Friday, December 30, 2011

Olympic gets biggest win in school history? Trojans stop West Charlotte

Last season, Olympic ascended to No. 1 in the Observer's Sweet 16 for the first time in school history.

Friday night, Olympic may've hit another milestone, grabbing the biggest win in school history.

Some historians may argue, but I'd peg Olympic's 71-68 win over West Charlotte in the championship game of the Upward Classic as the biggest in school history. And it may be the first of two meetings between the teams this year.

For years, West Charlotte, No. 3 in the current Sweet 16 poll, has been the king of Mecklenburg County public school basketball, and in some respects all of Mecklenburg County ball. The Lions have won five state championships since 1986 and are the current reigning champions. They have long been the measuring stick for county teams.

Olympic, currently No. 1 in the Sweet 16, has not won games like this often, most famously being blown out 12 years ago at the old Charlotte Coliseum by West Charlotte in probably the Trojans' biggest game before this, with 15 college coaches, including former Georgetown coach John Thompson (the father of the current coach) in attendance.

This time, the Trojans did it in front of a huge crowd in Spartanburg, S.C., and in front of regional recruiting people and college scouts. It's the kind of win that will make the Trojans the favorite to win the N.C. 4A championship and the kind of win that will make people look forward to a potential rematch in the N.C. 4A regionals.

The teams were in line to play in the regional championship last March before Olympic was upset in the regional semifinals. It'll be interesting to see what happens if the pairings open up to allow it to happen again this year.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Live from the Hardwood Classic: Championship Thursday

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


Boys Championship
Northside Christian 77, Mooresville 48
Mooresville 2 10 18 18 -- 48
Northside 23 15 25 14 -- 77
MOORESVILLE 48 -
- Shawn Lester 20, Montgomery 8, Howell 3, Kendrick Johnson 11, Warren 3, Samuel 3
NORTHSIDE 77 -- Ashford 9, Cooks 9, Dionte Adams 16, Justin Gordon 15, James Logan 10, Ritter 5, Bell 8, Morrison 5



 Observer All-Tournament team boys: Justin Gordon, Northside (MVP); Dionte Adams, Northside; Donte’ Clark, Kennedy Charter; Shawn Lester, Mooresville; Rashun Davis, Davidson Day

Girls Championship
Berry 48, Ardrey Kell 45 OT
Ardrey Kell 17 8 13 7 0 -- 45
Berry 12 11 15 7 3 -- 48
ARDREY KELL 45 --
Anderson 8, Christelle Shembo 19, Jordan Muhammad 10, Dean 6, Bradbury 2
BERRY 48 -- Essence Baucom 14, Imani Parr 11, Quinn 7, Jessica Marcus 12, Brown 4


Observer All-Tournament team girls: None were officially announced but here’s ours: Essence Baucom, Berry (MVP); Jessica Marcus, Berry; Christelle Shembo, Ardrey Kell; Bre Armstrong, Forestview; Jordan Strode, Hickory Ridge

Boys Third Place
Davidon Day 69, Kennedy Charter 63
Davidson Day 16 16 17 20 -- 69
Kennedy Charter 17 16 15 15 -- 63
DAVIDSON DAY 69 --
Rashun Davis 13, Brown 7, Dorian Albritton 11, Phillip Anglade 17, Mercer 3, DJ Carnegie 15, Eddie 3
KENNEDY CHARTER 63 -- Gladden 9, Donte Clark 18, JJ Douglas 16, White 8, Julius Hamilton 10, Cherry 2

BOYS CONSOLATIONS

Ardrey Kell 4 6, Forestview 43
Ardrey Kell 10 13 12 11 -- 46
Forestview 16 9 8 10 -- 43
ARDREY KELL 46 --
Sellers 4, Small 3, Cooper 2, Pollard 6, Elvis Kisonas 14, Steven Santa-Ana 10, Scott 7
FORESTVIEW 43 -- Dominique Adams 11, Kevin Clyburn 12, Johnson 5, Devante Machins 10, Nichols 2, Wallace 3

First Assembly 67, Queens Grant 56
First Assembly 18 19 10 20 -- 67
Queens Grant 14 10 13 19 -- 56
FIRST ASSEMBLY 67 --
Jon Allison 20, Andrew Wheet 15, Nate Cantadore 12, Williams 8, Will Nork 1, Colman 2
QUEENS GRANT 56 -- Trey Brown 16, Kriston Beasley 13, Adams 1, Green 5, Sawyer 3, Harris 1, Davis 2, Boyette 3, Justice Singletary 10, Johnson 2

Anson girls 54, Hough 44
Hough 14 14 3 13 -- 44
HOUGH 44 -
- DeMarcus 2, Anna Diggs 27, Arey 6, Dean 7, Montgomery 1, Fisher 1
ANSON 54 -- Keyara McKnight 20, Alderson 8, Jillian Murray 13, Robinson 8, Little 2, McRae 1, Pauldo 2

GIRLS CONSOLATIONS
Hickory Ridge girls 61, Forestview 55 OT
Forestview 10 14 14 10 7 -- 55
Hickory Ridge 10 13 14 11 13 -- 61
FORESTVIEW 55 --
Smith 9, Bre Armstrong 14, Gardin 6, Britnee Roberts 20, Joyner 4, Harris 2
HICKORY RIDGE 61 -- Tia Evans 14, Davis 5, Cachine 2, Little 2, Jordan Strode 34, Johnson 1, Copeland 3

Covenant Day girls 45, Queens Grant 39
Covenant Day 6 11 9 19 -
- 45
Queens Grant 4 7 9 19 -- 39
COVENANT DAY 45 -- Anna Melton 16, Brace 6, Morgan Mosteller 13, Fultz 2, Hite 4, Manns 4
QUEENS GRANT 39 -- Longmire 8, Graves 4, Ciera Rucker 15, Siamos 5, Staton 5, Clifton 2

Hardwood Classic Update From Wednesday's Semifinals


Elevator
Up, Crowds and environment: The boys' semifinals were played in a loud gym in front of a good crowd. Felt like old times.
Up, Tonight's girls' final: Berry and Ardrey Kell could reach the N.C. 3A and N.C. 4A Western Regionals this season. This will be a high-level championship game.

Wednesday's Top Performers
Christelle Shembo, Ardrey Kell girls: 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists in 52-45 win over Forestview
Essence Baucom, Berry girls: 18 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and two steals for 5-foot-6 Alabama-Birmingham recruit in 47-43 overtime win over Hickory Ridge that put Berry in the final for the second straight year.
Shawn Lester, Mooresville: 26 points, eight rebounds, three steals, three blocks, two assists in 59-57 overtime win over Davidson Day in the semifinals.
Justin Gordon, Northside Christian: 6-6 forward had 24 points on 11-for-15 shooting and eight rebounds in 83-79 overtime win over Kennedy Charter.
B.J. Gladden, Kennedy Charter: 20 points, on 3-for-4 3-point shooting, plus six rebounds and four steals in Northside Christian game. Teammate Jalen White had 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Notes/Observations
-- For the first time since 2008, this felt like the old Bojangles' Shootout. A big, loud crowd for the boys' semifinals and two wonderful games. And tonight's two boys' games (5:10, 8:30) should be just as good.
-- Keep an eye on Davidson Day, Kennedy Charter, Mooresville and Northside the rest of the season. These teams could be special and this tournament should only give them confidence.
-- Kennedy Charter is going to have to work on boxing out and playing better defense. The Eagles got key players into foul trouble because they were reaching too much. They're athletic enough they don't need to do that, and next season, they'll have to improve the schedule so they can have a few tough games to get ready for a game like Wednesday's.
-- Really impressed with Mooresville guard Shawn Lester. He has a very mature game. He's a great ball-handler and has a great step-back jump shot move that reminds me a little of Bobcat Kemba Walker.
Wednesday's 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, six rebounds and four steals for Forestview, which has won four of its past five games.
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, seven rebounds) and Elvis Kisonas (14 points). Nate Cantadore had 19 for First Assembly. Anson County girls 48, Queens Grant 21: Anson jumped to a 22-2 lead in the consolation gamey and led 29-10 at halftime. Anson outrebounded Queens Grant 41-27, forced 34 turnovers and held Queens Grant to 30 percent shooting. Keyara McKnight (13 points, eight rebounds), Jillian Murray (10 points, four steals) and Jaida Robinson (eight points, 13 rebounds) led the Bearcats, who will play in Thursday's fifth-place game.
Hough girls 56, Covenant Day 18: Hough held Covenant Day scoreless in the first quarter and to 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, seven rebounds, two steals), Anna Diggs (11 points, four rebounds, three assists) and Brandi Arey (10 points, eight rebounds, three steals).
Wednesday's Results/Schedule
Boys' Semifinals: Northside 83, Kennedy Charter 79 OT; Mooresville 59, Davidson Day 57.
Boys' Consolations: Forestview 55, Queens Grant 40; Ardrey Kell 60, First Assembly 57. Today's Today's Boys' Championship: Northside vs. Mooresville, 8:30 p.m.
Today's Boys' Third-Place Game: Kennedy Charter vs. Davidson Day, 5:10 p.m.
Today's Boys' Fifth-Place Game: Forestview vs. Ardrey Kell, 1:50 p.m.
Today's Boys' Seventh-Place Game: Queens Grant vs. First Assembly, 10:40 a.m.
Girls' Semifinals: Berry 47, Hickory Ridge 43; Ardrey Kell 52, Forestview 45.
Girls' Consolations: Anson County 48, Queens Grant 21; Hough 56, Covenant Day 18.
Today's Girls' Championship: Berry vs. Ardrey Kell, 6:50 p.m.
Today's Girls' Third Place: Hickory Ridge vs. Forestview, 3:30 p.m.
Today's Girls' Fifth Place: Anson County vs. Hough, 12:10 p.m.
Today's Girls' Seventh Place: Queens Grant vs. Covenant Day, 9 a.m

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Myers Park girls win Broughton Holiday Invitational

By J. Mike Blake
The News and Observer

RALEIGH -- About 22 years ago, a strong but agile player named Rodney Rogers walked to center court of Broughton’s Holliday Gymnasium and accepted the MVP trophy for the 1989 Holiday Invitational.

On Wednesday night, his oldest daughter – Roddreka Rogers – made the same triumphant walk.

It’s an unprecedented father-daughter combination of MVPs that hasn’t been seen in the prep basketball tournament’s 40-year history.

The senior for Myers Park averaged 17 points and 10.6 rebounds in three games in the Mix-101.5 girls bracket at the HighSchoolOT.com Holiday Invitational, leading her unbeaten Mustangs to a 50-45 victory in the championship game against Raleigh Millbrook.  It was the first loss for Millbrook (12-1), last year’s 4A runners-up, in a game that could serve as a preview of the 4A state championship game.

“There is not a dry eye in the locker room,” said Millbrook coach Chris East. “They know that I love them, and I’m proud of them. They know too that we can’t start off like we did in the first minutes of the game and not execute.”

Millbrook played the three-game tournament without two starters – Katelyn Mitchell and Ryan Flowers – who were suspended for a violation of team rules.

Myers Park coach Dustin Terrel said it was important to get out to an early lead, which his team did – up 28-15 at the break – by limiting Millbrook to just one second-quarter point.

“With their scores being so low, we thought that if we got a double-digit lead, they would struggle trying to get back and start forcing stuff, and they kind of did in the first half,” Terrel said. “We tried to give it away to them at the end, but we battled back.”

While Myers Park was able to force some turnovers with a full-court press, Millbrook did the same in the fourth – making for an entertaining finish.

Millbrook swarmed from down 12 with 3:43 left in the game to cut the deficit to two after a 3-pointer from Mykia Jones with 53.6 seconds left. But it was too little, too late for the Wildcats, as defensive gambles in its press led to two straight Myers Park layups.

“We should’ve learned from our state championship game (loss) last year,” said the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player Briana Day, a Millbrook junior and UNC recruit. “Our intensity should’ve came well before the fourth quarter.”

Myers Park placed three players on the all-tournament team, adding freshman Rydeiah Rogers – Roddreka’s younger sister – and sophomore Saadia Timpton.

Green Hope, which finished third in the tournament after a 56-41 win against Riverside, placed Kristen Gaffney (79 points in three games) and Ashley Williams on the all-tournament team.

The rest of the all-tournament team included Riverside’s Maddie McCallie, Hillside’s Morgan McGee, Panther Creek’s Kayla Seymour and Cary Christian’s Dakota Dukes.
By J. Mike Blake - mblake@newsobserver.com By J. Mike Blake The News and Observer Tags: High school basketball | Holiday Invitational | tournament | Charlotte Myers Park | Mustangs | Millbrook | Wildcats | Roddreka Rogers RALEIGH -- About 22 years ago, a strong but agile player named Rodney Rogers walked to center court of Broughton’s Holliday Gymnasium and accepted the MVP trophy for the 1989 Holiday Invitational.On Wednesday night, his oldest daughter – Roddreka Rogers – made the same triumphant walk. It’s an unprecedented father-daughter combination of MVPs that hasn’t been seen in the prep basketball tournament’s 40-year history.The senior for Charlotte Myers Park averaged 17 points and 10.6 rebounds in three games in the Mix-101.5 girls bracket at the HighSchoolOT.com Holiday Invitational, leading her unbeaten Mustangs to a 50-45 victory in the championship game against Millbrook. Advertisement It was the first loss for Millbrook (12-1), last year’s 4A runners-up, in a game that could serve as a preview of the 4A state championship game.“There is not a dry eye in the locker room,” said Millbrook coach Chris East. “They know that I love them, and I’m proud of them. They know too that we can’t start off like we did in the first minutes of the game and not execute.”Millbrook played the three-game tournament without two starters – Katelyn Mitchell and Ryan Flowers – who were suspended for a violation of team rules.Myers Park coach Dustin Terrel said it was important to get out to an early lead, which his team did – up 28-15 at the break – by limiting Millbrook to just one second-quarter point.“With their scores being so low, we thought that if we got a double-digit lead, they would struggle trying to get back and start forcing stuff, and they kind of did in the first half,” Terrel said. “We tried to give it away to them at the end, but we battled back.”While Myers Park was able to force some turnovers with a full-court press, Millbrook did the same in the fourth – making for an entertaining finish.Millbrook swarmed from down 12 with 3:43 left in the game to cut the deficit to two after a 3-pointer from Mykia Jones with 53.6 seconds left. But it was too little, too late for the Wildcats, as defensive gambles in its press led to two straight Myers Park layups.“We should’ve learned from our state championship game (loss) last year,” said the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player Briana Day, a Millbrook junior and UNC recruit. “Our intensity should’ve came well before the fourth quarter.”Myers Park placed three players on the all-tournament team, adding freshman Rydeiah Rogers – Roddreka’s younger sister – and sophomore Saadia Timpton.Green Hope, which finished third in the tournament after a 56-41 win against Riverside, placed Kristen Gaffney (79 points in three games) and Ashley Williams on the all-tournament team. The rest of the all-tournament team included Riverside’s Maddie McCallie, Hillside’s Morgan McGee, Panther Creek’s Kayla Seymour and Cary Christian’s Dakota Dukes. Blake: 919-460-2606

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/12/28/1739402/girls-holiday-invitational-championship.html#storylink=cpy

Meck game of the year? Tonight's Northside-Kennedy Charter Hardwood Classic semi

Ever since the Hardwood Classic pairings came out a few weeks back, Kennedy Charter boys basketball coach Ed Addie said people have been asking him about a potential meeting with Northside Christian in the semifinals.

It'll happen in tonight's 6:50 Hardwood Classic semifinal at Bojangles' Coliseum and it will be the Mecklenburg County game of the year so far.


"That's the game," Addie said after an easy first round win over Queens Grant Tuesday. "Carolina Preps has them No. 1 in the state and us No. 10. There's a little bit of a gap there and I think my boys have a little bit of a chip on their shoulders. We don't want to come out too crazy, but stay calm and consistent. Northside has a great coach and a great team. We look forward to playing them. It's going to be a good game."


Northside (10-0), No. 2 in the Observer's Sweet 16, has beaten two teams ranked in the S.C. top 10 polls as well as a High Point Wesleyan team that has been ranked nationally. As Addie said, Northside is ranked No. 1 in the Carolina Preps poll of N.C. Independent School teams, ahead of such traditional powers as Arden Christ School and Charlotte Christian, and the Knights are looking for their second straight state championship berth in February.

Kennedy Charter (12-0), No. 10 in the state independent poll, is new to this state power thing, but the Eagles are one of the most talented teams in North Carolina with at least seven guys who could play Division I one day.

Both teams have great coaches and great systems. Northside averages 82.9 points, third-best in the Observer's 127-school coverage area, and allows just 47.6 points per game, eighth best.

Kennedy Charter leads the area in scoring at 98.7 points per game and gives up a pretty stingy 52.4 points per game.

Something's got to give tonight.

