Thursday, December 20, 2012

Butler's Peter Kalambayi, Porter Ridge's Matt Wogan make USA Today All-America team

Two Observer-area stars made the USA Today first team All-America squad.


Butler High linebacker Peter Kalambayi, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound senior who has committed to Stanford, made the first team defense.

Porter Ridge kicker Matt Wogan, a 6-2, 195-pound senior committed to Oregon, made first team offense.

Click here to see the entire team.



Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Northern Guilford's TJ Logan NC AP player of the year


RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Northern Guilford running back T.J. Logan is The Associated Press prep football player of the year for North Carolina for the 2012 season. 
Logan ran for 3,146 yards and 47 touchdowns to lead the Nighthawks to a third straight state championship. That included a record-setting performance in the Class 3-AA final, where he ran for 510 yards and eight touchdowns against Charlotte Catholic. 
Logan earned 12 of a possible 17 votes from sports writers across the state in results released Wednesday. Charlotte Catholic running back Elijah Hood was second with two votes after rushing for 3,309 yards and 48 touchdowns. 
Logan has committed to play for North Carolina.


Winners of The Associated Press prep football player of the year award for North Carolina: 
2012–T.J. Logan, RB, Northern Guilford 
2011–Todd Gurley II, RB, Tarboro 
2010–Vad Lee, QB, Durham Hillside 
2009–K.P. Parks, RB, West Rowan 
2008–Xavier Nixon, OT, Fayetteville Britt 
2007–Darius Thomas, QB, West Charlotte 
2006–Quan Warley, RB, Thomasville 
2005–Quan Warley, RB, Thomasville 
2004–Joe Cox, QB, Charlotte Independence 
2003–Andre Brown, RB, Greenville Rose 
2002–Chris Leak, QB, Charlotte Independence 
2001–T.A. McLendon, RB, Albemarle 
2000–Chris Leak, QB, Charlotte Independence 
1999–Manny Deshauteurs, RB, Brevard 
1998–Nick Maddox, RB, Kannapolis Brown 
1997–Nick Maddox, RB, Kannapolis Brown 
1996–Montrell Coley, RB, Goldsboro 
1995–Marcus Reaves, RB, Fayetteville Byrd 
1994–Terence Stokes, RB, Bunn 
1993–Ernest Tinnin, QB, Burlington Cummings 
1992–(tie) Antoine Ikard, RB, Maiden; Maurice Mebane, WR, Burlington Cummings 
1991–Milton Shaw, RB, North Edgecombe 
1990–Donnie Davis, QB, Burlington Cummings 
1989–Mike Thomas, QB-P, Richmond County 
1988–Chuckie Burnette, QB, Burlington Cummings 
1987–Anthony Barbour, RB, Garner 
1986–Robert Siler, RB, Siler City Jordan-Matthews 
1985–Alvin Baker, RB, Claremont Bunker Hill 
1984–Todd Ellis, QB, Greensboro Page 
1983–Darryl McGill, RB, Southern Durham 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Butler-Richmond Senior sign two-year deal to play football

N.C. state powers Butler and Richmond Senior have reached an agreement on a two-year contract for the teams to meet in regular-season games.

The teams will play next season on the fifth playing date in Rockingham, Butler athletics director Courtney Paschal told the Observer.

The teams will play in Charlotte in 2014.

Butler and Richmond Senior have combined to win four of the past five N.C. 4AA championships. Richmond won in 2008. Butler won in 2009, 2010 and 2012.


Monday, December 17, 2012

Davidson Day QB Will Grier to announce college decision Wednesday

Davidson Day junior quarterback Will Grier, who was named to the N.C. Associated Press all-state team Monday, will make his college decision on Wednesday, his father, Chad said.

Grier recently announced his five finalists, saying Florida was the leader followed by, in the order he listed  UNC, Tennessee, N.C. State and Oregon.


Grier, the Gatorade N.C. player of the year, threw for 5,609 yards, a record for a N.C. quarterback. He also threw for a record 68 touchdown passes. Nationally, only three QBs have thrown for more yards in one year, and only three have thrown for more touchdowns. Grier’s records might not be entered into the national or N.C. High School Athletic Association state record books because he plays for a private school.


Olympic's bad luck could open door for CMS to let publics (finally) play privates

Thinking out loud after learning about Olympic High's tough spot.

Turns out the Trojans were supposed to play in a Christmas tournament in Florida that suddenly got postponed when a sponsor pulled out.

Trojans coach Ty Baumgardner had charged his players' tickets to his personal credit card, thinking he would be reimbursed by tournament organizers. No one is returning his calls from the event and US Airways, so far, is only willing to let Baumgardner change the itinerary for each ticket, for an additional $150 charge per ticket.

I'm hoping US Airways will be lenient in this matter and give him a full refund. It would be a terrible thing to get an $8,100 bill this close to Christmas. If there's ever been extenuating circumstances, folks, this is it.

Also Olympic is out three games.

It's going to be hard, even Baumgardner admits, to find three public schools who have openings on the schedule this late. Private schools around here could accommodate him, only CMS has standing rules to not play private schools.

In this case, I think CMS should grant Baumgardner a waiver to play privates to help fill out his schedule.

I'd love to see Northside Christian vs. Olympic and United Faith vs. Olympic and even Providence Day vs. Olympic. Each could be big money making Saturday game for all involved and provide some big marquee events -- and marquee tests -- for the players.

Beyond that, I really think it's time for CMS to punt on this rule about not playing privates except in tournaments.

If Providence wants to play Providence Day and the schools can make the schedules work, the schools should be allowed to do it. CMS should put policies in place so its schools don't abandon rivalries with CMS schools to play privates, but it should allow cross-scheduling. This hasn't happened since the early '80s.

Right now would be a great time to start.

Observer-area players featured on N.C. Associated Press All-State Football Team

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Matthews Butler followed its latest state championship with another four-player showing on The Associated Press all-state prep football team for North Carolina for 2012 announced Monday

Receiver Uriah LeMay, linebackers Peter Kalambayi and Sean Wiggins, and defensive back Channing Stribling represented the Class 4-AA champions on the 28-player squad. It marked the second time in four seasons that Butler had four players on the AP team.

The Butler quartet helped the Bulldogs go 15-0 and win a third North Carolina High School Athletic Association championship in four seasons. Butler closed the year with a 56-28 win against Fayetteville Britt in the 4-AA final.

Kalambayi was one of two players to make the AP team for the second straight season, joining Charlotte Vance linebacker Larenz Bryant.

Three other schools had a pair of all-state picks. Davidson Day had quarterback Will Grier and offensive lineman Schuyler Coleman. Charlotte Mallard Creek had receiver Marquez North and tight end Jaylen Samuels. Richmond County had offensive lineman Tyrone Crowder and defensive lineman Devant'e Covington.

Raleigh Wakefield receiver Jordan Fieulleteau, a North Carolina recruit, received 16 of a possible 17 votes from sports writers across the state to lead the team. Northern Guilford running back T.J. Logan, another UNC recruit who led his team to a third straight state title, and Tarboro defensive lineman and Ohio State recruit Tyquan Lewis each had 15 votes.

Charlotte Catholic running back Elijah Hood joined Grier and Logan in the backfield. Also on the offensive line with Crowder and Coleman were Albemarle's Roger Prince Jr., Davie County's Trip McNeil and East Forsyth's Brandon Smith.

On defense, Wilson Hunt's Lewis Neal and Hope Mills South View's Greg Gilmore joined Lewis and Covington on the line.

Belmont South Point's Daishon Davis was the fourth linebacker chosen for the team. Davis and Wiggins each tied with five votes for the last spot at the position.

In the secondary, Durham Hillside's Korrin Wiggins, Charlotte Independence's Jack Tocho and Monroe's Jermany Hammonds joined Butler's Stribling.

On special teams, North Davidson's Spencer Landfried made the team at kicker while Indian Trail Porter Ridge's Matt Wogan was voted in at punter.

