South Charlotte Prep Sports

Charlotte Catholic goalie Morgan Luckie signs with Armstrong Atlantic

2012-03-14T10:54:00.001-04:00

Charlotte Catholic senior goalie Morgan Luckie signed to play soccer next year at Armstrong Atlantic State University, a Division II school in Savannah, Ga., that made it to last year's Final Four.

The 5-foot-3 goalkeeper helped Catholic to the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A state championship last year, only allowing two goals in the playoffs. (My story about this year's Charlotte Catholic team.)

Click here to see a video of Armstrong Atlantic coach Eric Faulconer talking about the signing class.

South Meck Miracle League fundraiser raised more than $3,000

2012-03-13T13:18:00.000-04:00

Miracle League player Morgan Spease threw out the first pitch at last week's Miracle League fundraiser at South Meck.

The South Mecklenburg High baseball team's first Miracle League fundraiser last week raised more than $3,000 for the Miracle League program at University City YMCA.

Money raised will help build a custom-designed, rubberized turf field at the YMCA that will be handicap accessible so that children with disabilities in the Charlotte area will have the opportunity to play baseball.

During the March 7 event, coinciding with South Meck's 11-1 win over Cox Mill, spectators participated in a silent auction, raffle and pitching contest. There were also three home run derby contests: for students, Sabre baseball alumni and the community, featuring a guest appearance by former Major League Baseball player Tony Womack.

Miracle League player Morgan Spease, 11, threw out the first pitch of the game.

The baseball team is continuing to accept donations. Please make checks payable to: South Mecklenburg Athletic Booster Club (include “Baseball Team/Miracle League" in the memo section on your check). Mail your check to: South Mecklenburg High School, Attention: Coach Jon Tuscan, 8900 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.

For more information go to www.miracleleague.com.

Providence Day's Tiffany Mitchell named Gatorade State Player of the Year

2012-03-08T09:51:00.002-05:00

Photo by Jeff Siner

Providence Day senior girls' basketball player Tiffany Mitchell is North Carolina's Gatorade Player of the Year for girls' basketball, ESPNHS announced today.

The 5-foot-11 senior guard led Providence Day to a third straight N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 3A state championship and averaged 19.6 points, seven rebounds, four steals and 2.8 assists.

Mitchell signed to play college basketball at South Carolina next year.

Read an article about Mitchell and the state championship from Wednesday's South Charlotte News here.

College-bound Country Day senior athletes recognized

2012-03-07T12:23:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Scott Benson

Eleven Charlotte Country Day seniors affirmed their commitment to play sports in college at a ceremony in the Bruton Smith Athletic Center Tuesday.

The students chose to do the ceremony together in March instead of February (around National Signing Day) because they wanted to wait for students who were close to making college choices to decide, according to Country Day Director of Sports Information Mary Beth Luxton.

The students recognized were:

Kelly Bach, soccer, Dartmouth College.
Hayden Bumgardner, swimming, Villanova University.
Esty Byrd, field hockey, College of William and Mary.
Brian Duncan, football, Bucknell University.
Bryan Erb, football, Case Western Reserve University.
James Howe, football, Williams College.
Raina Johnson, soccer- University of South Carolina.
John Kendall, soccer, Princeton University.
Caroline Plyler, field hockey, UNC Chapel Hill.
Courtney Stutts, soccer, Virginia Tech.

NCAAU and Charlotte Royals lanch 'I Want to Play' program

2012-03-06T14:50:00.000-05:00

The Charlotte Royals AAU basketball club has eliminated its elite level competitive teams and is focusing this season on a developmental program open to all athletes.

In cooperation with the North Carolina AAU boys' basketball program, the Royals, in the club's 31st season, will organize teams at various grade levels with the specific goal of individual skill development in practice and game environments.

"We are contacted by so many kids who can’t find a place with one of the traditional clubs," NCAAU Governor Sean Kilmartin said in a statement. "We want to open the AAU experience to athletes who have not yet reached the elite level, but who want to improve their skills and achieve more in the sport. We have asked the Charlotte Royals organization to help with this project."

Each team will have a series of practices with former college players and experienced youth coaches that will teach and develop individual basketball skills. The club will also conduct special skill clinics taught by area high school, AAU and college coaches.

Each team will be scheduled for a minimum of 22 hours instruction and four weekend tournaments in the spring, including at least one NCAAU District Championship event.The teams will observe a strict must-play rule which guarantees playing time in each game. No eligible player will be cut.

Players in grades 9-11 can enroll March 10 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s School (1125 Buchanan St, Charlotte).

For more information, email info@ncaauboysbasketball.com.

Private school all-conference and all-state basketball teams

2012-03-05T20:28:00.001-05:00

South Charlotte girls' basketball players were well represented on the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 3A all-state team. The boys? Not so much.

Five girls from state champion Providence Day, Charlotte Christian and Charlotte Country Day made the all-state team. No boys did.

The four south Charlotte 3A schools made up almost all of the all-conference picks.

The lists:

2012 NCISAA All-State Team

Girls:

Gigi Bailey – Charlotte Christian School
Beth Erb – Charlotte Country Day School
Tiffany Mitchell – Providence Day School
Olivia Parker – Providence Day School
Renata Rogers – Greensboro Day School
Mickayla Sanders – Cary Academy
Hillary Summers – Village Christian Academy
Jatarie White – Providence Day School
Khadejah Wilkerson – Greensboro Day School
Erica Williams – Rabun Gap School

Boys:

Dee Baldwin (Jr.) High Point Christian
Montay Brandon (Sr.) Wesleyan Christian
Reggie Dillard (Jr.) Greensboro Day
Dustin Dodd (Jr.) Hickory Grove
Anton Gill (Jr.) Ravenscroft
Jerome Hairston (Sr.) Christ School
Madison Jones (Sr.) Ravenscroft
Jackson Kent (Jr.) High Point Christian
Theo Pinson (So.) Wesleyan Christian
Will Weeks (Sr.) Christ School

2012 CISAA All-Conference Team

Girls:

Gigi Bailey – Charlotte Christian School
Ja'da Brayboy - Providence Day School
Beth Erb – Charlotte Country Day School
Garland Austin - Charlotte Latin
Maryah Mazyck - Charlotte Christian School
Tiffany Mitchell – Providence Day School
Olivia Parker – Providence Day School
Jatarie White – Providence Day School

Boys:

Matthew Fisher-Davis (So.) Charlotte Christian
Matthew Godley (Sr.) Concord Cannon
Adam Herrmann (Jr.) Charlotte Latin
Ryan Potocknik (Sr.) Charlotte Christian
Rusty Riegel (Sr.) Charlotte Latin
Patrick Rooks (Jr.) Charlotte Christian
Ben Simons (Sr.) Charlotte Country Day
Matt Tome (Sr.) Charlotte Latin
Jordan Watkins (So.) Providence Day
Christian Young (Fr.) Providence Day

Charlotte Country Day volleyball player nationally recognized

2012-02-27T15:05:00.003-05:00

Charlotte Country Day freshman volleyball player Taylor Portland was named to the PrepVolleyball.com Frosh 59 list, made up of the website's selection of the 59 best freshman high school volleyball players in the country.

Portland was the only North Carolina player to make the top 59 or any of the honorable mention lists.

Here's what the website said about the outside hitter:

"This young player made an explosive impact on her first season of varsity. With Portland leading the stat sheet with 301 kills, 351 digs and 62 aces, Charlotte Country Day enjoyed the winningest season in school history and a semi-final finish in the state playoffs. Portland’s exceptional resume extends beyond her school—she tallied the most kills and kills per game of all freshmen in her state and was second in digs."

To be considered for the list, a player had to be a varsity starter as a freshman and one of the top players in the state. The list is based on high school statistics only, not club team accomplishments.

For more information: PrepVolleyball.com.

Basketball playoff scores and pairings (Feb. 25)

2012-02-25T11:49:00.002-05:00

The Providence Day girls' basketball team will play for a third straight state title today, facing Greensboro Day in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 3A championship at Raleigh Ravenscroft. The game starts at 2 p.m.

The Myers Park girls' basketball team is still undefeated and in the public school state quarterfinals and the South Mecklenburg boys' basketball team's season came to an end last night in an overtime game against West Charlotte.

The south Charlotte scores and next round pairings:

NCISAA 3A girls

Providence Day 51, Rabun Gap 30 (game story)
Greensboro Day 70, Charlotte Christian 55

NCISAA 3A girls' championship (today): No. 1 Providence Day vs. No. 2 Greensboro Day

NCHSAA 4A girls

Myers Park 75, Butler 46 (game story)
Alexander Central 53, Ardrey Kell 47
Southwest Guilford 58, Porter Ridge 30

Regional semifinals in Greensboro (Feb. 29): No. 1 Myers Park vs. No. 3 Alexander Central, 7 p.m.

NCHSAA 4A boys

West Charlotte 59, South Mecklenburg 55 OT (game story)

NCHSAA 3A boys

Concord 81, Charlotte Catholic 64 (game story)

NCHSAA 2A boys

Cuthbertson 70, Surry County 47

Regional semifinals in Greensboro (Mar. 1): No. 1 Cuthbertson vs. No. 2 West Stokes

Myers Park girls basketball beats Butler, advances to state quarterfinals

2012-02-24T22:09:00.002-05:00

In the first quarter of Friday’s N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A playoff game, Myers Park girls’ basketball coach Dustin Terrel wanted to give Butler a different look on defense. The Mustangs ran a soft press, not putting too much pressure on the ball handler coming up the court.

After the first quarter, Myers Park led 12-8, but Terrel didn’t like what he saw.

In the second quarter, he had his team start trapping at half court and in the second half the Mustangs put on the full court press. The stifling defense shut down Butler and Myers Park (30-0) went on to win the third round playoff game 75-46.

The win keeps Myers Park undefeated this year.

“That was really the momentum change,” said Terrel about changing defenses in the second quarter.

After the Bulldogs (17-12) tied the game 12-12 early in the second quarter, the Mustangs went on an 11-0 run. Myers Park forward Roddreka Rogers scored 10 of her 14 points in the second quarter and the Mustangs took a 33-22 lead into the half.

Myers Park increased the pressure in the second half, forcing six turnovers and outscoring Butler 22-8 in the third quarter.

Butler, a No. 12 seed in the playoffs, had upset two higher seeds to get to the third round against Myers Park, but struggled against the Mustangs’ pressing and trapping defense.

“That team’s been on a hot streak,” said Terrel.

Myers Park’s India Timpton cooled down Butler’s Jaymee Fisher-Davis, the Southwestern 4A conference leading scorer, limiting her to just 14 points on the night.

Timpton is “our defensive leader,” said Terrel. “She came to me and said she wanted (Fisther-Davis) all to herself.”

Timpton’s sister, Saadia, led the Mustangs offensively with a game-high 20 points. Brittany Smith had 14 for Myers Park.

Butler’s Symphonie Richardson had 12 points.

After the game, Terrel was relieved that Mustangs avoided a fourth meeting with conference rival Ardrey Kell in the next round of the playoffs. Ardrey Kell was beaten by Alexander Central Friday.

With three straight wins by at least 25 points in the playoffs, Terrel feels good about the way his team is playing, no matter the opponent.

“These last two games, the second halves have been excellent,” said Terrel. “We just need to put the two halves together.”

Inscoe: 704-358-5923

Basketball playoff scores and pairings (Feb. 24)

2012-02-24T12:35:00.001-05:00

NCISAA 3A girls

Providence Day 79, Charlotte Latin 38
Charlotte Christian 72, High Point Christian 51

3rd round (today at Ravenscroft): No. 1 Providence Day vs. No. 4 Rabun Gap (4 p.m.); No. 2 Greensboro Day vs. No. 3 Charlotte Christian (7 p.m.).

NCISAA 3A boys

Christ School 77, Charlotte Christian 64
Ravenscroft 81, Charlotte Latin 49

NCHSAA 4A girls (from Wednesday)

Porter Ridge 55, Northwest Guilford 49
Myers Park 70, Hough 43
Butler 48, Hopewell 46
Ardrey Kell 53, McDowell 37

3rd round (today): No. 3 Southwest Guilford at No. 2 Porter Ridge; No. 12 Butler at No. 1 Myers Park; No. 3 Alexander Central at No. 2 Ardrey Kell.

NCHSAA 4A boys (from Wednesday)

South Mecklenburg 50, Mallard Creek 45

3rd round (today): No. 3 West Charlotte at No. 2 South Meck.

NCHSAA 3A boys (from Wednesday)

Charlotte Catholic 77, Anson 74

3rd round (today): No. 4 Charlotte Catholic at No. 1 Concord.

Basketball playoff scores and pairings (Feb. 22)

2012-02-22T11:06:00.001-05:00

Charlotte Christian won its double-header against Country Day and both the girls' and boys' basketball teams will advance to the second round of the N.C. Independence Schools Athletic Association 3A basketball playoffs.

The Providence Day girls and the Charlotte Latin girls and boys also advanced to the second round.

All second round, semifinal and finals games for 3A teams will be played at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh starting Thursday at 10 a.m.

The scores and second round pairings for south Charlotte teams:

NCISAA 3A girls'

Providence Day 66, Wesleyan Christian 27
Charlotte Latin 68, Calvary Baptist 53
Cary Academy 57, Covenant Day 45
Charlotte Christian 62, Charlotte Country Day 41

2nd round: No. 1 Providence Day vs. No. 8 Charlotte Latin (10 a.m.); No. 3 Charlotte Christian vs. No. 6 High Point Christian (4 p.m.).

NCISAA 3A boys'

Wesleyan Christian 63, Providence Day 55
Christ School 88, Covenant Day 31
Charlotte Christian 79, Charlotte Country Day 51
Charlotte Latin 46, Rabun Gap 45

2nd round: No. 3 Christ School vs. No. 6 Charlotte Christian (5:30 p.m.); No. 2 Ravenscroft vs. No. 7 Charlotte Latin.

The public school playoffs continue today. Here's a look at those second round south Charlotte games:

NCHSAA 4A girls

2nd round: No. 7 Northwest Guilford at No. 2 Porter Ridge; No. 8 Hough at No. 1 Myers Park; No. 12 Butler at No. 4 Hopewell; No. 7 Ardrey Kell at No. 2 McDowell.

NCHSAA 4A boys

2nd round: No. 10 Mallard Creek at No. 2 South Meck.

NCHSAA 3A boys

2nd round: No. 5 Anson at No. 4 Charlotte Catholic.

NCHSAA 2A boys

2nd round: No. 9 Starmount at No. 1 Cuthbertson.

Basketball playoff scores and pairings

2012-02-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

It was a tough night for Southwestern 4A boys in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A state tournament Monday. Of the five teams that entered the tournament, only South Meck made it to the second round after beating Vance 62-38.

The SW4A girls fared better with Myers Park, Butler and Ardrey Kell making the second round.

The Charlotte Catholic boys won and the girls lost in the first round of the NCHSAA 3A playoffs.

Second round games to be played Wednesday.

The scores and second round pairings:

NCHSAA 4A girls

Porter Ridge 60, Rocky River 41
Myers Park 72, Independence 19
Butler 54, West Mecklenburg 51
Ardrey Kell 83, East Gaston 28

2nd round: No. 7 Northwest Guilford at No. 2 Porter Ridge; No. 8 Hough at No. 1 Myers Park; No. 12 Butler at No. 4 Hopewell; No. 7 Ardrey Kell at No. 2 McDowell.

NCHSAA 4A boys

Richmond Senior 83, Butler 78 (OT)
Page 96, Rocky River 64
Alexander Central 62, East Mecklenburg 60 (OT)
North Mecklenburg 63, Myers Park 50
South Mecklenburg 62, Vance 38

2nd round: No. 10 Mallard Creek at No. 2 South Meck.

NCHSAA 3A girls

Berry 54, Charlotte Catholic 38
Harding 52, Marvin Ridge 43

NCHSAA 3A boys

Charlotte Catholic 71, Central Cabarrus 41
Anson 69, Marvin Ridge 66
West Rowan 69, Weddington 66 (OT)

2nd round: No. 5 Anson at No. 4 Charlotte Catholic.

NCHSAA 2A girls

Statesville 50, Cuthbertson 30

NCHSAA 2A boys

Cuthbertson 98, North Surry 50

2nd round: No. 9 Starmount at No. 1 Cuthbertson.

The first round of the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association tournament is tonight. The south Charlotte pairings:

NCISAA 3A boys

No. 12 Providence Day at No. 5 Wesleyan Christian

No. 14 Covenant Day at No. 3 Christ School

No. 11 Charlotte Country Day at No. 6 Charlotte Christian

No. 10 Rabun Gap School at No. 7 Charlotte Latin

NCISAA 3A girls

No. 16 Wesleyan Christian at No. 1 Providence Day

No. 9 Calvary Baptist at No. 8 Charlotte Latin

No. 12 Covenant Day at No. 5 Cary Academy

No. 14 Charlotte Country Day at No. 3 Charlotte Christian

Basketball state tournament brackets released

2012-02-20T14:03:00.001-05:00

The N.C. High School Athletic Association and N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association released state championship brackets for boys' and girls' basketball over the weekend.

This is the first year the NCHSAA has seeded public school teams based on a "pod" system (like football), where the 64 teams from each classification are broken into four regions (East, Mideast, Midwest and West) and then seeded 1-16.

(For more about the process and some problems with this year's brackets, including 18-8 Berry missing the boys' 3A tournament, check out this blog by the Raleigh News and Observer's J. Mike Blake.)

In the private school brackets, there will be an interesting playoff double-header as the Charlotte Country Day boys and girls both play their first round games against Charlotte Christian.

The Providence Day girls' team earned the top seed in the playoffs.

Here is a look at first round match ups for south Charlotte teams. Public school games start today (Monday) and private school games start Tuesday.

NCHSAA 3A boys

No. 13 Central Cabarrus at No. 4 Charlotte Catholic

No. 9 West Rowan at No. 8 Weddington

No. 12 Marvin Ridge at No. 5 Anson

NCHSAA 3A girls

No. 16 Charlotte Catholic at No. 1 Berry

No. 10 Marvin Ridge at No. 7 Harding

NCHSAA 4A boys

No. 9 Richmond Senior at No. 8 Butler

No. 15 Rocky River at No. 2 Page

No. 13 East Mecklenburg at No. 4 Alexander Central

No. 11 Myers Park at No. 6 North Mecklenburg

No. 15 Vance at No. 2 South Mecklenburg

NCHSAA 4A girls

No. 15 Rocky River at No. 2 Porter Ridge

No. 16 Independence at No. 1 Myers Park

No. 12 Butler at No. 5 West Meck

No. 10 East Gaston at No. 7 Ardrey Kell

NCISAA 3A boys

No. 12 Providence Day at No. 5 Wesleyan Christian

No. 14 Covenant Day at No. 3 Christ School

No. 11 Charlotte Country Day at No. 6 Charlotte Christian

No. 10 Rabun Gap School at No. 7 Charlotte Latin

NCISAA 3A girls

No. 16 Wesleyan Christian at No. 1 Providence Day

No. 9 Calvary Baptist at No. 8 Charlotte Latin

No. 12 Covenant Day at No. 5 Cary Academy

No. 14 Charlotte Country Day at No. 3 Charlotte Christian

Country Day's Beth Erb scores 1,000th point

2012-02-14T21:04:00.001-05:00

Beth Erb scoring her 1,000th point. Courtesy of Mary Beth Luxton

Charlotte Country Day junior girls' basketball player Beth Erb scored her 1,000th career point on a layup late in the second quarter of the Buccaneers game versus Cannon School Tuesday night.

