GASTON CHRISTIAN 83 COVENANT DAY 62
GCS—Joe Rhyne 23, Cameron Newman 22, Gabriel Mabor 18, Bonisa 0, Gaines 7, Phillips 3, Shuford 9, Joy 2, Gilreath 0, Adick 0
CDS 4-5 GCS 4-5

PART I

C. JEMAL HORTON
CONCORD – The second annual CabCo Classic ended with a crescendo Saturday night.

It was arguably the best private-school team in Cabarrus County pitted against what’s widely regarded as the best public-school team in the county.

It was highly touted college recruit going head-to-head against highly touted college recruit.

It was a young, two-time state championship-winning coach matching wits against an esteemed veteran coach who’d succeeded at the college level before resurrecting a high school program and giving it true state-championship potential.

To top it off, the fans packed inside the Cox Mill High School gym to witness it all were excited, emotional and emboldened to say any and everything on their minds – loudly.




With that backdrop, the Central Cabarrus and Concord Academy boys basketball teams gave them what could be the most memorable intra-county game of the 2022-23 regular season.

Concord Academy jumped out to an early lead, but Central Cabarrus snatched it midway through the first quarter and never relinquished it, as the Vikings took a 70-59 victory over the mistake-prone Eagles to close out the two-day CabCo Classic.


Concord Academy is the reigning private-school 3A state champion, and the Vikings reached the public-school Class 3A state finals last year, where they suffered the only loss during a 30-1 campaign.

Saturday was the second time in the calendar year that the teams faced off, although the first wasn’t in an official capacity.

The squads met each other in the preseason on this same court in a fall league game. That contest was close, and the Eagles came out on top that day.

The Vikings, well, didn’t forget.

Undersized and, in many cases, underestimated going against the vaunted Eagles, this game was similar to a state-championship contest for the Vikings.The electricity surrounding it, the gym filled to the gills, provided a playoff-like atmosphere, too.

“This game meant a whole bunch,” Central Cabarrus junior guard Carson Daniel said. “During the preseason, they beat us, and that’s really the motivation that we had going into the game. We really wanted to have another super-good run at an undefeated season, and we thought they were probably the best chance of beating us.”


The Vikings certainly weren’t intimated by that, though.

They came out playing their usual, aggressive style, highlighted by tenacious defense and hard drives to the basket offensively. The Vikings set the tone when 6-foot-3 senior wing Gavin Bullock was able to win the tip while going against the 6-10 Petar Asceric, and Carson Daniel gave them the lead a half-minute in by dashing past a defender for a layup after a turnover.

Concord Academy (9-2), accustomed to playing in major environments, didn’t flinch as 6-5 senior guard Noah Van Bibber (Winthrop commit) calmly went to the other end and swished a 3-pointer from the far sideline, right in front of a gathering of boisterous Central Cabarrus students.

Asceric, who is from Serbia, began to have his way inside, and the Eagles extended their lead to 7-4, but the Vikings stormed back.

Senior Jaiden Thompson hit a jump shot, and Carson Daniel drove to the hoop again for a score that put Central Cabarrus in front, 8-7. When Carson Daniel, who finished with nine points, shot a 3-pointer that tore through the nets with 4:25 to go in first quarter, the building erupted, and the Vikings would never trail again.

Central Cabarrus coach Jim Baker was happy about the way his team performed under what he considered difficult odds. The Eagles boast a lineup of highly recruited, towering players, including some who have played at multiple schools.

Two Central Academy players once competed at Concord High: seniors Magnus Swinger and Carson Cooke.

Chargers’ Christmas Classic drought is over
By Tom Ham Special to the Times

Head coach Kevin Zander hints the colorful Pac-Man Christmas jacket may be destined for retirement. The championship drought is finally over.

The first victory for a Wilson Christian Academy varsity boys basketball team in the school’s Charger Christmas Classic tournament resulted Saturday afternoon in the holiday event’s 20th year with a 48-37 conquest of Alamance Christian.

Alamance scored the first basket but, from that point, Zander’s Chargers never trailed again in seizing the title in his fifth season as head coach.

The Chargers, for the second straight game, were sparked by 5-foot-11 junior Briceson Martin, who poured in a tournament high 26 points in the final and was proclaimed the most valuable player. Martin fired in 42 points in the two games as Wilson Christian upped its record to 3-4.

“I thought about winning (MVP),” Martin acknowledged, “but I thought a lot more about the team winning the tournament. This is the first time we have ever won our Christmas Classic. Coach Zander was happy about it.”

“Twenty years in the making,”Zander, clad in the Pac-Man Christmas jacket for the second straight day, exclaimed. “This feels tremendous. We host it every year and it’s great for the host team to finally come away with it.”

With Martin the only player to score in double digits, the Chargers captured the battle of defenses – WCA’s man-to-man and 1-3-1 against the Warriors’ man-to-man.

“It’s absolutely a credit to the defense,” said Zander, who hoped the jacket would be good luck in the bid to win the Classic. “When you hold Alamance to 15 points in a half, that’s good defense.

“Starting out, we were having a little difficulty with their flex offense because they run it so well.. But we switched to the 1-3-1 zone. Then, in the second half, we went back to the man-to-man. We wanted to keep mixing it up.”

“Their 1-3-1 zone hurt us more than anything,” responded Alamance head coach Jerry Bailey.
“We were without our post player (injured in Friday’s semifinals win) and we had a really difficult time getting the ball inside. With the adjustments we had to make, our kids adjusted as best as they could.”

Martin and company fought to a 9-8 lead after one quarter and upped the advantage to 21-15 at intermission. WCA followers were beginning to sense “finally, this could be the day.”


Martin got help from junior Zay Joyner in boosting WCA’s lead to 27-18. Two more field goals from Martin upped the cushion to 31-20. Then, Martin dribbled the basketball to the Chargers’ end of the court and drained a 3-point shot at the buzzer. WCA moved out front 34-23.

