2022-23 High school basketball preview: Crest boys, Ashbrook girls, Bessemer City boys and girls local favorites
By Richard Walker
Boys basketball teams from Crest and Bessemer City and girls basketball teams from Ashbrook and Bessemer City are the choices of their rival coaches to win the Big South 3A and Southern Piedmont 1A/2A conference titles this year.
Crest’s boys enter the season after back-to-back unbeaten first-place seasons in the Big South 3A. And the Chargers are a near unanimous selection of league coaches. Crest is followed in league coaches’ voting by South Point, Ashbrook, Kings Mountain, Forestviews, Huss, Cramer and North Gaston.
Bessemer City’s boys shared the Southern Piedmont title with Shelby last before losing to Shelby in the conference tournament championship game. It was the Yellow Jackets’ first league title since they shared a league title in 1996. This season, Bessemer City will be seeking its first outright regular season title since 1980.
The Yellow Jackets are a unanamious selection of their rivals with Shelby picked to finished second followed by East Gaston, Burns, Cherryville, Thomas Jefferson and Highland Tech.
Ashbrook’s girls have won six of the last seven Big South titles after sharing the title with Kings Mountain last year. This time around, the Green Wave are unanimous favorites to win again. Ashbrook is followed by Huss, Kings Mountain, South Point, Crest, Cramer, Forestview and North Gaston in the coaches’ preseason poll.
Bessemer City’s girls are unanimous favorites to win the Southern Piedmont title after sharing second place with Thomas Jefferson behind unbeaten Shelby a year ago. The Yellow Jackets have never won an outright regular season title in school history as their previous titles were 1961 and 2001 co-titles and a five-way share of a 2021 title.
Bessemer City is followed in the coaches’ poll by Shelby, Thomas Jefferson, East Gaston, Burns, Highland Tech and Cherryville.
In addition to league favorites in those leagues, East Lincoln’s boys and girls, Lincoln Charter’s boys and girls, Piedmont Community Charter’s girls, Gaston Day’s boys and Gaston Christian’s boys teams all are poised for title runs this season.
Here’s a look at how each of the boys and girls teams from Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties by conference:
Big South 3A
Ashbrook
Head coach: Darin Dellinger (3rd year 13-25)
Last season: 8-16 overall, 6-8 conference
Assistant coaches: Toriano Lowery, Kenneth Lindholm
Returning players: Junior guard Kenneth Greene, Jr., Senior guard Jashaun Clark, Senior post Tramere Watkins, Junior guard Malaki Long, Sophomore guard Gavin Fields, Senior guard Carmelo Bess
Newcomers: Sophomore post Jamarian Patton, Freshman guard Jonathan Black
Comment: Ashbrook’s 18-year playoff streak was snapped two years ago but hopes three returning starters, among them all-conference guard Kenneth Greene, Jr., can get the Green Wave back into the postseason.
Cramer
Head coach: Brad Sloan (10th year 70-140)
Last season: 20-7 overall, 9-5 conference
Assistant coaches: Jon Putnam, Shawn Watson
Returning players: Senior guard Jacob Joyner, Senior wing Justin Rocquemore, Senior guard Owen Sloan, Senior forward John Hill, Junior post Taelan Whitley, Senior guard Isaiah Foster, Senior forward Trevor Gregg
Newcomers: Sophomore guard Quinton Rybczyk, Senior forward John Adams McClendon, Senior post Damean Fernandez, Junior guard Amari Littlejohn, Junior forward Darius Sykes
Comment: After a school-best 20-7 season a year ago, Storm loses current Lenoir-Rhyne freshman Will Kelly but does have four returning starters and a plenty of experience.
Crest
Head coach: Brad LeVine (4th year at Crest 56-15, 35th year overall 627-247)
Last season: 24-3, 14-0 conference
Assistant coaches: Marshall Leslie, Jon Moore, Andre Bess
Returning players: Senior forward Tylik Briscoe, Junior guard A.J. Adams, Forward Amarieon Goodlett
Newcomers: Junior guard Ny’tavious Huskey, junior guard Cal Pass, Jr., Freshman guard D’Various Surratt
Comment: Two starters return – all-conference selections Tylik Briscoe and A.J. Adams – and top reserve Amareion Goodlett as Crest pursues the school’s first league three-peat in its history.