During the game, she also broke the season scoring record of 456 points held by Sara Nichols (1991-92).

Erb finished the night with 27 points in the 54-34 victory. She has 458 points this season with one regular season game left to play.

Check out a story on Erb in the South Charlotte News from earlier this season: http://bit.ly/vKFuno.

Charlotte Catholic girls' swimming wins 11th straight title

2012-02-10T15:49:00.002-05:00

The Charlotte Catholic girls’ swimming and diving team won its 11th straight state championship at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary with a dominating performance that included eight individual state championships and six new state records.

The Cougars scored 496 points in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A meet Feb. 9, more than 200 more than second place Marvin Ridge.

“They had a heck of a meet,” said coach Brian Gross. “They just surprised the heck out of me with the way they swam.”

Charlotte Catholic won all but four of the events at the meet: diving, 500-yard freestyle, 100 breaststroke and 100 backstroke. They finished second in all of those events.

“They’re a fast group of girls,” said Gross. “I was by no means expecting us to win every event because there’s a lot of good swimmers in the state.”

Freshman Nora McCullagh was a huge addition to the team this year, winning the 50-yard freestyle and swimming on the 200 and 400 freestyle relays that won the state championships. The 200 relay team (McCullagh, Maria Sheridan, Christine Sullivan and Lauren Rhodes) and the 400 team (McCullagh, Ashlyn Koletic, Elsa Welshofer and Rhodes) both broke all-division state records.

“Those (relays) were mind boggling,” said Gross. “It’s nice to see a 3A school have those records because most of them are 4A driven.”

The Cougars started the meet with a win in the 200 medley relay (Sheridan, Allison McDonough, Welshofer and Koletic), breaking its own record from two years ago. Rhodes set a 3A state record in the 200-yard freestyle event with a time of 1:50.22 and Nicole Emery won the 200 individual medley with a 3A state record time of 2:03.63. Welshofer and Sheridan finished first and second in the 100 butterfly and Rhodes and Koletic finished first and second in the 100 freestyle race. Rhodes set a 3A state record of 50.55 in that event.

Gross said he was most impressed by an event that the Cougars didn’t win: the 500-yard freestyle. Even though he said his swimmers weren’t rested or prepared for the race, Sullivan became the first Catholic girls’ swimmer to break five minutes in the race, finishing second. McCullagh finished third.

“The 500 really surprised me,” said Gross. “That was a great swim.”

The Charlotte Catholic boys’ team finished second at the meet for the fourth year in a row, scoring 228 points to first-place Cardinal Gibbons’ 275.

The Cougars’ Matthew Rigali finished second in the 200 breaststroke event. The boys’ 200-yard medley relay (Kevin Kirby, Matthew Rigali, Nick Rhodes and Ryan Hall), 200-yard freestyle relay (Michael Curry, William Webb, Cameron Hoyer and Hall) and 400-yard freestyle relay (Curry, Kirby, Nick Rhodes and Hoyer) each finished third.

Inscoe: 704-358-5923

South Charlotte athletes qualify for indoor track championships

2012-02-07T11:54:00.000-05:00

Many south Charlotte athletes will travel to Chapel Hill this weekend for the N.C. High School Athletic Association Indoor Track Championships at the Eddie Smith Field House on UNC Chapel Hill's campus.

The 1A/2A/3A meet will begin 9 a.m. Feb. 11. The 4A meet will begin at 4 p.m. Feb. 11.

Here are the area qualifiers, sorted by event. For the full 1A/2A/3A list, click here. For 4A, click here.

1A/2A/3A NCHSAA Indoor Track Championship

Girls' 500 meter run: Phylissa Greeley, Charlotte Catholic
Boys' 55 meter dash: Elijah Hood, Charlotte Catholic
Boys' 4x800 meter relay: Charlotte Catholic
Boys' 300 meter dash: Elijah Hood, Charlotte Catholic

4A NCHSAA Indoor Track Championship

Boys' 1,000 meter run:

Wyatt Maxey, Providence High
Christian White, Ardrey Kell
Thomas McLean, Ardrey Kell

Boys' 3,200 meter run:

Wyatt Maxey, Providence High
Dylan Cohen, Providence High
Joe Sullivan, Providence High
Parth Shah, Ardrey Kell

Boys' 55 meter hurdles:

Jordan Javadi, Providence High
Kenneth Hunt, Ardrey Kell

Boys' long jump: Johnny Nunn, Rocky River

Boys' 4x400 meter relay:

Ardrey Kell
Rocky River

Boys' 4x800 meter relay:

Ardrey Kell
Providence

Boys' 500 meter dash: Christian White, Ardrey Kell

Boys' 55 meter dash: Brandon Napier, Ardrey Kell

Boys' shot put: Peter Kalambayi, Butler

Girls' 1,000 meter run:

Madelin Talbert, South Mecklenburg
Gina Daniel, Providence
Anna McElrath, Independence

Girls' 1,600 meter run:

Madelin Talbert, South Mecklenburg
Lilly Anderson, South Mecklenburg
Bianca Bishop, Providence High
Grace Sullivan, Providence High
Anna McElrath, Independence

Girls' 3,200 meter run:

Lilly Anderson, South Mecklenburg
Madelin Talbert, South Mecklenburg
Bianca Bishop, Providence High
Grace Sullivan, Providence High
Aleisha Murrell, Ardrey Kell

Girls' 55 meter hurdles:

Kaila Smith, Ardrey Kell
Isabell Fee, Rocky River

Girls' high jump: Kaila Smith, Ardrey Kell

Girls' long jump:

Felicia McCarthy, Butler
Imoni Maghee, Rocky River
Kaila Smith, Ardrey Kell

Girls' triple jump: Alexis Davis, Butler

Girls' 4x400 meter relay: Providence High

Girls' 4x800 meter relay: Providence High

Girls' 300 meter dash: Kaila Smith, Ardrey Kell

Girls' 500 meter dash: Kaila Smith, Ardrey Kell

Girls' 55 meter dash: Breanna Lee, Butler

NCHSAA dual-team wrestling brackets released

2012-02-06T15:56:00.001-05:00

Charlotte Catholic, Independence and Ardrey Kell will compete in the N.C. High School Athletic Association wrestling playoffs starting Tuesday.

Charlotte Catholic earned a top seed in the 3A tournament after winning the ME-GA 7 conference tournament over the weekend. The Cougars will face Freedom in the first round at North Gaston High Tuesday. If they win, they will face the winner of North Gaston and Ledford in the second round the same day.

Independence earned the top seed from the Southwestern 4A in the NCHSAA 4A playoffs and will face Mooresville in the first round at Mooresville High Tuesday. If the Patriots win, they'll face the winner of Davie and Alexander Central the same night.

Ardrey Kell is the second seed from the SW4A and will face undefeated Parkland, the defending state champion, in the first round at Parkland High Tuesday. If the Knights win, they'll face either TC Roberson or Dudley in the second round the same night.

Ardrey Kell won the SW4A conference tournament over the weekend.

Hawks, Knights and Chargers win at 1st NCISAA Cheer and Dance Championships

2012-02-06T12:05:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Christian, Charlotte Latin and Providence Day won championships at the first NCISAA Invitational Cheer and Dance Championships at Fayetteville Academy Feb. 4.

Twenty-three independent school cheer and dance teams competed in six categories.

Charlotte Christian varsity prep cheer

Charlotte Christian was named the varsity prep cheer champion.

Charlotte Latin varsity dance

Charlotte Latin was the varsity dance champion.

Providence Day small varsity cheer

Providence Day took home the trophy for small varsity cheer champion.

North Raleigh Christian School was the grand champion of the event.

Full results:

Varsity Prep Cheer Champion: Charlotte Christian School

Varsity Dance Champion: Charlotte Latin School

Small Varsity Non-Tumble Cheer Champion: Greenfield School

1st runner up: Community Christian School

2nd runner up: Faith Christian School

Large Varsity Non-Tumble Champion: Village Christian Academy

1st runner up: Westchester Country Day School

2nd runner up: Fayetteville Academy

Small Varsity Cheer Champion: Providence Day School

1st runner up: Arendell Parrott Academy

2nd runner up: Wesleyan Christian Academy

Large Varsity Cheer Champion: North Raleigh Christian Academy

1st runner up: Hickory Grove Christian School

2nd runner up: Covenant Day School

Grand Champion: North Raleigh Christian School

South Charlotte baseball and softball players awarded at Hot Stove League Dinner

2012-01-31T11:50:00.000-05:00

Several south Charlotte high school and youth baseball and softball players won awards at the fifth annual Hot Stove League Dinner Jan. 28 at Charlotte Catholic High School.

More than 600 guests attended the event to celebrate the success of softball and baseball in the region.

2012 Award Winners

High school baseball player of the year: Corey Seager (Northwest Cabarrus)
High School pitcher of the year: Trent Thornton (Ardrey Kell)
"Gamer" of the year: Michael Patrick (Rock Hill Northwestern)
High school team of the year: Marvin Ridge
York Country player of the year: Kyle Whitman (Nation Ford)
Baseball scholar-athlete of the year: Colin Walls (Charlotte Country Day)
Youth baseball team of the year: Wesley Chapel Weddington Athletic Association 11U All Star Team and Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association 12U All Star Team.
Youth player of the year: Max Wotell (Marvin Ridge)
Nations Baseball 12U and up team of the year: Carolina Slammers
Nations Baseball 11U and under team of the year: Mooresville Legends
High school coach of the year: Mike Hennessey (Charlotte Country Day)
High school softball player of the year: Lexi Davis (Porter Ridge)
Youth softball player of the year: Brooke McCurry
Softball scholar athlete of the year: Melanie Runkle (Charlotte Catholic)
Softball "gamer" of the year: Emily Usiak (Weddington)
Spirit of the Game award: Ally Yeager (Hickory Ridge)

South Charlotte sports links from the weekend

2012-01-30T11:09:00.001-05:00

As Langston Wertz reported Saturday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has presented its proposal for conference realignment to the N.C. High School Athletic Association.

With Charlotte Catholic, Porter Ridge, Phillip O. Berry and Harding University moving up to the 4A this year, there will be a shake up in the way the south Mecklenburg conferences look for the 2013-2014 school year.

The NCHSAA is expected to release another draft Feb. 15.

The CMS proposal looks slightly different from the two NCHSAA proposals released late last year.

CMS:

Conference A: Hough, Hopewell, Mallard Creek, North Mecklenburg, Vance, West Charlotte, A.L. Brown and Jay M. Robinson.

Conference B: Butler, East Mecklenburg, Garinger, Independence, Myers Park, Rocky River and Porter Ridge.

Conference C: Ardrey Kell, Harding, Olympic, Berry, Providence, South Mecklenburg, West Mecklenburg, Charlotte Catholic.

For the two NCHSAA proposals, see the full story: http://bit.ly/wIf6L2.

I think Conference B makes sense geographically, keeping a lot of the eastern CMS schools together. It also keeps some of the natural rivalries, like Butler and Independence.

Conference C keeps Ardrey Kell, Providence and South together, which I think is important, and that conference makes more sense for Catholic as far as geographical rivals go.

What are your thoughts?

Myers Park girls' still unbeaten

Myers Park girls' basketball beat Ardrey Kell 34-24 in a surprisingly low scoring game Friday night to remain undefeated and at the top of the Southwestern 4A conference.

The Mustangs' Aliyah Mazyck led all scorers with 13 points and proceeded to talk a little trash:

"Everybody knows we have the best (trap) series in North Carolina," Mazyck said. "It's basically unbeatable. If anyone can beat it, prove me wrong."

There was also a feature story on Myers Park boys' player Patrick Wallace in Saturday's paper. You can read the feature on him Jay Edwards wrote earlier in the season for the South Charlotte News.

Also:

Providence Day's Tiffany Mitchell and Myers Park's Patrick Wallace were featured as top prep hoops players from last week.
The Providence Day girls' basketball team made a statement in a big win over rival Charlotte Christian Friday.
The South Meck and Myers Park boys' basketball game this week and Charlotte Catholic's two games against Berry and Harding are among this week's top games.

'Clash at Cameron' fiasco costs area schools thousands

2012-01-23T13:46:00.000-05:00

A story in Saturday's Wilmington Star-News details how Bleid Sports representative Matthew Moyer allegedly misled many North Carolina schools, including Charlotte Christian, into paying money to play in the "Clash at Cameron" tournament this year.

The tournament was originally supposed to be a national showcase at Duke University's Cameron Indoor Stadium, but ended up being moved several times and finally landed in Fayetteville (renamed "Clash at Capel Arena") with many of the teams not playing. Charlotte Christian did play in the tournament.

Teams were promised refunds that they have yet to receive. Charlotte Christian athletic director Tom Jamerson was quoted in the story.

Full story: http://bit.ly/wGGmwm.

Club volleyball team wins Richmond tournament

2012-01-23T12:39:00.000-05:00

The Carolina Juniors Volleyball 17 Blaze team won its age division and the CJV 15 Infinity team finished second in it's age division at the Monument City Classic volleyball tournament in Richmond, Va.

More than 500 teams from all over the East Coast participated in the Jan. 14-15 tournament.

Both teams were made up of Charlotte-area players.

The CJV 17 team, coached by Ardrey Kell coach Zoe Bell, included: Charlotte Latin's Eve Davis and Emma Price, Ardrey Kell's Caitlin Watkins and Rachel Eppley, Covenant Day's Shelby Nassar and Marvin Ridge's Elisabeth Stedman.

CJV 15 Infinity

The CJV 15 team, coached by Charlotte Country Day coach Brian Rosen and Hough coach Sandi Skidmore, included: Country Day's Katharine Franz and Taylor Portland, Providence Day's Hannah Kinzinger, Myers Park's Katie Tylman, Covenant Day's Megan Embry and Marvin ridge's Makenzie Kuchmaner and Katrina Hartley.

South Charlotte sports links from the weekend

2012-01-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

There was a lot of coverage of south Charlotte sports this weekend in the Observer, starting with high school basketball Friday night:

Myers Park basketball swept Butler, keeping the Mustang girls undefeated and moving the boys into a tie for first place in the conference. Patrick Wallace had a big night for the Myers Park boys, scoring 26 points with eight rebounds and eight assists.
Charlotte Country Day boys basketball rallied to beat Providence Day 65-57 Friday night. Ben Simons had 27 points and 19 rebounds for Country Day.
Langston Wertz makes the case that Providence Day senior Tiffany Mitchell is one of the best girls' basketball players to come out of Mecklenburg County.
Finally, a look at the top prep basketball games this week, including the rematch of Myers Park and Ardrey Kell girls, and last week's top players, including Providence sophomore Giovanni Mack.

In swimming:

Catholic swimming dominated in the ME-GA 7 conference championship meet Saturday with the girls winning all 11 races and the boys winning eight of 11.
The Ardrey Kell girls and the Providence High boys brought home championships in the Southwestern 4A conference meet Friday.
The public school regional meets will be Feb. 3-4.

Also, check out my Q&A in Sunday's South Charlotte News with Charlotte Latin kicker Paul Griggs after he took part in the Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio earlier this month.

Myers Park basketball sweeps Butler

2012-01-20T23:00:00.001-05:00

By Corey Inscoe
cinscoe@charlotteobserver.com

The Myers Park girls’ basketball team won by 16 points, but it wasn’t easy.

The Butler Bulldogs played even with the Mustangs for most of the first two quarters before Myers Park pulled away in the second half and won 66-50, keeping it’s undefeated record intact.

Butler (8-9, 5-3 Southwestern 4A) used a 2-3 zone to frustrate the Myers Park (18-0, 8-0 SW4A) post players and forced the Mustangs to take outside shots in the first half. After the first two quarters, Myers Park had 11 three point attempts, a number Mustang coach Dustin Terrel said is more than he wants in a whole game.

“We played right into their hands. They were packing it in with the 2-3 zone,” said Terrel. “They had a great gameplan.”

Myers Park had an 20-18 lead after the first quarter but Butler took a 26-25 lead with three minutes left in the second quarter. The Mustangs used a 9-2 run at the end of the quarter to take a 34-28 lead into halftime.

The Mustangs extended their lead in the second half, going on a 13-2 run to open the third quarter. Terrel said he adjusted the offense in the second half, putting India Timpton in the high post to break up the zone and give the Myers Park easier baskets.

“We’ve only dealt with adversity two or three games this year, so having to adjust and fight is great for them,” said Terrel.

Roddreka Rogers led the Mustangs with 14 points and Timpton had 11.

Jaymee Fisher-Davis led Butler with 18 points and Symphonie Richardson had 17.

Myers Park boys hold off Butler

The Myers Park boys’ basketball team moved into a tie for first place in the Southwestern 4A conference with a 83-76 win over the conference leading Butler Bulldogs.

The Mustangs (11-7, 6-2 SW4A) had a 48-41 lead at halftime before Butler (10-7, 6-2 SW4A) fought back and tied the game 58-58 late in the third quarter. Butler took a 64-62 lead with five minutes left in the fourth quarter but Myers Park quickly retook the lead and pulled away late.

“We knew that the game was going to come down to the last few possessions,” said Myers Park coach Wes Hepler. “We just knew we had to tough it out and play our game.”

Patrick Wallace had 26 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Mustangs and hit several key three-pointers to help Myers Park pull away.

“He’s done that all year,” said Hepler. “He hits big shots when we need them.”

Major Thomas added 14 points for Myers Park and Clayton Massey and Jaray Walker had 13.

Country Day's Ben Simons scores 1,000th point

2012-01-17T12:52:00.000-05:00

Ben Simons (left) with twin brother Zach.

Charlotte Country Day basketball player Ben Simons scored his 1,000th career point on a three-point shot in the first quarter of a Jan. 14 game against Cary Academy.

The senior went on to score 25 points in the game, also grabbing nine rebounds and three steals. The Bucs won the game 67-48.

The officials stopped play and Simons was presented with the game ball.

Simons also holds the school record for three-pointers made in a game, season and career.

Charlotte Christian and United Faith to play in Norcross tournament

2012-01-17T12:36:00.004-05:00

The United Faith Christian Academy and Charlotte Christian boys' basketball teams will travel to Norcross, Ga., Jan. 20-21 to play in the fourth annual Hilton Invitational at Norcross High School.

The 13-team event includes teams from Georgia, Florida, Illinois and North Carolina.

Charlotte Christian will play Archer (Ga.) Jan. 20 and Norcross (Ga.) Jan. 21. United Faith will play Columbia (Ga.) Jan. 21. Olympic High will also play in the event.

Schedule:

January 20
5:30 p.m. - Charlotte Christian (N.C.) vs Archer (Ga.)
7:00 p.m. - Orr Academy (Ill.) vs South Gwinnett (Ga.)
8:30 p.m. - Dr. Phillips (Fla.) vs Berkmar (Ga.)

January 21
2:30 p.m. – Harrison (Ga.) vs Dr. Phillips (Fla.)
4:00 p.m. - Greater Atlanta Christian (Ga.) vs Orr Academy (Ill.)
5:30 p.m. – Wheeler (Ga.) vs Olympic (N.C.)
7:00 p.m. – Norcross (Ga.) vs Charlotte Christian (N.C.)
8:30 p.m. – Columbia (Ga.) vs United Faith (N.C.)

For more information: norcrossbasketball.com/hilton_invitational.

Providence Day basketball hosts Hoop Day Saturday

2012-01-06T15:03:00.003-05:00

The Providence Day School basketball teams will host Greensboro Day and Saint Mark Catholic for Hoop Day Jan. 7 at the Mosack Athletic Center.