Swansboro's DeAndre Thompkins was selected as kick returner, while Swain County's Matthew Maennle rounded out the team at athlete



The voting breakdown for the 2012 Associated Press all-state prep football team for North Carolina, as cast by a 17 statewide media members in voting results released Monday. Number of votes are in parentheses.
OFFENSE
QB–Will Grier, Davidson Day (6)
RB–T.J. Logan, Northern Guilford (15)
RB–Elijah Hood, Charlotte Catholic (10)
WR–Jordan Fieulleteau, Raleigh Wakefield (16)
WR–Uriah LeMay, Matthews Butler (11)
WR–Marquez North, Charlotte Mallard Creek (9)
TE–Jaylen Samuels, Charlotte Mallard Creek (9)
OL–Tyrone Crowder, Richmond County (13)
OL–Roger Prince Jr., Albemarle (13)
OL–Schuyler Coleman, Davidson Day (9)
OL–Trip McNeil, Davie County (7)
OL–Brandon Smith, East Forsyth (6)
–––
DEFENSE
DL–Tyquan Lewis, Tarboro (15)
DL–Lewis Neal, Wilson Hunt (11)
DL–Greg Gilmore, Hope Mills South View (8)
DL–Devant'e Covington, Richmond County (6)
LB–Peter Kalambayi, Matthews Butler (13)
LB–Larenz Bryant, Charlotte Vance (9)
LB–Daishon Davis, Belmont South Point (5)
LB–Sean Wiggins, Matthews Butler (5)
DB–Channing Stribling, Matthews Butler (10)
DB–Korrin Wiggins, Durham Hillside (9)
DB–Jack Tocho, Charlotte Independence (8)
DB–Jermany Hammonds, Monroe (7)
–––
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK–Spencer Landfried, North Davidson (8)
P–Matt Wogan, Indian Trail Porter Ridge (14)
KR–DeAndre Thompkins, Swansboro (6)
ATH–Matthew Maennle, Swain County (6)

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Friday's top high school basketball performers

Friday’s Top Performers
Gabe Devoe, Shelby: 6-4 junior guard had 19 points, 14 rebounds in a win over Aquinas (GA). Shelby is 7-1. Aquinas is 3-3.
Riley Ferguson, Butler: Isn’t this guy a football All-America QB heading to Tennessee? Doesn’t look too bad in the basketball jersey, either. Ferguson had 22 points, 10 rebounds, five steals, five assists in 85-59 win over Robinson. RaeQuan Scott had 20 points, seven assists, three rebounds, three steals.
Giovanni Mack, Providence: 31 points, five assists in a 59-44 loss to South Meck. Malcom Matthews had 22 points for the Sabres.
Kennedy Meeks, West Charlotte: 18 points, 14 rebounds for the North Carolina-bound All-American in a 75-34 win over Hopewell. Gabon Williams had 15 for West Charlotte.
Shelton Mitchell, Cuthbertson: 31 points, eight assists, six rebounds in 87-64 win over Union County rival Weddington. Isiah Cureton added 21 points.
Mark Pollack, Charlotte Catholic: 28 points, six rebounds in an 86-76 win over Garinger. Robbie Anderson added 19 for the Cougars. Garinger’s Keith Davis had 29.
Jatarie White, Providence Day: 22 points, eight rebounds, two steals in a 44-38 win over Cary Academy in battle of N.C. private school powers.
By The Numbers
29-1: Score by which Charlotte Christian’s girls outscored Forsyth Country Day in the first quarter of a 64-22 win.
25: Combined rebounds for Mallard Creek girls’ Chantel Williams (14 points, 11 rebounds, four steals, three assists) and Briyanna Nichols (13 points, 14 rebounds, three steals) in 67-32 win over Mooresville.
5: East Meck’s Jerrin Morrison had his fifth double-double of the season (11 points, 11 rebounds) in a 72-65 win over Marvin Ridge. Taylor Neal had 25 for Marvin Ridge.
11: Steven Burrough of Harding had 11 blocks plus 14 points and 12 rebounds in a 74-58 win over West Mecklenburg.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Charlotte Latin's Eve Davis named Gatorade NC volleyball player of the year

From staff reports

CHICAGO (December 12, 2012) — In its 28th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with USA TODAY High School Sports, today announced Eve Davis of Charlotte Latin School as its 2012-13 Gatorade North Carolina Volleyball Player of the Year. Davis is the first Gatorade North Carolina Volleyball Player of the Year to be chosen from Charlotte Latin 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 Davis as North Carolina’s best high school volleyball player. Davis joins an elite alumni association of past state award-winners in 12 sports, including USA Volleyball players Kim Glass (2001-02, Horseshoe HS, Penn.), Kim Willoughby (1998-99, 1999-00, Assumption HS, La.) and Ogonna Nnamani (1999-00, University HS, Ill).

The 6-foot-2 senior outside hitter led the Hawks to a 38-1 record and the Class 3A state title this past season. Davis recorded 654 kills, 379 digs, 76 service aces and 47 blocks while posting a kill percentage of .499. A two-time First Team All-State selection, she is a 2012-13 American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour First Team All-American.

Davis has maintained a 3.07 GPA in the classroom. An active member of her church community, she recently completed a service mission trip to Texas. Davis has also volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and as a youth volleyball coach.

“Eve Davis is a complete package,” said Carrie Christian, head coach at Nation Ford High head coach. “She is a strong and consistent passer and a dynamic hitter. She not only swings hard, she also places the ball well and uses various shots which makes her incredibly hard to defend.”
Davis has signed a National Letter of Intent to N.C. State.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Independence hires Joe Evans as new football coach

Independence High has entrusted its stellar program to former offensive coordinator Joe Evans, who will gain his first high school football head coaching experience in one of the state's most high profile locations.

Independence has won seven state championships since the 2000 season, made eight state finals and 10 N.C. Western Regional championship, or state semifinal appearances.

Evans, 32, replaces Bill Geiler, who is retiring. Geiler led the Patriots to a 15-0 season and a state title in 2004.

Either Geiler or Tom Knotts has coached the Patriots since the 2000 season began.

"We had to make sure we found the right person," Independence athletics director Kelly Lewis said, "and we feel like Joe will keep us going in the direction we're headed."

Get more on this breaking story throughout the day at charlotteobserver.com/preps

Monday, December 10, 2012

Former United Faith star VJ King off to hot start at LeBron James' alma mater

Vincent King Jr, better known as VJ, played on coach Muggsy Bogues' United Faith team as a eighth grader last season. He had several double figure games.

Over the summer, King, a 6-6 freshman, played on the USA Basketball U16 national team and later got a scholarship offer from Ohio State.

He's been ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation, though he's now playing at LeBron James' alma mater, St. Vincent/St. Mary's in Akron, Ohio. His family moved back to their native Ohio recently.

Here are highlights from his first game as a ninth grader in high school.


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' All-Conference Football Teams

Here are all-conference football teams for CMS conferences, as voted by the coaches. The Observer's all-star teams will appear later this month.


Offensive line: Donte Haskins, Darryl Hollis, Olympic; Joshua McDougald, Berry; Jordan Abernathy, East Gaston; Sterlin Houston, Jalein Redfern, West Meck; Joe Hurney, Collin Porter, Chase Arnold, Catholic; Jamarii Shah, Harding
Running Back: Jarrett Harris, Olympic; Bryant Robbins, East Gaston; Shaun Wilson, West Meck; Elijah Hood, Catholic
Wide Receiver: Darius Means, Olympic; Michael Barbour, East Gaston; Kelvin Brim, Berry; Eddie Carraway, West Meck; Emmanuel Patton, Harding; Bobby Morrison, Garinger
Tight End: Chase Shuford, Olympic; Kemmi Pettway, Garinger
Quarterback: Rod Tinsley, Olympic; Jalan McClendon, West Mecklenburg
Kicker: Mitch Lochbihler, Catholic
Defensive line: Robert Dinkins, Brandon Barnes, Kendrick Maxwell, Olympic; Laron Glenn, West Meck; Lance Moore, East Gaston; Laron Lane, Berry; James Choulas, Catholic; Solomon Tisdale, Harding
Linebackers: Evan Patrick, Olympic; Daquan Pauling, West Meck; Jalen Nash, East Gaston; Kevin Kirchmer, Ryan Manion, Catholic; Damarcus Jordan, Harding; Renardo Jones, Garinger; Darius Dobson, Garinger
Defensive backs: Nate Quinn, Kalik Kiser, Olympic; Van Smith, West Meck; Domonique Williams, West Meck; Bailey Crane, East Gaston; Tafon Mainsah, Catholic; Brittain King, Harding, Nishim Summers, Garinger
Defensive Specialist: Aaron Linton, Harding
Punter: DeMarcus Winston, Harding
Offensive player of the year: Elijah Hood, Catholic
Defensive player of the year: Renardo Jones, Garinger
Coach of the year: Jeff Caldwell, West Mecklenburg
Quarterbacks: Josh Stilley, Hough; Jalen Later, Vance; Tijuan Sifford, Hopewell; Josh Ladowski, Lake Norman
Running backs: Jaylen Samuel, Mallard Creek; Drean Long, Hough; Manny Johnson, Mooresville
Wide Receivers: Jorian Jordan, Mallard Creek; Sanders Poff, Hough; Nick Burrow, Hough; Rashaan Brown, Vance; Jermaine Sanders, Hopewell; Tahjai Watt, North Meck; Dre Howell, Mooresville; Trevor White, Mooresville
Offensive line: Tevin Lawshe, Mallard Creek; Keon Brewer, Vance; Zach Howder, Hopewell; Jason Sparrow, Hopewell; Will Davis, Lake Norman; Brendon Latham, Lake Norman; Sheldon Kinard, North Meck; Blake Porter, West Charlotte; Stephen Richards, West Charlotte
Defensive line: Brandon Fowler, Stephen Askhew, Lee Phelps, Mallard Creek; Blake Dueitt, Hough; Brandon Cassarino, Hough; Kirk Donaldson, Vance; Josh Williams, Vance; Josh Williams, Vance; Malcolm Surphlis, Lake Norman
Linebackers: Ilim Olive, Mallard Creek; Zach Boyd, Mallard Creek; Ryan Lemke, Hough; Tristen Spruill, Vance; Nick Dykema, Lake Norman; Ralph Montgomery, Mooresville; Brandon Dixon, West Charlotte
Defensive backs: Brian Walker, Anthony Covington, Mallard Creek; Akeem Barringer, Hough; Corey Bell, Hough; Nolan Corpening, Vance; Michael Zanders, Kailan Chavis, Hopewell; Jesse Seaford, Lake Norman; Karl Roberts, Adrian Byrd, North Meck; Demar Eaves, West Charlotte
Offensive player of the year: Marquez North, Mallard Creek
Defensive player of the year: Larenz Bryant, Vance
Special Teams player of the year: Dominique Heath, Hopewell
Punter of the year: Destry Barnwell, Hough
Kicker of the year: Tim Gawert, Hough
Coach of the year: Bobby Collins, Hough
Offensive line: Ray Brown, Ardrey Kell; Joseph Moody, Butler; Michael McCaughtry, Butler; Chasz Cosby, East Meck; Chris Wade, Independence; Tony Adams, Independence; Jack Knight, Myers Park; Logan McCloy, Providence; Michael Dunlevy, Rocky River; Brandon Floyd, South Meck
Running backs: Lawrence Pittman, East Meck; Isaiah Robinson, Independence; Jaquandon Alexander, Myers Park; Deron Davis, Rocky River
Quarterbacks: Jason Connella, Independence; Ross Jeffries, Myers Park
Wide Receivers: Reggie Woods, Ardrey Kell; Uriah LeMay, Butler; Dequan Barnes, Independence; Austin Proehl, Providence; Brandon Harris, Rocky River; Craig Thompson, South Meck
Tight Ends: Justin Streeter, Butler; Tyler Mayes East Meck
Kicker: David Meyer, Butler
Offensive Specialist: Andre Rice, Rocky River
Defensive Line: TJ Stubbs, Ardrey Kell; Grant Polofsky, Butler; Jalen Cousar, Butler; Drew Barrett, East Meck; Alex Crockett, Myers Park; Daniel Garces, Providence; Jaleel Roberts, Providence; Sam Bramlett, South Meck
Linebackers: Kalen Elkins, Ardrey Kell; Peter Kalambayi, Butler; Ahmek Henry, East Meck; Josh Walker, Independence; Tony Worthy, Independence; Jordan Bradley, Providence; Seth Johnson, Rocky River; Terrence Pearson, South Meck
Defensive backs: Channing Stribling, Butler; David Moore, Butler; Deion Washington, Independence; Adonis Alexander, Independence; Jaquaris Eaves, Myers Park; Josh Barringer, Providence; Sidney Lawson, Rocky River; Lamar Hood, Rocky River
Punter: David Marvin, East Meck
Defensive Specialist: Todjrei Graham, Butler
Co-defensive players of the year: Sean Wiggins, Butler; Jack Tocho, Independence
Offensive player of the year: Josh Glisson, Butler