The Warriors (6-2) drew no closer than seven points the rest of the way. WCA sealed the championship with a three-point play from Martin, a basket inside from senior Carter Zander and another bucket from Martin for the Chargers’ biggest lead of 44-27.

Reserves finished the contest.

“The Lord gave us a toughness tonight to play defense,” Coach Zander said. “We were very, very good in the half-court. We eliminated any transition.”

The Chargers committed just five turnovers and handed out 10 assists. Rebounds totaled 18, led by senior Seth Quinn with five. Seniors Turner Provo and Will Clark each had three assists. WCA shot for 50% accuracy (18 of 36) on 2-point attempts and 2 of 8 from long range. Joyner and Carter Zander helped out with seven and six points, respectively.

“They’re well coached,” Alamance’s Bailey commented of the Chargers. “We come to this about every year and it’s one of the highlights.”


The Warriors were paced by freshman Holden Yakola with 14 points and junior Luke Varga with nine.

Coach Zander noted Martin shook off a shaky start.

“They put a box-and-one on him,” Coach Zander explained. “We were able to free him up in the second quarter and, from there, it was lights out.”

Martin indicated early frustration, remarking to his teammates: “If I don’t get the ball, you’ve got to take over.”

But, eventually, the Warriors couldn’t stop Martin from possessing the ball.

“Our defense just had to shut them down in the second half. We just kept switching it up,” Martin noted.

Of the MVP accolade, Martin responded: “It feels good, but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates.”

The MVP headed the all-tournament team that included teammates Zay Joyner and Titus Batts as well as the Alamance duo of Yakola and Varga and Arby Bell of Faith Christian.


ALAMANCE CHRISTIAN (37)

Brown 3, Varga 9, Crutchfield 3, LaTour 4,Yakola 14, Cursinger 4, Van Nostrund, Moum, Oakley.

WILSON CHRISTIAN (48)

Evans, Trull, S. Joyner 7, Provo 3, Batts 2, Se. Quinn 2, Si. Quinn, B. Joyner, Martin 26, Zander 6, Clark 2, Ricks.

Score by quarters:

Alamance 8 7 8 14 — 37

WCA 9 12 13 14 — 48

We did it for the seniors': Asheville School captures its first state championship
Zachary Huber
Asheville Citizen Times

Asheville Citizen Times USA TODAY NETWORK

Asheville School quarterback Ricky Tolbert and wide receiver Hayezon Tobe sat in the locker room thinking about how much they wanted to beat Covenant Day for an NCISAA Division II state championship for the seniors.

The Blues didn’t have a chance to make a run for the title last season because they had to forfeit their quarterfinal game against Metrolina due to COVID- 19 protocols.

“Really just did it for the seniors, man,” Tobe said. “The seniors coming out and preaching us and telling us how big of a game it is and how you only get this once in a lifetime. So just playing for them, honestly.”

Asheville School kept the seniors and the disappointing end of last season in the front of its mind. The Blues dominated Covenant Day from the opening kickoff to the final buzzer. They beat the Lions 46-10 at home on Nov. 18 to clinch their first state championship in football. Tolbert saved his best game of the season for last. He contributed six total touchdowns. He completed 65% of his passes for 210 touchdowns and three touchdowns, and added another 24 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Tobe caught three passes for 34 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Caleb Jenkins rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

Coach Shawn Bryson said it feels great to be the first coach to lead Asheville School to a state title, but it’s not possible without the players.

“I owe it all to the players,” Bryson said. “They were great this year. They worked really hard. They stayed focused throughout the season.”

Tolbert, Tobe and Jenkins had incredible seasons. Tolbert threw for over 2,300 yards and tossed 30 touchdowns to just nine interceptions. Tobe caught 79 passes for 1,141 yards and 17 touchdowns. Jenkins ran for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns.

Tolbert and Tobe have a special connection on the field because they played together in middle school and for one year at A.C. Reynolds.

Defensive end Nathan McMahon and defensive lineman Adam Kaminski also starred for the Blues. McMahon tallied 62 tackles with 25 of them coming for a loss as well as 13 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Kaminski had 60 tackles with 16 of them coming for a loss to go along with 11 sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

Bryson said McMahon and Kaminski have a great motor and a high football IQ. He also complimented their love for the game of football.

However, the Blues' season didn’t fly by without its lumps. They jumped out to a 4-0 start, beating opponents by an average margin of 27 points. They also put up more than 41 points in every game.

But then Asheville School droppedtwo games to Cabarrus (49-18) and Christ Church Episcopal (63-35). Bryson and his team returned to their winning ways until the season finale against Christ School. The Greenies beat them 18-9.

Bryson and his team never panicked after each loss, however. They stayed the course.

The Blues’ game vs. Covenant Day was the second time they played against each other after meeting in Week 8. Asheville School won their first matchup 49-24. That victory gave the team confidence heading into the state championship.

Tobe said they knew the Lions wanted to run the ball a lot on offense. Then Tolbert said he knew Covenant Day’s defense was going to blitz and try to force him into a mistake.

Asheville School held Covenant Day to just 127 rushing yards. Tolbert didn’t have a single turnover and was never sacked.

Bryson will return most of his offense in 2023 but will need to replace some players on defense like linebacker Waller Dixon and cornerback Nic Zuber.

Tobe said the team needs to keep working if the Blues want to go back-toback.

“It’s not going to be easy,” Tobe said. “We know there is going to be a target on our backs.”

Chargers crash Charger Christmas Classic final
By Tom Ham

Christmas season has arrived and Christmas spirit is definitely swirling around the Wilson Christian Academy campus.

Traditionally tipping off the holiday season is the Charger Christmas Classic tournament at Wilson Christian.


In Friday night’s opening session, fifth-year head coach Kevin Zander and his hungry Wilson Christian boys basketball team eagerly unwrapped a long-awaited present with a convincing 67-35 conquest of long-time rival Wilmington Christian, the champion in 2020 and 2021.

For the first time in Zander’s tenure, the Chargers will play for the championship in the event against Alamance Christian at 2 p.m. Saturday. Alamance clipped Faith Christian of Rocky Mount, 66-33, in the opening semifinal.

