2022 high school basketball preview: Crest and Shelby boys, Ashbrook and Shelby girls are preseason favorites in local 3A and 1A/2A leagues
By Richard Walker
After a year in which the Shelby’s girls won a state title, Lincoln Charter and Gaston Christian were boys state runner-ups and Crest and North Lincoln were boys Western runner-ups, what can teams from Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties do for an encore?
It’ll be hard but local teams are expected to have another solid year, with Shelby’s girls a prohibitive favorite to win their league and pursue another state title and Crest’s boys a unanimous favorite to win their league again.
Other teams expected to have solid seasons are the Shelby and Gaston Day boys and the Ashbrook and Lincoln Charter girls.
Here’s a look at how each of the local boys teams by conference:
Big South 3A
Ashbrook
Head coach: Darin Dellinger (2nd year 5-9)
Last season: 5-9 overall, 5-7 conference
Assistant coaches: Shaunte Southern, Tory Lowery, Pete Barney (JV Head Coach), Dalton Towery
Returning players: Senior forward Logan Mason, Junior guard Gabe June, Junior guard Carmelo Bess, Senior guard Jamarie Thompson, Junior forward Tramere Watkins, Senior guard Leneir Griffin
Newcomers: Senior guard Shykes Sanders, Senior center Matthew Jackson, Junior guard Sincere Sanders-Moss, Junior guard Jashaun Clark, Junior guard Will Miller, Freshman guard Gavin Fields, Sophomore forward Kenneth Greene
Comment: After missing the playoffs for the first time in 18 years, Ashbrook looks to start another playoff streak behind six returning players and key newcomers who shined in the Green Wave junior varsity program a year ago.
Cramer
Head coach: Brad Sloan (9th year 48-133)
Last season: 1-13 overall, 1-11 conference
Assistant coaches: Jon Putnam, Shawn Watson
Returning players: Senior guard Will Kelly, Senior forward Mason Craig, Junior guard Justin Rocquemore, Junior guard Jacob Joyner, Junior guard Owen Sloan, Sophomore forward Taelen Whitley, Senior guard Frankie Verdezas
Newcomer: Junior forward John Hill
Comment: After helping Gaston Christian to the NCISAA 3A title game last year, Kelly is back as a senior. Along with all-conference performer Rocquemore, some rival coaches see the Storm as Crest’s top competitor for the league title.
Crest
Head coach: Brad Levine (3rd year at Crest 32-12, 34th year overall 603-244)
Last season: 16-2 overall, 12-0 conference
Assistant coaches: Marshall Leslie, Jon Moore, Andre Bess
Returning players: Senior guard Mari Adams, Senior guard Ray Hall, Cameron Peeler, Grant Dalton, Kevin Kollock, Amereion Goodlet
Newcomers: none listed
Comment: After winning the school’s first league title since 2015 with its first unbeaten conference record since 2001, Chargers seek a repeat behind Adams, who enters the season with 1,112 career points.
Forestview
Head coach: Chris Rayfield (7th year 43-98)
Last season: 4-9 overall, 4-8 conference
Assistant coaches: Steven Bartlett, John Dale, Pierce Guffey, Coty Phillips
Returning players: Senior forward Jaycob Neely, Senior guard Camury Reid, Senior center Christian Williams, Junior guard Daris Byers, Junior guard Nate Aguilar
Newcomers: none listed
Comment: Four returning starters, among them all-conference pick Reid and 2021 team defensive MVP Neely, give Jaguars hope for a second playoff berth in three years.
Huss
Head coach: Walt Wallace (11th year 186-76)
Last season: 9-5 overall, 8-4 conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: After becoming Huss’ all-time winningest boys coach last season, Wallace has a rebuilding task after losing many longtime veteran players off last year’s team.
Kings Mountain
Head coach: Grayson Pierce (11th year 154-104)
Last season: 10-5 overall, 9-3 conference
Assistant coaches: Randy Drennan, Matt Carpenter, D.J. Byrd, Matt Bradley
Returning players: Senior guard Zeke Cannedy, Senior guard-forward Maddox James, Sophomore point guard Zavion Smith, Sophomore forward Curtis Simpson
Newcomer: Freshman forward Kee’don Linney
Comment: Mountaineers will seek ninth straight state playoff appearance and ninth straight season with 10 or more wins behind returning starter Cannedy, who has already received one college scholarship offer.