The event is a joint-school initiative to raise awareness for Samaritan's Feet, a nonprofit humanitarian aid organization that helps provide shoes for millions of people around the world. Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring new pairs of shoes or make a donation Saturday.

The event will start at 8 a.m. will conclude with varsity games beginning at 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Hoop Day schedule

8 a.m. Providence Day vs. Saint Mark, 7th grade girls
9 a.m. Providence Day vs. Saint Mark, 8th grade girls
9:30 a.m. Providence Day vs. saint Mark, 7th grade boys
10:30 a.m. Providence Day vs. Saint Mark, 8th grade boys
12 p.m. Providence Day vs Greensboro Day, JV girls
1:30 p.m. Providence Day vs. Greensboro Day, JV boys
3 p.m. Providence Day vs. Greensboro Day, varsity girls
4:30 p.m. Providence Day vs. Greensboro Day, varsity boys

Holiday basketball tournament results

2012-01-03T17:00:00.001-05:00

Ardrey Kell

Girls: Finished second in the Hardwood Classic at Bojangles’ Coliseum, losing 48-45 to Berry in the final. Beat Covenant Day 63-30 and Forestview 52-45.

Boys: Finished fifth in the Hardwood Classic, losing to Mooresville 57-47 in the first game before beating First Assembly 60-57 and Forestview 46-43.

Butler

Girls: Finished third in the Upward Classic tournament in Spartanburg, S.C., beating Gaffney (S.C.) 63-40 in the first round before losing to Dorman (S.C.) 57-33 and Mauldin (S.C.) 66-50.

Boys: Finished third in the Burke County Christmas Invitational at Freedom High, beating Burke 92-87 in double overtime. The Bulldogs beat North Hills Christian 78-71 in the first round and lost to Freedom 81-75 in the second game.

Independence

Girls: Finished fourth in the Carolina Day Invitational in Asheville.

Boys: Finished fourth at the CMC-Northeast Holiday Classic at Cox Mill High, beating Central Cabarrus 58-46 in the first round before falling to A.L. Brown 59-54 and Cox Mill 54-49.

Rocky River

Girls: Finished fifth in the East Lincoln Winter Jam, losing to Mallard Creek 64-41 in the first round before beating East Lincoln 54-34 and Vance 52-40.

Boys: Finished second in the East Lincoln Winter Jam, beating East Gaston 61-58 and Garinger 57-51 before falling to Jay M. Robinson 79-69 in the final.

South Mecklenburg

Girls: Finished seventh in the Burke County Christmas Invitational at Freedom High, losing to East Burke 63-32 and East Meck 44-35 and beating Kings Mountain 50-47 in the final game.

Boys: Won the YC Winborn Classic in Rock Hill, S.C., beating Dutch Fork 69-66, Great Falls 41-40 and Rock Hill 73-71.

East Mecklenburg

Girls: Finished sixth in the Burke County Christmas Invitational at Freedom High, losing to McDowell 60-39, beating South Meck 44-35 and losing to West Charlotte 60-56 in the fifth-place game.

Boys: Finished seventh in the Burke County Christmas Invitational, losing to Berry 70-64 in the first game and McDowell 75-72 in the second game and beating Enka 80-45 in the seventh-place game.

Providence High

Girls: Finished fifth in the CMC-Northeast Holiday Classic at Cox Mill High, losing to A.L. Brown 53-37 in the first round before beating Mount Pleasant 63-35 and Covenant Classical 37-28.

Boys: Lost all three games in the Moody Holiday Tournament at Northwestern High (S.C.). The Panthers fell to Northwestern 54-50, Fort Mill 49-40 and Mann 46-44.

Myers Park

Girls: Won the HighSchoolOT.com Holiday Invitational in Raleigh, beating previously unbeaten Millbrook High 50-45 in the championship. The Mustangs beat Hillside 66-50 in the first game and Green Hope 69-68 in the second.

Boys: Finished third in the East Lincoln Winter Jam by beating Northwest Cabarrus 77-62 in the first round, losing to Jay M. Robinson 91-77 in the second game and winning the third-place game 70-54 over Garinger.

Providence Day

Girls: Finished fifth in the Crescent Bank Invitational in Myrtle Beach, S.C., losing to Stephenson (Ga.) 55-47 in the first game and beating Socastee (S.C.) 70-10 in the second game and Miami Senior 57-51 in the final game.The Chargers also finished third in the Peach State Holiday Invitational in Atlanta by beating Carrolton (Ga.) 54-43 in the first game, losing to Thomasville Prep 51-36 in the second game and beating Forest Park (Ga.) 48-37 in the third-place game.

Boys: Finished seventh in the Seahawk Invitational Tournament in Hilton Head, S.C., losing to Martinsburg 72-34 and First Presbyterian (Ga.) 69-64, and beating North High School 77-36. They also finished seventh in the Carolina Day Invitational in Asheville, losing to Veritas Christian 35-29 and SouthLake Christian 55-52, and beating Asheville School 80-55.

Charlotte Country Day

Girls: Finished third in the Midas Highlander Classic in Columbia, S.C., beating Brookland-Cayce 50-30 in the first round, losing to Heathwood Hall Episcopal 79-46 in the second game and beating Airport 47-26 in the third-place game.

Boys: Finished third in Country Day’s BSN Sports Buccaneer Classic, losing to West Mecklenburg 67-58 in the first round and beating Garinger 54-48 in the second game. They also played in the Midas Highlander Classic, finishing fourth after a first round win over Hammond 60-40 and losses to Blythewood 59-47 and Heathwood Hall Episcopal 42-37.

Charlotte Christian

Girls: Finished fourth in the Landair Ladies Classic in Greeneville, Tenn., beating Greeneville 54-50 and Wilson Central 55-50, then losing to Science Hill (Tenn.) 70-56 in the semifinals and Franklin County 67-41 in the third-place game.

Boys: Finished fourth in the Arby’s Classic in Bristol, Tenn., winning their first two games and losing the next two. The Knights beat Sullivan East (Tenn.) 43-42 and Cherokee (Tenn.) 58-44 before losing to Mentor (Ohio) 92-61 in the semifinal and Christ Presbyterian (Tenn.) 67-52 in the third-place game.

Charlotte Latin

Girls: Finished fourth in the Holy Angels Invitational at Charlotte Catholic, losing to Cardinal Gibbons 59-46 and Gaston Day 59-57.

Boys: Finished third in the Holy Angels Invitational, losing to Cardinal Gibbons 61-44 in the first round and beating Gaston Day 71-63 in the third-place game. The Hawks also finished seventh in the Leon Brogden Holiday Tournament in Wilmington, losing to New Hanover 71-44 and Ashley 64-52 in the first two games and beating Sanderson 65-51 in the final game.

Charlotte Catholic

Girls: Finished second at the Holy Angels Invitational, beating Gaston Day 61-41 and losing to Cardinal Gibbons 47-34 in the final. Also finished fifth in the St. Pius Christmas Classic in Atlanta, losing to Oakland Catholic (Pa.) in the first round and beating Tri-Cities (Ga.) and McGill-Toolen (Ala.).

Boys: Won the Holy Angels Invitational, beating Gaston Day 92-28 in the first game and Cardinal Gibbons 69-54 in the final. The Cougars also finished third in the St. Pius Christmas Classic in Atlanta, beating Brother Martin (La.) in the first round, losing to Archbishop Carroll in the second game and beating St. Joseph’s (S.C.) in the third-place game.

United Faith Christian

Boys: Lost all three games in the Chick-Fil-A Classic in Columbia, S.C., first to Paul IV (Va.) 71-51, then to Christ School 85-83 and Westtown (Pa.) 67-43. The Falcons also finished in fourth place in the HighSchoolOT.com Summit Hospitality Bracket in Raleigh, beating St. Mark’s (Mass.) 57-55 and losing to Ravenscroft 53-41 and Upper Room Christian 66-61.

Queen's Grant

Girls: Lost three games in the Hardwood Classic at Bojangles’ Coliseum, 55-39 to Hickory Ridge, 48-21 to Anson and 45-39 to Covenant Day.

Boys: Lost all three games in the Hardwood Classic, 97-63 to Kennedy Charter, 55-40 to Forestview and 67-56 to First Assembly.

Covenant Day

Girls: Finished seventh in the Hardwood Classic at Bojangles’ Coliseum, falling to Ardrey Kell 63-30 and Hough 56-18 and beating Queens Grant 45-39 in the seventh-place game.

Boys: Finished eighth in the Shootout By the Sea tournament in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Kennedy Charter

Boys: Finished fourth in the Hardwood Classic at Bojangles’ Coliseum, beating Queens Grant 97-63 in the first round before losing to Northside Christian 83-79 and Davidson Day 69-63.

Hawk kicker nominated for All-American Bowl award

2011-12-19T14:45:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Latin senior kicker Paul Griggs has been nominated as a finalist for the Felix "Doc" Blanchard Award by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee.

Nominees for the Blanchard Award and Glenn Davis Award "epitomize the Army's high standard of excellence in community service, education and athletic distinction," said John Myers, director of strategic communications, marketing and outreach at the U.S. Army Accessions Command, in a release. "Through their mental, emotional and physical strengths, they exemplify what it means to be Army Strong."

Griggs, who will kick for the East team in the All-American Bowl, is one of four nominees for the Blanchard Award, joined by Northwest Cabarrus punter Bradley Pinion, offensive lineman Graham Shuler (Brentwood Academy, Ind.) and offensive lineman Dan Voltz (Barrington High, Ill.).

The awards will be announced at the U.S. All-American Bowl Awards Dinner Jan. 6 in San Antonio, a day before the All-American Bowl is played in the Alamodome.

Former players, coaches talk about Country Day's Ed Walton

2011-12-13T15:35:00.000-05:00

In Wednesday's South Charlotte News, I have a story about longtime Charlotte Country Day baseball and junior varsity football coach Ed Walton, who retired from coaching football this year.

I was given many great stories and quotes about Walton from former players and coaches that I didn't have room for in the article, so I wanted to post them here. Thanks to Country Day's Mary Beth Luxton for compiling these and sending them along.

From assistant JV football coach and head varsity lacrosse coach Brad Touma:

"It has been a pleasure to coach alongside Coach Walton for over the past two decades. Coach Walton stepped in and agreed to coach the JV football team when the Country Day football program was still in disarray following the untimely death of legendary Coach John Cook. For over two decades Coach Walton took great care to ensure that not only were young players properly prepared to play at the varsity level but he also was a tireless advocate and supporter of the football program and the larger Country Day athletic department. In addition, Ed was responsible for connecting many of the past Country Day football players with the current team including Coach Cook’s son Sam. Sam coached on the jv program up until his death in 2010.Personally Coach Walton was an important mentor for me over the past two decades and has been a huge influence on my personal coaching style and many of his valuable lessons are repeated yearly in the Country Day lacrosse program."

From varsity football coach Bob Witman:

"Coach Ed Walton has been a good friend and mentor to me for 22 years. He has been a huge influence on the success of the Country Day football program. His leadership and organizational skills has made the JV program the very best in the conference year in and year out. Ed and his staff have produced and incredible win loss record over the years. His teams were always disciplined and competitive. Above all he has made the JV players' experience a positive transition from middle football to varsity football which is a huge contributing factor in maintaining a strong program."

From former players

Dave Benson, '85:

"I was a first year varsity player and had just made it through hot August two-a -days pretty dinged up from practicing with guys twice my size. We had our first scrimmage with South Iredell. On what seemed like a very long ride up 77 Coach Cook, Walton and Rego spent the whole time telling us how the Iredell County farm boys were going to eat us alive.
Well into the game, after Coach Walton had worked almost all the way through his list of defensive ends, he called my name for the first live play of my varsity career. I can't remember all that he said as I lined up, but I do remember something about the often cited 'isolation camera' being on me. South Iredell snapped the ball and sure enough the play was option right - run right at me. I somehow managed to stay outside of the back. He caught the pitch and just as he was about to turn the corner on me I got tangled up in his legs and he tripped.
I wandered back to the line, not exactly sure what happend and looked to Coach Walton for some direction. 'Not bad, not bad Benson,' he said, 'but this time try it with your eyes open.'
Not many things in life have scared me as much as facing South Iredell as a spindly 15-year-old, but when they come close I can always hear Coach Walton telling me: 'Benson, just try it with your eyes open.'"

Ben Dobson '99:

“I played two years of JV football for Ed Walton. I firmly believe that Ed was instrumental in establishing a foundation for his players based on core values and strong work ethic. The lessons I learned from Coach Walton were a fundamental part of my success playing college sports, but more importantly allowed me to be successful off the field as well.”

Patrick Hobson '89:

"The success he experienced as a baseball and football coach is remarkable, but it pales in comparison to the unwavering loyalty and commitment that Coach Walton has for his family, his colleagues, the kids that he coached and the Country Day community, as a whole. I am thankful for the positive impact that he has had on my life, and I am proud to call him coach and friend."

Hardt Bing '89:

"I can recall a particularly tough football practice. Thanks to the likes of Stephen Pharr and a few others, I had endured a pretty good pounding. Towards the conclusion of practice I caught a glance from Coach Walton. He gave a nod and with an encouraging tone, bestowed me with a new nickname; "Timex. ... takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'." Coach Walton may have used the "Timex" label with other players over the years, but at that moment his words provided a much needed pat on the back following a very humbling day in the trenches."

Walt Hutchinson '98:

"Coach Walton called "32 dive" about 20 straight times for fullback Andrew Walker as we were trying to clinch another undefeated season of "The Streak". As an offensive coordinator, I guess you just keep going with what works! In all seriousness, he taught all young Bucs very important values and showed us how to compete as a team and not just a bunch of knuckleheads. Coach Walton helped to lay a firm foundation for what were very successful varsity seasons for most of us. A job very well done!"

Charlotte Christian's Gilmartin selected for All-American Bowl

2011-12-13T11:06:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Christian eighth grade football player Ryan Gilmartin has been selected to play in the Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 8.

Ryan Gilmartin (center) with Charlotte Christian coach Jason Estep (right) and Football University's Chris Garris.

Gilmartin will play linebacker for the East team. It's his second year as an Eastbay Youth All-American. He was chosen as the defensive captain of the East team last year and led his team in tackles.

More than 2,500 nominations are considered for the bowl each year. Bowl week consists of practices, skill competitions and sessions with Hall of Fame athletes and current and former NFL stars.

The game will be webcasted live at www.allamericangames.tv.

Eighth graders Connor Maitland and John Turley were also selected to represent Team Charlotte in a national tournament sponsored by Football University.

For more information: www.footballuniversity.org.

Speed Demons help Olde Providence raise money for playground equipment

2011-12-06T11:25:00.001-05:00

Several players from the Charlotte Speed Demons roller derby team will join students from Olde Providence Elementary School Dec. 8 for an open skate session and roller derby demonstration at Kate's Skating Rink in Indian Trail.

The event is open to the public and 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the school's playground fund. Olde Providence currently doesn't have playground equipment.

"A few of our players have children who attend Olde Providence" said Speed Demons president Craig Bailey. "When we heard they were raising funds for playground equipment, we immediately asked if we could help."

The two hour session begins at 6:30 p.m. and the roller derby demo starting at 7:15 p.m. The event costs $4 and includes skate rental. When you arrive, be sure to mention that you are there to support Olde Providence Elementary School.

Kate's Skating Rink is located at 14500 Independence Blvd. in Indian Trail.

Women interested in playing roller derby for the Speed Demons should send their name and phone number to info@racecityrollerderby.com. The 2012 season starts Feb. 25.

South Charlotte all-conference football teams

2011-12-05T10:39:00.001-05:00

Southwestern 4A
Offensive line:
Riley Shea, Ardrey Kell
Matt Carrick, Ardrey Kell
Brandon McNeely, Butler
Chasz Cosby, East Mecklenburg
Drew Morgan, Independence
Ben Wetherby, Independence
Quan Austin, Myers Park
Harrison Monk, Providence
Bentley Spain, Providence
Casey Blaser, South Mecklenburg
Running Backs
Josh Glisson, Butler
R.J. Baker, Independence
Carlton Brown, Rocky River
Adam Nix, South Mecklenburg
Quarterbacks
Riley Ferguson, Butler
Evan Guest, Independence
Tight Ends
Elijah Roberson, Rocky River
Jason Connella, Independence
Wide Receivers
Chris Cummings, Ardrey Kell
Zach Ferguson, Butler
Uriah LeMay, Butler
Dequan Barnes, Independence
Kennedy Barkley, Myers Park
Matt Yates, Providence
Kicker: Nick Book, Rocky River
Specialist: Jonah Duggan, Ardrey Kell
Defensive line
Romeo Okwara, Ardrey Kell
Grant Polofsky, Butler
Brandon Jackson, Independence
Tony Adams, Independence
Zeron Hubbard, Myers Park
Alex Crockett, Myers Park
Daniel Garces, Providence
Sam Bramlett, South Meck
Linebackers
Sean Wiggins, Butler
Peter Kalambayi, Butler
Jacque Ikolos, East Meck
Kahlil Gonzalez, Independence
Matt Blanton, Myers Park
Mychal Turner, Myers Park
Isaiah Akins, Rocky River
Keelan Bozman, South Meck
Defensive backs
Tyler Morgan, Ardrey Kell
Channing Stribling, Butler
Richie Pharr, East Meck
Jack Tocho, Independence
Jermiah Rainey, Myers Park
Jordan Abrams, Providence
Sidney Lawson, Rocky River
Lamar Hood, Rocky River
Punter: Corbin Daly, Ardrey Kell
Defensive Specialist: Justin Askew, Providence
Offensive player of the year: Austin Duke, Independence
Defensive player of the year: Ian Dibble, Ardrey Kell
Coach of the year: Bill Geiler, Independence

ME-GA 7 3A/4A
Quarterbacks
Kyle Hoffman, Berry
Rod Tinsley, Olympic
Running Backs
Willie Miller, Harding
Jarrett Harris, Olympic
Shawn Wilson, Harding
Elijah Hood, Catholic
David Herlocker, Catholic
Offensive line
Joe Hurney, Catholic
Chase Arnold, Catholic
Murphy Swancy, Catholic
Joe Wolljung, Catholic
Devin Wilson, East Gaston
Stephon Brooks, Berry
Antray Small, Olympic
Jeff Taylor, Olympic
Mike Jones, Olympic
Josh McCray, Harding
Wide Receivers
Dexter Abraham, Olympic
Marquis Osgood, Garinger
Demarcus Winston, Harding
Jakareen Smith, West Meck
Corey Nesmith, West Meck
Kedrick Davis, Berry
Germone Hopper, Berry
Tight Ends
Mark Harrell, Catholic
Zac Queen, East Gaston
Kicker: Mitch Lochbihler, Catholic
Offensive Specialist: Issac Garcia, Olympic
Defensive linemen
Shaquille Hart, West Meck
Laron Glenn, West Meck
Xavier Ford, West Meck
Rhett Odom, East Gaston
Robert Dinkins, Olympic
James Choulas, Catholic
Josh Conde, Catholic
Kemmi Pettway, Garinger
Linebackers
Matt Cincotta, Catholic
Jackson Krone, Catholic
Keith McAfee, Olympic
Keemar Noble, Olympic
Jeffrey Moore, East Gaston
David Stroud, Garinger
Tashion Singleton, West Meck
Nick Dawson, Berry
Defensive Backs
Jaryn Williams, Olympic
Deontre Barrett, Harding
Jack Brodowicz, Catholic
Brendan Carroll, Catholic
Quincy Lulendo, Garinger
Terrence Winchester, Berry
Prince Mayela, West Meck
Van Smith, West Meck
Punter: Cason Beatty, Olympic
Defensive Specialist: Malcom Everett, Berry
Defensive player of the year: Jack Brodowicz, Catholic
Offensive player of the year: David Herlocker, Catholic
Coach of the year: Jim Oddo, Catholic

CISAA
Offensive Line
Will White, Charlotte Country Day
Alex Payne, Charlotte Christian
Will Almquist, Charlotte Latin
Devin Redmond, Providence Day
Alex Pourlos, Providence Day
Wide Receivers
Bryan Erb, Country Day
Jeb Blazevich, Christian
Mark Brame, Providence Day
Running Backs
Brian Mittl, Laitn
Desmond Lawrence, Christian
Quarterback
Grayson Foster, Latin
Defensive Line
James Howe, Country Day
Brian Duncan, Country Day
James Yeldell, Providence Day
Nick Velardo, Providence Day
Defensive Backs
Bryon Fields, Providence Day
Marshall Burlingame, Latin
Scott Philips, Country Day
Sam Dexter, Christian
Linebackers
Spencer Ball, Latin
Daniel Stack, Providence Day
Robert Engle, Country Day
Kicker:Paul Griggs, Latin
Punter: Wes Medeiros, Christian

NCHSAA releases first draft of realignment

2011-11-30T14:27:00.001-05:00

This might totally change by next year, but it's pretty fun to look at.

