Jr 6-4 PF, Jalien Byers Jr 6-1 SG, Steven Burrough 6-7 C

Key Newcomer: Jarvis Haywood Sr 6-4 SG

Notable: Jarvis has received at least 10 D-1 offers.

Schedule:

N21 @ Ardrey Kell

N22 Hopewell

N25 Hunter Huss

N29 Rocky River

D2 @ W. Charlotte

D6 S. Meck

D7 Hough

D9 W. Meck

D16 E. Gaston

D20 Butler

D27-29 (Crest H.S. Holiday Classic)

J3 @ Catholic

J6 Olympic

J10 @ Garinger

J13 @ Berry

J20 @ W. Meck

J27@ E. Gaston

J31 Catholic

F3 @Olympic

F7 Garinger

F10 Berry

HICKORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

INDEPENDENT 1A

COACH: GARY BOWNE 1ST YEAR

2010-2011 RECORD: N/A

KEY PLAYERS: RILEY SIGMON 5'7 JUNIOR GUARD, CAMERON SALAZAR, 5'10 JUNIOR GUARD, ADAM BALLHAUSSEN 6'3, SR FORWARD, KEEGAN PARDEN 6'6 JR FORWARD

KEY NEWCOMERS: CONNER SMITH 6' SO FORWARD, JAKE STARNES, 6' SO GUARD, TYLER BALLENTINE 6'4 JUNIOR FORWARD

NOTES: FIRST YEAR IN INDEPENDENT CONFERENCE AND ASSOCIATION, SPEND LAST SEVERAL YEARS IN THE NC CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

SCHEDULE:

N21 HERITAGE

N29 CHALLENGER

D2 @ CHALLENGER

D6 @ VICTORY CHRISTIAN

D9 @ UNITED FAITH

D12 @ STATESVILLE CHRISTIAIN

D16 UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN

D20 @ WOODLANDS

J5 GASTON DAY

J9 @ HERITAGE

J10 CROSSNORE

J14 @ NORTH HILLS

J17 DAVIDSON DAY

J20 VICTORY CHRISTIAN

J24 UNITED FAITH

J27 STATESVILLE CHRISTIAN

J31 @ GASTON DAY

F3 PIEDMONT COMMUNITY CHARTER

F7 NORTH HILLS

F10 @ DAVIDSON DAY

F13-17 SPAA CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT'

F20-25 NCISAA PLAYOFFS
HICKORY GROVE
Class: NCISAA 3A
Coach: Jim Rhodes (7th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 15-12
Returning Starters: Dustin Dodd 6’5 Jr., Keith Griffin 6’8 Jr., Chris Marshall 6’0 Jr., Kris Gilliam 6’2 Sr
Schedule:
N18-19 Cannon Classic
N21 Latin
N29 @ Country Day
D1 @ Gaston Christian
D2 North Raleigh
D6 @ 1st Assembly
D9 Covenant Day
D10 @ Providence Day
D16 Greensboro Day
D17 Wesleyan
D28-30 David Wright Holiday Classic
J3 West Minister
J6 @ Metrolina
J7 Forsyth Country Day
J12 @ Northside
J20 1st Assembly
J24 @ Covenant Day
J26 @ Southlake
J27 Metrolina
J30 @ West Minister
J31 Northside
F3 Gaston Christian
F9 Charlotte Christian
F10 Southlake
F14-17 MAC Tournament

HICKORY RIDGE
Class: 3A

Coach: Robert Machado (5th year as Head Coach)

2010-11 Record: 19-10

Returning Starters: Seth Still Sr. 6-5, C(7 ppg, in 2010-11), Kellen Lipscomb 5-10, Sr. PG

Key Newcomers: Leonard Woody, Tydus Parks

Schedule:

N21 @ Carson

N29 East Rowan

D2 @ Porter Ridge

D7 Carson

D9 @ Sun Valley

D13 Central Cabarrus

D15 Weddington

D16 Cox Mill

D20 Mt. Pleasant

D28-30 @ East Lincoln Holiday Tournament

J3 @ Northwest Cabarrus

J6 AL Brown

J10 Concord

J13 @ JM Robinson

J20 @ Central Cabarrus

J24 @ Cox Mill

J27 @ Mt. Pleasant

J31 Northwest Cabarrus

F3 @ AL Brown

F7 @ Concord

F10 JM Robinson
HIGHLAND TECH
Class 1A
Coach Butch Blalock
2010/11 Record: 18-9
Returning Starters: Jevon Patton Jr. 17.9pts Josh Neely Jr 8rebs- Joe Deese Sr 10pts - Demetrious Lewis Sr. 7pts
Other key Returners: Robert McMillion- Ty Alexander- Sabasetain Nieminen -Kameron Harper- Kenny Duncan
Key Newcomers: Eathan Reep -Maury Patterson -Bronson Short- Neven Sussman
HOPEWELL
Class: 4A
Coach: Damon Bost (2nd year as Head Coach)
2010-2011 Record: 12-13
Returning Starters: None
Notable:Tyrone Curry, brother of Brandyn Curry (Harvard) is getting D1 and D2 attention. First time in school history that there will be 4 freshmen on Varsity(Taj Middleton, Jermaine Blackmon, CJ Bryce, Michael Baez).
Schedule:
N21 Providence
N22 @ Harding
N28 @ Myers Park
N30 Ardrey Kell
D2 East Mecklenburg
D5 Myers Park
D7 Concord
D9 @ West Charlotte
D13 Hough
D16 @ Lake Norman
D 21 Kernersville Medical Center Holiday Shoot Out @NW Guilford vs Chapel Hill
D22 Kernersville Medical Center Holiday Shoot Out @NW Guilford vs NW Guildford
J3 @ Mooresville
J6 Mallard Creek
J10 Vance
J13 @ North Mecklenburg
J20 West Charlotte
J24 @ Hough
J27 Lake Norman
J31 Mooresville
F3 @ Mallard Creek
F7 @ Vance
F9 North Mecklenburg
HOUGH
Class: 4A
Coach: Justin Batts (2nd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 5-20
Returning Starters: Drexler Clark Jr. 5-11 PG(9 ppg, 4 Assist in 2010-2011), Jaqueaz Jackson Soph. 6-2 G/F(9 ppg, in 2010-2011), Nick Daddio Sr. 6-2 F(6 rpg, in 2010-2011)
Key Newcomers: Luke Maye Fr.
Notable: 2nd year of the program
Schedule:
N21 Independence
N23 West Brunswick
N29 @ Myers Park
N30 @ Lake Norman Charter
D2 Providence
D5 Phillip O' Berry
D7 @ Harding
D9 Vance
D13 @ Hopewell
D16 North Meck
D28-30 Cox Mill Christmas tourney
J3 West Charlotte
J6 @ Mooresville
J10 @ Lake Norman
J13 Mallard Creek
J20 @ Vance
J24 Hopewell
J27 @ North Meck
J31 @ West Charlotte
F3 Mooresville
F7 Lake Norman
F9 @ Mallard Creek

INDEPENDENCE
Class: Southwestern 4A

Coach: Preston Davis (3rd year as Head Coach)

2010-11 Record: 7-17

Returning Starters: Travis Hurt, 6-3 Sr. G (5.7 ppg in 2010-11), Patrick Sardinia, 5-7 Sr. G (1.3 ppg in 2010-11), Tayon Gleaves, 5-8 So. G (4.6 ppg in 2010-11), Workpeh Kofa, 6-3 So. G (2.6 ppg in 2010-11)

Key Newcomers: Kevin Loving, Jeffrey Dennis (transfer from East Meck)

Schedule:

N21 @Hough

N28 Sun Valley

N29 @North Mecklenburg

D2 Vance

D6 West Charlotte

D9 @East Mecklenburg

D13 Ardrey Kell

D15 Marvin Ridge

D16 @Providence

D28-30 @Cox Mill Holiday Tournament (Concord, NC)

J3 South Mecklenburg

J4 Garinger

J6 Rocky River

J9 @Myers Park

J13 Butler

J20 East Mecklenburg

J24 @Ardrey Kell

J27 Providence

J31 @South Mecklenburg

F3 @Rocky River

F7 Myers Park

F10 @Butler
KENNEDY CHARTER
Class: 1A Public
Coach: Ed Addie (1st year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: N/A
Returning Starters: None
Key Newcomers: Donte Clark, 6’4 G (15 ppg at Queens Grant in 2010-11), Jalen White, 6’1 G (7.0 apg, All Conference at Butler SW4A in 2010-11), Javonte’ Douglas, 6’7 F, Julius Hamilton, 6’3 F
Notable: Donte Clark, Javonte Douglas & Jalen White all have D1 scholarship offers.
Schedule:
N15 @ Covenant Day
N18 Cabarrus County
N22 @ Covenant Classical
D2 Union Academy
D6 Covenant Classical
D12 Queens Grant
D13 Statesville Christian
D16 @ Cannon School
D19-21 Southlake Christmas Classic
D27-29 Hardwood Classic
J6 The Elon School
J10 @ Mount Zion Christian Academy
J13 @ Queens Grant
J18 @ Union Academy
J20 @ Quality Education Academy
J24 @ Grace Academy
J27 Walnut Grove
J31 @ Statesville Christian
F1 @ The Elon School
F3 Crossroads Charter
F7 @ Kestrel Heights Charter
F10 Kestrel Heights Charter
F14 Grace Academy
F17 @ Veritas Christian Academy
F24 Mount Zion Christian Academy
F28 @ Crossroads Charter

LAKE NORMAN CHARTER
Class: 1A Southern Piedmont Conference

Coach: Aaron Reeves (1st year head Coach)

2010-2011 Record: 11-11

Returning Varisty Players: Devon Tabor 5'10 Jr PG, Michael Dorsainvil 5'8 So SG, Davis Elkins 5'10 Jr SG/PG, Alex Scearce 6'2 Jr PF, Jake Williams 6'2 Jr C, Brandon Jackson 5'10 Sr SG/SF.

Schedule:

N30 Hough

D2 Covenant Classical

D6 at Cox Mill

D9 at Charlotte Latin

D13 Cherryvile

D16 at East Lincoln

D19th - D21st South Lake Christmas Tourney

J3 at West Lincoln

J6 at Highland Tech

J10 North Lincoln

J11 Lincolnton

J13 Bessemer City

J18 Lincoln Charter

J20 at Lincolnton

J24 at Cherryville

J27 East Lincoln

J31 West Lincoln

F3 Highland Tech

F7 at North Lincoln

F10 Bessmer City
LAKE NORMAN
Class: 4A: I-Meck
Coach: Brandon Jolly (5th year as Head Coach, 78-29 record)
2010-11 Record: 10-14
Returning Starters: None
Key Newcomers: None
Schedule:
N21 South Iredell
N22 West Rowan
N29 @ Statesville
D2 West Iredell
D6 @ North Iredell
D9 North Meck
D13 @ Mallard Creek
D16 Hopewell
D27-29 @ Statesville Record & Landmark Tournament
J3 @ Vance
J6 @ West Charlotte
J10 Hough
J13 Mooresville
J20 @ North Meck
J24 Mallard Creek
J27 @ Hopewell
J31 Vance
F3 West Charlotte
F7 @ Hough
F10 @ Mooresville
LINCOLN CHARTER
Class: 1A
Coach: James Seitz (3rd year, 67-41)
2010-2011 record 8-15
Returning starters (sr) Steven Allison 6’3 center, ( jr) Davis Scoggins 6’3 (f), (jr) Ryley Harbour 5’9 (g)
Notable: also returning are Hunter Dodson (F) and Zach Bluhm(G) who both saw significant time last year.
Key newcomers: Christian Hilty 5’10 (G) (fr) Jai Washington & Nathaniel Scoggins
Schedule:
N21 at N. Lincoln
N29 at E. Lincoln
N30 at W. Lincoln
D6 Bessemer City
D7 at Maiden
D9 at Cherryville
D12 E. Lincoln
D20 E. Gaston
J3 vs CSD
J5 Queens Grant
J6 Challenger
J9 Maiden
J11 at Challenger
J13 Carolina Christian
J18 at Lake Norman Charter
J20 vs. PLP
J24 vs PLP
J27 at CSD
J30 at TJCA
F3 vs. TJCA
F8 at Bessemer City
F10 at Queens Grant

LINCOLNTON
Class: 2A

Coach: Bob Cowie (14th year as head coach at Lincolnton, career record

188-132)

2010-11 Record: 21 - 7

Returning Starters: Lorenzo Carter Sr. 5-11 G(11ppg in 2010-11),

Jonathan Sherrill Sr. 6-4 (12ppg, 6reb in 2010-11), Jalen Littlejohn Sr.