North Gaston
Head coach: Jason Tant (3rd year 6-33)
Last season: 3-11 overall, 3-9 conference
Assistant coaches: Zach Rakoczy, Ashleyn Thomason, Cole Young
Returning players: Junior forward-center Stepfon Simmons, Senior guard Austin Wood, Senior wing Brandon Masters, Senior wing Mason Mackey, Junior wing Jandres Gerena, Senior center Jahden Gettys
Newcomers: Junior wing Key Murrell, Freshman guard Markell Carothers, Freshman guard Jesyon Payne, Sophomore wing T.J. Belton
Comment: Third-year coach has one returning starter and regains services of Simmons, who was an all-conference selection at Piedmont Community Charter last year after starting for North Gaston as a freshman. Wildcats will seek their second winning season in 16 years.
South Point
Head coach: Kody Kubbs (11th year 120-118)
Last season: 10-4 overall, 8-4 Southwestern 2A conference
Assistant coaches: Blake Enoch
Returning players: Senior guard Cooper Ray, Junior guard Garret Hunt, Junior forward Sully Absher, Junior guard Jaquis Rumph, Senior guard Ashton Harris, Junior guard Sean Gore, Junior forward Jackson Blee, Junior forward Parker Natale
Newcomers: Sophomore guard Quay Harris, Sophomore forward Graham Williams, Sophomore guard Greyson Kines
Comment: Ray and Hunt are returning double figure scorers from a team that just missed last season’s compressed playoffs as South Point’s playoff streak ended at five years. Kubbs, the winningest boys basketball coach in school history, will look to get back in the postseason this year.
Southern Piedmont 1A/2A
Bessemer City
Head coach: Danny McDowell (12th year at Bessemer City 153-113, 17th year overall 228-172)
Last season: 6-6 overall, 6-6 conference
Assistant coaches: Billy James, Marcus Barnett, Jarrod Holmes
Returning players: Junior point guard Randall Pettus, Junior post Keyshawn Adams, Junior post Jameer Holmes, Junior guard Terrance Smith
Newcomers: Junior guard Nazari Smarr, Freshman guard Jamari Gaddy
Comment: With state’s leading scorer (Pettus at 31 point per game) returning, Yellow Jackets are seeking to return to the playoffs after missing for the first time after 14 straight berths last season. Adams (13.4) also scored in double figures last season.
Burns
Head coach: Thurman Geter (3rd year 14-23)
Last season: 6-8 overall, 6-6 Southwestern 2A conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: With returnees like Jeremiah Norris, Jeffery Phillips, Lamont Wilson, Elijah Timson and Ryan Thompson, Bulldogs seek first playoff appearance since 2012.
Cherryville
Head coach: Scott Harrill (22nd year 384-172)
Last season: 9-5 overall, 5-7 conference
Assistant coaches: Bud Black, Antonio Griggs, Dennis Tate
Returning players: Junior guard Jack Mulvey, Junior guard Landon Hahn, Senior forward Gavin Cease, Junior guard Carson Kelly, Senior guard Carter Spangler
Newcomer: Junior point guard Numerius Good
Comment: With two returning starters, Cherryville will eye a state playoff appearance after missing last season. Harrill last season became the winning basketball coach in Gaston County history.
East Gaston
Head coach: Eugene Farrar (10th year 85-126)
Last season: 5-9 overall, 3-9 Southwestern 2A conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: Returnees like Ike Maynor, Hunter Hart, Chauncey Creamer, Trent Sherrill, Connor Rankin and Ethan Hayes, Warriors will pursue first playoff berth since 2017.
Highland Tech
Head coach: Forshee Blair (6th year 28-77)
Last season: 0-11 overall, 0-11 conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: Rams will look to bounce back from school’s worst season since it was restarted in 2001 and advance to a third playoff berth in four seasons.
