MVP Performers

Two of the North Neighbors best basketball players showed they were amongst Charlotte’s best at the Charlotte Pro-Am All-Star Classic last weekend (March 27). Hopewell’s DeMon Brooks had 24 points to lead the East squad to an 84-82 victory. Brooks, a 6-foot-8 senior, was named MVP for his performance.

North Meck’s Lauren Lewis had a similar day for the East girls’ team, who won 80-72 in overtime. Lewis was named MVP for her team after scoring 15 points, including back-to-back three-pointers to open the overtime period.

North Meck track quartet sets record

The North Meck 1600-meter relay team set a 29-year old record last weekend (March 27) at the Queen City Relays at Myers Park High School. The relay squad, which included Briana Brazile, Lindsey Lang, Alexis Jordan and Trikeria Johnson broke the record set in 1981 (by Menchville HS (Va.), with a time of 3:59.16. The same quartet also won the 800-meter relay run.

Lake Norman softball off to perfect start

The Lake Norman softball team is a perfect 11-0 (4-0 I-Meck) this season, and have dominated nearly every team in their path, outscoring their opponents 102-14. The Wildcats, led by head coach Bob Hall, have notched their two biggest victories in the last two weeks, beating I-Meck rivals North Meck and Hopewell. After beating the Vikings 1-0, Lake Norman scored five runs in the 7^th inning to for an improbable comeback win over the Titans to take sole possession of first-place in the I-Meck.

Eddie, Larsen, Wright named all-state

Three Lake Norman/Cabarrus County area players were named to the Associated Press all-state basketball this week after helping their teams to standout seasons.

Lake Norman senior forward Paul Larsen, who helped lead the Wildcats to their first state title in school history, was an all-state selection. Larsen, who will continue his career at Mercer next season, was also MVP of the state championship game.

Cannon's Jarrell Eddie was also an all-state AP selection. Eddie, who will play basketball at Virginia Tech next season, averaged nearly 25 points this season and score well over 2,500 points in his Cougar career.

East Lincoln's Lindsy Wright was the only female from the area named to the all-state squad. Wright, a senior who will play at Wake Forest next season, averaged 21 points and nine rebounds per game for the Mustangs and led her team to a SPC tournament title.

Hough High to hold booster club meeting

William A. Hough High School, which is scheduled to open in Cornelius next fall, will be having an athletic booster club meeting at Bailey Middle School in Cornelius on Tuesday, March 30 at 6:30 pm in the Media Center.

Davidson Day names new boys' soccer coach

Davidson Day School has selected Josh Wagner as its new head boys soccer coach. The former collegiate soccer standout comes to Davidson Day following a stint as head coach for the North Mecklenburg boys' junior varsity soccer team (2008-2010), where the team finished last season with an impressive 21-8-1 record.

“There are few teachers and coaches who are more engaged in the Lake Norman youth athletic community than Josh Wagner,” Davidson Day Athletic Director Kevin Buechler said. “He is a rising star in scholastic soccer at the high school, middle school, and youth levels. So many of our elementary aged students know and love Mr. Wagner for his teaching. We are extremely excited to see him build a program based on integrity, diligence, and a passion for the game.”

When it comes to soccer, Wagner is a very popular figure in the Lake Norman area. In addition to his coaching duties at North Mecklenburg, he is also the head boys soccer coach at Bailey Middle School, where he started the program from the ground up (2006-present). He also is a recreation coordinator for the Town of Davidson Parks and Recreation, where he plays a key role in facilitating soccer camps throughout the year (2006-present)

"Words cannot explain how excited I am to join the Davidson Day family. To finally begin my dream of running a varsity program; with my philosophy of the game, and applying it at such a high level of play,” said Wagner. “I have been waiting for this position for two years now. The timing is perfect, and the potential of this soccer program has no boundaries."

With soccer being a clear passion for Wagner, it wasn’t the only factor that attracted him to Davidson Day. “What attracted me the most to Davidson Day was the philosophy of the school and the passion for not just athletics, but also academics. The opportunity to have full support from the administration is something I couldn’t ignore. I live in this community, and have a vested interest, so what better way to continue to impact this community in such a positive way and to mold future leaders than to be at Davidson Day School.”

A native of Rochester, NY, Wagner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Baptist Bible College (Clarks Summit, PA) in 2003. While at Baptist Bible College, he was a four-year starter for the men’s soccer team. During his junior and senior year, he led the team to an East Regional Championship.