6-2(14ppg, 5reb in 2010-11), Jonathan Gidney Sr. 6-3(11ppg in 2010-11)

Key Newcomers: Patrick Rendleman Sr. 6-2

Schedule:

N28 Maiden

N30 @ North Gaston

D2 @ Maiden

D6 North Gaston

D9 @ Forestview

D13 Bessemer City

D14 Forestview

D16 North Lincoln

D29-30 People's Bank Holiday Tournament @ Bandys

J3 Highland Tech

J6 @ East Lincoln

J10 Cherryville

J11 @ Lake Norman Charter

J13 @ West Lincoln

J20 Lake Norman Charter

J24 @ Bessemer City

J 27 @ North Lincoln

J 31 @ Highland Tech

F3 East Lincoln

F7 @ Cherryville

F10 West Lincoln

F13 - 17 Conference Tournament

MALLARD CREEK
Class: I-Meck 4A

Coach: David Rutledge (2nd year as Head Coach)

2010-11 Record: 8-17

Returning Starters: Jamal White Sr. 6-0 G; Bradley Robinson 6-4, Sr. F; Dominique Henderson 6-4 Jr. G/F; Jalen Roddey 5-9 Sr. PG

Key Newcomers: Tavon Nelson Sr. 6-2 G

Notable: Jamal White, 2010-2011 I-Meck 4A All-Conference Selection

Schedule:

N21 Butler

N22 @ Gastonia Ashbrook

D2 @ Phillip O. Berry

D5 West Meck

D9 @ Mooresville

D13 Lake Norman

D16 Vance

D19 Rocky River

D28-30 @ East Lincoln Holiday Tournament

J3 @ North Meck

J6 @ Hopewell

J10 West Charlotte

J11 Gastonia Ashbrook

J13 @ Hough

J20 Mooresville

J24 @ Lake Norman

J27 @ Vance

J31 North Meck

F3 Hopewell

F7 @ West Charlotte

F9 @ Hough
MARVIN RIDGE
Coach: Gosnell White 5th year at Marvin Ridge (34th year as Head Coach)
2010-2011 Record: 17-7
Returning Starters: Taylor Neal Jr. G/F 6'5 8.0 ppg 6.5rpg
Key Newcomers: Logan Jackson, KC Emezie, John Emezie, Logan Forrest
Schedule:
N22 @ Charlotte Latin
N29 @ Cuthbertson
N30 Hickory Ridge
D2 Piedmont
D6 @ Charlotte Catholic
D7 @ Providence
D9 @ JM Robinson
D12 Ardrey Kell
D 14 Rocky River
D 15 @ Independence
D19-23 Union Co. Holiday Classic
J 3 @ Porter Ridge
J 6 Weddington
J 10 @ Sun Valley
J 13 @ Anson
J 20 Porter Ridge
J24 Parkwood
J27 Sun Valley
J 31 Anson
F 3 @ Parkwood
F 10 @ Weddington
F13-17 Conference Tournament
F20-24 State Playoffs 1st rd
F28-M3 State Playoffs 2nd rd
M10 State Playoffs 3rd rd
MOORESVILLE
Class: 4A
Coach: Michael Micklow (7th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     18-9
Returning Starters: Shawn Lester Sr. 6-3 SG(18 ppg), Kendrick Johnson Sr. 6-2. SG (10 ppg) Dre Howell, 6-4 Jr. F (8 ppg) Ralph Montgomery So. 6-3 F (8 ppg)
Schedule:
N22 @ Statesville
N25-26 @ Charlotte Hoops Classic
D2 Statesville
D6 South Rowan
D8 @ Northwest Cabarrus
   D9 Mallard Creek
D13 @ Vance
D16 @ West Charlotte
D27-29 @Hardwood Classic (Charlotte, NC)
J3 Hopewell
J6 Hough
J10 North Meck
J13 @ Lake Norman
J 20 @Mallard Creek
J24 Vance
J27 West Charlotte
J31 @ Hopewell
F3 @ Hough
F7 @ North Meck
F10 Lake Norman
MYERS PARK
Class: 4A
Coach: Wes Hepler (1st year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 15-11
Returning Starters: Patrick Wallace, 6-0 Sr. G( 9.2 ppg, in 2010-11), Clayton Massey 6-7, Jr. F (9.5 ppg in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Jake Hackworth, 6'4 So. F; Ben Bennett, 6'3 So. F (Transfer from Gaston Day)
Notable: Team only returns 4 varsity players. Clayton Massey was All-Conf SW4A in 2010-11.
Schedule:
N21 Garinger
N22 Philip O. Berry
N28 Hopewell
N29 Hough
D02 @ Olympic
D05 @ Hopewell
D06 @ North Meck
D09 @ Butler
D13 East Meck
D16 @ Ardrey Kell
D28 Winter Jam 2011 @ East Lincoln
D29 Winter Jam 2011 @ East Lincoln
D30 Winter Jam 2011 @ East Lincoln
J03 Providence
J06 @ South Meck
J09 Independence
J13 Rocky River
J20 Butler
J24 @ East Meck
J27 Ardrey Kell
J31 @ Providence
F03 South Meck
F07 @ Independence
F10 @ Rocky River
NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN

Class: NCISAA 2A

Coach: Byron Dinkins (2nd year as Head Coach)

2010-11 Record: 29-3

Key Returners: Dionte Adams 6-7 Sr. F, Justin Ashford 5-9, Sr. PG, James Logan, 6-2 Sr. G/F, Davon Bell 5-10 So. G, Addison Holmes 5-11 So. G, Jeremy Ritter 5-9 So. G, Simon Ghirmai 5-9 Sr. G

Key Newcomers: LC Cooks 6-1 Sr. G, Justin Gordon 6-6 Sr. G/F, Luke Morrison 6-8 Jr. F, Zach Meyer 5-11 Sr. G, Brandon Alston 6-0 Jr. G/F, Garrett Mullet 5-9 Jr. G

Notable: Dionte Adams and LC Cooks signed with Hampton University

Schedule:

N18 Metrolina Christian

N22 @ Asheville Christian

N29 @ Southlake Christian

D1 @ Calvary Baptist

D3 Victory Christian

D6 High Point Wesleyan Christian

D9 Palmetto Shootout vs Richland Northeast (Columbia, SC)

D10 Palmetto Shootout vs Columbia HS (Columbia, SC)

D16 Covenant Classical

D27-29 Hardwood Classic Holiday Tournament (Bojangles Coliseum)

J3 First Assembly

J6 @ Covenant Day

J10 Westminster Catawba

J12 @ Hickory Grove

J14 Davidson Day

J17 @ Gaston Christian

J20 Southlake Christian

J24 @ Metrolina Christian

J27 Covenant Day

J31 Hickory Grove

F3 @ Westminster Catawba

F7 @ First Assembly

F10 Gaston Christian

F14-17 MAC Conference Tournament

F21-25 NCISAA State Tournament

NORTH MECKLENBURG
Class: 4A
Coach: Duane Lewis
2010-11 Record: 22-6
Returning Starters: Shivaughn Wiggins, Sr. 5'9 PG (13.3 ppg, 7.3 apg in 2010-11), Kyle Burton, 6-3 Sr. G/F
Key Newcomers: Tahjai Watt, Jr. F (10-11 6th man), Josh Stepoli, Sr. 6'7 C.
Notable: Shivaughn Wiggins and Tahjai Watt are garnering interest from numerous NCAA Div. I schools. Josh Stepoli is a major NCAA Div. I Football recruit.
Schedule:
N21 @ Cox Mill
N22 West Meck
N29 Independence
D2 @ Garinger
D5 @ Eats Meck
D6 Myers Park
D9 @ Lake Norman
D13 West Charlotte
D16 @ Hough
D28-30 @Maryland National Hoops Classic
J3 Mallard Creek
J6 Vance
J10 @ Mooresville
J13 Hopewell
J18 Garinger
J20 Lake Norman
J24 @ West Charlotte
J27 Hough
J31 @ Mallard Creek
F3 @ Vance
F7 Mooresville
F9 @ Hopewell
NORTHWEST CABARRUS
Class: South Piedmont 3A
Coach: Daniel Jenkins (8th year as head coach)
2010-2011 record: 19-9
Returning Starters: Corey Seager Sr. 6-3 G/F (8 ppg, 4 rpg)
Key Newcomers: Robbie Hagopian, John Edmond, Derrick Farquharson
Schedule:
N22 @ Weddington
N 28 South Rowan
D1 Sun Valley
D8 Mooresville
D9 @ East Rowan
D13 Concord
D16 Mount Pleasant
D19 @ J.M. Robinson
D28-30 East Lincoln Holiday Tournament
J3 Hickory Ridge
J6 Central Cabarrus
J10 @ Kannapolis
J13 @ Cox Mill
J20 @ Concord
J24 @ Mount Pleasant
J27 J.M. Robinson
J31 @ Hickory Ridge
F3 @ Central Cabarrus
F7 Kannapolis
F9 Cox MillOLYMPIC
Class: 4A
Coach: Ty Baumgardner (8th season at Olympic, 141-56)
2010-2011 Record: 28-2
Returning Starters: Josh Smith Sr. 6'8 F, John Brown Sr. 6'3 W, Allerik Freeman Jr. 6'3 G
Key Newcomers: Sean Anthony Sr. 5'8 PG, BJ Gladden Jr. 6'5 W
Notable: Smith has signed with Clemson University, Freeman is ranked #9 in the country in the class of 2013 by ESPN.com, Gladden is ranked #9 in North Carolina for the class of 2013 by Scout.com
Schedule:
N21 South Mecklenburg
N26 @ Charlotte Hoops Challenge vs. Mooresville
N29 Butler
D2 Myers Park
D6 Hunter Huss
D13 East Gaston
D16 @ Garinger
D20-22 @ Aiken County Challenge (Midland Valley H.S. in Aiken, SC)
D27-29 @ Upward Classic (Dorman H.S. in Roebuck, SC)
J3 West Mecklenburg
J6 @ Harding
J10 Berry Academy
J13 @ Charlotte Catholic
J21 @ Marriott Invitational vs. Wheeler, GA (Norcross H.S. in Norcross, GA)
J24 @ East Gaston
J27 Garinger
J31 @ West Mecklenburg
F3 Harding
F7 @ Berry Academy
F10 Charlotte Catholic

PATTON
Class: 3A SMAC
Coach: Dennis Brittain (1st Year as Varsity Coach)
2010-2011 Record: 5-19
Returning Starters: Jarron Baker (4 ppg), Jevon Morris (4.1 ppg)
Schedule:
N21 Hibriten
N22 East Burke
N25 @Fred T Foard
N29 @Draughn
D1 @ East Burke
D5 @ Hibriten
D7 South Caldwell
D9 Draughn
D13 Chase
D16 @ East Rutherford
D20 @ Shelby
D21 Fred T Foard
D27 Draughn Christmas Tournament
D28 Draughn Christmas Tournament
J3 RS Central
J6 @ Burns
J13 Freedom
J20 @ Chase
J24 East Rutherford
J27 Shelby
J31 @ RS Central
F3 Burns
F8 @ South Caldwell
F10 @ Freedom
PORTER RIDGE
Class: 4A

Coach: Jay Fitts (3rd yr)

2010-11 Record: 3-21

Returning Starters: Victor Freeman, 5' 7" SR G (7.0 ppg, 2.5 apg

2010-11), Jerrick Robbins, SOPH G 5' 9"

Key Newcomers: Cody Barrette, 6' 1" JR F, Dallas Austin, 6' 3" JR G,

Harrison Rivers, 6' 4" JR F, Michael Hoosier 5'10" SR G

Notable: Once football players are added to the mix the Pirates will

look to play 10. Team offense and defense will be key to their success

this season.