"We'll see what happens," Northside coach Byron Dinkins said. "Based on our performance (in Tuesday'a spotty first round win over Gastonia Forestview), they're the favorites. But it always comes down to defense for us. If we can some things going offensively to go with it, we'll be OK."

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Players, games to watch, ticket info for today's Hardwood Classic

The first Hardwood Classic tips off today at Bojangles' Coliseum. The tournament, which runs through Thursday, was formerly called the Bojangles' Shootout.

A quick fact guide:

TICKETS

Tickets $12 for adults, $6 for students 18 and under (children 3 and under get in free)


Today's Can't-Miss Games

Queens Grant vs. Kennedy Charter, 10:40 a.m.: Unbeaten Kennedy Charter won the SouthLake Christmas Tournament last week, but the upstart power plays its first true big games this week. The team averages 99 points per game and has at least seven players who could play Division I ball.

No. 2 Northside vs. Forestview, 1:50 p.m.:
Forestview has won three games in a row to improve to 7-2 and will try to figure out unbeaten Northside's defense, which gives up fewer than 50 points per game. Northside is No. 2 in the Observer's Sweet 16 poll

No. 6 Mooresville vs. Ardrey Kell, 6:50 p.m.: Mooresville features national top-150 recruit Shawn Lester, who has signed with Charlotte, and is fresh off an upset against No. 3 West Charlotte, the reigning N.C. 4A champion.

Players To Watch Dionte Adams, Northside Christian: 6-foot-7 senior post averages 10.2 points and 11 rebounds. He ranks No. 3 in the Observer's coverage area in rebounding. Signed by Hampton.
Bre Armstrong, Forestview girls: 5-8 junior wing averages 10.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.4 steals and 3.3 assists - all team highs - for the unbeaten Jaguars (9-0).
Essence Baucom, Berry girls: Alabama-Birmingham recruit and 5-6 point guard leads her team in scoring (13.2 points). Berry (8-1) has won eight games in a row.
Donte Clark, Kennedy Charter: 6-4 junior point guard has offers from East Carolina, Central Florida, Nebraska, Georgia and Jacksonville among others, plus heavy interest from Virginia Tech. Averages 15.8 points and 3.2 rebounds.
L.C. Cooks, Northside Christian: 6-1 senior guard signed by Hampton leads unbeaten Knights in scoring (16 per game). Cooks is second on the team in assists (7.3) - just behind Justin Ashford (7.4), who leads the Observer's coverage area.
Rashun Davis, Davidson Day: 5-11 senior guard signed with Radford. Teammates Richard Brown (Army) and Dorian Albritton (Virginia Military) also signed with Division I teams. Davis excels in the open floor and on defense.
B.J. Gladden, Kennedy Charter: 6-5 sophomore guard/forward has 11 Division I offers, including Xavier, Wake Forest, Charlotte and Virginia Commonwealth.
Shawn Lester, Mooresville: 6-3 senior guard leads the team in scoring at 14.4 points per game. Rivals.com ranks him the No. 130 senior in America.
Christelle Shembo, Ardrey Kell girls: Wake Forest signee leads her team at 15.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Teammate Oceania Anderson is the second player in school history to score 1,000 points.
Andrew Wheet, First Assembly: Concord area sophomore shooter averages 24.2 points and scored 19 in a row against Victory Christian this month.

Today's Schedule
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.
Forestview girls vs. Hough, 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.

REIGNING CHAMP NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN HOPES TO USE DEFENSE TO ADVANCE

For several weeks, Byron Dinkins, the boys basketball coach at Northside Christian, said he’s heard a lot about a potential Hardwood Classic semifinal game with Kennedy Charter.

Both teams are new to being local powerhouses, but both teams are unbeaten and could lay legitimate claims to being the best boys basketball team in Mecklenburg County.

Before getting to a possible Northside-Kennedy Charter semifinal Wednesday night, Dinkins warns his team must win what he feels is the toughest first-round game at today’s Hardwood Classic at Bojangles’ Coliseum.

Northside (9-0), No. 2 in the Observer’s Sweet 16 poll, will face Gaston County power Forestview (7-2) today at 1:50 p.m. Forestview, which reached the 2009 N.C. 3A championship final, has won its last three games.

“We have one of the toughest first-round matchups (today) if not the toughest,” said Dinkins, a former Charlotte 49ers and East Meck star. “That’s all we can worry about. In order to get to the game everybody wants to see, we have to see if we can get past Forestview.”

Northside-Forestview is one of the more intriguing first-round games at the retooled holiday event that used to be known as the Bojangles’ Shootout. Organizers have strengthened the field, presenting the best one since 2009, and Dinkins’ team is back to defend the championship it won last year.

Northside went on from winning the 2010 Bojangles’ title to qualifying for the N.C. 2A Independent Schools state championship game.

This year, despite working in five new players and two new starters – shooting guard L.C. Cooks (who transferred from Central Cabarrus) and power forward Justin Gordon (from Mallard Creek) – Dinkins said people are looking at his team differently from a year ago.

“We’ve gone from hunter to hunted,” he said. “That could make a difference this year if (we) don’t come with the same work ethic that we had last year. But so far, we’ve maintained that work ethic.”

Northside is winning by about 35 points per game and has beaten High Point Wesleyan – a private-school state-championship favorite that’s been ranked in some national polls this season – along with S.C. powers Richland Northeast and Columbia.

No team has scored more than 59 points against the Knights, and seven opponents were kept in the 40s.

“The schedule was a little tough early … but that was on purpose, to test us,” Dinkins said. “The Hardwood Classic will be tough, too, but for us it begins with defense. If we can maintain our defensive intensity and pressure, then I like our chances.”

Monday, December 26, 2011

West Charlotte wins Chick-Fil-A Tournament Championship




Spring Valley forward Devante Brooks goes for a shot over West Charlotte High guard Trey Foster during the Chick-fil-A Classic Thursday at Richland Northeast High School. West Charlotte won 60-57 in overtime. - Tracy Glantz /tglantz@thestate.com

By AKILAH IMANI NELSON - ainelson@thestate.com


After playing 90 minutes over three days in the Chick-fil-A Classic last week, West Charlotte’s Mike Brown had just enough left to lift the Lions past Spring Valley in the Classic II championship game.

Brown scored the last six points of the game to give West Charlotte a 60-57 victory in overtime Thursday night at Richland Northeast.

“This means everything. This makes your team,” Lions coach Baronton Terry said. “In my experience, you get back after the New Year, you’re a different team.”

Senior guard Devante Brooks led the Vikings in overtime, hitting two free throws to put them ahead at the start of period, then adding a layup, a steal and a bounce-pass assist to PJ Dozier to keep the Vikings out front.

But with less than two minutes to play, West Charlotte took a one-point lead, and never surrendered it.

“I’m proud of them. It’s always tough to lose but, I’m proud of them. I learned a lot about them. They didn’t give up,” Spring Valley coach Perry Dozier said.

The Vikings trailed by five at halftime, but erased the deficit in the first minute of the second period. Three minutes in, Austin Beamus’ 3-of-4 free throw shooting on consecutive trips to the line nudged Spring Valley ahead for the first time, 26-25.

With senior forward Jonathan Golden working against West Charlotte’s Kennedy Meeks inside for seven points and three rebounds, the Vikings built a five-point lead. But the Lions would not stay down.

A Trey Foster three-pointer made it a one-possession game with less than three minutes in regulation, and West Charlotte moved ahead with two minutes to go.The Vikings pulled even with a three by Brooks at the 1:31 mark, and denied the Lions’ last shot attempt at the buzzer.

“This was one game where I felt good about going into overtime because we got here by winning in double overtime,” Dozier said.

Brooks posted 17 points to lead the Vikings and was named to the all-tournament team.

“This tournament was really dedicated to him,” Dozier said. “He’s been with us for four years and this is the first year we’ve been invited to the tournament and he gave it everything.”

Brown led all scorers with 20 points, and he and Lions point guard Mark Blackmon were named to the all-tournament team.

The ultimate N.C. Prep Football Database

A big thumbs up to editor Chris Hughes and the guys at Carolina Preps: they have published the most comprehensive database for N.C. high school football I've ever seen.

This belongs on the home page for the N.C. High School Athletic Association.

The staff at Carolina Preps has painstakingly, and I mean PAINSTAKINGLY, put together a list of most every N.C. school's football history, from the school's first year to now. It's an exhaustive list and having tried to do this kind of thing in the past, let me just quickly remove my hands from my keyboard, stand up and give Chris and his staff a big standing ovation.

Now that I've sat back down, let me also let them know I'll be stealing from this database quite liberally in the future.

Check it out for yourself. It's amazing.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Mallard Creek's DJ Humphries finalist for national lineman of the year

FINALISTS NAMED FOR 2012 U.S. ARMY PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
 
Six elite players make final nominee list
 
San Antonio, Texas (November 30, 2011) – The U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee has narrowed down its list of nominees to six finalists for the prestigious 2012 U.S. Army Player of the Year Award, including: wide receiver Stefon Diggs (Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Olney, Md.); wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (Hillcrest High School, Springfield, Mo.); defensive back Tracy Howard (Miramar High School, Miramar, Fla.); offensive lineman D.J. Humphries (Mallard Creek High School, Charlotte, N.C.); defensive back Shaq Thompson (Grant High School, Sacramento, Calif.); and defensive back T.J. Yeldon (Daphne High School, Daphne, Ala.). The U.S. Army Player of the Year Award is given to the Nation’s most outstanding senior in high school football participating in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.  The U.S. Army Player of the Year will be crowned during the U.S. Army Awards Dinner on Friday, January 6, 2012, in San Antonio. The winner will be presented with the Ken Hall Trophy, modeled after Ken “Sugar Land Express” Hall, high school football’s all-time leading rusher.
 
“These players possess leadership, dedication and strengths similar to Army Strong Soldiers, being named a finalist for this award only underscores their talents,” said John Myers, Director of Strategic Communications, Marketing and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command. “These players are outstanding athletes.  We congratulate them on their nomination and are proud to have them wear the Army colors.”
 
As both a running back and a wide receiver in high school, Stefon Diggs can make big plays from several positions. He has good size and strength, which allows him to take advantage of smaller defenders and shield defenders from the ball. He can stretch the field with his quickness, and his cutting and vision skills make him tough to bring down. He has good hands and is able to adjust to inaccurate passes. Diggs finished the 2011 season with 1,443 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 32 tackles and four interceptions on defense. He is undecided on his college choice.
 
Dorial Green-Beckham is an accomplished wide receiver who has great size and athleticism. He set the national career receiving yards record with 6,447 and finished the season with 119 catches for 2,234 yards and 24 touchdowns. Both Rivals.com and MaxPreps list him as the top overall recruit. He is strong and can use his size to fight off defenders and to shield the defender from the ball. He has excellent speed and is a deep threat. He has big hands that allow him to catch the ball away from his body or snag the ball out of the air or over his head. Green-Beckham is a red zone threat as a big target who can win jump balls. He has not made a college decision.
 
Tracy Howard has a complete array of skills for a shutdown defensive back. He enters this weekend’s playoff game with six interceptions on the season, one returned for a touchdown. Howard has the size and speed needed to battle receivers at the line and to stay with them while running downfield. He plays with a physical style and likes to jam receivers at the line. Howard shows great recovery speed and footwork, which allows him to turn and run with wide outs. He reads offenses well and gets good jumps to close down space. Howard shows he can tackle on the edges and he can make plays in the open field. Howard has not decided on which college to attend.
 
Possessing outstanding athletic ability, D.J. Humphries is one of the top offensive linemen in this class, ranking third among all recruits on the Rivals.com Top 250 and leading his team to a 47-points-per-game average. He has excellent feet and balance and moves extremely well for an offensive lineman. This ability allows him to block in space and find defenders at the second level, but also guard the edge against speed-rushers. He knows how to use his long arms and hands well in pass protection and engage oncoming defenders. Humphries knows how to finish his blocks. Once he adds more bulk to his lean frame, his ceiling is extremely high. Humphries has committed to the University of Florida.
 
Thompson is a tall, physical defensive back who possesses great athleticism and football instincts. He is the top-ranked player in California according Rivals.com and MaxPreps. He has the ability to make plays all over the field, utilizing his excellent speed and closing angles.  He is a solid tackler who can deliver the big hit, but also can use his balance and footwork to cover in man-to-man. Thompson is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, as evidenced by his almost 3,000 combined yards from the running back position over his final two seasons. He remains undecided on his college choice.
 
T.J. Yeldon is an instinctive runner with excellent speed and acceleration. He has a great initial burst, which allows him to hit small windows and attack the defense. He had a huge senior season, compiling 2,193 yards rushing and 32 touchdowns. Yeldon’s balance and vision allow him to set up tacklers and break tackles. He has big-play potential, particularly using his receiving skills to create mismatches. As he adds weight to his frame, his ability to run between the tackles should improve and he will be able to add more of a power aspect to his game. Yeldon has committed to Auburn University.
 
The selection process began this fall as players were evaluated by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee and by coaches from across the country. Past U.S. Army Player of the Year Award winners include: 2001 - Kevin Jones; 2002 - Lorenzo Booker; 2003 - Chris Leak; 2004 - Adrian Peterson; 2005 - Ryan Perrilloux; 2006 - Mitch Mustain; 2007 - Jimmy Clausen; 2008 - Terrelle Pryor; 2009 - Bryce Brown; 2010 - Dillon Baxter; and 2011 – Demetrius Hart.
 
For more than a decade, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been the Nation’s premier high school football game, serving as the preeminent launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars. Adrian Peterson, Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow, Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Lattimore, and Andrew Luck all made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans.  The 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl drew a crowd of nearly 38,000 to the Alamodome, and was the most-watched sporting event on television over the weekend, excluding the NFL playoffs.

                                                                      

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Tarboro's Todd Gurley II named AP NC player of the year

By AARON BEARD AP Sports Writer
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Todd Gurley II figured he was simply going out on the field to have fun, which would make it easy to perform at a level that would help Tarboro win a third straight state championship. That philosophy also helped him make him this year's Associated Press prep football player of the year for North Carolina.

“I really just go out there and have a lot of fun while I'm playing,” Gurley said. “That's what I feel like: if I have fun doing it, I'll do my best playing in whatever game I'm playing in.”

Gurley ran for nearly 2,600 yards and 36 touchdowns in Tarboro's latest title push. He was the runaway choice for the award, earning 11 of 16 votes from sports writers across the state in results released Thursday. Greensboro Page quarterback James Summers – a North Carolina State recruit – was second with two votes after leading his school to an unbeaten season and the Class 4-AA championship.

Gurley was a Shrine Bowl pick who entered the season ranked No. 1 on The Fayetteville Observer's list of the top 50 college prospects in the state. He's also regarded as an elite sprinter in track who represented the U.S. in international competition last summer.

“What makes him special is he expects to be great,” Tarboro coach Jeff Craddock said. “That's the No. 1 thing. When he steps on that field, in his mind, he expects to be the best player at that time. It doesn't matter if it's the first game of the season, a conference game, the first playoff game, the state championship game, the Shrine Bowl. He has that confidence that when he steps on that field, he believes he's the best.”

Gurley certainly proved that in his final game. He ran for 242 yards and four touchdowns as Tarboro beat Lincolnton 39-36 in the 2-A final, including 197 yards in the second half. He scored the go-ahead 12-yard touchdown with 3:12 left to earn the game's most valuable player award.

Gurley is considering North Carolina, North Carolina State, Clemson or Georgia.

“He's prepared himself,” Craddock said. “A lot of people think, `Well, Todd Gurley is a great athlete.’ I've coached a lot of great athletes. This kid worked his tail off in the weight room and with speed training and doing things the right way. He put himself in position to be this successful.”

Havelock's Bryant named AP coach of year for NC


By AARON BEARD AP Sports Writer
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Jim Bob Bryant made sure his Havelock team had plenty of motivation after falling a game short of the state final the past two years. He even hung a big picture in the weight room showing an opponent celebrating after ending Havelock's season the previous year.

His players responded with an unbeaten season that helped make Bryant this year's Associated Press prep football coach of the year for North Carolina.

“We always found something to give a little extra motivation to our kids,” Bryant said. “My assistant coaches worked tirelessly and everything we do is a competition. We compete in practice and we compete in the weight room. My coaches do a great job of making everything a competition so the kids keep that edge and are always fighting to be No. 1 in everything we do.”

Bryant led the school to a 16-0 record and the Class 3-A championship in his fourth season. He earned five of 16 votes from sports writers across the state in results released Wednesday.

Tarboro's Jeff Craddock was second with four votes after leading his school to a third straight state title, while Swain County's Sam Pattillo was third with three votes after leading his team to the 1-AA crown.

Havelock had lost to Eastern Alamance in the state semifinals the past two seasons. Bryant and the coaches had a photo blown up of Eastern Alamance's postgame celebration on Havelock's field last season with the words “Never again” written across the bottom. It had literally hung over Havelock's players in the weight room ever since.

