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.