Blue Devil guard commits to Charlotte

Shawn Lester, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard from Mooresville High, has committed to Charlotte. Lester chose the 49ers over Clemson and South Carolina.

Lester, a senior, averaged 18.5 points, five assists and five steals for the Blue Devils (19-11 last year), who lost to Western 4A regional qualifier Olympic in the first round of the playoffs.

"I thought that was right for me," Lester said. "It'll help me get my degree and help me be a better player and I hope to help them win."

Lester said the Charlotte staff told him he'd play shooting guard.

"I'm comfortable with the shooting guard position," he said. "I'm glad I can get this (college choice) done early and focus on my academics and focus on getting ready for my senior season."

- Langston Wertz Jr.

Mooney named high school catcher of the year

North Mecklenburg's Sarah "Boomer" Mooney continues to garner more honors.

After being named All-I-Meck conference, all-state and even All-American, today she was named the 2011 national high school catcher of the year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and Diamond Sports. This is the second year Mooney has earned the honor.

The award is presented annually to the top catcher from an NFCA member institution in each of the following divisions: NCAA (Divisions I, II and III), NAIA, NJCAA (Divisions I, II and III), Cal JC, NWAACC and high school.

Mooney, a James Madison commit, had a .779 batting average this spring, hitting 19 home runs along the way to lead her Vikings to a 24-4 record. Behind the plate, Mooney did not allow a single error in 272 chances and allowed only two passed balls while also throwing out 12 base runners.

Hopewell shortstop gets all-state honors

The N.C. Baseball Coaches Association named Hopewell's Michael Russell to its 4A all-state team.

The shortstop had a dominant season for the Titans, recording a team-best .506 batting average to go along with 38 runs and 23 RBIs.

That performance earned the graduating senior, who will play college ball at North Carolina next year, I-Meck baseball Player of the Year honors.

Here is the complete NCBCA 4A all-state team:

Dillon 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

Mustang baseball player named all-state

The N.C. Baseball Coaches Association named East Lincolns Parker Hills to its 2A all-state team.

Hill, who graduated in June, was a standout pitcher/catcher for East Lincoln. He batted .416 while also earning six wins for the Mustangs.

Here is a complete list of the NCBCA 2A all-state baseball team:

J.D. Chaplain, Owen

Derek Deaton, East Rutherford
Eddie Hawkins, South Lenoir
Gary Ferguson, West Davidson
Dylan Richardson, Randleman
Jeremy Null, Bunker Hill
Clay Lockaman, Roanoke Rapids
Wes Sowers, Greene Central
Peter Hendel, Cuthbertson
Zach Cooper, South Granville
Tucker Coward, Eastern Randolph
Caleb Brawley, Forbush
Justin Leatherwood, Pisgah
Kevin Van Asch, West Stanly
Josh Cochran, West Stanly
Matt Ashorn, Farmville Central
Steven Linkous, North Brunswick
Gus Fesperman, North Stanly
Chip Helton, East Rutherford
Lucas Owens, East Rutherford
Brad Elwood, Piedmont
Joel Booker, Polk County
Roberto Taft, Polk County
Evan Dixon, Northwood
Jacob Shepherd, Bunker Hill
Saquan Johnson, East Bladen
Parker Hills, East Lincoln
Wiley Jackson, East Duplin
Curtis Linthicum, Randleman