Davidson Day hires new girls' basketball coach

Former Davidson Wildcats guard Jessica Mitchell was named the head girls basketball coach at Davidson Day Tuesday, March 9. The former Davidson basketball standout comes to Davidson Day following a stint as an assistant coach for the Wingate University Women’s Basketball program (2009-2010).

“Anyone who watched Davidson athletics in recent history knows what a fierce competitor Jessica Mitchell is and what an exceptional leader she is on and off the basketball court,” Davidson Day Athletic Director Kevin Buechler said. “She learned from some of the best coaches in the area in Wingate coach Barbara Nelson and Davidson College coach Annette Watts. We are thrilled to add such a talented young coach and exceptional role model to our Patriot coaching family.”

Mitchell brings a wealth of experience to Davidson Day, on both the Division I and Division II college landscape, as a player and a coach. Prior to arriving at Wingate University, Mitchell was a Graduate Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Augusta State University in Augusta, GA (2008-2009).

"I am very excited to be taking my first head coaching job at Davidson Day School. I feel as though I have learned a lot over the last six years, both as a player and as a college coach, and I am ready to bring some of that experience to the program and DDS,” said Mitchell. “It's a tremendous opportunity."

In addition to having the chance to head a basketball program, another factor in Mitchell’s decision was the opportunity to come back home to Davidson.

“I really enjoyed my four years at Davidson College, athletically and academically," she said. "I found that after I left this area, I could really appreciate how incredibly special it was. The relationships that I established here have continued to be staples in my life, even after my college career was over. I feel blessed to be back to the place that I still identify as "home." There really is no other place like it.”

Davidson Women’s Basketball Coach Annette Watts had this to say on the hiring of Jessica Mitchell: "I think the young women of Davidson Day are in for a learning curve, great time and exciting basketball. Jessica was a fundamental player and I know she will be a fundamental coach. I cannot wait to watch the girls’ basketball program grow.”

A native of Wilkesboro, N.C., Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Davidson College in 2007. While at Davidson, she was a three-year starter for the women’s basketball team. During her senior year, she was elected team captain and led the team to a 23-9 record; the best in school history.

--Davidson Day press release

Lake Norman wins state title

By Langston Wertz Jr.

Charlotte Observer.

Lake Norman won its first state boys' basketball championship Saturday courtesy of a furious finish.

The Wildcats beat previously unbeaten Fayetteville Sanford 63-46 at Reynolds Coliseum. Sanford, which tied its lowest point total of the season, scored only 15 points in the second half. Sanford scored five points in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs (31-1) led 39-34 with 1 minute, 39 seconds to go in the third quarter, but was outscored 29-7 the rest of the game.

Sanford shot only 27 percent in the second half and made just 5-of-13 free throws.

"I'm at a loss for words," said Lake Norman coach Brandon Jolly, whose team finished the season at 25-3. "It's something special. These guys have worked so hard. They deserve it and I'm so proud of them."

Jolly's team started the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run, running out to a 50-41 lead with 3:54 to play. Sanford managed only six shot attempts the rest of the way, making only two.

"We're all very disappointed," Sanford coach Bill Boyette said. "However, when I look at what these young men and our basketball team has done for Terry Sanford High School and what it's done for our community, I somehow ... smile. "

Sanford got 13 points and five rebounds from point guard Chris Wilson and 11 points and 7 rebounds from Robert Carpenter.

Lake Norman was led by 20 points and three rebounds from senior guard Reggie Price and 18 points and 8 rebounds from championship MVP Paul Larsen.

Price said the difference in the game was an adjustment his team made at halftime, going to a pressure defense they call "50 Plus."

"They really started getting fidgety," Price said, "and they started turning the ball over. As soon as they did, I thought we had them."

Sanford's Boyette said he was disappointed that his team missed five straight free throws late in the third quarter and early in the fourth as Lake Norman was pulling away.

"We missed on some critical possessions," he said, "and this was stunning to me, but we had three straight defensive possessions where I'm not so sure we knew who we were guarding. That never happens to us. I thought that was the difference in the game."

South Point wins East Lincoln girls' soccer tourney

East Lincoln High School hosted the third annual Andy Kosmala Memorial Soccer Tournament last week, featuring teams from South Point, Salisbury, South Iredell and East Lincoln.

The tournament raised money for St. Judes Childrens Hospital in honor of Andy Kosmala, the bother of one of East Lincoln's senior varsity players Emily Kosmala, who passed away three years ago with brain cancer at just 12 years old.