“We kind of used that as our rallying cry: never again would we lose in the eastern finals at Havelock,” Bryant said.

The Rams didn't leave much to chance. With an offense that averaged about 50 points and 470 yards per game on the year, Havelock romped through the state playoffs – the Rams had three straight 60-point performance – to reach the final. Then, facing three-time defending champion West Rowan, Havelock rolled to a 38-6 win for the school's second state title.

Bryant's award comes a day after Havelock became one of two schools to have two players make the 2011 AP all-state team for North Carolina.

AP-WF-12-21-11 2023GMT

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Best Christmas basketball tournament in the area? Hardwood Classic will be hard to beat

The first Hardwood Classic Christmas Tournament 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 Dec. 27-29.

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, 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.; 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.


Friday, December 9, 2011

NCHSAA releases new realignment proposal

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association released a new proposal for realigning schools into conferences Friday. The first was done by a computer. This one was done by staff. Below are proposed Charlotte conferences.

Conference 5A
Berry, Phillip O. Academy of Technology
East Mecklenburg
Garinger
Harding University
Independence
Rocky River
West Charlotte
West Mecklenburg

Conference 6
AL Brown
Hopewell
Hough
Mallard Creek
North Mecklenburg
Robinson
Vance

Conference 4
Ardrey Kell
Butler
Charlotte Catholic
Myers Park
Olympic
Porter Ridge
Providence
South Mecklenburg

Here is the link to the complete proposal

Here is the link to the Observer's proposal

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Is this how Mecklenburg County schools should be placed into conferences?

Last week, the N.C. High School Athletic Association released a draft of how its 300-plus high schools will be placed into new conferences beginning in the fall of 2013. The draft was done by a computer using geography and school size as primary criteria.

It caused a lot of controversy locally and statewide.

You can click here to see the draft

On Friday (Dec. 9), the NCHSAA will release a second draft, this one done by human beings. It figures to have some differences. The first draft didn't include split conferences, which caused some travel issues. It's likely this one will.

Below are the original Mecklenburg County groupings from the first draft:

Mecklenburg County Conference 1 (the old Southwestern 4A): Ardrey Kell, Butler, Charlotte Catholic, Myers Park, Olympic, Porter Ridge, Providence, South Mecklenburg.

Mecklenburg County Conference 2 (the old I-MECK 4A):
A.L. Brown, Hopewell, Hough, Mallard Creek, Mooresville, North Meck, Robinson, Vance

Mecklenburg County Conference 3 (the old MEGA 7): Berry, East Meck, Garinger, Harding, Independence, Rocky River, West Charlotte, West Mecklenburg


I don't think it's too bad. I liked having Brown and Porter Ridge come into CMS leagues. But I heard from many people, especially folks at Independence, who felt it would create travel hardships to play in Conference 3.

At the recent state football championships, I got a chance to sit down with Rocky River assistant football coach Jeff Simpson, who has worked at Vance and West Charlotte, so he's covered a lot of geographic territory locally. I asked him to give me his conference proposals.

He took about 30 minutes, using his cell phone's GPS and created these based on geography.

Conference 1: Olympic, West Meck, Hopewell, Berry, Harding, West Charlotte, North Meck, Hough
Conference 2: Providence, Vance, Myers Park, South Meck, Catholic, Ardrey Kell, Mallard Creek, Mooresville
Conference 3: Porter Ridge, Robinson, Rocky River, Independence, East Meck, Garinger, A.L. Brown, Butler

I gave it some thought, too.

I remember in the old days of 10 CMS schools when no one gave it much thought to drive from North Meck to Independence.

Just was what it was.

And if we fix basketball and move girls and boys to separate sites -- something that MUST BE DONE -- at least during the week, I wouldn't think travel would be an issue at all.

Think about some schools outside Meck who travel ungodly distances every day. CMS is lucky to have so many 4A schools within its borders.

All that said, I think it's important to make sure we don't have one league where all the schools who don't produce Olympic sports regularly are clustered with a few that do. I think you also want to keep as many natural conference rivalries as possible.

So here's my take, assuming Brown, Robinson and Porter Ridge aren't included in a split division of Union-Cabarrus schools:

Mecklenburg County Conference 1 (the old Southwestern 4A): Ardrey Kell, Butler, East Mecklenburg, Garinger, Independence, Porter Ridge, Providence, Rocky River

Mecklenburg County Conference 2 (the old I-MECK 4A):
A.L. Brown, Hopewell, Hough, Lake Norman, Mallard Creek, Mooresville, North Meck, Robinson, Vance

Mecklenburg County Conference 3 (the old MEGA 7): Berry, Charlotte Catholic, Harding, Myers Park, Olympic, South Meck, West Charlotte, West Mecklenburg


Monday, December 5, 2011

Olympic Trojans back at No. 1 in Observer Sweet 16 poll

Last year, Olympic ascended to the top of the Observer’s Sweet 16 boys basketball poll for the first time ever.

It didn’t take the Trojans long to get back.

After Harding’s big upset of preseason No. 1 West Charlotte Friday, the Trojans jump up a spot to No. 1. Olympic is 4-0 and plays Hunter Huss at home Tuesday night in a non-conference game. Huss (1-0) is reigning N.C. 3A state champions.

Olympic lost in the N.C. 4A quarterfinals last season.

The Trojans’ Allerik Freeman, a junior, leads the team at 17.2 points per game. He’s ranked No. 9 nationally in his class by ESPN. Freeman and the Trojans are winning by an average of 14 points against a pretty touch schedule.

-- Two new teams joined the boys poll: No. 10 North Meck, off to a 4-0 start, and Harding, which sprung the West Charlotte upset and has only lost to nationally ranked Milton, Ga.

-- In the girls poll, unbeaten Freedom jumped in at No. 11 and Myers  Park and Ardrey Kell -- two Southwestern 4A foes -- moved up to the No. 3 and 4 spots. Those teams meet Dec. 16 at Ardrey Kell and Jan. 27 at Myers Park.

Note: Davidson Day, which was ranked No. 7 in the preseason poll, will not be eligible for inclusion for the remainder of the season. While the school has adopted the “eight semester” rule, which would not allow students who have repeated a year after starting ninth grade to maintain eligibility, the school still has some players on its teams who have repeated a grade and are playing.

Davidson Day officials say that these players will graduate next spring and after that time, the school will be Sweet 16 eligible.

Rk.     Team (Class)     Rec.    Pvs.
1    Olympic  (4A)    4-0    2
2    Northside Christian (IND)    5-0    3
3     West Charlotte (4A)    1-1    1
4     Concord (3A)    2-0    6
5    Lancaster, SC (4A)    2-0    10
6    Mooresville (4A)    0-1    4
7    Freedom (3A)    4-0    8
8    Berry (3A)    4-0    9
9    Charlotte Christian IND)    4-1    5
10     North Mecklenburg (4A)    4-0    NR
11    Harding (3A)    4-1    NR
12    Sun Valley (3A)    4-1    12
13    Cuthbertson (2A)    3-0    NR
14     Salisbury (3A)    0-0    14
15    Weddington (3A)    3-1    11
16    East Rutherford (2A)    2-1    13

Dropped Out: Davidson Day (IND, 4-0),  Statesville (3A, 1-2). On the bubble: Ashbrook (3A, 3-0); East Burke (3A, 3-1), Hickory Ridge (3A, 4-0)
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?
 this link: http://bit.ly/prNoYM.

GIRLS BASKETBALL SWEET 16
Rk.     Team (Class)     Rec.    Pvs.

1     Providence Day (IND)    3-0    1
2    Charlotte Christian (IND)    4-0    2
3    Myers Park (4A)    5-0    4
4    Ardrey Kell (4A)    4-0    7
5    Hickory (3A)    2-0    6
6     Hopewell (4A)    3-2    3
7    Salisbury (2A)    1-1    5
8    Newton-Conover (2A)    2-0    8
9    Concord (3A)    1-0    10
10    Forestview (3A)    3-0    11
11     Freedom (3A)    4-0    NR
12    Bandys (2A)    4-0    13
13    Mallard Creek (4A)    2-1    9
14     North Iredell (3A)    2-1    12
15    Berry (3A)    2-1    15
16    South Point (3A)    0-0    16

Dropped Out: Parkwood (3A, 0-1). On the bubble: Marvin Ridge (3A, 3-0); Hough (4A, 3-1); Porter Ridge (4A, 2-0); Carson (3A, 4-0)

Friday, December 2, 2011

Harding upsets Sweet 16 No. 1 West Charlotte

When Harding lost 74-58 to nationally ranked Milton (GA) at the Charlotte Hoops Challenge last month, Rams coach Walter Aikens was proud of his team. He loved how tough his kids played and knew if they could repeat that kind of performance against N.C. competition, even elite N.C. competition like West Charlotte, the Rams would be a tough out.

Sure enough, on the same night West Charlotte celebrated winning the 2010 N.C. 4A state championship, that toughness showed in a 66-65 upset that is one of the biggest in Mecklenburg County in years.

West Charlotte is nationally ranked in many polls and sits at No. 1 in the Sweet 16. Harding (4-1) ended the Lions’ 15-game win streak. West Charlotte is 1-1.

Jarvis Haywood hit two free throws with 1.1 seconds to win the game. He finished with 29 points. Harding led by 10 in the first half and fell behind by 10 in the second half. Aikens said it was Harding’s first win over West Charlotte since 2009.

“We fought back and (then) got two technical fouls with one minute left,” Aikens said. “So, with one minute left, we're down by four and we fought through it. We hit some big free throws down the line. This was a hump game. I felt if we could win this one, it would boost our confidence the rest of the way. To beat the No. 1 team in the Sweet 16 has (us) fired up and now they know they can do it.”

Olympic High basketball player ruled ineligible

Olympic High's boys basketball team, ranked No. 2 in the Observer's Sweet 16, will play the remainder of the season without of one its best players.

B.J. Gladden, a 6-foot-5 junior wing, has been declared ineligible. Sources told the Observer the issue was with his residency. Sources say Gladden was not living in Olympic's district.

Sue Doran, director of athletics for Mecklenburg County schools, said Olympic will not be held accountable for the eligibility issue. While not naming Gladden, due to privacy issues, she said the school was not at fault.

Olympic coach Ty Baumgardner, who did not return calls, did not include Gladden's name on the roster he released today with his game notes. Olympic (3-0) has a big non-conference game with Myers Park (3-1) tonight.

Gladden scored nine points in Olympic's 88-79 win over Butler Tuesday.

Gladden, a 6-foot-5 forward, is ranked among the state's top 10 players in the junior class by several statewide scouting services. He played at Queens Grant Charter School last year, which has no attendance boundaries.

According to national recruiting website scout.com, Gladden has 11 Division I college recruiting offers. It's unclear where he might now try to enroll.

Gladden was Olympic's fourth leading scorer (8.7 points per game) and second leading rebounder (5.0). He led the team in steals (1.7 per game).

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Millbrook's Keith Marshall named Gatorade football player of the year

 
CHICAGO (December 1, 2011) — In its 27th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes,, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPNHS, today announced Keith Marshall of Millbrook High School as its 2011-12 Gatorade North Carolina Football Player of the Year.  Marshall is the first Gatorade North Carolina Football Player of the Year to be chosen from Millbrook High School. 
 
The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Marshall as North Carolina’s best high school football player.  Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Football Player of the Year award announced in December, Marshall joins an elite alumni association of past state award-winners in 12 sports, including Mark Sanchez (2004-05, Mission Viejo HS, Calif.), Wes Welker (1999-00, Heritage Hall HS, Okla.), Terrell Suggs (1999-00, Hamilton HS, Ariz.), Anquan Boldin (1998-99, Pahokee HS, Fla.) and Jerome Bettis (1989-90, Mackenzie HS, Mich.).
 
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior running back rushed for 1,891 yards and 25 touchdowns on 258 carries this season, leading the Wildcats (6-6) to a berth in the Class 4A postseason. The Preseason Player of the Year as named by NCPreps.com, Marshall ran for 1,550 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior in 2010. A 2012 Under Armour All-America Game selection, he recorded 1,166 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground as a sophomore.
 
Also a track standout, Marshall has maintained a 4.29 weighted GPA in the classroom. In addition to donating his time as a youth football instructor, he has volunteered at a local homeless shelter and on behalf of Habitat for Humanity.
 
“Keith Marshall has tremendous speed,” said Tony Lewis, head coach of rival Sanderson High. “Once he is to the second level, he will outrun most tackling angles. I think he has good vision and finds the crease very well. He has the ability to make a play happen on his own due to raw speed. He is talented and I have always felt like he handled himself on the football field in a very positive way.”
 
Marshall remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.
 
The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by ESPNHS and the Gatorade high school sports leadership team, which work with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.
 
Marshall joins recent Gatorade North Carolina Football Players of the Year Stephone Anthony (2010-11, Anson High School) Christian LeMay (2009-10, Butler), Xavier Nixon (2008-09, Jack Britt High School) and Braden Hanson (2007-08, Charlotte Latin School) among the state’s list of former award winners.

--Gatorade media release

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Prep teams to change conferences in 2013, A.L. Brown, Porter Ridge to join CMS schools?

The N.C. High School Athletic Association has posted a preliminary look at conference realignments set to go into effect in the 2013-14 school year.

The proposal, which won't be finalized until May 2012, was generated by a computer using what NCHSAA spokesperson Rick Strunk said was a "complicated math algorithm designed to minimize travel." It did not consider putting teams from different classifications into the same conference, as many have today.

The proposal brings fairly sweeping changes to the Mecklenburg County conferences. It also brings Union County school Porter Ridge into a CMS league along with A.L. Brown, returning former Butler football coach Mike Newsome to schools he's familiar with. Newsome is now football coach at A.L. Brown, which would become a 4A school and join a Charlotte league along with Concord's J.M. Robinson.

Here are the proposed conferences.

Mecklenburg County Conference 1 (the old Southwestern 4A): Ardrey Kell, Butler, Charlotte Catholic, Myers Park, Olympic, Porter Ridge, Providence, South Mecklenburg.

Mecklenburg County Conference 2 (the old I-MECK 4A):
A.L. Brown, Hopewell, Hough, Mallard Creek, Mooresville, North Meck, Robinson, Vance

Mecklenburg County Conference 3 (the old MEGA 7): Berry, East Meck, Garinger, Harding, Independence, Rocky River, West Charlotte, West Mecklenburg

Lake Norman, which had played in a CMS conference, the I-MECK, would move into a league with Alexander Central, McDowell, Skyland Roberson, South Caldwell and Watauga.

East Gaston, which had played in the ME-GA 7, would return to 3A status and join a conference of Gaston County schools: Ashbrook, Forestview, Kings Mountain, North Gaston and South Point.

Strunk stressed that this draft is basically the start of the process.

"We've identified a couple places with extreme travel issues and we will offer a staff proposal that schools can respond to," he said. "Some of the (computer-generated) models will stay. I'm sure others won't."

Strunk said schools have until January to respond to the NCHSAA about the computer model and the upcoming staff model. He said the NCHSAA asks schools who wish to change to have a proposal ready to have talked to schools in other leagues about moving ahead of time.

Ultimately, schools will meet at the NCHSAA offices in January and a final proposal will be voted on by the NCHSAA Board of Directors next May.

You can see the entire state proposal by clicking here.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Washington, D.C., leftie point guard commits to North Carolina



Washington, D.C. point guard Nate Britt, a 6-1, 165-pound junior, has committed to North Carolina, according to the Fayetteville Observer. He picked the Tar Heels over Arizona, Maryland, Georgetown, Virginia and Villanova. The left-handed guard is ranked No. 15 nationally in his class by ESPN.

Monday, November 28, 2011

New No. 1 tops Sweet 16

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

Friday, November 25, 2011

2 local players named US Army All Americans

Local players named U.S. Army All-Americans
Northwest Cabarrus punter Bradley Pinion and Charlotte Latin kicker Paul Griggs have been named to the U.S. Army All-America team and will play in the January all-star game in San Antonio.
Each player will be presented with game jerseys in ceremonies next week - Pinion at 8:30 p.m. Monday (halftime of a home basketball game); Griggs at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday. Mallard Creek's D.J. Humphries also will play in the game.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Tuesday's Top High School Basketball Performers

J.J. Douglas, Kennedy Charter School: 6-6 junior forward had 30 points, 11 rebounds in a 118-45 win over Covenant Classical. Donte Clark, a junior guard, had 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists. Junior point guard Jalen White had 20 points and four assists.
Beth Erb, Country Day girls: 27 points in 57-52 win over Covenant Day.
Anna Lipocky and Rachel Walker, Marvin Ridge: Combined for 36 points in 56-49 win over Charlotte Latin Tuesday.
Rusty Reigel, Charlotte Latin: 22 points, 10 rebounds, three assists in 62-50 win over Marvin Ridge.
Chris Rieger, Providence: 25 points, 10 rebounds in 65-61 win over Hopewell.
Patrick Rooks, Charlotte Christian: 31 points for Clemson recruit in 94-54 win over Parkwood. Christian is 2-0.
Patrick Wallace, Myers Park: 21 points, including six 3-point shots in 62-56 loss to No. Berry. Dajuan Graf had 18 for Berry.
Shivaughn Wiggins, North Meck: 26 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals in 82-55 win over West Meck. Teammate Tahjai Watt had 12 points and 15 rebounds or the Vikings (2-0). Wiggins had 24 points, 7 assists and 4 steals against Cox Mill Monday.
Keyshawn Woods, Gaston Day: In three games, averaging 30 points and 10.3 rebounds for Gaston Day (3-0). Woods, a sophomore, has offers from Charlotte and Wichita State. Gaston Day beat Metrolina Christian 72-59 Tuesday.