Forestview
Head coach: Chris Rayfield (8th year 51-112)
Last season: 8-14 overall, 6-8 conference
Assistant coaches: no information provided
Returning players: no information provided
Newcomers: no information provided
one listed
Comment: The Jaguars will look to make their second playoff berth in four years after missing out last season.
Huss
Head coach: Walt Wallace (12th year 191-94)
Last season: 9-5 overall, 8-4 conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: Huss’ all-time winningest boys coach looks to bounce back after the first losing season of his tenure – and first at Huss since 2005.
Kings Mountain
Head coach: Andrew Fann (1st year)
Last season: 16-11 overall, 11-3 conference
Assistant coaches: D.J. Byrd, Matt Carpenter, Josh Sherer
Returning players: Junior guard Bryson Brown, Junior forward Curtis Simpson, Junior guard Zavian Smith, Sophomore guard Kee’Donn Linney, Senior forward Eli Osborne, Senior guard Priest Wilson
Newcomers: Bradley Floyd, Tucker Robinette, Charlie Foster
Comment: Mountaineers have a new coach and will seek a school-record 10th straight playoff berth behind three returning starters, among them all-conference selection Simpson, and highly-rated freshman newcomer Floyd.
North Gaston
Head coach: Jason Tant (4th year 9-55)
Last season: 3-22 overall, 0-14 conference
Assistant coaches: Zach Rakoczy, Jeff Johnson, Christian Cox
Returning players: Senior forward/center Stepfon Simmons, Senior guard Key Murrell, Senior guard Carter Wright
Newcomers: Junior guard Max Huggins, Junior guard Jurnee Lattimore, Sophomore guard Issac Byers
Comment: With two returning starters, North Gaston will seek its second winning season in the last 17 years and the Wildcats’ first league win since going 3-9 in the Big South in the 2021 season.
South Point
Head coach: Kody Kubbs (12th year 133-131)
Last season: 13-13 overall, 8-6 conference
Assistant coaches: Blake Enoch, Alex Davis
Returning players: Senior guard Sean Gore, Senior guard Jaquis Rumph, Senior forward Jackson Blee, Senior forward Sully Absher, Junior guard Quay Harris, Senior forward Parker Natale
Newcomers: Junior guard Greyson Hines, Junior guard Graham Williams, Sophomore guard Christian Petty
Comment: With four returning starters and eight returning players, the Red Raiders will seek a seventh playoff appearance in eight seasons. Rumph is the top returning scorer at 9.5 per game.
Southern Piedmont 1A/2A
Bessemer City
Head coach: Danny McDowell (13th year at Bessemer City 176-118, 18th year overall 251-177)
Last season: 23-5 overall, 11-1 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Comment: Three double figure scorers from a year – seniors Randall Pettus, Keyshawn Adams and Nazari Smarr – give the Yellow Jackets high hopes for the 2022-23 season.
Burns
Head coach: Tim Phillips (1st year)
Last season: 8-17 overall, 6-6 conference
Assistant coaches: David Diamont, Maleek McMullens
Returning players: Senior wing/post Ryan Thompson, Senior guard Kahari Surratt, Senior guard Lemont Wilson, Junior guard Kamari Surratt, Junior guard Jeremiah Norris, Junior wing/forward Johnny Johnson
Newcomers: Senior wing/forward Carlo Walalce, Sophomore guard Jaxon Self
Comment: Three returning starters, among all-conference players Thompson and Kahari Surratt, give the Bulldogs a good chance to make a second straight state playoff berth.
