Cherryville's Trentavis Friday named N.C. Gatorade boys track athlete of the year

From staff reports

CHICAGO (June 20, 2014) — In its 29th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with USA TODAY High School Sports, today announced Trentavis Friday of Cherryville High School as its 2013-14 Gatorade North Carolina  Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year.  Friday is the first Gatorade North Carolina Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year to be chosen from Cherryville High School.

Friday was named All-Observer boys track athlete of the year last week.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the track, distinguishes Friday as North Carolina’s best high school boys track & field athlete.  Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year award to be announced in June, Friday joins an elite alumni association of state award-winners in 12 sports, including Ryan Hall (1999-01, Big Bear HS, Calif.), Meb Keflezighi (1993-94, San Diego HS, Calif.), Derek Jeter (1991-92, Kalamazoo HS, Mich.), Candace Parker (2001-02, Naperville Central HS, Ill.), Mark Sanchez (2004-05, Mission Viejo HS, Calif.) and Lolo Jones (1997-98, Roosevelt HS, Ia.).

The 6-foot-2, 165-pound senior won three individual state championships and anchored the winning 4x400-meter relay quartet at the Class 1A state meet this spring, leading the Ironmen to a second-place finish as a team. Friday took gold in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.59 seconds, the 200-meter dash in 20.95 and the 400-meter run in 47.87. The New Balance Nationals Indoor champion and the NBN meet indoor record-holder in both the 60 and 200, he also captured the 200-meter crown at this month’s New Balance Nationals Outdoor championships. Friday’s season-bests of 10.17 in the 100 and 20.33 in the 200 both rank as the nation’s No. 1 performances among prep competitors in 2014 at the time of his selection.

Friday has maintained a B average in the classroom. In addition to serving on the Cherryville High school yearbook and school newspaper staffs, he has volunteered locally for two years on behalf of the First Wesleyan Church’s feed-the-homeless initiative. He has also donated his time as part of his school’s morning-announcements team and has worked with special needs students at the Webb Street School.

“He’s worked hard and stayed healthy, and he’s just a special runner,” said Cherryville head coach Keith Fox. “He can do anything. He could go out and run a 1:54 in the 800 if we wanted him to. He put in a lot of time in the offseason, worked in the weight room. We knew he was capable of a season like this.”

Friday has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete in track and field on scholarship at Florida State University this fall.

NBA star Stephen Curry to offer free camp Wednesday, spots available

NBA star and former Davidson and Charlotte Christian star will hold a free three-hour instruction session for 50 underprivileged children in the Concord, Charlotte and Huntersville areas Wednesday June 18 at Cannon School in Concord.

The free sessions are part of Curry's annual basketball camp that he holds in the Charlotte area. Regular Spotsare still available for the 3rd to 6th grade session, 7th-10th and K-2

Accelerate Basketball, which is helping Curry put on the camp, is still able to work with additional area businesses that want to sponsor underprivileged children who wish to attend camp.

For more information on sponsoring or attending camp contact Blake Boehringer,blake@acceleratebasketball.com

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/05/27/4936916/high-school-spring-sports-roundup.html#storylink=cpy

MECKA 4A Spring All-Conference teams

MECKA 4A Spring All-Conference

Tennis

Tyler Armato, Hopewell; Kyle Bachner, Robinson; KyMo Baek, Robinson; Parker Evans, North Meck; Taylor Givens, Hough; Clay Kennedy, Hough; Charlie Lloyd, Hough; Evan Long, Mallard Creek; Luis Martinez, Hopewell; Gage Moore, Brown; Parker Teal, Robinson; Sean Wydra, Hough

Player of the year: Ryan Wydra, Hough

Coach of the year: Alice Hansen, Hough

Golf

Patrick Cover, David Yang, Matt Sharpstein, Blake Wagner, Blake Fiest, Hough; Zach Boatwright, Robinson; Logan Watts, TJ Long, Tim Kessler, Brian Fratelli, Hopewell

Player of the year: Patrick Cover, Hough

Coach of the year: Jerry Smith, Vance

Girls Soccer

Amanda Anderson, Katie Watkins, Brown; Kelly Flanders, Sydney Stilwell, Shelby Thompson, Ashley Whittaker, Hopewell; Emma Cangalosi, Courtney Carroll, Emmily Cowie, Alex Denny, Nicole Duncan, Nicole Ferren, Marnie Merritt, Sarah Moon, Anna Roach, Hough; Sabrina Baker, Ryan Feely, Kyla Moncrief, Bree Roberts, Maddy Smieja, Kelly Teague, Mallard Creek; Morgan Butz, North Meck; Natalie Andrejchak, Sabrina Bologna, Lauren Kataja, Natalia Lozano, Paige Manzi, Robinson

Player of the year: Marnie Merritt, Hough

Coach of the year: David Smith, Hough

Softball

Kaitlyn Shifflett, Hannah Jones, Casey Brescia, Tori Hall, Hough; Kaitlyn Moore, Kaylee Cook, Kelly Chrismon, Allie Baker, A.L. Brown; Shelby Wiggs, Meghan Whitecavage, Hopewell; Tori Zavodny, Alyssa Sciaudone, Sam Grazier, Krista Romine, Robinson; Madi Davis, Katie Stokes, North Meck; Kaelyn Brown, Mallard Creek

Player of the year: Leah Murray, Hough

Pitcher of the year: Kaeleigh Romine, Robinson

Coach of the year: Jim Allen, Robinson

NCHSAA baseball, softball state championship scoreboard

2014 STATE BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES—98th ANNUAL
all series best of three games
FIVE COUNTY STADIUM, ZEBULON
CLASS 1-A CHAMPIONSHIP: WHITEVILLE (24-5) vs. EAST SURRY (30-0)
Game 1: East Surry 7, Whiteville 4, final
Game 2: Saturday, June 7 at 11 am
Game 3: if necessary, Saturday, June 7 at 5 pm
CLASS 3-A CHAMPIONSHIP: HAMPSTEAD TOPSAIL (19-8) vs. MONROE PIEDMONT (21-8)
Game 1: Topsail 5, Piedmont 3, final
Game 2: Saturday, June 7, 2 pm
Game 3: if necessary, Saturday, June 7 at 8 pm  (5 pm if no third game in 1-A)
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO
CLASS 2-A CHAMPIONSHIP: MIDWAY (25-4) vs. BUNKER HILL (26-5)
Game 1: Midway 10, Bunker Hill 3, final
Game 2: Saturday, June 7, 2 pm
Game 3: if necessary, Saturday, June 7 at 8 pm  (5 pm if no third game in 4-A)
CLASS 4-A CHAMPIONSHIP: RICHMOND SENIOR (23-7-1) vs. WEST FORSYTH (27-5)
Game 1:West Forsyth 6, Richmond 4, final
Game 2: Saturday, June 7 at 11 am
Game 3: if necessary, Saturday, June 7 at 5 pm

2014 STATE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES—40th ANNUAL
all series best of three games
WALNUT CREEK SOFTBALL COMPLEX, RALEIGH
CLASS 4-A:  FAYETTEVILLE CAPE FEAR (26-1) vs. ALEXANDER CENTRAL (33-0), Field 4
Game 1: Alexander Central 4, Cape Fear 3, final
Saturday, June 7: Game 2, 11 a.m.
Saturday, June 7: Game 3, if necessary, 2 p.m.
CLASS 3-A: PIKEVILLE CHARLES B. AYCOCK (21-3) vs. SUN VALLEY (24-5), Field 5
Game 1:  Sun Valley 6, C.B. Aycock 5, final
Saturday, June 7: Game 2, 11 a.m.
Saturday, June 7: Game 3, if necessary, 2 p.m.
CLASS 2-A: SILER CITY JORDAN-MATTHEWS (24-4) vs. EAST RUTHERFORD (25-3), Field 2
 Game 1: East Rutherford 2, Jordan-Matthews 1, final
Saturday, June 7: Game 2, 11 a.m.
Saturday, June 7: Game 3, if necessary, 2 p.m.
CLASS 1-A: WHITEVILLE (25-6) vs. NORTH STOKES (26-3), Field 1
Game 1:  North Stokes 3, Whiteville 0,  final
Saturday, June 7: Game 2, 11 a.m.
Saturday, June 7: Game 3, if necessary, 2 p.m.

Gary Gadsden named head boys basketball coach at United Faith

Gary Gadsden has been promoted to head boys basketball coach at United Faith.

Gadsden had been an assistant under former Charlotte Hornets star Muggsy Bogues for the past three seasons. Bogues resigned last month.

Gadsden inherits a team that reached the N.C. Independent Schools 1A state semifinals. He'll return several starters from that team, including his son, Ty, a 6-foot-2 point guard generally considered among the state's top prospects in the class of 2016.

Ty Gadsden has several Division I scholarship offers, including from the Charlotte 49ers. He was an Observer All-Mecklenburg pick last season.

Hough wins second NCHSAA 4A girls soccer state title

Hough  High's Courtney Carroll got an unassisted goal with 3 minutes, 33 seconds left of the second sudden death overtime to lift the nationally ranked Huskies to a 1-0 win over previously unbeaten Panther Creek of Cary.

Hough won its second state title in three seasons and its second straight overtime game after beating rival Myers Park in the semifinals Tuesday.

Hough made its third straight N.C. 4A state championship appearance, a record for a Mecklenburg County girls 4A team.