Every four years, the N.C. High School Athletic Association realigns the state's athletic conferences. The new conferences will take effect in the 2013-2014 school year.

The NCHSAA released its first draft of the realignment today, done by a computer that grouped the teams into 6-8 team conferences based on travel distance. It did not consider making "split" conferences (i.e. 3A/4A).

This is just the first step and there will be many changes before the new conferences are approved May 2012, but there are still some interesting things for south Charlotte teams.

Charlotte Catholic moves up to 4A based on the ADM numbers, which is where I think the Cougars belong. That means all the south Charlotte schools would be playing in the same 4A classification.

Here's how the new conferences in south Charlotte would work, according to this draft:

Conference 2 (what is now the Southwestern 4A)

Ardrey Kell
Butler
Charlotte Catholic
Myers Park
Olympic
Porter Ridge
Providence
South Mecklenburg

Conference 3 (essentially what is now the ME-GA 7)

Berry
East Mecklenburg
Garinger
Harding
Independence
Rocky River
West Charlotte
West Mecklenburg

Some quick observations:

Other than breaking up Butler and Independence, I really like the way those two conferences look. And Butler and Indy can keep their football rivalry going with a non conference game, so I'm not too worried about that.

I really like the addition of Catholic, Olympic and Porter Ridge to Conference 2.

Besides seeing Butler v. Catholic football every year, think about this: Catholic soccer joining Myers Park, Ardrey Kell, South Meck and Providence; Catholic volleyball playing Ardrey Kell and Providence; Catholic tennis playing Myers Park and Catholic swimming having to go against Providence and Ardrey Kell.

I like the Union County flavor that Porter Ridge brings, too.

I think the new conference three beefs up what used to be the ME-GA 7. It seems like in most sports in the current ME-GA 7 are dominated by one team and the conference is an afterthought in Mecklenburg County. I think this would change that.

The conferences could look completely different next year, but I like where they are starting.

Local players make all-state soccer team

2011-11-23T12:12:00.001-05:00

Several south Charlotte teams had strong showings in this year's N.C. Soccer Coaches Association boys' all-state soccer teams.

Here are the local players from each classificiation. Click here for the full list.

Private

Brandon Jordi, Sr., F, Charlotte Latin
Jonn Kendall, Sr., M, Charlotte Country Day

3A

Roland Minogue, Sr., M, Charlotte Catholic
Ned Spratt, Sr., M, Charlotte Catholic
Adam Zeitouni, Sr., D, Charlotte Catholic
Tucker Axhoj, Jr., M, Marvin Ridge
Kyle Parker, Sr., M, Marvin Ridge
Ben Kern, Sr., M, Weddington

4A

Hussein Ali, Jr., F, Myers Park
Ben Burdon, Sr., F, Providence
Brandon Kardos, Sr. D, Providence
Diego Suarez, Sr., D, Myers Park
Erick Suarez, Sr. F, Myers Park
Austin Yearwood, Sr. D, South Mecklenburg
Bennett Yort, Sr., M, South Mecklenburg

South Charlotte game previews and predictions: Playoff Week 3

2011-11-18T00:37:00.001-05:00

Each week, South Charlotte News prep sports writer Corey Inscoe will break down the biggest south Charlotte football games and give predictions for every area contest.

Last week: 5-0
Overall: 89-19

A.L. Brown at Charlotte Catholic: Can anyone challenge Charlotte Catholic in the 3AA West bracket? No one has so far. A.L. Brown will be a tough test, but the Cougars' offense has been unstoppable this year. My pick: Charlotte Catholic.

Myers Park at Mallard Creek: The Myers Park Mustangs have made a nice run through the playoffs, but this is likely where it ends. Mallard Creek is playing its third straight Southwestern 4A team in the playoffs after easily beating South Mecklenburg and Ardrey Kell. My pick: Mallard Creek.

Butler at Page: Page is undefeated. Butler hasn't lost since the season opener. But Butler doesn't seem as dominant to me as they have in years past. Butler may not be the higher seed, but they're the two time defending champions and feel like the favorite. I'm going with the upset. My pick: Page.

South Charlotte game previews and predictions: Playoff Week 2

2011-11-11T11:29:00.001-05:00

Each week, South Charlotte News prep sports writer Corey Inscoe will break down the biggest south Charlotte football games and give predictions for every area contest.

Last week: 7-0
Overall: 84-19

NCISAA Division I championship
Charlotte Country Day at Providence Day - This is Providence Day's first trip to the state championship since 2005. I have a feeling they are tired of being an afterthought in the private school league. Country Day is going for a second straight title. Last time these two played, Country Day won in a game where both offenses looked bad. All I hope for is a better game tonight. My pick: Providence Day. (I'll be covering this game tonight. As always, follow my updates on Twitter @CoreyInscoe.)

NCHSAA 3AA 2nd round
Marvin Ridge at Charlotte Catholic - Two Observer Sweet 16 teams meet in the second round. I think this will be Catholic's toughest test of the season. Charlotte Country Day showed early in the season that you can slow down the Cougars' offense. Can Marvin Ridge? My pick: Charlotte Catholic.

NCHSAA 4AA 2nd round
Independence at Butler, played at Providence High - There's really nothing to say about this game other than that I wish it were later in the playoffs. My pick: Butler.

Myers Park at South Caldwell - This won't be easy, but I have a feeling that Myers Park is hitting a stride. My pick: Myers Park.

Ardrey Kell at Mallard Creek - My heart wants to pick Ardrey Kell because I think this team has the capability to pull off the upset after the way they played against Butler and Independence. But my head won't let me. My pick: Mallard Creek.

High school playoff update: Nov. 11

2011-11-11T11:05:00.001-05:00

NCHSAA boys' soccer

Charlotte Catholic boys' soccer is in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A West regional semifinals after a 1-0 overtime win over West Iredell Wednsday. The Cougars will face Marvin Ridge at home Saturday for a chance to play in the regional championship.

Myers Park is in the regional semifinals of the 4A bracket after a 6-1 win over Southeast Guilford Wednesday. The Mustangs will travel to Northwest Guilford on Saturday for their fourth round match.

Ardrey Kell fell just short of upsetting a third straight No. 1 seed in the 4A playoffs, losing 3-2 in overtime to TC Roberson Wednesday in the third round. The Knights upset Hough in the first round and Porter Ridge in the second.

Charlotte's American Basketball Institute to play Oak Hill

2011-11-08T10:03:00.002-05:00

The Charlotte based American Basketball Institute (2-1) will travel to Mouth of Wilson Virginia Tuesday to take on Oak Hill Academy (4-0). Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

Oak Hill is currently ranked No.3 in the nation in the ESPN/Powerade Pre-season poll. The Warriors are led by UCLA-bound 6-foot-5 senior forward Jordan Adams and 5-foot-11 senior point guard Tyler Lewis.

The ABI Hoop Gypsies are led by a trio of players holding NCAA Division I offers. Aaron Scales is a 6-foot-9 power forward in his post-graduate year who recently de-commited from Missouri. Since that decision, the 2011 High Point Christian Academy graduate has received offers from Cincinnati and Mississippi. James Webb III, a 6-foot-9 small forward, is a high school senior from Augusta, Ga., and has offers from Lamar, Hampton, and Iona. Russian native Denis Khalikov, a 6-foot-3 guard, is also in his post-graduate year and holds an offer from Toledo University.

Oak Hill is coming off of an 80-64 win over Stoneridge Prep (Calif.) while ABI is coming off of an 87-84 loss to Rise Academy (Pa.).

Griggs, Harrell named to USA U19 football team

2011-11-07T15:54:00.001-05:00

Charlotte Latin kicker Paul Griggs and Charlotte Catholic lineman Mark Harrell have been selected to play for the 2012 USA Football U19 National Team in the International Bowl February 1.

The national team, comprised of high school athletes, will face an International Federation of American Football World Team of top players age 19-and-under from outside the United States. Both teams will field a roster of 50 players. The game will be played in Austin, Texas.

Harrell, a senior, has helped Charlotte Catholic and its prolific rushing game to an 11-0 record this year and No. 2 seed in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3AA playoffs. He is verbally committed to play at Notre Dame.

Griggs, a senior, made four of six field goals this season and 34 PATs. He also kicked 26 touchbacks on kickoffs and his 23 punts averaged a gross distance of 40 yards. He also kicked a 57-yard field goal against North Cross (Va.) early in the season. He is verbally committed to play at Purdue.

High school playoff update: Nov. 7

2011-11-07T12:18:00.000-05:00

NCHSAA volleyball

The Providence High volleyball team won its fifth championship Saturday in Raleigh by sweeping Wilmington Hoggard 25-20, 25-18, 25-12 in the NCHSAA 4A state title match. The win is the first for Karen Bradbury as head coach. The Panthers finished the season 28-2.

NCHSAA cross country

The Ardrey Kell girls' cross country team finished second to Green Hope at the NCHSAA 4A cross country meet in Kernersville Saturday. It was Green Hope's third consecutive title. Myers Park's girls' team finished sixth.

Knights runner Sydney Foreman finished fourth in the race and Kaitlyn Kramer finished 10th. South Mecklenburg's Madelin Talbert finished ninth.

In the boys' 4A race, Ardrey Kell finished fourth behind Broughton, Mount Tabor and TC Roberson. Myers Park finished 12th. Providence High's Wyatt Maxey was the highest area finisher in seventh place.

In the 3A meet in Kernersville, the Charlotte Catholic girls' team finished fifth. Marvin Ridge finished fourth. In the boys' 3A race, Weddington finished third and Marvin Ridge finished fifth.

NCHSAA girls' tennis

The Charlotte Catholic girls' tennis team failed to repeat as NCHSAA 3A dual-team champions, falling 5-4 in the championship match against Cardinal Gibbons in Burlington.

NCHSAA boys' soccer

Charlotte Catholic boys' soccer moved to the 3A West Regional quarterfinals with a 3-1 win over Weddington Saturday. The Cougars will host West Iredell in the third round Nov. 9.

Ardrey Kell and Myers Park moved on in the 4A bracket after wins on Saturday. Myers Park beat Page 6-2 and will host Southeast Guilford Nov. 9. Ardrey Kell beat Porter Ridge 2-1 and will travel to TC Roberson Nov. 9.

Providence High was knocked out of the tournament after a 3-2 overtime loss to Northwest Guilford Saturday.

South Charlotte football scores: Playoff Week 1

2011-11-07T11:29:00.000-05:00

NCHSAA 3AA Round 1

Charlotte Catholic 42, Hickory Ridge 14. My pick: Charlotte Catholic

NCHSAA 4AA Round 1

Independence 29, East Forsyth 28. My pick: Independence

Butler 42, Hoke County 20. My pick: Butler

Mallard Creek 52, South Mecklenburg 7. My pick: Mallard Creek

Ardrey Kell 48, Vance 20. My pick: Ardrey Kell

Myers Park 28, Olympic 6. My pick: Myers Park

NCISAA Division I Semifinals

Providence Day 40, Ravenscroft 7. My pick: Providence Day

Char. Country Day 41, Charlotte Latin 21. My pick: Country Day.

Friday's games

NCHSAA 3AA West Round 2

Marvin Ridge at Charlotte Catholic
Weddington at A.L. Brown
Erwin at Asheville
Kings Mountain at Crest

NCHSAA 4AA West Round 2

Northwest Guilford at Page
Independence at Butler (to be played at Providence High)
Ardrey Kell at Mallard Creek
Myers Park at South Caldwell

NCISAA Division I state championship

Charlotte Country Day at Providence Day

South Charlotte football game previews and predictions: Playoff Week 1

2011-11-04T14:32:00.000-04:00

Each week, South Charlotte News prep sports writer Corey Inscoe will break down the biggest south Charlotte football games and give predictions for every area contest.

Last week: 5-2
Overall: 77-19

NCISAA Division I semifinals

Charlotte Country Day at Charlotte Latin - What's better than rivalry week? Rivalry week round two. The Hawks and the Bucs will face each other for the second week in a row, this time for a chance to play in the state championship. Latin got the best of Country Day last week, but will they do it again? My pick: Country Day.

Ravenscroft at Providence Day - My pick: Providence Day.

NCHSAA 4AA first round

Myers Park at Olympic - Myers Park only lost to Olympic by one point earlier in the season and that was without starting quarterback Ross Jeffries. The Mustangs have looked strong this year and I expect them to pull off the first-round upset. My pick: Myers Park.

Vance at Ardrey Kell - Another interesting first round NCHSAA 4A game. Ardrey Kell will need to produce more offense than the seven points they scored against Providence High last week if they want to make it to the second round. My pick: Ardrey Kell.

Independence at East Forsyth - My pick: Independence.
Hoke County at Butler - My pick: Butler.
South Mecklenburg at Mallard Creek - My pick: Mallard Creek.

NCHSAA 3AA first round

Hickory Ridge at Charlotte Catholic - My pick: Charlotte Catholic (I'll be covering this game for the Observer. Follow my updates on Twitter @CoreyInscoe.)

High school playoff update: Nov. 3

2011-11-03T11:05:00.001-04:00

NCHSAA boys' soccer

Charlotte Catholic moved to the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A boys' soccer playoffs with a 2-1 win over Cox Mill. The Cougars will face Weddington in the second round, which must be played by Saturday.

In the 4A playoffs, Providence, Myers Park and Ardrey Kell moved to the second round with wins Tuesday and Wednesday. Providence beat Mount Tabor 2-1 Tuesday and will face Northwest Guilford in the next round. Myers Park beat Davie 6-1 Wednesday and will face Page in the second round and Ardrey Kell beat I-Meck top seed Hough 2-1 Wednesday to move on and face Porter Ridge. All second round games must be played by Saturday.

South Meck lost 3-2 in overtime to West Forsyth in the first round and Independence lost to RJ Reynolds 4-1 in the 4A tournament.

NCHSAA girls' tennis

The Charlotte Catholic girls' tennis team will have a chance at a third-straight NCHSAA 3A title when they face Cardinal Gibbons Saturday in Burlington. The Cougars beat Asheville 8-1 in the semifinals Wednesday. Catholic beat Cardinal Gibbons 5-1 last year in the state championship.

Myers Park's title run in the 4A girls' tennis championship ended in a 6-0 semifinal loss to Grimsley Wednesday.

High school playoff update: Nov. 2

2011-11-02T12:45:00.000-04:00

NCHSAA girls' tennis

Charlotte Catholic and Myers Park are both in the state semifinals of the N.C. High School Athletic Association dual-team tennis playoffs after winning matches Monday.

Charlotte Catholic beat Weddington 6-3 in the 3A playoffs and will host Asheville tonight for a chance to play in the championship match Saturday.

Myers Park beat Lake Norman 5-1 in the 4A bracket and will play at Grimsley today in the regional championship Grimsley beat Providence High Monday 6-0 in the quarterfinal match.

NCHSAA volleyball

Providence High won the 4A Western region last night 3-1 over Watauga and earned a shot at the state championship. The Panthers will face Wilmington Hoggard in the 4A title game Nov. 5 at N.C. State's Reynolds Coliseum. The match is scheduled for 2:30.

Providence has only lost two sets in the playoffs. Providence won state titles in 1996, 2002, 2004 and 2005. The Panthers got to the finals in 2006 and 2010.

NCHSAA girls' golf

The Ardrey Kell girls' golf team, last year's state champions, finished third in the 4A state championship Monday in Pinehurst. The Knights led Athens Drive by one stroke after the first day with a 240 combined score, but shot a 253 the second day to fall to third.

Athens Drive finished first with a 481 over two days and Pfafftown Reagan finished second with 491.

Ardrey Kell junior Allyson Markiewicz finished second in the individual standings with a 152 score over 36 holes. Reagan's Victoria Allred finished first with a 149.

NCHSAA boys' soccer

Providence High won its first-round game against Mount Tabor 2-1 Tuesday. All other area teams play first round matches tonight.

Ruling on United Faith basketball violation to come Nov. 10

2011-11-01T17:42:00.003-04:00

An official ruling by the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association on a potential violation by United Faith Christian School involving the boys' basketball team should come Nov. 10, according to NCISAA executive director Chuck Carter.

UFCA headmaster Joe Siragusa, who is a member of the NCISAA Board of Directors, met with the state association today.

Sources told the Observer last week that the reported violation is for recruiting international players and stems from an email sent by UFCA headmaster Joe Siragusa in September. Siragusa said the email was sent to "guardians" of basketball players and meant only to alert them of the boys' basketball head coaching change.

For more, see my story from last week: http://bit.ly/sMLHi9.

High school playoff update: Oct. 31

2011-10-31T15:37:00.003-04:00

It's just the beginning of fall playoff season and already several south Charlotte teams have won state championships.

It started Friday, with the Providence Day boys' cross country team winning its second straight N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association championship.

Providence Day picked up another title Saturday when the girls' tennis team won its third-straight title in a 7-2 decision over Cary Academy.

Also Saturday, the Charlotte Latin field hockey team won its second-straight NCISAA championship, beating Raleigh Ravenscroft 4-0. The Hawks' volleyball team also kept its championship streak going, winning an eighth-straight title 3-0 over SouthLake.

NCISAA boys' soccer

Charlotte Country Day and Charlotte Latin both fell in overtime in the semifinals of the NCISAA 3A boys' soccer tournament Friday. Country Day lost to Greensboro Day 3-2 in double overtime and Latin lost to Wesleyan Christian 2-1 in double overtime. Wesleyan Christian went on to win the championship.

NCHSAA volleyball

Providence High advanced to the regional final of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A tournament with a 3-0 win over Northwest Guilford Saturday. The Panthers will face Watauga (which beat Hough 3-0 Saturday) Tuesday for a chance at the state championship.

NCHSAA cross country

The Ardrey Kell girls' cross country team continued its impressive season with a win at the NCHSAA 4A West regional race at McAlpine Park Saturday. The Knights' Sydney Foreman finished second in the race. The Ardrey Kell boys' finished second Saturday.

NCHSAA dual-team tennis continues Tuesday with Charlotte Catholic hosting Weddington in the 3A quarterfinals and Myers Park travelling to Lake Norman and Providence High going to Grimsley in the 4A quarterfinals.

