11-20-23 roundup: Pro football and basketball, College football and basketball, High school football, basketball and soccer, Middle school soccer, volleyball and wrestling
By Richard Walker
As the 2023-24 high school basketball season gets underway all around Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties, several local teams are preseason league favorites in voting by rival coaches.
Crest’s boys and girls are the favorites in the Big South 3A, Shelby’s boys and Thomas Jefferson’s girls are the favorites in the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A, Lincoln Charter’s boys and girls are the favorites in the Catawba Shores 1A/2A and Gaston Christian’s boys are favorites in the Metrolina Athletic Conference.
Here are the full coaches’ polls from the Big South 3A and Southern Piedmont 1A/2A conferences:
(Big South 3A boys)
1. Crest
2. Kings Mountain
3. Huss
4. South Point
5. Ashbrook
6. Forestview
7. Cramer
8. North Gaston
(Big South 3A girls)
1. Crest
2. Huss
3. Cramer
4. South Point
5. Ashbrook
6. Forestview
7. Kings Mountain
8. North Gaston
(Southern Piedmont 1A/2A boys)
1. Shelby
2. Burns
3. East Gaston
4. Thomas Jefferson
5. Highland Tech
6. Bessemer City
7. Cherryville
(Southern Piedmont 1A/2A girls)
1. Thomas Jefferson
2. Shelby
3. Bessemer City
4. Burns
5. Highland Tech
6. East Gaston
7. Cherryville
Here’s a look at how each of the boys and girls teams from Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties by conference:
(Big South 3A boys)
Ashbrook
Head coach: Darin Dellinger (4th year 18-46)
Last season: 5-21 overall, 4-10 conference
Assistant coaches: Walt Wallace, Kenneth Lindholm, Travis Watkins
Returning players: Junior wing Kenneth Greene Jr., Senior guard Tavon Lealie, Junior post Jamarion Patton
Newcomers: Junior guard Isaac Byers, Sophomore post Ayron Jackson, Junior guard Jazari Hall
Cramer
Head coach: Brad Sloan (11th year 78-157)
Last season: 8-17 overall, 4-10 conference
Assistant coaches: Jon Putnam, Shawn Watson
Returning players: Senior post Taelan Whitley, Senior wing Darius Sykes, Senior guard Javien Robbs, Junior guard D.J. Cross
Newcomers: Freshman guard Gavin Jordan, Freshman wing Brayden Fortenberry
Crest
Head coach: Brad LeVine (5th year at Crest 74-22, 36th year overall 645-254)
Last season: 18-7, 10-4 conference
Assistant coaches: Marshall Leslie, Jon Moore, Jason Tant, Andre Bess
Returning players: Senior guard A.J. Adams, Sophomore guard D’Various Surratt, Sophomore guard Cal Pass Jr.
Newcomers: Sophomore forward Lyric Pettis, Senior wing Jabari Thurmond, forward Keith “King” Rhodes
Forestview
Head coach: Steven Bartlett (1st year)
Last season: 9-15 overall, 4-10 conference
Assistant coaches: John Dale, Kameron Timmons
Returning players: Junior guard Alex Helton, Senior guard Nico Aguliar, Senior guard Lucas Crisp, Junior guard Kameron Williams, Junior guard Deviyus Harris-Byrd, Senior forward Jaxson Hill, Senior forward Trip Current
Newcomers: Junior guard Kamarian Kendrick, Sophomore guard Dashawn Patton, Junior forward Paul Love, Junior forward Shaq Young, Junior forward Josiah Thompson, Junior guard Ty Aldridge
Huss
Head coach: Troy Phillips (1st year)
Last season: 18-9 overall, 10-4 conference
Assistant coaches: Michael Hatcher
Returning players: Senior forward Trimell Dunlap, Sophomore guard Zamarius ‘Z-man’ Gladden, Senior guard Jordan Falls, Junior guard Damontia Duff
Newcomers: Freshman guard Zaiyir ‘Zii’ Phillips, Junior guard Je’syon ‘JP’ Payne, Junior guard Satchelle Pettis
Kings Mountain
Head coach: Andrew Fann (2nd year 14-13)
Last season: 14-13 overall, 10-4 conference
Assistant coaches: D.J. Byrd, Matt Carpenter, Josh Sherer
Returning players: Sophomore guard Bradley Floyd, Sophomore guard Tucker Robinette, Sophomore forward Charlie Foster, Junior forward Kee’Donn Linney
Newcomers: Senior guard Jordan Floyd, Freshman guard Caleb Nixon, Junior forward J’Myun Huskey
North Gaston
Head coach: Wes Hepler (4th year 38-38)
Last season: 5-20 overall, 3-11 conference
Assistant coaches: Shawn Rymer, Jordan Beaver
Returning players: Senior forward Max Huggins, Senior guard Jurnee Lattimore, Senior guard Bryson Blanton
Newcomers: Junior guard Markell Carothers, Sophomore forward Jalen Howard