Cleveland Jackson named boys basketball coach at Olympic High School

Olympic athletics director Ken Konstanty told the Observer Thursday that the school has named Cleveland Jackson as its new boys basketball coach. Jackson was one of more than 80 applicants to apply for the job after Ty Baumgardner resigned to take a similar job in Georgia.

Baumgarder led the Trojans to a 30-0 record and a N.C. 4A state title in 2012-13. In 10 seasons, Baumgardnerwas 229-63. In the past four seasons, Olympic was 109-9.

Jackson’s son, C.J., was the leading scorer for Baumgardner’s 2013-14 team, which finished 23-5. C.J. Jackson is a senior who will graduate next month.

“Coach Jackson’s basketball history, passion for the game and commitment to improve the lives of young men makes him a perfect fit,” Konstanty said. “He has a complete understanding of our program and a desire to continue the family tradition that has become Olympic basketball.”

Jackson played college ball at Georgia, and played professionally in South America. He was an assistant coach at Belmont Abbey last season and was an assistant at Mercer for seven years before that. Jackson also coached in high school for four years, producing 15 college players.

Garinger names Carlton "Spanky" Anthony as its new boys basketball coach

Garinger athletics director Tony Huggins said the school has hired Carlton “Spanky” Anthony as its new boys basketball coach. Anthony replaces Joshua Coley, who resigned earlier this season. Huggins said the school also had a girls basketball opening.

Butler hires Myron Lowery as new boys basketball coach; Monroe hires girls coach

Butler High has hired former Providence and Harding coach Myron Lowery as its new boys basketball coach. Lowery replaces Donald Kirby who resigned earlier this spring.

Lowery resigned as Providence coach in June of 2013. Lowery was an assistant at Olympic last season. Lowery has 17 years experience as a head coach.

Monroe has hired Leroy Osborne as its new girls basketball coach. Osborne is a 1993 Monroe High graduate. He played football and ran track for the Redhawks. He has 20 years coaching experience and was 70-10 as Monroe’s boys junior varsity coach.

Hough boys basketball coach Justin Batts resigns; several coaching openings at Cornelius school

Hough athletics director Masanori Toguchi told the Observer Tuesday that Huskies boys basketball coach Justin Batts has resigned.

Batts plans to attend graduate school.

Batts was selected the Observer's coach of the year for its All-Lake Norman area boys team this year. Hough finished the season 22-6 and won the conference championship in the MECKA 4A, perhaps the toughest conference in North Carolina.

In the 2012-13, Batts led the Huskies to perhaps the school's biggest win, a N.C. 4A sectional championship win over heavily favored West Charlotte and then All-American center Kennedy Meeks to reach their first N.C. 4A Western Regional.

Next season, Hough is expected to return 6-8 forward Luke Maye, a high major Division I recruit. Maye made the All-Observer team for the second time this season.

Besides Batts, Toguchi said the school also had openings for girls basketball, softball, track and cross-country.

Big Mecklenburg County baseball games on tap

The high school baseball regular season ends tonight and Friday and the Mecklenburg County conferences have some big games on tap.

-- In the SoMeck 8, nationally ranked Ardrey Kell (21-2, 12-1) has a one-game lead over nationally ranked Providence (19-3, 11-2) and reigning N.C. 4A state champ South Mecklenburg (17-5, 11-2).

Ardrey Kell's Knights will try to win their ninth straight game and lock up a championship Friday at home. Ardrey Kell hosts South Meck at 6:30 p.m.

Providence can get a share of the championship if South Meck beats Ardrey Kell and Providence beats Charlotte Catholic (12-8, 7-6) Friday.

-- In the Southwestern 4A, Independence (14-8, 10-1) leads Porter Ridge (13-7-1, 9-2) by one game. Porter Ridge has won 12 straight, but Independence can lock up the league title by beating arch rival Butler at Butler Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Porter Ridge can earn a tie if Butler (12-9, 6-5) upsets Independence and Porter Ridge beats Rocky River (5-15, 4-7) Friday.

-- In the MECKA, Hough (17-6, 11-2) and North Meck (13-7, 11-2) are tied for first place. Hough finishes regular-season play tonight (Thursday) against Vance (1-13, 1-12) at home. North Meck plays at Mallard Creek (10-10, 7-6) Thursday.

Hough and North Meck split two regular-season meetings.

-- In the CISAA, Charlotte Christian (25-4, 10-1) has won eight straight and has locked up the league title with two conference games remaining next week. Country Day (10-9, 6-4) is in second place.

Area college signees

These area athletes signed with colleges recently:

Charlotte Christian: James Finch (Oglethorpe, soccer); Morgan Franklin (Catawba College, women’s basketball); Jacob Kaplan (Berry, lacrosse); Huston Pashoian (Virginia Military, lacrosse); Kyrie Pennington (Carson-Newman, volleyball); Joe Ruppert (Hampden-Sydney, lacrosse)

Hopewell: Anyla Kryeziu (Montreat, volleyball)

Providence Day: Jonah Edwards (Kenyon College, track); Patrick Ahern (Stonehill College, track); Bailey Robinson (Wheaton, soccer); Evan Gray (Boston College, track); Corey Michocki (Loyola, MD, soccer); Tanner Love (Williams College, wrestling); Hayes Donahue (Hampden-Sydney, football); Blake Henderson (Hampden-Sydney, football)

Victory Christian: Hezekiah McKinnon (Mars Hill, football)

SoMeck 8 all-conference basketball teams

As voted on by SoMeck 8 conference coaches


GIRLS

Ra’Shika White, Berry; Erin Whalen, Ardrey Kell; Brianna Hambrick, Harding; Meghan Fleury, Providence; Jordan Muhammad, Ardrey Kell; Marshae Bradbury, Ardrey Kell; Raven Dean, Ardrey Kell; Ali Fitch, South Meck; Jenesai Mohammad, Olympic; Courtney Sanderson, South Meck

Players of the year: Sophie Rossitch, Charlotte Catholic; Myicha Drakeford, Harding

Coach of the year: Bobby Conrad, Charlotte Catholic

BOYS

Steven Santa Ana, Ardrey Kell; Malik Constantine, Olympic; Joshua Lancaster, Berry; Devin Cooper, Ardrey Kell; Robbie Anderson, Charlotte Catholic; Daryl White, Harding; Devarious Christian, Berry; Grant Hedberg, South Meck; Teyon Henry, Harding; Quindon Cottman, Berry

Player of the year: CJ Jackson, Olympic

Coach of the year: Maurice Jones, Berry

Ardrey Kell to replace girls basketball, wrestling coaches

Ardrey Kell athletics director Cheryl Feeney said the school has openings for a head wrestling coach and a head girls basketball coach.

Feeney said she wasn’t sure if wrestling coach Tim Higgins or girls basketball coach Jennifer McVicker would remain at the school.

McVicker led the Knights to the N.C. 4A Western Regional championship game in March, ending the school’s most successful season. Ardrey Kell beat a nationally ranked team in a Christmas tournament and finished 27-5. In two seasons, McVicker was 52-9.

Southwestern 4A All-Conference Teams

Southwestern 4A All-Conference Basketball

Girls

Rydeiah Rogers, Myers Park; Saadia Timpton, Myers Park; Kobe Leigh, Butler; Shaigna Wentz, Porter Ridge; Jasmine Sanders, Garinger; Hydeia Harvey, Rocky River; T Dorsey, Rocky River; Fairen Sutton, Butler; Morgan Uptegraff, Myers Park; Zhamya Wills, East Meck

Coach of the year: Barbara Nelson, Myers Park

Player of the year: Aliyah Mazyck, Myers Park

Boys

Deion Lane, Independence; Zaqwaun Matthews, Myers Park; Giavonni Mack, Butler; Tayon Gleaves, Independence; Montavius Hancock, Garinger; Tryle Poindexter, East Meck; Caleb Homesley, Porter Ridge; Jake Hackworth, Myers Park; Davion Gamble, Garinger; Workpeh Kofa, Independence

Coach of the year: Preston Davis, Independence

Player of the year: Matthew Fisher-Davis, Butler

Southwestern 4A All-Conference Wrestling
106: Chris Price, Porter Ridge; Joe Kenny, Myers Park; 113: Logan McMahan, Porter Ridge, Carson Russell, Myers Park; 120: DeShawnPatterson, Garinger; Garret Bailey, Butler; 126: Adam Pleter, Butler; Bryan Newsome, Porter Ridge; 132: Upright Odomena, Rocky River; Joseph Roamine, Porter Ridge; 138: Austin Paytes, Butler; Chris Jordan, Independence; 145: Devin Taylor, Independence; Cooper Mueller, Porter Ridge; 152: Joey Batgalis, Porter Ridge; Carl Zeitler, Independence; 160: Collus Watson, East Meck; Jose Rosales, Independence; 170: Tayshhon Risher, Independence; Dylan Mumma, Porter Ridge; 182: Anthony Roberson, Rocky River; Christian Villacres, Porter Ridge; 195: Josh Matos, Independence; Billy O’Neal, Porter Ridge; 220: Brian Tiderman, Independence; Dean Looney, Butler; 285: DeLano Cunningham, East Meck; Josh Brenneman, Butler

Wrestlers of the year: Brian Tiderman, Independence; Adam Pelter, Butler

Coach of the year: Phillip Davis, Independence

MECKA all-conference teams

MECKA All-Conference Teams

Girls Basketball

Kelsi Mahoney, Robinson; Bryanna Curry, Hopewell; Chantel Williams, Mallard Creek; Zaria Wright, Mallard Creek; Dynasty Heyward, North Meck; Destiny Barrino, North Meck; Brianna Jones, North Meck; Rachel Porter, West Charlotte; Jessica Gaston, West Charlotte; Kelsey Dean, Hough; Aitana Grant, AL Brown; Anna Diggs, Hough; Destini Reed, Vance