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Touch of class by Porter Ridge High football team

After losing Friday’s N.C. 4A state championship in the final seconds, on a two-yard run from New Bern’s Jac Watkins, Porter Ridge’s players were understandably upset.

But after losing in the state finals for the second straight, by a score of 39-38, the Pirates applauded as a team when New Bern got its championship awards.


Afterwards, three different University of North Carolina workers reported to the N.C. High School Athletic Association that the Porter Ridge locker room was left in immaculate condition after the game.

The Pirates, while hurt and upset about the loss, picked up all their trash, thrown things away and even remembered to put the locker room stools back in their place.

It left quite an impression on the UNC facility staff.



Monday, December 3, 2012

Charlotte Catholic's Elijah Hood offered by Notre Dame

Two days after a disappointing N.C. 3AA championship loss to Northern Guilford, Charlotte Catholic -- and its star junior running back Elijah Hood -- got a bit of good news.

National No. 1 ranked Notre Dame offered a scholarship to Hood, a 6-foot-1 junior. Hood became the first Mecklenburg County running back to rush for more than 3,000 yards in one season. He set another county record with 48 touchdowns rushing.


Hood has also has scholarship offers from Clemson, East Carolina, Georgia Tech, Michigan, North Carolina, N.C. State, Stanford and Wake Forest.

He is being recruited both as a running back and a linebacker. 

“He’s got a motor that’s hard to believe,” Catholic coach Jim Oddo said last month. “I’d love to see him play running back in college. He’s a good linebacker now, but he’s gotten so much experience as a running back. He’s big and strong and fast. He’ll hit you, but he’s got a better feel as a back.”

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/11/22/3682589/charlotte-catholic-star-hood-excels.html#storylink=cpy






Sunday, December 2, 2012

Final results from Observer high school football predictions

Pick 7: The final results
All season, Observer staff writers and two guests have picked high school football games on Friday mornings. Here are the final results
Russ Owens, WCNC-36: 74-40
No Limit Larry, WPEG-FM: 72-42
Corey Inscoe, Observer/S. Charlotte News: 79-35
Sergio Tovar, Observer/Lake Norman News: 79-35
Langston Wertz Jr., Observer: 83-31

Monday, November 26, 2012

Final in-season Sweet 16 poll: Catholic rises, Butler holds at the top

There’s one week left in the 2012 high school football, and Butler’s Bulldogs are exactly where they were in August: at the top of the Observer’s Sweet 16 poll.

The Bulldogs, ranked as high as No. 6 nationally, beat nationally ranked Mallard Creek 27-6 to start the season and beat the Mavericks 27-0 in the state semifinals Friday. Butler has also beaten seven-time N.C. state champion Independence twice and ended East Forsyth’s unbeaten season. Many high school pundits predicted East Forsyth would win the state title.

Now, Butler has one more mission to complete its third unbeaten season in four years: defeat Fayetteville Britt in Saturday’s N.C. 4AA championship game in Chapel Hill.

Charlotte Catholic moved up a spot to a season high No. 2 after soundly beating Statesville in the N.C. 3AA semifinal. The Cougars play two-time state champ Northern Guilford in Winston-Salem in the 3AA finals Saturday.

Rk.School (No. 1 votes)Cl Rec Pts Prv
1. Butler (3) 4A 14-0 48 1
2. Charlotte Catholic 3A 13-1 44 3
3. Rock Hill Northwestern 4A 12-2 41 T4
4. Mallard Creek 4A 12-2 40 2
5. Porter Ridge 4A 13-1 35 7
6. Rock Hill South Pointe 4A 12-2 34 T4
7. East Lincoln 2A 15-0 29 T9
8. Statesville 3A 13-2 28 6
9. South Point 3A 12-1 23 8
10. Independence 4A 10-3 20 T9
11. Crest 3A 10-3 17 11
12. Charlotte Christian IND 9-3 16 12
13. Concord 3A 13-2 12 13
14. South Iredell 2A 13-2 11 16
15. Albemarle 1A 13-2 5 14
16. York, S.C. 4A 10-3 4 15

Dropped Out: None. Also receiving votes: None. For rules on the poll and eligible teams, visit charlotteobserver.com/preps; a three-man panel of Observer sportswriters voted.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

NCHSAA state football championships schedule

99th ANNUAL NCHSAA/BB&T STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS


KENAN STADIUM, CHAPEL HILL


CLASS 4-A CHAMPIONSHIP — Friday, 7:30 p.m.

NEW BERN HIGH SCHOOL BEARS (14-0)

vs.

PORTER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL PIRATES (13-1)



CLASS 4-AA CHAMPIONSHIP — Saturday, 11 a.m.

JACK BRITT HIGH SCHOOL BUCCANEERS (13-2)

vs.

DAVID BUTLER HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS (14-0)





BB&T FIELD, WINSTON-SALEM


CLASS 2-A CHAMPIONSHIP — Saturday, 11 a.m.

TARBORO HIGH SCHOOL VIKINGS (14-0)

vs.

EAST LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL MUSTANGS (15-0)



CLASS 3-A CHAMPIONSHIP — Saturday, 3 p.m.

HAVELOCK HIGH SCHOOL RAMS (14-1)

vs.

CONCORD HIGH SCHOOL SPIDERS (13-2)



CLASS 3-AA CHAMPIONSHIP — Saturday, 7 p.m.

NORTHERN GUILFORD HIGH SCHOOL NIGHTHAWKS (14-0)

vs.

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL COUGARS (13-1)



CARTER-FINLEY STADIUM, RALEIGH


CLASS 1-A CHAMPIONSHIP - Saturday, 11 a.m.

PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL VIKINGS (14-1)

vs.

MURPHY HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS (13-2)



CLASS 1-AA CHAMPIONSHIP — Saturday, 3 p.m.

SOUTHWEST ONSLOW HIGH SCHOOL STALLIONS (13-1)

vs.

SWAIN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL MAROON DEVILS (15-0)



CLASS 2-AA CHAMPIONSHIP — Saturday, 7 p.m.