South Point
Head coach: Kody Kubbs (13th year 158-136)
Last season: 25-5 overall, 11-3 conference
Assistant coaches: Blake Enoch, Alex Davis
Returning players: Senior guard Greyson Kines, Sophomore guard Dylan Bradley, Senior center Graham Williams
Newcomers: none listed
(Southern Piedmont 1A/2A boys)
Bessemer City
Head coach: Marcus Barnette (1st year)
Last season: 19-9 overall, 8-4 conference
Assistant coaches: Jarrod Holmes, Desmond Lowery
Returning players: none listed
Newcomers: Freshman guard/forward Jamari Starr, Junior forward Jaden Brooks, Junior guard Hunter Sellers
Burns
Head coach: Tim Phillips (2nd year 13-13)
Last season: 13-13 overall, 6-6 conference
Assistant coaches: Dustin Clay, Maleek McMullens
Returning players: Senior wing/forward Kamari Surratt, Senior forward Jonny Johnson, Senior guard Jeremiah Norris
Newcomers: Freshman guard Tye Clay, Freshman wing/forward Jadon Beam, Freshman guard Kenyon Surratt
Cherryville
Head coach: Antonio Griggs (1st year)
Last season: 12-13 overall, 5-7 conference
Assistant coaches: Bud Black, Dennis Tate, Jason Browne
Returning players: Senior guard Darrien Floyd, Senior guard Chance Hunt, Senior guard Nate Bookout, Senior post Hunter Jackson, Junior post Andron Patterson, Junior post Jordan Lowrance, Junior guard Rayshawn Sewell
Newcomers: Junior guard James Bell, Junior post Amir Starr, Sophomore guard Talon Dalton, Sophomore post Paxton Pruett, Sophomore guard Darius Pullen, Freshman post Isaiah Champion
East Gaston
Head coach: David Rutledge (1st year)
Last season: 25-3 overall, 11-1 conference
Assistant coach: Travis Garrison
Returning players: Senior forward Trenton Sherrill, Junior guard Jayce Rowe, Senior guard Jonah Hoell, Senior guard John Michael Green
Newcomers: Junior forward Matthew Pieree, Junior forward Sajuka Riley, Junior forward Donovan Reid
Highland Tech
Head coach: Aman Seltun (1st year)
Last season: 5-19 overall, 1-11 conference
Assistant coaches: Butch Blalock, Dan Oedy
Returning players: none listed
Newcomers: none listed
Shelby
Head coach: Miles Lawrence (2nd year 18-8)
Last season: 18-8 overall, 10-2 conference
Assistant coaches: no information provided
Returning players: no information provided
Newcomers: no information provided
(Western Foothills 3A)
East Lincoln
Head coach: Jon Hancock (7th year at East Lincoln 132-31, 28th year overall 456-264)
Last season: 20-7 overall, 10-4 conference
Assistant coaches: Chip Ashley, Reggie Perry, Eric Ginkle, Dave Vandenberg
Returning players: Junior wing Jackson Fannon, Senior guard Houston Hartsell, Junior guard Davis Hill
Newcomers: Junior forward Landon Aungst, Sophomore guard Christian Atkins, Freshman forward Jaxon Dollar
North Lincoln
Head coach: Dennis Frye (5th year 67-32)
Last season: 18-9 overall, 10-4 conference
Assistant coach: Sawyer Frye
Returning players: Junior guard/forward Kellen Karr, Junior guard Ty Sanders, Senior forward Tanner Lineberger, Senior forward Ben Cipriano
Newcomers: Sophomore guard Ben Heavner, Junior guard/forward Caleb Kidd, Senior guard Carson Engstrand
(Catawba Valley 2A)
Lincolnton
Head coach: Jalen Littlejohn (2nd year 9-17)
Last season: 9-17 overall, 6-8 conference
Assistant coaches: Morgan Huddleson, Malcolm Derr, Christopher Pettus, Cordel Littlejohn, Alex Rhyne
Returning players: Junior guard Tyler McClain, Junior guard Cross Arias, Senior forward Andrew Phelps, Senior guard Khalil Yarborough, Senior forward Khamoni Heath, Junior guard Brayden Brown
Newcomers: Freshman guard L.J. Smith, Junior forward Landen Lyerly, Freshman guard Nehemiah Thompson, Sophomore forward
Cameron Smith, Sophomore guard Gaige Ikard
West Lincoln
Head coach: David Handsel (5th year 23-74)
Last season: 7-17 overall, 4-10 conference
Assistant coaches: Vic Sheets, Kenny White, Scottie Mincey
Returning players: Junior forward/guard Gideon Allen, Junior guard Mikalister Anderson, Junior forward Bryce Beddingfield, Senior guard Evan Hartsoe
Newcomers: none listed
(Catawba Shores 1A/2A)
Lincoln Charter
Head coach: James “J.B.” Burnette (3rd year 48-17)
Last season: 25-12 overall, 12-0 conference
Assistant coaches: Chan Mayfield, Jehlon Johnson, Marcus Farley, Sr.