“I am definitely elated,” said Zander,wearing his colorful Pacman Christmas jacket. “(Winning the championship) is something of a goal of mine and one of the team goals. And another goal is to win our division in the conference.”

The conference to which Zander was referring is the North Carolina Christian School Association 2-A ranks and the division is the East Region. The game counted as the first 2022-23 region test for both teams.

“And we are 1-0 in the region,” exclaimed Zander, who watched the Chargers’ record improve to 2-4.

The Chargers handled Wilmington’s best shot (16-14 lead) in the first quarter and then outscored the Patriots 53-19 the rest of the way in registering arguably WCA’s most decisive outcome in a rivalry that Zander describes as “brutally back and forth.”

Junior Briceson Martin spearheaded WCA with a game-high 16 points, seven rebounds, six steals and two assists. Also in double figures was senior Zay Joyner with 12 points. Eleven Chargers scored. Martin was accurate on all four of his attempts from 3-point range.

“Briceson really set the tone,” Zander praised. “The defense (man-to-man and full-court trap) certainly led to offense. The defense was solid and stayed that way with the substitutes in there the last quarter. We were patient on offense in waiting for a better shot, and that’s something I was very pleased with.”


Wilson Christian shot 11 for 20 from beyond the arc for a sparkling 55% accuray and connected on 14-of-35 attempts from 2-point range for 40%. The Chargers limited their turnovers to 14 and flustered Patriots’ ball-handlers with 12 steals.

“We were more patient and moved the ball,” noted Martin, a first-year varsity player. “We drove and kicked the ball out (for 3-point shots) and we kept moving. We played really good. We shot the ball well and played good defense.”

Patriots’ defenders began paying more attention to Martin after he dropped in three bombs from long range in the opening quarter.

“I started getting my teammates open,” he said. “No. 3 (Joyner) started hitting shots.”

Despite Martin’s efforts, Wilmington, down 10-4, rallied to a 16-14 first-quarter lead behind seniors Trey Pierce and Tirunch Giammarino.

But from an 18-18 tie, the Chargers stormed out front for keeps with a 12-0 run that featured Martin, senior Turner Provo, Joyner and junior Titus Batts. A field goal from senior Will Clark staked WCA to a 33-20 halftime cushion.

The Patriots were limited to five points in the third quarter and the Chargers’ lead doubled at 50-25. The biggest advantage was 34 points. Zander emptied his bench in the fourth quarter, and reserves, directed by Batts, played the Patriots on even terms.

“Our defense frustrated them,” Zander declared.

Giammarino finished with a team-high 12 points for Wilmington, while Pierce added nine.


“We played well for 1 ½ quarters,” Wilmington head coach Chris Staton reviewed. “Our defense became like cones.”

“This is the first time in three years here we haven’t won the first game here. They shot the lights out. Every shot they made was pretty much a kick-out 3. They’re a lot easier to make than one pass and then the 3. That means they were getting in the paint on us. I was disappointed in our heart; we didn’t get the effort we know we can get.”


The Chargers, on Saturday, attempt to end the title drought against an Alamance team of which Zander said: “We are familiar.”

Added Martin: “We will have to step up (the defense( against the 3; they can shoot. We have to get into transition.”This feels good. We are ready to win (Saturday).”

Zander also assured: “Pacman will return (Saturday).”

WILMINGTON CHRISTIAN (35)

Perez 5, Giammariono 12, Carroll, Ekhardt 1, Pierce 9, Harmon, Donaldson 4, Upchurch 4.


WILSON CHRISTIAN (67)

Evans 4, Trull, Z. Joyner 12, Provo 6, Batts 6, Se. Quinn 5, Si. Quinn 7, B. Joyner 2, Martin 16, Zander 2, Clark 5, Ricks 2.

Score by quarters:

Wilmington Chr. 16 4 5 10 — 35

Wilson Chr. 14 19 24 10 — 67

Charger Christmas Classic Glance

Arendell Parrott stays in front, defeats Bethel Christian


Arendell Parrott never trailed, but it wasn't an easy contest Thursday with its crosstown rival.

The Patriots picked up a 35-32 win over Bethel Christian Thursday, winning their first game under new coach Christopher "Smoke" Brown. APA (1-2) led by as many as 11 in the second half, then overcame a Bethel Christian (2-4) charge to secure the win.

"We build our reputation on playing hard and being scrappy," Brown said. "Free throws win us the game tonight and we've just got to fix some of our mistakes. Still, I'm proud of the guys."

The Patrio
ts scored the game's first six points and eventually took a 15-6 lead early in the second after a J. Allen Smith 3-pointer. Tyler Sanderson answered for the Trojans with two perimeter shots and a free throw as the Trojans closed the deficit to 19-15 at the half.

Smith hit another 3-pointer to open up the scoring in the third and the Patriots eventually pushed their advantage to 28-17 after a William Corey basket late in the frame. Bethel Christian continued to fight in the low-scoring affair and when Alex Hill stole an entry pass and scored, the Trojans trailed 34-32 with 1:08 to play. After Connor Woelfel split a pair of free throws with 13 seconds to play, Bethel Christian had an opportunity to tie the game.

Unfortunately, the Trojans missed and APA hung on.

The Patriots scored all five of their fourth quarter points at the line.

Bethel Christian coach Bert Potter said the team is making great strides.

"We've been playing hard and early in the season, the focus is on the mental aspect," Potter said.

"We're still working, but if we can get the toughness down, everything else will work out."