Thanks to sponsors Little Ceasers of Denver, National Property Inspectors, A2Z Solutions and News at Norman, this year the tournament has raised approximately $1000 to be donated to St Judes.

South Point was crowned the champions after winning all three matches.

Scores:

South Point 2, Salisbury 1
East Lincoln 1, South Iredell 1

South Point 3, South Iredell 1
East Lincoln 0, Salisbury 3

South Point 2, East Lincoln 0
Salisbury 2, South Iredell 2

Offensive MVP: Madison Kennedy, Salisbury.
Deffensive MVP: Kaelee Scruggs, South Point.

All-Tournament Team:

Rebekka Glass, East Lincoln
Kasi Benskin, East Lincoln
Aaliyah Jackson, South Iredell
Ashlyn Pierce, South Iredell
Karen Presnell, Salisbury
Whittney Brown, Salisbury
Sierra Davis, Salisbury
Molly Fisher, South Point
Meredith Levy, South Point
Shannyn Holder, South Point
Rebecca Ludwig, South Point

Mustang soccer players sign letters of intent

East Lincoln girls' soccer players Kasi Benskin and Rebekka Glass each signed letters of intent to play soccer in the fall at Erskin College and Pfieffer College, respectively, on Feb. 11.


Benskin is a four-year varsity starter at East Lincoln and is a senior captain of this year's team. She was an all-conference and all region player both her sophomore and junior years.

Benskin was a member of the gold medal West Team at the 2009 N.C. State Games. She has recieved a combination of athletic and academic scholarships totaling over $20,000 to play soccer for Erskin College next fall.

She is the only fall 2010 recruit for Erskin and is expected to make an immediate impact on her team. Last spring Benskin scored 20 goals and had eight assists for the Mustangs, helping lead them to the state quarterfinals and a No. 8 ranking in 2A. Benskin played her last year of club soccer for the Charlotte Soccer Academy's U-18 premier squad coached by Lee Horton.


Glass is a four-year varsity starter at East Lincoln and is in her second year as captain of the Lady Mustangs. She was an all-conference player her freshman, sophomore, and junior years, all-region her sophomore and junior year and all-state her junior year.

Glass played for the West Team in the N.C. State games in both 2008 and 2009. She has recieved a combination of athletic and academic scholarships totaling approximately $28,000 to play soccer for Pfieffer College next fall.

Glass was recruited by numerous colleges and is excited to have found a fit with Pfieffer. Last spring, she was named the conference player of the year with 13 goals and 18 assists. Rebekka played her last year of club soccer for the Charlotte Soccer Academy's U-18 Region 3 Premier squad coached by Brad Wild and Dan Dudley.

Hopewell, Lake Norman win I-Meck match

Hopewell's Logan Harrell finished second overall and led his team to a tie for first-place with Lake Norman in the squad's first I-Meck match this season.

Harrell, the No. 1 golfer in the state and No. 38 golfer in the nation (his age group) according to golfweekly.com, shot a 36 for the Titans. Harrell is committed to play golf for South Carolina next season.

Meanwhile, Lake Norman's Zac Stevens had the top individual score with a 31 to help his team tie Hopewell at the top.

North Meck's Sean Priester led the Vikings with a 41.

Hopewell beat Lake Norman, wins HLC tennis tournament

The Hopewell boys' tennis team breezed throught the Huntington Learning Center (HLC) Invitational Saturday and Sunday to take their first title in three-year history of the event.

The Titans blanked Crest (9-0) and then handled 3A defending state champion Lake Norman (7-2) to win the HLC title in dominant fashion. Hopewell got four wins each, including two singles and two doubles matches, from Brian Andersen, Tyler Roberts and CJ Rapp. The Titans' John David Curlis and Jeremy Anderson won three times in four matches.

Lake Norman had won the first two HLC titles beating Hopewell in the finals both times.

Lake Norman to play in state title game

The Lake Norman boys basketball team has had its best season in school history.

Saturday night, they could make it even better as the Wildcats (25-3) take on undefeated Sanford High at 7:30 in Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh.

Lake Norman beat West Charlotte 82-73 in overtime last Saturday to move into the finals for the first time ever. The Wildcats were led by regional MVP Reggie Price, who scored 25 points, including 13 of his team's 16 points in the extra period.

Senior Paul Larsen added 20 point and 13 rebounds to power the Wildcats over the Lions.