Returning players: Senior forward Kasey Hudson, Junior center David Reed, Senior forward Cairo Morales, Junior guard Krishtan Flowers
Newcomers: Freshman guard Mckennon Showers, Sophomore guard Zach Cogan, Sophomore guard Trey Norris
Mountain Island Charter
Head coach: Jonathan Wylie (2nd year 10-13)
Last season: 10-13 overall, 5-7 conference
Assistant coach: Vidal Nesbitt
Returning players: Senior forward Caleb Nesbitt, Senior guard Jayden Massey, Senior guard Kola Abudu
Newcomers: Junior guard Peyton Hill, Junior guard Tavien Julius, Freshman guard Christian Jones
(Metro 8 1A)
Piedmont Community Charter
Head coach: Dwayne Prioleau (13th year 114-148)
Last season: 15-12 overall, 7-5 conference
Assistant coaches: no information provided
Returning players: no information provided
Newcomers: no information provided
(Metrolina Athletic NCISAA)
Gaston Christian
Head coach: Chris Duhon (1st year)
Last season: 23-10 overall, 12-2 conference
Assistant coaches: Thomas Conley, Torben Bynum, Vaki Karampourniotis, Micah Barber
Returning players: Senior center Makoi Mabor Marier, Sophomore guard Cam Newman, Senior guard Joe Rhyne
Newcomers: Junior guard Brett Freeman, Junior forward Dario Williams, Junior guard Allessandro Luparia, Junior forward
Rilpuou Mabor Marier, Sophomore guard Kendall Souther
Gaston Day
Head coach: LaShawn Coulter (1st year)
Last season: 18-10 overall, 8-6 conference
Assistant coach: Jordan Paris
Returning players: Senior forward Chase Owens, Senior guard Kurt Hunter, Sophomore guard DeShawn Coulter, Sophomore guard Braylen Todd, Sophomore guard Griffen Simpson
Newcomers: Sophomore guard Gavin Fields, Sophomore guard Lucas Kimrey
Here’s a look at how each of the local teams in those conferences stack up in girls basketball entering the season:
(Big South 3A)
Ashbrook
Head coach: Tremayne Booker (4th year 50-22)
Last season: 17-11 overall, 10-4 conference
Assistant coach: Jazmine “Christina” Melton
Returning players: Sophomore forward Nykira Arrington, Junior guard Duraejah Hardin, Junior forward Zakiyah Miller, Junior guard Chloe Morales
Newcomer: Freshman forward Arrianna McDowell
Cramer
Head coach: Carey Pohlman (11th year 95-137)
Last season: 22-6 overall, 11-3 conference
Assistant coach: Laura Trull
Returning players: Sophomore guard Oshauna Holland, Junior guard Hadley Womack, Sophomore forward Ellia Barajas, Senior forward Madison Lee
Newcomer: Freshman center Lauren Humphrey
Crest
Head coach: Jessica Brunson (8th year 52-107)
Last season: 13-13 overall, 10-4 conference
Assistant coaches: Tyree Downs, Andre Bess
Returning players: Senior forward Monica Surratt, Senior guard Nevaeh Blackwell, Senior guard Kari Lee, Senior guard Harmony Allen, Senior forward Kiara Hayes Junior guard Nautica Freeman, Junior guard Zaira Faulkner, Junior forward De’Kaylia Davis, Sophomore guard Corynn Logan
Newcomer: Sophomore forward Breanna McEntire
Forestview
Head coach: Kevin Gurganus (13th year 168-128)
Last season: 9-16 overall, 2-12 conference
Assistant coach: Kevin Baker
Returning players: Sophomore guard Amani Neely, Senior post Blair Riley, Junior guard Angel Thompson, Senior guar Megan Baker, Junior post Molly Forgan, Senior post Kaitlyn Anthony, Sophomore post Delainah Springs
Newcomer: Freshman guard Tralyn Phillips
Huss
Head coach: Bobby Lipscomb (10th year 76-120)
Last season: 20-8 overall, 12-2 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Kings Mountain
Head coach: David Morris (1st year)
Last season: 10-15 overall, 4-10 conference
Assistant coaches: Kennedy Barnes, Melissa Phillips, Haley Blanton, David Ford
Returning players: Senior center Mia Bridges, Sophomore guard Farri Martin, Sophomore guard/forward Allysia Pettis, Sophomore guard Avery Bridges
Newcomers: Junior guard/forward Aaliyah Miller, Sophomore forward/center Anna Wooten, Freshman guard/forward Christiana Williams, Freshman guard/forward Hailey Dixon-Velez
North Gaston
Head coach: David Williams (1st year)
Last season: 1-24 overall, 0-14 conference
Assistant coach: Yontyanna Melvin
Returning players: Senior guard/forward Brooklyn Stinson, Senior forward Whitney Brown, Sophomore guard Takayla Belton
Newcomers: Freshman guard Jaleila Littlejohn, Freshman guard RaNya Watkins, Freshman guard/forward Marisiddaiah Crocker, Freshman guard Diamond Jackson, Freshman guard Sophie Arrowood, Freshman forward Abigail Robinson, Freshman guard Mesiah Thomas
South Point
Head coach: Grace Lyles (4th year 24-40)
Last season: 13-13 overall, 7-7 conference
Assistant coach: Taylor Hudspeth
Returning players: Senior guard Maddie Frank, Senior guard Lexi Birtwistle, Junior guard/forward Toney Milton, Junior forward Amya Graham, Senior center Lauren French, Sophomore forward Claire Frank, Junior forward Dajshia Foust
Newcomer: Junior forward Jossilyn Wallace
(Southern Piedmont 1A/2A)
Bessemer City
Head coach: Danny McDowell (1st year)
Last season: 21-7 overall, 10-2 conference
Assistant coaches: no information provided
Returning players: no information provided
Newcomer: no information provided
Burns
Head coach: Tommy Gales (2nd year 9-15)
Last season: 9-15 overall, 5-7 conference
Assistant coaches: Dustin Clay, Maleek McMullens, Macey Earl, Noelle Grubbs
Returning players: Senior forward Maggie Earl, Junior guard Kaylee Greene, Senior guard Esynce Howze