Cherryville
Head coach: Scott Harrill (23rd year 400-181)
Last season: 16-9 overall, 6-6 conference
Assistant coaches: Bud Black, Antonio Griggs, Dennis Tate
Returning players: Senior guard Carson Kelly, Senior guard Landon Hahn, Senior guard Numerius Good, Senior center Ethan Honeyman
Newcomer: Junior guard Nate Bookout, Junior guard Chance Hunt
Comment: With three returning starters, Cherryville’s Harrill – the winning basketball coach in Gaston County history – will be looking to make a return to the state playoffs.
East Gaston
Head coach: Eugene Farrar (11th year 97-139)
Last season: 12-13 overall, 5-7 conference
Assistant coaches: no information provided
Returning players: no information provided
Newcomers: no information provided
Comment: East Gaston returned the playoffs for the first time since 2017 last season and will look for a repeat.
Highland Tech
Head coach: Forshee Blair (7th year 30-97)
Last season: 2-20 overall, 0-12 conference
Assistant coaches: no information provided
Returning players: no information provided
Newcomers: no information provided
Comment: Rams are seeking their first league win since the 2019-20 season.
Shelby
Head coach: Miles Lawrence (1st year)
Last season: 17-5 overall, 11-1 conference
Assistant coaches: Ryan Hollifield, Mon’Darius Black, Adam Webber
Returning players: Senior guard Ja’Keith Hamilton, Senior forward Daylin Lee, Junior guard Drew Hollifield, Junior guard Dominique Downs
Newcomers: Sophomore guard Grady Morgan, Junior guard Denorris Gist, Junior guard Santana London, Senior guard Kendall Smith
Comment: Longtime assistant Lawrence takes over but has four returning starters and high hopes as the Golden Lions will seek a Cleveland County-record 27th straight playoff berth.
Western Foothills 3A
East Lincoln
Head coach: Jon Hancock (6th year at East Lincoln 112-24, 27th year overall 436-257)
Last season: 23-6 overall, 12-2 conference
Assistant coaches: Chip Ashley, Reggie Perry, Eric Ginkle, Dave Vandenberg
Returning players: Senior forward Keandre Walker, Senior guard Palmer Crichton, Sophomore wing Jackson Fannon, Senior guard Mason Simmons
Newcomers: Senior guard Tyler Mizzell, Junior guard Houston Hartsell, Junior guard Carson Engstrand, Junior guard Davis Hill
Comment: Two starters return from a Mustangs team that was second in the league and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs last season.
North Lincoln
Head coach: Dennis Frye (4th year 49-23)
Last season: 17-11 overall, 8-6 conference
Assistant coaches: Sawyer Frye, Brian Thompson, Cole Frye
Returning players: Senior Connor Carson, Sophomore Kellen Karr, Senior Reed King
Newcomers: Senior post Iverson Snell, Senior guard Carter Black, Senior guard Carter Risse, Sophomore guard Ty Sanders, Junior post Tanner Lineberger, Junior post Ben Cipriano, Junior post Emerson Viverette, Senior post Shelton Washington, Junior post Nathan Aberle
Comment: Three starters return from a third straight state playoff team – Carson (11.7 points), Karr (9.7 points, 8.0 rebounds) and King (9.9 points, 3.7 rebounds)
Catawba Valley 2A
Lincolnton
Head coach: Jalen Littlejohn (1st year)
Last season: 13-13 overall, 10-3 conference
Assistant coaches: Morgan Huddleson, Brandon Tuft, Malcolm Derr, London England
Returning players: Senior center Will Blackburn, Senior guard Eian Stancil, Senior guard Chance Jefferies, Junior guard Sam Houser, Junior forward Khamoni Heath, Senior center Jalen Wright
Newcomer: Senior forward Riley Bradley
Comment: The Wolves’ fourth head coach in six seasons has one returning starter – all-conference selection Blackburn – in hopes of getting Lincolnton into the playoffs for a second straight year.
West Lincoln
Head coach: Garry Robinson (2nd year 10-15)
Last season: 10-15 overall, 6-7 conference
Assistant coaches: no information provided
Returning players: no information provided
Newcomers: no information provided
Comment: Rebels look to build upon last year’s momentum when they snapped 85-game losing streak that dates to February 2017 and recorded the first 10-win season since 2007.