Fletcher Jones led APA with 9 points and Smith added 8. For Bethel Christian, Sanderson had a game-high 15 and Josh Holmes added 9


ENC Moments

FRIDAY

Tyler Lewis Hoopsfest (at Forsyth Country Day)

Quality Education vs. N.C. GBB National, 4:30
Lake Norman vs. Mount Tabor, 6
Carmel Christian vs. Dudley, 7:30
Forsyth Country Day vs. Cummings, 9

APA's Ashton Brinson selected to play in 2022 Gatlinburg All-American Bowl

Arendell Parrott’s Ashton Brinson was selected to play in the 2022 Gatlinburg All-American Bowl, but won’t be able to participate.
Due to an injury suffered late in the third quarter of the Patriots’ 32-29 title-winning game against John Paul II Nov. 18, Brinson will sit the game out.
Still, Brinson had a season for the ages for APA this season, rushing for 2,549 yards and 31 touchdowns, catching four passes for 220 yards and two scores, throwing a passing touchdown and racking up 159 tackles (13 TFL) with four sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a blocked punt.
The Gatlinburg All-American Bowl is for private and homeschooled football players — mainly across the South — to showcase their skills in both 8- and 11-man contests.
APA

LATIN GIRLS 75, SOUTHLAKE CHRISTIAN 33

LATIN - 15. 20. 29. 8. -72

SOUTHLAKE - 7. 12. 5. 9. - 33

CHARLOTTE LATIN 72 -- Charlotte Tune 17, Wallace Roberts 13, Mayes Fisher 10, Archibald 8, McMahan 6, Vandiver 6, Hutchinson 4, Hume 3, Poole 3, Felkner 2

SOUTHLAKE 33 -- Stubbs 11, Proctor 8, Drewry, G 6, Thyne 5, Drewry, S 4

NORTHWOOD TEMPLE 76 WORD of GOD (HS TEAM) 64
NTA : 25-15-20-16---76
WOG : 8-20-25-11---64
NTA—John Baldwin 26, Kenny Vera 18, Anthony Mendez 15, Lee 6, Brown 0, Mbaeteka 4, Harris 6, Henderson 1,
NTA 6-5

Westchester splits with Shining Light
• By GREER SMITH ENTERPRISE SPORTS WRITER
HIGH POINT — Westchester Country Day’s boys fought back in the fourth quarter before falling 64-54 to Shining Light Academy of Greensboro in nonconference basketball on Tuesday in Brooks Gym.

“We have to take these games that are close and build on them and get better and better,” Westchester head coach Brook Patterson said.

“That’s the hardest our kids have played all year. They bought in on what we were trying to do offensively and defensively. We’re taking baby steps, and we’re going to keep working.”

In the girls game, Westchester built a huge lead early and cruised to a 46-19 victory over the overmatched Knights.

“I was pleased with the start to the game, that we jumped out on top and showed some maturity,” Wildcat coach Jeremy Autry said. “I’m pleased with the results.”

BOYS
Down 10 after three quarters, Westchester (1-3) cut the deficit to 54-51 when Zane Dinkins canned a 3 with 3:30 left in the game.

Shining Light center Jordan Pyke then took over, scoring six straight points as the Knights (3-2) finished on a 10-3 run.

Pyke, who scored a game-high 20 and contested shots on defense, completed a baseline drive with 3:10 to go and scored on a tip-in with 1:28 left. After M.J. Edwards swished a 3 for Westchetser, Pyke drove down the lane, lost control of the ball attempting a shot, got it back and put it in for a 60-54 lead with just under a minute left. Alik Lewis, who added 16, closed out the scoring with two free throws and a follow shot.

Parker Allen, who also drove past the Wildcats defense at times, added 15.

“Things we worked on in practice still hurt us,” Patterson said. “We knew (Pyke) was going to drive to the basket. We wanted to block him out if he missed. But he jumps so quickly and it’s hard to block out when you are already underneath the basket. Again, we’re learning. The messages are getting there. I feel great about our effort, and that’s the thing that counts.”

Jalen Umstead led the Wildcats with 20 points. Dinkins had 14, and Josh Bayne and Edwards contributed 9 each.

Greenfield girls fall to New Life
By Tom Ham Special to the Times

With star junior point guard Serenity McNair missing (ankle injury) for the fourth straight game, the Greenfield School varsity girls basketball team was dealt a 60-41 loss by New Life Camp, a homeschool team from the Raleigh area, on Monday evening in the Greenfield gym.

To start the season with a .500 record after six games, and to have McNair available for only two of those games, is not what 5-foot-8 Jealleen Holland, the Lady Knights’ only senior, envisioned. Holland is joined by McNair, sophomore Darcy Dean and 5-11 junior Tori Coleman as returnees off the 2021-22 team that reached the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 1-A final four. Coleman played sparingly because of an injury.





“We had really high expectations,” Holland said. “We know it’s going to be a challenge without Serenity – she’s our point guard. We knew somebody had to step up. The three losses we’ve had, we’ll grow from them. We’ve had some shifts (in positions). But once Serenity gets back, we’ll be ready to gel.”

Greenfield stands 2-2 in games without McNair. First-year head coach Willie McNair is hopeful Serenity McNair, his daughter, can return next week, but cautions she will probably not be ready. Serenity McNair is averaging a sizzling 28 points per game.

Without Serenity McNair, the Knights climbed from a 5-0 hole to start the non-conference test and bolted to their biggest lead of 8-5 on a 3-pointer each from Coleman and Holland.

New Life spurted to a 10-10 tie and seized the lead for keeps on a 3-pointer from senior long-distance threat Elizabeth Edwards. New Life owned an 18-12 margin after one quarter.

Poor starts to a quarter wrecked Greenfield hopes. Senior Chloe Kester sparked a 9-0 New Life tear to open the second quarter. The Knights did not score until Holland sank 1-of-2 free throws with 3:35 left in the period. A 3-pointer each from Coleman and Holland cut New Life’s lead to 33-22 at halftime.

However, the Knights did not get on the scoreboard in the third quarter until Holland canned a free throw with 2:44 left. By then, with a 7-0 start, New Life (3-1) owned a 40-23 cushion.

New Life’s lead crested at 54-31. Holland was joined by Dean and junior Clara Graff as Greenfield players who stepped up in the final quarter

“We turned the ball over a little bit and didn’t always execute,” New Life head coach Aaron Miller reviewed. “We had good intensity, played good defense and rebounded well.”