CARRBORO HIGH SCHOOL JAGUARS (15-0)

vs.

SOUTH IREDELL HIGH SCHOOL VIKINGS (13-2)

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Butler's Peter Kalambayi is a finalist for Dick Butkus award

Butler High All-America linebacker Peter Kalambayi is a finalist for the 28th annual high school Butkus Award.

The award, given to high school, college and NFL players, honors the nation’s best linebackers. Finalists were selected by a panel of 51 coahes, scouts and journalists. Winners will be announced in early December.

Kalambayi is one of five high school finalists and the only one from the Carolinas.
Carolina Panthers rookie Luke Kuechly won the college version of the award last season when he was at Boston College.

Kalambayi, committed to Stanford, has 85 tackles, six sacks and nine tackles for a loss. He’s caused three fumbles and has one interception for the Bulldogs (13-0) who play Mallard Creek (12-1) in the N.C. 4AA Western Regional championship game Friday at Memorial Stadium.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

N.C. Soccer Coaches Assoc. all-state team

Here are area players who made the N.C. Soccer Coaches Association all-state team. The entire team is at ncsca.org
Private Schools: Reed Dowdy, Charlotte Latin, Sr, D; Nick Gardner, Charlotte Latin, Jr., K
1A: Taylor Easley, Lake Norman Charter, Sr., D; Lawson Owen, Lake Norman Charter, Sr., M; Christian Primm, Central Academy, Sr., D; David Synder, Thomas Jefferson, Sr., F; DJ Williams, Central Academy, Sr., D
2A: Bobby Cardelle, Salisbury, Jr., M; Ethan Good, Cuthbertson, Jr., D; Chandler Johnson, Newton-Conover, Sr., F; Dennis Rodriguez, Lincolnton, Sr., F; Omar Solis, South Iredell, Jr., F
3A: Jason Andrejchak, Robinson, Sr, F; Nick Brandt, Weddington, Sr., D; Andrew Burton, St. Stephens, So., D; Nick Fuller, Ashbrook, Sr., M; Will Green, Marvin Ridge, Jr., D; Ronnie Hernandez, Ashbrook, Sr., M; Brendan McDonough, Charlotte Catholic, So., M; Jake Miller, Charlotte Catholic, So., M; Uriel Rebollar, Robinson, Sr, M; Carlos Sevilla, Hickory, Sr., M; Marcos Vargas, Hickory, Jr., D; Ze Yang, West Iredell, Sr., D
4A: Hussein Ali, Myers Park, Sr., M; Michael Basnett, Hough, Jr., F; Jake Chasteen, Watauga, Jr., K; Emmett Horton, Myers Park, Sr., D; James Jackson, Hough, Sr., M; Josh Laney, South Meck, Sr., D; Connor Kirby, Providence, Jr., D; Pablo Orozco, Garinger, Sr., D; Axel Rojas, South Meck, Jr, F; Cole Tesar, Hopewell, Jr., F

Monday, November 19, 2012

Friday's Butler-Mallard Creek game to be shown live on TW Cable

Time Warner Cable will broadcast Friday's Butler-Mallard Creek game at Memorial Stadium live. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. in the N.C. 4AA Western Regional championship game.

Time Warner Cable will also show the Eastern regional final between Garner and Fayetteville Britt Friday.

The games will be available on Time Warner Cable's Special Events Channels (520 and 521). They will also be streamed at news14.com

The regional championship winners will meet Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. in Chapel Hill for the N.C. 4AA championship. That game will be televised live on Time Warner Cable's News 14.

The other seven state championship games, to be held Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, will be streamed live on news14.com and some will be shown on the special events channels (520, 521).

South Iredell back into Observer's Sweet 16 football poll

South Iredell is back in the Observer’s Sweet 16 football poll.

South Iredell was No. 16 in preseason but the 2A school lost its second game of the season 30-20 to then unranked Statesville.

Statesville, a 3A school, is No. 6 in the Sweet 16 now and will play host to No. 3 Charlotte Catholic Friday in the N.C. 3AA Western Regional championship game.

After losing to Statesville, South Iredell won seven straight games before losing 31-21 to Newton-Conover. After that, however, South has been on a roll, winning four straight games and scoring at least 45 points in three of them.

Friday, South Iredell plays at Salisbury (11-2) in the N.C. 2AA Western Regional championship game.

The top of the poll didn’t change much. South Point dipped from No. 3 to No. 8 after losing its unbeaten season at home last week to Statesville. Butler and Mallard Creek are No. 1 and No. 2, the way they began the season, and the two national powers meet Friday in the state semifinals at Memorial Stadium.

Rk. School (No. 1 votes) Cl    Rec    Pts    Prv
1. Butler (3)    4A    13-0    48    1
2. Mallard Creek    4A    12-1    45    2
3. Charlotte Catholic    3A    12-1    40    3
T4. Rock Hill Northwestern    4A    11-2    37    5
T4. Rock Hill South Pointe    4A    12-1    37    6
6. Statesville    3A    13-1    35    7
7. Porter Ridge    4A    12-1    31    8
8. South Point    3A    12-1    27    3
T9. East Lincoln    2A    14-0    20    9
T9. Independence    4A    10-3    20    9
11. Crest    3A    10-3    19    11
12. Charlotte Christian    IND     9-3    15    12
13. Concord    3A    12-2    11    16
14. Albemarle    1A    13-1    8    14
15. York, SC.    4A    10-3    6    13
16. South Iredell    2A    12-2    5    NR

Dropped Out: Sun Valley (4A, 9-4). Also receiving votes: Sun Valley (4A, 9-4). For rules on the poll and eligible teams, visit charlotteobserver.com/preps; a three-man panel of Observer sportswriters voted.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Green Hope shuts out Myers Park, wins NC 4A soccer title

RALEIGH -- Green Hope scored the only goals of the game in the final 14 minutes as the Falcons won their second consecutive North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 4-A men's soccer championship, beating Charlotte Myers Park 2-0 at Dail Soccer Field at North Carolina State University on Saturday afternoon.

The contest was a rematch of last year's 4-A state championship, in which Green Hope prevailed 2-1 in overtime.

Green Hope senior goalkeeper Sam Bissette, a 6-4 junior who made six saves and a couple of the spectacular variety, was named the championship Most Valuable Player. He helped keep Myers Park at bay, especially in the first half when the Mustangs seemed to have the edge in play, and then secured two saves on point-blank shots in the second half.

Green Hope captain Joshua Kennedy finally broke the scoreless tie in the 66th minute off an assist from Cole Dixon to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead. Then in the game's final two minutes with Myers Park pressing forward, Zack Compton got loose on a breakaway and put it in near post to secure the victory. Compton had come on as a sub in the second half.

The Falcons had eight shots on goal to seven for Myers Park, and the Falcons had two corner kick opportunities to one for the Mustangs.

The Falcons finished with a record of 24-2 and won their second NCHSAA crown in four trips to the championship match. Myers Park ended the year 20-4, with the Mustangs making their third consecutive appearance in the finals and sixth overall. Myers Park won its only soccer title in 2008.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

West Charlotte's Kennedy Meeks to choose UNC or Georgetown Friday

West Charlotte High All-America center Kennedy Meeks will pick a college Friday night.

Meeks, ranked No. 20 nationally among seniors by ESPN, will choose UNC or Georgetown. He will announce his decision live on ESPNU, his aunt, Brenda Richmond told the Observer.


The Observer profiled Meeks -- and his decision -- on Sunday. Click here to read that article.


Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/11/13/3663887/wintering-is-red-hot-in-season.html#storylink=cpy

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Charlotte-area college signees

Here are area college signees reported to the Observer:


Ardrey Kell: Brandon Donahue (Wingate, baseball); Allyson Markiewicz (Wofford, women’s golf); Emily Stinson (App. State, women’s golf); Aleisha Murrell (St. Andrews, women’s cross-country)
Berry: Milan Quinn (Wake Forest, women’s basketball); Jessica Marcus (Georgia Southern, women’s basketball); Cazmon Hayes (Delaware, basketball)
Carson: Sidney Grkman (UNC-G, softball); Kelly Dulkoski (Kennesaw St., women's basketball); Allison Blackwell (Catawba, women's basketball); Courtney Bisbe (NC State, women's gymnastics)
Charlotte Christian: Sydel Curry (Elon, volleyball); Rebecca Harris (Va. Tech, women’s tennis); Matt Simmons (Gardner-Webb, baseball); Patrick Haynes (Wingate, baseball); Bailey Ober (College of Charleston, baseball); Giselle Bailey (Harvard, women’s basketball); Patrick Rooks (Clemson, basketball)
Charlotte Latin: Michael Chadwick (Missouri, men’s swimming); Eve Davis (NC State, women’s volleyball); Ashley Dyke (Texas Christian, swimming); Emma Price (Belmont University, women’s volleyball); Louis Tonon (Mount St. Mary’s, men’s tennis)
Concord: Sarah Bertram (Gardner-Webb, Women's Golf), Brianna Clark (Pfeiffer, Women's Swimming)
Country Day: Mattie Newson (Samford University, Volleyball); Paul Barnhill (Furman University, Baseball); Patrick Brady (United States Naval Academy, Baseball)
Cox Mill: Meredith Furr (Catawba College, Volleyball)
Cuthbertson: Drake Zupcic (App. State, baseball); Andrew Hendel (Western Carolina, baseball); Nick Contafio (Charleston Southern, baseball); Austin Pierce (Limestone, baseball); Kara Salvo (West Carolina, softball); Jessica Weber (Eastern Illinois, softball); Kalli Karas (Wofford, women’s tennis); Margaret Brown (UNC, women’s gymnastics)
Forestview: Will Long (Auburn, golf)
Fred T. Foard: Addison Bolick (Belmont Abbey, softball); Mackenzie Dziendziel (Belmont Abbey, softball); Jake Pierce (East Carolina, men's swimming); Ashlyn Setzer (Lenoir-Rhyne, women's golf); Lexi Shubert (USC-Upstate, softball)
Hickory: Zach Jarrett (Charlotte, baseball)
Hough: Jack Manchester (Harvard, swimming); Peyton White (Ohio, golf); Clay Brown (ECU, golf); Kayla Hall (College of Charleston, softball)
Lake Norman:  Kayla McGuffey (Morehead, softball); Shelby Bailey (Transylvania, softball); Dominique Wilson (NC Central, softball)
Lincoln Charter: Sarah Kenley (Lenoir-Rhyne, softball); David Scoggins (Liberty, baseball)
Mallard Creek: Kirk Morgan (ECU, baseball)
Marvin Ridge: Madison Arroyo (Mississippi St., softball); Peyton Jordan (UNC-Wilmington, softball)
Metrolina Christian: Tyrell Nelson (Gardner-Webb, basketball)
Mount Pleasant: Nick Coble (Liberty, baseball)
Northwest Cabarrus: Tanner Bigham (North Carolina, Baseball); Jordan Goodman (Catawba College, Baseball); Grayson Miller (Belmont Abbey,  Baseball)
Olympic: Emily Lopez (UNC-Greeensboro, softball); B.J. Gladden (Akron, basketball);
Piedmont: Parker VonEgidy (Missouri, wrestling); Colby Barnette (UNC, baseball); John Elwood (Pfeiffer, baseball); Micaela Hayes (Queen’s, softball)
Providence Day: Davis Bateman (UNC, golf); Ja’da Brayboy (UNC-Asheville, women’s basketball); Andrew Burnick (Penn, baseball); Christian Cichan (Purdue, golf); Samantha Light (ECU, women’s tennis); Steve Onak (Sienna, lacrosse)
South Rowan:  Eric Tyler (East Carolina University, baseball)
United Faith: Alec Wintering (Portland, basketball); Courtney Leighton (N.C. State, women’s gymnastics)
Weddington: Alex Bostic (Clemson, Baseball); Jeremy Schellhorn (UNC Charlotte, Baseball)

Monday, November 12, 2012

Sun Valley, Concord join Observer's Sweet 16 football poll

Sun Valley and Concord are back in the Observer’s Sweet high school football poll this week.

The N.C. public schools are down to the quarterfinal round and Sun Valley’s Spartans and Concord’s Spiders both qualified with resounding playoff wins Friday.

Sun Valley went to Hudson and got five rushing touchdowns from sophomore running back Albert Funderburk to beat previously unbeaten South Caldwell 56-35 in the 4A playoffs. Concord QB B.J. Beecher went over 10,000 career yards passing in a 55-30 win over West Rowan in the 3A playoffs.
West Rowan had knocked Concord out of the playoffs the previous two years.

The top of the poll remained unchanged. Butler and Mallard Creek are No. 1 and No. 2, and if both teams can win Friday -- Butler at Memorial Stadium against unbeaten East Forsyth and Mallard Creek at home against fast-rising Olympic -- the two N.C. powers would play in the state semifinals in two weeks.

Butler is up one spot to No. 7 in MaxPreps national poll. The Bulldogs are No. 6 in ESPN’s poll and they are up to No. 5 in USA Today's national poll.

The Sweet 16
Rk. School (No. 1 votes) Cl    Rec    Pts    Prv

1. Butler (3)    4A    12-0    48    1
2. Mallard Creek    4A    11-1    45    2
3. South Point    3A    12-0    40    3
4. Charlotte Catholic    3A    11-1    38    3
5. Rock Hill Northwestern    4A    10-2    35    5
6. Rock Hill South Pointe    4A    11-1    34    6
7. Statesville    3A    12-1    31    7
8. Porter Ridge    4A    11-1    29    8
9. East Lincoln    2A    13-0    20    12
10. Independence    4A    10-3    18    10
11. Crest    3A    10-3    17    9
12. Charlotte Christian    IND     9-3    16    15
13. York S.C.    4A    10-2    15    14
14. Albemarle    1A    12-1    10    16
15. Sun Valley    4A    9-3    6    NR
16. Concord    3A    11-2    5    NR

Dropped Out: Hickory Ridge (3A, 11-2), South Caldwell (4A, 12-1). Also receiving votes: South Caldwell (4A, 12-1); A.L. Brown (3A, 10-3). For rules on the poll and eligible teams, visit charlotteobserver.com/preps; a three-man panel of Observer sportswriters voted.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Concussions not limited to football, experts warn

Concussions are commonly associated with big bodies, big hits and football.

But that sort of thinking puts children in jeopardy, said Dr. Robert Cantu, one of the world’s leading experts on traumatic brain injuries, because concussions also occur in soccer, baseball, softball and even cheerleading. And it doesn’t take a big hit to the head to cause a concussion, he said.

“No head trauma is a good head trauma,” Cantu said in a recent interview from Boston. “If I could pick one thing that I wish everyone understood, it would be that no head trauma is a good head trauma.”

More than 4 million sports- and recreation-related concussions are identified each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but Cantu said many times that number go undiagnosed.

Football and ice hockey have the highest risk of concussion among young players. A recent study indicated that there are approximately 67,000 diagnosed concussions among high school football players each year, but Cantu, whose new book “Concussions and Our Kids” stresses that common sense solutions can make sports safer for young athletes, wants parents and coaches to understand that concussions occur regularly in many sports.

According to Cantu:

• The person at the top of a cheerleader pyramid is 10 times more likely to suffer a concussion or a catastrophic injury than a football player. “I can’t imagine many things as risky as throwing someone 20 feet in the air with only a few sets of arms between her and a hardwood floor,” Cantu writes.

The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research at the University of North Carolina noted that there were two high school cheerleading catastrophic injuries during the 2009-2010 school year and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons estimated there were 10,000 concussions in 2011 among cheerleaders, gymnasts and dancers.

• Head-first slides and helmets without straps should be banned in baseball.

• More high school soccer players had concussions in 2010 than basketball, baseball, wrestling and softball players combined, according to the Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) in Columbus, Ohio. Female high school soccer players suffered 25,953 concussions in 2010 and males had 20,247. For comparison, male basketball players had 11,013 concussions.

Chin straps for batting helmets?

A concussion is a disruption of the normal chemical activity in the brain and is caused by the brain being jarred. Concussions can cause sensitivity to light or sound, headaches, loss of memory, dizziness, balance problems, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, difficulty in concentration and other problems. Concussion symptoms disappear within seven to 10 days in approximately 80 percent of cases, but symptoms may remain for weeks, months and, occasionally, for years.


Cantu said 90 percent of the soccer-related concussions that he treats are related to heading accidents and he believes eliminating heading in soccer until players are 14 years old would move soccer from among the most dangerous sports for concussions to among the safest.
Cantu said he is not so concerned about the ball hitting the players’ heads (only 7 percent of female soccer injuries come from head-to-ball contact, according to the CIRP), but he is very concerned with elbows, shoulders, knees, heads and other body parts smashing into players’ heads as they attempt to head the ball.
.
In baseball and softball, sliding head-first is inherently dangerous and should be eliminated on the youth level, said Cantu, who is chief of neurosurgery and chairman of the Department of Surgery at Emerson Hospital in Concord, Mass. The chance of the ball and the head arriving at the same moment or the head crashing into another player are too great to allow the use of head-first slides, he said.

The danger is heightened by the use of helmets that can easily fall off during play. Why don’t baseball batting helmets have a chin strap?

“Probably because helmets have always been made without a strap,” he said. “If helmets were made by someone who had operated on a hematoma in a child’s brain, the helmets would have straps.”
Cantu also said all field hockey and lacrosse players should wear helmets.

“Does anyone really believe the girls are safer because they don’t have a helmet on?” Cantu said.
Despite arguments by some in the sports that there would be more blows to the head if field hockey players and female lacrosse players wore helmets, Cantu believes that if you hand athletes sticks and encourage them to swing them, there has to be protection for the head. “But helmets eventually will be mandatory in these two sports,” he said. “There are too many facial injuries, fractured skulls and concussions that could have been prevented. The change will be made soon, so why not make it now?”