Schedule:

N22 Cuthbertson

N29 Monroe

N30 Providence

D02 Hickory Ridge

D06 Piedmont

D07 @Ardrey Kell

D09 @Central Cabarrus

D12 @ S. Meck

D14 @ Monroe

D20-23 Union County Tournament

J03 Marvin Ridge*

J06 Sun Valley*

J10 @Parkwood*

J13 @Weddington *

J17 Anson*

J20 @Marvin Ridge*

J24 @Sun Valley*

J26 @Piedmont

J27 Parkwood*

J31 Weddington*

F01 J.M. Robinson

F03                             @Anson*
PROVIDENCE
Class: 4A
Coach: Myron Lowery (9th year at Providence) 22nd overall
2010-11 Record: 4-21
Returning Starters: Giavonni Mack Soph. 5-10 G (10.1 ppg, in 2010-11), Tyler Edwards 6-2 F (5 ppg)
Key Newcomers: Keith Allen 6-3 F, Nolan Nelson 6-1 G, Justin Hairston 5-10 G,Chris Rieger 6-3 G
Notable: Six new players to the varsity program, Antawn Jamison (Providence alumni/Cleveland Cavaliers) practiced with the team.
Schedule
N 21 @ Hopewell
N 22 Forestview (E)
N 29 @ Catholic (boys only)
N 30 @ Porter Ridge
D 2   @ Hough
D 6   @ Forestview
D 7   Marvin Ridge
D 9   Rocky River
D 13 @ South Mecklenburg
D 16 Independence
D 28-30 @ (Northwestern High School) Lindberg Moody Tournament Vs Northwestern
J 3 @ Myers Park
J 6 Butler
J 9 @ East Mecklenburg
J 13 Ardrey Kell
J 20 @ Rocky River
J 24 South Mecklenburg
J 27 @ Independence
J 31 Myers Park
F 3 @ Butler
F7 East Mecklenburg
F10 @ Ardrey Kell
PROVIDENCE DAY
Coach: Brian Field (6th season)
2010-11 Record:     18-13
Returning Starters: Jordan Watkins (Soph., 10ppg, receiving lots of D1 interest), Bryon Fields (Junior, 13ppg)
Key Newcomers: Chaz Raye, Devin Mills
Schedule:
N29 Walnut Grove Christian School
D2 @Ravenscroft
D3 @Durham Academy
D6 Village Christian Academy
D9 @Forsyth Country Day School
D10 Hickory Grove
D16 Australia
D17 @Hilton Head Holiday Tournament
D18 @Hilton Head Holiday Tournament
D19 @Hilton Head Holiday Tournament
D27 @Asheville Holiday Tournament
D28 @Asheville Holiday Tournament
D29 @Asheville Holiday Tournament
J6 @High Point Wesleyan Christian Academy
J7 Greensboro Day School
J10 Camden Military Academy
J12 Grace Academy
J17 @Latin
J20 Country Day
J21 @Catholic
J24 @ Carolina Day School
J27 @Charlotte Christian
J31 @Cannon School
F3 Latin
F4 @Rabun Gap
F7 @ Country Day
F10 Carolina Day
F14 Charlotte Christian
F17 Cannon School

QUEENS GRANT
Class: Independent 1A

Coach: Dave Wilson (1st year as Head Coach)

2010-11 Record: 20-9

Returning Starters: 0

Key Newcomers: Kriston Beasley-junior, Jamir Lee-sophomore, Trey Brown-senior

Schedule:

N 2 MALBAS BASKET P94 (INTERNATIONAL @ QUEENS)

N 2 METROLINA ROUND R. SCRIMM.

N 7 HICKORY GROVE SCRIMMAGE

N 14 CHARLOTTE LATIN SCRIMMAGE

N 22 VICTORY CHRISTIAN

N 28 UNITED FAITH

N 29 COVENANT CLASSICAL

D 2 PINE LAKE PREP * (@ QUEENS)

D 6 CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN

D 9 CROSSROADS CHARTER (@ QUEENS)

D 12 KENNEDY CHARTER

D 15 NORTH HILLS

D 16 MT. ZION SHOWCASE

D 17 MT. ZION SHOWCASE

D 22 THOMASVILLE PREP TOURN (LEXINGTON HIGH)

D 23 THOMASVILLE PREP TOURN (TBD)

D 27 HARDWOOD CLASSIC

D 28 HARDWOOD CLASSIC

D 29 HARDWOOD CLASSIC

J 5 LINCOLN CHARTER *

J 6 COVENANT CLASSICAL (@ QUEENS)

J 13 KENNEDY CHARTER (@ QUEENS)

J 16 UPPER ROOM MLK SHOWCASE

J 20 CANNON SCHOOL

J 26 FIRST ASSEMBLY

J 27 PINE LAKE PREP *

F 10     LINCOLN CHARTER * (@ QUEENS)ROBINSON
Class: 3A
Coach: Joe Pike (11th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     12-15
Returning Starters: Elijah Hampton Sr. 6-4 G(21 ppg, in 2010-11), Kevin Anzenberger 6-2, Sr. G 8.1ppg, in 2010-11, Brody Koerner, 6-4 Sr. F (10.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Ivan Lowe Sr. 5-9, G (11.1 ppg, coming from Vance High School, Charlotte NC)
Schedule:
N 21 West Stanly
D 1 Butler
D 2 Carson
D 7 @Salisbury
D 9 Marvin Ridge
D 20 @South Rowan
D 13 @AL Brown
D 16 Concord
D 19 Northwest
D 28-30 East Lincoln Winter Jam Christmas Tourney
J 3 @ Central Cabarrus
J 6 Cox Mill
J 10 Mt. Pleasant
J 13 Hickory Ridge
J 20 AL Brown
J 24 @Concord
J 27 @Northwest
J 31 Central Cabarrus
F 1 @Porter Ridge
F 3 @Cox Mill
F 7 @Mount Pleasant
F 9 @Hickory Ridge
F13 SPC conference Tourney
ROCKY RIVER
Class: Southwestern 4A
Coach: Brandon Blalock(2nd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:    13-11
Returning Starters: Matt Ward Sr. 6-6 F(10 ppg, in 2010-11), Harvey Bell 5-10, Sr. G Kendall Burton, 6-4 Jr. F Stevon Baldwin 5-9, So. G
Key Newcomers: Rob Harvey Jr. 6-3 Sr. Isaiah Grimes-Thompson 6-6 Fr. Daemar Jones 6-6 So.
Schedule:
N21 West Meck
N29 @ Harding
D2 @Ashbrook
D8 Berry Academy
D9 @Providence
D13 Butler
D14 @ Marvin Ridge
D16 @ South Meck
D19 @ Mallard Creek
D28-30 @ East Lincoln Winter Jam
J3 East Meck
J6 @ Independence
J9 Ardrey Kell
J13 @ Myers Park
J20 Providence
J24 @ Butler
J27 South Meck
J31 @ East Meck
F3 Independence
F7 @ Ardrey Kell
F11 Myers Park
SALISBURY
Class: Central Carolina 2A
Coach: Jason Causby (7th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     20-7 (2A West Regionald)
Returning Starters: 6'7" JR. Tyler Petty (9 ppg, 5 rpg; high of 22 pts vs Concord in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: 6'8" JR. Tony Nunn; 6'5" JR. J'quille Tracey
Notable: Tony Nunn has scholarship offers from U of Cincinnati, UNCC, ECU, Wichita State, and Winthrop; Garnering interest from U of Miami; NCSU; and UVa; Rated 5 Star Recruit at Elite 80 Showcase last month in Greensboro; Tyler Petty has interest from several Patriot League schools such as American and Boston University
Schedule:
D2 @ West Rowan
D3 Westchester Academy @ Forsyth CD
D5 @ East Rowan
D7 JM Robinson
D9 @ Concord
D10 North Rowan @ Catawba College
D14 West Rowan
D17 North Rowan @ Catawba College
D21 Newton-Conover
D27-29 Moir Classic @ Catawba College
J8 West Davidson
J10 @ Central Davidson
J13 Lexington
J17 Thomasville
J20 @ East Davidson
J21 @ Ashe County
J25 South Rowan
J27 @ West Davidson
J31 Central Davidson
F3 @ Lexington
F7 @ Thomasville
F10 East Davidson

SOUTHLAKE CHRISTIAN
Class: 3A NCISAA
Coach: Rodney Monroe (1st Season at Southlake)
2010-11 Record: 1-25
Returning Starters: Sr. G Connor Duncan, Sr. G/F Andrew Weber, Jr. G Demitri Allison, Jr. G Austin McIntire,
Newcomers: Jalen Sanders, Cody Cox, Ben McCrickard, Andrew Greene, Ralph McCollum.
Schedule:
N14 Team France International
N15 @ Gaston Day School
N18 Charlotte Christian
N22 Caldwell Academy
N29 Northside Christian
D2 @ Gaston Christian
D9 @ Cannon
D16 @ Charlotte Country Day
D19 SouthLake Classic
D20 SouthLake Classic
D21 SouthLake Classic
D27 Carolina Day Classic (Ashville)
D28 Carolina Day Classic (Ashville)
D29 Carolina Day Classic (Ashville)
J3 Metrolina Christian
J6 High Point Christian
J9 Westminster Catawba Christian (Rock Hill)
J10 Covenant Day
J13 @ First Assembly (Concord)
J20 @ Northside Christian
J23 Gaston Christian
J24 @ Ashville School (Ashville)
J26 Hickory Grove Christian
J27 Westminster Catawba Christian
J31 First Assembly
F3 @ Covenant Day
F7 @ Metrolina Christian
F10 @ Hickory Grove Christian
F14 MAC Tournament
F16 MAC Tournament (Northside)
F17 MAC Tournament (Northside)
F21 NCISAA Tournament
F23 NCISAA Tournament (Raleigh)
F24 NCISAA Tournament (Raleigh)
F25 NCISAA Tournament (Raleigh)
SOUTH CALDWELL
Class: 4A
Coach: Lee Swanson (3rd year)
2010-11 Record:     2-21
Returning Starters: Jordyn Propst 6-4 Jr. F (15 ppg, 10 rpg in 2010-11, All-Conference), Josh Evans, Sr. G   Conner Drum Sr. G
Key Newcomers: Aaron Wingate Sr, G, Matt Rhyder Sr, G, Jared Mask Jr, F
Schedule:
N22 West Caldwell
N29 @ West Caldwell
D2 @ East Burke
D5 @ Wilkes Central
D7 @Patton
D9 East Burke
D13 Hibriten
D16 @St. Stephens
D27-29 Catawba Valley Classic@ CVCC (Hickory, NC)
J3@ Fred T. Foard
J6 Hickory
J10 @ Watauga
J13 @ Alexander Central
J 18 Wilkes Central
J 20 @ Hibriten
J24 St. Stephens
J27 Fred T. Foard
J31 @Hickory
F3 Watauga
F7 Alexander Central (Sr. Night)
F8 Patton
F 13-17 Conference Tournament @TBA
SOUTH MECKLENBURG
Class: 4A
Coach: John Fitch 3rd Year
2010-2011 Record: 12-16
Returning Starters: Carrington Kirkpatrick 6 1' Sr. (13 ppg, 2010-2011) David Moore 6 6' Sr. (8 ppg, 2010-2011) Craig Thompson 5 10' Jr. (7 ppg, 2010-2011)
Key Newcomers: Phillip Reed Jr. 6 8' C (was on the JV team last year has grown 3 inches to 6 8') Malcom Mathews Jr. C 6 9' (was ineligible last year but has brought grades up for 2011-2012)
Notable: Carrington Kirkpatrick is back and was 1st team All-county last year who played point guard last year.
Schedule:
N21 @ Olympic
N28 Catholic
Dec 2 West Meck
Dec 6 @ Harding
Dec 7 Vance
Dec 9 @ Ardrey Kell
Dec 12 Porter Ridge
Dec 13 Providence
Dec 15 Rocky River
Dec 17, 19 & 20 @ Rock Hill HS Christmas Tournament
Jan 3 @ Independence
Jan 6 Myers Park
Jan 9 @ Butler
Jan 13 East Meck
Jan 20 Ardrey Kell
Jan 24 @ Providence
Jan 27 @ Rocky River
Jan 31 Independence
Feb 3 @ Myers Park
Feb 7 Butler
Feb 10 @ East Meck
Feb 13-17 Southwestern 4a Conference Tournament
SOUTH POINT
Class: Big South 3A
Coach: Kody Kubbs (1st year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     8-16
Returning Starters: Taylor Williams Sr. 6-6 G/F (16.3 ppg 10.2 rpg, in 2010-11), Stephen Little 6-5, Sr. F (7.1 ppg 4.6 rpg in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Trevor Bridges Sr. 5-9 PG, Justus Watkins Sr. 6-2 G/F, Jordan Kagen Sr. 6-3 G/F, Deonte Gaston So. 5-11 G
Schedule:
N30 Highland School of Technology
D2 @ East Lincoln
D6 East Lincoln
D7 @ Highland School of Technology
D13 Kings Mountain
D16 @ Hunter Huss
D20 @ Ashbrook
D27-29 @ Cherryville Christmas Tournament
J3 Forestview
J6 East Gaston
J10 @ North Gaston
J13 Crest
J20 @ Kings Mountain
J24 Hunter Huss
J27 Ashbrook
J31 @ Forestview
F3 @ East Gaston
F7 North Gaston
F10 @ Crest
F14-17 Big South 3A Conference Tournament
STATESVILLE
Class: 3A
Coach: Sonny Schofield (16th year as a Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 19-6
Returning Starters: Nick Schofield Sr. 6-0 G(20 ppg last year), Josh Gaither 6-2 Jr. Swing(18 ppg) Jarod Gill Sr. 5-10 G (8 apg) Marquis Willis 5-9 Jr. G (3 stls.)
Key returners: Jaquan Warren - much improved - one to be watched
Notable: Conference champs last year. Didn't have any seniors last year. Had one starter who moved to Spencer NC. The four returning starters were all conference last year with Nick Schofield being named player of the year. Josh and Nick being named all district. Should be considered in Sweet 16.
Schedule:
N29 Lake Norman
N30 @ Hickory
D2 @ Mooresville
D6 Hickory
D8 @ South Iredell
D13 @ West Rowan
D16 @ North Iredell
D19 @ Carson
D21 West Iredell
D27-29 Christmas Tourney @ Statesville
J6 @ East Rowan
J13 South Rowan
J20 West Rowan
J24 North Iredell
J27 Carson
J31 @ West Iredell
F6 East Rowan
F8 @ South Rowan
SUN VALLEY