Lake Norman, who is doing all of this in their first season in class 4A, went 25-2 last season before losing to Concord in the sectional finals.

Hopewell to host tennis invitational

The Hopewell boys' tennis program will host the third annual Huntington Learning Center Invitational on March 5-6. The invitational will have a four-team dual-match format, with two matches being played on Friday. The winners of these matches will play Saturday morning at 10 am to determine the champion, with the other two teams playing for third place.

Hopewell will host Boiling Springs Crest in the first match. The second match will feature last season’s 3A state champion Lake Norman and Raleigh Athens Drive. Both of these matches will begin at 4 p.m. Friday. The winners/losers will play the following day at 10 a.m. to determine the overall tournament champion. Lake Norman is the two-time champion of the HLC Invitational.

For more information, log on to http://pages.cms.k12.nc.us/hopewellmenstennis/

Huntington Learning Center Invitational

Friday, March 5: Both Matches begin at 4:00 pm.

Match A: Hopewell versus Boiling Springs Crest

Match B: Lake Norman versus Raleigh Athens Drive

Saturday, March 6: Both Matches begin at 10:00 am.

First place: “Winner A” versus “Winner B”

Third place: “Loser A” versus “Loser B”

All matches will be played at Hopewell High School.

Belfield, Bremner and Sullivan invited to Carolina Challenge

Cannon School junior Keith Belfield is among the 80 North Carolina high school basketball players hand-picked to participate in Dave Teleps Carolina Challenge, to be held Saturday, March 27 at Cary Academy in Cary, N.C.

North Mecklenburg juniors Carlin Bremner and Bernard Sullivan will also attend.

Now in its fourth year, the Carolina Challenge is the signature event for the state’s top players. Only the best freshmen, sophomores, and juniors have been chosen for this invitation-only, one-day academy that showcases the talent in the state and emphasizes what it means and takes to become a college basketball player.

Players will be divided into eight teams of 10 players each for scrimmages, and will also attend skill sessions conducted by Denny Kuiper, a former Michigan high school coach and academic advisor for the Marquette University basketball program.

Here is the full list of players:

JUNIORS (CLASS OF 2011)