Newcomer: Freshman guard Grace Hodge
Cherryville
Head coach: Carrie Dalton (8th year 34-119)
Last season: 3-21 overall, 0-12 conference
Assistant coaches: Callie Hahn, Bree Tuft
Returning players: Junior guard Krista Davis, Senior guard Layla Davis, Sophomore center Raylei Gidney, Junior forward Evionna McDowell, Sophomore guard Emily Allen
Newcomers: none listed
East Gaston
Head coach: Angela Goins (5th year 61-65)
Last season: 6-16 overall, 5-7 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Highland Tech
Head coach: Troy McBeth (3rd year 11-36)
Last season: 7-18 overall, 3-9 conference
Assistant coach: Butch Blalock
Returning players: Senior Addie McCraw, Senior Bailey Maiers, Sophomore Akela Taylor, Senior Reese Thomas, Junior Katie Fangman, Junior Maddie Letts
Newcomers: none listed
Shelby
Head coach: Carley Tallent (1st year)
Last season: 26-2 overall, 12-0 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomer: No information provided
(Western Foothills 3A)
East Lincoln
Head coach: Jason Otey (11th year 153-99)
Last season: 31-1 overall, 14-0 conference
Assistant coaches: Jeff Matuszko, Deidrea Legrand, Tori Lowery
Returning players: Junior center Hailey McFadden, Sophomore guard Emma Montanari, Sophomore guard Kiara Anderson
Newcomers: Senior forward Abbie Hege, Junior forward Taniyah Thomas, Junior guard Neveah Atkins, Sophomore forward/center
Lane Pethel
North Lincoln
Head coach: Craig McCoy (2nd year 5-19)
Last season: 5-19 overall, 3-11 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
(Catawba Valley 2A)
Lincolnton
Head coach: William Auman (1st year)
Last season: 5-18 overall, 4-10 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
West Lincoln
Head coach: Tom Sain (6th year 64-62)
Last season: 15-11 overall, 8-6 conference
Assistant coaches: Hanna Sain, Rick Mitchem, Linny Anthony, Mark Lackey
Returning players: Senior center Carolina Robinson, Senior guard/forward Zoey Owenby
Newcomers: Sophomore guard Quinlyn Avery
(Catawba Shores 1A/2A
Lincoln Charter
Head coach: Kim Allen (9th year 137-58)
Last season: 21-5 overall, 8-0 conference
Assistant coach: Charles Mines
Returning players: Senior forward Kallie Lusk, Junior guard Symphani Stevens, Senior guard Samantha Ayers
Newcomers: none listed
Mountain Island Charter
Head coach: Corey Jamison (3rd year)
Last season: no team
Assistant coaches: Trina Alsey, C Deloatch
Returning players: Junior forward Genesis Cooks
Newcomers: Freshman forward Cayla Bridgewater, Freshman guard Tarriah Washington, Freshman forward Megan Meritt, Freshman forward Rachel Baker, Junior guard Lauryn Curbeam, Freshman forward Amayer Baker, Freshman guard Aubrey Brown, Freshman guard Kayla Fudge
(Metro 8 1A)
Piedmont Community Charter
Head coach: Matthew East (2nd year 19-9)
Last season: 19-9 overall, 9-1 conference
Assistant coaches: none
Returning players: Junior forward Allaisha Houser, Senior guard Lyric Brown, Senior forward Addison Berry, Junior guard
Julianna East, Sophomore guard Aubree Cammer, Junior guard Micah Brown, Sophomore guard Natalie Farris, Junior forward Olivia Ballard
Newcomers: Freshman guard Evie East, Freshman guard Bree Phillips, Sophomore guard Aniyah Jones, Junior guard Celeste Cobb, Freshman forward Malakai Brown
(Metrolina Athletic NCISAA)
Gaston Christian
Head coach: Shameka Gordon (3rd year 8-26)
Last season: 4-16 overall, 2-10 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Pro basketball
Charlotte 121, Boston 118 (OT): Playing in front of a 3rd straight sellout, Charlotte rallied from as much as an 18-point deficit to knock off the Celtics and stop a 6-game home losing streak.
Miles Bridges, playing in his 3rd game since returning to action for the first time since 2021-22 due to a domestic abuse plea deal, hit the game-winning 3-pointer with 6.1 seconds left and made a steal as the buzzer sounded to wrap up the victory.
LaMelo Ball (36 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists), Gordon Hayward (20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), Mark Williams (18 points, 16 rebounds), P.J. Washington (15 points), Bridges (14 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists) and Brandon Miller (9 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) led Charlotte.
It was Charlotte’s first overtime game of the season and Boston lost despite an extraordinary effort from former Duke standout Jayson Tatum (45 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists).
Here is the Charlotte Hornets’ 2023-24 regular season schedule:
October
Wed. 25 ATLANTA (W 116-110)
Fri. 27 DETROIT (L 99-111)
Mon. 30 BROOKLYN (L 121-133)
November
Wed. 1 at Houston (L 119-128)
Sat. 4 at Indiana (W 125-124)
Sun. 5 at Dallas (L 118-124)
Wed. 8 WASHINGTON (L 116-132)
Fri. 10 at Washington (W 124-117)
Sun. 12 at New York (L 107-129)
Tue. 14 MIAMI (L 105-111)
Fri. 17 MILWAUKEE (L 99-130)
Sat. 18 NEW YORK (L 108-122)
Mon. 20 BOSTON (W 121-118, OT)
Wed. 22 WASHINGTON 7 p.m.
Sun. 26 at Orlando 6 p.m.
Tue. 28 at New York 7:30 p.m.
Thu. 30 at Brooklyn 7:30 p.m.
December
Sat. 2 MINNESOTA 5 p.m.
4-9 Two games TBD s
Mon. 11 MIAMI 7 p.m.
Wed. 13 at Miami 7:30 p.m.
Fri. 15 NEW ORLEANS 7 p.m.
Sat. 16 PHILADELPHIA 7 p.m.
Mon. 18 at Toronto 7:30 p.m.
Wed. 20 at Indiana 7 p.m.
Sat. 23 DENVER 7 p.m.
Tue. 26 at LA Clippers 10:30 p.m.