Coach of the year: Tyrelle Anderson, Hopewell

Players of the years: Mariah Washington, Hopewell; Julia Brown, Hough

Boys Basketball

Tucker Thompson, Hough; Jacquueay, Hough; Theo Mack, Hough; Lavar Batts, Robinson; Connor Boothe, Robinson; Terrance Durham, Mallard Creek; CJ Bryce, North Meck; Taj Middleton, North Meck; Davion Mintz, North Meck; Austin Harris, West Charlotte; Trey Foster, West Charlotte; Malik Massey, West Charlotte; Bryson Rankin, Vance

Coach of the year: Justin Batts, Hough

Players of the year: Luke Maye, Hough; Torin Dorn, Vance

Wrestling

106: Jayquon McEntyre, AL Brown; Isaiah Hendricks, Robinson; 113: Austin Powell, Hough; Kevin Nguyen, Mallard Creek; 120: David Cline, Robinson; Avery Clinding, AL Brown; 126: Nick Sexton, AL Brown; Jesse Kluttz, Robinson; 132: Junior Andujar, Robinson; Quintin Mickerson, West Charlotte; 138: Kelvin O’Brien, Hough; Isaiah Johnson, AL Brown; 145: Ben Cournoyer, Mallard Creek; Marcus Bolick, AL Brown; 152: Jacob Efird, Hough; Dajon Lacey, Hopwell; 160: Waddell McNeely, Mallard Creek; Xavier Medina, Robinson; 170: Jordan Thompson, Hough; Marquel Thompson, North Meck; 182: Sebastian Barretto, Hough; Gore Vaughn, Hopewell; 195: Angelo McCraw, Mallard Creek; Harrison Marchese, Robinson; Keechan Ware, Brown; Cliff Pittman, Hopewell; 285: Malik Baker, West Charlotte; Connor Brooks, Hough

Wrestler of the year: Jordan Thompson, Hough

Coach of the year: Tripp Rogers, Hough

Hough football player Corey Bell commits to UNC

Hough High cornerback Corey Bell, a 5-foot-10 junior, committed to North Carolina Tuesday, Huskies athletics director Masanori Toguchi told the Observer.

Bell is ranked as a three-star recruit (out of five) by national recruiting service scout.com, which touts him as "one of the top cornerbacks in North Carolina."

He was part of a 10-2 team last season. He had 16 tackles and two interceptions. He averaged 25 per punt return.

Southwestern 4A All-Conference Wrestling Team

Southwestern 4A All-Conference Wrestling Team

106- Chris Price-Porter Ridge; Joe Kenny- Myers Park

113 Logan McMahan- Porter Ridge; Carson Russell- Myers Park

120 DeShawn Patterson- Garinger; Garrett Bailey- Butler

126 Adam Pelter- Butler; Bryan Newsome- Porter Ridge

132 Upright Odomena- Rocky River; Joseph Roamine- Porter Ridge

138 Austin Paytes- Butler; Chris Jordan, Independence

145 Devin Taylor- Independence; Cooper Mueller- Porter Ridge

152 Joey Bataglis- Porter Ridge; Carl Zeitler- Independence

160: Collus Watson- East Meck; Jose Rosales- Independence

170: Tayshon Risher- Independence; Dylan Mumma- Porter Ridge

182 Anthony Roberson, Rocky River; Christian Villacres, Porter Ridge

195 Josh Matos- Independence; Billy O’Neal- Porter Ridge

220 Brian Tiderman- Independence; Dean Looney- Butler

285 DeLano Cunningham- East Meck; Josh Brenneman, Butler

Wrestlers of the year- Brian Tiderman, Indy and Adam Pelter, Butler

Coach of the Year- Philip Davis, Independence

First N.C. Private School All-Star games come to Providence Day Saturday

Providence Day will host the first N.C. private school all-star game Saturday. More than 100 players were nominated and a l committee selected 24 players for each game. The boys’ game will feature 14 players who have signed college scholarships. The girls’ game will have six scholarship players, including McDonald's All-American Jatarie White of Providence Day's girls team.

The girls game tips at 1, followed by the boys at approximately 2:30. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and free for kids 8-and-under.

East Boys: Lloyd Burgess, Christ School; Chris Corchiani, Ravenscroft; Justice Cuthbertson, Westchester Country Day; Jalen Jones, North Raleigh Christian; Logan McLane, Greenfield School; Joey McLean, High Point Christian; Adrian Rich, Village Christian; Bryan Rouse, Greensboro Day; Zane Waterman, Fayetteville Academy; Ashley Williams, Greenfield School; Jaron Withers, Fayetteville Academy; Alec Wnuk, Christ School

West Boys: Davon Bell, Northside; Colton Bishop, Forsyth Country Day; James Demery, Northside; Troy Henderson, Gaston Day; Andrew Howard, SouthLake Christian; Phillip Jewell, Cannon; Nehemiah Mabson, United Faith; Desean Murray, Northside; Rusty Reigel, Charlotte Latin; Jordan Watkins, Providence Day; Keyshawn Woods, Northside; Matthew Woods, Asheville Christian

East Girls: Haley Wood, Halifax Academy; Tori Harris, Trinity Christian; Anna Murr, Grace Christian; Caroline Spurr, Greensboro Day; Janae Dupree, Trinity Christian; Karinda Farrant, Grace Christian; Imani Atkinson, Greensboro Day; Lily-Anne Ronco, Durham Academy; Rebecca Banks, Cary Academy; Marta Miscenko, Northwood Temple; Katy Cook, MRCA; Ebony Zappone, Wesleyan Christian

West Girls: Morgan Franklin, Charlotte Christian; Ellen Montgomery, Cannon; Hannah Calloway, Carolina Day; Emma Pixley, Providence Day; Lauren Travis, Carolina Day; Hailey Manns, Covenant Day; Nikyah Morgan, Providence Day; Jayla Joyner, Hickory Grove; Hannah Griffin, Hickory Grove; Trinity Dunlap, Asheville Christian; Jatarie White, Providence Day; Alaina Cherry, Charlotte Christia

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/02/10/4682542/high-school-basketball-roundup.html#.UxpzmPldUbI#storylink=cpy

N.C. Western Regional update: West Charlotte-Page moved to Friday

The National Weather Service is predicting light snow and sleet for the Greensboro area after 6  p.m. Thursday night. Up to an inch of snow and sleet is predicted as well and 0.1 to 0.2 inches of ice accumulation. Guilford County Schools canceled all after school activities.

That forced Thursday's Greensboro Page-West Charlotte N.C. 4A quarterfinal to be postponed. The teams will play Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center (SEC).

The other three Western Regional games are still on as scheduled Thursday:

At Special Events Center: Ardrey Kell vs. Lake Norman, 7 p.m.

At UNC-G: Smoky Mountain vs. Hunter Huss, 7 p.m.; East Rutherford vs. North Rowan, 8:30 p.m.

N.C. Western Regional Scores and Pairings

4A Boys (at SEC)
Thursday: Ardrey Kell vs. Lake Norman, 7 p.m.
Friday: West Charlotte vs. Greensboro Page, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday's 4 p.m. championship: Ardrey Kell/Lake Norman vs. West Charlotte/Page

4A Girls (at SEC)
Tuesday:Myers Park 53, West Forsyth 35; Ardrey Kell 78, Mount Tabor 48
Saturday's noon final: Myers Park (28-1) vs. Ardrey Kell (27-4)

3A Boys (at SEC)
Friday: Freedom vs. Weddington, 7 p.m.; North Forsyth vs. Pisgah, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday's 6 p.m. championship: Freedom/Weddington vs. NForsyth/Pisgah

3A Girls (at SEC)
Wednesday: Canton Pisgah 50, Weddington 45; Hickory 67, Freedom 48
Saturday's 2 p.m. championship: Pisgah (28-1) vs. Hickory (28-0)

2A Boys (at UNC-G)
Thursday: Smoky Mountain vs. Hunter Huss, 7 p.m.; East Rutherford vs. North Rowan, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday's 4 p.m. final: Smoky Mountain/Huss vs. ERutherford/NRowan, 4 p.m.

2A Girls (at UNC-G)
Tuesday: Franklin 80, East Rutherford 78; Bandys 62, East Davidson 42
Saturday's noon final: Franklin (27-3) vs. Bandys (30-0)

1A Boys (at UNC-G)
Wednesday: Avery County 40, Alleghany 39; Winston-Salem Prep 82, Albemarle 56
Saturday's 2 p.m. championsip: Avery County (26-4) vs. Winston-Salem Prep (24-4)


1A Girls (at UNC-G)
Friday: Cherokee at Hayesville, 7 p.m.; Winston-Salem Prep vs. Bishop-McGuinness, 8:30 pm.
Saturday's 6 p.m. final: Cherokee/Hayesville vs. WSPrep/Bishop

Former Olympic High football coach Barry Shuford to take over at East Meck

Former Olympic High football coach Barry Shuford is the new coach at East Mecklenburg, Eagles athletics director Ec Little told the Observer.

Shuford coached at Olympic since 2007. His 2013 team was 7-5. After going 4-7 in his first season, Shuford’s next six teams produced no losing seasons.