NCHSAA boys' soccer brackets released

2011-10-31T12:49:00.003-04:00

The N.C. High School Athletic Association released the boys' soccer playoff brackets today. First round games should be played Tuesday. Contact the host school for specific game times.

Five Southwestern 4A teams are in the 4A bracket with Myers Park taking the top seed after winning the conference championship. With so many good teams at the top of the SW4A, Ardrey Kell got a tough draw as the No. 4 seed playing at Hough in the first round.

Charlotte Catholic is the top seed out of the ME-GA 7 in the 3A tournament.

NCHSAA 3A West

Northwest Cabarrus at Statesville
Hickory Ridge at Berry Academy
East Rowan at Marvin Ridge
North Forsyth at Jay M. Robinson
Morehead at Central Cabarrus
Parkwood at West Iredell
Cox Mill at Charlotte Catholic
North Iredell at Weddington
North Buncombe at Ashebrook
Franklin at Hickory
South Point at Freedom
West Henderson at Enka
Patton at Asheville
Forestview at Fred T. Foard
Hunter Huss at East Henderson
Hibriten at RS Central

NCHSAA 4A West

Ragsdale at Grimsley
South Meck at West Forsyth
Western Guilford at Northwest Guilford
Mount Tabor at Providence High
Independence at RJ Reynolds
High Point at Southeast Guilford
Davie at Myers Park
Page at Southwest Guilford
Garinger at Olympic
Sun Valley at Lake Norman
Mooresville at Watauga
Mallard Creek at AC Reynolds
Hopewell at Porter Ridge
Ardrey Kell at Hough
Vance at TC Roberson
Alexander Central at West Meck

High school football brackets released

2011-10-31T11:50:00.000-04:00

The N.C. High School Athletic Association and the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association released the football playoff brackets over the weekend. Play in both will start Friday.

Some quick thoughts:

Charlotte Catholic doesn't have as easy of a road as I thought they would in the playoffs. The Cougars will likely play 9-1 Marvin Ridge in the second round and then either undefeated South Point or one-loss A.L. Brown to get out of the Midwest bracket. I think they can do it, but it will be tougher than their last few games have been.
Independence and Butler possibly in the second round?? Hello, pod system. I'd rather see this game much deeper in the playoffs, but if they both win the first round, Butler's stadium will be rocking next week.
Upset pick: Myers Park over Olympic in the first round. These two played early in the season and the Mustangs lost by just one point and didn't have starting quarterback Ross Jeffries. This is a game Myers Park could, and probably should, win.
Another rivalry rematch for the private schools when Country Day travels to Latin. The Bucs really struggled in a 24-7 loss to Latin Friday that gave the Hawks a higher seed. Now they have a chance to make up for it. I expect a much closer result this time.

The brackets

NCHSAA 3AA Midwest

Hickory Ridge at Charlotte Catholic
Berry at Marvin Ridge
Ledford at A.L. Brown
Weddington at South Point

NCHSAA 3AA West

Enka at Asheville
Ashbrook at Erwin
Kings Mountain at Forestview
Saint Stephens at Crest

NCHSAA 4AA Midwest

Pinecrest at Page
Northwest Guilford at Richmond Senior
Independence at East Forsyth
Hoke County at Butler

NCHSAA 4AA West

South Mecklenburg at Mallard Creek
Vance at Ardrey Kell
Myers Park at Olympic
Lake Norman at South Caldwell

NCISAA Division I

Ravenscroft at Providence Day
Charlotte Country Day at Charlotte Latin

South Charlotte playoff update: Oct. 28

2011-10-28T16:15:00.001-04:00

NCISAA cross country

The Providence Day boys cross country team won it's second straight N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 3A title today at McAlpine Park. Senior Reed Payne led the way for the Chargers, breaking his personal record by 33 seconds in his last high school race. (Read Wednesday's story about the team.)

Raleigh Ravenscroft beat Charlotte Latin by one point in the NCISAA girls' cross country race to win the state championship. Latin had won four straight titles coming into today's meet.

NCHSAA girls' dual-team tennis

Charlotte Catholic beat Marvin Ridge 6-0 Tuesday to advance to the third round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A girls' dual-team tennis playoffs. The Cougars will host Weddington Oct. 31.

Providence High and Myers Park advanced in the 4A dual-team bracket, Providence beating West Forsyth 5-1 and Myers Park beating AC Reynolds 6-0. Myers Park travels to Lake Norman and Providence goes to Grimsley Monday.

NCHSAA volleyball

Charlotte Catholic lost to West Iredell 3-2 in the third round of the NCHSAA 3A volleyball playoffs Thursday after beating Jesse Carson in the second round. Catholic finished with a record of 23-6.

Providence High advanced to the 4A regional semifinals with wins over Glenn (3-0) and Reagan (3-1) this week. The Panthers will travel to Northwest Guilford Saturday for the semifinal match. Ardrey Kell lost in the second round 3-2 to Northwest Guilford and finished with a record of 25-3.

NCISAA field hockey

Providence Day and Charlotte Latin field hockey advanced to the semifinals of the NCISAA tournament with wins Tuesday. they play each other tonight at Charlotte Latin at 6 p.m.

Charlotte Country Day lost in the second round to Durham Academy 13-4.

NCISAA girls' golf

Charlotte Country Day finished fourth, Charlotte Latin seventh and Providence Day ninth in the first NCISAA 3A girls' golf championship this week.

Country Day's Brook Vann, who finished eighth overall, was named to the all-state team.

NCISAA boys' soccer

Charlotte Country Day lost 3-2 in double overtime to top seeded Greensboro Day in the NCISAA boys' soccer semifinals today. The second semifinal game between Charlotte Latin and Wesleyan Christian started at 3 p.m. Charlotte Latin beat Providence Day 1-0 in overtime Tuesday to get to the semifinals.

NCISAA volleyball

Charlotte Country Day beat Providence Day 3-0 in the first round of the NCISAA 3A volleyball tournament Tuesday and play Charlotte Christian today in teh second round. Charlotte Latin, which had a bye in the first round, also plays today against High Point Christian.

South Charlotte football game previews and predictions: Week 11

2011-10-28T14:42:00.000-04:00

Each week, South Charlotte News prep sports writer Corey Inscoe will break down the biggest south Charlotte football games and give predictions for every area contest.

Last week: 6-2.
Overall: 72-17

It's flown by, hasn't it? This is the last regular season football Friday and there are some great rivalry games tonight.

Charlotte Country Day (7-2, 1-1 CISAA) at Charlotte Latin (7-2, 1-1 CISAA); Providence Day (7-2, 1-1 CISAA) at Charlotte Christian (5-4, 1-1 CISAA) - It's impossible to talk about one of these games without talking about the other. All four CISAA teams are tied coming into the final week of the season and thinking about the tie break scenarios makes my head hurt. If you win, you get in the playoffs. I also think there will only be three Charlotte teams in the four-team playoff with Raleigh Ravenscroft also getting in. Christian is likely in the most precarious position, losing to Ravenscroft last week. But if the Knights lose and Country Day loses, Christian could sneak in since the beat the Bucs earlier in the season. My picks: Charlotte Country Day and Providence Day.

Olympic (9-1, 5-0 ME-GA 7) at Charlotte Catholic (9-0, 5-0 ME-GA 7) - This one is for the ME-GA 7 championship. No one has really challenged Catholic this year (Country Day probably played them the best) and, as well as the Trojans played, I don't think Olympic will either. The Cougar offense is a machine with Elijah Hood and David Herlocker running up and down the field. I'll be covering this one for the Observer (follow updates on Twitter @CoreyInscoe) and I'm interested to see if Catholic has improved since I saw them against Latin earlier in the season. My pick: Charlotte Catholic.

Butler (8-1, 6-0 SW4A) at Independence (9-1, 5-1 SW4A) - This one's obvious. Butler has won the last three meetings and routed Independence 61-6 last year. This one should be much closer. Interesting note, if Independence wins and Ardrey Kell wins, there will be a three-way tie for the conference championship, Ardrey Kell's first. My pick: Independence. (Bring on the Butler fans!)

Ardrey Kell at Providence - My pick: Ardrey Kell.
East Mecklenburg at South Mecklenburg - My pick: South Mecklenburg.
Rocky River at Myers Park - My pick: Myers Park

Charlotte Catholic's Johnson commits to DePaul

2011-10-28T13:27:00.001-04:00

Charlotte Catholic boys’ tennis player Kyle Johnson made a verbal commitment Oct. 20 to play tennis at DePaul next year.

Last year, Johnson won his third-straight individual state championship, the only player to do so in his first three years of high school.

The senior is ranked as the No. 3 player in the state, No. 26 in the Southeast and No. 92 in the nation, according to the Tennis Recruiting Network.

He will sign his National Letter of Intent Nov. 9.

South Charlotte football scores: Week 10

2011-10-24T16:38:00.000-04:00

How about Myers Park coach Greg Taylor's (gutsy/crazy/smart, take your pick) call to go for two and the win in the first overtime against Independence? More importantly, how about Myers Park coming back from being down 14 in the fourth quarter and forcing overtime? What a game. They may not have won, but Myers Park is a good football team and, though they will likely be a low seed, could have a couple wins in the playoffs.

Get ready for fun tiebreakers in the CISAA Friday. All four teams -- Charlotte Latin, Charlotte Christian, Charlotte Country Day and Providence Day -- are 1-1 in the conference coming into the final game. Latin plays Country Day and Providence Day plays Christian.

The Providence Day vs. Charlotte Country Day game Friday was ugly. There's really no other way to explain it. Both offenses really struggled, the Bucs just struggled less. Based on my stats, the quarterbacks combined for 20 yards passing in the first half.

I have jokingly called the NCISAA (private school) Division I football playoffs the "Charlotte Invitational," because since 2003 both teams in the championship game have been CISAA schools. Last year, the first year the NCISAA changed to playoffs to just four teams, all four playoff teams were the Charlotte schools. This year, I think there's a good chance a Raleigh team crashes the invitational. Ravenscroft had no problem with Charlotte Christian Friday and only has three losses on the season, two to NCHSAA teams and once to Country Day. If Providence Day beats Christian Friday, I think Ravenscroft will get in as the fourth team.

Ardrey Kell 38, Rocky River 13. My pick: Ardrey Kell.

Independence 56, Myers Park 55 (OT). My pick: Independence.

Providence High 31, East Mecklenburg 18. My pick: Providence.

Butler 52, South Mecklenburg 14. My pick: Butler.

Charlotte Catholic 42, East Gaston 18. My pick: Charlotte Catholic.

Charlotte Country Day 12, Providence Day 3. ~~My pick: Providence Day~~

Charlotte Latin 49, Davidson Day 20. My pick: Charlotte Latin.

Ravenscroft 42, Charlotte Christian 21. ~~My pick: Charlotte Christian~~.

NCISAA volleyball brackets released

2011-10-24T13:54:00.000-04:00

Charlotte Latin, Providence Day, Covenant Day, Charlotte Christian and Charlotte Country Day will begin play in the NCISAA 3A volleyball tournament this week.

Top-seeded Charlotte Latin and No. 3 Charlotte Christian earned byes in the first round.

No. 6 Charlotte Country Day will play No. 11 Providence Day a first-round match Oct. 25. The winner will face Charlotte Christian.

No. 7 Covenant Day will face No. 10 Forsyth Country Day School in the first round Oct. 25.

The bracket:

No. 9 Calvary Baptist at No. 8 High Point Christian (winner faces No. 1 Charlotte Latin)

No. 12 Durham Acdemy at No. 5 North Raleigh Christian (winner faces No. 4 Cary Academy)

No. 11 Providence Day at No. 6 Charlotte Country Day (winner faces No. 3 Charlotte Christian)

No. 10 Forsyth Country Day at No. 7 Covenant Day (winner faces No. 2 Southlake Christian)

High school playoff update: Oct. 24

2011-10-24T12:48:00.002-04:00

NCISAA field hockey

No. 5 Charlotte Country Day won their first round game against No. 12 Asheville School 7-0 in the NCISAA field hockey tournament Friday. The Bucs play Durham Academy in the second round Oct. 25.

No. 3 Providence Day plays No. 6 Forsyth Day School Oct. 25 and No. 2 Charlotte Latin plays No. 7 Cape Fear Academy. Both teams had byes in the first round.

NCISAA boys' soccer

United Faith lost in the first round of the NCISAA 1A boys' soccer tournament 3-2 to Statesville Christian Saturday. They finished with a record of 6-12-1.

Country Day and Providence Day both advanced to the second round of the 3A boys' soccer tournament. No. 5 Country Day beat No. 12 Cannon School 5-1 Saturday and will play No. 4 Ravenscroft Oct. 25. No. 6 Providence Day beat No. 11 Asheville School 3-1 and will play No. 3 Charlotte Latin Oct. 25. Latin had a bye in the first round.

NCISAA girls' tennis

No. 7 Charlotte Latin beat No. 10 Cannon School 9-0 in the first round of the NCISAA 3A girls' tennis tournament. Latin will play No. 2 Cary Academy Oct. 25.

No. 1 Providence Day had a bye in the first round and will play No. 8 Durham Academy Oct. 25. No. 4 Country Day also had a bye and will play No. 5 Greensboro Day Oct. 25.

NCHSAA volleyball

Charlotte Catholic advanced in the NCHSAA 3A volleyball tournament after beating Northwest Cabarrus 3-0 in the first round. They will host Jesse Carson Oct. 25 for the second round game.

Ardrey Kell and Providence advanced in the 4A tournament. Ardrey Kell beat Davie 3-0 and will host Northwest Guilford in the second round Oct. 25. Providence High beat North Davidson 3-0 and will host Glenn Oct. 25.

South Mecklenburg lost to Hough 3-0 in the first round of the 4A tournament. Myers Park lost to Reagan 3-0 in the first round and Butler lost to Mount Tabor 3-1.
Cross country

The Ardrey Kell boys and girls cross country teams swept the Southwestern 4A conference meet last week for the second year in a row at McAlpine Park.

Ardrey Kell's Kaitlyn Kramer won her third straight title and broke the meet record she set two years ago with a 17:48. Teammate Sydney Foreman finished second (18:00). The Knight's top five runners all finished in the top 10.

Providence's Wyatt Maxey won the boys' race with a time of 15:51, but Ardrey Kell took five of the top 11 places to win its third straight title. Parth Shah (16:09), Madison Souder (16:10) and Daniel Whalen (16:24) led the Knights with second, third and fifth place finishes, respectively. (Full results from NCRunners.)

The Charlotte Catholic cross country teams continued their impressive streak last week, sweeping the ME-GA 7 3A/4A championship meet at McAlpine Park. That makes 15 straight titles for the girls' team and 14 for the boys.

Margot Corcoran won the girls' race with a time of 19:38 and six other Catholic runners finished in the top 8. Andrew Roberts led the Cougars in the boys' race, winning with a time of 17:42. Catholic took the top three spots in the boys' race.

Both teams will compete in the NCHSAA regional races Saturday at McAlpine Park.

South Charlotte football game previews and predictions: Week 10

2011-10-21T13:45:00.001-04:00

Each week, South Charlotte News prep sports writer Corey Inscoe will break down the biggest south Charlotte football games and give predictions for every area contest.

Last week: 6-2.
Overall: 66-15

Providence Day (7-1, 1-0 CISAA) at Charlotte Country Day (6-2, 0-1 CISAA): With Charlotte Country Day losing to Charlotte Christian in double overtime last week, Providence Day controls its destiny in the conference standings. Wins over Country Day and Christian next week would give the Chargers a conference championship and likely a top seed for the NCISAA Division I playoffs. Country Day is talented this year and I'm sure coach Bob Witman will have them ready to go after last week's loss. My pick: Providence Day. (I'll be covering this game tonight. Follow me on Twitter @CoreyInscoe for updates.)

Independence (8-1, 4-1 SW4A) at Myers Park (6-3, 3-2 SW4A): A win over South Meck last week put Myers Park in fourth place in the conference behind Butler, Ardrey Kell and Independence. A win over a good Independence team, whose only loss this year was to Ardrey Kell, would be huge for the Mustangs. Independence will want to win to have some momentum going into the Butler game next week. It's homecoming at Myers Park and there should be a large crowd of alumni to celebrate the school's 60th anniversary. My pick: Independence.

Davidson Day (8-0) at Charlotte Latin (6-2, 1-1 CISAA): This should be interesting. Davidson Day has been unstoppable this year, but hasn't had much competition. Charlotte Latin will be their first real test of the season. But this Latin team isn't as strong as years past and Davidson Day's junior varsity team beat Latin's last year, for what it's worth. My pick: Charlotte Latin.

South Mecklenburg at Butler - My pick: Butler.
Ardrey Kell at Rocky River - My pick: Ardrey Kell.
Charlotte Catholic at East Gaston - My pick: Charlotte Catholic
Providence High at East Mecklenburg - My pick: Providence.
Charlotte Christian at Ravenscroft - My pick: Charlotte Christian.

NCISAA boys' soccer, girls' tennis brackets released

2011-10-21T12:39:00.002-04:00

South Charlotte private school teams start postseason play today in boys' soccer and tomorrow in girls' tennis. Contact the school for game start time.

In the boys' soccer 1A bracket, No. 9 seed United Faith will play at No. 8 Statesville Christian.

In the 3A bracket, No. 5 Charlotte Country Day will play No. 12 Cannon School and No. 6 Providence Day will play No. 11 Asheville School. No. 3 Charlotte Latin has a bye in the first round and will play the winner of Providence Day and Asheville School Oct. 25.

In the girls' tennis 3A bracket, No. 7 Charlotte Latin will host No. 10 Cannon School. No. 1 Providence Day and No. 4 Charlotte Country Day have byes in the first round and will play second round games Oct. 25.

NCHSAA girls' volleyball brackets released

2011-10-21T12:21:00.002-04:00

Charlotte Catholic, South Meck, Providence, Butler, Myers Park and Ardrey Kell will begin play in the N.C. High School Athletic Association volleyball playoffs Saturday. (Contact host school for game time.)

Charlotte Catholic was the top seed in the ME-GA 7 3A and will face Northwest Cabarrus in the first round of the 3A playoffs.

Providence was the top seed out of the Southwestern 4A during the regular season and will play North Davidson in the first round of the 4A playoffs. Ardrey Kell, the tournament champion and No. 2 seed, will play Davie County. No. 3 Butler will face Mount Tabor, No. 4 South Meck will face Hough and No. 5 Myers Park will play Reagan.

3A West

Concord at North Iredell
Mount Pleasant at Berry
Statesville at Marvin Ridge
Asheboro at Cox Mill
Morehead at Hickory Ridge
Parkwood at West Iredell
Northwest Cabarrus at Charlotte Catholic
Jesse Carson at Weddington
Erwin at Kings Mountain
Tuscola at Saint Stephens
Crest at RS Central
West Henderson at North Buncombe
Freedom at Enka
North Gaston at Fred T. Foard
Forestview at Franklin
Hickory at Patton

4A West

East Forsyth at Southern Alamance
Butler at Mount Tabor
Southeast Guilford at Northwest Guilford
Davie at Ardrey Kell
Myers Park at Reagan
Ragsdale at Grimsley
North Davidson at Providence
Page at Glenn
North Meck at East Gaston
Sun Valley at Lake Norman
TC Roberson at Watauga
South Caldwell at AC Reynolds
Hopewell at Porter Ridge
South Meck at Hough
Mooresville at McDowell
Alexander Central at Olympic

South Charlotte playoff update: Oct. 19

2011-10-19T11:20:00.002-04:00

Myers Park, Providence and Charlotte Catholic all won their first round matches in the NCHSAA dual-team girls' tennis championships Tuesday night.