Thu. 28 at L.A. Lakers 10:30 p.m.
Fri. 29 at Phoenix 9 p.m.
January
Mon. 1 at Denver 9 p.m.
Tue. 2 at Sacramento 10 p.m.
Fri. 5 at Chicago 8 p.m.
Mon. 8 CHICAGO 7 p.m.
Wed. 10 SACRAMENTO 7 p.m.
Fri. 12 at San Antonio 10 p.m.
Sun. 14 at Miami 6 p.m.
Wed. 17 at New Orleans 8 p.m.
Fri. 19 SAN ANTONIO 7 p.m.
Sat. 20 PHILADELPHIA 7 p.m.
Mon. 22 at Minnesota 8 p.m.
Wed. 24 at Detroit 7 p.m.
Fri. 26 HOUSTON 7 p.m.
Sat. 27 UTAH 7 p.m.
Mon. 29 NEW YORK 7 p.m.
Wed. 31 CHICAGO 7 p.m.
February
Fri. 2 at Oklahoma City 8 p.m.
Sun. 4 INDIANA 6 p.m.
Mon. 5 L.A. LAKERS 7 p.m.
Wed. 7 TORONTO 7 p.m.
Fri. 9 at Milwaukee 8 p.m.
Sat. 10 MEMPHIS 7 p.m.
Mon. 12 INDIANA 7 p.m.
Wed. 14 ATLANTA 7 p.m.
Thu. 22 at Utah 9 p.m.
Fri. 23 at Golden State 10 p.m.
Sun. 25 at Portland 9 p.m.
Tue. 27 at Milwaukee 8 p.m.
Thu. 29 MILWAUKEE 7 p.m.
March
Fri. 1 at Philadelphia 7 p.m.
Sun. 3 at Toronto 6 p.m.
Tue. 5 ORLANDO 7 p.m.
Fri. 8 at Washington 7 p.m.
Sat. 9 BROOKLYN 7 p.m.
Mon. 11 at Detroit 7 p.m.
Wed. 13 at Memphis 8 p.m.
Fri. 15 PHOENIX 7 p.m.
Sat. 16 at Philadelphia 7 p.m.
Tue. 19 at Orlando 7 p.m.
Sat. 23 at Atlanta 7:30 p.m.
Mon. 25 at Cleveland 7 p.m.
Wed. 27 CLEVELAND 7 p.m.
Fri. 29 GOLDEN STATE 7 p.m.
Sun. 31 LA CLIPPERS 6 p.m.
April
Mon. 1 BOSTON 7 p.m.
Wed. 3 PORTLAND 7 p.m.
Fri. 5 ORLANDO 7 p.m.
Sun. 7 OKLAHOMA CITY 6 p.m.
Tue. 9 DALLAS 7 p.m.
Wed. 10 at Atlanta 7:30 p.m.
Fri. 12 at Boston 7:30 p.m.
Sun. 14 at Cleveland 1 p.m.
Charlotte’s In-Season Tournament Group Play Schedule:
Nov. 10 at Washington, 7 p.m.
Nov. 14 MIAMI, 7 p.m.
Nov. 17 MILWAUKEE, 7 p.m.
Nov. 28 at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Quarterfinals: Dec. 4-5 at higher-seeded teams
Semifinals: Dec. 7 at Las Vegas
Championship game: Dec. 9 at Las Vegas
The NBA In-Season Tournament Groups:
Western Conference
A: Memphis, Phoenix, L.A. Lakers, Utah, Portland
B: Denver, L.A. Clippers, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston
C: Sacramento, Golden State, Minnesota, Oklahoma City, San Antonio
Eastern Conference
A: Philadelphia, Cleveland, Atlanta, Indiana, Detroit
B: Milwaukee, New York, Miami, Washington, Charlotte
C: Boston, Brooklyn, Toronto, Chicago, Orlando
High school basketball
Results and schedule for Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties’ high school basketball:
(Monday, Nov. 20)
-Boys
Ashbrook 76, Bessemer City 26
Lincolnton 71, Statesville 68
-Girls
Forestview 58, East Gaston 17: Tralyn Phillips (14 points, 4 steals), Blair Riley (14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks) and Amani Neely (12 points, 5 assists, 5 steals) led Forestview.
Lincolnton 54, Statesville 35
(Tuesday, Nov. 21)
SouthLake at Gaston Day
Bandys at Forestview
Charlotte Christian at Bessemer City
Chase at Cherryville
Cramer at East Rutherford
Highland Tech at Cone Leadership
Lincoln Charter at Combine Academy
North Gaston at East Gaston
North Lincoln at Ashbrook
South Point at Cuthbertson
West Lincoln at East Lincoln
(Friday, Nov. 24)
Gaston Christian at Hopewell
Lincoln Charter at Northwest Cabarrus
(Saturday, Nov. 25)
Gaston Christian at Rocky River
Gaston Day at Kell
College football
Here is this week’s Carolinas NCAA Division I (FBS and FCS) schedule:
(Saturday, Nov. 25)
Pittsburgh at Duke, noon
Tulsa at East Carolina, 2 p.m.
Wake Forest at Syracuse, 2 p.m.
Georgia Southern at Appalachin State, 3:30 p.m.
James Madison at Coastal Carolina, 3:30 p.m.
Charlotte at South Florida, 7:30 p.m.
Clemson at South Carolina, 7:30 p.m.
North Carolina at N.C. State, 8 p.m.
The Carolinas FCS playoff schedule:
N.C. Central at Richmond, 2 p.m.
Gardner-Webb at Mercer, 3 p.m.