1 Wykevin Bazemore Windsor NC Bertie

2 H. Keith Bellfield Concord NC Cannon School

3 Deuce Bello High Point NC Westchester Academy

4 Devince Boykins Forest City NC East Rutherford

5 Carlin Bremner Huntersville NC North Mecklenburg

6 Marcus Burton Charlotte NC Butler

7 John Cannon Burnsville NC Mountain Heritage

8 Bishop Daniels Raleigh NC Word of God

9 Jacoby Davis Charlotte NC West Charlotte

10 Chad Frazier Charlotte NC Metrolina Christian

11 Anthony Gill Charlotte NC Charlotte Christian

12 P.J. Hairston Greensboro NC Dudley

13 Tabarris Hamilton Winston Salem NC West Forsyth

14 Donta Harper Winterville NC South Central

15 Demarcus Harrison Arden NC Christ School

16 Tony Kimbro Arden NC Christ School

17 Jacob Lawson Oak Ridge NC Oak Ridge Military

18 Travion Leonard Durham NC Kestrel Heights

19 Tony Menton Charlotte NC Waddell

20 Quincy Miller Winston Salem NC Quality Education Acad.

21 James Milliken Siler City NC Jordan-Matthews

22 Jacquise Moore Concord NC Concord

23 Michael Neal Oak Ridge NC Oak Ridge Military

24 Ike Nwanu High Point NC Westchester Academy

25 Reggie Perkins Greensboro NC Western Guilford

26 Keynan Pittman Burgaw NC Pender

27 Marshall Plumlee Arden NC Christ School

28 Tyler Poole Hickory NC Hickory

29 Jervon Pressley Charlotte NC Waddell

30 Marquis Rankin Charlotte NC Vance

31 Jaleel Roberts Greensboro NC Greensboro Day

32 Tyquan Roberts Jamestown NC Ragsdale

33 Paris Roberts Charlotte NC United Faith

34 Jordan Robertson Greensboro NC Greensboro Day

35 Aaron Roundtree Wilson NC Beddingfield

36 Jerome Seagears Red Springs NC Flora McDonald

37 Jackson Simmons Smoky Mountain NC Smoky Mountain

38 Worth Smith Charlotte NC Charlotte Christian

39 Anthony Stitt Charlotte NC Butler

40 Bernard Sullivan Huntersville NC North Mecklenburg

41 Mike Thorne Fayetteville NC Trinity Christian

42 Mike Tyson Kinston NC Kinston

43 Dezmine Wells Raleigh NC Word of God

44 Terry Whisnant Cherryville NC Cherryville

45 Anthony Williams Whiteville NC Waccamaw Academy

46 Terrence Williams Charlotte NC West Mecklenburg

47 Chris Wilson Fayetteville NC Terry Sanford

Sophomores, Class of 2012

1 Montay Brandon High Point NC Wesleyan

2 Adam Coble Greensboro NC Northwest Guilford

3 Justin Cousin Graham NC Graham

4 Reggie Dillard Greensboro NC Dudley

5 Carlton Ford Fayetteville NC Westover

6 Torian Graham Durham NC Hillside

7 Rob Grey Forest City NC East Rutherford

8 Xavier Griffin Greenville NC Oakwood School

9 Montarius Hall Charlotte NC Victory Christian

10 Julius Hamilton Charlotte NC West Charlotte

11 Montrezl Harrell Tarboro NC North Edgecombe

12 Terry Henderson Raleigh NC Neuse Christian

13 Madison Jones Raleigh NC Ravenscroft

14 Shawn Lester Mooresville NC Mooresville

15 Tyler Lewis Lewisville NC Forsyth Country Day

16 John McBeth Greensboro NC Northern Guilford

17 Josh Newkirk Raleigh NC SE Raleigh

18 Braxton Ogbueze Charlotte NC Vance

19 Carlos Rankins Oak Ridge NC Oak Ridge Military

20 Joseph Uchebo Oak Ridge NC Oak Ridge Military

21 T.J. Warren Durham NC Riverside

22 Quayshad Williams Greensboro NC Greensboro Day

Freshmen, Class of 2013

1 Marcus Bryan Raleigh NC Ravenscroft

2 Tyrek Coger Raleigh NC Upper Room Christian

3 Alerick Freeman Charlotte NC United Faith

4 Anton Gill Raleigh NC Ravenscroft

5 Isaiah Hicks Oxford NC Oxford Webb

6 Greg McClinton Winston Salem NC W-S Prep

7 Kennedy Meeks Charlotte NC West Charlotte

8 Rodney Purvis Raleigh NC Upper Room Christian

9 Quinton Ray Apex NC Middle Creek

10 Donte Reynolds Kinston NC Kinston

11 Jaquel Richmond Greensboro NC Dudley

12 Deion Robinson Winston Salem NC Mount Tabor

13 Patrick Rooks Charlotte NC United Faith

Cannon star named to All-NCISAA team

Cannon School senior Jarell Eddie was named to the All-NCISAA 3A team after Cannon made it to the quarterfinals of the state tournament.

Eddie was joined by teammate Keith Belfield, a junior, on the All-CISAA conference team.

The full teams:


GIRLS

ALL CISAA

Garland Austin—Latin
Nneka Awuruonye—PDS
Gigi Bailey—Christian
Christal Barnett—Christian
Cailan Howey—PDS
Tiffany Mitchell—PDS
Maryah Mayzak —Christian
Brittany Powell—CCDS
Janice Roberts—CCDS



2010 NCISAA 3A Girls All-State Basketball Team

Hannah Allgood - Senior - Forsyth Country Day School
NNeka Anuruonye - Senior - Providence Day School
GiGi Bailey - Freshman - Charlotte Christian School
Erin Bratcher - Senior - Ravenscroft School
Chelsea Douglas - Senior - Hickory Grove
Tiffany Mitchell - Sophomore - Providence Day School
Janice Roberts - Senior - Charlotte Country Day School
Erica Williams - Freshman - Rabun Gap School

BOYS

ALL CISAA

Keith Belfield Cannon
Richard Brown CLS
Jarell Eddie Cannon
Anthony Gill CCS
Wake Hamilton CCDS
Kevin Hickson PDS
Akil Mitchell CCS
Connor Sullivan PDS
Trent Walker CCS


2010 NCISAA 3A Boys All-State Basketball Team

Luke Davis - Senior - Ravenscroft School
Jarrell Eddie - Senior - Cannon School
Anthony Gill - Junior - Charlotte Christian School
Damarcus Harrison - Junior - Christ School
Tony Kimbro - Junior - Christ School
Tyler Lewis - Sophomore - Forsyth Country Day School
Akil Mitchell - Senior - Charlotte Christian School
Eric Smith - Senior - Christ School