Class: 4A

Coach: Keith Mason (68-32)

2010-11 Record: 17-8

Returning Starters: Shaun Stewart Sr. G 6'1 22.4 ppg 7.1 rpg 5 apg 2.5

spg, Jalen Witherspoon Sr. G 6'3 18.2 ppg 8 rpg 3.5 apg 2.5 spg, Jay

Rowell So. F 6'3 8 ppg 4 rpg 2 spg Key Newcomers: Isaiah Blanchett Jr. F

6'4, Tevin Graham Jr. F 6'4, Kendall Ratliff Jr. F 6'4, Jimmy Hudgens

So. G 5'10, Jaquez Johnson Jr. G 5'10,

Notable: 2010-11 SCC Conference Champions, Shaun Stewart, SCC P.O.Y. has

scored 1,125 career points and Jalen Witherspoon, SCC 1st Team, has

scored 890 points.

Schedule:

N21 North Stanly

N22 East Mecklenburg

N28 @ Independence

D1 @ N.W. Cabarrus

D2 West Stanly

D6 Monroe

D8 Piedmont

D9 Hickory Ridge

D13 @ Cuthbertson

D15 @ North Stanly

D19-22 @ Carolina Medical Center Holdiday Classic Wingate, NC

J3 Anson

J6 @ Porter Ridge

J10 Marvin Ridge

J11 Central Cabarrus

J13 Parkwood

J20 @ Anson

J24 @ Weddington

J27 @ Marvin Ridge

J31 @ Parkwood

F3 Weddington

F10 Porter Ridge

F13-17 @ Conference Tourney Weddington High

F20-24 Sectional Playoffs

UNITED FAITH
Class: Independence 1A

Coach: Muggsy Bogues (1st year as Head Coach)

2010-11 Record: 31-7

Returning Starters: Braxton Obgueze Sr. 6-0 G(20 ppg, in 2010-11), Peter

Jurkin 7-0, Sr. C (INJ. Majority of 2010-11) Zack Davis, 6-3 Sr. G/F

(4.8 ppg, in 2010-11)

Key Newcomers: VJ King, Ranked #2 in the Nation in the class of 2016

Notable: Peter Jurkin has committed to Indiana and Braxton Obgueze

committed to Florida and received All-State honors

Schedule:

N22 Freedom Christian

N25-26 @ Charlotte Hoops Classic

N28 Queens Grant

D3 Northside Christian

D6 @ Davidson Day

D9 Hickory Christian

D15 @ Trinity Christian (Fayetteville)

D17 @ Clash at Cameron vs. Kinston

D20-22@ Chick-Fil-A Columbia, SC

D27-30 @Holiday Invitational Tournament (Raleigh, NC)

J3@ Gaston Day

J6 North Hills Christian

J10 @ Victory Christian

J12 @ Statesville Christian

J 19 Davidson Day

J 21 @ Marriott Classic (Atlanta, GA)

J24 @ Hickory Christian

J27 Gaston Day

J28 @ William Avery Invitational (Augusta, GA)

J31 @ North Hills Christian

F3 Victory Christian

F7 Statesville Christian

F11 @ Upper Room Christian Academy

VANCE

Class: 4A

Coach: Will Robinson

2010-11 Record: 17-8

Returning Starters: None

Notes: Robinson starts his 25th season; Vance will have several players returning that will prominent rolls on this years team in Caleb Davis 6'0 jr. G, Derik Brewer 6'0 soph. G, Torin Dorn 6'3 soph. G

Key Newcomers: Malik Massey 6'0 Fr, G; Trey Foggie (soph transfer from Harding)

Schedule

N 21 Phillop O Berry

N25 @ Graddy Cole Hunter Huss

N29 Garinger

D2 @ Independence

D6@ Butler

D7@ South Meck

D9@ Hough

D13Mooresville

D14@ West Mecklenburg

D16@ Mallard Creek

D22@ Thomasville NCn (Christmas Tourney)

D23@ Thomasville NC (Christmas Tourney)

J3 Lake Norman

J6 @ North Mecklenburg

J10 @ Hopewell

J13 West Charlotte

J20 Hough

J24@ Mooresville

J27Mallard Creek

J31 @ Lake Norman

F3North Mecklenburg

F7 Hopewell

F9@ West Charlotte

WEST CHARLOTTE

Class: 4A

Coach: Baronton Terry (4th season as Head Coach)

2010-11 Record 28-2

Returning Starters: Mike Brown 6-3 Guard Sr.(18.2ppg, in 2010-11) Juwan Byers 6-5 Forward Sr.(8.6ppg 7.2rpg ) Kennedy Meeks 6-8 Center Jr. (16.1 ppg 14.2rpg)

Key Newcomers: Jakeem Yates 6-9 Junior Forward Isiah Blackmon 6-1 Freshman Guard Nakia Rivers 6-1 Freshman Forward

Notables: The Lions look to repeat as State 4A Champions with contributions from 12 returning players. In addition to the returning starers state 4A cross country Champ Mark Blackmon, Austin Harris and Gabon Williams wil be called upon in larger roles.

SCHEDULE:

N29 West Mecklenburg @ Johnson C. Smith University

D2 Harding @ Johnson C. Smith University

D6 @Independence

D9 Hopewell

D10 Nike/DTLR Festival @ Washington ,DC

D13 @North Mecklenburg

D16 Mooresville

D19-22 Chick-fil-A-Classic @ Columbia SC

D27-30 Upward Classic @ Dorman SC

J3 @Hough

J6 Lake Norman

J10@Mallard Creek

J13 @Vance

J20 @Hopewell

J24 North Mecklenburgh

J27 @Mooresville

J31 Hough

F3 @Lake Norman

F7 Mallard Creek

F9 Vance
WEST MECKLENBURG
Class: 4A
Coach: James Ellis Veal, Sr ( 1st year as Head Coach)
2010-2011 record: NA
Returning Starters: Jalen Hinkson Jr. 5'10" G ( 10 pts/5 asst per game
2010-211)
Key Newcomers: none
Schedule
Monday November 21              Away            Rocky River
Tuesday November 22             Away            North Meck
Tuesday November 29             Away            West Charlotte
Friday December 2                       Away            South Meck
Monday December 5               Home            Mallard Creek
Tuesday December 6              Home              East Meck
Friday December 9                  Away               Harding
Tuesday December 13             Away            Charlotte Catholic
Wednesday December 14   Home            Vance
Friday December 16              Home            Berry
Tuesday-Wednesday December 20-21
                                               Away               BSN
Sports Buccaneer Classic @ Charlotte Country Day
Tuesday January 3                       Away            Olympic
Friday January 6                        Home            Garinger
Friday January 13                       Home            East Gaston
Friday January 20                       Home            Harding
Tuesday January 24              Home            Charlotte Catholic
Friday January 27                       Away            Berry
Tuesday January 31              Home            Olympic
Friday February 3                       Away            Garinger
Thursday February 9             Away            East Gaston
WEST LINCOLN
Class: 2A
Coach: Karl Sain (5th year as head coach)
2010-11 Record:     9 - 14
Returning Starters: Kyle Wyatt (13.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg)
Key Newcomers: Brett Huff (2010 JV MVP), Houston Gilmore (2011 JV MVP), Hunter Dyer, Christian Robinson, Cameron High
Notable: Kyle Wyatt was selected to the 2011 Southern Piedmont All-Conference team
Schedule:
N22 Draughn
N29 Fred T. Foard
N30 Lincoln Charter
D2 @ Fred T. Foard
D6 @ Draughn
D9 @ Maiden
D13 @ East Lincoln
D16 Cherryville
D20 @ Highland Tech
J3 Lake Norman Charter
J6 @ North Lincoln
J10 @ Bessemer City
J13 Lincolnton
J20 Highland Tech
J24 East Lincoln
J27 @ Cherryville
J31 @ Lake Norman Charter
F3 North Lincoln
F7 Bessemer City
F10 @ Lincolnton
WEDDINGTON
Class: 3A
Coach: Gary Ellington (5 year head coach)
2010-11 Record: 20-7
Returning Starters: Bennett Rutherford Sr. 6'3 G(16.5 ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.5spg), Julian Barber Sr. 6'3 G( 8.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.0apg, 2.1spg), Justyn McDonald 6'4 Sr. F(5.0ppg, 5.0rpg 2.0bpg), Luke Peters 6'7 Sr.(5.0ppg, 5.5rpg)
Key Newcomers: Demonta Oates 6'0 So. F, Brandon Watts 6'2 So. G, Jordan Barber 5'9 Fr. G
Notable: Team has six seniors who have played together for the last 6 years.
Schedule:
N22 NW Cabbarus
N28 Ardrey Kell
N30 @ Monroe
D2 @ Cuthbertson
D5 @ Ardrey kell
D7 Monroe
D9 Cuthbertson
D12 Piedmont
D14 @ Forest Hills
D15 @ Hickory Ridge
D19-22 CMC-Union Christmas Tourney
J3 Parkwood
J6 @ Marvin Ridge
J10 @ Anson
J13 Porter Ridge
J20 @ Parkwood
J24 Sun Valley
J27 Anson
J31 @ Porter Ridge
F3 @ Sun Valley
F10 Marvin Ridge
F13-17 SCC Tournament @ Weddington
WEST STANLY
Class: 2A
Coach: John Thompson (2nd year as Head Coach, 14-11 record)
2010-11 Record:     14-11
Returning Starters: None
Top Returning Players: BJ Hill (6'3, 200, 8pts, 8rebs), Ryan McCormick (6 pts, 4 rebs), Mikey Morgan
Key Newcomers: Zac Brown, Trey Barbee
Notable: West Stanly graduated 7 seniors including all 5 starters and 2 all conference players from last year's team.
Schedule:
N21 @ Jay M. Robinson
N22 Cox Mill
N30 @ Central Cabarrus
D2 @ Sun Valley
D5 @ Anson
D8 @South Stanly
D13 Monroe
D14 @ Albemarle
D16 @ Central Academy
D28 Albemarle
D29 @ South Stanly
J3 Forest Hills
J4 Mount Pleasant
J6 @ Union Academy
J10 Peidmont
J13 Cuthbertson
J17 @ North Stanly
J20 @ Monroe
J24 Central Academy
J27 @ Forest Hills
J31 Union Academy
F3 @ Piedmont
F7 @Cutherbertson
F10 North Stanly
WESTMINSTER CATAWBA
Class: MAC Conference NCISAA 2A
Coach: Frank Hamrick (1st year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 5-12
Returning Starters: Mark Vehaun Sr. 6-1 17ppg in 2010-11
Key Newcomers: Casey Fink So. Transfer from Chicago, and Luke Hamrick So. one of three returning players from last year, expected to get significant minutes.
Schedule:
N18 @ Forsyth Country Day
N21 @ Central Academy
N29 @ Providence Panthers
D1 @ Comenius
D5 @ Metrolina Christian
D6 Covenant Day
D8 Comenius
D9 @ 1st Assembly
D15 Glen Forest
D16-17 @ 3D Hoops Academy Shootout
D27-29 @ Gaston Christian Holiday Tournament
J3@ Hickory Grove
J6 South Lake
J7 @ Gaston Day One Day Hoop Day
J10 @ Northside
J13 Gaston Christian
J17 Metrolina
J18 @ Glen Forest
J20 @ Covenant Day
J24 First Assembly
J27 @ South Lake
J30 Hickory Grove
J31 @ Gaston Christian
F2 Central Academy
F3 Northside
F6 Covenant Classical
F14 MAC Conference Tourney
F28-M2 NACA National Tournament

Providence Day, Myers Park join Observer Sweet 16 football poll

2011-11-14T14:23:00.000-05:00

Three weeks to play in the 2011 high school football season and Mallard Creek and Butler are where they have been all season: in the top two spots in the Observer’s Sweet 16 poll. The two nationally ranked teams are one win away from playing a highly anticipated state semifinal game in Charlotte.