Before coaching at Olympic, Shuford was at Parkwood High (2003-06), Butler (1997-02), Garinger (1992-95) and Bessemer City (1989-91).

His career record is 142-137.

East Mecklenburg was 1-10 last season under coach Chris Williams. In two seasons, Williams was 3-19. Prior to Williams, Jeremy Buck was 2-20 in two seasons.

The Eagles have not had a winning season since Greg Hill posted back-to-back winning seasons in 2008 and 2009.

Keith Wilkes named head football coach at Olympic High

Olympic High athletics director Ken Konstanty had more than 40 candidates apply for the school’s head football job after longtime coach Barry Shuford resigned last December. Wednesday, Konstanty said he was “thrilled” to announce that former Vance and Winston-Salem Carver coach Keith Wilkes would replace Shuford at Olympic.

“We’re excited to get someone of a Shuford quality,” Konstanty said. “That’s what we were looking for. We’re confident coach Wilkes will be able to come in and our school won’t miss a bit. We’re hopeful he can take us to the next level.”

Konstanty said Wilkes will start working with the team this week. He likely won’t start working in the school until August.

Shuford coached at Olympic since 2007. His 2013 team was 7-5. After going 4-7 in his first season, Shuford’s next six teams produced no losing seasons.

Wilkes was hired at Vance in January of 2012 and coached the Cougars in the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The 2012 Vance team was 9-4. Vance was 6-6 last season after a 4-1 start. The Cougars lost their final three games and four of their last five. Vance High athletics director Carlos Richardson told the Observer that Wilkes and the school had a “mutual decision” to part ways after the 2013 season. Wilkes resigned in November, shortly after Vance’s season was over.

Wilkes, part of the 2011 class of the Winston-Salem/Forysth County High School Sports Hall of Fame, built quite a tradition at Winston-Salem Carver.

From 1992-2007, his teams were 139-62-1 with 11 conference titles and state championships in 1998 and 2003. Wilkes was 9-21 at Shiloh High in Snellsville, Ga., for three seasons before resigning and eventually landing at Vance.

In high school athletics, NCISAA basketball finals as good as it gets

High school athletes in North Carolina are awful lucky.

In a 26-year career at the Observer, I've been able to see high school sports championships in seven states and seen a few more while traveling. Nothing I've seen comes close to the job that the N.C. High School Athletic Association (public schools) and the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association (private schools) do with the state basketball championships each year.

Each event is the singular highlight of the prep season, along with the NCHSAA football finals. Due to the number of schools playing for finals, the NCHSAA divides its finals into two locations for basketball and three for football. The NCISAA, like today, packs them all into one gym.

That allows the fans to see all the top players and all the top teams. All of the NCISAA officials are on hand, from executive director Chuck Carter down to former coaches and athletics directors at the school level. In some ways, it's like a family reunion for the Independent Schools. And it doesn't hurt that the basketball is always phenomenal.

Time Warner Cable is broadcasting today's finals and from the packed gym to the players from other schools watching to the incredible decibel level, this is something special, something the participants will remember forever.

And that's what high school athletics should be all about.

CMS conference basketball tournament pairings

Boys

MECKA
Tuesday's first round at Hopewell: A.L. Brown vs. Hough, 5 p.m.; Vance vs. Robinson, 8 p.m.
Wednesday's first round at Hopewell: Mallard Creek vs. West Charlotte, 5 p.m.; North Meck vs. Hopewell, 8 p.m.
Thursday's semifinals at Hopewell: Brown/Hough vs. Vance/Robinson, 5:15 p.m.; North Meck/Hopewell vs. W. Charlotte/Mallard Creek, 8:15 p.m.
Friday's finals at Hopewell: semifinal winners, 8 p.m.

SO-MECK 8
Tuesday's first round at Berry: Harding vs. Catholic, 6 p.m.; Providence vs. Berry, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday's first round at Ardrey Kell: South Meck vs. Olympic, 6 p.m.; West Meck vs. Ardrey Kell, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday's semifinals at Berry: Olympic/South Meck vs. Ardrey Kell/W. Meck, 4:45 p.m. Berry/Providence vs. Catholic/Harding, 7:15 p.m.
Friday's championship at Berry: semifinal winners, 8 p.m.

Southwestern 4A
Tuesday at Garinger: Independence, bye; Butler vs. Rocky River, 4 p.m.; Myers Park vs. Garinger, 5:30 p.m.; East Meck vs. Porter Ridge, 7 p.m.
Thursday’s semifinals at Garinger: Myers Park/Garinger vs. Butler/Rocky River, 5:15 p.m.; Independence vs. East Meck/Porter Ridge, 8:15 p.m.
Friday’s finals at Garinger: semifinal winners, 8 p.m.


Girls

MECKA
Tuesday's first round at Hopewell: Vance vs. Hopewell, 3:30 p.m.; Robinson vs. Mallard Creek, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday's first round at Hopewell: Hough vs. AL Brown, 3:30 p.m.; W. Charlotte vs. North Meck, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday's semifinals at Hopewell: Hopewell/Vance vs. Mallard Creek/Robinson, 4 p.m.; N. Meck/W. Charlotte vs. Hough/Brown, 7 p.m.
Friday's final at Hopewell: semifinal winners, 6:30 p.m.

SO-MECK 8
Wednesday's first round at Ardrey Kell: Berry vs. South Meck, 6 p.m.; West Meck vs. Ardrey Kell, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday's first round at Catholic: Harding vs. Providence, 6 p.m.; Catholic vs. Olympic, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday's semifinals at Berry: Harding/Providence vs. Catholic/Olympic, 3:30 p.m.; Ardrey Kell/West Meck vs. Berry/South Meck, 6 p.m.
Friday's final at Berry: semifinal winners, 6:30 p.m.

Southwestern 4A
Wednesday's first round at Garinger: Myers Park, bye; Independence vs. Butler, 4 p.m.; Rocky River vs. Garinger, 5:30 p.m.; East Meck vs. Porter Ridge, 7 p.m.
Thursday's semifinals at Garinger: Rocky River/Garinger vs. Butler/Independence, 4 p.m.; Myers Park vs. Porter Ridge/E. Meck, 7 p.m.
Friday's finals at Garinger: semifinal winners, 6:30 p.m.

CMS moves basketball games to Monday, full area schedule

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will move its final regular-season games to Monday, school officials announced Friday afternoon. The Monday games will be played so long as school is in session, system athletics director Sue Doran said.

Those games were originally scheduled for Thursday and Friday but were postponed by this week's severe snowstorm. The local conference tournaments were scheduled to begin Monday. With the regular-season games moving, the conference tournaments will begin Tuesday.

The inclement weather also forced delay of the N.C. 4A Western Regional wrestling tournament at Hough. That was supposed to start Friday. The event will begin Saturday at 2 p.m. The regionals will conclude Sunday, with wrestling beginning Sunday. The 3A wrestling regional will start at North Gaston at 1 p.m. It will conclude with Sunday wrestling beginning at 3 p.m.

There is at least one other high school event Sunday, with Charlotte Country Day visiting rival Charlotte Christian in basketball at 1 p.m.

Here is the updated schedule:


Saturday, Feb. 15


Charlotte Latin at Cannon, 3 p.m.
Draughn at Shelby, 3:30 p.m. 
East Gaston at Forestview, 2 p.m. 
Hunter Huss at Ashbrook, 2 p.m.
North Gaston at Lake Norman Charter, 1 p.m.
North Stanly at South Stanly, 3:15 p.m.
Patton at Freedom, 4 p.m.
Providence Day at Country Day, 1:30 p.m.
Queens Grant at Albemarle 
South Point at Stuart Cramer, 1 p.m.
St. Stephens at Foard, 2 p.m.
Union Academy at Gray Stone Day
Watauga at Hickory, 3:30 p.m.
West Stanly at Mount Pleasant,  2 p.m. 

Sunday, Feb. 16
Country Day at Charlotte Christian, 1 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 17

Alexander Central at North Iredell
Anson Sr. at Cuthbertson
Bandys at Newton-Conover
Bunker Hill at West Caldwell 
Burns at R-S Central
Charlotte Catholic at Providence
Chase at East Burke 
Cherryville at Thomas Jefferson
Draughn at Shelby
Highland Tech at Bessemer City
Hopewell at AL Brown
Independence at Butler
Lake Norman at Mooresville
Lincoln Charter at Pine Lake Prep
Maiden at Lincolnton
Monroe at Forest Hills
Myers Park at East Mecklenburg
North Lincoln at West Iredell
North Mecklenburg at Mallard Creek
North Stanly at Albemarle
Olympic at Berry
Parkwood at Central Academy
Porter Ridge at Rocky River
Robinson at West Charlotte
South Iredell at Statesville
South Mecklenburg at Ardrey Kell
South Rowan at East Rowan
South Stanly at Gray Stone Day
Sun Valley at Piedmont
Union Academy at Queens Grant
Vance at Hough
Weddington at Marvin Ridge
West Lincoln at East Lincoln 
West Mecklenburg at Harding
West Stanly at Mount Pleasant

Tuesday, Feb. 18
Community School of Davidson at Pine Lake Prep 
East Rutherford at Chase
Kings Mountain at Crest


Thursday, Feb. 20
East Burke at Kings Mountain
Shelby at Crest

Read more here: http://obsprepspot.blogspot.com/2014/02/cms-cancelsschool-friday-games.html#storylink=cpy

Area basketball, wrestling postponement updates

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools postponed classes Friday, which will postpone all athletic events for Friday. The Southern Piedmont Athletic Association tournament, which was scheduled to play semifinals Friday at United Faith, has been canceled.