The Carolinas NCAA Division II playoff schedule:
Lenoir-Rhyne at Benedict, 1 p.m.
High school boys soccer
The Western Foothills 3A Conference announced their all-league selections done by the conference’s coaches.
Here’s the all-league team:
Hickory- David Escobedo, Justin Ortiz, Brandon Garcia, Josue Leal, Jayden Felder, Will Moore, Braeden McCourt
East Lincoln- Joseph Echeverria, Zach Hoyt, Oliver Moffitt
St. Stephens- Benjamin Coronado, Collin Buff, Isaac Zavala, Jacob Ward, Carter Hessong, Addison Parker
North Iredell- Garrett Chase, Luis Perez, Alexis Luna, Isaias Hernandez
Foard- Dylan Steinhoff, Matthew Whalen, Kevin Nava-Zaragoza, Jeremy Carranza
North Lincoln- Forrest Hayes
West Iredell- Bryson Derting
Statesville- Joshua Ruiz
Here are the top individual honors:
Player of the Year- Collin Buff (St. Stephens)
Offensive Player of the Year- Justin Ortiz (Hickory)
Defensive Player of the Year- Dylan Steinhoff (Foard)
Co-coach of the Year- Brian Jillings (Hickory) and Scottie Goforth (Foard)
Pro football
The 2023 Carolina Panthers’ schedule:
Sept. 10 at Atlanta (L 10-24)
Sept. 18 New Orleans (L 17-20)
Sept. 24 at Seattle (L 27-37)
Oct. 1 Minnesota (L 13-21)
Oct. 8 at Detroit (L 24-42)
Oct. 15 at Miami (L 21-42)
Oct. 22 OFF WEEK
Oct. 29 Houston (W 15-13)
Nov. 5 Indianapolis (L 13-27)
Nov. 9 at Chicago (L 13-16)
Nov. 19 Dallas (L 10-33)
Nov. 26 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.
Dec. 3 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
Dec. 10 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.
Dec. 17 Atlanta, TBD
Dec. 24 Green Bay, 1 p.m.
Dec. 31 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Jan. 7 Tampa Bay, TBD
High school football
The 2023 N.C. High School Athletic Association playoff results/pairings:
(Class 4A)
-Nov. 3 1st round
Weddington 42, Providence 7
Chambers 45, Northwest Guilford 20
T.C. Roberson 42, Reagan 21
Charlotte Catholic 42, Myers Park 24
Hough 51, Asheville 0
Porter Ridge 41, Cuthbertson 0
Sun Valley 44, Cox Mill 18
Grimsley 54, North Mecklenburg 0
Mooresville 24, A.L. Brown 18 (OT)
Mount Tabor 48, Davie County 26
Butler 49, Alexander Central 7
West Forsyth 32, Kell 15
East Forsyth 42, Page 6
Independence 35, Lake Norman 0
Mallard Creek 41, Marvin Ridge 7
Watauga 54, Hickory Ridge 34
Rolesville 62, Purnell Swett 0
Wake Forest 42, Garner 19
Fuquay-Varina 17, Jack Britt 9
Ashley 35, Pine Forest 19
Cardinal Gibbons 40, Overhills 0
Millbrook 28, Heritage 21
Clayton 55, South View 20
Pinecrest 45, South Garner 31
Hoggard 52, Chapel Hill 0
Jordan 42, Holly Springs 21
Apex Friendship 27, Southeast Raleigh 6
Laney 27, Middle Creek 13
New Hanover 23, Hillside 6
New Bern 51, Apex 35
Leesville Road 27, Richmond County 0
Cleveland 57, Gray’s Creek 13
-Nov. 10 2nd round
Weddington 14, Chambers 10
Charlotte Catholic 24, T.C. Roberson 21
Hough 45, Porter Ridge 12
Grimsley 56, Sun Valley 24
Mt. Tabor 19, Mooresville 14
Butler 47, West Forsyth 7
Independence 34, East Forsyth 28
Watauga 20, Mallard Creek 14
Rolesville 49, Garner 13
Fuquay-Varina 10, Ashley 7
Cardinal Gibbons 55, Millbrook 21
Clayton 17, Pinecrest 10
Hoggard 39, Jordan (8-3) 16
Laney 38, Apex Friendship 20
New Bern 36, New Hanover 15
Cleveland 49, Leesville Road 21
-Nov. 16 3rd round
Cleveland 56, New Bern 13
-Nov. 17 3rd round
Weddington 37, Charlotte Catholic 7
Grimsley 42, Hough 35
Butler 49, Mount Tabor 13
Independence 34, Watauga 14
Rolesville 69, Fuquay-Varina 21
Cardinal Gibbons 30, Clayton 28
Hoggard 43, Laney 10
-Nov. 24 quarterfinals
Grimsley (13-0) at Weddington (11-2)
Independence (10-3) at Butler (12-1)
Cardinal Gibbons (11-2) at Rolesville (12-1)
Hoggard (12-1) at Cleveland (13-0)
(Class 3A)
-Nov. 3 1st round
Crest 53, Parkwood 0
Statesville 28, South Point 27
West Charlotte 21, Northeast Guilford 0
Hibriten 41, Tuscola 40
Concord Robinson 42, North Davidson 0
Northwest Cabarrus 52, West Rowan 21
Central Davidson 30, Eastern Guilford 27
Dudley 63, West Iredell 14
West Henderson 61, Clyde Erwin 15
East Lincoln 49, Ledford 13
Oak Grove 34, Ashbrook 0
Pisgah 35, North Henderson 17
A.C. Reynolds 45, North Gaston 0