Shelby
Head coach: Aubrey Hollifield (16th year 317-91)
Last season: 15-2 overall, 11-1 Southwestern 2A conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: Shelby looks to extend its county-record playoff streak to 26 years behind returnees like Drew Hollifield, Daylin Lee, Izay Bridges, Jaden Pierce, JaKeith Hamilton and Demario Allen.
Western Foothills 3A
East Lincoln
Head coach: Jon Hancock (5th year at East Lincoln 89-18, 26th year overall 413-251)
Last season: 11-4 overall, 11-3 South Fork 2A conference
Assistant coaches: Chip Ashley, Andrew Fann, Reggie Perry
Returning players: Senior guard Jeremiah Jones, Senior forward Drew Bean, Senior guard-forward Logan Craig, Junior guard Tyler Mizzell, Junior forward Landen Glezen, Junior guard Markell Clarke
Newcomers: Junior guard Palmer Crichton, Freshman guard-forward Jackson Fannon, Senior wing Eric Runyan
Comment: With four starters back, Mustangs move up from 2A to 3A with sights set on increasing county record playoff streak to 18 years. Jones, who recently had knee surgery, is expected to return by mid-December.
North Lincoln
Head coach: Dennis Frye (3rd year 32-12)
Last season: 15-3 overall, 12-2 South Fork 2A conference
Assistant coaches: Sawyer Frye, Brian Thompson, Cole Frye
Returning players: Senior guard Jake Dedmon, Senior guard Jack Waggoner, Senior post Jake Terrill, Junior guard Connor Carson, Senior post
Nate Lykins
Newcomers: Junior guard Reed King, Freshman guard-post Kellen Karr, Senior guard Matt Heavner, Senior post Luke Custer
Comment: One starter returns from school-best team that won its first league title and advanced to N.C. 2A Western final. Now in 3A, the Knights will rely on veteran returnees to make a third straight state playoff appearance.
Catawba Valley 2A
Lincolnton
Head coach: Phil Robinson (1st year)
Last season: 8-6 overall, 8-6 South Fork 2A conference
Assistant coach: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: Robinson becomes sixth head coach in school history and looks for Wolves to make seventh playoff appearance in eight years after last year’s rare miss.
West Lincoln
Head coach: Garry Robinson (1st year)
Last season: 0-14 overall, 0-14 South Fork 2A conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: The struggle is real for the Rebels, who enter the season with an 84-game losing streak that dates to February 2017. This season, West Lincoln has its fifth head coach in the past four seasons.
Catawba Shores 1A/2A
Lincoln Charter
Head coach: James Burnette (1st year)
Last season: 16-3 overall, 11-1 Southern Piedmont 1A conference
Assistant coaches: Chan Mayfield, Carl Lykes, Marcus Farley Sr., Chris Bruce
Returning players: Elijah Burnett, Marcus Farley Jr.
Newcomers: none listed
Comment: New coach has challenge to duplicate recent Eagles’ success that includes 1A runner-up finish last season. Returning starters Burnett and Marcus along with four transfers will be counted on as team navigates a new conference this season.
Mountain Island Charter
Head coach: Robert Price (4th year 54-17)
Last season: 14-3 overall, 12-2 PAC 7 1A conference
Assistant coach: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: Raptors are pursuing seventh straight playoff berth after Western 1A runner-up finish of a year ago behind returnees like Caleb Nesbitt, O’Marion Ferguson, Ben Patton, Jackson Pompi and Garrett Hall.
Metro 8 1A
Piedmont Community Charter
Head coach: Dwayne Prioleau (11th year 95-120)
Last season: 3-11 overall, 2-10 Southern Piedmont 1A conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: Patriots seek look to rebound from disappointing finishes in last two years of Southern Piedmont in their first season in a new conference.
Metrolina Athletic (NCISAA)
Gaston Day
Head coach: Trent McCallister (7th year 100-53)
Last season: 10-10 overall, 3-5 conference
Assistant coaches: LaShawn Coulter, Jim McCallister, Jordan Paris, Letrasky Pressley
Returning players: Senior guard Chris Britt, Junior center Callum Richard, Junior guard Colin Fayed, Senior forward Jackson Crump
Newcomer: Junior guard Evan Montanari
Comment: Four returning starters, including 1,305-point career scorer Britt give Spartans hope to compete for a league title and a 10th straight state playoff appearance.