Many other area schools are moving games to Saturday or Monday. At least one basketball will be played Sunday: Country Day will visit Charlotte Christian at 1 p.m.

CMS schools will play Saturday or Monday. A decision will be made on which day Friday.

Gaston County Schools canceled all athletic activities for Friday and will make a decision during the day Friday about whether to move games to Saturday or Monday.

Read more here: http://prepinsiders.blogspot.com/2014/02/nchsaa-to-make-special-adjustments-to.html#storylink=cpy

Here are games scheduled originally for Thursday and Friday. For games with no reschedule date listed, it means the Observer was not able to obtain information on those games. Please contact the school for updated information.

In wrestling, the N.C. 2A Western regional at Black Mountain Owen, the 3A Western regional at North Gaston and N.C. 4A Western regionals at Hough will not begin Friday as scheduled. Each will begin Saturday.

The N.C. Independent Schools state wrestling finals will begin Friday at High Point Wesleyan, with 4 p.m. weigh-ins. Wrestling begins at 6 p.m. Friday with the first and second rounds. The event will continue with Saturday's semifinals beginning at 9 a.m.

Check back for updated information later today.

Thursday, February 13

Alexander Central at North Iredell, ppd, Mon.
Carmel Christian at Pine Lake Prep, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Charlotte Latin at Cannon, ppd, Sat, 4:30 p.m.
Franklin Heights Christian at Grace Academy, ppd, reschedule date TBD

Heathwood Hall at Providence Day, canceled will not be made up
Kennedy Charter at Trinity Christian, ppd, reschedule date, TBD
Mooresville at Lake Norman, ppd, reschedule date TBD
North Lincoln at West Iredell, ppd, Monday

North Stanly at Albemarle, ppd, Sat.
South Iredell at Statesville, ppd, reschedule date TBD
South Rowan at Concord, ppd, reschedule date TBD


Friday, Feb. 14

A.L. Brown at Concord, canceled
Anson at Cuthbertson
Bandys at Newton Conover, ppd, Mon.
Bunker Hill at West Caldwell, ppd, Mon.
Burns at RS Central
Central Cabarrus at Northwest Cabarrus
Charlotte Catholic at Providence, ppd
Charlotte Country Day at Charlotte Christian, ppd, Sunday, 1 p.m.
Charlotte Latin at Cannon, ppd, Sat, 3 p.m.
Charlotte United Christian vs. Oldsmar Christian in Gatortown Hoops Classic in Jacksonville, FL
Cherryville at Thomas Jefferson Academy
Community School of Davidson at Lincoln Charter, ppd, Tues.
Cox Mill at Carson
Davidson Day at High Point Christian, ppd, reschedule date TBD
East Burke at Kings Mountain
East Gaston at Forestview, ppd, reschedule date TBA
East Rutherford at Chase
Hickory at Hibriten
Hickory Ridge at West Rowan
Highland Tech at Bessemer City, ppd, Mon.
Hopewell at A.L. Brown, ppd
Hunter Huss at Ashbrook, ppd, reschedule date TBA
Independence at Butler, ppd
Lincoln Charter at Pine Lake Prep, ppd, Mon
Maiden at Lincolnton, ppd, Mon.
Monroe at Forest Hills, ppd, Mon.
Myers Park at East Mecklenburg
North Gaston at Lake Norman Charter, ppd, reschedule date TBD
North Mecklenburg at Mallard Creek, ppd
North Rowan at Salisbury
North Stanly at Albermarle, ppd, Mon.
Olympic at Berry, ppd
Parkwood at Central Academy, ppd, Mon.
Patton at Freedom, ppd, Sat.
Porter Ridge at Rocky River, ppd
Robinson at W. Charlotte, ppd
St. Stephens at Fred T. Foard
Shelby at Crest
South Caldwell at Watauga
South Mecklenburg at Ardrey Kell, ppd
South Point at Stuart Cramer, ppd, reschedule dat TBD
South Rowan at East Rowan
South Stanly at Gray Stone Day, ppd, Mon
Sun Valley at Piedmont, ppd, Mon
Union Academy at Queens Grant, ppd, Mon
Vance at Hough, ppd
Weddington at Marvin Ridge, ppd, Mon
West Lincoln at East Lincoln, ppd, Mon
West Mecklenburg at Harding, ppd
West Stanly at Mount Pleasant, ppd, 2 p.m.



Saturday, Feb. 15


Charlotte Latin at Cannon, 3 p.m.
Draughn at Shelby, Sat, 3:30 p.m. 
North Stanly at South Stanly, 3:15 p.m.
Patton at Freedom, 4 p.m.
Providence Day at Country Day, 1:30 p.m.
Queens Grant at Albemarle 
Union Academy at Gray Stone Day
Watauga at Hickory
West Stanly at Mount Pleasant,  2 p.m. 

Sunday, Feb. 16
Country Day at Charlotte Christian, 1 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 17

Alexander Central at North Iredell
Bandys at Newton-Conover
Bunker Hill at West Caldwell 

Chase at East Burke 
Highland Tech at Bessemer City
Lincoln Charter at Pine Lake Prep
Maiden at Lincolnton
Monroe at Forest Hills
North Lincoln at West Iredell
North Stanly at Albemarle
Parkwood at Central Academy
South Stanly at Gray Stone Day
Sun Valley at Piedmont
Union Academy at Queens Grant
Weddington at Marvin Ridge
West Lincoln at East Lincoln 

Tuesday, Feb. 18
Community School of Davidson at Pine Lake Prep

CMS postpones Thursday's basketball games; full basketball, wrestling schedules

This week's major snow event is wreaking havoc with the high school winter sports schedules.

In Mecklenburg County, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are out Thursday and all athletic activities are canceled. That's pushed games scheduled for Thursday to Friday.

CMS athletics director Sue Doran said school is out Friday, those games would move to Saturday. Doran also games could get pushed to Monday if conditions don't improve.

CMS conference tournaments are scheduled to begin Monday, but if regular-season games get pushed back, the conference tournament scheduled would likely be altered.

Two local conference tournaments were scheduled this week. The MAC tournament, which began Monday, was scheduled to conclude at Covenant Day in Matthews. That tournament has been canceled. The SPAA tournament semifinals are scheduled for Friday at United Faith in southeast Charlotte.

A SPAA official told the Observer that if semifinal games cannot be played Friday, both semifinals and championship games would be played on Saturday.

The private school state playoffs begin next week and the playoff seeding meeting is Sunday.

Wrestling regional tournaments are also expected to begin Friday, including the 4A West regional at Hough High.

With the possibility that some areas may not be clear by Friday, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association met via conference call on Tuesday and approved changes to aid schools in scheduling changes.

The NCHSAA, which frowns on Sunday events, will allow wrestling regionals to finish on Sunday, but is asking schools to make "every effort to avoid Sunday competition."

On Sunday, weigh-ins could not occur before noon and wrestling could not begin until 1 p.m.


In basketball, the NCHSAA will allow schools to play four games next week, with Friday being considered the “non-school” play date under the NCHSAA scheduling policies. Schools cannot play Saturday, but the extra playing date will allow schools to, say, make up a final regular-season game from this week and handle a 3-game conference tournament next week.

The NCHSAA state playoff basketball seeding will be done Saturday, Feb. 22, and all qualifiers must be submitted by member schools by 6 a.m. that morning.

Read more here: http://prepinsiders.blogspot.com/2014/02/nchsaa-to-make-special-adjustments-to.html#storylink=cpy

Here are games scheduled for Thursday and Friday. For games with no reschedule date listed, it means the Observer was not able to obtain information on those games. Please contact the school for updated information.

Thursday, February 13

Alexander Central at North Iredell, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Carmel Christian at Pine Lake Prep, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Charlotte Country Day at Charlotte Christian, ppd, Friday, 6 p.m.
Charlotte Latin at Cannon
Franklin Heights Christian at Grace Academy, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Hayworth Christian at Crossroads Charter
Heathwood Hall at Providence Day
Hopewell at A.L. Brown, ppd, Fri, 6 p.m.
Jay M. Robinson at West Charlotte, ppd, Fri, 6 p.m.
Kennedy Charter at Trinity Christian, ppd, reschedule date, TBD
Mooresville at Lake Norman
North Lincoln at West Iredell
North Mecklenburg at Mallard Creek, ppd, Friday, 6 p.m.
North Stanly at Albemarle
South Iredell at Statesville
South Rowan at Concord
Vance at Hough, ppd, Friday, 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14

A.L. Brown at Concord
Anson at Cuthbertson
Bandys at Newton Conover
Bunker Hill at West Caldwell
Burns at RS Central
Central Cabarrus at Northwest Cabarrus
Charlotte Catholic at Providence
Charlotte United Christian vs. Oldsmar Christian in Gatortown Hoops Classic in Jacksonville, FL
Cherryville at Thomas Jefferson Academy
Community School of Davidson at Lincoln Charter
Cox Mill at Carson
Davidson Day at High Point Christian
East Burke at Kings Mountain
East Gaston at Forestview
East Rutherford at Chase
Hickory at Hibriten
Hickory Ridge at West Rowan
Highland Tech at Bessemer City
Hopewell at A.L. Brown
Hunter Huss at Ashbrook
Independence at Butler
Maiden at Lincolnton
Monroe at Forest Hills
Myers Park at East Mecklenburg
North Gaston at Lake Norman Charter
North Mecklenburg at Mallard Creek
North Rowan at Salisbury
North Stanly at Albermarle
Olympic at Berry
Parkwood at Central Academy
Patton at Freedom
Porter Ridge at Rocky River
Robinson at W. Charlotte
St. Stephens at Fred T. Foard
Shelby at Crest
South Caldwell at Watauga
South Mecklenburg at Ardrey Kell
South Point at Stuart Cramer
South Rowan at East Rowan
South Stanly at Gray Stone Day
SPAA Tournament at United Faith
Girls: Gaston Day vs. Statesville Christian, 3 p.m.; Carmel Christian vs. Hickory Christian, 6
Boys: United Faith vs. Hickory Christian, 4:30 p.m.; Gaston Day vs. Victory Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Sun Valley at Piedmont
Union Academy at Queens Grant
Vance at Hough
Weddington at Marvin Ridge
West Lincoln at East Lincoln
West Mecklenburg at Harding
West Stanly at Mount Pleasant

 

Saturday, Feb. 15

MAC girls championship at Covenant Day
MAC boys championship at Covenant Day
Providence Day at Country Day, 1:30 p.m.
SPAA girls championship at United Faith, 1 p.m.
SPAA boys championship at United Faith, 3 p.m.