Brian Brown resigns as Maiden football coach

Maiden High football coach Brian Brown, 46, has resigned. He told the Hickory Daily Record that he wanted to pursue some personal goals. Brown will continue to teach physical education at the school.

Brown replaced his father, Tom, as Blue Devils football coach and coached for four seasons. His record was 28-21.

The school is accepting applications through Jan. 13. The position is not tied to any particular teaching position, assistant principal and athletics director Jeff Price told the Observer. If interested, contact Price at jeff_price@catawbaschools.net

Monday, November 21, 2011

N.C. All-State Boys Soccer Team

The N.C. Soccer Coaches Association has released its 2011 all-state boys team

The team is at this link

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

2011-12 Girls Basketball Previews

Here are 2011-12 Girls Basketball Previews from area schools.


A.L. BROWN
Coach:
Mike Wolford (1st year)
2010-2011 record:  12-15
Returning Starters: Aaliyah Spears, 5'2" Jr., PG(12.3ppg, 3.0apg), Sara Tuttle 5'9", Sr, SG (5.0ppg), Raven Phifer 5'10", Jr, PF (6.0ppg, 5.3rpg)
Key Newcomers: Bianca Smith, Aitana Grant, Jennifer Raper
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
ARDREY KELL
Coach:
  Tina Lawrence (3rd year as Head Coach)
2010-2011 Record:  20-7
Returning Starters:  Christelle Shembo Sr 6-0 F (13.1 ppg in 2010-2011), Oceania Anderson sr 5-6 G (17.5 ppg in 2010-2011), Katelyn White Sr 5-8 G (11.9 ppg in 2010-2011)
Key Newcomers:  Jordan Muhammad, Raven Dean, Quiera Gilmore
Notable:  Christelle Shembo has committed to Wake Forest University.
Schedule:
N21 Harding
N28 @ Weddington
N30 @ Hopewell
D2 Catholic
D5 Weddington
D7 Porter Ridge
D9 South Meck
D12 @ Marvin Ridge
D13 @ Independence
D16 Myers Park
D27 @ Hardwood Classic (Charlotte, NC)
D28 @ Hardwood Classic (Charlotte, NC)
D29 @ Hardwood Classic (Charlotte, NC)
J3 @ Butler
J6 East Meck
J9 @ Rocky River
J13 @ Providence
J20 @ South Meck
J24 Independence
J27 @ Myers Park
J31 Butler
F3 @ East Meck
F7 Rocky River
F10 Providence
BELMONT SOUTH POINT
Coach:
Scott Tudor
Asst Coach: Brian Ziemer, Joy Romano, Logan Hawley
2010-11 Record: 24-3, 11-1 Co-Conference Champs
Returning Starters: Ashley Mull Jr, Brittany Green Sr
Returning Players: Sarah Lawing Sr, Sarah Abernathy Jr, Callie Poll So
Notable: Last Season was 2nd best for SPHS Women’s Basketball with 24 Victories.
Schedule:
N30        vs Highland Tech
D2        At East Lincoln
D6        vs East Lincoln
D7        At Highland Tech
D13        vs Kings Mountain
D16        At Hunter Huss
D20        At Ashbrook
D28-30        Cherryville Christmas Tournament
J3        vs Forestview
J6        vs East Gaston
J10        At North Gaston
J13        vs Crest
J20        At Kings Mountain
J24        vs Hunter Huss
J27        vs Ashbrook
J31        At Forestview
F3        At East Gaston
F7        vs North Gaston
F10        At Crest
BERRY
Class:
3A
Coach: Robert K. Hollis, III (5th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 24-4
Returning Starters: Essence Baucom Sr.5-6 PG, Imani Parr, Jr.5-9 G, Alicia Quinn Sr. 6-1 F, Milan Quinn Jr. 6-2 F,  Jessica Marcus , 6-0 Jr. F
Key Newcomers: Malaaka Hart transfer from Harding
Notable: Essence Baucom has sign with University of Alabama-Birmingham and Alicia Quinn has sign with Gardner-Webb University
Schedule:
N21 @Vance
N22 @Myers Park
N29 @ East Meck
D2 Mallard Creek
D5 @ Hough
D8 Rocky River
D9 @ East Gaston
D13 Garinger
D14 Butler
D16 @West Mecklenburg
D27-29@Hardwood Classic @Bojangles Coliseum
J6 Charlotte Catholic
J10 @ Olympic
J11 @ Butler
J13 Harding
J20 East Gaston
J24 @ Garinger
J27 West Mecklenburg
F3 @Charlotte Catholic
F7 Olympic
F10 @ Harding
BUTLER
Class:
4A
Coach: Mark Sanders
2010-2011 Record:  30-1
Returning Starters:  Jaymee Fisher-Davis 5-7 Sr. G(15 ppg in 2010-2011), Chantal Worthy 5-6 Sr. G
Key Newcomers:  Symphonie Richardson 6-2 Sr. Post,  Koby Leigh 5-9 Fr. G
Notable:  Jaymee Fisher-Davis committed to Liberty University
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
D26-28 at Upward Classic, Spartanburg SC (G)
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
CARSON
Class:  North Piedmont 3A
Coach:  Brooke Misenheimer (6th year as head coach)
2010-2011 Record:  18-7
Returning Starters:  Chloe Monroe Sr. 5-6 G (12ppg in 2010-2011), Kelly Dulkoski Jr. 5-7 G (11.7 ppg, 6 apg in 2010-2011), Allison Blackwell Jr. 5-9 G/F (11.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg in 2010-2011), Tyesha Phillips Jr. 5-5 F (8.7ppg, 5.2 rpg in 2010-2011), Sarrah Holman Sr. 5-8 G (6.6 ppg 2010-2011)
Key Newcomers:  Freshman forward Alex Allen
Schedule:
N21 Hickory Ridge
N29 Cox Mill
D1  Central Cabarrus
D2  @ JM Robinson
D6  AL Brown
D7  @ Hickory Ridge
D9  @ Cox Mill
D13 @ East Rowan
D15 Davie County
D19 Statesville
D21 @ South Rowan
D27-29 Sam Moir Christmas Tourney at Catawba College
J4  @ West Iredell
J6  @ West Rowan
J13 @ North Iredell
J20 East Rowan
J25 @ AL Brown
J27 @ Statesville
J31 South Rowan
F3  West Iredell
F6  West Rowan
F8 North Iredell
CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC
   Class: NCHSAA 3A
  Coach: Bobby Conrad (6th year Head Coach)
   2010-11 Record:     16-10
   Returning Starters: Rachael Hendershott So. 5’8 G(8 ppg, in 2010-11), Sophie Rossitch 5’7, So. G (7 ppg. in 2010-11)  Taylor Brock, 5’7 Sr. G (4 ppg. in 2010-11) Colleen Hutson 5’7 Sr. F (4 ppg. 2010-11) Onya Edwards 5’10 Sr. F (8 ppg. in 2010-11) Laura Haney 5’9 Sr. F (4 ppg. in 2010-11) 3 and 4 and 5 and 6 split a lot of time as starters.  Not sure exactly how to put them in here.
Key Newcomers: Expecting big things from Hannah Granzow 6’0 So F. 
Schedule:
   N28 @ South Meck
   D2 @ Ardrey Kell
   D3 Northside Christian
   D6 Marvin Ridge
   D9 @ Garinger
   D13 West Meck
   D21-22  Holy Angels Tournament at Charlotte Catholic
   D27-29 @ St. Pius Christmas Tournament (Atlanta, Georgia)
   J3  Harding
   J6 @Berry
  J10 @ East Gaston
   J13 Olympic
   J 17 Country Day
   J 20 Garinger
   J 21 Providence Day
   J24 @ West Meck
   J27 Charlotte Latin
   J28 @ York Catholic (Pennsylvania)
   J31 @ Harding
   F3 Berry
   F7 East Gaston
   F10 @ Olympic
CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN
CLASS:
NCISAA--3A
COACH:MILTON CARTER(2nd Year as Head Coach)
2010-11 RECORD: 22-5-- Runner-Up 3A-NCISAA
Returning Starters: Gesele Bailey,6'3" Jr. F/C(20 ppg), Maryah Mazck, 5'9" Sr.(10ppg), Michelle Brotherton, 5'8" Sr.(7ppg)
Key Newcomers: Katherine Harris, First Assembly transfer, Chelsey Thomas, Weddington transfer, Morgan Franklin, South Charlotte transfer
NOTABLES: Gigi Bailey 2 Time All-State Honors, Maryah Mazck 2 Time All- Conference Honors
Schedule:
N12 Freedom scrimmage--2-1
N18 @ Southlake
N22 Parkwood High School
N29 @ High Point Christian
D3 North Raleigh Christian
D6 Queens Grant
D8 @Central Cabarrus
D17 @ Cameron Clash---Cameron Indoor Stadium
D27-30 @ Landair Ladies Classic---Bristol, Tenn
J5@ Covenant Day
J10@ Greensboro Day
J13Cary Academy
J14 Ravenscroft School
J17@ Cannon
J19 Charlotte Latin
J24@Charlotte Country Day
J27Providence Day
J28 Rabun Gap
J31  Oak Hill Academy
F2@Forsyth Country Day
F3 Cannon School
F7@Charlotte Latin
F9@Hickory Grove
F10 Charlotte Country Day
F14@ Providence Day
F16 Wesleyan Christian Academy
F21-25--NCISAA STATE TOURNEY------FINAL @ RAVENSCROFT SCHOOL
CHARLOTTE LATIN
Class:
Independent 3A
Coach: Deb Savino (3rd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 5-18
Returning Starters: Garland Austin, Sr.(11pts/g, 3.8reb, 2 ast/game); Brooke Brown, Jr. (6.7 pts/game, 9 reb/g, 1 blk/g; Becca Jones, Jr. (7.5 pts/g, 6.9 reb/g, 1blk/g); Sydney Sebastian, Jr. (5.6 pts, 3 reb, 3 asst), MacKenzie Jones, Jr. ( 3pts, 3 rebs)
Key Newcomers: Cydney Pennington
Schedule:
N21 @ Hickory Grove
N22 Marvin Ridge
N29 Covenant Day
D2 @ Durham Academy
D3 @ Raleigh Ravenscroft
D6 @ Gaston Day
D16 Wesleyan Christian Academy
D21-22 @ Holy Angels Tournament @ Catholic
J7 Saint Joseph's (SC)
J12 @ Saint Mary's
J13 Forsyth Country Day
J17 Providence Day
J 19 @ Charlotte Christian
J24 Cannon School
J31 @ Charlotte Country Day
F3 @ Providence Day School
F7 Charlotte Christian School
F10 @ Cannon School
F16 Charlotte Country Day
CHASE
Coach: Todd Davis (1st Year)
2010-2011 record: 4-18
Returning Starters: Kaitlyn Smart,  5'10" Jr PF(17.3 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 1.1 BPG),
Kendra Holcomb 5'5" PG,SG( 8.1 PPG, 1.4 SPG) Sierra Carpenter 5"8" W(4.0 PPG3.7 RPG)
Schedule:
N22@ North Henderson
D1 North Henderson
D6 Mitchell
D9@ Mitchell
D13@ Patton
D16 R.S. Central
D20 Burns
D28 David Wright Holiday Classic
D29 David Wright Holiday Classic
D30 David Wright Holiday Classic
J3 Shelby
J10@ Freedom
J13@ East Rutherford
J14 MLK Holiday Tournament
J20 Patton
J24@ R.S. Central
J27@ Burns
J31@ Shelby
F7 Freedom
F10 East Rutherford
CONCORD
Class: 3A
Coach: Angela Morton(9th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 21-7 (14-0)
Returning Starters: Emia Black Sr. 5-4 PG(6 ppg, in 2010-11), Alleson Briggs 5-6, Sr. G/F (10 ppg, in 2010-11)  Armoni Neils, 5-6 Sr. G/F (2.8 ppg, in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Nakiah Black, Destiny Floyd
Notable: Alleson Briggs returning all conference player. The Lady Spders are 70-3 in SPC last 4 seasons.
Schedule:
N22 East Rowan
N26 @ Headliners Challenge Regan @Wheatmore HS
D7 @ Hopewell
D9   Salisbury
D13 @Northwest
D16 @ Robinson
D17 @ Clash at NC Central vs. Northwoods
D20 Central Cabarrus
D27-30 @Carolina Invitational (Charleston, SC)
J3 Cox Mill
J6 @Mt. Pleasant
J10 @ Hickory Ridge
J13 Kannapolis
J 14 T.C. Roberson
J 22 Northwest
J24 Robinson
J27 @ Central Cabarrus
J31 @ Cox Mill
F1 West Rowan
F7 Hickory Ridge
F10 @ Kannapolis
CONCORD CANNON
Class:
Independence 3A
Coach: Jack Warren (3rd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 15-13
Returning Starters: Makenzie Moyer Sr. 5-6 G(8.0 ppg, in 2010-11), Hailey Foreman 5-7, Jr. F (4.0 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Carolina Rodriguez So. 5-10
Schedule:
N11 @High Point Christian
N15 Forsyth Country Day
N18 Durham Academy - Cannon Classic
N19 TBA Cannon Classic
N22  Wesleyan Christian Academy
N29 Metrolina Christian
D2  @Greensboro Day
D9  Southlake Christian
D10 Calvary Baptist
D16 Kennedy Charter
D27-29 @ Carolina Day Holiday Tourney
J3 Victory Christian
J6 @North Raleigh Christian
J7 @Ravenscroft
J12 Matthews Covenant Day
J14 @Asheville School
J17 Charlotte Christian
J20 Queens Grant Charter
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: Andre Haston (2nd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     13 - 12
Returning Starters: Beth Erb Jr 5’6” G (2010 - 2011: Team Captain, MVP, All-Conference,  Avg-13.6 ppg - 3.2 rpg - 2.4 spg;  73% from the line; 339 points scored; 81 total rebounds – 59 steals); Rachel Roberts Jr 5’7” G/F (Most Improved,  Avg for 2010-11: 7.5 pts/gm – 4.5 rebounds/gm – 1.9 steals/gm) ; London Vaughn Jr 5’7” G; Lauren McFayden Jr 5’7” G ; Judith Cohen Jr 5’9” C
Key Newcomers: Hanna Krueger Jr 5’7” G/F (starter at Hingham HS, MA)
Schedule:          
N22 @  Covenant Day Schl
N29 Hickory Grove Schl
D02 High Point Christian Schl
D07 Parkwood HS
D08 Fort Mill HS
D16 Southlake Christian Acad
D27-29 @  Heathwood Hall Tournament
J04 @  Fort Mill HS
J06 Calvary Baptist,Winston Salem
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:  Independent 3A
Coach: Kory Bridges(12th year coaching)
2010-11 Record: 12-12
Returning Starters:  Anna Melton Sr. 5-6 F(11.1p, 2.4r, 3.4a, 2.0 st ), Laura Beth Hite Sr. 6-0 C(6.7p, 6.2r, 2.0s), Morgan Mosteller Jr. 5-6 G(9.8p, 2.0r, 1.1a, 1.2st, 3FG 40 %  ), Sarah Brace, Sr. 5-5 G(2.7p, 2.0st), Katrina Heise Sr. 5-10 F
Schedule:
Nov. 15 Victory Christian
Nov. 18 High Point Christian
Nov. 22 Charlotte Country Day
Nov. 29 Charlotte Latin
Dec. 1 Union Academy
Dec. 2 Calvary Baptist
Dec. 6 Westminster
Dec. 9 Hickory Grove
Dec. 16 Forsyth Country Day
Dec. 27-29 Hardwood Classic
Jan. 3 Gaston Christian
Jan. 5 Charlotte Christian
Jan. 6 Northside Christian
Jan. 10 SouthLake
Jan. 12 Cannon School
Jan. 13 Metrolina
Jan. 17 First Assembly
Jan. 20 Westminster
Jan. 21 Rabun Gap
Jan. 24 Hickory Grove
Jan. 27 Northside Christian
Jan. 31 Metrolina
Feb. 3 SouthLake
Feb. 7 Gaston Christian
Feb. 10 First Assembly
CREST
Class: 3A
Coach: Tracy Beaver ( 3rd year as head coach)
2010-2011 Record: 8-17
Returning Starters: Sumer Kale Sr. 5-8 G , Brayden Pruitt Sr. 5-8 G, Tempest Etheridge JR. 5'4 G
Key Newcomers: A'diyah Ussery Fr. 5-10 G, Caleia Jones Fr. 5-11 F/C
Notable: Made state playoffs the previous 3 seasons.
Schedule:
N 22  SHELBY
N 29 BURNS
D 6 @ BURNS
D 9 @ SHELBY
D 13 ASHBROOK
D 14 TC ROBERSON
D 16 @ FORESTVIEW
D27-D 30 CAROLINA INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT   @ CHARLESTON, SC
J 3 @ NORTH GASTON
J 6 HUNTER HUSS
J 10 KINGS MOUNTAIN
J 13 @ sOUTH POINT
J 20 @ ASHBROOK
J 24 FORESTVIEW
J 31 NORTH GASTON
F 3 @ HUNTER HUSS
F 7 @ KINGS MOUNTAIN
F 10 SOUTH POINT
DAVIDSON DAY
Class:
NCISAA 2A (SPAA Conference)
Coach: Jennifer Shiley (1st year Head Coach at Davidson Day School)
2010-11 Record:     7-18
Returning Starters: Jasmine Hamilton, 5’10” Sr. PF; Nataya Ford, 5’11” Jr. F; Kay Funderburk, 5’10” Jr. G/F; Jessi Harris, 5’7” So. G; Rachel Bringewatt, 5’4” So. G; Emmy Roberts, 5’10” So. G/F; Alexas Bradford, 5’5” 8th; PG
Key Newcomers: Kayla Hallman, 5’9” Jr. G/F; Maddy Clark, 5’7” Jr. G; Amanda Salerno, 5’4” So. G; Sydney Groulx, 5’8” Fr. G; Bella Toothman, 5’5” Fr. G
Notable: Alexas Bradford –last year was a starter as a 7th grader
Schedule:
N18-19 DDS Tip-Off
N21 @ Caldwell Academy
N22 New Garden Friends School
D1 Westchester Country Day
D9 Gaston Day+
D15 Australian Jr. National
D16 @ Cary Academy
D19-21 @ Augusta Christian Tournament (Aiken, SC)
J3 North Hills Christian+
J6 Victory Christian+
J10 Statesville Christian+
J14 @ Northside Christian
J17 @ Hickory Christian+
J24 @ Gaston Day+
J27 @ North Hills Christian+
J31 @ Victory Christian+
F1 Carolina Day School
F3 @ Statesville Christian+
F7 @ New Garden Friends School
F10 Hickory Christian+DRAUGHN
Class: 2A
Coach: Jerry Murray Jr
2010-11 Record:     10-16
Returning Starters: Lauren Duckworth Sr. 5-5 G, Haley Broadwell Sr. P, Heather Copeland Sr. G, Abby Robinson So. P
Key Newcomers: Trevonna Lipscomb Jr. W, Adasia Bradshaw So. P, Kymonna Hall Fr. P
Schedule:
N22nd@ W. Lincoln
N25th Freedom
N29th Patton
N30thT Jefferson
D2nd @Freedom
D6th W Lincoln
D7th @T Jefferson
D9th @Patton
D13th @Bandys
D16th East Burke
D27th,28th Christmas Tournament
@DHS
J3rd @Bunker Hill
J6th @S. Iredell
J10th N. Conover
J13th @W. Caldwell
J17th Maiden
J20th Bandys
J24th @East Burke
J27th Bunker Hill
J31st S. Iredell
F3rd @N. Conover
F7th W. Caldwell
F10th @Maiden