New Life dominated the rebounding as the Knights struggled to be quick and aggressive and showed hesitancy to react in the scrum for the loose basketball.

“We read the ball very well and were able to get to where it was going,” Miller explained.

Noted Willie McNair: “Rebounding is a mindset. You’ve got to have a mindset for wanting the basketball. Again, it’s energy and effort. We’ve got to lean on each other, keep it simple and play with energy and effort.We’ve got to close out plays.”

Added Holland: “We didn’t block out very well. We were still able to push the ball and use our shifts. Our help defense was struggling and that caused our on-ball defense to struggle.”


Elizabeth Edwards led New Life with 16 points. Freshman Caroline Brown tossed in 12 and senior Chloe Kester bucketed 11.

Holland’s 14 points topped the Greenfield attack. Coleman netted 11.


Holland accounted for four of the Knights’ six 3-point baskets. New Life connected on 8 shots from beyond the arc and converted 4-of-7 free throws as compared to 5 of 13 for the Knights.

The Knights turn to the start of 2-A/3-A Coastal Plain Independents Conference play at Epiphany of New Bern on Tuesday night.

“We have high aspirations in the conference,” Holland remarked. “We didn’t change conferences; we just went from 1-A/2-A to 2-A/3-A. We know all the teams and have been in that conference a long time. If we do well, we can get back to the state playoffs. We have many games left.”

Willie McNair supported his senior’s thoughts by commenting: “We’re on the brink of something. We’ll keep plugging away.”

NEW LIFE CAMP (60)

Brown 12, Kester 11, E. Todd, A. Todd 1, Hartzell 8, Hime, Grubb 5, J. Edwards 7, E. Edwards 16, Schulz.

GREENFIELD (41)

Graff 8, Good, Smith, Dean 8, Williams, Coleman 11, Holland 14.

Score by quarters:

New Life Camp 18 15 9 18 – 60

Greenfield 12 10 5 14 – 41

HPCA boys, Wesleyan girls earn rivalry wins
• Michael Lindsay | Enterprise Sports Writer
HIGH POINT – High Point Christian's boys gained the lead in the first quarter, stretched it to double digits in the second and third, and held on late to beat rival Wesleyan Christian 47-41 on Saturday night in the Headliners Challenge basketball showcase at Wesleyan.
In the girls game, Wesleyan trailed by double digits early in the second but rallied the rest of the way to build a double-digit lead of its own and won 54-41.
Isaiah Sanders scored 13 points to lead the HPCA boys (1-2), who quickly led 10-4 midway through the first and used a 7-1 run to lead by 11 midway through the second. Benny Limbacher followed with eight points, while Toot Clay added seven points.
The Cougars, who led 24-18 at halftime, pushed their lead to 16 in the third before the Trojans rallied back within reach.
Stephen McLamb scored 15 points to lead Wesleyan (1-3), while Jasean Williams added 11 points as the Trojans inched within three with 31 seconds left. But HPCA made three of four free throws to seal the outcome.

Carmel Christian upsets top 15 Calvary Christian in Atlanta

Friday night in Atlanta, Carmel Christian ran out to a 21-point lead over national power Calvary Christian from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Then the Cougars lost all of their lead, went to double overtime but rallied to win 76-69. Carmel (6-0) led 22-10 after the first quarter and 36-20 at halftime.

But Calvary Christian dominated the second half, outscoring the Cougars 37-21 to get back into the game.

Carmel got a put-back basket from Bryce Cash to force double-overtime, where the Cougars got more big baskets and big plays from Mustaf, Cash, Khamani Wertz and Boston Smith to get the win.

Former Chambers star Jaylen Curry shot 6-of-21 but had 22 points, four rebounds and three steals for Calvary Christian (1-1). Calvary Christian wing Carl Cherenfant -- a Memphis recruit ranked among the nation’s top 25 players at his position -- had 26 points and six rebounds.

Mustaf led Carmel with 23 points, 10 rebounds; Cash had 22 points, seven rebounds; Wertz had 15 points and three rebounds; and Smith had seven points, three

CANNON GIRLS 69, SOUTH MECKLENBURG 44
Cannon - 15 8 26 20 - 69
S. Meck - 11 18 8 7 - 44
CANNON 69 -- Lili Booker 16 A. Fowler 14 S. Suffren 13 M. McCorkle 11 K. Thompson 5 K. Morrow 4 A. Brooks - Manning 2 T. Mathis 2 J. Cherry 2
SOUTH MECKLENBURG 44 -- Maggie Houpt - 17 A. Sinclair- 9 G. Troy - Mebane 8 C. Williams 4 G. Phifer - 4D. Miller - 2.
Record: Cannon (4-1) S. Meck (2-1)
Notable: Cannon has won 4 straight. 4 of 5 starters in double figures. S. Meck led by 6 at the half.

Friday, November 25th, 2022 – Lake Norman HS

12:00PM – West Cabarrus Girls vs. Alexander Central Girls
1:30PM – Hickory Ridge vs. Covenant Day
3:00PM – Metrolina Christian vs. Lincoln Charter
4:30PM – Lake Norman Girls vs. Ardrey Kell Girls
6:00PM – WS Christian National vs. Combine Regional
7:30PM – Lake Norman vs. Rocky River

Saturday, November 26th, 2022 – Lake Norman HS
12:00PM – Hickory Ridge Girls vs. Ardrey Kell Girls
1:30PM – Lake Norman Girls vs. Olympic Girls
3:00PM – Covenant Day vs. WS Christian Regional
4:30PM – Hough vs. Metrolina Christian
6:00PM – Harding vs. West Cabarrus
7:30PM – Providence Day vs. WS Christian National
9:00PM – Lake Norman vs. Central Cabarrus

‘We never planned it that way’: Holmes siblings at home coaching at Carmel Christian
BY STEVE LYTTLE NOVEMBER 25, 2022 6:00 AM


Chavis and Travis Holmes insist it was never planned this way.

They never planned to get married three weeks apart. They never planned to have two children each, born within three months of one another.