Buzzer-beating half-court alley oop wins game, makes "SportsCenter" top 10

SouthLake Christian's Andrew Howard is probably having himself a pretty good week.

On Tuesday night, he took a half-court pass from teammate Miles Boone and threw down a sudden one-handed alley-oop dunk at the buzzer. SouthLake Christian beat Hickory Grove 61-59. Howard and his teams got mobbed by fans and Howard's dunk ended up No. 3 on ESPN's "SportsCenter" top 10.

And he did it on Senior Night.

SouthLake -- coached by former N.C. State legend Rodney Monroe -- improved to 16-7 overall and 11-4 in the Metrolina Conference. Howard ended the game with 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.

Former W. Charlotte/Harding basketball coach Gosnell White to retire from Marvin Ridge

Gosnell White, one of the winningest basketball coaches in Mecklenburg County history, will retire at the end of the season.

White, who coached the bulk of his high school career at Harding and West Charlotte, is currently at Union County's Marvin Ridge High. White started at Marvin Ridge in 2007.

His current team is 9-7 and plays rival Cuthbertson at home Friday.

In his career, White has won 533 games in 36 seasons. He coached at Harding before taking over at West Charlotte in the middle '90s. After winning more than 500 games and seven state championships under legendary coach Charles McCullough, the Lions program floundered after McCullough retired in 1994.

White took over after several other coaches had tried and returned West Charlotte to its previous dominant form. White's Lions won a Mecklenburg County public school-record eight straight conference championships from 1997-2004. His teams made five regional appearances. His 1998-99 West Charlotte team finished in the USA Today national poll top 10 and won the N.C. 4A state championship. That team is arguably the best public school team in N.C. history.

White has coached at Marvin Ridge since 2007.

Four players to be suspended for four games following Monday's Vance-A.L Brown girls basketball fight

 Four girls basketball players at A.L. Brown and Vance High Schools will each be suspended four games following their actions in a fight that ended Monday's game between the schools.

During the third quarter, a player from Brown and a player from Vance dove for a loose ball. The players became entangled and a fight broke out. Vance athletics director Carlos Richardson stopped the game with about three minutes left in the third quarter.

Brown was declared the winner 40-32. After the fight was broken up Monday, Vance's boys defeated AL Brown 70-49.

On Tuesday, school and state officials reviewed video of the incident. N.C. High School Athletic Association commissioner Davis Whitfield told the Observer that two players from each team were ejected for fighting. Per NCHSAA rules, that will result in a four-game suspension.

"We intend to contact both schools," Whitfield said. "That's not the kind of behavior we need from either side. We'll discuss the importance of sportsmanship and proper behavior. We will definitely follow up on this."

Vance was scheduled to play rival Mallard Creek at home Tuesday night at 6. Brown was to play at Hough.

Read more here: http://obsprepspot.blogspot.com/2014/02/fight-stops-mondays-al-brown-at-vance.html#storylink=cpy

Fight stops Monday's A.L. Brown at Vance girls basketball game

Monday's A.L. Brown at Vance girls high school basketball game was stopped in the second half after several players from both teams became involved in a fight.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools athletics director Sue Doran said the game was stopped in the third quarter. A final score was reported to media outlets of A.L. Brown winning 40-32. It was Vance's seventh straight loss. Vance, which lost 66-48 at A.L. Brown on Dec. 17, is 2-15 overall and 0-10 in the MECKA 4A conference.

Vance is scheduled to play rival Mallard Creek at home Tuesday night at 6.

Brown is 6-12 overall and 2-8 in conference play. Monday's decision ended a six-game losing streak for the Wonders, who play at Hough Tuesday night.

Vance athletics director Carlos Richardson said the fight broke out after one player from each team dove for a loose ball. Richardson said after the incident, he made the decision to stop the game.


Doran said that game officials and athletics directors from both schools were reviewing film of the game Monday. The N.C. High School Athletic Association is also looking at the tape.

"There was an incident," Doran said. "A scuffle broke out and the game was stopped and not resumed in the third quarter. This morning, the NCHSAA, the basketball booking agent and ADs at both schools are viewing the game tape so that everyone involved can make sure exactly what happened and individuals will be held accountable that need to be held accountable."

The NCHSAA penalty for ejection is two games; for fighting, it's four games. CMS will double any ejection penalty. CMS will not double the fighting penalty, Doran said.

After the fight was broken up, Vance's boys defeated AL Brown 70-49.

Video of Gaston Day's miracle shot to beat Victory Christian

Friday night, Gaston Day beat Victory Christian with a double-overtime buzzer beater from Derek McKnight with four seconds left.

The win put Gaston Day back into the Southern Piedmont conference race.

Victory Christian and United Faith are tied for first place, one game ahead of Gaston Day. Victory Christian has one league game remaining, Friday at United Faith.

Gaston Day hosts United Faith Tuesday.

If Gaston Day beats United Faith and United Faith beats Victory, there's a three-way tie for first.

Here's two videos of the big shot.

Video 1

Video 2

Thursday's prep basketball schedule update

Here is Thursday's prep basketball schedule with updates. Please call the home school for more information if not reschedule date is listed. This week's schedule AL Brown at Concord matchup has been canceled.

THURSDAY'S PREP BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Alexander Central at North Lincoln
AL Brown at Vance, ppd, Mon
Ashbrook at North Gaston, ppd. Feb. 5
Bunker Hill at West Lincoln
Charlotte United at Comenius
Concord at Central Cabarrus, ppd, Feb. 6
Crossroads Charter at Christ The King
East Mecklenburg at Butler, ppd, reschedule date TBD
East Rutherford at Burns, ppd, Mon.
Foard at Watauga, ppd, Feb. 5
Forestview at Stuart Cramer, ppd, Mon
Franklin Heights Christian at Gaston Christian
Hickory Ridge at East Rowan
Hunter Huss at South Point, ppd, Mon.
Lake Norman Charter at East Gaston, ppd, Feb 5
Lake Norman at Statesville, ppd, Feb. 5
Lancaster at Clover, ppd., Sat, 5:30 p.m.
Mallard Creek at Hopewell, ppd, Mon.
Newton-Conover at Lincolnton
North Iredell at Mooresvillle, ppd, Thurs.
North Stanly at Gray Stone Day, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Pine Lake Prep at Cherryville, ppd, Mon.
Rocky River at Garinger, ppd, Feb. 6
Walnut Grove vs. Grace Academy @ Crews Road
Westminster Catawba at Covenant Day, ppd, Mon.
West Caldwell at Bandy, ppd, Sat, 3 p.m.
West Charlotte at North Meck, ppd, Mon.
West Iredell at South Iredell, ppd, Feb. 5


OTHERS
Cannon at Charlotte Latin, Sat.
Central Academy at Parkwood, Feb. 5
Charlotte Christian at Country Day, Feb. 5
Charlotte Catholic at Harding, Feb. 5
Crest at Chase, Mon.
Draughn at Kings Mountain, Sat, 1 p.m.
Fort Mill at Northwestern, Feb. 1
Harding at Charlotte Catholic, Feb. 12
Kings Mountain at Crest, Feb. 12
Maiden at Newton-Conover, Feb. 12
Porter Ridge vs. Independence @Grady Cole, Feb. 6
Robinson at Hough, Mon.
Shelby at East Burke, Sat, 2 p.m.
York at South Pointe, ppd, Feb. 5

Read more here: http://obsprepspot.blogspot.com/2014/01/tuesdays-high-school-basketball.html#storylink=cpy

Wednesday's prep basketball postponements

Here is Wednesday's Observer-area prep basketball schedule. We will be updating throughout the day. If no change is listed beside a game, it means we do have information on it. Please contact the home school for more information.

Note: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Union County Schools are closed for Thursday and all athletic activities have been postponed. Check back for latest information.