EAST MECKLENBURG
Class:
4A
Coach: Zachary " Ziggy " Barjona (1st year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     6 - 18
Returning Starters: Sandra Knox Sr., G/F (18.5 ppg, 13 rpg in 2010-11), Jayla Horton Soph. G(8.6 ppg. in 2010-11)  Daisey Buckman Jr. G (6.8 ppg, in 2010-11) Cortney Dillard Jr. G/F (3.0 ppg. in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Ashley Wingo Soph G. , Jazmine Watkins Jr. C , and Brandy Atwood Soph. G
Schedule:
N15     @Harding (Scrimmage)
N17     @Northwestern (Scrimmage)
N22     @Sun Valley                      
N29     BERRY ACADEMY
D1       @Garinger   
D2       @Hopewell
D5       NORTH MECKLENBURG
D6       @West Mecklenburg
D9        INDEPENDENCE
D13     @Myers Park
D16     BUTLE
D27     Freedom       
D28     Holiday Tournament                      
D29     @ Morganton, N
J3        @Rocky River
J6        @Ardrey Kell
J9        PROVIDENCE       
J13      @South Mecklenburg
J 20     @Independence       
J24      MYERS PARK
J27      @Butler        
J31      ROCKY RIVER
F3        ARDREY KELL    
F7        @Providence                       
F 10     SOUTH MECKLENBURG  
FOREST HILLS
Class: 
2A
Coach:  Eddie "Pop" Rivers
2010-2011 Record:  10-14
Returning Starters:  Tonjai Everett,Soph 5-3 Guard( 17.9 ppg, 4 assists, 4 steals in 2010-2011)  Sha Bivens, Soph 5-4 Guard (14.2 ppg, 3 assists, 3 steals in 2010-2011)
Notable:  Both Tonjai and Sha were named 2nd team All-Union County as Freshmen, and Tonjai was Newcomer of the Year.
Key Newcomer:  Shaigna Wentz 5-10 Freshman Wing/Post
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  Big South
Coach: Kevin Gurganus(1st year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     23-5
Returning Starters: Khadijah Joyner Sr. 6-2 P(4.1 ppg,7.2 rpg, 4.3 bpg in 2010-11), Bri Taylor 5-6, Sr. G (3.5 ppg, 2.6 apg, 3.3 spgin 2010-11)  Brittnee Roberts, 5-7 Sr. G/F (13.0 ppg,5.4 rpg, 2.8 spg in 2010-11) Bre Armstrong 5-8 Jr. G/F (13.0 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3.3 spg in 2010-11) Lauren Smith 5-5 Jr G (8.2 ppg in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Se'Dasia Love 6-0 Fr. C Nikkyana McCaskill 5-2 Fr. G
Notable: Khadijah Joyner has committed to Wofford
Schedule:
N22 @ Providence
N28 Highland
N29 Nation Ford
D6 Providence
D8 @ Highland
D9 Lincolnton
D13 @ Nation Ford
D14 @ Lincolnton
D16 Crest
D20 North Gaston
D27-29 @Hardwood Classic (Charlotte, NC)
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
F13-17 Big South Conference Tournament
FORT MILL
Class:
3A
Coach: Christene Benyak
2010-11 Record: 7-17
Returning Starters: Carley Ross Sr. 5'7" G(7.6 ppg, 4 rpg in 2010-11), Lauren Wood Jr. 6" P(5.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg in 2010-11), Hannah-Kate Christopher 6" P(2.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg in 2010-11)
Schedule:
N29 @ Northwestern
D2 Clover
D6 Northwestern
D8 @ Charlotte Country Day
D9 @ Clover
D13 @ Rock Hill
D16 Indian Land
D28-30 Landrum Tournament
J3 @ Indian Land
J4 Charlotte Country Day
J6 Rock Hill
J9 South Pointe
J13 @ Chester
J17 @ York Comprehensive
J20 Nation Ford
J24 Fairfield Central
J27 @ South Pointe
J31 Chester
F3 York Comprehensive
F7 @ Fairfield Central
F 10 @ Nation Ford
FREEDOM
Class: South Mountain Athletic Conference 2A/3A Conference (3-A)
Coach: Amber Fox (8th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     20-9
Returning Starters: Imani Williams 5-5 Jr.  G(6 ppg, 3 ast pg in 2010-11), Tyra Kirkpatrick 5-10 Jr. F (7 ppg, 6 rpg in 2010-11), Erin Phillips 5-8 Sr. G (6 ppg, 3 rpg in 2010-11), Mary Michaux 5-4 So. G (5.1 ppg in 2010-2011)
Key Newcomers: AkiQula Mills, Courtney Tate
Notable: Team returns 4 out of 5 starters.
Schedule:
N25 @ Draughn
N29@ East Burke
D1 McDowell
D2 Draughn
D6 East Burke
D7 @ Asheville
D9 @ McDowell
D13 Shelby
D16 Burns
D20 @ R-S Central
D21 Alexander Central
D27-29 Burke Co. Christmas Invitational (Freedom-East Burke)
J6 @ East Rutherford
J10 Chase
J13 @ Patton
J20 @ Shelby
J24 @ Burns
J27 R-S Central
F3 East Rutherford
F7 @ Chase
F10 Patton
F13-17 Conference Tournament
GARINGER
Class:
4A
Coach: Coach Shatanya Smith 2nd year as head coaching at Garinger High School
2010-11 Record:    3-15
Returning Players: Ke Andris Jones 11th grade, Alyssa Poe 10th grade, Vania Clyburn 12th grade, Tarena Moore 12th grade
Key Newcomers: Carrie King Freshman coming from Sugar Creek Charter School
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 CHRISTIAN
Class: NCISAA 3A
Coach: Sean Smith (2nd  year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     4 - 18
Returning Starters: Shelbie Hall 5-8, Sr. G/F (6.5 ppg,, 7.6 rbg in 2010-11), Nina Okoroji 5-7, Jr. G (2.3 ppg; 3.2 rbg in 2010-11)  Shelsea Barun, 5-10 Sr. F (1.8 ppg,& 4.4 rbg in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Kesi McGloster, So G
Schedule:
N15 Salem Baptist
N18 @ Davidson Day vs Covenant Classical
N19 @ Davidson Day vs TBA
N29 @ Gaston Day
D1 Hickory Grove
D2 Southlake Christian
D6 @ Metrolina Christian
D22 Village Christian
D27 GCS Holiday Invitational  TBA
D29 GCS Holiday Invitational  TBA
J3 @ Covenant Day
J6 First Assembly Concord
J10 Charlotte Country Day
J13 @ Westminster Catawba Christian
J17 Northside Christian
J20 Metrolina Christian
J23 @ Southlake
J27 @ First Assembly Concord
J31 Westminster Catawba Christian
F3 @ Hickory Grove
F7 Covenant Day School
F10 @ Northside Christian
F14 MAC Tournament
F16 MAC Tournament
F17 MAC Tournament
F21 NCISAA Tournament
F23 NCISAA Tournament
F24 NCISAA Tournament
F25 NCISAA Tournament
GASTON DAY
Class: Independence 1A
Coach: James Adams (2nd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 14-8
Returning Starters: Jordan Whitesides, Sr., 6-1, G/F (20.7 ppg, in 2010-11), Elizabeth Davis, Sr., 5-8, G/F (4.95 ppg, in 2010-11), Sydney Stephens, Sr., 5-10, F, (16.9 rpg in 2010-11), Morgan Whitesides, Fr., 5-8, (9.8 ppg. in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Logan Carter, So., Selina Lewis, Fr.
Notable: Jordan Whitesides has committed to ErskineCollege received AP All-State honors
Schedule:
Tuesday 11/15 6:00PM vs. Southlake Christian Academy
Friday 11/18 6:00PM @ Carolina Christian School
Tuesday 11/22 6:00PM vs. Metrolina Christian Academy
Tuesday 11/29 6:00PM vs. Gaston Christian School
Friday 12/2 TBA @ Asheville Christian Acad.-Swannanoa
Tuesday 12/6 6:00PM vs. Charlotte Latin School
Friday 12/9 6:00PM @ Davidson Day School
Friday 12/16 6:00PM vs. Grace Academy
Wed 12/21 TBA @ Charlotte Catholic (Holy Angels Trny)
Thursday 12/22 TBA vs. OPEN DATE (Holy Angels Trny)
Tuesday 12/27 TBA @ Westminster Catawba Christ Sch (GCS Tournament)
Thursday 12/29 TBA vs. OPEN DATE (Gaston Christian Tournament
Tuesday 1/3 6:00PM vs. United Faith Christian Academy
Friday 1/6 6:00PM @ Hickory Christian Academy
Saturday 1/7 1:00PM vs. Westminster Catawba Christ Sch
Monday 1/9 6:00PM vs. North Hills Christian School
Friday 1/13 6:00PM vs. Victory Christian Center School
Tuesday 1/17 6:00PM @ Statesville Christian School
Friday 1/20 6:00PM vs. Covenant Classical School
Tuesday 1/24 6:00PM vs. Davidson Day School
Friday 1/27 6:00PM @ United Faith Christian Academy
Tuesday 1/31 6:00PM vs. Hickory Christian Academy
Friday 2/3 6:00PM @ North Hills Christian School
Tuesday 2/7 6:00PM @ Victory Christian Center School
Friday 2/10 6:00PM vs. Statesville Christian School
Tuesday 2/14 TBA vs. OPEN DATE (SPAA Tournament) 
HARDING
Class: Mega 7 3A/4A
Coach: Anthony Jones
2010-2011 Record: 20-8
Returning Starters: Latondra Morrow, Sr. 5’9” G (In 2010-2011 11.9ppg, 5.3rpg), Abrea Harris, Jr. 5’7” G (In 2010-2011 11.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 5.3apg).
Key Newcomers: Alexius Hampton, Guard from Olympic High School who averages 16.5 ppg and made all conference first team 2010-2011.
Notable: Alexius Hampton has committed to Saint Anslem in New Hampshire and Latondra Morrow has committed to Johnson C. Smith University, both on full ride scholarships.
Schedule:
N21 @Ardrey Kell
N29 Rocky River
D2 West Charlotte
D6 South Mecklenburg
D7 Hough
D9 West Mecklenburg
D16 East Gaston
D20 Butler
D22-23 Christmas Tournament (Raleigh NC)
J3 @ Charlotte Catholic
J6 Olympic
J10 @ Garinger
J13 @ Phillip O Berry
J20 @ West Mecklenburg
J27 @ East Gaston
J31 Charlotte Catholic
F3 @ Olympic
F7 Garinger
F10 Phillip O Berry
HICKORY RIDGE
Class:
South Piedmont 3A
Coach: Jessica Kulp (3rd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     18-9
Returning Starters: Kiana Davis Soph. 5-8 G/F (4.8 ppg in 2010-11), Jenna Cachine 5-10, Sr. G/F (2.2 ppg in 2010-11),  Jordan Strode Sr. G/F (15.7 ppg in 2010-11, All-Conference performer)
Key Newcomers: Tia Evans Soph., Courtney Miller Soph., Mary Kathryn Wallace Fr., Amari Smothers Fr.
Notable:  Jordan Strode has verbally committed to St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
Schedule:
N21 @ Carson (Varsity Only)
N29 East Rowan
D2 @ Porter Ridge (Varsity Only)
D7  Carson
D9 @ Sun Valley
D13 Central Cabarrus
D15 Weddington (Varsity Only)
D16  Cox Mill
D20  Mount Pleasant
D27-29 @ Charlotte Regional Sports Commission Hardwood Classic
J3 @ Northwest Cabarrus
J6  AL Brown
J10 Concord
J13 @ JM Robinson
J20 @ Central Cabarrus
J24 @ Cox Mill
J27 @ Mount Pleasant
J31 Northwest Cabarrus
F3  AL Brown
F7 @ Concord
F10 JM Robinson
HICKORY
Class: 3A
Coach: Barbara Helms (10th Season)
Assistant Coaches: Mike Hedrick, Jenna Cheek, Walt Young
2010-11 Record: 28-3
Returning Starters: Erika Troutman Jr. 5-10 G, Andrea Miller Sr. 6-4 PF, Farrah Young Jr. 5-8 G
Key Newcomers: Danasia Witherspoon Fr 6-2 G/PF, Yazmen Hannah Fr. 5-10 G
Schedule:
N29 @ Hunter Huss
N30 Statesville
D2  Ronald Reagan
D5 Newton Conover
D6 @ Statesville
D9 Hunter Huss
D14 @ Ronald Reagan
D16 Watauga
D19 @ West Caldwell
D 20 @ Newton Conover
D27-29  Catawba Valley Christmas Tournament
J3 Alexander Central
J6 @ South Caldwell
J 10 Hibriten
J13 Saint Stephens
J17 @ Fred t. Foard
J24 @ Watauga
J 27 @ Alexander Central
J31 South Caldwell
F3 @ Hibriten
F7 @ Saint Stephens
F10 Fred t. Foard