That regional championship matchup almost happened last year but Mallard Creek suffered one of the biggest upsets in county history, falling 10-7 to Vance in the 2010 N.C. 4AA quarterfinals.

The teams matched up to start the current season, with Butler No. 1 in the Sweet 16.

The Mavericks beat Butler 28-20 and have held onto to the No. 1 spot ever since. Butler has stayed at No. 2.

This week, behind those two teams, the top eight spots remained the same.

After that, Mooresville, Lincolnton, South Iredell and Albemarle moved up as South Point and Independence dropped four places to No. 14 and No. 13.

New to the poll is N.C. Independent Schools champ Providence Day, at No. 15, and Southwestern 4A conference power Myers Park, at 16. Myers Park beat the No. 2 seed in its playoff “pod” 47-27 Friday, knocking South Caldwell out of the poll. South Caldwell had previously been No. 15.

Rk. Team (Class) Rec. Pvs.
1 Mallard Creek (4A) 12-0 1
2 Butler (4A) 11-1 2
3 Charlotte Catholic (3A) 12-0 3
4 Porter Ridge (4A) 12-0 4
5 Burns (3A) 11-1 5
6 Rock Hill South Pointe (3A) 11-1 6
7 A.L. Brown (3A) 12-1 7
8 West Rowan (3A) 11-2 8
9 Mooresville (4A) 11-2 12
10 South Iredell (2A) 13-0 11
11 Lincolnton (2A) 12-1 13
12 Albemarle (1A) 12-1 14
13 Independence (4A) 10-3 9
14 South Point (3A) 10-1 10
15 Providence Day (IND) 10-2 NR
16 Myers Park (4A) 9-4 NR

Dropped Out: Marvin Ridge (3A, 10-2); South Caldwell (4A, 11-2). On the bubble: Ardrey Kell (4A, 8-4); Concord (3A, 10-3); Crest (3A, 10-3); Salisbury (2A, 11-2);
Note: To be ranked in the Observer’s Sweet 16, a team must be in the Observer’s coverage area, field football and basketball teams and not allow a student-athlete to re-class after ninth grade. For a detailed look inside the poll, including the criteria used to compile it, visit?
http://bit.ly/prNoYM.

Crest's Jonathan Bullard named US Army All-American

2011-11-10T10:31:00.002-05:00

Crest’s Jonathan Bullard has been selected to the U.S. Army All-American bowl for the nation’s top players. The game will be played in January in San Antonio. Bullard will be presented his game jersey in a ceremony Wednesday at school

The 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour will visit Crest High School on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, to select defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Crest High School will honor Bullard before his teammates, classmates, fans and family during an assembly in the gym.

The five U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour teams travel across the country from late September to mid-December to announce all 90 players and

Southwestern 4A all-conference teams

2011-11-09T12:20:00.002-05:00

Southwestern 4A All-Conference Teams
Cross-Country: Thomas McLean, Ryland Peele, Parth Shah, Madison Souder, Daniel Whalen, Ardrey Kell; Kyle Hoffman, Jack Matkins, Jansen Coulter, Dakota Poindexter, Myers Park; Dylan Cohen, Wyatt Maxey, Joe Sullivan, Providence

Girls Cross-Country: Abby Brooks, Sydney Foreman, Kaitlyn Kramer, Samantha Teague, Sydney Teague, Ardrey Kell; Meg Greene, Hannah Henderson, Sonia Payerpaj, Myers Park; Bianca Bishop, Scotti Cool, Providence; Lily Anderson, Madeline Talbert, South Meck

Soccer: Ben Burdon, Providence (player of the year); Ward Gavin, Providence (GK of the year); Bucky McCarley, Myers Park (coach of the year); Drew Walsh, Ardrey Kell; Zhuvonte Wilson, Ardrey Kell; Morgan Boyle, Independence; Hussein Ali, Myers Park; Diego Suarez, Myers Park; Erick Suarez, Myers Park; Ryan Beckner, Providence; Brandon Kardos, Providence; Austin Yearwood, South Meck; Bennett Yort, South Meck

Tennis: Katie Porter, Providence (player of the year); Maryjane Deutschle, Ardrey Kell; Lydia Yuan, Ardrey Kell; Hollie Champion, Butler; Charlotte Deiss, East Meck; Annamarie Nguyen, East Meck; Emily Carpenter, Myers Park; Jessica Perez, Myers Park; Olivia Turnbull, Myers Park; Elizabeth Matulis, Providence; Morgan McGowan, Providence; Samantha Forlenza, South Meck

Volleyball: Emma Vail, Ardrey Kell; Caitlin Watkins, Ardrey Kell; Rachel Eppley, Ardrey Kell; Sarah Wyczawski, Ardrey Kell; Anika Beatty, Butler; Cassidy Clemmens, Butler; Sara Fairley, South Meck; Colleen Sanderson, South Meck; Jessica Pongetti, Myers Park; Casey Reiger, Providence (player of the year); Megan Edwards, Providence; Emily Franklin, Providence; Samantha Timmons, Providence; Karen Bradbury, Providence (coach of the year)

I-Meck 4A All-Conference tennis, cross-country, volleyball teams

2011-11-08T16:33:00.000-05:00

I-Meck 4A All-Conference Teams
Boys Cross-Country: Mark Blackmon, West Charlotte (athlete of year); Michael Rupinski, Lae Norman; Patrick Sheehan, Lake Norman; Stephen Hansen, Hough; Jonathan Wagner, Lake Norman; Patrick Lowry, Lake Norman; Nate Nash, Hopewell; Daniel Burzlaff, Mooresville; Seth Harrington, Mooresville; Brandon Nobrega, Mallard Creek; Isaiah Blackmon, West Charlotte. Coach of year: Kathleen Scott, Lake Norman

Girls Cross-Country: Taylor Sweet, Lake Norman (athlete of the year); Jaclyn Ruemmler, Mallard Creek; Kaitlyn Shetler, Mallard Creek; Nina Mastandrea, Lake Norman; Rachel Valocchi, Lake Norman; Elise Devoe, Lake Norman; Lexi Powers, Hough; Petyon Soernssen, Lake Norman; Julia Lopez, Mooresville; Brianna Pauser, Mallard Creek; Jenna Parker, North Meck; Breanna Jenkins, Hough. Coach of the year: Kathleen Scott, Lake Norman

Girls Tennis: Riya Anand, Hough; Constane Crisp, Lake Norman; Isabella Dokell, Lake Norman; Lane Farrell, Mooresville; Britta Huibers, Lake Norman; Morgan Marin, Hough; Jamie Michael, North Meck; Renata Pace, North Meck; Ranette Ricks, W. Charlotte; Maggie Siebert, Mooresville; Courtney Wakeman, Hough. Coach of the year: Tim Smith, Mooresville. Players of the year: Briana Bodner, Hough; Megan Mullen, Lake Norman

Volleyball: Kalia Angello, Hopewell; Nikki Hero, Kailyn Overcash, Julia Brown, Kat Kennedy, Hough; Alexis Bednarick, Madison Poovey, Briana Gottberg, Lake Norman; Michaela Manning, Mallard Creek; Taylor Grother, Jodi Johnson, Mooresville; Emily Carmichael, Madie Greer, North Meck; Ebony Montgomery, West Charlotte. Player of the year: Jensen Schott, Lake Norman; Coach of the year: Sandi Skidmore, Hough

9th NCHSAA Cheerleading State Championship Saturday

2011-11-08T12:21:00.002-05:00

RALEIGH-- The ninth annual North Carolina High School Athletic Association state invitational cheerleading championships are scheduled for Saturday at the Raleigh Convention Center.

A total of 120 teams have registered to compete in the event, featuring over 2,000 cheerleaders.

Competition will be held in 12 different categories. The doors open at 7:30 am and competition will begin at nine o’clock Saturday morning.

The Carolina Cup will also be awarded based on the scores achieved in the competition, but that will not be announced until Monday. Cheer Ltd., Inc., an NCHSAA corporate partner that assists with the invitational championship, established the Carolina Cup to recognize annually the top high school varsity cheerleading team in the state. The team that earns the highest cumulative score among varsity teams during the invitational championship earns the Cup.

Ledford won the Carolina Cup in 2010. Previous winners include Raleigh Millbrook in 2009, Jamestown Ragsdale in 2008, Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons in 2007, North Gaston in 2006 and Raleigh Sanderson took the Cup in its inaugural year in 2005.

The Raleigh Sports Consortium is the primary host city sponsor for the event.

-- NCHSAA Media Release

Marvin Ridge in, South Point slides down in Sweet 16 poll

2011-11-07T10:21:00.001-05:00

Weddington High School pulled off what may’ve been the biggest upset of the year Friday night, winning 23-17 at Belmont South Point. That allowed Weddington’s Union County rival, Marvin Ridge, a 3A team, to move into the Observer’s Sweet 16.

Marvin Ridge, which has only lost to 4A Porter Ridge, plays at No. 3 Charlotte Catholic in a second round playoff game Friday.

South Point (10-1) was ranked No. 4 in the Sweet 16 last week, the second-highest ranked 3A team behind No. 3 Charlotte Catholic. South Point was No. 1, one spot ahead of Catholic, in the Associated Press N.C. media poll.
Weddington’s win ended South Point’s season and dropped the Red Raiders from No. 4 to No. 10.

One other Sweet 16 team fell in the first round.

No. 12 Olympic lost 28-6 to unranked Myers Park as the Mustangs avenged a 10-9 regular-season loss suffered while starting quarterback Ross Jeffries was out with an injury. Jeffries threw for 144 yards Friday and led his team to 334 total yards.

Rk. Team (Class) Rec. Pvs.
1 Mallard Creek (4A) 11-0 1
2 Butler (4A) 10-1 2
3 Charlotte Catholic (3A) 11-0 3
4 Porter Ridge (4A) 11-0 5
5 Burns (3A) 10-1 6
6 Rock Hill South Pointe (3A) 10-1 7
7 A.L. Brown (3A) 11-1 8
8 West Rowan (3A) 10-2 9
9 Independence (4A) 10-2 10
10 Belmont South Point (3A) 10-1 4
11 South Iredell (2A) 12-0 11
12 Mooresville (4A) 10-2 13
13 Lincolnton (2A) 11-1 14
14 Albemarle (1A) 11-1 15
15 South Caldwell (4A) 11-1 16
16 Marvin Ridge (3A) 10-1 16

Dropped Out: Olympic (4A, 9-3). On the bubble: Ardrey Kell (4A, 8-3); Crest (3A, 9-3); Myers Park (4A, 8-4); Providence Day (IND, 9-2); Salisbury (2A, 10-2); Weddington (3A, 7-4)
Note: To be ranked in the Observer’s Sweet 16, a team must be in the Observer’s coverage area, field football and basketball teams and not allow a student-athlete to re-class after ninth grade. For a detailed look inside the poll, including the criteria used to compile it, visit?
http://bit.ly/prNoYM.