Kings Mountain 37, Smoky Mountain 7
North Lincoln 50, Rockingham County 7
Hickory 51, Huss 32
Havelock 62, Dixon 0
Cape Fear 33, Western Alamance 12
Greenville Rose 21, White Oak 19
North Brunswick 28, Person 27
Scotland County 48, Rocky Mount 23
Southern Durham 36, Eastern Alamance 7
Northern Nash 56, Richlands 28
Southern Nash 49, Croatan 15
Southern Alamance 44, Orange 0
Jacksonville 55, Pikeville Aycock 21
Terry Sanford 34, Vance County 27
Harnett Central 42, West Carteret 30
Fike 43, Southern Lee 21
Currituck County 28, South Johnston 21
Williams 44, Hunt 22
Seventy-First 56, Triton 7
-Nov. 10 2nd round
Crest 28, Statesville 16
West Charlotte 29, Hibriten 8
Concord Robinson 27, Northwest Cabarrus 17
Dudley 48, Central Davidson 6
West Henderson 37, East Lincoln 7
Oak Grove 23, Pisgah 16
A.C. Reynolds 15, Kings Mountain 0
Hickory 48, North Lincoln 28
Havelock 27, Cape Fear 15
Greenville Rose 14, North Brunswick 7
Scotland County 21, Southern Durham 12
Northern Nash 35, Southern Nash 32
Southern Alamance 25, Jacksonville 19 (OT)
Terry Sanford 43, Harnett Central 22
Fike 37, Currituck County 25
Seventy-First 40, Williams 20
-Nov. 16 3rd round
Havelock 20, Greenville Rose 6
-Nov. 17 3rd round
Crest 30, West Charlotte 29 (2OT)
Dudley 50, Concord Robinson 28
West Henderson 45, Oak Grove 24
Hickory 61, A.C. Reynolds 38
Northern Nash 45, Scotland County 44
Terry Sanford (8-4) at Southern Alamance (11-1)
Fike (9-3) at Seventy-First (12-0)
-Nov. 24 quarterfinals
Dudley (13-0) at Crest (13-0)
West Henderson (13-0) at Hickory (13-0)
Northern Nash (12-1) at Havelock (13-0)
Southern Alamance (12-1) at Seventy-First (13-0)
(Class 2A)
-Nov. 3 1st round
Reidsville 58, Madison County 0
West Stokes 19, Southwestern Randolph 6
Brevard 44, Trinity 13
North Stanly 34, High Point Andrews 32
Monroe 63, Bandys 13
West Lincoln 53, Chase 35
Burns 63, Pine Lake Prep 34
Bunker Hill 61, East Rutherford 7
Community School of Davidson 38, Lexington 16
East Surry 42, Providence Grove 13
Randleman 43, West Stanly 0
Forest Hills 28, Anson County 7
Shelby 62, Mount Pleasant 14
Lincolnton 35, North Surry 21
Maiden 31, East Gaston 21
Salisbury 55, East Davidson 21
Clinton 64, Kinston 12
Beddingfield 18, James Kenan 16
Cummings 27, Heide Trask 22
Southeast Alamance 27, Martin County 13
Wallace-Rose Hill 55, Greene Central 6
Hertford County 44, St. Pauls 36
West Craven 22, North Pitt 12
Nash Central 47, Roanoke Rapids 8
SouthWest Edgecombe 36, Red Springs 13
Farmville Central 42, Southwest Onslow 35
Whiteville 42, South Granville 0
East Duplin 41, Eastern Wayne 18
Princeton 63, Camden County 20
Louisburg 46, Northwood 43
Edenton Holmes 38, Midway 14
Northeastern 41, North Johnston 21
-Nov. 9 2nd round
Reidsville 42, West Stokes 7
Shelby 41, Lincolnton 21
Salisbury 40, Maiden 0
Northeastern 55, Edenton Holmes 28
-Nov. 10 2nd round
Brevard 36, North Stanly 7
Monroe 35, West Lincoln 27
Bunker Hill 21, Burns 14
Community School of Davidson 25, East Surry 18
Forest Hills 35, Randleman 14
Clinton 56, Beddingfield 15
Southeast Alamance 21, Cummings 14
Hertford County 50, Wallace-Rose Hill 38
Nash Central 56, West Craven 28
SouthWest Edgecombe 55, Farmville Central 12
Whiteville 28, East Duplin 7
Princeton 35, Louisburg 33
-Nov. 16 3rd round
Clinton 42, Southeast Alamance 7
Northeastern 62, Princeton 53
-Nov. 17 3rd round
Reidsville 41, Brevard 20
Bunker Hill 24, Monroe 23
Forest Hills 48, Community School of Davidson 21
Shelby 38, Salisbury 21
Nash Central 71, Hertford County 68
Whiteville 44, SouthWest Edgecombe 8
-Nov. 24 quarterfinals
Bunker Hill (13-0) at Reidsville (12-1)
Forest Hills (12-1) at Shelby (10-3)
Nash Central (11-2) at Clinton (13-0)
Whiteville (11-2) at Northeastern (13-0)
(Class 1A)
-Nov. 3 1st round
Robbinsville 55, Thomas Jefferson 7
Mountain Island Charter 27, Alleghany 22
Bessemer City 52, South Stanly 32
Swain County 47, Avery County 0
Mountain Heritage 51, Carver 6
Starmount 35, Cherokee 21
Corvian Community 38, Draughn 28
North Rowan 63, Elkin 19
Eastern Randolph 68, Cherryville 7
Hayesville 28, Christ the King 0