And the twin brothers said they never planned to wind up working together on the same high school basketball coaching staff. But they all say Carmel Christian, a private school in southeast Charlotte, is home.

And to have their little sister at the same school, coaching the girls’ basketball team?

“We never planned it that way,” said Kendria Holmes, the “little sister” and Carmel’s girls’ head coach.

But the twins, who are NCAA record-holders, are working together this year under Carmel Christian boys’ head coach Joe Badgett, whose team plays in a Thanksgiving tournament in Atlanta this weekend. And they’re keeping an eye on their sister, who coached middle school boys’ and girls’ teams at Carmel for several years before taking over the girls’ high school varsity this season.

“We’re lucky to have these three siblings here,” Badgett said. “They add a lot to the school and the athletic program.”

Chavis Holmes, the older of the twins by a few minutes (they’re both 36), joined Badgett’s staff two years ago. Travis arrived this year.

“It just happened,” he said. “I was at Bradford Prep, but I found out that there was an opening at Carmel Christian. Coach Badgett said he’d love to have me. And I was happy to come here.”

BOUNCE, BOUNCE, BOUNCE’

Basketball always has been a big part of life for the Holmes siblings, their mother, Regina, said. “Bounce, bounce, bounce,” she said, remembering the sound that reverberated in their north Charlotte backyard when their three children were younger. “It was always basketball. They all loved it from the start.”

Perhaps understandable, given that the Chavis siblings are cousins of former NBA great James Worthy. Chavis and Travis, now 36, played on a Vance High (now Chambers) team that won the 2003 4A state championship. They spent their junior and senior seasons at Christ School, near Asheville, winning more titles and earning all-state honors.

Then they each chose Virginia Military for college.

“We didn’t plan it that way,” Travis Holmes said. “We each liked the school.”

BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL

The Holmes brothers, each a 6-4 guard, were among NCAA leaders in steals throughout their careers. In fact, Travis Holmes led Division 1 in steals his sophomore season, and Chavis ranked fourth.

“When we were younger, we competed against each other,” Chavis Holmes said. “But it was all in competitive fun. We were always close.”

They finally separated after college, each playing professionally overseas. Travis played in Iceland, Israel and England. Chavis was on teams in Spain, Mexico, England and Germany.

Meanwhile, Kendria, a 5-5 guard, was also doing well. She led Victory Christian to multiple state championships in high school, then went on to Providence, where she was named to the Big East all-freshman team. She transferred to Charlotte, and played several seasons with the 49ers.

“The best thing about my brothers is that they always let me hang around, when they were kids playing basketball,” she said. “That helped my game a lot.”

FOLLOWING THE KIDS

Through it all, their parents, Regina and Kenneth, logged thousands of miles, driving to see them play.

“One time, I drove from here to VMI to watch the boys, and then drove from there to Providence to see Kendria,” Regina recalled. “We did a lot of driving!”

Regina and Kenneth are still following their children, although part of their job in the stands at Carmel Christian games involves helping keep an eye on the grandchildren.

Chavis and Travis said they have found a home at Carmel Christian.

“Joe’s a good guy,” Travis said. “He’s a man of faith, a man of principles. He has the same core values we have.”

“It’s great to be a part of what he’s doing here,” Chavis added.

Badgett said the Holmes brothers have added a lot to the program and have the talent to be top-notch coaches.

“We don’t always agree with one another,” Travis said. “But we don’t get into arguments. We talk it out.”

NATURAL ATHLETES

Regina Holmes said her three children are natural athletes.

“They’re good golfers,” she said. And they’re close, she added.

“They’ve always been that way.”

Travis and Chavis are coaching a team that is ranked No. 1 among private schools in North Carolina, for a program that won the 4A state title last season.

“We’re still a work in progress this year,” Chavis said.

“Right now, we’re just scratching the surface.

There are some great kids on this team.” Travis added, “We know we’ll catch everyone’s best shot.”

Kendria, meanwhile, is building the girls’ program. She has several eighth-graders and freshmen on the roster.

“We’ll get there,” she said. “We’re building this program, and we have some very good young players.”

She seems to take delight in the way her older brothers seem to shadow each other’s life experiences — getting married around the same time, having children around the same time.

“Trust me,” Travis Holmes said to her sister. “We didn’t plan it that way.”

Kendria and Regina Holmes also are proud that the brothers hold a place in the NCAA record book — for the most career points ever scored by twins.

“That’s another thing we didn’t plan,” Chavis said, breaking into a laugh.

GREENFIELD 115 CAPE FEAR CHRISTIAN 69
CFC : 12 20 31 6 — 69
GFS : 30 32 37 16 — 115
CFC : Zeke Brock 29, Brandon Surles 14, Scarborough 8, Bolton, Dunlow, Medlin, McLamb 4, Brooks, Chestnut, Ellis 6, Wilborn 8, Godwin.
GFS : Kobe Edwards 15, N. Edwards 3, Cole Evans 15, Kyshon Atkinson 11, Jack Adair 14, Sherrod 8, Lucas 6, Wall 4, Baptiste 7, Tewes 2, Hampton Evans 30.

Spartans split doubleheader against Thales Academy
By Bryant Baucom bbaucom@hendersondispatch.com; 252-436-2840 Nov 22, 2022 Updated 13 hrs ago
Facebook
ROLESVILLE — Holding your opponent to four points, runs, or goals may not be an indication of dominance in sports like soccer, baseball, or hockey, but on the hardwood, it’s almost unheard of.

Unheard of, but not impossible, as the Kerr-Vance girls basketball team earned a victory on Tuesday in rather dominant fashion, defeating Thales Academy Rolesville 45-4.

In their third of five road games to begin the 2022-2023 season, the Spartans improved to 2-1 on the year, as they recorded their highest point total since Dec. 3, 2019.

Earning their second victory in just three tries, Kerr-Vance surpassed their win total from a year ago and tied their total number of victories during the 2020-2021 campaign.