Long-term impact

Cantu doesn’t want children to stop playing sports but he wants them to play as safely as possible.
Children are much more susceptible to concussions than adults. Their heads are proportionately larger and their brains still are developing. Cantu is emphatic that children younger than 14 should not play collision sports. He believes ice hockey should ban contact in leagues for children until age 14 and that children shouldn’t play tackle football until they are 14.

“By age fourteen, our necks are strong and our overall strength is sufficient to keep the head steady when slammed at the line of scrimmage,” he writes. “Brains have matured too.”

Other experts, including the University of North Carolina’s Kevin Guskiewicz, believe it may be safer to begin athletes in football at an earlier age when they are playing against players their own size and age. Proper techniques can be developed more safely under these circumstances, he said.

Guskiewicz notes the huge difference in size and strength among high school players can pose increased risks of head injury if athletes do not learn proper techniques earlier in their athletic careers.
In his book, Cantu tells stories of parents who protested his prescribed period of limited physical activity to give the brain time to heal, because the recovery period would take the child out of the lineup.

Cantu stressed that proper care is needed and that all concussions should be taken seriously. A parent who urges a young athlete to ignore headaches and other concussion symptoms is putting their child at risk.

“It is important for children to be involved in sports,” Cantu said. “I enjoy sports very much. But we need to keep the proper perspective. The child’s status on the team isn’t as important as their health. Sports are great. They can teach great values. But parents have to think about the health of their child.”

-- Tim Stevens, Raleigh News & Observer
 
-- Tim Stevens, Raleigh News and Observer
Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/11/10/2475302/high-school-concussions-are-not.html#storylink=cpy


Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/11/10/2475302/high-school-concussions-are-not.html#storylink=cpy

Updated high school football pairings



Saturday’s Fourth Round Pairings

Fourth round results

4A West: South Meck at Myers Park; Skyland Roberson at Watauga

Tuesday’s regional final: South Meck/Myers Park vs. Roberson/Watauga

3A West: Catholic at Weddington, 7; Enka at Hickory

Tuesday’s regional final: Catholic/Weddington vs. Enka/Hickory

2A West: Newton-Conover at S. Iredell; Trinity at Cuthbertson

Tuesday’s regional final: Newton/S. Iredell vs. Trinity/Cuthbertson

1A West: Lake Norman Charter at East Montgomery; Hendersonville at Elkin

Tuesday’s regional final: LN Charter/East vs. Hendersonville/Elkin




Quarterfinal pairings

4AA West: E. Forsyth vs Butler, Memorial Stadium; Olympic at Mallard Creek

4A West: Mt Tabor at N. Davidson; Sun Valley at Porter Ridge

3AA West: A.L. Brown at Charlotte Catholic; Statesville at South Point

3A West: E. Rowan at Concord; Freedom at Burns

2AA West: Salisbury at High Point Andrews; Bandys at S. Iredell

2A West: Thomasville at E. Lincoln; Shelby at Madison

1AA West: Monroe at Mt Airy; Hendersonville at Swain

1A West: E. Columbus at Albemarle; Rosman at Murphy

NCISAA Division II final: Davidson Day at Arden Christ School

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Victory Christian to play for its first state championship Friday

Victory Christian has long been a high school basketball power, winning multiple girls and boys basketball state championships.

Friday, the Kings will try to win their first state football title.

The Kings (8-3) will play SouthLake Christian at the Victory Christian stadium in west Charlotte Friday at 7:30 p.m. Victory, in its eighth season, was the top seed in the Division III state playoffs.

Victory beat Trinity Christian 21-12 in the semifinals.

 “The children have grown in all facets of the game, both physically during the offseason in strength training and mentally, in terms of their understanding of how to execute game strategies," said Kings coach Dee Brown. "The team’s camaraderie and accountability for each other is light years from where they were last year.”

Brown's team only has 25 players, but said the team's strong fan base helps the Kings feel like they have more players than that.

 “We only have 25 players," he said, "but it’s 25 of the right childrens. “The fan presence feeds the children’s adrenalin. When fans sacrifice a night to support the children, they play even harder.”

Monday, November 5, 2012

W. Charlotte basketball star Kennedy Meeks will play at UNC or Georgetown

West Charlotte All-American center Kennedy Meeks told the Observer Monday night that he will play college basketball at Georgetown or North Carolina.

ESPN national recruiting analyst Dave Telep ranks Meeks the nation's No. 19 overall recruit and the No. 1 center. Meeks is 6-foot-9 and 285 pounds.

Meeks has led West Charlotte to three straight N.C. 4A Western Regional championship games and two straight N.C. 4A state finals. West Charlotte won the 2011 state title with Meeks as MVP.

Meeks said he was thinking about making a final decision this month but said he may not be ready by then.

He did say, however, that his college basketball future will be with the Tar Heels or Hoyas.

"I just felt like I had the best opportunity with those two," Meeks said of UNC and Georgetown. "If I was to stay two years and leave (for the NBA), I know I could come back and still get my education. Basketball-wise, both schools have good coaches and great teams."

West Meck QB Jalan McClendon cleared to play at Olympic

West Mecklenburg High quarterback Jalan McClendon has been cleared by the N.C. High School Athletic Association to play in Friday’s N.C. 4AA second round playoff game at Olympic.

Officials removed McClendon from Friday’s 45-10 upset at Hough after he scored a touchdown and imitated Carolina Panther QB Cam Newton’s “Superman” touchdown celebration.

NCHSAA supervisor of officials Mark Dreibelbis told the Observer Monday that officials did not eject McClendon for taunting, which would’ve triggered a two-game suspension. Drebelbis said McClendon was disqualified for an unsportsmanlike act, which just meant he had to sit out the remainder of the game.

Butler All-American receiver Uriah LeMay was ejected from the Bulldogs’ 33-14 win over Independence Oct. 26 for taunting. LeMay sat out the Bulldogs 49-0 win over West Forsyth Friday, and he’ll serve the second of his two-game suspension when Butler plays Independence at Memorial Stadium in a second round playoff this week.
West Meck coach Jeff Caldwell said he was elated to be able to use his quarterback this week.

“It’s a good learning experience for him,” Caldwell said. “With him being in the position he’s in, he should know better. He’s a young kid. My kids have never been in a situation like this before. I’m just happy for Jalan and that it came it out alright. I’m glad he wasn’t severely punished for something where he was just having fun. He’s not the taunting type. At Tennessee (team camp) this summer, they were always asking ‘Why don’t you get excited?’”

McClendon, a 6-foot-4, 194-pound junior has scholarship offers from North Carolina, Duke and Wake Forest, Caldwell said. South Carolina has invited McClendon and Hawks’ tailback Shaun Wilson to campus for unofficial visits. Tennessee is also recruiting McClendon, who has thrown for 1,235 yards and nine touchdowns this season. He’s led West Meck to a 9-3 record, its best since 1988. Friday was West Meck’s first playoff win since 1989.

South Iredell's Kaitlyn Kent named Wendy's N.C. Heisman Winner

From staff reports:

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 5, 2012) – Two of North Carolina’s most outstanding high school seniors were honored with distinguished recognition as State Winners of the 2012 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. Kaitlyn Kent of South Iredell High School in Statesville and John Tworney-Kozak of Orange High School in Hillsborough will now go on to compete for the national award that celebrates their hard work, dedication and exceptional records in athletics, academics and community leadership.

“Colleges want well-rounded students and with admissions growing more selective, a national award like the Wendy’s High School Heisman can really help students stand out,” said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Trophy winner. “Kaitlyn and John are inspirations to others in their school and community, and we’re honored to welcome them into the Heisman family.”


Awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, the Wendy’s High School Heisman, now in its 19th year, has set the standard for high school student-athletes and gained tremendous prestige among universities and colleges nationwide.


Kent and Tworney-Kozak were chosen from 45,000 applicants, surviving rounds that narrowed contenders to one male and one female winner from each school, and then to North Carolina’s respected group of 20 State Finalists.