Catawba Shores 1A/2A
Lincoln Charter
Head coach: James Burnette (2nd year 23-5)
Last season: 23-5 overall, 10-0 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Comment: The Eagles will look to win their ninth straight league title this season after winning the Catawba Shores last season and advancing to the third round in the Class 2A playoffs.
Mountain Island Charter
Head coach: Jonathan Wylie (1st year)
Last season: 12-15 overall, 5-5 conference
Assistant coach: Vidal Nesbitt
Returning players: Senior wing Jake Barber, Senior guard Ben Patton, Senior guard Elaja Burris, Junior post Caleb Nesbitt, Senior guard Garrett Hall, Senior post Jeremiah Avinger
Newcomers: Junior wing Jayden Massey, Junior guard Chance Burney, Junior wing Nick Weiss, Senior wing Nate Eaton, Junior post Camryn Jones, Junior wing Kola Abudu
Comment: First-year coach inherits three starters as the Raptors will seek an eighth straight playoff appearance.
Metro 8 1A
Piedmont Community Charter
Head coach: Dwayne Prioleau (12th year 99-136)
Last season: 4-16 overall, 3-10 conference
Assistant coaches: no information provided
Returning players: no information provided
Newcomers: no information provided
Comment: Patriots seek to make their first postseason appearance since 2018.
Metrolina Athletic (NCISAA)
Gaston Day
Head coach: Trent McCallister (8th year 127-57)
Last season: 27-4 overall, 10-2 conference
Assistant coaches: LaShawn Coulter, Jim McCallister, Jordan Paris, Letrasky Pressley
Returning players: Senior center Callum Richard, Senior guard Evan Montanari, Senior guard Colin Fayed, Junior guard Chase Owens, Junior guard Curt Hunter, Junior guard Jack Hargan
Newcomers: Freshman forward Ayron Jackson, Sophomore forward Ben Chatkowski, Freshman guard DeShawn Coulter, Freshman guard Griffen Simpson, Freshman guard Braylen Todd, Freshman guard Lucas Kimrey
Comment: With 10 returnees, including four starters, back from last year’s NCISAA Final 4 2A team, among them East Tennessee State commitment Richard and Roanoke commitment Fayed, expectations are high for the Spartans.
Gaston Christian
Head coach: Gabe Blair (2nd year 9-8)
Last season: 12-14 overall, 2-6 conference
Assistant coaches: no information provided
Returning players: no information provided
Newcomers: no information provided
Comment: After taking over at midseason last year, Blair will look to get the Eagles back in the playoffs after playing a challenging schedule.
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 (3rd year 33-11)
Last season: 20-9 overall, 13-1 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Comment: Lady Green Wave are unanimous preseason league favorites and seek a 14th straight state playoff berth and seventh league title in eight years.
Cramer
Head coach: Carey Pohlman (10th year 73-131)
Last season: 3-20 overall, 2-12 conference
Assistant coaches: Laura Trull
Returning players: Sophomore guard Hadley Womack, Junior forward Madison Lee, Junior forward Brianna McGinnis
Newcomers: Freshman guard Oshauna Holland, Senior center Zion Duncan, Freshman forward Ellia Barajas
Comment: With three returning starters and some talented newcomers, the Storm seek first playoff berth since 2017.
Crest
Head coach: Jessica Brunson (7th year 39-94)
Last season: 11-12 overall, 8-6 conference
Assistant coaches: Tyree Downs
Returning players: Junior guard Kariana Lee, Junior guard Monica Surratt, Senior forward Natalie Williams, Juniro guard Navaeh Blackwell, Sophomore forward Dekalia Davis, Junior guard Harmony Allen, Senior forward Shamiah Smith, Sophomore guard Nautice Freeman
Newcomers: None listed
Comment: Four starters are back and four other returnees as Crest will pursue a second playoff berth in three seasons.