Following a well-earned holiday break, the Spartans will travel to St. Thomas More Academy in Raleigh on Nov. 29 for a non-conference matchup with the Chancellors.

Currently riding a three game losing streak against St. Thomas More, Kerr-Vance seek to avenge last season’s 55-11 defeat on their home court.

In the varsity boys matchup, the Spartans dropped their first contest of the season, falling to the Knights 85-44.

The outcome of the game was never in doubt after the opening tip, as Thales Academy cruised to a 32-5 lead after the opening frame.

Similar to the opening frame of the first half was the third quarter play of the Knights, who scored a combined 63 points in those two frames.

During those spans, they outscored their 1A opponent 63-17 to account for a majority of their success on Monday night.

Kerr-Vance would bounce back and outscore Thales Academy in the second quarter, trimming the halftime deficit to 26 at 46-20.

Awaiting the Spartans in their next contest will be the Chancellors of St. Thomas More Academy, who will enter the contest with a 1-3 record and on a two-game losing streak.

Kerr-Vance has won their last 10 matchups against the Chancellors, dating back to the 2012-2013 season. In their most recent matchup in 2021, the Spartans opened up the season with a 57-46 victory over their former conference foe.

SAN JOSE PREP Fl 42 NORTHSIDE 38
SJP: 7-8-16-11---42
NSC : 7-8-9-14---38
NSC : Tyler Collins 17, Engle 3, Womack 5, Ashford 4, Johnson 6, Carelock 0, Henderson 3,
NORTHSIDE 1-2

Red-hot Knights bomb Cape Fear Christian 115-69
By Tom Ham Special to the Times

The streaking Greenfield School varsity boys basketball team expected a break from tense outcomes against visiting Cape Fear Christian Academy of Erwin of the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 1-A ranks Monday evening.

And Cape Fear head coach Dwain Ellis admitted: “Defense is our problem.”


Did the Knights, 2021-22 NCISAA 1-A runners-up and playing at the 2-A level for the first year, ever feast in exploding to a record-setting 115-69 victory for their fifth consecutive win after a season-opening loss.

Greenfield established a school record with 18 field goals (54 points) from 3-point range and missed tying the single-game scoring mark by one point.

With a two-shot opportunity at the foul line, Greenfield junior Jo-Willem Tewes earned the opportunity to tie or break the record when fouled with six-plus seconds remaining. But with the clock running nonstop because of the Knights’ huge lead, time expired before Tewes could attempt a free throw.

Greenfield head coach Rob Salter declined to complain about his team’s defensive effort. But the 32 minutes of court time belonged to the offenses.

Along with swishing 18-of-29 shots from 3-point range, Greenfield, overall, knocked down 39-of-59 shots for a sizzling 60% accuracy. The Knights thrived at the foul line, sinking 19-of-24 attempts for 80% accuracy.
The Eagles (2-2) were not shabby, connecting on 28-of-52 attempts from the floor 54%. The teams erupted for 68 points in the third quarter, when Greenfield shot 14 of 19 from the floor and Cape Fear posted a scorching 80% accuracy, hitting 12-of-15 shots.

“An impressive display of shooting,” Salter said. “We’ve got that potential. The 3s came on right decisions. We have a lot of guys that can fill it up when they get going. Three’s started raining from everywhere.”

Nine Knights scored at least once from beyond the arc. And the Eagles, led by sharp-shooting junior Zeke Brock, found the range 10 times from 3-point land.


“(Junior) Cole (Evans) got it started for us,” Salter credited. “He is an elite shooter. The guys came out with good energy. The transition was sensational. The guards on the outside did a great job in transition. We scored in our half-court offense. We got it done in a lot of ways. A lot of good things got us going. It was impressive to watch it get going.”

Evans found the mark on five of his 3-point shots for 15 points.

“I was in rhythm and my teammates were getting me the ball,” said Evans, who did not start. “It was easy to get to my spot and knock down shots.”

Of being a key cog in a scorefest, Evans replied: “It felt good. The defense was a little bit slack. I wanted to come in, knock down shots and help the team win. That was a good feeling.”

“We thought we could have this type of game but we knew we had to take (Cape Fear) seriously and respect them.”

The score was knotted at 5-5 and 10-10 when, suddenly, the Evans boys, Cole and Hampton, another junior, ignited Greenfield on a 20-0 tear before promising 6-foot-5 eighth-grader Lathan Wilborn’s jumper finally ended the drought for the Eagles, who were plagued by 10 turnovers in the first quarter.

The remainder of the contest was filled with milestones. Senior Kyshon Atkinson stepped across midcourt and drained a heave at intermission for the biggest halftime lead of 62-32.



After three periods, the Knights needed just one more point for 100 on junior Xavier Baptiste’s 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Greenfield reached and surpassed the century mark in the opening moments of the final quarter on junior Nik Edwards 3-pointer for a 102 total. Then the nonstop clock took over.

Hampton Evans continued his scoring rampage with a game-high 30 points in just three quarters. Freshman Kobe Edwards and Cole Evans each poured in 15, followed by senior Jack Adair with 14 and Atkinson with 11. Eleven Knights scored. Baptiste led with seven rebounds, followed by senior Micah Sherrod with six.

Cape Fear’s Brock impressed with a 29-point effort, while eighth-grader Brandon Surles bucketed 14. The Eagles managed just 14 rebounds.

“We knew it was going to be rough,” Ellis said. “We knew about Greenfield.

“We have a bunch of young basketball players (four freshmen, two eighth-graders and two seniors). We are building for the future.

“We put up some points, but we couldn’t stop the 3-bomb. That was really bad; we have to work on stopping that.”

The Knights expect a sterner test Tuesday evening when they welcome Living Waters Christian of Jacksonville, projected a top contender in the North Carolina Christian Athletic Association.


CAPE FEAR CHRISTIAN (69)

Brock 29, Scarborough 8, Bolton, Dunlow, Medlin, McLamb 4, Brooks, Chestnut, Ellis 6, Solurn 14, Wilborn 8, Godwin.