Updated Prep Football, Soccer Playoff Pairings

2011-11-07T08:45:00.000-05:00

High School Pairings
Football
Friday’s Western Second Round
4AA: Myers Park (8-4) at South Caldwell (11-1); Ardrey Kell (8-3) at Mallard Creek (11-0); Independence (10-2) vs. Butler (10-1), site TBD Monday; NW Guilford (9-2) at Greensboro Page (11-0)
4A: Watauga (7-5) at Mooresville (10-2); Hopewell (5-6) at Sun Valley (6-5); Ragsdale (9-2) at Mount Tabor (10-1); Greensboro Dudley (6-5) at Porter Ridge (11-0)
3AA: Kings Mountain (6-6) at Crest (9-3); Asheville Erwin (9-2) at Asheville (11-0); Weddington (7-4) at A.L. Brown (11-1); Marvin Ridge (10-1) at Charlotte Catholic (11-0)
3A: Hickory (8-3-1) at Burns (11-1); East Henderson (8-3) at Franklin (11-0); Rockingham (7-5) at Concord (9-3); Statesville (7-4-1) at West Rowan (10-2)
2AA: Bandys (9-3) at Smoky Mountain (6-6); Chase (9-3) at Shelby (7-5); Forest Hills (8-4) at South Iredell (12-0); Cuthbertson (6-6) at West Stokes (12-0)
2A: Maiden (8-4) at Polk Co. (9-3); Draughn (9-3) at Lincolnton (11-1); Wilkes Central (10-1) at Thomasville (8-4); Salisbury (10-2) at Starmount (11-0)
1AA: West Wilkes (8-3) at Swain Co. (11-1); Hendersonville (10-2) at Mitchell (11-1); Central Academy (6-6) at West Montgomery (9-2); S. Stokes (6-5) at Monroe (9-3)
1A: Andrews (7-4) at Rosman (6-6); Union Academy at Murphy (8-4); Lakewood (7-4) at South Stanly (9-3); Princeton at Albemarle (11-1)
NCISAA Division I final: Country Day (8-3) at Providence Day (9-2)
NCISAA Division II Semifinals: Asheville School (8-2) at SouthLake (10-1); Cannon (6-4) at First Assembly (7-3)
NCISAA Division III final: Davidson Day (10-1) vs. Trinity Christian (4-5)
Boys’ Soccer
Western Third Round Pairings (by Wednesday)
4A: W. Forsyth at NW Guilford; SE Guilford at Myers Park, Wed, 6:30 p.m.; Mallard Creek at Lake Norman; Ardrey Kell at Skyland Roberson
3A: Statesville at Marvin Ridge; W. Iredell at Charlotte Catholic, Wed, 7; Enka at Hickory; Hibriten at Asheville
2A: Owen at Shelby; Lincolnton at E. Lincoln; Cuthbertson at Salisbury; C. Davidson at Surry Central
1A: Thomas Jefferson at Highlands; Hendersonville at Lake Norman Charter; Monroe at E. Montgomery; Bishop-McGuinness at Elkin

West Charlotte's Mark Blackmon makes history, win N.C. 4A cross-country title

2011-11-05T20:00:00.000-04:00

Saturday, in Kernersville, West Charlotte’s Mark Blackmon became the first Mecklenburg County boys runner to win the N.C. 4A cross-country championship in 11 years.

He’s only the third county champion since the meet was split into classifications in 1986.

Blackmon’s winning time of 15 minutes, 34.45 seconds was nearly 12 seconds better than Panther Creek’s Jacob Sears, who finished second.

Blackmon won three S.C. 4A state cross-country championships beginning in eighth grade. As a sophomore two years ago at Fort Mill (S.C.) High, Blackmon also won the prestigious Wendy’s Invitational at McAlpine Park.

In 2009, Blackmon was named the Observer boys cross-country runner of the year, becoming the first S.C. runner to win the boys award. His sister, Angelina, won the All-Observer award as a runner at Rock Hill Northwestern in 2003.

Blackmon transferred to Raleigh Word of God to start his junior year, but moved to Charlotte from Raleigh and ended up a reserve on the West Charlotte 2011 state basketball championship team last March.

Earlier in this cross-country season, he became only the third Lion in school history to win a league title. Blackmon followed that I-Meck conference title with a 4A Western regional championship.

-- Cary Green Hope won its third straight girls 4A cross-country title. Ardrey Kell was second. Raleigh Millbrook’s Sammy George (17:31.63) won the girls championship, nearly 17 seconds ahead of Darby Millbrook of Watauga.

-- In 1A, Lake Norman Charter won the girls title and Mount Airy’s Kirsten Parries was individual champ (19:33.99)
Stephen Mulherin of Durham's North Carolina School of Science and Math took the 1A boys title and led his team to the championship ahead of Lake Norman Charter.

-- Carrboro’s girls won the 2A team title. North Lincoln was second and Cuthbertson was fourth. Individually, Carrboro’s Grace Morken won her second championship in 19:18.57, more than three seconds ahead of Lincolnton’s Grace Turner.
North Lincoln won the boys 2A championship, 18 points ahead of Carrboro. Cuthbertson was fourth.
Individually, Cedar Ridge’s A.J. Tucker ran a time of 16:24.44 to win. North Lincoln’s Chris Boyle was third.

-- In 3A, Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons captured the girls adn boys championships.
Gibbons’ Steven Phillips of Gibbons was the individual champion with a time of 15:53,75, less than two seconds ahead of Weddington's Jonathan Bivens.

PAST Mecklenburg County boys' cross country champions.

2000 Stephen Haas North Mecklenburg
1992 Robert Easter Charlotte Garinger
1980 Ken Dowdle Charlotte Myers Park
1970 Woody Moss Charlotte Olympic
1968 Steve Grathwohl Charlotte Independence
1965 John Puckett North Mecklenburg
1960 Rocky Soderburg Charlotte Garinger
1959 Tom Stockton Charlotte Myers Park
1958 Tom Stockton Charlotte Myers Park
1957 David Gilmour Charlotte Myers Park
1956 David Gilmour Charlotte Myers Park
-- Brett Honeycutt

Salisbury wins 2A dual team title, Catholic falls in 3A final

2011-11-05T18:50:00.004-04:00

NCHSAA WOMEN'S DUAL TEAM TENNIS

GRIMSLEY UPENDS DEFENDING CHAMPION BROUGHTON IN 4-A; CARDINAL GIBBONS SALISBURY CAPTURE CHAMPIONSHIPS

BURLINGTON-- Greensboro Grimsley won four of the six singles matches and then took a win at the number-two doubles to surprise defending champion Raleigh Broughton 5-4 in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 4-A women's dual team tennis championship on Saturday at the Burlington Tennis Center.

Clare Cox and Roxanne Henshall of Grimsley, who had won the state 4-A doubles title last weekend, teamed to beat Sara King and Kara Summerford 10-8 in a pro set to clinch the title for the Whirlies, who finished the year 17-3 and earned their first dual team championship.

Broughton suffered its only dual team loss of the season against 22 wins in its record 15th appearance in the NCHSAA finals. The Caps have won 10 previous titles, including the last two.

In another close match, Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons took two of the three doubles matches after the teams had split singles decisions to score a 5-4 victory over Charlotte Catholic for the 3-A crown. The win by Gibbons avenged last year's championship result in which Catholic had beaten Gibbons by a 5-1 count.

The doubles teams of Erin Meyer-Devin Knors and Natalie Freeman-Christina Wangen, playing second and third respectively, secured the team title for Cardinal Gibbons with their victories.

The Crusaders finished with a 25-5 record while Catholic ended the year 20-3.

Salisbury dropped the number-one singles match but swept the next five to roll to a 5-1 victory over Hillsborough Cedar Ridge for the 2-A championship. It was the Hornets' fourth consecutive women's dual team tennis championship and fifth in the last six years.

Salisbury finished 20-1 overall with Cedar Ridge posting a 21-3 final mark.

2011 NCHSAA WOMEN'S DUAL TEAM TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

BURLINGTON TENNIS CENTER

2A CHAMPIONSHIP: SALISBURY 5, HILLSBOROUGH CEDAR RIDGE 1

Anna Kankanala (CR) def. Joy Loeblein 6-1, 6-1; Katelyn Storey (S) def. Hannah Marion 6-1, 6-3; Erika Nelson (S) def. Emma Newburg 6-3, 6-3; Madaline Hoskins (S) def. Delaney King 6-4, 6-2; Sallie Kate Meyerhoeffer (S) def. Megan Mauriello 6-3, 6-1;Alexandra Drye (S) def. Josie Newburg 6-0, 6-2.

DOUBLES: not played with outcome decided

3A CHAMPIONSHIP: CARDINAL GIBBONS 5, CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC 4

SINGLES

Grace Deering (CC) def. Lauren Brooker 6-0, 7-5; Rachel Tomchin (CC) def. Erin Meyer 6-3, 6-2; Caroline Smith (CG) def. Christine Kessel 6-3, 6-3; Devin Knors (CG) def. Caroline Smith 7-5, 6-2; Natalie Freeman (CG) def. Audrey Kessel 7-6 (6), 7-5; Bailey Thomas (CC) def. Christina Wangen 7-6 (5), 6-2.

DOUBLES

Deering-Tomchin (CC) def. Brooker-Smith 10-5; Meyer-Knors (CG) def. C. Kessel-A. Kessel 10-7; Freeman-Wangen (CG) def. Smith-Megan Arizmendi 10-5.

4A CHAMPIONSHIP: GRIMSLEY 5, BROUGHTON 4

SINGLES

Clare Cox (G) def. Katie Kane 7-5, 6-0; Majdou Lavoie (G) def, Sarah King 6-3, 6-3; Alex Silver (G) def. Maggie Kane 6-2, 1-6, (10-5); Carolina Chao (G) def. Olivia King 6-3, 6-3; Kesley Boole (B) def. Roxanne Henshall 6-1, 7-6(5); Asha Iyengar (B) def. Adair Clark 6-1, 6-2.

DOUBLES

K.Kane-M. Kane (B) def. Lavoie-Silver (G) 10-2; Cox-Henshall (G) def. King-Summerford 10-8; Boole-Iyengar (B) def. Chao-Clark 10-0.

Area football, volleyball, soccer stat leaders

2011-11-01T14:38:00.000-04:00

FOOTBALL STATISTICS
Rushing
School Att.-Yds. TD
Bubba McDowell East Lincoln 179-1,808 29
Jevande Gramling South Stanly 142-1,728 16
Cameron Mattox South Iredell 212-1,653 21
Jela Duncan Mallard Creek 160-1,628 20
Will Jenkins Maiden 141-1,562 NA
Matt Johnson Maiden 154-1,329 NA
Devante Hamilton South Stanly 125-1,269 15
Adam Nix South Mecklenburg 193-1,243 12
Ross Rushing Metrolina Christian 130-1,242 15
Deonte Black Mooresville 192-1,204 12
Johnny White Cabarrus Stallions 116-1,105 15
Jonathan Adams Carolina Pride 138-1,094 15
Daniel Jackson Nation Ford 195-1,071 10
Dee Tomlin Mooresville 162-1,007 12
Adam Gilkerson SouthLake 155-1,003 13

Passing
School Cmp-Att. Yds. TD
Will Grier Davidson Day 193-303 2,991 41
Riley Ferguson Butler 132-190 2,383 37
Sayer Robinson W. Iredell 154-249 2,238 24
Andrew Goodman Mallard Creek 104-183 2,103 28
Mason Rudolph RH Northwestern 170-249 1,977 22
Garrett Young East Lincoln 111-171 1,961 28
Ross Rushing Metrolina Christian 129-218 1,809 15
Tyler Chadwick Marvin Ridge 141-210 1,779 16
McDonald Mt Pleasant 117-212 1,744 18
James Haigh Providence 113-265 1,613 13
Randy Schroeder SouthLake 104-194 1,534 12
Eric Lynch Charlotte Christian 102-197 1,507 16
Michael Radford Country Day 78-158 1,417 12
Cameron Wells Nation Ford SC 107-203 1,401 14
Chase Ferguson Providence Day 84-158 1,395 9

Receiving
School Rec.-Yds. TD
B.J. Boyd Northwestern 76-1,092 13
Demitri Allison SouthLake 40-826 14
Zach Ferguson Butler 53-832 NA
CJ Gibbs W. Iredell 54-776 6
Kinston Nesbitt Cabarrus Stallions 36-768 18
Matt Yates Providence 35-698 10
Dijuan Ussery Nation Ford 41-669 9
Jamel Harbison Mallard Creek 35-663 11
Marquez North Mallard Creek 27-659 6
Andy Hunt Mt Pleasant 47-657 6
Uriah LeMay Butler 32-607 NA
Montay Crockett South Pointe 27-605 7
Kennedy Barkley Myers Park 41-600 5
Corey Miller Mallard Creek 29-598 8

Tackles

School No.
Deon Pillsbury Mt Pleasant 152
Garrett Honeycut South Stanly 148
Scott Miller South Iredell 148
Anthony Smith South Stanly 122
Stephen Page Cabarrus Stallions 111
Sean Wiggins Butler 109
Matt Blanton Myers Park 107
John Bustle South Iredell 104
Mychal Turner Myers Park 103
Eythan Kramm South Iredell 101
Jordan Abrams Providence 100