Student Name
Gender
Student High School
Hometown
Kaitlyn Kent
Female
South Iredell High School
Statesville, NC
Gisele Bailey
Female
Charlotte Christian School
Charlotte, NC
Rachel Moore
Female
Andrews High School
Andrews, NC
Jordan Brown
Female
Randleman High School
Randleman, NC
Chandler Borton
Female
R.J. Reynolds High School
Winston Salem, NC
Cassidy Brown
Female
Providence Grove High School
Climax, NC
Keri Fulp
Female
East Surry High School
Pilot Mountain, NC
Brenna Grass
Female
Swansboro High School
Swansboro, NC
Kalen Perry
Female
Croatan High School
Newport, NC
Rachael Johnson
Female
Clyde A Erwin High School
Asheville, NC
Joseph Nelli
Male
Ashbrook High School
Gastonia, NC
Logan Jackson
Male
Marvin Ridge High School
Waxhaw, NC
Keegan Pardon
Male
Hickory Christian High School
Hickory, NC
Jason Ozment
Male
Wheatmore High School
Trinity, NC
Matthew Madigan
Male
Mount Tabor High School
Winston Salem, NC
Blake Covington
Male
Reidsville High School
Reidsville, NC
Grant Rivers
Male
Hendersonville High School
Hendersonville, NC
John Cook
Male
North Raleigh Christian Academy
Raleigh, NC
John Tworney-Kozak
Male
Orange High School
Hillsborough, NC
Chase Arrington
Male
Lee County Senior High School
Sanford, NC



Kent and Tworney-Kozak will compete against winners from other regions across the country for a chance to be named one of 12 National Finalists in Wendy’s annual quest to find the nation’s top scholar-athletes. These 12 outstanding students will go on to compete for the National Winner title in New York City on December 7. National Finalists will be featured during a televised ceremony on ESPN networks and will receive gold medals and $2,000 awards for their high schools. One male and one female National Winner will each receive a crystal Wendy’s High School Heisman trophy, a $500 Wendy’s gift card, and a donation from Wendy’s in the amount of $10,000 to their respective high school. Additionally, the winners will be recognized during the collegiate Heisman Trophy broadcast December 8 on ESPN

Saturday, November 3, 2012

State volleyball roundup: Carson falls in 3A finals

CARDINAL GIBBONS SWEEPS JESSE CARSON IN NCHSAA 3A VOLLEYBALL FINAL
            RALEIGH-- Middle blocker Haleigh Nelson was a force as Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons won its fourth consecutive North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 3-A volleyball championship on Saturday afternoon at Reynolds Coliseum on the N.C. State campus.
            Gibbons swept China Grove Jesse Carson in three straight by 26-24, 25-18 and 25-20.
            Nelson, who will continue her career at the University of Wisconsin, was named the championship match Most Valuable Player. The 6-3 senior recorded 12 kills and the Crusaders also got excellent play from freshman Briley Brind'Amour, who had 15 kills. Junior libero Biance Gartner had 13 digs for the winners.
            Senior middle hitter Amiee Cloninger had 12 kills for Jesse Carson and setter Michaela White was credited with 16 digs.
            Gibbons finished the season 21-3 and improved its mark in NCHSAA volleyball finals to 7-1. Carson, making its first trip ever to the championship and seeking its first state team title in any sport, ended its best year ever at 35-4.


NORTH SURRY OUTLASTS SOUTH GRANVILLE IN DRAMATIC 2A FINAL
             RALEIGH-- Junior middle hitter Malaya Johnson was named the Most Valuable Player as she helped lead North Surry to a dramatic five-set victory over South Granville for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 2-A volleyball championship at Reynolds Coliseum on the N.C. State campus.
            North Surry seemed to be in command, taking the first two sets 25-19 and  26-24, before South Granville stormed back to even the match with 25-19 and 25-16 victories. But the Greyhounds prevailed in the decisive set, finally winning 19-17.
            Johnson had 12 kills and 12 blocks for the winners while Kristina Rumplasch added 11 kilds. The Greyhound Abby Golding was credited with 21 digs.
            Senior outside hitter Mary Catherine Preddy led South Granville with 18 kills and Logan Bradshaw added 10.
            North Surry finished the year at 33-2 and was in the championship match for the third time. The Greyhounds had beaten Hillsborough Cedar Ridge for the 2009 2-A title and were the state runners-up back in 1988. South Granville, in its first volleyball championship, wound up 22-6.


NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
37TH ANNUAL STATE VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Reynolds Coliseum, North Carolina State University

SATURDAY'S RESULTS

CLASS AA CHAMPIONSHIP
North Surry def. South Granville 25-19, 26-24, 19-25, 16-25, 19-17

CLASS AAA CHAMPIONSHIP
Cardinal Gibbons def. Jesse Carson 26-24, 25-18,

Friday, November 2, 2012

Providence Day's girls basketball Super Showcase is Saturday

Providence Day will hold its fifth Girls Basketball Super Scrimmage Saturday. There are 24 teams invited, many of which are expected to be state title contenders. Last year’s event drew more than 40 college coaches. Admission is $5.

The schedule:
Site: MAC #1 MAC #2 Ridenhour
8:30 SW Guilford VS Greensboro Day SCAIL VS RJ Reynolds New Hope Christian VS Bishop
9:20 S. Alamance VS Durham Hillside Providence Day VS Forestview Dudley VS East Burke
10:10 Wilkes Central VS Wheatmore Davie County VS Charlotte Latin Southlake Christian VS Freedom
11:00 Jordan VS Scotland Co. Country Day VS Porter Ridge Watauga VS Mt. Tabor
11:50 RJ Reynolds VS Greensboro Day East Burke VS Forestview SW Guilford VS SCAIL
12:40 Providence Day VS Dudley New Hope Christian VS S. Alamance Durham Hillside VS Bishop
1:30 Wilkes Central VS Davie County Charlotte Latin VS Wheatmore Southlake Christian VS Jordan
2:20 Scotland Co. VS Freedom Country Day VS Watauga Mt. Tabor VS Porter Ridge
3:10 Providence Day VS East Burke Forestview VS Dudley SW Guilford VS RJ Reynolds
4:00 Greensboro Day VS SCAIL New Hope Christian VS Durham Hillside Porter Ridge VS Watauga
4:50 Wilkes Central VS Charlotte Latin Bishop VS S. Alamance Wheatmore VS Davie County
5:40 Freedom VS Jordan Country Day VS Mt. Tabor Southlake Christian VS Scotland Co.



Wednesday, October 31, 2012

West Meck football coach Jeff Caldwell for president?

Look, I'm not trying to tell the ME-GA 7 conference coaches who they should vote for conference coach of the year. There are a lot of great candidates. Jim Oddo of Catholic won another league title. Barry Shuford of Olympic built a team into a contender that should've surprised a lot of people.

But my pick for the conference coach of the year would be West Meck's Jeff Caldwell.

Now in his third season, Caldwell has given West Mecklenburg its best season since 2007, when the Hawks were 8-4.

West Meck (8-3) plays at Sweet 16 No. 14 Hough (9-2) in its opening round N.C. 4AA playoff game Friday night at 7:30.

Caldwell's first team in 2010 was 2-9. The year before he got there, West Meck was 1-10.

Caldwell's second team was 4-7 in 2011. Returning 12 starters from that team this year, including 6-4 junior QB Jalan McClendon, Caldwell thought West Meck could compete for a conference championship this season.

The Hawks finished third in the league behind Catholic and Olympic, but Caldwell appears to have West Meck firmly headed in the right direction.

If West Meck can beat Hough Friday, it would be the most wins by a Hawks team since West Meck (then called the "Indians") went 10-1 in 1988.

That's why if anyone asked me who I'm voting for in the league coach of the year race, I'm leaning -- heavy -- towards Caldwell.

West Meck year-by-year records since 1988 (provided by Carolina Preps)

2012: 8-3
2011: 4-7
2010: 2-9
2009: 1-10
2008: 5-7
2007: 8-4
2006: 4-8
2005: 3-9
2004: 8-4
2003: 1-10
2002: 6-6
2001: 6-5
2000: 1-9
1999: 1-9
1998: 6-4
1997: 8-3
1996: 5-6
1995: 7-5
1994: 6-4
1993: 5-5
1992: 5-5
1991: 6-4
1990: 7-4
1989: 8-4
1988: 10-1

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Final Regular-Season AP Football Poll

BC-FBH--North Carolina Prep Poll, 2012 Final Poll
¶   AP prep football poll for N.C.
¶   AP prep football poll for North Carolina, 2012 Final Poll
¶   By The Associated Press
¶   RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) _ The Associated Press state high school football poll for the week of October 30, first-place votes in parentheses, records and total points as voted upon by a statewide panel of prep sports writers:
^Class 4-A=
† 1. Matthews Butler (13)           (10-0) 130 1
† 2. New Bern                       (10-0) 113 2
† 3. Charlotte Mallard Creek        (9-1)  96 4
† 4. Garner                         (11-0) 82 5
† 5. East Forsyth                   (11-0) 79 6
† 6. Scotland County                (9-1)  68 8
† 7. North Davidson                 (10-0) 45 7
† 8. Richmond County                (9-1)  36 3
† 9. Raleigh Leesville Road         (10-0) 26 10
†10. Indian Trail Porter Ridge      (9-1)  16 9
¶ 
¶   Others receiving 10 or more points: Wilmington New Hanover 11. <
^Class 3-A=
† 1. Northern Guilford (12)         (10-0) 129 1
† 2. Belmont South Point            (10-0) 107 2
† 3. Havelock (1)                   (10-1) 105 3
† 4. Statesville                    (10-1) 86 4
† 5. Wilson Hunt                    (10-0) 73 5
† 6. Charlotte Catholic             (9-1)  67 6
† 7. Erwin Triton                   (10-0) 51 8
† 8. Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons       (10-0) 29 T9
† 9. Clayton Cleveland              (10-1) 22 T9
†10. Hickory Ridge                  (10-1) 12 NR
¶ 
¶   Others receiving 10 or more points: Shelby Crest 10. <
^Class 2-A=
† 1. Tarboro (13)                   (10-0)  130 1
† 2. Jacksonville Northside         (11-0)  112 2
† 3. East Lincoln                   (11-0)  103 3
† 4. Edenton Holmes                 (10-0)  90 4
† 5. Carrboro                       (11-0)  83 5
† 6. South Iredell                  (9-2)   46 8
† 7. Reidsville                     (9-2)   40 10
† 8. East Duplin                    (9-2)   31 7
† 9. Boonville Starmount            (9-1)   25 6
†10. High Point Andrews             (9-1)   21 NR
¶ 
¶   Others receiving 10 or more points: Elizabeth City Northeastern 10. <
^Class 1-A=
† 1. Swain County (11)              (11-0)  128 1
† 2. Warsaw Kenan (2)               (10-0)  113 2
† 3. Southwest Onslow               (9-1)   90 4
† 4. Albemarle                      (10-1)  84 6
† 5. Hendersonville                 (10-1)  82 5
† 6. Murphy                         (9-2)   66 3
† 7. Plymouth                       (10-1)  49 7
† 8. Goldsboro                      (9-1)   42 9
† 9. Mt. Airy                       (10-1)  38 10
†10. Ayden-Grifton                  (8-2)   8  8
¶ 
¶   Others receiving 10 or more points: None.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 poll welcomes Charlotte Christian and York