Gaston Christian
Head coach: Aaron Waters (2nd year 9-19)
Last season: 9-19 overall, 4-9 conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: Returnees Greg Brockington, Joe Rhyne, Preston Shuford and Jacob Bonisa are back from the NCISAA 3A runner-up team from a year ago and 1,000-point scorer Isaiah Tate transferred in from Kings Mountain.
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 (2nd year 13-2)
Last season: 13-2 overall, 11-1 conference
Assistant coaches: Trena Stewart, Elizabeth Shields
Returning players: Junior guard Kenette Bess, Senior guard Yazhri Mason, Junior guard Madison Cole, Senior guard Delaine Meadows, Sophomore forward Tauri Brooks
Newcomers: Freshman forward Apple Morales, Freshman guard Duerajah Hardin, Freshman forward Za’Kyia Miller, Junior guard Sarah Patel, Junior forward Piper Woods
Comment: Lady Green Wave are near unanimous preseason league favorite with three returning starters from a program that has made 13 straight state playoff appearances.
Cramer
Head coach: Carey Pohlman (9th year 70-111)
Last season: 1-13 overall, 1-11 conference
Assistant coaches: Laura Trull, Haley Bourhill
Returning players: Sophomore forward Madison Lee, Senior guard Dasia Harris, Sophomore forward Brianna McGinnis
Newcomers: Freshman guard Hadley Womack, Sophomore guard Zoey Morris
Comment: With three returning starters back, Storm will pursue its first state playoff appearance since 2017.
Crest
Head coach: Jessica Brunson (6th year 28-82)
Last season: 10-5 overall, 9-3 conference
Assistant coaches: Tyree Downs
Returning players: Senior forward Zyiaa Hamrick, Junior forward Natalie Williams, Sophomore guard Kari Lee, Sophomore guard Monica Surratt
Newcomer: Freshman forward-center De’Kaylia Davis
Comment: With two returning starters coming off the Chargers’ first state playoff appearance since 2015, most league coaches see Crest as a challenger to preseason favorite Ashbrook.
Forestview
Head coach: Kevin Gurganus (11th year 156-95)
Last season: 6-7 overall, 6-6 conference
Assistant coach: Kevin Baker
Returning players: Sophomore guard Kendall Manning, Senior post Samantha Bolton, Senior pitcher Zailyn Jeter
Newcomers: Freshman forward Molly Forgan, Freshman guard Miangel Thompson
Comment: One starter returns for Jaguars as they seek to return to postseason after four-year streak was snapped last season.
Huss
Head coach: Bobby Lipscomb (8th year 42-103)
Last season: 5-8 overall, 5-7 conference
Assistant coaches: Kelly Hawkins, Tyree Taylor, Nisha Rolle, Donna Swann
Returning players: Sophomore guard Savanni Harris, Junior forward Trinity Swann, Junior forward Anyssiah Love, Junior center Diamond Young
Newcomers: Sophomore guard Myla Hoover, Freshman guard Brooklyn Swann
Comment: With three returning starters and some talented newcomers, Huskies are favored to be a strong candidate for their first state playoff appearance since 2018.
Kings Mountain
Head coach: Nicholas Inman (4th year 43-26)
Last season: 10-5 overall, 9-3 conference
Assistant coaches: Darrel Wilson, Monique Petty
Returning players: Senior guard Saniya Wilson, Junior guard Khalia King, Junior guard Alayna Patrick, Junior guard Tyasya Bell, Junior forward
Austyn Dixon, Senior guard Monica Head, Senior forward Jacie Jarvis
Newcomers: Junior center CoRey Simpson, Freshman guard London Brown, Sophomore guard Desirae Thombs
Comment: With high-scoring guard Wilson, last year’s league player of the year, returning for the Mountaineers, league coaches see them as a contender to preseason favorite Ashbrook.