HICKORY GROVE
Class:
NCISAA 3A
Coach: Matthew Trent (2nd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     15-12
Returning Starters: Megan Luke Sr. 5-7 G, Jayla Joyner 5-7, So. G/F,  Amanda Dobner 5-11 Fr. C/F, Hannah Griffin 5-11 So. C/F
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
HOPEWELL
Class:
4A
Coach: Gary Richmond (5th year @ Hopewell, 14th overall)
2010-11: 25-4, 13-1 conf. 1st place
Returning starters: Sharee' Boyd 6'0 g/f, sr.,11 ppg., 6.2 rpg., 5 apg., 2 spg., 1.5 bpg; Tiera Burks 6'0 C sr., 7 ppg, 5 rpg
Key newcomers: T'Shea Glenn 5'5 pg, Quatavia Lynch 5'7 f
Noteable: sophomore Bryanna Curry is a top 3 point shooter and little sister of Harvard star Brandon Curry; senior Sharee' Boyd is a 3-time all conference selection
Schedule
N21 Providence
N22 at Salisbury
N28 at Myers Park
N30 Ardrey Kell
D2 East Meck
D5 Myers Park

D7 Concord
D9 at W. Charlotte
D13 Hough
D16 at Lake Norman
D21-22: NW Guilford tourney
J3 at Mooresville
J6 Mallard Creek
J10 Vance
J13 at North Meck
J20 W. Charlotte
J24 at Hough
J27 Lake Norman
J31 Mooresville
F3 at Mallard Creek
F7 at Vance
F9 North Meck
HOUGH
Class: IMeck 4A
2010-2011 Season Record: 18-10
Coach: Sonja Tate ( 2nd year at Hough)
Last season’s record: 18-10 3rd in the conference
Top returning players:  Senior Tyler Dykes, Junior Brandy Arery , and Sophmore G Anna Diggs 5'6, C Julia Brown 6'0, F Kelsey Dean 5'10, G Olivia Demarcus 5'6, G Courtney Carroll 5'6
Schedule
N18 Rocky River
N29 Anson Sr.
D3 at Olympic
D10 Bandys
D14 Hopewell
D16 at North Meck
D21 at Vance
D28-30: at West Meck Tourney
J4 at W. Charlotte
J7 Mooresville
J11 Lake Norman
J14 at Mallard Creek
J21 Vance

J25 at Hopewell
J28 North Meck
F1 W. Charlotte
F4 at Mooresville

F8 at Lake NOrman
F10 Mallard Creek

INDEPENDENCE
Class: 4A
Coach: Natalie Vuoriaho-Davis (4th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     7-17
Returning Starters:  Amber Hair Sr. 5-8 (5 ppg in 2010-2011), Laquisha Taylor Jr. 5-9 (18 ppg in 2010-11), Kaitlyn Beaver Jr. 5-8 (3 ppg in 2010-2011),
Schedule:
N21 @ Hough
N28 Sun Valley (Endowment game)
N29 @ North Mecklenburg
D2 Vance
D6 West Charlotte
D9 @ East Mecklenburg
D13 Ardrey Kell
D15 Marvin Ridge
D16 @ Providence
D27 Ashville Holiday Classic
D28 Ashville Holiday Classic
D29 Ashville Holiday Classic
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
LAKE NORMAN
Class:  4A
Coach: Richard Tinucci (1st year as Head Coach)
2010-2011:  14-11
Returning Starters:  Marissa Riley Sr. 5'9 G/F (14.9 ppg in 2010-11), Kaitlyn Hunt 5'5 G (3.2 ppg in 2010-11), Allie Wyman 5'5 G (4.1 ppg in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers:  Argia Gibson, Shannon Gallagher, Sarah Woods, Maddie Riley, and Carly Haberl
Notable:  Marissa Riley has committed to UNC Asheville and 32 points away from 1,000 career points
Schedule:
N21  South Iredell                                                       
N22  West Rowan                                                       
N29   @Statesville                                                        
D2 West Iredell                                                  
D6@ North Iredell                                                       
D9 NORTH MECKLENBURG                       
D13 @MALLARD CREEK                                             
D16  HOPEWELL                                                                       
D27-29  Holiday Bk Tournament                 
J3@ VANCE                                                      
J7@ WEST CHARLOTTE                                              
J10  HOUGH                                                              
J13  MOORESVILLE                               
J20  @NORTH MECKLENBURG                         
J24   MALLARD CREEK                                         
J27   @HOPEWELL                                                   
J31   VANCE                                               
F3    WEST CHARLOTTE                                       
F7@ HOUGH                                                              
F10@ MOORESVILLE                                   
F13-17   I-MECK CONF TOURN.
LAKE NORMAN CHARTER
Class: NCHSAA- 1A
Coach- Bobby Williams (5th season)
2010-2011 Record- 19-5
Returning Starters- Jamie Williams (Sr. 13.6 PPG, 5.2 APG in 2010-'11), Carolyn Huddy (Jr. 3.5 PPG- '10-'11), Alex Busch (So. 8 PPG, 4.9 RPG in 2010-'11), Ezinne Mbamalu (So. 8.8 PPG, 12.9 RPG in 2010-'11)
Key Newcomers- Brittany Buckstad, Samantha Sharman, Allison Bock
Notable- Sr. PG Jamie Williams currently has 1179 career points. 6'2" Sophomore Ezinne Mbamalu had 12 double-doubles (Pts/Rebs) in her freshman year 2010-'11.
Schedule-
N30 Hough HS
D2 Covenant Classical
D6@ Cox Mill
D9 @ Charlotte Latin
D13 Cherryville
D16 @ E. Lincoln
D19-21 @ Southlake Christmas Tourney
J3@ W. Lincoln
J6 @ Highland Tech
J10 N. Lincoln
J11 Lincolnton
J13 Bessemer City
J18 Lincoln Charter
J20 @ Lincolnton
J24 @ Cherryville
J27 E. Lincoln
J31 W. Lincoln
F3 Highland Tech
F7 @ N. Lincoln
F8 Cannon
F10 @ Bessemer City
LANCASTER (SC)
Class:
4A
Coach: Ronnie Robinson
2010-2011 Record: 6-14
Returning Starters: Kyia Hough  So. 5'3" PG (12 ppg. 2 spg. 3 apg); ShaRon Brunson  Jr. 5'5" G (7.8 ppg.); Aliya Davis  So. 5'4" G/F  (3.2 ppg); Tarah Tipton Sr.  6'1" F/C  (6.2 ppg. 8.1 rpg. 3 blkpg)
Key New Comers: Phoebe Johnson; Shareese Ross
Schedule
N29  BLYTHEWOOD
D02  @ ANDREW JACKSON
D06  @ SOUTH POINTE
D09  @ ANDREW JACKSON
D13  @ BLYTHEWOOD
D16  CHESTER
D27/28 @HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT (NATION FORD HS)
J03   SOUTH POINTE
J06   @ CHESTER
J10   @ SPARTANBURG
J13   @ GAFFNEY
J17   NORTHWESTERN
J20   @ CLOVER
J24   ROCK HILL
J27   SPARTANBURG
J31   GAFFNEY
F03  @ NORTHWESTERN
F07  @ ROCK HILL
F10   CLOVER
LINCOLNTON
Class:  Southern Piedmont 2A
Coach: Jimmy Carr (5th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:    17 - 9
Returning Starters: Chelsea Slentz Sr. 5-8 SG (12 ppg, 65 3pts in 2010-11), Treasure Avery Jr. 5-8 PG(11pts, 5 rebs, 5 asts, 4 stls per game in 2010-11), Katie Reeder Sr. 6-0 C (5pts, 2blks per game in 2010-11), Jazmine Killian Sr. 5-9 G/F (8 ppg, in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Alexis Killian Jr. 5-10 F (Scorer, can score in bunches)
Notable: Chelsea Slentz and Treasure Avery have drawn interest from many Division I and Division II schools, both will play college basketball
Schedule:
N17 Shelby(Scrimmage)
N19 Jamboree (Scrimmage) 12 Teams
N28 Maiden
N30 @ North Gaston
D2   @ Maiden
D6   North Gaston
D9  @ Forestview
D13 Bessemer City
D14 Forestview
D16 @ North Lincoln
D29 @ Holiday Tournament (Bandys)
D30 @ 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
J27  North Lincoln
J31 @ Highland Tech
F3   East Lincoln
F7  @ Cherryville
F10 West Lincoln
F13-17 @ Conference Tournament
MALLARD CREEK
Class 4A
Returning Starters- Amber Neely Sr. G. 14pts a game 5 assists (2010-2011)  Nicole Graham Sr. G. 12pts. 3 steals (2010-2011)
Key Newcomers Destani Burton Sr. F.  C.C. Crawford  Jr.F
Notable : Amber Neely and Nicole Graham were 2010-2011 IMeck all conference ,All Mecklenburg County, and All Charlotte Observer. And Amber Neely was selected to the Western Regional All Tournament Team. Mallard Creek also won the most games in school’s history 27.
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
CLASS: 3A
COACH: Dwight S. Miller
2011-2012 Record: 16-9
RETURNING STARTERS: Jordan Henry Sr. 6'3" F(13.7ppg, 10.8rpg, 3bpg in 2010-2011), Anna Lipocky Sr. 5'7"(4 ppg, 3 steals pg 2010-2011)
KEY NEWCOMERS: Melissa Blatnik Soph. 5'9" G/F; Allyssa Horan Jr. 5'9 G/F,Melissa Sepulveda Soph. 5'4" G(All played on an undefeated JV Team)
NOTABLES: Jordan Henry signed in Iona University of New York.
SCHEDULE:
N22@CHARLOTTE LATIN
N29@CUTHBERTSON
N30 HICKORY RIDGE
D2   PIEDMONT
D6@CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC
D7@PROVIDENCE
D9@JMROBINSON
D12 ADREY KELL
D14 ROCKY RIVER
D15@INDEPENDENCE
DEC 19-23 UNION CO. HOLIDAY CLASSIC(WINGATE UNIV.)
J3@PORTER RIDGE
J6 WEDDINGTON
J10@SUN VALLEY
J13@ANSON
J20 PORTER RIDGE
J24 PARKWOOD
J27 SUN VALLEY
J31 ANSON
F3@PARKWOOD
F10@WEDDINGTON
MONROE

Class: 1A
Coach: Dwayne Carelock (3rd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 14-11
Returning Starters: Shakira Jordan (11.2 ppg,2.9 stl, 2.2 ast ), Alexia Jordan (6.4ppg, 2.7 stl), Kendal Cox (5.4 ppg, 2.7 stl), Asha Jordan (6.1 ppg, 2.4 stl)
Key Newcomers: Bria Roddy, Zasha Barrett
Notable: Shanequa Chambers and Jasmine Wynn are both seniors and have had big impacts in scrimmages so far. They should both be significant contributors this year.
Schedule:
November 29 @ Porter Ridge
November 30 Weddington
December 2 @ Parkwood
December 6 @ Sun Valley (Endowment)
December 7 @ Weddington
December 9 Parkwood
December 13 @ West Stanly
December 14 Porter Ridge
December 16 Piedmont
December 19 – 22 @ UMRC Holiday Tournament
January 3 @ Cuthbertson
January 6 North Stanly
January 10 @ Union Academy
January 13 Central Academy
January 20 West Stanly
January 24 @ Piedmont
January 25 @ Forest Hills
January 27 Cuthbertson
January 31 @ North Stanly
February 3 Union Academy
February 7 @ Central Academy
February 10 Forest Hills
MONROE CENTRAL ACADEMY
Conference: 1A
Coach: Jacqueline Jordan (1st year as Head Coach)
Returning Starters: Rae Moore Jr G/F, Amber Isley Jr G/F
Notable: Hunter Manus, 6'0" Jr,  C
SCHEDULE
November 30 Parkwood#  Away 6:30  4:00
December 2 Metrolina #  Away 6:00
December 6 S. Stanly#    Home 6:30
December 7 Mt. Pleasant#  Home 6:30
December 9 Grace#   Home 6:30
December 13 F. Hills   Away 6:30  4:00
December 14 Parkwood#  Home 6:30  4:00
December 16 W. Stanly   Home 6:30  4:00
December 19-22URMC Tournament Wingate University
January 3  Piedmont   Away 6:30  4:00
January 6  Cuthbertson  Away 6:30  4:00
January 10  N. Stanly    Away 6:30  4:00
January 11  U. Academy  Home 6:30  4:00
January 13  Monroe   Away 6:30   4:00
January 20  F. Hills    Home 6:30  4:00
January 24  W. Stanly   Away 6:30  4:00
January 27  Piedmont   Home 6:30  4:00
January 31  Cuthbertson  Home 6:30  4:00
February 3  N. Stanly   Home 6:30  4:00
February 7  Monroe   Home 6:30  4:00
February 10 U. Academy  Away 6:30  4:00
February 14-18 RRC Tournament
MOORESVILLE
Coach:
Melanie Allen (3rd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 11 -11
Returning Starters: Zana Tatum, Jr 5'11; Aimee Ellis, Jr 5'10   
Key Newcomers:  Christina Holbrooks, Sr 6'0 (has been injured the past two years);    Amber Sherrill, Fr 5'4; Taylor Tillery, So 5'6 (transfer);   Shanice Williams, Sr 5'5
Schedule:   
11/22    @ Statesville  
12/2    Statesville
12/6    @ South Rowan
12/8    @ Northwest Cabarrus
12/9    Mallard Creek
12/13    @ Vance
12/16    @ West Charlotte
12/27 - 12/29        TBA @ East Lincoln Charter Bank Classic
1/3        Hopewell
1/5        South Rowan
1/6        Hough
1/10    North Meck
1/13    @ Lake Norman
1/20    @ Mallard Creek
1/24    Vance
1/27    West Charlotte
1/31    @ Hopewell
2/3        @ Hough
2/7        @ North Meck
2/10    Lake Norman
MOUNT PLEASANT
Class: South Piedmont 3A
Coach: Neil Pifer (2nd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     10-14
Returning Starters: Katelyn Cline Sr. 5-11 C (6.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg in 2010-11), Macy Andrews, 5-6 Sr. G (5.0 ppg in 2010-2011),  Bethany Harrison 5-7 Sr. G (7.5 ppg in 2010-2011), Ally Hunt 5-5 Jr. PG (4.7 ppg, 1.7 apg in 2010-2011)
Key Newcomers: Brooke Smith JV MVP last year
Notable: Returning 7 letter winners from last year
Schedule:
N22 North Stanly
N29 Forest Hills
D1 @ Gray Stone Day
D2 @ East Rowan
D7 @ CATA
D8 South Rowan
D13 Cox Mill
D16 @ NW Cabarrus
D20 @ Hickory Ridge
D29 @ Cox Mill Christmas Tournament
D30 @ Cox Mill Christmas Tournament
D31 @ Cox Mill Christmas Tournament
J3 @ AL Brown
J4 @ West Stanly
J6 Concord
J10 @ JM Robinson
J13 @ Central Cabarrus
J20 @ Cox Mill
J24 NW Cabarrus
J27 Hickory Ridge
J31 AL Brown
F3 @ Concord
F7 JM Robinson
F10 Central Cabarrus
MYERS PARK
Class: 4A
Coach: Dustin Terrel (1st year at MP, 3rd year overall 24-24 record)
2010-2011 Record: 18-9
Returning Starters: Brittany Smith Sr. 5'5" PG (7.9 ppg, 2.5 apg in 10-11), India Timpton Jr. 6' G/F (8.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg in 10-11), Saadia Timpton So. 5'8" G (8.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg in 10-11)
Key Newcomers: Roddreka Rogers Sr. 6' F , Has 10+ D1 offers, missed entire 10-11 season due to transfer rules. Aliyah Mazyck Fr. 5'8" G, Rydeiah Rogers Fr. 6'1" F, Latravia Roseman Fr. 5'6" G
Notable: Blazin' Hoops Summer League Champions 2011
Schedule:
N21 Garinger
N22 Berry Academy
N28 Hopewell
N29 Hough
D2 @ Olympic
D5 @ Hopewell
D6 @ North Meck
D9 @ Butler
D13 East Meck
D16 @ Ardrey Kell
D26-D28 @ Holiday Invitational(Raleigh, NC)
J3 Providence
J6 @ South Meck
J9 Independence
J13 Rocky River
J20 Butler
J24 @ East Meck
J27 Ardrey Kell
J31 @ Providence
F3 South Meck
F7 @ Independence
F10 @ Rocky River
NATION FORD
Class: 
Region 4 3-A
Coach: Frank Snider  (3rd year as Head Coach)
2010-2011 Record:  16-9
Returning Starters:  Zharne Glover  Sr.  5-5  G ( 14.5 ppg. And 8 asst. in 2010-2011 also All- Region)  Katie Bright Sr.  5-9  F  ( 15. 0 ppg. And All-Region in 2011)
Kai McCorvey Sr. 6’ ( 7 ppg. and 13 reb. pg  and All-Region in 2011) Ellen Bright Sr. 5.9 ( 7.3 ppg. In 2011)
Key Newcomers- Briley Prince Soph.  (leading JV scorer)
Schedule:
N29 @ Forestview
D2 Indian Land
D6 Clover
D9 @ Indian Land
D12 Northwestern
D13 Forestview
D21-23 Shootout By the Sea ( N. Myrtle Beach)
D27-28 Aaron’s/Lady Falcon Holiday Shootout
J3 @ Northwestern
J5 @ Clover
J10 @ Fairfield Central
J13 South Pointe
J17 Chester
J20 @ Fort Mill
J24 @ York
J27 Fairfield Central
J31 @ South Pointe
F3 @ Chester
F7 York
F10 Fort Mill
NORTH IREDELL
Class: 3A
Coach: Tami Ramsey (8th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 25-2
Returning Starters: Bri Johnson Sr. 5'8 G/F (15.6ppg, 7.9rpg, in 2010-11), Brooke Redmond Jr. 5'11 F (11ppg, 8.6rpg in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Brittani Cartner Jr. 5'8 G/F
Notable: Bri Johnson was Conference & District Player Of The Year. Brooke Redmond was All-Conference. Returning 4 key Varsity Players, Kaitlyn Haneline, Stacey Lunsford, Mariah Johnson, & Ali Robbins.
Schedule:

N22 Bandy's
N29 Davie
N30 @South Iredell
D2 @Alexander Central
D6 Lake Norman
D8 @Bandy's
D16 Statesville
D19 South Rowan
D21 @East Rowan
D27-29 Statesville Record & Landmark Holiday Tournament (Statesville)
J4 West Rowan
J6 @ West Iredell
J10 Alexander Central
J11 @ Davie
J13 Carson
J24 @ Statesville
J27 @ South Rowan
J31 East Rowan
F3 @ West Rowan
F6 West Iredell
F8 @ Carson
NORTH MECKLENBURG
Class:
4A
Coach:
Jennifer Baker (3rd year)
2010-2011:
15-11
Returning Starters:
Jasmine Bullock Jr. 5'5 (2.6ppg, 2.7 apg)  Destiny Barrino Soph. 5'7 (6.6 ppg)
Newcomers:
Jaydah Hayden 5'10 Freshman Guard
Schedule
Nov 21 2011 A @ Cox Mill  GAME
Nov 22 2011  H West Mecklenburg
Nov 29 2011  H Independence  A @ Garinger
Dec 5 2011 A @ East Mecklenburg
Dec 6 2011 H Myers Park 9
Dec 9 2011 A @ Lake Norman 10
Dec 13  H West Charlotte
Dec 16 2011 A @ Hough High School
Dec 28 2011 12:00 A East Lincoln Winter Jam TOURNAMENT
Dec 29 2011 12:00 A East Lincoln Winter Jam TOURNAMENT
Dec 30 2011 12:00 A East Lincoln Winter Jam TOURNAMENT
Jan 3 2012 H Mallard Creek High School
Jan 6 2012 H Vance
Jan 10 2012A @ Mooresville SeniorJ
Jan 13 2012 H Hopewell
Jan 18 2012 H Garinger
Jan 20 2012 H Lake Norman
Jan 24 2012 A @ West Charlotte
 Jan 27 2012 H Hough High School
Jan 31 2012 A @ Mallard Creek High School
Feb 3 2012 A @ Vance
Feb 7 2012 H Mooresville Senior
Feb 9 2012 A @ Hopewell
NORTHWEST CABARRUS
Class:
3A
Coach: Kevin Bryant  (3rd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:  10-16
Returning Starters: Tangela Spears 5-10, Sr. (10 ppg, 10 rpg, in 2010-11), Jasmine Davis 5-5, Jr. (5 ppg, 5 apg, in 2010-2011)
Key Newcomers: Melanie Zeiler, Sophomore
Schedule:
Tuesday, November 22 6:00 at Weddington (varsity only)
Monday, November 28 4:00/6:00 vs. South Rowan
Thursday, December 1 6:00 vs. Sun Valley (varsity only)
Thursday, December 8 4:00/6:00 vs. Mooresville
Friday, December 9 4:00/6:00 at East Rowan
Tuesday, December 13 4.00/6:00 *vs. Concord
Friday, December 16 4.00/6:00 *vs. Mt. Pleasant
Monday, December 19 4.00/6:00 *at JM Robinson
Tuesday, December 20 7:00 at Wilmington Holiday Classic
Wednesday, December 21 TBD at Wilmington Holiday Classic
Thursday, December 22 TBD at Wilmington Holiday Classic
Tuesday, January 3 4:00/6:00 *vs. Hickory Ridge
Friday, January 6 4:00/6:00 *vs. Central Cabarrus
Tuesday, January 10 4:00/6:00 *at AL Brown
Friday, January 13 4:00/6:00 *at Cox Mill
Friday, January 20 4:00/6:00 *at Concord
Tuesday, January 24 4:00/6:00 *at Mt. Pleasant
Friday, January 27 4:00/6:00 *vs. JM Robinson
Friday, February 3 4:00/6:00 *at Central Cabarrus
Tuesday, February 7 4:00/6:00 *vs. AL Brown
Thursday, February 9 4:00/6:00 *vs. Cox Mill (Senior Night)
NORTH STANLY
Class 2A
Coach Greg Speight (10th year) Jack Ingram Assistant
2010-1 Record 21-6, overall record at NS 216-39
Returning Starters: Lindsey Burleson Sr. 6'2 C (9 ppg, 8 rbg), Holli Chandler Sr 5'4 G (9 ppg),Jenni Speight Jr 5'7 F (6ppg), Gentry Grubb So 5'6 G (5 ppg).
Other Key Players: Brittany Burleson Sr, Asia Caple Sr, Jenna Huff Jr, Elizabeth Deeck Sr.
Notable: Lindsey Burleson signed Grant in aid scholarship w/ Western Carolina this week. 
Schedule:
N10 Scrimmage @ Porter Ridge
N21 @Sun Valley
N22 @Mt Pleasant
D1 @South Stanly
D7 East Rowan
D9 Cent Davidson
D13 @Peidmont
D15 Sun Valley
D16 @Cuthbertson
D28 S Stanly @W Stanly
D29 Albemarle
J3 Union Academy
J4 @Albemarle
J6 @Monroe
J10 CATA
J13 Forest Hills
J17 West Stanly
J20 Peidmont
J24 Cuthbertson
J27 @Union Academy
J31 Monroe
F3 @CATA
F7 @Forest Hills
F10 @West Stanly
NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN
Class: NCISAA 2A
Head Coach: Matt Mann (1st year as Head Coach)
Assistant Coach: Angelo Adams
2010-11 Record:     0-18
Returning Starters: Jessica Viole Sr. G, Bryce Freeland Jr. G
Returning Players: Shelby Skinner Sr. F, Lauren Lyons Sr. F, KT Fry Jr. G/F, Cayla Peterson So. F/C, Cierra Starkey So. G, Lauren Frye So. G
Newcomers: Mary Ashley Badgett Sr. F/C, Raven Mobley Fr. G, Chynna Danne So. F, Hannah Jones So. F/C
Schedule:
N18 Metrolina Christian Academy
N22 @ Ashville Christian Academy
N29 @ Southlake Christian Academy
D1 @ Calvary Baptist Day
D3 Victory Christian Center
D6 Wesleyan Christian Academy
D16 Covenant Classical
J3 First Assembly Christian
J6 @ Covenant Day
J10 Westminster Catawba Christian
J12 Hickory Grove Christian
J14 Davidson Day
J17 @ Gaston Christian
J20 Southlake Christian Academy
J24 @ Metrolina Christian Academy
J27 Covenant Day
J31 @ Hickory Grove Christian
F3 @ Westminster Catawba Christian
F7 @ First Assembly Christian
F10 Gaston Christian
OLYMPIC
Class: 4A
Coach: Arlo Washington (1st year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 15-9
Returning Starters: Erica Rodriguez Sr. 5-8 f(7 ppg, in 2010-11), Gabby Tate (4.5 ppg, 2010-2011), Mecca Love (4.3 ppg., 3 stls, 3.5 assists in 2010-2011)
Key Newcomers: Danielle Childress (Did not play 2010-2011), Jalene Sims (Transfer West Meck)
Notable: Jazmyn Barrino and Shanel Smith both played significant minutes as freshmen
and are returning for the 2011-2012 season
Schedule:
N21 South Mecklenburg
N29 Butler
D2 Myers Park
D6 Hunter Huss
D13 East Gaston
D17,D19,D20 @ Rock Hill ( YC Winborn)
J3 West Mecklenburg
J6 @ Harding
J10 Berry Academy
J13 @ Charlotte Catholic
J24 @ East Gaston
J27 Garinger
J31 @ West Mecklenburg
F3 Harding
F7 @ Berry Academy
F10 Charlotte Catholic
PARKWOOD
Class: Southern Carolina 3A
Coach: Don Mather
2010-11Record: 25-3
Returning Starters: Cadeja Hood Sr. 5-4 G (12 ppg), Emry Tsitouris So 5-9  F (11 ppg, 9 rpg), Bailey Sims Jr 6-0 C (8ppg), Justice McKinney Jr 5-5 F
Schedule
N22 @Charlotte Christian
N29 @ Piedmont
N30 CATA
D2 Monroe
D6 Cuthbertson
D7 @Country Day
D9@ Monroe
D14 @ CATA
D20-23 Wingate holiday Tournament
J3 @ Weddington
J6 Anson
J10 Porter Ridge
J12 Piedmont
J13 @ Sun Valley
J 20 Weddington
J24 @ Marvin Ridge
J27 @ Porter Ridge
J31 Sun Valley
F3 Marvin Ridge
F8 @ Forest Hills
F10 @ Anson
F13-17 Conference Tournament
PATTON
Class:  3A
Coach: Ashlei Lowman (1st year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 9-16
Returning Starters: Maire Caitlin Cogdel Jr. 5-9 F(9.1 ppg, in 2010-11), Ashley Phillips 5-8, Sr. G/F ( 8.36 2010-11)  Breann Tallent, 5-9 Jr. G ( 6.76 ppg, in 2010-11), Kaitlin Berry, 5-6 Jr. PG ( 4.86 ppg, in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers: Chantal Lewis (11th grade transfer from Freedom High School)
Schedule:
Saturday Nov 19               @ Maiden (Scrimmage)               TBA         
Monday Nov 21Tuesday       Hibriten                                                     6:30
Tuesday Nov 22                         East Burke                                              6:30
Friday Nov 25                    @ Fred T. Foard                                    6:30
Tuesday Nov 29                           Draughn                                        6:30
Thursday Dec 1                           @ East Burke                               6:30
Monday Dec 5                     @ Hibriten                                              6:30
Wednesday Dec 7              South Caldwell                          6:30
Friday Dec 9                       @ Draughn                                    6:30
Tuesday Dec 13                           Chase                                             6:30
Friday Dec 16                     @ East Rutherford                    6:30
Tuesday Dec 20                           @ Shelby                                        6:30
Wednesday Dec 21           Fred T. Foard                              6:30
Tuesday Dec 27                           Draughn Christmas Tourn.    TBA
Wednesday Dec 28           Draughn Christmas Tourn.    TBA
Tuesday Jan 3                    RS Central                                   6:30
Friday Jan 6                       @ Burns                                         6:30
Friday Jan 13                     Freedom                                         6:30
Friday Jan 20                     @ Chase                                          6:30
Tuesday Jan 24                           East Rutherford                        6:30
Friday Jan 27                     Shelby                                            6:30
Tuesday Jan 31                           @ RS Central                               6:30
Friday Feb 3                       Burns                                             6:30
Wednesday Feb 8              @ South Caldwell                      6:30
Friday Feb 10                     @ Freedom                                     6:30
TBA                                        Conference Tournament                  TBA
PORTER RIDGE
Class: 4A
Coach: Ina Thompson entering 7th season as PRHS founding head coach
2010-2011 Record: 23-5
Returning Starters: Jasmine Huntley Jr. 5-4 PG (12.5 ppg, 3 apg), Jada Huntley Jr. 5-8 G (14 ppg, 6rpg, 4 spg), Jade Jones 5-6 So G (4.3 ppg, 3rpg)
Schedule:
N22 Cuthbertson
N29 Monroe
N30 Providence
D2 Hickory Ridge
D6 Piedmont
D7 @Ardrey Kell
D9 @Central Cabarrus
D12 @ S. Meck
D14@ Monroe
D20-D23 CMC Union Holiday Classic @ Wingate Univ
J3 Marvin Ridge
J6 Sun Valley
J10 @Parkwood
J13 @ Weddington
J17 Anson
J20 @Marvin Ridge
J24 @Sun Valley
J26 @Piedmont
J27 Parkwood
J31 Weddington
F1 J.M. Robinson
F3 @Anson
F13-F17 SCC Tournament
PROVIDENCE
Class: Southwest 4A
Coach: Bill Smith (2nd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:     13-14 (8-6 SW4A)
Returning Starters: Alyson King, 5-3 Sr. G (6.7 ppg, in 2010-11), Alexandra Mayo, 5-7 Sr. F (4.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg in 2010-11)
Notable: Lady Panthers were the champions of the inaugural West Mecklenburg Winter Classic
Schedule:
N21 @ Hopewell
N22 Forestview
N30 @ Porter Ridge
D2 @ Hough
D6 @ Forestview
D7 Marvin Ridge
D9 Rocky River
D13 @ South Meck
D16 Independence
D27-29 @ West Mecklenburg Winter Classic
J3@ Myers Park
J6 Butler
J10 @ East Meck
J13 Ardrey Kell
J20 @ Rocky River
J24 South Meck
J27 @ Independence
J31 Myers Park
F3 @ Butler
F7 East Meck
F10 @  Ardrey Kell
PROVIDENCE DAY
Class: NCISAA 3A
Coach:  Josh Springer (5th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:  28-4;  2011 NCISAA State Champions
Returning Starters:  Tiffany Mitchell Sr. 5’11” G, Olivia Parker Sr. 6’1” F, Ja’da Brayboy Jr. 5’6” G, Jatarie White Soph. 6’3” F
Key Newcomers:  Cailan Howey Sr.,  5’11” F; Returns to PD for  after spending junior year in California, started as a sophomore on PDS 2009 state championship team
Notable: Tiffany Mitchell signed LOI with the University of South Carolina;  Olivia Parker signed LOI with Gardner-Webb University;  Jatarie White ranked #3 in class of 2014 by ESPN HoopGurlz
Schedule:
11/16  Oak Hill Academy
12/2 @Ravenscroft
12/3 @ Durham Academy
12/9 @ Forsyth Country Day
12/19-12/22 @ Crescent Bank Invitational Myrtle Beach, SC
12/27-12/29 @ Peach State Classic Atlanta, GA
1/4 Australia
1/6 @ Wesleyan Christian Academy
1/7 Greensboro Day
1/16 Thomasville Prep @ MLK Classic Forsyth Country Day
1/17 @ Charlotte Latin
1/20 Charlotte Country Day
1/21 @ Charlotte Catholic
1/24 @ Carolina Day School
1/27 @ Charlotte Christian
1/31 @ Cannon
2/2 Hickory Grove
2/3 Charlotte Latin
2/4 @ Rabun Gap
2/7 @ Charlotte Country Day
2/10 Carolina Day School
2/14 Charlotte Christian
2/17 Cannon
2/23-2/25 State Tournament @ Ravenscroft
QUEENS GRANT
Class: Independent/1A
Coach: Dan Kerr (3rd Year, 20-25)
2010-11 Record:     11-12
Returning Starters: Millie Graves, 5-6, So. (9.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.3 apg), Federica Staton, 5-9, Sr. (4.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Jahniece Campbell, 5-1, Sr. (6.0 ppg, 3.3 spg), Crystal Siamos, 5-5, Sr. (5.7 ppg)
Key Newcomers: Quantel Longmire, 5-8, Jr. (Rocky River Transfer), Ciera Rucker, 5-5, Fr.
Schedule:
N22 @ Victory Christian
N29 @ Covenant Classical
D2  Pine Lake Prep
D6  @ Charlotte Christian
D8 @ Community School of Davidson
D9  North Hills Christian
D12 @ Kennedy Charter
D15 @ North Hills Christian
D16-17@ Mount Zion Showcase
D22-23 @ Thomasville Prep Showcase
D27-29 @ Hardwood Classic (Bojangles Coliseum)
J5 @ Lincoln Charter
J6 Covenant Classical
J13 Community School of Davidson
J20 @ Cannon
J26 @ First Assembly
J27 @ Pine Lake Prep
F10 Lincoln Charter
F14 @ PCAC Sem-Finals
F17 @ PCAC Finals
ROBINSON
Class:
3A
Coach: Lin Smithson – 6th year
2010-11 Record:     20-8
Returning Starters: Izzy Bernal Sr. 5’8” G(4 steals per game in 2011-12, all conference);  Chartea Peay Sr. 5’6”  G; Rachel Lloyd G, 5’ 6” (all conference 2010-11); Desiree Gray Sr. 5’2” G;  Daylin Leftwich Sr. 5’11” C 7 rebs per game;  Oliva Newell Sr. F 5’ 8”  (8.8 reb. Per game in 2010-11);
Key Newcomers: Kelsi Mahoney 6’ freshman that can play any position; Madison Fulford 5’7” guard, placed 3rd in state in hurdles last year.
Schedule
N21 W. Stanly
D1 Butler
D2 Carson
D7 at Salisbury
D9 Marvin Ridge
D13 AL Brown
D16 Concord
D19 NW Cabarrus
D28-30 at E. Lincoln Holiday
J3 at Central Cabarrus
J6 Cox Mill
J10 Mt Pleasant
J13 Hickory Ridge
J24 at Concord
J26 at Mt Pleasant
J27 at NW Cabarrus
J31 Central Cabarrus
F1 at Porter Ridge
F3 Cox Mill
F7 at Mt Pleasant
F9 at Hickory Ridge
ROCKY RIVER
Class: 4A
Coach: Odis Gadson (1st year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 0-20
Returning Starters: Asia Scott Sr. 5-4 G, Ashanti Bryant Sr. 5-5 G, Brandi Segars So. 6 G Aliyah Hason So 5-8 C, Asia Livingston, 5-8 Sr. G/F
Key Newcomers: Hydeia Harvey Fr. 5-5 G
Schedule:
N21 West Mecklenburg
N23 Salisbury
N29 @ Harding University
D8/ Phillip O. Berry Academy Of Technology
D9 @ Providence HighSchool
D13 Butler
D14 @ Marvin Ridge High School
D15 @ South Mecklenburg
D19 Mallard Creek High School
D28-30 Winterjam East Lincoln
J3 East Mecklenburg
J6 @ Independence
J9 Ardrey Kell High
J13 Myers Park
J20 Providence HighSchool
J24 @ Butler
J27 South Mecklenburg
J31 @ East Mecklenburg
F3 Independence
F7 @ Ardrey Kell High
F10 Myers Park
R-S CENTRAL
Class: 3A
Coach: Darius Fuller  (12th year as Head Coach)
2010-2011 Record 20-7
Returning Starters: Shannon Hines Sr. 5'7" G(21.2ppg in 2010-11),
Mercedes Davis Sr. 5'9"
G/W(9.8ppg in 2010-11)
Alyssia Watkins Jr. 5'7" G(7.8ppg in 2010-11) Christian Godlock Jr.
6'2" C(6.7ppg)
Key Returners: Tia Bristol So. 5'9" G/W(5.0ppg in 2010-11), Aaliyah
Davis Jr. 5'9" G/W(5.3ppg in 2010-2011) Taylor Miller Jr. 5'9"
G/W(4.7ppg in 2010-2011)
Notable: Shannon Hines, is a 2011 All District & 3A classification All
State, 2011 POY 2A/3A SMAC
Schedule
N25 vs. Avery at Mitchell High
N26 at Mitchell
N29 at McDowell
D1 at Asheville
D2 Mitchell
D6 McDowell
D9 Asheville
D13 East Rutherford
D16 at Chase
D20 Freedom
D27-28 at York Classic
J3 at Patton
J6 at Shelby
J10 Burns
J14 East Rutherford
J20 at East Rutherford
J24 Chase
J27 at Freedom
J31 Patton
F3 Shelby
F7 at Burns
SALISBURY
Class:
2A
Coach:
Chris McNeill
2010-11 Record: 27-1, 2A State Champions
Key Players: C Brielle Blaire (10.5 ppg, 10 rpg, 3 bpg), Soph.; PG Doreen Richardson (12 ppg, 6 apg), Sr.
Key Newcomers: SG Vashti Usry Jr.; SF Daterria Connor, Jr.; PF Nyasia Harris, Jr.
Notable: Doreen Richardson verbally committed to Gardner-Webb
Schedule
N22 Hopewell
D2 at West Rowan
D5 at East Rowan
D10 at North Rowan
D12 at North Rowan
D14 West Rowan
D21 Newton-Conover
J13 at Lexington
J20 at East Davidson
J24 at Central Davidson
J31 Central Davidson
F3 Lexington
F10 East Davidson
SHELBY
Class: 2A
Coach: Cal Pass (21 years)
2010-11 Record:20-0 Regular Season, 23-1 Overall
Returning Starters: Anika Jones- Sr. 5-8 F (Avg ppg in 2010-2011)
Key Newcomers: Kori West 6-4 Fr.
Notable: Brittany McCleave, Chozie Hunt (INJ Majority of 2010-2011), Taylor Little are lettermen who are expected to step up and continue the winning tradition.
Schedule:
N15 @ E. Burke
N17 @ Lincolnton
N22 @ Crest
N29 Kings Mountain
D1 Ashbrook
D6 @ Kings Mountain
D9 Crest
D13 @ Freedom
D15 @ Ashbrook
D20 Patton
D27-28 Nations Ford
J3 @ Chase
J6 R.S. Central
J10 East Rutherford
J13 @ Burns
J20 Freedom
J27 @ Patton
J31 Chase
F3 @ R.S. Central
F7 @ East Rutherford
F10 Burns
SOUTH CALDWELL
Class:
4A
Coach: Jeff Parham (13th year as Head Coach, career record 250-109)
2010-11 Record:     22-7
Returning Starters: Shaina Sams Sr. 5-3 PG (4 yr starter All Conference 12 ppg, 6.2 apg in 2010-11), Toni Younce Sr. 5-9 G (8.2 ppg 4.5 rpg in 2010-11), Amber Gross Sr. 5-8 F (6.2 ppg 7.0 rpg in 2010-11), Leah Sherrill Sr. 5-8 F (1st off the bench 4.2 ppg 3.8 rpg in 2010-2011
Key Newcomers: Anna Lee Bollinger Fr. G, Courtney Wood So. F
Notable: Return 3 starters that went to the Sectional Final last year and finished with a 22-7 record
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 (Hickory, NC)
J3 @ Fred T Foard
J6 Hickory
J10 @ Watauga
J13 @ Alexander Central
J18 Wilkes Central
J20 @ Hibriten
J24 St Stephens
J27 Fred T Foard
J31 @ Hickory
F3 Watauga
F7 Alexander Central
F8 Patton
SOUTH MECKLENBURG
Class:
4A
Coach: Cristie Mitchell (1st year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record:   NA 
Returning Starters: Jazmyn Saunders (5'5", Senior Guard), Kaitlin Cash (5'11" Junior Guard), Cameron Coughlin (5'6" Senior Guard) Lexy Gillbert (5'7" senior center)
Key Newcomers:  Ivory Ajamu (freshman guard), Moriah Green (sophomore center), Michalann Williams (sophomore forward), Kara Straite (freshmen center), Mary Quick (sophomore forward), Shelby Raft (junior guard)
Notable:  A very young and inexperienced Sabre team will be led by three seniors and former Waddell coaches, Cristie Mitchell and Jermaine Walker.
Schedule:
N21 @ Olympic
N28 Charlotte Catholic
D2 West Mecklenburg
D6 @ Harding
D7 Vance
D9 @ Ardrey Kell
D12 Porter Ridge
D13 Providence
D15 Rocky River
D27 @ Freedom Christmas Tournament
D28 @ Freedom Christmas Tournament
D29 @ Freedom Christmas Tournament
J3 @ Independence
J6 Myers Park
J9 @ Butler
J13 East Mecklenburg
J20 Ardrey Kell
J24 @ Providence
J27 @ Rocky River
J31 Independence
F3 @ Myers Park
F7 Butler
F10 @ East Mecklenburg 
SOUTH POINT
Coach: Scott Tudor
Asst Coach: Brian Ziemer, Joy Romano, Logan Hawley
2010-11 Record, 24-3, 11-1 Co-Conference Champs
Returning Starters: Ashley Mull Jr, Brittany Green Sr
Returning Players: Sarah Lawing Sr, Sarah Abernathy Jr, Callie Poll So
Notable: Last Season was 2nd best for SPHS Women’s Basketball with 24 Victories.
Schedule:
N30        vs Highland Tech
D2            At East Lincoln
D6            vs East Lincoln
D7            At Highland Tech
D13         vs Kings Mountain
D16         At Hunter Huss
D20         At Ashbrook
D28-30                   Cherryville Christmas Tournament
J3             vs Forestview
J6             vs East Gaston
J10          At North Gaston
J13          vs Crest
J20          At Kings Mountain
J24          vs Hunter Huss
J27          vs Ashbrook
J31          At Forestview
F3            At East Gaston
F7            vs North Gaston
F10          At Crest
SOUTHLAKE CHRISTIAN
Class:
NCISSA 3A
Coach: Terry Batts (2nd year as Head Coach)
2010-2011 Record : 22-8
Returning Starters: Brianne Mack Sr. 6-3 C(18 ppg,15rbs,5 blocks), Kourtney Hailey Sr. 5-8 G(18ppg,5 rbs,3 assist) , Anna Landis Sr. 5-9 G (5ppg,6rbs,4 assist), Giselle Verville So. 5-5 G(8ppg, 5assist)
Notable: Brianne Mack(All State) has committed to Western Carolina, Kourtney Hailey receiving
Small Division 1 attention.
Schedule:
N14 @Gaston Day
N18 Charlotte Christian
N22 Caldwell Academy
N29 Northside Christian
D2 @Gaston Christian
D9 @Cannon
D16 @Charlotte Country Day
D19-21 Southlake Classic
D28-30 @Carolina Invitational
J3 Metrolina Christian
J6 High Point Christian
J9 @Westminister Catawba
J10 Covenant Day School
J13 @First Assembly
J20 @ Northside Christian
J24 @Asheville School
J26 @Hickory Grove Christian
J27 Westminister Catawba Christian
J31 First Assembley
F3 Covenant Day School
F7 @Metrolina Christian
F10 Hickory Grove Christian
F14-17 MAC Tournament F 21-25 NCISSA Tournament
VANCE
Class:
4A
Coach
: Derick Brewer (1St year as Girls Head Coach) 