WEDNESDAY'S PREP BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
AL Brown at Concord, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Albemarle at Union Academy, ppd, Feb. 5
Alexander Central at North Lincoln, ppd., Thurs.
Anson at Marvin Ridge, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Ardrey Kell at Olympic, ppd., Monday
Bunker Hill at West Lincoln, ppd, Thurs.
Community School of Davidson at Bessemer City, ppd, Feb. 5
Crest at Chase, ppd, Monday.
Draughn at Kings Mountain, ppd, Sat.
East Rutherford at Burns, ppd. Thurs.
Hickory at Freedom, ppd., Feb. 5
Hopewell at Myers Park, ppd, Feb. 5
Hunter Huss at South Point, ppd, Mon
Lake Norman at Statesville, ppd, Thurs.
Lincoln Charter at Thomas Jefferson, ppd, Feb. 5.
North Iredell at Mooresville, ppd, Thurs.
Rock Hill at Nation Ford, ppd, Feb. 5
Shelby at East Burke, ppd, reschedule date TBD
South Caldwell at Patton, ppd, Monday.
South Rowan at Cox Mill, ppd, Monday
St. Stephens at Hibriten, ppd, reschedule date TBD
West Caldwell at Bandys, ppd, Thursday
West Montgomery at North Stanly, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Westminster Catawba at Covenant Day, ppd, Thurs.

THURSDAY'S PREP BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Alexander Central at North Lincoln
AL Brown at Vance, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Ashbrook at North Gaston
Bunker Hill at West Lincoln
Charlotte United at Comenius
Concord at Central Cabarrus
Crossroads Charter at Christ The King
East Mecklenburg at Butler, ppd, reschedule date TBD
East Rutherford at Burns
Foard at Watauga
Forestview at Stuart Cramer, ppd, Mon
Franklin Heights Christian at Gaston Christian
Hickory Ridge at East Rowan
Hunter Huss at South Point
Lake Norman Charter at East Gaston, ppd, Feb 5
Lake Norman at Statesville
Lancaster at Clover
Mallard Creek at Hopewell, ppd, Mon.
Newton-Conover at Lincolnton
North Iredell at Mooresvillle, ppd, Thurs.
North Stanly at Gray Stone Day
Pine Lake Prep at Cherryville
Rocky River at Garinger, ppd, Feb. 6
Walnut Grove vs. Grace Academy @ Crews Road
Westminster Catawba at Covenant Day
West Caldwell at Bandys
West Charlotte at North Meck, ppd, Mon.
West Iredell at South Iredell


OTHERS
Cannon at Charlotte Latin, Sat.
Charlotte Christian at Country Day, Feb. 5
Charlotte Catholic at Harding, Feb. 5
Fort Mill at Northwestern, Feb. 1
Harding at Charlotte Catholic, Feb. 12
Maiden at Newton-Conover, Feb. 12
York at South Pointe, ppd, Feb. 5

Read more here: http://obsprepspot.blogspot.com/2014/01/tuesdays-high-school-basketball.html#storylink=cpy

Tuesday's High School Basketball Postponements

Here are high school basketball games, originally scheduled for Tuesday night that have been postponed due to Tuesday's snow event in the Charlotte area.


Note: many school systems, including CMS will not have school or games Wednesday, so some games listed for Wednesday originally will now be rescheduled. Check back Wednesday for the latest updates

Game, status, reschedule date

AL Brown at Vance, ppd, Thurs.
Albemarle at Union Academy, ppd, Wed
Alexander Central at North Lincoln, ppd, Wed
Anson Sr. at Piedmont, ppd, Feb. 11
Ashbrook at North Gaston, ppd, Thurs.
Berry at South Meck, ppd, Feb. 3
Bunker Hill at West Lincoln, ppd, Wed
Cannon at Charlotte Latin, reschedule date TBD
Central Academy at Parkwood, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Charlotte Catholic at Harding, ppd, Feb. 5
Charlotte Christian at Country Day, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Charlotte United at Fletcher, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Community School of Davidson at Bessemer City, ppd, Wed
Concord at Central Cabarrus, ppd, Jan. 30
Concord First Assembly at Gaston Christian, ppd, Feb. 3
Crest at Chase, ppd, Wed
Davidson Day at High Point Wesleyan, ppd, Feb. 3
Draughn at Kings Mountain, ppd, Wed
East Mecklenburg at Butler, ppd, Thurs.
East Rutherford at Burns, ppd, Wed
Hickory at Freedom, ppd, Wed
Hickory Ridge at East Rowan, ppd, Jan. 30
Hunter Huss at South Point, ppd, Wed
Lake Norman Charter at East Gaston, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Lake Norman at Statesville, ppd, Wed.
Lancaster at Clover, ppd, Thurs.
Lincolnton at East Lincoln, ppd, Feb. 5
Lincoln Charter at Thomas Jefferson, ppd, Wed
Marvin Ridge at Cuthbertson, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Metrolina Christian at Hickory Ridge, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Monroe at Forest Hills, ppd, Feb. 5
North Iredell at Mooresville, ppd, Wed.
Pine Lake Prep at Cherryville, ppd, Thurs.
Porter Ridge vs. Independence at Grady Cole Center, ppd, Thursday
Providence at West Meck, ppd, Feb. 3
Robinson at Hough, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Rock Hill at Nation Ford, ppd, Wed
Rocky River at Garinger, Thurs.
Shelby at East Burke, ppd, Wed.
South Caldwell at Patton, ppd, Wed
South Rowan at Cox Mill, ppd, Wed
South Stanly at Queens Grant,ppd, reschedule date TBA
SouthLake Christian at Northside Christian, ppd, Feb. 3
St. Stephens at Hibriten, ppd, Wed.
West Caldwell at Bandys, ppd, Wed
West Charlotte at North Meck, ppd, Thurs.
West Iredell at South Iredell, ppd, Thurs.
Weddington at Sun Valley, ppd, Feb. 11
Westminster Catawba at Covenant Day, ppd, Thursday
York at South Pointe, ppd, Feb. 5

WEDNESDAY'S PREP BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
AL Brown at Concord, ppd, reschedule date TBD
Albemarle at Union Academy
Alexander Central at North Lincoln
Ardrey Kell at Olympic
Bunker Hill at West Lincoln
Community School of Davidson at Bessemer City
Crest at Chase
Draughn at Kings Mountain
East Rutherford at Burns
Hickory at Freedom
Hopewell at Myers Park
Hunter Huss at South Point
Lake Norman at Statesville
Lincoln Charter at Thomas Jefferson
North Iredell at Mooresville
Rock Hill at Nation Ford
Shelby at East Burke
South Caldwell at Patton
South Rowan at Cox Mill
St. Stephens at Hibriten, ppd, Wed.
West Caldwell at Bandys
West Montgomery at North Stanly

Former Carolina Panther Brad Hoover named head football coach at Marvin Ridge

Former Carolina Panther fullback Brad Hoover is the new head football coach at Marvin Ridge.

Hoover will be the school's fourth football coach. Marvin Ridge, which opened in 2007, was 2-9 last season under Danny Bailey, who coached the Mavericks for one season.

Hoover coached last season for Union Academy, a small school also in Union County.  He led Union Academy to a 6-6 record, which tied for the best in school history.

Hoover, a former N.C. Shrine Bowl star in high school, played at Western Carolina. He became the school's No. 2 all-time leading rusher and was later inducted into Western Carolina's Hall of Fame.

Undrafted, Hoover was picked up as a free agent by Carolina in 2000 and became one of the franchise's more popular players during a 9-year career where he played in 149 regular-season or playoff games

Providence Day to "re-retire" the jersey of former UNC great and alumnus Reggie Clark Friday

During halftime of Friday’s game with rival Charlotte Country Day, Providence Day will retire former football star Reggie Clark’s No. 11 jersey. The jersey was retired in 1988, but the number was accidentally used recently.

Clark was all-state in football, basketball and baseball at Providence Day. He was drafted in the second round by Toronto. In football, Clark played running back and free safety. In 1986, he led coach Steve Shaughnessy’s team to a 9-1 record and the school’s first state championship.

Clark rushed for 4,820 career yards before playing football at North Carolina. After he graduated from college, Clark was a free agent pick by the New England Patriots. He played for several NFl teams, including San Diego, Pittsburgh and Jacksonville.

Clark said he was touched by the “re-retirement” of his jersey.

“Now,” he said, “my daughter can look at it hanging in her school and say, ‘Hey, daddy did something important. He did something special.’”

Scott Chadwick named head football coach at Myers Park

Former Marvin Ridge football coach Scott Chadwick has named as the new coach at Myers Park.

Chadwick will replace Scott Stein, who coached the Mustangs for one season. Stein missed part of the season on medical leave. Shon Kendall has been the Mustangs interim head coach. 

Chadwick will take over from Kendall within the next two months.

Chadwick coached at Marvin Ridge from 2008-2012 and had a record of 41-20. His first team was 6-6. His next four all had winning records and his 2011 team set a school record with 10 wins.

Chadwick's teams at Marvin Ridge won three conferences titles and had a cumulative GPA of 3.37.

In 2010, Chadwick was named the Carolina Panthers High School Coach of the year, awarded to an area coach who has achieved excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. 

Chadwick has 15 years of head coaching experience and is a certified Physical Education and Exceptional Children’s teacher.   

Chadwick is Myers Park's fourth head coach in six seasons. The Mustangs were 4-7 in 2013 and have had one winning season since 2005.

Lincoln County Schools to drug test high school athletes beginning in the fall

 Published news reports say that Lincoln County Schools plans to drug test athletes beginning in the 2014-15 school year.

 Parents must sign a waiver allowing for random tests.

There are three levels of offense for failing: a 90-day suspension from sports; a 365-day suspension; a lifetime suspension. The tests will screen for illegal drugs and performance enhancing drugs S

N.C. Prep Basketball State Media Poll

Here are the first polls of the year brought to you by NCPreps.com and a select group of high school sportswriters from all across the state.