Interceptions

School No.
Michael Fisher South Iredell 6
Demitri Allison SouthLake 6
Sam Hatfield SouthLake 6
Andre Diouf SouthLake 6
Channing Stribbling Butler 5
Bryon Fields Providence Day 5

Sacks
?
School No.
Taylor Jurney SouthLake Christian 15
Michael Jeter Rock Hill 15
Brandon Jackson Independence 13
Jalen Holt South Stanly 13
Scott Richardson SouthLake Christian 12
Deandre Coleman Mooresville 11
Adam Smits Marvin Ridge 10
Zeron Hubbard Myers Park 9.5
Daniel Garces Providence 9
Romeo Okwara Ardrey Kell 9

Volleyball

KILLS School No.
Eve Davis Charlotte Latin 599
Kaitlyn Massey Catholic 413
Meredith Peacock Hickory Grove 375
Kellie Williams Charlotte Latin 337
Madie Greer N. Mecklenburg 328
Taylor Portland Charlotte Latin 301
Mattie Newson Country Day 276
Anna Parsons Hickory Grove 241
Alexis Bednarick Lake Norman 218
Tayor Larsen Catholic 217

ASSISTS School No.
Emma Price Charlotte Latin 1,016
Molly Lindway Catholic 831
Megan Lewis Country Day 760
Taylor Anderson Hickory Grove 622
Jennifer Hart N. Mecklenburg 580
Briana Gottberg Lake Norman 550

ACES School No.
Jennifer Hart N. Mecklenburg 139
Eve Davis Charlotte Latin 117
Kaitlyn Massey Catholic 100
Molly Lindway Catholic 93
Anna Schweis Catholic 91
??
DIGS School No.
Riley Strickland Charlotte Catholic 534
Mattie Newson Country Day 516
Jensen Schott Lake Norman 410
Kaitlyn Massey Catholic 387
Ashley Finke Charlotte Latin 385
Taylor Portland Country Day 359
Eve Davis Charlotte Latin 352
Taylor Larsen Catholic 338
Molly Lindway Charlotte Catholic 332
Emma Price Charlotte Latin 324
Kellie Williams Charlotte Latin 243
Emily Carmichael N. Mecklenburg 201
Madie Greer N. Mecklenburg 200

Boys’ Soccer

GOALS School No.
R. Minogue Charlotte Catholic 31
CJ Bradley Davidson Day 26
Ryan Grigston Monroe Central 15
Jackson Goyette Davidson Day 10
Jaime Demera Monroe Central 9

ASSISTS School No.
H. Ali Myers Park 17
Jaime Demera Monroe Central 9
Jackson Goyette Davidson Day 8
CJ Bradley Davidson Day 7

GOALS AGAINST School GAA
Robert Haggard Country Day 0.50
Austin McCarty Davidson Day 0.80

SHUTOUTS School No.
Austin McCarty Davidson Day 10
Joey Douglas Monroe Central 6
Jaron Bradley Hough 4

NCISAA Football Playoff Brackets

2011-10-30T18:44:00.000-04:00

NCISAA 3A Semifinals Friday: Country Day (7-3) at Charlotte Latin (8-2); Raleigh Ravenscroft (8-3) at Providence Day (8-2)

NCISAA Division II First Round Friday: Forsyth Country Day (3-7) at SouthLake (9-1); Harrell's Christian (7-4) at Asheville School (7-2); Cannon (5-4) at Christ School (8-1); N. Raleigh Christian (6-4) at First Assembly (6-3)

NCISAA Division III First Round Friday: Trinity Christian (3-5) at Victory Christian (3-7); Fayetteville Christian (5-5) at Davidson Day (9-1)

Charlotte Latin wins 8th straight NCISAA volleyball state title

2011-10-29T18:30:00.001-04:00

CARY—Charlotte Latin volleyball coach Suzie Pignetti led her team to the Super Six tournament [in Greensboro] at this season’s outset with the last seven N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) 3A state championships in tow. Saturday at Cary Academy, the Hawks netted Pignetti a great eight.

Latin swept Huntersville SouthLake Christian 25-16, 25-19, 25-15 and notched its 40th win against just two setbacks this fall. The outcome marked the Hawks’ second three-set decision in a state final – the previous coming in 2006 over Concord Cannon.

“Another one, just as sweet as the other ones,” Pignetti said.

“We came out really focused, determined, and we played hard. We never really had any sinking spell.

“Today on the most important day, we fought all the way through to the finish. And I was really proud of them.”

An efficient Latin performance included 23 kills by Eve Davis, who scored on 50 percent of her swings. Teammate Amma Okwara put down seven kills in 13 attempts.

Defensively, four Hawks tallied double-figure digging totals, led by Ashley Finke (26 digs), Davis (16), Kelly Williams (13) and Emma Price (12).

SouthLake, the 2010 2A state champion, dropped its first decision in 28 starts.

The outcome resolved, Pignetti left one detail a mystery before boarding the team bus to return to Providence Road. While 10 of 14 Latin players will return in 2012, will Pignetti be with them?

“I haven’t decided,” she said. “I need some time.”

-- Correspondent Alex Bass

Providence Day wins NCISAA state cross country championship

2011-10-28T18:46:00.002-04:00

After seeing the group of red jerseys at the top of the pack on McAlpine Park’s course on Friday, it was only a matter of reading the results to learn what most people had figured out – Providence Day’s boys won another state cross country title.

The Chargers took four of the top 13 places, including all-state finishes by senior Reed Payne (fourth, 16:03) and sophomore Ben Huffman (fifth, 16:04), and five of the top 22 to beat runner-up Cary Academy, 56-73, and win their second straight NCISAA 3A title and fifth in seven years.

“We went into it the same way we went into it last year,” said Providence Day coach Ben Hovis, who acknowledged that this was the school’s best team in history. “That if we put four in front of their (third runner), we would win.”

After Payne and Huffman, who won the CISAA conference title more than a week ago, Providence Day had strong performances by freshmen Nick Linder (12th, 16:26) and Jack Paddison (13th, 16:28), as well as sophomore Evan Gray (22nd, 17:03).

For such a young team, the turning point to knowing this would be a special season came on Sept. 17 at the Adidas Cross Country Challenge in Cary and at the United Way Invitational in Newton on Oct. 12. That’s when several of the younger runners had solid races.

Cary Academy’s Thomas Graham won his fourth straight title, covering the 5K course in 15:09. Charlotte Country Day’s Rob Saunders earned all-state with a ninth-place finish (16:13).

In the girls’ 3A race, Raleigh Ravenscroft won its first title since 1995 by beating four-time champion Charlotte Latin, 70-17, and Durham Academy freshman Eliza Dekker ran 17:50 to win individual honors. Area all-state runners were Providence Day’s Emma Brown (ninth, 19:39) and Charlotte Latin’s Tricia Murphy (10th, 19:45) and Laura Gill (11th, 19:48).

In the girls’ 2A race, Davidson Day was runner-up to two-time defending champion Cary Christian, 48-63. Leading Davidson Day were all-state runners Melissa Zammitti (fourth, 20:01) and Rachel Bringewatt (ninth, 20:28).

In the boys’ 1A race, Hickory Christian, winners of the last three N.C. Christian Schools Association titles, moved to the NCISAA this season and won the NCISAA boys’ 1A title, 38-68, over defending champion Wayne Christian. All-state performers Ben Lowry (third, 18:12); Luke Lowry (fifth, 18:38); Andrew Tysinger (sixth, 18:52) and Mitchell Hartman (11th, 19:26) led Hickory Christian.

-- Correspondent Brett Honeycutt

UCLA offers Olympic guard Allerik Freeman (VIDEO)

2011-10-27T22:30:00.001-04:00

Olympic junior point guard Allerik Freeman, a 6-foot-4, 200-pounder, has received an offer from UCLA tonight, Trojans coach Ty Baumgardner said.

Freeman has other offers from Arizona, Georgetown, N.C. State, Villanova, Kansas and Kansas State.

Freeman is ranked No. 9 in the nation by ESPN.

NCHSAA Executive Committee turns down Freedom football appeal

2011-10-27T12:46:00.000-04:00

CHAPEL HILL-- The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Executive Committee heard an appeal from Freedom High School in Morganton on Thursday morning, contesting a decision made according to NCHSAA Handbook policy about ejections from a football game last week between Freedom and Chase.

Freedom was declared ineligible for the postseason after five players were ejected for fighting in the Chase game, per the NCHSAA handbook. Freedom appealed the ruling, which became official Wednesday.

The appeal was heard by conference telephone call Thursday morning with the Freedom representatives at the NCHSAA offices in Chapel Hill.

The Executive Committee deliberated after hearing the Freedom appeal, but upheld the decision that there were five ejections for Freedom according to NCHSAA rules related to fighting. That number would put Freedom over the allowable limit of ejections for fighting to be able to participate in postseason play.

Since Freedom appealed to the Executive Committee outside the regular Board of Directors scheduled meetings, the school has exhausted its options for appeal.

"Based on the reports that we received and the presentation by Freedom, the committee felt there wasn't a clear, consistent picture that would warrant overturning the previous ruling," said NCHSAA commissioner Davis Whitfield. "There were a number of interpretations provided during the appeal, and based on the information presented, the committee felt like the prudent course of action was to uphold the NCHSAA decision."

-- NCHSAA media release

Freedom football officially out of playoffs, started appeal

2011-10-26T16:29:00.000-04:00

NC High School Athletic Association deputy executive director Que Tucker said she has informed Freedom that it will not be eligible for the playoffs next week after several Patriots players were involved in a fight during last week's win over Chase.

Freedom is appealing the decision to the NCHSAA executive committee which will rule on the appeal prior to the NCHSAA announcing playoff pairings Saturday afternoon.

Freedom had five players ejected from last week's blowout win over Chase. The Patriots improved to 9-1, but NCHSAA rules call for any team that has that many players ejected for fighting to lose its playoff privileges.

Freedom sent video of the game to the state Tuesday but the fight was not shown on it. NCHSAA deputy executive director Que Tucker said unless the school was able to provide additional footage, she would have to use the game officials' written ruling -- that five Freedom players were ejected for fighting. Tucker got no additional footage and said she made the ruling that the NCHSAA handbook calls for.

Wednesday afternoon, Patriots coach Mike Helms told the Observer that while the school would appeal

Freedom was 7-4 in 2005, but suffered through four losing seasons - going 13-30 - before winning 19 games the past two years. This season's team, ranked No. 15 in the Sweet 16, is a class 3A state championship contender. Freedom averages 36 points per game.

Helms said two players on his team were fighting and three came off the bench but did not fight.

In its handbook, the NCHSAA identifies fighting as, among other things, "an altercation between (two) or more parties that includes swinging, hitting, punching and/or kicking." It also lists "leaving the bench area to participate in a fight (contact or no contact)."

"Our video equipment stops after every play," Helms said, "and we don't have anything concrete to say our guys were going on the field for a change of possession. So no they haven't given us official word, but we are starting the appeals process in case they do."

Still awaiting official ruling from NCHSAA, Freedom starts appeal process to stay in playoffs

2011-10-26T14:12:00.000-04:00

Freedom High School's football team, in danger of being disqualified for the playoffs, has begun an appeal process with the N.C. High School Athletic Association, even as it awaits an official ruling from the state's governing body.

Freedom had five players ejected from last week's blowout win over Chase. The Patriots improved to 9-1, but NCHSAA rules call for any team that has that many players ejected for fighting to lose its playoff privileges.

Freedom sent video of the game to the state Tuesday but the fight was not shown on it. NCHSAA deputy executive director Que Tucker said unless the school was able to provide additional footage, she would have to use the game officials' written ruling -- that five Freedom players were ejected for fighting.

That would mean Freedom is out of the postseason.

Wednesday afternoon, Patriots coach Mike Helms told the Observer that while the school is still awaiting an official decision from the NCHSAA, it was already starting the appeal process.

Freedom was 7-4 in 2005, but suffered through four losing seasons - going 13-30 - before winning 19 games the past two years. This season's team, ranked No. 15 in the Sweet 16, is a class 3A state championship contender. Freedom averages 36 points per game.

Helms said two players on his team were fighting and three came off the bench but did not fight.

In its handbook, the NCHSAA identifies fighting as, among other things, "an altercation between (two) or more parties that includes swinging, hitting, punching and/or kicking." It also lists "leaving the bench area to participate in a fight (contact or no contact)."