In the 3A bracket, Charlotte Catholic beat Cox Mill 9-0 and will host Marvin Ridge, who beat Forestview in the first round. Weddington beat Northwest Cabarrus 6-0 in the first round and will face East Rowan next.

In 4A, Southwestern 4A No. 1 seed Providence beat Olympic 6-0 and will travel to West Forsyth in the second round. SW4A No. 2 Myers Park also advanced, beating Watauga 5-2. The Mustangs will travel to play AC Reynolds next.

All second round matches are scheduled for Oct. 25.

Cannon School wins CISAA girls' golf

Concord Cannon School won the CISAA girls' golf conference championship on the front nine of Pine Island Country Club Tuesday with a combined score of 114. Anna Redding led the Cougars with a 37.

Charlotte Latin (136) finished second, Charlotte Country Day (140) finished third and Providence Day (162) finished fourth.

Cannon's Kate Collum, Redding, Annie Collum and Taylor Bunten, Country Day's Brook Vann and Latin's Tanvi Kumar were named to the all-conference team.

Charlotte Latin wins CISAA volleyball

Charlotte Latin captured the CISAA volleyball championship with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-11, 25-13) win over Charlotte Country Day Tuesday. The Hawks finished with a record of 36-2 and a perfect 8-0 conference record.

Providence Day boys, Charlotte Latin girls win CISAA cross country

The Providence Day boys' cross country team won the CISAA conference championship meet at McAlpine Greenway Monday with its top five runners all finishing in the top 10. Providence Day's Ben Huffman (15:58) won the race, Reed Payne (16:39) finished third, Nick Linder (16:49) finished fifth, Jack Paddison (17:04) finished sixth and Evan Gray (17:42) finished ninth.

Charlotte Country Day finished second, led by a second place finish from Rob Saunders (16:32). Charlotte Latin finished third, Cannon fourth and Charlotte Christian fifth.

Charlotte Latin won the girls' race, also putting its top five runners all in the top 10. Tricia Murphy (20:14) finished second, Laura Gill (20:31) finished fourth, Katie McDowell (20:44) finished fifth, Hannah Smith (20:49) finished sixth and Claire Price (20:54) finished seventh.

Providence Day's Emma Brown (19:36) won the race and the Chargers finished second overall. Charlotte Country Day finished third and Cannon finished fourth.

South Charlotte football scores: Week 9

2011-10-17T11:47:00.001-04:00

After two perfect weeks in a row, I was humbled by a hard to pick Southwestern 4A game and a CISAA upset.

With Charlotte Christian beating Charlotte Country Day 42-41 in double overtime, the conference is Providence Day's to lose. They have already beaten Latin and play Country Day Friday (which I will be covering) before hosting Christian in the season finale. I picked Providence Day to win from the beginning and that prediction is looking better and better.

After seeing Butler beat Providence Friday night, I have no doubt they are one of the most talented 4A teams in the area and probably in the state, but they need to play like it for four quarters. They let a scrappy Providence team hang around for most of the first half before pulling away. Some credit should go to Providence, who had a good game plan coming in to the game.

The scores:

Ardrey Kell 34, East Mecklenburg 13. My pick: Ardrey Kell

Charlotte Catholic 48, Berry 26. My pick: Charlotte Catholic

Independence 49, Rocky River 17. My pick: Independence

Butler 42, Providence High 10. My pick: Butler

Myers Park 31, South Meck 14. ~~My pick: South Meck~~

Charlotte Christian 42, Charlotte Country Day 41. ~~My pick: Country Day~~

Charlotte Latin 41, AFC Rangers 7. My pick: Charlotte Latin

Providence Day 49, Camden Military 0. My pick: Providence Day

NCHSAA girls' dual-team tennis brackets released

2011-10-17T10:32:00.003-04:00

It's officially playoff season.

The N.C. High School Athletic Association released the girls' dual-team tennis brackets Monday.

Charlotte Catholic, which won the 3A state championship last year 5-1 over Cardinal Gibbons, earned a top seed from the ME-GA 7 3A conference, but because of a low conference seeding priority will travel to Southern Piedmont No. 1 Cox Mill in the first round.

Providence High is the top seed from the Southwestern 4A, but also because of conference seeding priority will travel to ME-GA 7 4A No. 1 Olympic in the first round. Myers Park, last year's state runner-up, is the No. 2 seed from the SW4A and will travel to Watauga in the first round.

Matches will be played Tuesday. Contact the host school for the start time.

3A

Nash Central at Aycock
Jacksonville at South Burnswick
Eastern Wayne at Currituck
Rocky Mount at West Carteret
Chapel Hill at Williams
Ledford at Union Pines
Northern Guilford at Asheboro
Western Harnett at Cardinal Gibbons

Mount Pleasant at East Rowan
Northwest Cabarrus at Weddington
Charlotte Catholic at Cox Mill
Marvin Ridge at Forestview
Jesse Carson at Hickory
Harding at Patton
South Point at Asheville
Hibriten at Franklin

4A

Person at Hoggard
Panther Creek at Clayton
Smithfield Selma at Terry Sanford
Millbrook at Pinecrest
Scotland at East Chapel Hill
New Hanover at Broughton
Garner at Jack Britt
Enloe at Green Hope

Hough at Grimsley
Southwest Guilford at Porter Ridge
Southeast Guilford at West Forsyth
Providence at Olympic
Page at Northwest Guilford
Davie at Lake Norman
Reagan at AC Reynolds
Myers Park at Watauga

Visit NCHSAA.org for the 1A and 2A brackets.

Providence and Myers Park win Southwestern 4A tennis championships

2011-10-14T15:22:00.000-04:00

Providence High tennis player Katie Porter won the Southwestern 4A girls' tennis singles championship Thursday at South Mecklenburg. Myers Park doubles team Emily Carpenter and Olivia Turnbull won the doubles conference championship.

Porter beat Butler's Hollie Champion 6-2, 6-2 in the semifinals then beat Myers Park's Jessica Perez 6-1, 6-0 in the championship.

Carpenter and Turnbull beat Ardrey Kell's Jasmine Woods and Jessica Lee 7-6, 6-1 in the semifinals before beating teammates Paige Stover and Rebecca Cann in the finals.

The dual team playoffs start Oct. 18 and the individual regional starts Oct. 21.

South Charlotte players make Shrine Bowl roster

2011-10-14T12:58:00.000-04:00

Five south Charlotte football players were selected to the North Carolina Shrine Bowl team, which will play South Carolina Dec. 17 in Spartanburg.

Charlotte Catholic lead the area with two players selected, linebacker Matthew Cincotta and offensive lineman Mark Harrell. Ardrey Kell defensive lineman Romeo Okwara, South Mecklenburg offensive lineman Casey Blaser and Independence wide receiver Austin Duke also made the roster.

The full rosters:

North Carolina:

Last Name	First Name	Position	High School
Barr	Jarred	OL	Sun Valley
Beilinson	Dan	TE	Panther Creek
Blaser	Casey	OL	South Mecklenburg
Bullard	Jonathan	DE	Crest
Cincotta	Matthew	LB	Charlotte Catholic
Crouch	Antoine	DL	Richmond Senior
Duke	Austin	REC	Independence
Duncan	Jela	RB	Mallard Creek
Fuller	Jody	REC	Sun Valley
Gaines	Julius	DB	Hibriten
Gurley	Todd	RB	Tarboro
Harbinson	Jamel	RE	Mallard Creek
Harrell	Mark	OL	Charlotte Catholic
Heath	Denzel	OLB	Hopewell
Helms	Michael	QB	Freedom
Holloway	Tysean	QB	Asheville
Hooker	Khadree	DL	South Lenoir
Hopper	Gerome	RE	Phillip O.Berry Academy of Technology
Houston	Stephen	DB	Richmond Senior
Ingle	Jacob	OL	Walter M. Williams
Kincaid	Marcus	DB	Freedom
Krah	Aaron	DB	Hillside
Ledbetter	Rhaheim	DB	Crest
Littlejohn	Darios	RB	Lincolnton
Marcus	Jamal	OLB	Hillside
McAfee	Keith	LB	Olympic
McKinnon	Dahman	OLB	South View
Munn	Martin	LB	Jordan-Matthews
Okwara	Romeo	DE	Ardrey Kell
Otis	Nortavius	DB	Ashbrook
Pawling	Chris	DB	T. W. Andrews
Pinion	Bradley	K/P	Northwest Cabarrus
Potts	Andrew	OL	Topsail
Quick	Karshaun	QB	Scotland
Rayner	Keilin	LB	North Brunswick
Reader	D.J.	OL	Grimsley
Robinson	Isaiah	DB	Scotland
Rook	Anthony R.	TE	J. H. Rose
Scarbrough	Deandre	OLB	East Duplin
Stadnik	Brock	OL	Western Guilford
Suggs	Joel	OL	Randleman
Summers	James	QB	Page
Washington	Damien	REC	A. L. Brown
Watkins	Carlos	DE	Chase

South Carolina

Last Name	First Name	Position	High School
Bolus	Justin	ATH	James Island
Brown	Javonte	DL	Calhoun County
Bryant	David	OL	Cane Bay
Burney	Shaquan	LB	Boiling Springs
Burrell	Terry (T.J.)	LB	Goose Creek
Copeland	Joseph	QB	Gaffney
Davis	Quinshad	WR	Gaffney
DeLeon	David	DL	Bamberg-Ehrhardt
Destefano	Patrick	OLB	Dorman
Geohaghan	Ronnie	DB	Allendale-Fairfax
Gladney	Casey	WR	Columbia
Goodman	D.J.	QB	Greenwood
Grant	Michael	OLB	Bluffton
Hicklin	Tay	DB	South Pointe
Jeter	Mitchel	DL	Rock Hill
Jones	Oliver	OL	Ninety Six
Lauderdale	Marvin	ATH	Cheraw
Legman	Javarius	OL	Woodruff
Lucas	Daquan	LB	Timberland
McCoullough	Jay Jay	HB	Nations Ford
McLaughlin	Johnathan	OL	Mauldin
McNeil	Bobby	OL	Timberland
Meridith	Justin	TE	T. L. Hanna
Miller	Kevin	RB	Lexington
Nelson	Robert	DB	Conway
Patterson	Kaleb	K/P	James F. Byrnes
President	Gimel	DL	Wando
Pritchett	John MIchael	OL	Wren
Quattlebaum	Brandon	RB	Dutch Fork
Raley	Ryan	OLB	Fairfield Central
Roland	Shaq	WR	Lexington
Rowe	Caleb	QB	Blue Ridge-Greer
Scott	Wesley	DL	Ridgeland
Smalls	Virgil	FB	Goose Creek
Smith	Kwinton	WR	Dillon
Smith	Raymond	RB	Dorman
Solomon	Jabril	DB	Hemingway
Talford	Ernest	ATH	Great Falls
Tankersley	Cordrea	ATH	Silver Bluff
Terrell	T. J.	DL	J. L. Mann
Walker	Reubyn	LB	Northwestern
White	Matt	DB	Summerville
Williams	Marty	WR	Fox Creek
Wilson	Daquarius	DB	Myrtle Beach

South Charlotte football game previews and predictions: Week 9

2011-10-14T12:45:00.000-04:00

Each week, South Charlotte News prep sports writer Corey Inscoe will break down the biggest south Charlotte football games and give predictions for every area contest.

Last week: 8-0.
Overall: 60-13.

Myers Park (5-3, 2-2 SW4A) at South Mecklenburg (3-5, 2-2 SW4A): Myers Park and South Meck are stuck right in the middle of the Southwestern 4A and this game could help decide who makes it to the playoffs. South Meck has improved in conference play and had a big first half lead over Independence last week. Last year, this game was decided by a late field goal to give Myers Park the win. My pick: South Meck.

Berry (6-1, 3-0 ME-GA 7) at Charlotte Catholic (7-0, 3-0 ME-GA 7): Charlotte Catholic hasn't lost to a CMS team in more than two years. Berry probably has the best chance of keeping Catholic from winning another league championship. It will be Berry's speed against Catholic's strength in what I think will be a high scoring game. My pick: Charlotte Catholic.

Rocky River (3-5, 1-3 SW4A) at Independence (7-1, 3-1 SW4A). My pick: Independence.

East Meck (0-8, 0-4 SW4A) at Ardrey Kell (4-3, 3-1 SW4A). My pick: Ardrey Kell.

Butler (6-1, 4-0 SW4A) at Providence High (1-6, 1-3 SW4A). My pick: Butler. (I'll be covering this game for the Observer. Follow me on Twitter @CoreyInscoe for updates.)

Charlotte Country Day (6-1, 0-0 CISAA) at Charlotte Christian (4-3, 0-1 CISAA). My pick: Country Day.

AFC Rangers at Charlotte Latin (5-2, 1-1 CISAA). My pick: Charlotte Latin.

Providence Day (5-1, 1-0 CISAA) at Camden Military (Saturday). My pick: Providence Day.

Country Day volleyball player commits to Samford

2011-10-12T12:10:00.001-04:00

Charlotte Country Day junior volleyball player Mattie Newson has committed to play at Samford University.

Newson, a libero, is a three-year starter at Country Day and was named all-conference last year. She has also been team captain two years in a row.

Newson, who played for the Carolina Juniors Volleyball club team this past season, has 247 kills, 71 aces and 478 digs this year.

"Mattie plays volleyball with incredible amounts of heart and passion," said Country Day volleyball coach Brian Rosen. "Playing college volleyball has been her dream since she started playing for me three years ago and I am so happy and proud that she has achieved it."

South Charlotte football scores: Week 8

2011-10-11T14:06:00.001-04:00

Another perfect week for me, though Ardrey Kell and South Mecklenburg (at least in the first half) tried to ruin that for me.

This Ardrey Kell team is really good and I think Butler finally got a wake-up call after sleepwalking through a few games.

The rest of the results were pretty much as expected. I think if Providence Day really wants to win the CISAA (and the state championship), they have to do something about the running game. For most of the night, it was averaging a yard per carry.

The scores:

Butler 43, Ardrey Kell 40. My pick: Butler.

Myers Park 38, Providence High 28. My pick: Myers Park.

Independence 42, South Mecklenburg 28. My pick: Independence.

Rocky River 35, East Mecklenburg 0. My pick: Rocky River.

Providence Day 27, Charlotte Latin 17. My pick: Providence Day.

Charlotte Country Day 35, Q Foundation 0. My pick: Charlotte Country Day.

Charlotte Catholic 49, Harding 0. My pick: Charlotte Catholic.

Charlotte Christian 49, Carolina Pride 29. My pick: Charlotte Christian.

South Charlotte football game previews and predictions: Week 8

2011-10-06T14:03:00.000-04:00

Each week, South Charlotte News prep sports writer Corey Inscoe will break down the biggest south Charlotte football games and give predictions for every area contest.

Last week: 7-0.
Overall: 52-13.

Just a reminder that most area teams are playing on Thursday this week.

Ardrey Kell (4-2, 3-0 SW4A) at Butler (5-1, 3-0 SW4A), Thursday. Who would have guess this game would decide first place in the Southwestern 4A? Not me. I thought Ardrey Kell would have a good season, but I have really been impressed with the way they have played in conference. But Butler has a lot of talent and may be too much for the Knights. My pick: Butler.

Charlotte Latin (5-1, 1-0 CISAA) at Providence Day (4-1, 0-0 CISAA), Thursday. At the beginning of the year, I picked Providence Day to win the CISAA and I'm sticking with it. Providence Day has played well this year, beating East Rutherford last week and holding Porter Ridge to 10 points earlier in the season. Latin has dealt with some injuries this year and doesn't have quite the same talent they have in the past. My pick: Providence Day.
I'll be covering this game tonight. Follow me on Twitter at @CoreyInscoe for updates.

Thursday:
East Mecklenburg at Rocky River. My pick: Rocky River.
Providence at Myers Park. My pick: Myers Park.
South Mecklenburg at Independence. My pick: Independence.
Q Foundation at Charlotte Country Day. My pick: Country Day.

Friday:
Harding at Charlotte Catholic. My pick: Catholic
Carolina Pride at Charlotte Christian. My pick: Christian

South Charlotte football scores: Week 7

2011-10-03T16:33:00.003-04:00

This was a banner week in picks for me. Not only did I get every area pick, but I was 7-0 in the Observer Pick 7 games. So were two other pickers, so maybe it was just an easy week.

Either way, here are the south Charlotte football scores from Friday and Saturday.

Butler 52, East Mecklenburg 0. My pick: Butler

Independence 62, Providence High 10. My pick: Independence

Ardrey Kell 31, Myers Park 21. My pick: Ardrey Kell

South Mecklenburg 32, Rocky River 20. My pick: South Meck

Charlotte Latin 33, Charlotte Christian 21. My pick: Charlotte Latin

Providence Day 35, East Rutherford 14. My pick: Providence Day.

Charlotte Country Day 52, Victory Christian 6. My pick: Country Day

South Charlotte game previews and predictions: Week 7

2011-09-30T12:49:00.001-04:00

Each week, South Charlotte News prep sports writer Corey Inscoe will break down the biggest south Charlotte football games and give predictions for every area contest.

Last week: 7-1.
Overall: 45-13.

Reminder: All CMS home games start at 8 p.m. this week.

Charlotte Christian (3-2, 0-0 CISAA) at Charlotte Latin (4-1, 0-0 CISAA): Finally a private school conference game! If we're being honest, the private school football season isn't much fun until the south Charlotte teams start playing each other. From 2007-2009, this match up decided the NCISAA state championship, with Latin winning it in 2007 and 2009 and Christian in 2008. Both teams are a little down this year, but I expect it to still be an exciting rivalry game. My pick: Charlotte Latin.

Myers Park (4-2, 1-1 SW4A) at Ardrey Kell (3-2, 2-0 SW4A): Ardrey Kell surprised a lot of people (me included) with a hard-fought win against Independence last week. The Knights are now tied with Butler at the top of the conference. Myers Park has been impressive this year and has starting quarterback Ross Jeffries back after he injured his hand earlier in the season. My pick: Ardrey Kell.

Rocky River (2-4, 0-2 SW4A) at South Mecklenburg (2-4, 1-1 SW4A): This may not be the most obvious pick for a game of the week, but I think this is a really important game for South Meck. The Sabres struggled with injuries early this season and are finally hitting their stride, looking much better in a win against Providence last week (look for a feature story about South Meck in Wednesday's South Charlotte News). Rocky River has improved this year, but has yet to get its first conference win. This would be a big one. My pick: South Meck.

Butler (4-1, 2-0 SW4A) at East Mecklenburg (0-6, 0-2 SW4A) - My pick: Butler

Independence (5-1, 1-1 SW4A) at Providence (1-4, 1-1 SW4A) - My pick: Independence

Providence Day (4-1, 0-0 CISAA) at East Rutherford (5-1, 2-0 South Mountain) - My pick: Providence Day

Saturday: Charlotte Country Day (4-1, 0-0 CISAA) at Victory Christian (1-3) - My pick: Charlotte Country Day

Country Day hosts Play 4 The Cure field hockey game

2011-09-30T11:57:00.003-04:00

The Charlotte Country Day field hockey team will host a Play 4 The Cure field hockey game Oct. 3 against Myers Park.

The game will start at 4:15 on Dowd Field on Country Day's campus and will benefit Susan G. Komen For the Cure and the American Cancer Society.

The teams will play with a pink game ball, have pink bracelets and pink shoelaces. The concession stand will also serve pink lemonade.