1A BOYS
1. Winston-Salem Prep (6) - 10-3 - 86
2. East Carteret (3) - 13-0 - 80
3. Plymouth - 7-0 - 63
4. Cherryville - 13-1 - 51
5. Trask - 13-1 - 48
6. East Surry - 12-2 - 32
7. Albemarle - 11-1 - 31
8. James Kenan - 8-1 - 23
9. Hayesville - 10-2 - 20
10. North Stanly - 11-2 - 19

HONORABLE MENTION: Robbinsville (10-2) - 10; Northside-Pinetown (10-2) - 10; Avery (11-4) - 6; Pamlico (8-3) - 5; Bishop McGuinness (14-3) - 5; Neuse Charter (14-4) - 3; Whiteville (8-2) - 2; Alleghany (10-3) - 1;

2A BOYS
1. Shelby (7) - 13-1 - 88
2. Trinity (1) - 14-0 - 74
3. Kinston (1) - 9-3 - 64
4. Smoky Mountain - 14-0 - 57
5. East Lincoln - 12-1 - 52
6. East Rutherford - 10-3 - 29
7. Cummings - 10-2 - 28
8. Midway - 12-1 - 26
9. Northside-Jax - 11-1 - 22
10. Huss - 10-4 - 11

HONORABLE MENTION: Bunn (11-2) - 9; Northeastern (8-3) - 8; Newton-Conover (10-3) - 7; North Rowan (7-2) - 6; Monroe (4-1) - 4; West Stokes (9-4) - 4; Clinton (10-2) - 3; South Lenoir (10-2) - 2; Holmes (9-1) - 2;

3A BOYS
1. Freedom (5) - 13-0 - 86
2. Weddington (1) - 15-1 - 72
3. Erwin (2) - 13-0 - 71
4. Concord (1) - 11-2 - 58
5. Fike - 13-1 - 46
6. Terry Sanford - 13-2 - 44
7. Orange - 12-2 - 35
8. Lee County - 13-2 - 26
9. Pisgah - 13-2 - 21
10. Hunt - 8-3 - 13

HONORABLE MENTION: Cox Mill (12-4) - 11; Chapel Hill (9-5) - 8; North Buncombe (11-2) - 6; Kings Mountain (11-5) - 3;

4A BOYS
1. Olympic (6) - 14-1 - 81
2. Northern Durham (2) - 13-0 - 60
3. Page (1) - 13-1 - 58
4. North Meck - 13-1 - 52
5. East Forsyth - 13-1 - 45
6. Lake Norman - 11-1 - 27
6. Panther Creek - 13-1 - 27
8. New Hanover - 9-1 - 24
9. Seventy-First - 14-2 - 18
9. Hough - 11-3 - 18

HONORABLE MENTION: Clayton (13-3) - 17; Broughton (11-3) - 17; Mount Tabor (10-4) - 14; E.E. Smith (13-2) - 10; Millbrook (12-3) - 9; West Charlotte (7-4) - 7; Ragsdale (11-3) - 3; SW Guilford (12-3) - 3; Berry Academy (10-2) - 3; NW Guilford (13-2) - 2;


1A GIRLS
1. Bishop McGuinness (5) - 12-2 - 77
2. Riverside-Martin - 14-0 - 75
3. Hayesville (3) - 12-0 - 68
4. Mount Airy (1) - 14-1 - 60
5. Granville Central - 10-0 - 36
6. Cherokee - 11-2 - 34
7. Rosewood - 12-1 - 30
8. Winston-Salem Prep - 10-4 - 28
9. Gates County - 10-1 - 22
10. River Mill Academy - 12-3 - 21

HONORABLE MENTION: Avery (12-3) - 18; Albemarle (11-2) - 10; Franklin Academy (13-2) - 6; Hiwassee Dam (8-3) - 5; South Davidson (10-4) - 4; Atkins (11-4) - 1;

2A GIRLS
1. Bandys (5) - 13-0 - 78
2. Reidsville (1) - 10-0 - 67
3. East Bladen - 14-0 - 56
4. Northside-Jax - 10-0 - 52
4. Bertie (2) - 15-0 - 52
6. Kinston (1) - 9-2 - 41
7. Parkwood - 12-1 - 22
8. East Davidson - 12-2 - 21
9. Franklin - 12-1 - 20
10. Lake Norman Charter - 12-1 - 19

HONORABLE MENTION: North Rowan (10-1) - 18; Thomasville (9-2) - 12; Mountain Heritage (10-2) - 9; East Burke (10-2) - 8; East Duplin (12-2) - 7; North Brunswick (10-3) - 6; Clinton (11-2) - 3; East Rutherford (10-2) - 3; Southern Vance (10-2) - 1;

3A GIRLS
1. Chapel Hill (5) - 14-0 - 85
2. Hickory (4) - 11-0 - 76
3. Northern Nash - 13-1 - 66
4. Pisgah - 14-1 - 56
5. West Craven - 13-1 - 54
6. Williams - 12-1 - 47
7. Anson - 13-1 - 27
8. Northern Guilford - 12-4 - 19
9. Weddington - 13-3 - 18
10. Cardinal Gibbons - 12-3 - 15

HONORABLE MENTION: Asheboro (13-2) - 10; Ledford (12-4) - 9; Crest (11-3) - 7; Union Pines (13-2) - 4; East Rowan (10-3) - 2;

4A GIRLS
1. McDowell (6) - 14-0 - 80
2. Myers Park (2) - 14-1 - 73
3. South View - 14-1 - 56
4. SE Raleigh (1) - 13-2 - 52
5. Southern Alamance - 13-1 - 45
6. Alexander Central - 14-1 - 26
7. Mount Tabor - 12-2 - 22
8. Broughton - 11-2 - 21
9. Millbrook - 12-3 - 19
10. Ardrey Kell - 10-4 - 18

HONORABLE MENTION: Apex (12-2) - 12; East Wake (12-2) - 11; West Forsyth (12-3) - 10; Page (11-4) - 10; Hopewell (12-2) - 10; Knightdale (11-3) - 10; SW Guilford (11-2) - 8; Cary (11-3) - 5; Jay Robinson (11-3) - 5; Mallard Creek (12-3) - 3; Rocky River (11-3) - 2; Jack Britt (10-4) - 1; Laney (13-2) - 1;

East Mecklenburg football coach Chris Williams resigns

East Mecklenburg High coach Chris Williams has resigned, Eagles athletics director Ec Little told the Observer.

Little said he hoped to name a replacement “as soon as possible.”

Williams coached two seasons at East and was 3-19. The Eagles will now have their fourth head coach since 2009, when Greg Hill led East Meck to an 8-6 record. Hill had back-to-back winning seasons in 2008 and ‘09. In the four subsequent years, the Eagles have gone 5-39.

Williams’ resignation creates the sixth head football coaching opening in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Garinger, Myers Park, Olympic, Vance and West Charlotte all have head coaching openings.

Monday, Mark Steele was hired as new coach at Lake Norman Charter.

In the Observer-area, former Maiden head coach Tom Brown is expected to come out of retirement and be named head coach at East Burke, where he will replace former Myers Park coach Jim Ruark. Sun Valley coach Paul Hall was replaced by Tad Baucom.

-- Other area schools with vacancies include East Rowan, Hunter Huss, Central Academy, Newton-Conover, Marvin Ridge and West Caldwell.

Under Armour Invitational brings top teams, talent to Charlotte Saturday (1/11)

Formerly the Brandon Jennings Invitational, the Under Armour Invitational moves to Charlotte this year and will bring several big-name recruits to Berry High beginning Saturday at noon.

One local team is playing, nationally ranked Northside Christian, plus one other N.C. team, High Point Wesleyan. Northside is ranked No. 12 nationally by USA Today. Wesleyan features top 15 national recruit Theo Pinson, who is a North Carolina recruit. Admission is $10.

Among seniors, there will be 19 major college recruits on the floor Saturday, including Pinson, whose team faces Prime Prep (TX). Prime Prep features Southern Methodist recruit Emmanuel Mudiay. Pinson, a 6-foot-6 guard, is ranked No. 13 nationally by ESPN; Mudiay, a 6-5 guard, is ranked fifth.

Other top recruits (with college and ESPN nationally ranking):
Wilibrham & Monson’s Goodluck Okonoboh, 6-9, C (UNLV, 21) and Max Hoetzel, 6-7 F (Indiana)

Denver East’s Dominique Collier, 6-2, G (Colorado, 62) and Ronnie Harrell, 6-7, F (Creighton)

St. John’s Tre’ Campbell, 6-2 G (Georgetown) and James Palmer, 6-4, G (Miami)

Math, Civics and Sciences Mike Watkins, 6-8, C (Penn State)

Hargrave Millitary’s Donte Grantham, 6-7, F (Clemson) and Rashard Kelly, 6-7, F (Wichita State)

St. Joseph Metuchen’s Karl Towns, 6-11, C (Kentucky) and Wade Baldwin, 6-2. G (Vanderbilt)

The Schedule: Northside Christian vs. Denver East (Colo), noon; St. John’s DC vs. Math, Civics and Science (Pa.), 1:30 p.m.; Oldmar Christian (Fla.) vs. Hargrave Military (Va.), 3 pm.; St. Joseph’s (NJ) vs. Wilbraham & Monson (Va.), 3 p.m.; High Point Wesleyan vs. Prime Prep (Texas), 6 p.m.