"Our video equipment stops after every play," Helms said, "and we don't have anything concrete to say our guys were going on the field for a change of possession. So no they haven't given us official word, but we are starting the appeals process in case they do."

Freedom's playoffs hopes in serious jeopardy; official ruling to come Wednesday morning

2011-10-25T22:12:00.000-04:00

Freedom High’s football playoffs hopes look like they are in serious jeopardy.

The Patriots had five players ejected for fighting during Friday’s 55-13 win over Chase. Under the N.C. High School Athletic Association rulebook, any team that has three or more players ejected for fighting would forfeit its playoff privileges.

Freedom sent film of the incident to the NCHSAA and it arrived late Tuesday. The film didn’t show the fight, deputy executive director Que Tucker said.

Tucker has spoken to Freedom school officials who will try to find more video from the game that might show the incident. They are expected to report their findings to Tucker Wednesday morning.

If no new video is available, Tucker will have to use the report from the game officials that showed five players ejected. That would mean that Freedom (9-1) would not play in the class 3A playoffs this season.

“Basically we received video from the school that did not show the incident,” Tucker said. “And at this point, there is nothing to refute what the officials have said -- that there were players ejected from both teams for fighting and additional players from Freedom High School who came on the field during the fight. That is a no-no and has always been considered fighting.

“In the morning, I will make an official ruling and without any new video, I will simply have to enter what the handbook says.”

And that would mean Freedom is out.

Freedom was 7-4 in 2005, but suffered through four long losing seasons -- going 13-30 -- before winning 19 games the past two years. This season’s team, ranked No. 15 in the Sweet 16, is a class 3A state championship contender. Freedom averages 36 points per game.

Freedom coach Mike Helms said that two players on his team were fighting and three came off the bench but did not fight.

“It’s just a rules interpretation in my opinion,” Helms said. “There were two kids who officials did eject and then three ran onto the field, not fighting. Those kids, in my opinion, should be disqualified and not deemed as fighting. That’s where we’re at.”

But in its handbook, the NCHSAA identifies fighting as, among other things, as “an altercation between (two) or more parties that includes swinging, hitting, punching and/or kicking.” It also lists “leaving the bench area to participate in a fight (contact or no contact).”

Freedom plays its regular-season finale Friday at Morganton County rival Patton (0-9).

“We have had such good year here,” Helms said, “on the verge of back-to-back 10-win seasons. When you get those in football, it’s pretty good. So the kids all want to know what’s going to happen, what’s next. We’re just waiting on the ruling from the state level.”

Fight may cost Freedom High's football team playoff spot

2011-10-25T14:28:00.002-04:00

Freedom High is waiting to hear from the N.C. High School Athletic Association whether its football team will be allowed to participate in the playoffs next week.

The Patriots, who are 9-1 this season, had five players ejected during last week’s 55-13 win over Chase on Senior Night. Two Chase players were also ejected after an altercation following a Freedom punt return in the third quarter with Freedom leading 38-13.

NCHSAA rules state that “if a situation occurs where three of more players on one team are ejected during one fighting incident, those three individual ejections will cause the team to lose its playoff privileges.”

NCHSAA deputy executive director Que Tucker said she is still waiting to get the video of the incident to make a ruling. Freedom mailed the video Monday afternoon. Tucker said the game officials reported fighting ejections and that she would be looking at the tape to make sure of the number of kids involved.

Freedom coach Mike Helms said he could only hope for the best.

Freedom was 7-4 in 2005, but suffered through four long losing seasons -- going 13-30 -- before winning 19 games the past two years. This season’s team, ranked No. 15 in the Sweet 16, is a class 3A state championship contender. Freedom averages 36 points per game.

“It’s just a rules interpretation in my opinion,” Helms said. “There were two kids who officials did eject and then three ran onto the field, not fighting. Those kids, in my opinion, should be disqualified and not deemed as fighting. That’s where we’re at.”

In its handbook, the NCHSAA identifies fighting as, among other things, as “an altercation between (two) or more parties that includes swinging, hitting, punching and/or kicking.” It also lists “leaving the bench area to participate in a fight (contact or no contact).”

A decision could come Wednesday. Meanwhile, Freedom is getting ready to play its regular-season finale Friday at Morganton County rival Patton (0-9).

“We have had such good year here,” Helms said, “on the verge of back-to-back 10-win seasons. When you get those in football, it’s pretty good. So the kids all want to know what’s going to happen, what’s next. We’re just waiting on the ruling from the state level.”

Independence-Butler football: All tickets to be sold in advance

2011-10-24T19:17:00.002-04:00

No tickets will be sold at the gate for Friday’s Butler at Independence football game.

Butler is No. 2 in the Sweet 16 and Independence is No. 9. The game is for the Southwestern 4A conference championship.

The $6 tickets will be sold through Wednesday at Butler and through Thursday at Independence between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. If any tickets remain after Thursday, they will be sold Friday at Independence from 10 a.m. to noon.

Gates open Friday at 5:45 at Independence.

Local NBA stars use local training facility to stay sharp during NBA lockout

2011-10-23T01:16:00.001-04:00

Former Charlotte high school all stars Stephen Curry (Charlotte Christian), Antawn Jamison (Providence) and Anthony Morrow (Charlotte Latin) are keeping in shape during the ongoing NBA lockout by working out at a popular local training facility, Accelerate Basketball.

You can click here to read a previous story I did on Accelerate.

"As a point guard, you've got to work on staying in the best shape possible," Curry said of why he's using Accelerate during the NBA lockout. "For me, it's working on staying low -- with the ball, without the ball -- and being explosive with my moves. If we're doing 10 reps (in the workout), it's about being as explosive on the 10th rep as I am on the first one."

Like the others, Jamison is using the workouts -- which also include Bobcats players Matt Carroll and Gerald Henderson -- as a means to get ready for the season, whenever it starts.

"Even though we're locked out and can't use the (NBA) facilities, every year you still have to improve on your weaknesses," Jamison said. "Brandon and the guys at Accelerate definitely put us in position to be ready for the season when it gets started again."

"Brandon" is Accelerate founder Brandon Payne, and he dreams up all sorts of workouts using props and drills that relate to basketball. It's not the type training many amateur basketball players have seen before. Payne's program also emphasizes flexibility and injury prevention, for the pros and for his 7-year-old ballers.

And it seems to be catching on. Payne has been featured in the basketball diary, Dime Magazine and Dime recently came back to town for another interview.

I went out to the facility Saturday, located just across the state line past the Ballantyne Country Club. Payne has laid down a wooden-like floor over the old rubberized one in the building, but otherwise the place still looks the same. Still sounds the same, too.

As you approach, you hear the whistles blowing and the balls bouncing and the instructions coming at a rapid fire pace. Inside about 15 kids, from 10 to 17, are working hard and sweating profusely. They dribble two balls at the same time, do stylized moves using a ladder. They lift. They do pushups.

It had been awhile since I'd visited but the place seems to continue to grow in an era where pro-style training for youth athletes seems to be exploding. In addition to former professionals like Muggsy Bogues (now the head boys basketball coach at private United Faith Christian School) and Jeff McInnis training young players in basketball and former NFL star Mo Collins among those working with youth football players, these training facilities are popping up all over town.

One of the oldest is the Nike-based Velocity Sports in southwest Charlotte. Along with a new facility in Cornelius, Champion Sports Fitness, Velocity caters to the everyman athlete, seeking to provide strength and flexibility for all sports.

What makes Accelerate different, and why I think it's become a primary destination for the pros and for college stars like Seth Curry (Duke) and Cierra Burdick (Tennessee) is it's focus on basketball. At Accelerate there's plenty of instruction for strength and flexibility and injury prevention, there's even yoga instruction from Aly Faber who does quite a bit of work with professional athletes.

But there's a lot of basketball going on.

Here are some videos.

Mallard Creek still atop Associated Press N.C. Prep Media Poll

2011-10-18T19:21:00.002-04:00

¶   RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) _ The Associated Press state high school football poll for the week of October 18, first-place votes in parentheses, records and total points as voted upon by a statewide panel of prep sports writers:

^Class 4-A=

†1. Charlotte Mallard Creek (12)       (8-0) 129 1

†2. Greensboro Page (1)                (8-0) 112 2

†3. Matthews Butler                    (7-1) 101 3

†4. Scotland County                    (8-0) 95 4

†5. Garner                             (9-0) 73 5

†6. Winston-Salem Mt. Tabor            (8-0) 62 6

†T7.Indian Trail Porter Ridge          (8-0) 44 8

†T7.Richmond County                    (7-1) 44 7

†9. Raleigh Leesville Road             (8-0) 33 9

†10. New Bern                          (7-1) 19 10

¶

¶   Others receiving 10 or more points: None.<

^Class 3-A=

†1. Belmont South Point (9)            (8-0) 123 1

†2. Charlotte Catholic (3)             (8-0) 119 2

†3. Havelock (1)                       (9-0) 94 3

†4. Asheville                          (8-0) 89 4

†5. Lawndale Burns                     (8-1) 74 6

†6. Fayetteville Byrd                  (9-0) 66 5

†7. Kannapolis Brown                   (8-1) 46 7

†8. Morganton Freedom                  (8-1) 38 8

†9. Hope Mills Gray's Creek            (8-1) 22 9

†10. West Rowan                        (7-2) 14 10

¶

¶   Others receiving 10 or more points: Franklin (9-0) 11 , Wilson Hunt (8-0) 10. <

^Class 2-A=

†1. Lincolnton (10)                    (8-1) 125 1

†2. South Iredell (3)                  (9-0) 118 2

†3. Salisbury                          (8-1) 86 5

†4. East Duplin                        (8-1) 78 4

†5. Kinston                            (8-1) 74 6

†6. Burlington Cummings                (7-1) 55 7

†7. Jacksonville Northside             (9-0) 50 8

†8. High Point Andrews                 (7-1) 44 3

†9. Wilkes Central                     (8-0) 30 10

†10. Tarboro                           (6-2) 29 9

¶

¶   Others receiving 10 or more points: None.<

^Class 1-A=

†1. Wallace-Rose Hill (12)             (8-1) 129 1

†2. Albemarle                          (8-1) 110 2

†3. Swain County (1)                   (8-1) 99 3

†4. Plymouth                           (8-0) 96 4

†5. Mitchell County                    (8-1) 74 5

†6. Ayden-Grifton                      (7-1) 61 6

†7. Manteo                             (7-1) 46 7

†8. Mt. Airy                           (7-2) 39 T8

†9. Hendersonville                     (6-2) 33 T8

†10. South Stanly                      (7-2) 18 10

¶

¶   Others receiving 10 or more points: None.<

2AA N.C. champ Salisbury rejoins Sweet 16

2011-10-17T20:30:00.000-04:00

(click here for area stat leaders)

Salisbury’s Hornets are back in the Sweet 16.

After No. 12 Berry fell out of the poll, after losing 48-26 to No. 3 Charlotte Catholic, Salisbury jumped back in.

Since losing 37-28 to No. 14 West Rowan, a 3A team, on Sept. 2, the reigning N.C. 2AA Hornets have won six straight games, behind a powerful offense that’s topped 55 points four times and a defense that’s gotten two shutouts during the run and allowed a third team just seven points.

Football Sweet 16
Rk.    Team (Class)    Rec.    Pvs.
1    Mallard Creek (4A)    8-0    1
2    Butler (4A)    7-1    2
3    Charlotte Catholic (3A)    8-0    3
4    Belmont South Point (3A)    8-0    4
5    Porter Ridge (4A)    8-0    5
6    Burns (3A)    8-1    6
7    Rock Hill South Pointe (3A)    7-1    7
8    A.L. Brown (3A)    8-1    8
9    Independence (4A)    8-1    9
10    South Iredell (2A)    9-0    10
11    Olympic (4A)    8-1    11
12    Rock Hill Northwestern (4A)    5-2    13
13    Lincolnton (2A)    8-1    14
14    West Rowan (3A)    7-2    14
15    Freedom (3A)    8-1    16
16    Salisbury (2A)    8-1    NR

Dropped Out: Berry (3A, 6-2). On the bubble: Albemarle (1A, 8-1); Ardrey Kell (4A, 5-3); Berry (3A, 6-2); Crest (7-2); Mooresville (4A, 7-2)
Note: To be ranked in the Observer’s Sweet 16, a team must be in the Observer’s coverage area, field football and basketball teams and not allow a student-athlete to re-class after ninth grade. For a detailed look inside the poll, including the criteria used to compile it, visit?
http://bit.ly/prNoYM.