2010-2011 Record: 3-20
Returning Players: Alexis Blye Sr. 5-3 G, Quenell Stroman Sr.5-6 F, Angel Coxe Sr. 5-5 G, Ariel Coxe Sr. 5-3 G, Shadaiza Holloway Sr. 5-8 F, Key Newcomers: Diamond Foggie transfer from Harding, Aregash Theodros transfer from Harding, Tyesha Littlejohn Freshman from James Martin Middle, Jn’a McKinney
Schedule:

N21 Berry
N29 Garinger
D2 @Independence
D6 @Butler
D7 @South Mecklenburg
D19 @Hough
D13 Mooresville
D14 @West Mecklenburg
D16 @Mallard Creek
D28-30 @East Lincoln @Winter Jam Basketball Tournament
J3 Lake Norman
J6 @North Mecklenburg
J10 @Hopewell
J13 West Charlotte
J20 Hough
J24 @Mooresville
J27 Mallard Creek
J31 @Lake Norman
F3 North Mecklenburg
F7 Hopewell
F9 @West Charlotte
WATAUGA
Class: 4A
Coach: Klay Anderson (5th year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 14-13
Returning Starters: Hannah Margolis Jr. 5-10 G, Savanna Wood So. 5-6 G
Key Newcomers: Whitney Dunnigan So. 5-9 G, Haleigh Wallace Fr. 5-3 G
Schedule:
N22 @Cloudland
D2  @Avery
D6  @West Caldwell
D7  McDowell
D9  Avery
D13 Fred T Foard
D14 Ashe
D16 @Hickory
D20 Cloudland
D22 @Wilkes Central
D28/29 Pioneer Holiday Tournament
J3  Wilkes Central
J6  Alexander Central
J10 South Caldwell
J11 @Ashe
J13 Hibriten
J17 @Saint Stephens
J20 @Fred T Foard
J24 Hickory
J31 @Alexander Central
F3  @South Caldwell
F7  @Hibriten
F10 Saint Stephens
WEDDINGTON
Class: 3A
Coach: Ryun Cook (3rd year as Head Coach)
2010-11 Record: 8-16
Returning Starters: Emily Moore 6-2 Sr. C (8.5 ppg, 8.5rpg in 2010-11), Kelsie Croal 5-4, Sr. G
Key Newcomers: Stephanie Watts 5-9 G(ranked in the 2015 class by ESPN/Hoopgurlz), Alex Holland 6-1 F, Bailee Carter 5-11 G.
Schedule:
N22 vs. Northwest Cabarrus
N30 @ Monroe
D2    @ Cuthbertson
D5  @Ardrey Kell
D7  vs. Monroe
D9 vs. Cuthbertson
D12 vs. Piedmont
D14 @ Forest Hills
D15  @ Hickory Ridge
D20-23 @Union Regional Holiday Classic (Wingate University)
J3 vs. Parkwood
J6 @Marvin Ridge
J10 @ Anson
J13 vs. Porter Ridge
J 20 @ Parkwood
J 24 vs. Sun Valley
J27 vs. Anson
J31 @ Porter Ridge
F3 @ Sun Valley
F10 Marvin Ridge
WEST CHARLOTTE
Class: 
I-Meck 4A
Coach: Reggie Mobley ( 5th yr as Head Coach )
2010 - 2011 record : 4-22
Returning Starters : Rachel Porter So. 5-8 G ( 15ppg,4 rpg , 4stls  in 2010-11),Gabrielle McClain Sr. 6-1 G/ F ( 15ppg , 9 rpg , 5 bpg ), Me'Shell Puryear Jr. 5-6 G(Inj. Majority of 2010-11), Destinee Gray Jr. 5-5 G (4ppg , 2 stls ,3 apg ) , Antionette Medley So. 5-8 F ( 5 ppg , 4spg , 6 rpg )
Key Newcomers : Crystal Moses Sr. 5-9 F, Anna Purdie Jr. 6-0 F , Jessica Gaston  Fr. 5-10 F; Alisha Blackmon, 5-6, Jr., G; Dalisha Reid, 5-6, Jr., G
Schedule:
N29 West Meck 
D2   Harding
D6 @ Independence
D9     Hopewell
D13@ North Meck
D16   Mooresville
D19 - D21 West Meck Christmas Tournament
D27 - D29 Freedom HS Christmas Tournament (Morganton NC)
J3 @ Hough
J6 Lake Norman
J10@ Mallard Creek
J13@ Vance
J20@ Hopewell
J24 North Meck
J27@ Mooresville
J31 Hough
F3@ Lake Norman
F7 Mallard Creek
F9 Vance 
WEST LINCOLN
Class: 2A
Coach: Holly Specht (1st year as Head Coach)
Returning Starters - Erica Webb and Molly Leatherman
Other Players - Rylee Marsh, Taylor Sutton, Brittany Ormand, Courtney Fredell, Kelsey Poole, Katie Childress, Brook Hudson, Rebecca Owens, Emily Marshall, Connor Sigmon
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
Christmas Tournament - TBA
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
F13 - 17 - SPC Conference Tournament
WEST MECKLENBURG
Class: 
Mega 7
Coach:  Antoine Avinger( 2nd year)
2010-11 Record: 20-7
Returning Starters:  Kana Thompson, Sr. 5'8 G (7 ppg, 5 apg in 2010-11); Rajsha Blackmon, Sr. 5'10 G (18.8 ppg in 2010-11)
Key Newcomers; Quentasha Lewis, Sr.; Jasmine Gray, Fr.
Notables:  Toni Thorne, Jr.  sixth man of year has inserted herself as starter.
Schedule
N21 @ ROCKY RIVER
N22 @ NORTH MECK
N29 @ WEST CHARLOTTE
D02 @ SOUTH MECK
D05  MALLARD CREEK
D06 EAST MECK
D09 @HARDING
D13 @ CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC
D14 @ VANCE
D16 @ PHILLIP O' BERRY
J03 @ OLYMPIC
J06 @ GARINGER
J13 EAST GASTON
J20 HARDING
J24 CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC
J27 @ PHILLIP O' BERRY
J31 OLYMPIC
F03 @ GARINGER
F09 @ EAST GASTON
Westminster Catawba Christian School
Class:
NCISAA 3A
Coach: D. Everett Murray ( first year as Head Coach )
2010-2011 Record: 11 - 5
Returning Starters: Carly Miktuk Sr. G, MaryAnne Mills Sr. F/C, Maggie Walker Sr. G
Schedule
 @ Forsyth Country Day School
@ Hoops For Soup Tournament
Covenant Day School
@ First Assembly
@ YC Winborn Tournament
@ Gaston Day School
@ Hickory Grove Christian School
Southlake Christian Academy
@ Northside Christian Academy
Gaston Christian School
Metrolina Christian Academy
@ Covenant Day School
First Assembly
@ Southlake Christian Academy
@ Gaston Christian School
Metrolina Christian Academy
Hickory Grove Christian School