North Gaston
Head coach: Robert Hollis III (1st year)
Last season: 2-12 overall, 2-10 conference
Assistant coach: Nichole Benson, Raven Brooks, Brooklyn Armstrong
Returning players: Senior guard Bailey Perry, Junior guard Sydnee Walls, Sophomore forward Allison Gardner, Sophomore forward Aniyah Porter
Newcomers: Senior forward Sydney Gibson, Freshman guard Chloe Morales, Sophomore guard Mekka Brown, Junior center Tamariona Green, Senior guard Sky Hoover, Sophomore center Taaliyah Thomasson
Comment: Three returning starters give team and new coach hope to pursue the state playoffs.
South Point
Head coach: Grace Lyles (2nd year 3-11)
Last season: 3-11 overall, 2-10 Southwestern 2A conference
Assistant coach: Erin Young
Returning players: Sophomore guard Lexi Birtwistle, Senior forward-center Lilly Gregory
Newcomers: Sophomore guard Maddie Frank, Freshman forward Amya Graham, Freshman guard-forward Daijsha Foust, Freshman guard Toney Milton, Sophomore guard Claire Hux, Senior guard-forward Leah Cha
Comment: Two returning starters – Birtwhistle and Gregory – will be counted on as Red Raiders moved back to 3A and pursue first playoff berth since 2014.
Southern Piedmont 1A/2A
Bessemer City
Head coach: Billy James (7th year 42-87)
Last season: 8-5 overall, 8-4 conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: Janiya Adams returns after setting several records a year ago and leading Yellow Jackets last year made first playoff appearance since 2015 and first league title since 2001.
Burns
Head coach: Mark Parker (3rd year 15-22)
Last season: 4-10 overall, 4-8 Southwestern 2A conference
Assistant coaches: none
Returning players: Senior forward Tishiona Strong, Sophomore guard Esynce Howze, Sophomore guard Maggie Earl
Newcomer: Freshman guard Laylah Haynes
Comment: Strong, with 806 career points, is one of the top returning players in the area and gives Bulldogs hope for school’s first playoff berth since 2017.
Cherryville
Head coach: Carrie Dalton (6th year 29-78)
Last season: 2-11 overall, 1-10 conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: After two years with one combined league victory, Ironmen will seek first playoff berth since 2019.
East Gaston
Head coach: David Handsel (3rd year 23-17)
Last season: 9-5 overall, 7-5 Southwestern 2A conference
Assistant coaches: Vic Sheets, Scottie Mincie
Returning players: Senior forward Allie Grice, Junior center Makayla Hilton, Junior guard Heather Longnecker, Sophomore forward Lindsey McClellan, Junior forward Jordan Spencer, Sophomore guard Lydia Walls, Sophomore guard Reagan Luckadoo
Newcomers: Junior forward Zoey Lockridge, Senior guard Shaniya Newton, Senior forward Halle Chaffin, Junior forward Ava Allen
Comment: Plenty of experience returns for the Warriors, who seek their third playoff appearance in four years.
Highland Tech
Head coach: Troy McBeth (1st year)
Last season: 0-11 overall, 0-11 conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: New coach will seek to guide Rams into playoffs for first time since 2018.
Shelby
Head coach: Scooter Lawrence (3rd year 42-2)
Last season: 19-0 overall, 12-0 Southwestern 2A conference
Assistant coaches: Ford Lawrence, Miles Lawrence, Mon’Darius Black
Returning players: Junior guard Maraja Pass, Senior guard Kate Hollifield, Junior guard Ally Hollifled, Senior center Brooke Hartgrove, Senior center Yahreia Peeler, Senior center Jahlaya Abernathy
Newcomer: Freshman guard Jamiah Hopper
Comment: Golden Lions are unanimous favorites to repeat as a league champion and ranked No. 1 in the state by most experts due to five returning starters and top scorers Kate Hollifield (1,273 career points), Maraja Pass (780) and Ally Hollifield (657).
Western Foothills 3A
East Lincoln
Head coach: Jason Otey (9th year 94-96)
Last season: 10-5 overall, 10-4 South Fork 2A conference
Assistant coaches: Jaff Matuszko, Jalen Littlejohn, Alison Huffman
Returning players: Senior Taliyah Thomas, Junior Ginny Overbay, Junior Madison Self, Senior Raven Ross
Newcomers: Freshman post Hailey McFadden, Sophomore Makenzie Maggs
Comment: Four returning starters, among them all-league picks Thomas and Overbay, from a 2A playoff team gives Mustangs hope of third straight playoff berth in a conference will likely be more challenging.