The school asks that spectators wear pink to the game. There will also be a donation table at the event and spectators can sponsor an athlete.

Ardrey Kell boys' golfer commits to Winthrop

2011-09-28T11:27:00.002-04:00

Mitch Schneider -- Photo by Corey Inscoe

Ardrey Kell boys' golfer Mitch Schneider committed to play golf at Winthrop University next year, according coach Charles Mikesell. The senior has played in every match in Ardrey Kell history and has been a team captain since his freshman year.

Schneider, who carries a 3.9 GPA, was named all-conference his first three seasons and helped Ardrey Kell to a Southwestern 4A championship, a runner-up finish at the Western Regional and a third-place finish at the state tournament last year.

South Charlotte football scores: Week 6

2011-09-24T00:26:00.001-04:00

Huge win for Ardrey Kell tonight, beating Independence and moving to 2-0 in the conference.

South Meck and Providence both looked better than I have seen them all year. I could see both making the playoffs.

Ardrey Kell 23, Independence 21. ~~My pick: Independence~~

Butler 55, Rocky River 6. My pick: Butler

Myers Park 44, East Mecklenburg 7. My pick: Myers Park

South Mecklenburg 47, Providence 28. My pick: South Mecklenburg

Charlotte Catholic 42, West Mecklenburg 22. My pick: Charlotte Catholic

Providence Day 53, Northeast Prep 0. My pick: Providence Day

Char. Country Day 42, Ravenscroft 10. My pick: Charlotte Country Day

Charlotte Latin 31, Bluefield 14. My pick: Charlotte Latin

South Charlotte game previews and predictions: Week 6

2011-09-23T14:04:00.000-04:00

Each week, South Charlotte News prep sports writer Corey Inscoe will break down the biggest south Charlotte football games and give predictions for every area contest.

Last week: 8-1.
Overall: 38-12.

Ardrey Kell (2-2, 1-0) at Independence (5-0, 1-0): This is a big game for the Southwestern 4A rankings. Both teams can prove they are a real threat in the conference with a win tonight and will have an inside track to a second place finish. My pick: Independence.

Providence (1-3, 1-0) at South Mecklenburg (1-4, 0-1): Both of these teams struggled early but I could see them finishing in the middle of the conference and challenging for a playoff spot. Starting 2-0 in the conference would be a huge lift for the Panthers. South Meck needs a win in the conference to get some momentum. My pick: South Meck.

East Mecklenburg (0-5, 0-1) at Myers Park (3-2, 0-1): I imagine Myers Park will be ready to go tonight after getting handled by Butler 77-14 last week. East Mecklenburg is still looking for its first win and doesn't want to head into the Butler game 0-2 in the conference. My pick: Myers Park.

Butler (3-1, 1-0) at Rocky River (2-3, 0-1) - My pick: Butler.
West Mecklenburg (3-2, 1-0) at Charlotte Catholic (5-0, 1-0) - My pick: Charlotte Catholic.
Northeast Prep at Providence Day (2-1) - My pick: Providence Day.
Ravenscroft (2-2) at Charlotte Country Day (3-1) - My pick: Charlotte Country Day.
Bluefield, W. Va. (2-2) at Charlotte Latin (4-1) - My pick: Charlotte Latin.

Ardrey Kell volleyball coach gets 500th win, faces Providence tonight

2011-09-20T15:16:00.000-04:00

Ardrey Kell volleyball coach Zoe Bell won her 500th career match last week in a 3-0 victory over East Mecklenburg.

With wins last week against Marvin Ridge and Rocky River, Bell now has 502 wins.

Bell is in her fourth year coaching at Ardrey Kell after spending 19 years as the coach at Providence High. She won 12 conference titles and four state championships at Providence and was in the 2009 state finals with Ardrey Kell.

The Knights are 14-0 this season (6-0 Southwestern 4A) and travel to rival Providence High (13-1, 6-0 SW4A) tonight. The winner will have sole possession of first place in the conference.

Country Day's Witman is school's all-time football win leader

2011-09-20T14:03:00.000-04:00

With a 31-14 win over Bluefield (W. Va.) Friday, Charlotte Country Day coach Bob Witman became the school's all-time winningest football coach.

Witman has a record of 194-51 in 22 years coaching at Country Day. He passed legendary coach John Cook, who had 193 wins.

The Buccaneers are the defending N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I champions and are 3-1 this year with their only loss coming in the Cook Cup rivalry game against Charlotte Catholic.

Country Day plays at home against Ravenscroft Friday.

South Charlotte football scores: Week 5

2011-09-17T00:23:00.002-04:00

Charlotte Catholic 50, Garinger 14 - My pick: Charlotte Catholic

Independence 49, East Meck 0 - My pick: Independence

Butler 77, Myers Park 14 - My pick: Butler

Providence High 47, Rocky River 37 - ~~My pick: Rocky River~~

Ardrey Kell 17, South Meck 14 - My pick: Ardrey Kell

Charlotte Christian 38, AFC Rangers 14 - My pick: Charlotte Christian

Porter Ridge 10, Providence Day 7 - My pick: Porter Ridge

Charlotte Country Day 31, Bluefield (W. Va.) 14 - My pick: Charlotte Country Day

Charlotte Latin 42, Victory Christian 20- My pick: Charlotte Latin

South Charlote game previews and predictions: Week 5

2011-09-16T12:15:00.000-04:00

Each week, South Charlotte News prep sports writer Corey Inscoe will break down the biggest south Charlotte football games and give predictions for every area contest.

Last week: 9-2.
Overall: 30-11.

An earlier version of this post, which included capsules of three of the top area games, got corrupted somehow and disappeared. Since I'm short on time, I'll just post the picks without the capsules. Sorry for the technical difficulties.

Charlotte Catholic at Garinger - My pick: Charlotte Catholic.
Independence at East Mecklenburg - My pick: Independence.
Myers Park at Butler - My pick: Butler.
Rocky River at Providence - My pick: Rocky River.
South Mecklenburg at Ardrey Kell - My pick: Ardrey Kell.
AFC Rangers at Charlotte Christian - My pick: Charlotte Christian.
Porter Ridge at Providence Day - My pick: Porter Ridge.
Charlotte Country Day at Bluefield (W. Va.) - My pick: Charlotte Country Day.
Victory Christian at Charlotte Latin - My pick: Charlotte Latin.

Providence boys, Charlotte Catholic girls win Cavalier Cross-Country Challenge

2011-09-12T13:14:00.000-04:00

The Providence High boys' cross country team and the Charlotte Catholic girls' cross country team took the individual and team titles at the Cavalier Cross-Country Challenge at Cuthbertson High Sept. 10.

The Panthers had three of the top four finishers in the boys race: Wyatt Maxey (first), Joe Sullivan (second) and Dylan Cohen (fourth). Umang Damani finished in eighth for Providence. The Panthers easily beat second place Marvin Ridge by 63 points.

The Charlotte Catholic boys finished fourth out of 14 teams, East Meck finished fifth and Butler finished 13th.

Charlotte Catholic's Margot Corcoran led the girls' team with a first place finish at the Challenge. Jamie Vezolles finished fourth and Phylissa Greely finished 10th for the Cougars.

The Catholic girls team beat second place Cuthbertson by 45 points. East Meck finished sixth and Butler seventh out of 12 teams.

See the full results at NCRunners.

Ardrey Kell's Souder wins Seahawk Invitational

2011-09-12T13:02:00.000-04:00

Ardrey Kell boys' cross country runner Madden Souder finished first in the championship race of the Seahawk Invitational Sept. 10 at UNC Wilmington. The Invitational featured many of the state's top ranked cross country teams.

Souder finished with a time of 16:10, beating South View's Josh Crawford by two seconds.

The Knights boys finished second in the team rankings behind Cardinal Gibbons. Ardrey Kell's Parth Shah was the only other area finisher in the top 10, finishing ninth. South Mecklenburg was also at the meet, finishing 19th out of 24 teams.

The Ardrey Kell girls' team finished third in the Seahawk Invitational behind Green Hope (first) and Carrboro (second). Sydney Foreman led the way for the Knights with a second place finish and Kaitlyn Kramer finished eighth.

Providence High finished fifth at the meet and South Meck finished 16th out of the 24 teams.

See the full results at NCRunners.

South Charlotte football scores: Week 4

2011-09-09T23:57:00.000-04:00

Quick thoughts from Week 4:

Charlotte Catholic is very, very good. I don't see anyone beating them in the regular season and I think they will go deep into the playoffs.
Glad to see South Meck get its first win. I was surprised when they started 0-3.
Ardrey Kell must have fallen apart in the second half. They had a 20-14 lead at half. They have to start finishing games.
I keep thinking East Meck will get over the hump and get a win and I keep getting disappointed. That team has talent and will upset someone this season.

Weddington 31, Ardrey Kell 26 - My pick: Weddington.

Rocky River 45, Cuthbertson 20 - My pick: Rocky River

West Meck 33, East Meck 13 - ~~My pick: East Meck~~

Myers Park 41, North Meck 7 - My pick: Myers Park

South Meck 40, Harding 16 - ~~My pick: Harding~~

Butler 45, Vance 28 - My pick: Butler

Independence 42, West Charlotte 21 - My pick: Independence

Charlotte Christian 35, Victory Christian 0 - My pick: Charlotte Christian

Providence Day 24, AFC Rangers 12 - My pick: Providence Day

Charlotte Country Day 38, First Assembly 6 - My pick: Charlotte Country Day

Charlotte Catholic 49, Charlotte Latin 14 - My pick: Charlotte Catholic

South Charlotte game previews and predictions: Week 4

2011-09-09T13:28:00.003-04:00

Each week, South Charlotte News prep sports writer Corey Inscoe will break down the biggest south Charlotte football games and give predictions for every area contest.

Last week: 6-4.
Overall: 21-9.

Myers Park (2-1) at North Meck (1-2): Both of these teams lost to Olympic in close games, North Meck 44-42 Week 1 and Myers Park 10-9 on Tuesday. Myers Park needs a win to regain some confidence as it gets ready to go into the conference schedule. North Meck hopes to beat it's second Southwestern 4A team in a row after taking down East Meck last week. My pick: Myers Park.

Charlotte Catholic (3-0) at Charlotte Latin (2-0): Charlotte Latin has looked impressive in two big wins against out-of-state teams, but this will be a real test for the Hawks when they host Charlotte Catholic. The Cougars look nearly unbeatable this year, but the quick Latin offense should test Catholic's defense. My pick: Charlotte Catholic. (I will be covering this game for the Observer. Follow me at @CoreyInscoe for updates.)

Ardrey Kell (1-1) at Weddington (3-0): Ardrey Kell has another chance to beat a Union County team Friday when they travel to Weddington. The Knights barely lost their season opener to Marvin Ridge but had no problem with Hopewell in their second game. Weddington has breezed through its three opening wins and should make things very hard for the Knights. My pick: Weddington.

Cuthbertson (0-3) at Rocky River (1-2) - My pick: Rocky River.

East Meck (0-3) at West Meck (1-2) - My pick: East Meck.

South Meck (0-3) at Harding (2-1) - My pick: Harding.

Vance (1-2) at Butler (1-1) - My pick: Butler.

West Charlotte (1-2) at Independence (3-0) - My pick: Independence.

Victory Christian (1-1) at Charlotte Christian (1-2) - My pick: Charlotte Christian.

Providence Day (1-0) at AFC Rangers (2-1) - My pick: Providence Day.

Charlotte Country Day (1-1) at First Assembly (2-1) - My pick: Charlotte Country Day.

South Charlotte football scores: Week 3

2011-09-07T11:30:00.000-04:00

The third week of high school football was a weird one with most teams playing games Tuesday night and some on Saturday.

I wish I could blame the weather for my poor performance on last week's picks.

The biggest surprise to me this week was Myers Park falling apart against Olympic. I was at the game and the Mustangs missed a lot of opportunities and made a lot of mistakes. And Alex O'Brien, the sophomore quarterback who took over for an injured Ross Jeffries and had a great game Week 2, looked like a sophomore.

It will be interesting to see how the Mustangs rebound Friday when they travel to North Meck.

Week 3 scores and prediction results:

Charlotte Catholic 21, Charlotte Country Day 7 - My pick: Charlotte Catholic.

North Mecklenburg 13, East Mecklenburg 6 - ~~My pick: East Meck~~.

Ardrey Kell 48, Hopewell 14 - My pick: Ardrey Kell.

Hough 20, Providence 3 - My pick: Hough.

Olympic 10, Myers Park 9 - ~~My pick: Myers Park~~.

A.L. Brown 35, Rocky River 14 - My pick: A.L. Brown.

Independence 58, Vance 27 - ~~My pick: Vance~~.

West Meck 13, South Meck 10 - ~~My pick: South Meck~~.

Liberty Christian 38, Charlotte Christian 24 - My pick: Liberty Christian.

Charlotte Latin 48, Ware Shoals S.C. 7 - My pick: Charlotte Latin.

Westminster Catawba (0-2) at Providence Day (1-0) CANCELLED - My pick: Providence Day.

Charlotte Latin's Price named MaxPreps volleyball player of the week

2011-09-06T17:48:00.000-04:00

Charlotte Latin junior setter Emma Price was named the MaxPreps/American Volleyball Coaches Association player of the week for North Carolina last week.

From Aug. 29-Sept. 4, Price had 185 assists, 51 digs, four aces and six blocks in 22 games.

South Charlotte game previews and predictions: Week 3

2011-09-01T14:48:00.000-04:00

Each week, South Charlotte News prep sports writer Corey Inscoe will break down the biggest south Charlotte football games and give predictions for every area contest.

Last week: 10-2.
Overall: 15-5.

Charlotte Catholic (2-0) at Charlotte Country Day (1-0): This is the obvious pick for the game of the week. The 51st Cook Cup rivalry game should be a good one Friday as Catholic dominated its first two opponents and Country Day had a good opening win against Carolina Pride. But, as Cougar coach Jim Oddo told me earlier in the week, in this game you can throw the records out the window. My pick: Charlotte Catholic.

North Mecklenburg (0-2) at East Mecklenburg (0-2): Someone will get their first win on Friday. North Meck opened the season with a close loss to Olympic then got blown out by Independence last week. East Meck has shown it can compete, keeping it close with Marvin Ridge and Berry, but can they pull out the win? I think so. My pick: East Meck.

Hopewell (1-1) at Ardrey Kell (0-1): Hopewell dominated Providence opening week but struggled against a strong 2A team in East Lincoln. Ardrey Kell had a week off before losing a close one to Marvin Ridge. My pick: Ardrey Kell. (Sergio Tovar will be covering this one. Follow him @SergioTovar for updates.)

Hough (0-2) at Providence (0-2) - My pick: Hough.

Myers Park (2-0) at Olympic (1-1) - My pick: Myers Park.

Rocky River (1-1) at A.L. Brown (2-0) - My pick: A.L. Brown.

Vance (1-1) at Independence (2-0) - My pick: Vance.

West Meck (0-2) at South Meck (0-2) - My pick: South Meck.

Charlotte Christian (1-1) at Liberty Christian (1-0) - My pick: Liberty Christian.

Charlotte Latin (1-0) at Ware Shoals S.C. (0-1) - My pick: Charlotte Latin.

Westminster Catawba (0-2) at Providence Day (1-0) - My pick: Providence Day.

Ardrey Kell girls cross country wins Providence Invitational

2011-08-29T12:48:00.002-04:00

The Ardrey Kell girls' cross country team started the season off with a first place finish out of 40 teams in the Providence Invitational Saturday at McAlpine Greenway.

Ardrey Kell scored 42 points in the meet with second place Cardinal Gibbons far behind with 125 (points are based on combined finishing position of top five runners).

The Knights' Sydney Foreman finished second, Kaitlyn Kramer finished fourth, Samantha Teague finished sixth and Sydney Teague finished 12th. Davie's Anna McBride won the race.

South Mecklenburg's Madelin Talbert finished fifth and Carhlotte Catholic's Jamie Vezolles and Margot Corcoran finished eighth and ninth, respectively.

The Ardrey Kell boys finished fifth in the Invitational with Madison Souder leading the team with a fourth place finish. Providence's Wyatt Maxey finished ninth.

Full girls' standings:

Scoring Teams and Points:

1. Ardrey Kell 42 (2 4 6 12 18 71 79)

2. Cardinal Gibbons 125 (13 17 23 32 40 60 80)

3. Green Hope 134 (10 24 25 37 38 42 161)

4. Hilton Head 194 (11 21 49 54 59 86 165)

5. Marvin Ridge 205 (27 28 31 51 68 84 113)

6. Providence 227 (22 45 50 52 58 63 74)

7. Lexington 241 (16 41 44 47 93 96 100)

8. Mount Tabor 243 (15 20 67 69 72 82 125)

9. Charlotte Catholic 263 (8 9 57 92 97 103 118)

10. Leesville Road 297 (26 61 62 73 75 89 134)

11. Lake Norman 313 (39 43 48 88 95 121 132)

12. Weddington 355 (3 53 91 102 106 111 114)

13. South Mecklenburg 371 (5 33 98 112 123 153 157)

14. West Forsyth 390 (7 19 83 109 172 181 223)

15. Lake Norman Charter 432 (29 46 107 122 128 142 146)

16. Mauldin 437 (30 90 99 108 110 168 177)

17. Bishop McGuinness 438 (14 70 101 105 148 151 155)

18. Jay M Robinson 483 (35 65 77 119 187 192 199)

19. A.L. Brown 549 (66 85 117 140 141 144 145)

20. Davie 556 (1 130 136 139 150 171 188)

21. Northwestern 570 (64 76 104 152 174 186 218)

22. Hough 603 (78 81 131 154 159 182 185)

23. Cary 643 (55 115 149 160 164 169 176)

24. Cox Mill 658 (94 126 133 143 162 163 205)

25. Mallard Creek 762 (36 87 190 204 245 248)

26. Piedmont 768 (120 129 147 179 193 214 217)

27. Independence 774 (34 116 201 210 213 227 237)

28. Hickory Ridge 809 (124 138 166 183 198 207 208)

29. Butler 816 (127 135 137 197 220 239 240)

30. Mooresville 955 (173 175 189 196 222 230 231)

31. Hopewell 975 (156 191 203 209 216 219)

32. West Iredell 978 (56 195 236 244 247 249)

33. East Mecklenburg 1036 (158 167 226 234 251)

34. Porter Ridge 1043 (180 194 211 212 246)

35. East Rowan 1073 (184 200 221 233 235 252)

36. North Mecklenburg 1089 (170 202 232 242 243)

37. Parkwood 1096 (178 224 225 228 241 253 254)

38. Sun Valley 1138 (206 215 229 238 250)

Full boys' standings:

Scoring Teams and Points:

1. Lexington 51 (1 8 11 14 17 30 65)

2. Mount Tabor 73 (2 6 12 22 31 67 112)

3. Cardinal Gibbons 84 (5 10 13 19 37 58 72)

4. Weddington 111 (7 15 18 29 42 50 62)

5. Ardrey Kell 198 (4 23 47 54 70 89 90)

6. Cary 213 (3 20 36 73 81 107 123)

7. Hilton Head 242 (25 40 43 57 77 94 104)

8. Mauldin 266 (27 28 51 78 82 101 128)

9. East Rowan 277 (16 39 60 76 86 98 100)

10. Lake Norman 309 (24 33 38 84 130 145 170)

11. Lake Norman Charter 328 (46 52 56 83 91 136 155)

12. Leesville Road 362 (61 63 66 75 97 109 150)

13. Green Hope 397 (44 45 68 115 125 135 162)

14. West Forsyth 404 (26 41 48 131 158 174 197)

15. Northwestern 420 (34 53 102 105 126 180 210)

16. Providence 423 (9 71 87 119 137 165 177)

17. Marvin Ridge 435 (35 64 85 103 148 152 159)

18. Jay M Robinson 469 (21 55 79 154 160 168 220)

19. Charlotte Catholic 544 (95 96 108 118 127 141 173)

20. Bishop McGuinness 559 (32 49 133 166 179 218 226)

21. Mooresville 599 (74 88 110 124 203 224 228)

22. Hough 628 (93 99 106 140 190 223 234)

23. East Mecklenburg 697 (80 116 156 163 182 193 236)

24. Independence 712 (69 113 153 186 191 216 225)

25. A.L. Brown 753 (114 129 161 164 185 195 215)

26. South Mecklenburg 795 (111 149 176 178 181 201 212)

27. Hickory Ridge 815 (132 142 172 175 194 200 204)

28. Cox Mill 816 (117 147 171 189 192 235 245)

29. North Mecklenburg 844 (120 121 146 227 230 267 270)

30. Piedmont 884 (134 144 169 199 238 258 263)

31. Mallard Creek 893 (59 202 208 211 213 229 249)

32. Olympic 917 (138 184 188 198 209 217 243)

33. Davie 919 (143 157 183 214 222 242 246)

34. Porter Ridge 1023 (122 151 240 253 257 259 260)

35. Hopewell 1041 (92 219 239 244 247 250 268)

36. Sun Valley 1068 (139 205 221 248 255 261 262)

37. West Iredell 1095 (187 207 231 233 237 254 256)

38. Butler 1129 (167 206 241 251 264 265 266)

39. Parkwood 1220 (196 232 252 269 271 272 273)

South Charlotte football scores: Week 2

2011-08-26T23:30:00.004-04:00

Berry 16 at East Mecklenburg 10

Butler 70 at Olympic 6

Hough 28 at Myers Park 55

Independence 37 at North Mecklenburg 7

Marvin Ridge 21 at Ardrey Kell 18

Providence High 0 at Charlotte Catholic 42

Rocky River 7 at Harding 12

South Mecklenburg 16 at Mooresville 28

Charlotte Christian 17 at Concord First Assembly 8

Carolina Pride 13 at Charlotte Country Day 55

Victory Christian 0 at Providence Day 35

Charlotte Latin 23 at North Cross (Va.) 0

My picks:

Berry at East Mecklenburg - My pick: Berry.