Albemarle 49, South Davidson 0
Thomasville 49, Andrews 6
Bishop McGuinness 50, South Stokes 8
Murphy 57, Polk County 21
Mitchell 33, East Wilkes 15
Mount Airy 55, Union Academy 3
Tarboro- bye
Northampton 54, Hobbton 36
North Duplin 35, Pamlico County 27
Southeast Halifax 66, Union 0
Bear Grass Charter- bye
Rosewood 41, Washington County 28
East Bladen 57, North Edgecombe 14
Pinetown Northside- bye
Wilson Prep- bye
Weldon 20, Gates County 14
North Moore 28, Chatham Central 0
Bertie 34, Southside 14
Lakewood 60, Northwest Halifax 16
Perquimans 40, East Columbus 6
Pender 58, Warren County 42
West Columbus- bye
-Nov. 9 2nd round
Robbinsville 40, Mountain Island Charter 7
Tarboro 48, Northampton 0
Lakewood 35, Perquimans 28 (OT)
-Nov. 10 2nd round
Swain County 42, Bessemer City 7
Mountain Heritage 38, Starmount 14
North Rowan 49, Corvian Community 34
Eastern Randolph 39, Hayesville 10
Thomasville 41, Albemarle 13
Murphy 59, Bishop McGuinness 22
Mount Airy 42, Mitchell 0
Southeast Halifax 26, North Duplin 21
Rosewood 48, Bear Grass Charter 17
East Bladen 25, Pinetown Northside 18
Wilson Prep 50, Weldon 8
North Moore 58, Bertie 20
West Columbus 54, Pender 6
-Nov. 16 3rd round
Wilson Prep 42, North Moore 15
-Nov. 17 3rd round
Robbinsville 30, Swain County 24
North Rowan 44, Mountain Heritage 39
Eastern Randolph 40, Thomasville 19
Mount Airy 64, Murphy 26
Tarboro 36, Southeast Halifax 0
East Bladen 47, Rosewood 14
West Columbus 42, Lakewood 0
-Nov. 24 quarterfinals
North Rowan (11-2) at Robbinsville (12-1)
Eastern Randolph (12-1) at Mount Airy (13-0)
East Bladen (8-5) at Tarboro (11-0)
Wilson Prep (11-1) at West Columbus (11-1)
College basketball
Results and schedule for area men’s college basketball:
(Tuesday, Nov. 21)
Anderson at J.C. Smith
Boston U. at Davidson
Catawba at Belmont Abbey
Charlotte vs. Central Florida at Jacksonville Classic
Cleveland CC at Caldwell Tech
(Wednesday, Nov. 22)
Fairleigh Dickinson at Queens
(Friday, Nov. 24)
Davidson at St. Mary’s, Cal.
(Saturday, Nov. 25)
Georgia State at Charlotte
Henry Ford College vs. Gaston College at Davidson-Davie CC
Limestone at Gardner-Webb
Queens at Richmond
Virginia Lynchburg at J.C. Smith
(Sunday, Nov. 26)
Cleveland CC at Bryant & Stratton
Coker at J.C. Smith
Montgomery College vs. Gaston College at Davidson-Davie CC
Middle school boys soccer
Gaston County Conference standings through Nov. 20:
Belmont 7-1
Mount Holly 7-1
Cramerton 6-2
Holbrook 5-3
York Chester 5-4
Bessemer City 4-4
Southwest 4-4
Grier 3-5
Stanley 2-7
Chavis 1-7
W.C. Friday 1-7
(Monday’s results:)
Bessemer City def. York Chester
Stanley 6, Chavis 0: Broc Benson had 2 goals and Drew Cook, Devin Phillips, Cam Stilwell and Yovanni Lopez scored 1 goal each for Stanley.
Southwest 1, Cramerton 1 (Southwest wins on penalty kicks 4-3)
Mount Holly 7, W.C. Friday 0
Holbrook 5, Grier 0
BYE – Belmont
(Monday, Nov. 27 schedule:) Belmont at Stanley, Bessemer City at Southwest, Chavis at Mount Holly, Cramerton at Holbrook, W.C. Friday at Grier
Middle school volleyball
Gaston County Conference standings through Nov. 20:
Cramerton 8-0
Belmont 7-1
Stanley 7-2
Bessemer City 6-2
Mount Holly 5-3
Chavis 4-4
Holbrook 4-4
W.C. Friday 2-6
Grier 1-7
Southwest 1-7
York Chester 0-9
(Monday’s results:)
Bessemer City def. York Chester
Stanley 3, Chavis 0
Cramerton 3, Southwest 0
Mount Holly 3, W.C. Friday 0
Holbrook 3, Grier 1
BYE – Belmont
(Monday, Nov. 27 schedule:) Belmont at Stanley, Bessemer City at Southwest, Chavis at Mount Holly, Cramerton at Holbrook, W.C. Friday at Grier
Middle school wrestling
Gaston County Conference standings through Nov. 20:
Belmont 7-0
Cramerton 5-1
Holbrook 5-1
Stanley 5-2
W.C. Friday 4-2
Grier 4-3
Chavis 3-3
Mount Holly 1-5
Southwest 1-6
York Chester 1-6
Bessemer City 0-7
(Monday’s results:)
Grier 60, Southwest 42
(Tuesday’s schedule:) Belmont at Chavis, York Chester at Cramerton, Stanley at W.C. Friday, Mount Holly at Holbrook, BYE – Bessemer City
(Tuesday, Nov. 28 schedule:) Bessemer City at York Chester, Chavis at Stanley, Cramerton at Southwest, W.C. Friday at Mount Holly, Grier at Holbrook, BYE – Belmont