Forestview
Head coach: Kevin Gurganus (12th year 159-112)
Last season: 3-17 overall, 3-11 conference
Assistant coach: Kevin Baker
Returning players: Junior guard Kendall Manning, Junior guard Megan Baker, Sophomore guard Miangel Thompson, Sophomore forward Molly Forgan
Newcomers: Freshman Amani Neely, Junior guard Alessia Mangnani
Comment: After an inexperienced team suffered through the worst record in school history, four starters are back, among them Manning (14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.0 steals) to give Jaguars hope of a playoff berth.
Huss
Head coach: Bobby Lipscomb (9th year 56-112)
Last season: 14-9 overall, 9-5 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Comment: The Huskies will look to build on last year’s success when they advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
Kings Mountain
Head coach: Timothia Guest (1st year)
Last season: 18-6 overall, 13-1 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Comment: The Mountaineers have a new head coach after winning their second league title in four seasons.
North Gaston
Head coach: Aman Seltun (1st year)
Last season: 7-17 overall, 4-10 conference
Assistant coach: David Williams
Returning players: Junior forward Whitney Brown, Senior guard Sidney Walls
Newcomers: Freshman guard Madison Davis, Freshman guard Tekayla Belton
Comment: Fourth Wildcats head coach in the last four years has two returning starters to help aid his rebuilding task.
South Point
Head coach: Grace Lyles (3rd year 11-27)
Last season: 8-16 overall, 4-10 conference
Assistant coach: Taylor Hudspeth
Returning players: Junior guard Maddie Frank, Sophomore Amya Graham, Junior guard Lexi Birtwhistle, Sophomore guard Toney Milton, Sophomore guard Dajshia Foust
Newcomers: Junior forward Lauren French, Freshman guard/forward Claire Frank
Comment: With four returning starters, there’s higher expectations for the Red Raiders as they pursue their first playoff berth since 2014.
Southern Piedmont 1A/2A
Bessemer City
Head coach: Billy James (8th year 57-97)
Last season: 15-10 overall, 8-4 conference
Assistant coach: Danny McDowell
Returning players: Senior guard Saniya Adams, Senior guard Daejah Hardin, Sophomore forward Tionna Pettus, Junior forward Imani Rhodes
Newcomer: Freshman guard Kionna Pettus
Comment: Five starters return from a team that advanced to the playoffs for a second straight year and is a preseason league favorite.
Burns
Head coach: Tommy Gales (1st year)
Last season: 8-17 overall, 6-6 conference
Assistant coaches: Dustin Clay, Maleek McMullens, Shannon Ross
Returning players: Senior guard Mya Cosby, Junior forward Maggie Earl, Junior guard Esyence Howze
Newcomers: Sophomore guard Kaylee Green, Freshman guard Miley Beam
Comment: Youthful Bulldogs have six freshmen on their 12-player roster but they do have hopes of making the school’s second straight postseason appearance.
Cherryville
Head coach: Carrie Dalton (7th year 31-98)
Last season: 2-20 overall, 1-11 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: no information provided
Comment: Ironmen seek first playoff berth since 2019.
East Gaston
Head coach: David Handsel (4th year 35-28)
Last season: 12-11 overall, 6-6 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Comment: Warriors will be eager to return to the playoffs after coming so close last year.
Highland Tech
Head coach: Troy McBeth (2nd year 4-18)
Last season: 4-18 overall, 1-11 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Comment: Rams seek first playoff appearance since 2018.
Shelby
Head coach: Scooter Lawrence (4th year 64-5)
Last season: 22-3 overall, 12-0 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomer: No information provided
Comment: Gardner-Webb signee Ally Hollifield will help Golden Lions pursue another league title.
Western Foothills 3A
East Lincoln
Head coach: Jason Otey (10th year 122-98)
Last season: 28-2 overall, 14-0 conference
Assistant coaches: Jaff Matuszko, Deidre LeGrand, Allison Huffman
Returning players: Senior forward/center Madison Self, Senior forward Ginny Overbay, Sophomore center Hailey McFadden
Newcomers: Freshman guard Kiki Anderson, Freshman guard Emma Montanari, Junior forward Abbie Hege, Senior forward Madison Bissinger, Junior guard Mackenzie Maggs, Sophomore forward Taniyah Thomas, Junior guard Tatum Martin
Comment: Two starters return from one of the best team’s in school history, among them league player of the year Madison Self.