GREENFIELD (115)

K. Edwards 15, N. Edwards 3, C. Evans 15, Atkins 11, Adair 14, Sherrod 8, Lucas 6, Wall 4, Baptiste 7, Tewes 2, H. Evans 30.

Score by quarters:

Cape Fear 12 20 31 6 — 69

Greenfield 30 32 37 16 — 115

We have an immediate opening for Athletic Director at Community Christian School.
Job Description:
The role of the CCS Athletic Director will be to manage all facets of an athletic program (nearly 19 sports offerings from middle and high schools), including scheduling, hiring coaches, promoting programs and events, ordering equipment, constructing budgets and facilitating operations. The Athletic Director will work alongside CCS Administration, CCS School Board, and the CCS Booster Club to ensure that our school's athletics are of excellent quality as well as God-honoring. Apply online at: https://www.ccscyclones.com/.../EmploymentApplication...
Call 252-399-1376 with any questions.

Knights tame Tigers in cross-town showdown

By Andrew Schnittker
aschnittker@wilsontimes.com


The Greenfield School and Wilson Prep boys basketball teams gave a large, boisterous crowd a compelling show Saturday evening in the final game of the Hoop State 252 Tip-Off, with the Knights pulling away in the second half for an 81-68 home victory.


The Knights led by just three at halftime but pulled away with a dominant third quarter and second half, using their transition game and ability to work the ball inside to come away with an impressive victory. Greenfield saw five players score in double figures, with Hampton Evans leading the way with 20, Micah Sherrod and Matt Kirby posting 13 apiece, Kobe Edwards putting up 12 and Kyshon Atkinson adding 11.

“We had our composure,” said Knights head coach Rob Salter. “It was physical. I thought our guys held their composure really well. I think once again, our depth got them tired at the end. Our bench was fantastic. Micah Sherrod was unbelievable. Bryson Wall (seven points) was fantastic in the second half. He showed his experience. Hampton and Kobe were great. It was a team effort. … I just thought the composure was good. They shot the cover off the ball, and we didn’t panic when they did hit the 3s to keep it a game.”

The game marked the season opener for the Tigers of the NCHSAA 1-A Tar-Roanoke Athletic Conference. Wilson Prep is trying to find its footing in the early going as the Tigers only return two starters from last year, and got a good early test with Greenfield. Foul trouble played a role in the Tigers’ second-half woes, as they were right in a three-point game at the break.

Brandon Anderson led the Tigers with 17 points.

Wilson Prep head coach Anthony Atkinson Jr. said he feels playing against a strong opponent like Greenfield will help the Tigers down the line.

“Yes, you want to win, because it’s a cross-town rivalry, but at the same time, it’s preparing us for our conference and for playoffs,” he said. “These games right here are going to help our RPI and our strength of schedule, and help us with experiences in hostile environments.”

Saturday marked the third straight year Greenfield and Wilson Prep have met in nonconference play, and the fifth all-time meeting, with Greenfield winning all five, though the two have sparked a strong local rivalry.

The game featured a raucous, standing-room only crowd, with fans of both teams packing the Knights’ gym and creating a lively atmosphere.

The crowd was large enough to necessitate occasionally opening a side door to let some chilled night air into Greenfield’s warm gym.

“It’s great for the city,” Atkinson Jr. said. “I wish all of the public schools around here did this. It would be like this every night because people want to see this action. It’s in town, the kids know each other. It’s spicy. It’s a fun environment to be in. It’s just great to be a part of, it really was.”


The players also enjoyed getting to play in front of the large local crowd.

“It’s really fun,” Evans said. “Everybody loves the crowd. Anything can happen in a rivalry game. It was just a great environment, I love playing in environments like that.”

After the Knights brought a three-point lead into halftime, Greenfield started to pull away as the third quarter went along, out scoring the Tigers 23-13. Holding a narrow 45-43 lead, the Knights ripped off a 12-2 run to take the first double-digit lead of the game at 55-45 with 2:21 left in the third frame, including seven straight points on a 3 from Edwards, steal and layup from Sherrod and layup from Sherrod off a full-court pass from Kirby.


The Knights continued to pull ahead the rest of the third frame with their zone frustrating the Tigers’ shooters and by working the ball inside on offense, taking a 62-49 lead heading into the final frame.

“We made them take shots off the dribble,” Salter said. “They were hitting 3s but we wanted them to put it on the floor. And then I thought we missed a lot of easy shots in the first half. We missed a lot of layups. I thought we made a lot in the second half, which let us push it up. The experience of being in big moments showed. That’s why we play in the big games, and I thought our experience came through in the second half.”

The Knights kept pushing away to open the fourth quarter, extending their lead to 16, but the Tigers’ outside shooting continued to keep them in it, with Anderson knocking down a corner 3 to make it a 10-point game with about five minutes left.

“That’s one thing that we’ve put an emphasis on in practice,” Atkinson Jr. said. “That’s where the basketball game is going today — 3-point shooting. If you don’t have good 3-point shooting, I think it’s going to be tough for you to score. I was very proud of the guys and how well we shot the ball.”

That was as close as it got, however, as a couple quick steals and buckets allowed the Knights to push their advantage back to 16 with 3:26 to play, and they closed out the victory.

“We just made too many turnovers at the wrong time,” Atkinson Jr. said. “There were times we were in the game and making runs, and we would come down and commit three straight turnovers, and they would go down and punish us, draw fouls on us and get to the free-throw line.”

Greenfield will host Cape Fear Christian on Monday while Wilson Prep will visit Farmville Central on Tuesday.

WILSON PREP (68)

Anderson 17, Hicks 9, Brown 8, Newby 6, Minter 5, Ellis 4, Newsome 3, Eatmon 2.

GREENFIELD (81)

Evans 20, Sherrod 13, Kirby 13, K. Edwards 12, Atkinson 11, Wall 7, N. Edwards 5.

Score by quarters:

Wilson Prep 20 16 13 16 — 68

Greenfield 23 16 23 19 — 81