North Lincoln
Head coach: Brad Mangum (2nd year 3-11)
Last season: 3-11 overall, 3-11 South Fork 2A conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: No information submitted
Comment: Knights will look to get back into the state playoffs for the first time since 2013.
Catawba Valley 2A
Lincolnton
Head coach: Jimmy Carr (15th year 164-163)
Last season: 1-13 overall, 1-13 South Fork 2A conference
Assistant coaches: Jenna Carr, Bradley Armstrong
Returning players: Junior forward Mackenzie Sand-Odom, Senior guard Alexis Hough, Senior forward Emma Rhyne
Newcomers: Junior guard Kayden Ray, Junior guard Caroline Carpenter, Sophomore forward Camellia Holland, Sophomore guard Carmen Hunter, Freshman forward Sarah Rhyne, Senior guard Kanighsha Thomas, Freshman guard Aidyn Armstrong
Comment: With three returning starters, Wolves hope to bounce back from last year and take first playoff berth since 2018.
West Lincoln
Head coach: Lance Watson (3rd year 10-29)
Last season: 5-9 overall, 5-9 South Fork 2A conference
Assistant coaches: Rick Mitchem, Linny Anthony
Returning players: Junior guard Chloe Norman, Senior guard-forward Farrah Richardson, Sophomore forward-center Carolina Robinson, Senior guard-forward Rae Watson
Newcomers: Junior guard-forward Anna Bieberich, Senior forward-center Brooke Beddingfield, Junior center Aston Jenkins, Sophomore guard Zoey Owenby
Comment: Four returing starters, led by all-conference selection Norman, gives the Rebels hopes of making their first playoff appearance since 2013.
Catawba Shores 1A/2A
Lincoln Charter
Head coach: Kim Allen (7th year 94-46)
Last season: 8-5 overall, 8-4 Southern Piedmont 1A conference
Assistant coach: Charles Mines
Returning players: Senior guard Lauren Horton, Sophomore guard Tyler Beller, Sophomore guard Kenzie Ross
Newcomers: Senior forward-cetner Grace Rinaldo, Junior guard Maddie Lusk, Sophomore forward Kallie Lusk
Comment: Four returning starters – including all-league picks Horton and Beller – should give Eagles a chance to compete for their fifth league title in six seasons.
Mountain Island Charter
Head coach: Troy Whitehurst (3rd year 18-14)
Last season: 9-3 overall, 9-2 PAC 7 1A conference
Assistant coach: Corey Jamison
Returning player: Senior Arielle Baker
Newcomers: Senior Megan Logue, Freshman Aniya Hawkins, Freshman Natalie Patton, Sophomore Kaitlyn Wooten
Comment: Youthful team joins new conference and welcomes some talented newcomers in hopes of a fourth straight state playoff appearance – and sixth in seven years.
Metro 8 1A
Piedmont Community Charter
Head coach: Holly Gibby (3rd year 21-18)
Last season: 9-5 overall, 8-4 Southern Piedmont 1A conference
Assistant coach: Matthew East
Returning players: Junior Grace East, Senior Kaylee Nolan, Junior Kennedy Williams, Senior Jayeda Austin, Sophomore Lauren French, Sophomore Lyric Brown
Newcomer: Junior Hailey Moore
Comment: Patriots won first-ever league title last season, but lost a five-way drawing and missed playoffs. Returnees like Lauren French, Lyric Brown, Kaylee Nolen, Grace East, Kennedy Williams and Jaeda Austin will seek a better finish to this season.
Metrolina Athletic (NCISAA)
Gaston Day
Head coach: Troy Phillips (3rd year 30-16)
Last season: 11-8 overall, 3-3 conference
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: Returnees like Chaney Thompson, Sophia Drury and Riley Chambers will look to lead Spartans to fifth straight playoff appearance.
Gaston Christian
Head coach: Shameka Gordon (1st year)
Last season: no team
Assistant coaches: no information submitted
Returning players: no information submitted
Newcomers: no information submitted
Comment: Eagles return to action after not having a team last season.