Butler at Olympic - My pick: Butler.

Hough at Myers Park - My pick: Myers Park.

Independence at North Mecklenburg - My pick: Independence.

Marvin Ridge at Ardrey Kell - ~~My pick: Ardrey Kell~~. Marvin Ridge

Providence High at Charlotte Catholic - My pick: Charlotte Catholic.

Rocky River at Harding - My pick: Harding.

South Mecklenburg at Mooresville - My pick: Mooresville.

Charlotte Christian at Concord First Assembly - My pick: Charlotte Christian.

Carolina Pride at Charlotte Country Day - My pick: Charlotte Country Day.

Victory Christian at Providence Day - My pick: Providence Day.

Charlotte Latin at North Cross - ~~My pick: North Cross~~. Charlotte Latin

South Charlotte football picks: Week 2

2011-08-26T11:16:00.005-04:00

I feel pretty good about my 5-3 record in picks last week, but I feel even better this week after seeing almost every team in action.

The four untested teams that start this week are Charlotte Latin, Providence Day, Country Day and Ardrey Kell, which starts the season with a rivalry game against Marvin Ridge.

To the picks:

Berry at East Mecklenburg - My pick: Berry. East Meck is close, but Berry is fast.

Butler at Olympic - My pick: Butler. Bulldogs should rebound from tough Mallard Creek loss.

Hough at Myers Park - My pick: Myers Park. Hough looked tough against Independence, but I think the Mustangs start 2-0.

Independence at North Mecklenburg - My pick: Independence. Not an easy game for the Patriots, but I think they pull out the win.

Marvin Ridge at Ardrey Kell - My pick: Ardrey Kell. Marvin Ridge barely made it past East Meck last week while Ardrey Kell had an extra week to prepare.

Providence High at Charlotte Catholic - My pick: Charlotte Catholic. Catholic was impressive last week. Providence was not.

Rocky River at Harding - My pick: Harding. Rocky River won their opener, but I don't see them starting 2-0.

South Mecklenburg at Mooresville - My pick: Mooresville. Mooresville had a big upset over West Rowan and the Sabres showed they still have questions on both sides of the ball.

Charlotte Christian at Concord First Assembly - My pick: Charlotte Christian. Tough pick, but I give a slight edge to the Knights.

Charlotte Latin at North Cross (Va.) - My pick: North Cross. Don't know much about North Cross, but Latin is inexperienced, small and playing away.

Carolina Pride at Charlotte Country Day - My pick: Charlotte Country Day. Defending state champions should start the season with a win.

Victory Christian at Providence Day - My pick: Providence Day. Interested to see how the new offensive starters perform for the Chargers.

Hawks' Jordi commits to Richmond

2011-08-24T13:48:00.003-04:00

Charlotte Latin senior soccer player Brandon Jordi committed to play soccer at the University of Richmond next year.

Jordi is a four-year starter for the Hawks and has scored 43 goals and had 28 assists in his career. He also plays for the North Meck Soccer Club and was a member of the U.S. U15 National team in 2008.

Football games of the week: Aug. 26

2011-08-24T12:40:00.004-04:00

Providence (0-1) at Charlotte Catholic (1-0), 7:30 p.m.

Charlotte Catholic took down one Southwestern 4A team in South Mecklenburg last week, and Friday the Cougars will be looking to beat a second when the Providence High Panthers visit. Charlotte Catholic's offense looks very strong, but the defense showed a few weaknesses in the opening game. Providence, which lost last week to Hopewell, will have to exploit those weaknesses to have a chance in this game.

Marvin Ridge (1-0) at Ardrey Kell (0-0), 7 p.m.

This non-conference game is turning into an exciting rivalry for the south Charlotte and Union County schools. Marvin Ridge edged East Mecklenburg last week, 14-12, while the Knights had an extra week to prepare for their first game with a bye. Marvin Ridge barely won this game, 38-34, last year.

Charlotte Christian (0-1) at Concord First Assembly (1-0), 7:30 p.m.

Charlotte Christian is rebuilding this year, and it showed last week in a 28-7 loss to Franklin High. First Assembly has to deal with the loss of head coach Mike Minter and starting running back Michael Minter, who both left just before the season started. Christian came out on top of this matchup last year, 24-6.

(My weekly predictions of south Charlotte games will be posted here Friday.)

South Charlotte Friday night football scores: Week 1

2011-08-19T23:07:00.002-04:00

All Final:

Independence 38, Hough 32.
Myers Park 29, Garinger 16.
Mallard Creek 28, Butler 20.
Hopewell 41, Providence 13.
Charlotte Catholic 46, South Meck 28.
Rocky River 15, West Meck 3.
Franklin 29, Christian 7.
Marvin Ridge 17, East Meck 13.

My picks from this week:

Butler at Mallard Creek - ~~My pick: Butler~~. Mallard Creek
East Mecklenburg at Marvin Ridge - My pick: Marvin Ridge.
Garinger at Myers Park - My pick: Myers Park.
Independence at Hough - My pick: Independence.
Providence at Hopewell - ~~My pick: Providence.~~ Hopewell
South Mecklenburg at Charlotte Catholic - My pick: Charlotte Catholic.
West Mecklenburg at Rocky River - My pick: Rocky River.
Franklin High at Charlotte Christian - ~~My pick: Charlotte Christian.~~ Franklin

I will take five right and three wrong in the first week. It's always tough when you haven't seen all the teams in a real game.

Corey's south Charlotte football picks: Week 1

2011-08-18T16:18:00.003-04:00

Happy football Friday!

Summer is finally over and many area teams take the field tonight for the first week of high school football!

Every Friday this season, I will post my picks for each area game on this blog. Also, the Observer prep writers and the WCNC sports team pick seven area games each week. You can find them in Friday's paper and online.

To the games:

Butler at Mallard Creek - My pick: Butler.
East Mecklenburg at Marvin Ridge - My pick: Marvin Ridge.
Garinger at Myers Park - My pick: Myers Park.
Independence at Hough - My pick: Independence.
Providence at Hopewell - My pick: Providence.
South Mecklenburg at Charlotte Catholic - My pick: Charlotte Catholic.
West Mecklenburg at Rocky River - My pick: Rocky River.
Franklin High at Charlotte Christian - My pick: Charlotte Christian.

I won't always pick the local teams, but I think this week works out really well for the south Charlotte schools. I'm really interested in seeing how Providence looks in the opener and I want to see how Independence rebounds from last year. I think Rocky River will surprise some people this year, so I gave them the edge in the opener.

I will be live-tweeting the South Mecklenburg at Catholic game tonight. Follow me on Twitter @CoreyInscoe for score updates. My colleague Sergio Tovar will be covering Independence at Hough, so follow him @sergiotovar.

Area scores and the results of my picks will be up by Saturday morning.

My conference predictions for south Charlotte football

2011-08-18T12:54:00.003-04:00

Now that I've spent time with each of the teams in the south Charlotte area, it's time to make some predictions.

Preseason predictions are never easy, especially when all you have to base them on is 7-on-7s, a couple scrimmages and coach interviews.

Below is a look at how I think each conference will end up. It's not scientific: half the time it's just a gut feeling or a hunch. I'd love to hear your thoughts (and arguments) in the comments.

Here we go.

Southwestern 4A

Favorite: Barring an epic collapse, I think Butler runs away with the conference again and has a decent shot at a third-straight state title. The Bulldogs have a lot of experience on offense coming back. The defense may not be as experienced, but I have faith that defensive coordinator Steve Shaughnessy will have that unit ready to go. And they have Peter Kalambayi.

Contenders: Second place in the conference is totally up in the air, in my opinion. Myers Park has a lot of experience, but will they be consistent enough over the season to finish high? Ardrey Kell has a lot of talent coming back to a team that was 5-2 in the conference last year. South Mecklenburg has it's whole offensive line back, but if their performance in a scrimmage last week is any indication, they still have a lot of work to do.

Independence should be better this year, but they also shouldn't have been as bad as they were last year. Can they put it together? Providence is a total question mark to me, so I can't wait to see how they perform Friday against Hopewell.

If I had to pick the finishing order, here's what I would guess:

1. Butler
2. Ardrey Kell
3. Myers Park
4. Independence
5. South Mecklenburg
6. Providence
7. East Mecklenburg
8. Rocky River

CISAA

Almost every skill player from last year's local private schools are gone. All of the starting quarterbacks and running backs from the beginning of last year have graduated, so it's hard to tell what's going to happen on offense.

Favorite: I have to go with Providence Day here. They had a solid season last year, finishing 8-3 and losing in the state semifinals to Charlotte Latin. They may have lost quarterback Price Litton to graduation, but they have junior South Meck transfer Chase Ferguson, who started two years for the Sabres. They also have two young running backs and a receiving corps that coach Bruce Hardin is excited about. The defense returns five starters and also features a couple transfers.

Contender: Charlotte Country Day is a very close second. The defending state champions also lost a lot, but have a strong junior class filling the holes. They may take a few weeks to get settled in, but I expect they'll be very strong when they hit conference play the last three games of the season.

I think Charlotte Christian also has a chance with quarterback Eric Lynch, who showed some promise at the end of last season, and Desmond Lawrence in the secondary on defense.

Charlotte Latin is simply too small and too young right now. I can't completely count the Hawks out with Larry McNulty at the helm, but it could be a long season for Latin.

My prediction:

1. Providence Day
2. Charlotte Country Day
3. Charlotte Christian
4. Charlotte Latin.

ME-GA 7

Favorite: Charlotte Catholic has a system that works. They may not return many starters, but they seem to be able to plug players in with ease and be successful each season.

Contenders: I haven't studied the other teams in the conference as much since they are not in the South Charlotte News coverage area, but Olympic seems like the main challenger with 15 starters back from a 6-6 team. Berry could also be interesting, moving to 3A with a bunch of starters back.

Paul Griggs selected for U.S. Army All-American game

2011-08-16T17:48:00.002-04:00

Charlotte Latin senior kicker and punter Paul Griggs has been selected to play in the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, according to his mother, Julie.

The game is Jan. 7 and will be played in an East vs. West format. The game will be nationally broadcast on NBC and features 90 of the top high school football players in the nation.

Griggs recently committed to play in college at Purdue.

As a junior at Latin, Griggs had 47 PATs and eight field goals, including a new school field goal distance record of 48 yards. He also had 56 touchbacks on kickoffs and was named to the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association All-State team.

Click here to read a profile on Griggs written by our summer sports intern Katherine Terrell.

Austin picks N.C. State over MLB

2011-08-16T12:57:00.004-04:00

Former Providence High baseball star Brett Austin will play at North Carolina State next year instead of going pro with the San Diego Padres, according to MLB.com.

Austin, who was picked No. 54 in the Major League draft (compensatory first round), was offered a signing bonus "above slot," according to the Padres, but decided to go to stay in college with the Wolfpack, where he already attended summer school.

Austin, the 2011 Charlotte Observer Player of the Year, batted .537 with 12 home runs and 38 RBI this season for the Panthers.

--Jay Edwards

Former Titan volleyball player transfers to Ardrey Kell

2011-08-10T12:55:00.003-04:00

Former Hopewell outside hitter Rachel Eppley transferred to Ardrey Kell and will play volleyball for the Knights this fall, Ardrey Kell coach Zoe Bell confirmed.

Eppley had 233 kills and 533 digs last year, helping the Titans to a 27-4 finish. The junior joins an Ardrey Kell team that was 20-8 and lost in the third round of the state playoffs.

-Correspondent Jay Edwards

QCAA Force wins USBA basketball national title

2011-08-05T14:35:00.002-04:00

The fifth grade QCAA Force Blue team defeated the Virginia All Stars 50-48 to win the USBA National Tournament in Myrtle Beach July 23.

Gary Drummings drove to the basket and completed a three-point play to tie the game with 50 seconds left. JB Truesdale hit two free throws to go ahead by two points, the first lead of the game for Force. With four seconds left, the All Stars had two free throws to tie the game, but missed both.

Pictured:

Back row (from left): Coach Ricky Grimes, Joel Wissell (11) of Huntersville, Blake Wilson (11) of Gastonia, Connor Hammond (12) of Charlotte, Will Turner (11) of Charlotte and coach David Amigo.

Middle row (from left): Gary Drummings (11) of Gastonia, JB Truesdale (11) of Charlotte, Caleb Grimes (11) of Charlotte and Kyle Austin (11) of Charlotte.

Front row (from left): Michael McKoy (11) of Charlotte, Kyle Wood (12) of Charlotte, Josh Amigo (11) of Fort Mill.

Cyclones lacrosse ranked 8th in the nation

2011-08-05T14:11:00.004-04:00

The North Carolina Cyclones U15 lacrosse team finished ranked eighth in the country at the US Lacrosse U15 National Championship in Orlando July 22-24.

The Cyclones, made up entirely of Charlotte area players, finished 5-1 in the tournament, losing to Team Colorado 10-8 in the quarterfinals.

Team members, pictured above, include: Charlotte Latin's Emerson Schaffer, Clifton Mathis, Carson Song, John Oats, Tim Verhoff, Owen Armstrong and Denzel Pearson; Charlotte Catholic's Nick Rizzieri, Ryan Beltrando, Seamus Byrne, Connor Pool, James Powers and Jacob Priester; Providence Day's Mitch Renfrow and Jake Chandler; Country Day's Max Kepley; Davidson Day's Hudson Harris; Carmel Christian's Jackson Harris and Queens Grant's Zach Hutchko.

NCBCA announces 4A all-state baseball team

2011-08-04T16:32:00.002-04:00

The North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association announced the 4A all-state baseball team this week. (To see the 3A list, click here.)

Six south Charlotte players made the team: Ardrey Kell's Chris McCue and Logan Ratledge, Butler's A.J. Larson, Weddington's Jordan Newsome and Providence High's Brett Austin and Jake Fincher.

Charlotte Catholic's Alex Jensen also appeared on the team, presumably because the 3A Cougars play in a split 3A/4A conference.

4A NCBCA all-state team

Dylan Maples, Pinecrest
Alex Raburn, Durham Jordan
Matt Orth, SW Guilford
Michael Russell, Hopewell
Jordan Ramsey, North Davidson
Travis Cook, South Caldwell
Lou Adams, South View
Jonathon Kelly, Ashley
Josh Tobias, Southeast Guilford
Will Butler, Wakefield
Brien Taylor, Harnett Central
Logan Ratledge, Ardrey Kell
A J. Larson, Butler
Alex Ledford, T.C. Roberson
Carson Bryant, T.C. Robeson
Alex Jensen, Charlotte Catholic
Jordan Newsome, Weddington
Brett Austin, Providence
Curt Britt, Scotland County
Chris McCue, Ardrey Kell
Coley Thompkins, Hoggard
Jake Fincher, Providence
Jason Creasey, Clayton
Justin Manning, Holly Springs
Matt Soiter, New Bern
Charlie Herring, J.H. Rose
Luke Dunlap, East Forsyth
Dillon Frye, Lee County

Carlos Rodon, Holly Springs - Player of the Year

Two local players make NCBCA all-state team

2011-08-01T14:14:00.003-04:00

The North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association released its 2011 All-State team, which was posted on iHigh yesterday.

Charlotte Catholic's Alex Jensen and Weddington's Jordan Newsome made the team this year. The full team is posted below.

2011 NCBCA 3A All-State Baseball Team

Parker Lamm, Wilson Hunt
Benton Moss, Rocky Mount
Seth Bresseale, Union Pines
Peter Owens, Chapel Hill
Jordan Deloatch, DH Conley
Zach Mozingo, Eastern Wayne
Ryne Rush, Asheboro
Brody Koerner, JM Robinson
Nick Monroe, Eastern Alamance
Sean Grant, West Iredell
Alex Jensen, Charlotte Catholic
Jordan Newsome, Weddington
Josh Vales, Currituck
Brian Hardy, North Lenoir
Cory Seager, Northwest Cabarrus
Colby Fox, North Buncombe
Kevin Wise, Southern Wayne
Jon Taylor, CB Aycock
Garrett Brown, Erwin
Spencer Wiles, South Point
Dylan Baker, West Henderson
Chastin Radford, North Lenoir
John Edwards, Jacksonville
Luis Paula, Northeast Guilford
Damon Hoggard, West Carteret
Pete Guy, Ledford

Weddington Menace wins Little League state championship

2011-08-01T12:19:00.006-04:00

The Weddington National 11U All Star baseball team (Weddington Menace) won the 10-11-year-old Little League state championship in July and is now playing in the Tournament of State Champions (Southeast Championship).

The Menace, coached by Rich Cerreta, Steven Helms and Mark Mennitt, finished undefeated in the state tournament and beat Bull City in the championship game July 21 in Wilson.

Weddington is 2-0 in the Tournament of State Champions, which started July 29 in Greenville, N.C. The Menace beat Saint Albans (W.Va.) 3-0 and Phenix City (Ala.) 10-0.

Weddington plays Georgia today at 4 p.m.

Players for Weddington include: Sam Mennitt, Zac Cerreta, Matthew Helms, Reid Mayers, Patrick Morrison, Joshua Manuel, Ryan Amos, Ian White, Mark Conner, Scotty Tuttle and Cade Vela.