Charlotte Christian coach Jason Estep intentionally front-loaded his team’s football schedule this season.

The Knights had a young group and Estep wanted to give them some experience against strong competition, even if it meant a slow start. Christian started the season 2-3, but now Estep’s strategy looks like it may be beginning to pay off.

Charlotte Christian beat reigning state champion Providence Day at home Friday to win the Charlotte Independent Schools’ conference championship. The Knights also handed private state power Charlotte Country Day its only loss of the season.

Both of those wins were on the road.

For its work, the Knights won the conference and also won the No. 1 seed for the N.C. Independent Schools Division I state championship tournament, which begins Friday. Christian, which will host Charlotte Latin, also moved into the Sweet 16 at No. 16 this week.

Also moving into the poll was York, which rejoined after a few weeks out. York upset previous No. 2 Rock Hill South Pointe 31-17 Friday.


Rk. School (No. 1 votes) Cl    Rec    Pts    Prv
1. Butler (3)    4A    10-0    48    1
2. Mallard Creek    4A    9-1    45    3
T3. Charlotte Catholic    3A    9-1    39    5
T3. South Point    3A    10-0    39    T6
5. Rock Hill Northwestern    4A    8-2    35    T6
6. Rock Hill South Pointe    4A    9-1    33    2
7. Statesville    3A    10-1    32    8
8. Porter Ridge    4A    9-1    27    T9
9. Crest    3A    9-2    24    4
10. Independence    4A    9-2    21    T9
11. Hickory Ridge    3A    10-1    17    12
12. South Caldwell    4A    11-0    15    13
13. East Lincoln    2A    10-0    12    T14
14. Hough    4A    9-2    8    11
15. York, SC    4A    8-2    7    NR
16. Charlotte Christian    IND    7-3    2    NR

Dropped Out: A.L. Brown (3A, 8-3), Charlotte Country Day (IND, 9-1). Also receiving votes: Albemarle (1A, 10-1), Charlotte Country Day. For rules on the poll and eligible teams, visit charlotteobserver.com/preps; a three-man panel of Observer sportswriters voted.

NCHSAA First Round Soccer Playoff Pairings

 Here are first round pairings (must be completed by Wednesday)
 4A:
HP Central at Myers Park; Providence at W. Forsyth; Reagan at Western Guilford; Page at SW Guilford; Ardrey Kell at NW Guilford, Tues, 7; E. Forsyth at Grimsley; SE Guilford at Mt Tabor; W-S Reynolds at S. Meck, Tues, 6; Mallard Creek at Watauga; Olympic at Asheville Reynolds; Glenn at Hough; West Meck at Sun Valley, Tues, 6; Butler at Roberson, Tues, 6; Hopewell at Porter Ridge, Tues, 6; N. Meck at Garinger; Alexander Central at Lake Norman
3A: Cox Mill at N Forsyth; Hickory Ridge at W Iredell; Concord at Weddington; Berry at Robinson; Parkwood at Central Cabarrus; Marvin Ridge at Statesville; N. Iredell at Catholic; Carson at Ledford; Foard at E. Henderson; N. Buncombe at Ashbrook; S. Point at Hickory; Asheville at Patton; Hunter Huss at Freedom; St. Stephens vs. W. Henderson; R-S Central at Enka; Franklin at Forestview
2A: Bandys at Shelby; W. Lincoln at S. Iredell; Bunker Hill at Brevard; Polk Co. at N. Lincoln; Newton-Conover at Owen; Chase at Smoky Mountain; N. Henderson at Lincolnton; Mtn Heritage at W. Caldwell; Central Davidson at Ashe; W. Stanly at Trinity; E. Burke at Salisbury; Forest Hills at Surry Central; Atkins at Cuthbertson; Starmount at W. Davidson; Lexington at W. Stokes; Randleman at Forbush
1A: S. Stokes at Mt Airy; Gray Stone at Bishop McGuinness; Monroe at N. Moore; Union at Albemarle; Pine Lake Prep at Highland Tech; W. Wilkes at Avery; Hendersonville at Blue Ridge; Cherokee at Swain

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Roundup of Saturday's regional and state NCHSAA/NCISAA events

Below are links to coverage from Saturday's N.C. High School Athletic Association and N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association state championship and regional championship events:

GIRLS TENNIS


Providence Day, Statesville Christian win NCISAA tennis titles

Lake Norman Charter's Hannah Archer wins N.C. 1A tennis title

Shelby's Nancy Bridges wins N.C. 2A girls tennis title

Weddington doubles team wins N.C. 3A tennis championship

CROSS-COUNTRY

Community School of Davidson star wins 1A Midwest regionals

Lake Norman Charter, Lincoln Charter win 1A regionals

North Lincoln sweeps 2A regionals

Fred T. Foard girls win 3A regionals

Concord Robinson pair dominate 3A West regionals

Providence dominates West 4A regionals

FIELD HOCKEY

Providence Day falls in NCISAA championship round

VOLLEYBALL

Hough cruises into N.C. 4A semifinals


Providence Day wins 4th straight NCISAA girls tennis title

Providence Day's girls tennis team beat rival Charlotte Country Day 5-4 at Charlotte Latin Saturday to win the 2012 N.C. Independent School 3A girls tennis state title.

It was the Chargers' fourth straight state title and Providence Day finished the season 20-0. Country Day finished at 17-3.

Also Saturday, Statesville Christian beat Greenfield School 8-1 in the N.C. 2A finals to win its ninth straight state title.

In the Providence Day-Country Day 3A final, the Chargers got singles wins from Sam Light, Linley Busby, Alexandra Lee and doubles wins from Light/Busby and Lee/Emma Pixley.

RESULTS:

Singles: Sam Light (PD) def. Kelsie Grice 6-2, 6-0; Linley Busby (PD) def. Lara Handelsman 6-3, 6-3; Alexandra Lee (PD) def. Avery Hunter 4-6, 7-5, 6-1; Addi Huneycutt (CCDS) def. Mollie Sandler 6-4, 6-3; Ishana Nigam (CCDS) def. Emma Pixley 7-6 (8), 7-6 (3); Kathrine Byron (CCDS) def. Katie Starr 6-2, 6-3
Doubles: Light/Busby (PD) def. Grice/Handelsman 8-1; Lee/Pixley (PD) def. Huneycutt/Hunter 8-3; Eryn Ratcliffe/Nigam (CCDS) def. Peyton Montgomery/Mallory Young 8-2

Shelby's Nancy Bridges wiin 2A N.C. tennis championship



            CARY-- Shelby's Nancy Bridges captured the singles championship on Saturday in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 2-A women's tennis tournament at the Cary Tennis Center.
            Bridges rolled past Hunter Hall of Brevard in straight sets by 6-1, 6-2 to take the title. The Shelby standout had defeated defending state champion Kalli Karas of Cuthbertson in Friday's semifinals.
Hall was very impressive on Friday in winning her three matches, taking five of her six sets at love.
            In doubles, the Brevard team of Emma McLeod and Taylor Snowdon outlasted Katelyn Storey and Anna Flynn of Salisbury in a tough three-set match, winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. The Brevard pair had beaten another Salisbury duo, Sallie Kate Meyerhoeffer and Alexandra Drye, in a three-setter on Friday in the semifinals.
The decision had been made on Friday to play three rounds with the threat of inclement weather on Saturday, so only the championship matches were played on the tournament's final day.
NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
2012 2-A WOMEN'S TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Cary Tennis Center, Cary

SATURDAY'S RESULTS
Singles--Championship
Nancy Bridges (Shelby) def. Hunter Hall (Brevard) 6-1, 6-2.

Doubles--Championship
Emma McLeod-Taylor Snowdon (Brevard) def. Katelyn Storey-Anna Flynn (Salisbury) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1