North Lincoln
Head coach: Craig McCoy (1st year)
Last season: 4-20 overall, 2-12 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Comment: New coach will try to get Knights back into the state playoffs for the first time since 2013.
Catawba Valley 2A
Lincolnton
Head coach: Jimmy Carr (16th year 167-182)
Last season: 3-19 overall, 0-12 conference
Assistant coaches: Bradley Armstrong, Ronald Bryant
Returning players: Senior guard Mackenzie Sand-Odom, Senior guard Kayden Ray, Sophomore forward Sarah Rhyne, Senior guard Caroline Carpenter, Junior forward Camellia Holland
Newcomers: Sophomore guard Aidyn Armstrong, Junior guard Julia Carpenter, Junior guard Jordyan Williams, Sophomore guard Tanlee Eley, Sophomore forward Justice Smith, Sophomore guard Kendria Bynum, Freshman guard Akira Armstrong
Comment: Sand-Odom, an all-conference selection and captain, is one of three returning starters who can help Wolves into first playoff berth since 2018.
West Lincoln
Head coach: Tom Sain (5th year 49-51)
Last season: 9-15 overall, 3-8 conference
Assistant coaches: Hanna Suttle, Rick Mitchem, Linny Anthony
Returning players: Senior guard Chloe Norman, Junior center Carolina Robinson, Senior guard Anna Bieberich
Newcomers: None listed
Comment: Sain previously coached from 2007-11 and inherits three returning starters as West Lincoln will pursue its first playoff appearance since 2013.
Catawba Shores 1A/2A
Lincoln Charter
Head coach: Kim Allen (8th year 116-53)
Last season: 22-7 overall, 10-0 conference
Assistant coach: Charles Mines
Returning players: Senior guard Maddie Lusk, Junior forward Kallie Lusk, Senior forward Grace Rinaldo, Junior guard Kenzie Ross
Newcomer: Sophomore guard Symphani Stevens
Comment: Four returning – 2022 all-conference picks Maddie Lusk, Kallie Lusk, Rinaldo and Ross – give Eagles hopes of repeating league title run in 2023.
Mountain Island Charter
Head coach: Corey Jamison (1st year)
Last season: 0-14 overall, 0-10 conference
Assistant coach: No information provided
Returning player: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Comment: Raptors have a new coach after struggling last season.
Metro 8 1A
Piedmont Community Charter
Head coach: Matthew East (1st year)
Last season: 12-6 overall, 6-0 conference
Assistant coaches: none
Returning players: Senior guard Grace East, Senior guard/forward Kennedy Williams, Senior forward Hailey Moore, Sophomore forward Allasha Houser, Junior forward Lyric Brown
Newcomers: Junior forward Addison Berry, Senior guard Natalie Saris, Freshman guard Aubree Crammer
Comment: New coach will try to lead the Patriots to third straight league title behind league player of the year Grace East, who averaged 16.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 5.9 steals last season.
Metrolina Athletic (NCISAA)
Gaston Christian
Head coach: Shameka Gordon (2nd year)
Last season: 5-10 overall, 5-7 conference
Assistant coaches: No information provided
Returning players: No information provided
Newcomers: No information provided
Comment: Eagles returned to basketball last season a to action after not having a team in the 2021 season.
Gaston Day
Head coach: Megan Crowley (1st year)
Last season: 3-15 overall, 3-9 conference
Assistant coach: Thomas Nelson
Returning players: Senior forward Riley Chambers, Freshman forward Chaney Thompson, 8th grade guard Tralyn Philips
Newcomers: Sophomore guard Gwen “Tatiana” Lewis, Freshman forward Yuhan “Vivian” Wei, Freshman guard Julia Weatherly
Comment: Each returning player was a starter last season and gives the new coach a chance to make improvement this season.