2A East Gaston Warriors’ 38-0 win another hard blow to CHS team

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen visited the East Gaston Warriors last Friday, Sept. 23, and suffered another heartbreaking defeat; this one a 38-0 romp at the hands of the 2A Warriors.
The loss was reminiscent of the previous two games in which the overmatched, injury-plagued Ironmen battled valiantly but couldn’t get on the board despite some shining examples of play by many of the young men.
The game was plagued by penalties from both teams, and it should be noted the Ironmen are missing some key players out due to the afore-mentioned injuries. It should also be noted the CHS men played well at the beginning of the game, yet the Warriors scored in the first quarter, going up 10-0. The Warriors scored two more TDs in the second quarter, and when the teams came back onto the field after half-time (it was the East Gaston’s Homecoming game), they scored one additional TD in the third and the fourth quarter.
Ironmen QB Chase Miller attempted 18 passes, completing 7 of them for a total of 100-plus yards on the night. Miller’s targets were Joshua Ward (three passes for a total of 53 yards); Collin Huss (three passes for a total of 41 yards); and Tanner Sisk (one pass for 10-yards).
In the ground attack for the Ironmen, Kam Bolin carried the ball six times, as did Ward and Shamyr Moss. The overall yards on the ground, due to the number of penalties called on the Ironmen, amounted to a great deal of negative yardage the youngsters tried to give their team in this battle.
The Ironmen have an open date next Friday, Sept. 30, and their next game is at home at Rudisill Stadium in their Homecoming 1A/2A conference matchup against the visiting Highland Tech Rams. The game starts at 7:30 p.m.
(Additional information by Danny Eaker)

Team is now 2-3 overall; 0-1 in conference play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

On Little Ironmen Night, the CHS Ironmen prepared to welcome the little gridiron kids and cheerleaders to watch them take on the visiting Shelby High Golden Lions.
However, the game didn’t go as all hoped it might as the CHS football men gutted out a heart-wrenching 70-0 loss to an overwhelming Golden Lions air and ground game last Friday night (Sept. 16) at Rudisill Stadium.
Though the Ironmen are down a couple of players due to injuries; it is to be noted that Coach Pruitt’s team did make a number of good overall plays, what with Kam Bolin’s offensive activities  being good for eight carries, totaling 39 yards.
Next up in yardage on the ground was Tobias Miller, who racked up 15 yards, followed by big Shamyr Moss’s three yards, as the Golden Lions held the big man to little running room.
Quarterback Chase Miller was able only to complete two of 13 attempted passes and the Lions kept him to a negative 15 yards.
The Golden Lions got on the scoreboard with 9:17 on the clock, the it was all Shelby after that as they moved the ball with impunity against the Ironmen. There were a couple of defensive highlights in the game as Caleb Hovis (#8) recovered a loose ball toward the end of the first quarter, but the Ironmen were unable to capitalize on that recovery. A number of Ironmen defensemen were in on some good tackles all through the game but the speed of the Lions gridiron offensive crew was a hard thing to deal with as they got away on more than one occasion from their determined Ironmen counterparts.
So far as passing was concerned, QB Chase Miller, who was without his “go-to” guy from past games – Landon Hahn (out with a shoulder injury), he turned to other receivers such as Collin Huss, Rayshawn Sewell, Tobias Miller, and Shamyr Moss. He connected with Tobias an Shamyr on only two of his 13 attempts, but no scores came from those valiant tries.
Punter Justin Houser was kept pretty busy as the Ironmen couldn’t score by the fourth down on many of their plays and drives.
The Ironmen are away to face the East Gaston Warriors on Friday, Sept. 23 (game time: 7:30 p.m.), and have a scheduled open date on Friday, Sept. 30, as the month of September draws to a close.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Chavis 6 - Holbrook 7 – Head John Chavis Middle School softball coach Lance Beam said his Chavis softball ladies lost to Holbrook on Tuesday (Sept. 6), 9-6.
Yet even so, leading the offense – noted Beam – was Landry Beam and Hailey Vance with multiple hits.
“Also contributing to the offense was Kate Mulvey, Jenny Brown and Grace Capps with one hit each,” he said.
That said, Beam said Chavis played and defeated W.C. Friday 13-6 in a game which also showcased the young team’s talents.
Said Beam, “We defeated W.C. Friday on Thursday, Sept. 8, as Jenny Brown got the win pitching, striking out six batters,” he said.
Leading the offense (noted Beam) was Jenny Brown, Maddie Avery, Livi Harmon and Kayla Throckmorton with multiple hits. Also contributing to the offense was Kate Mulvey, Landry Beam and Isabelle Robinson with one hit each. Hailey Vance, Harmon, Beam and Mulvey were strong defensively for the JCMS Lady Wolverines.

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Coach Michelle Cuomo said her CHS soccer Ironmen beat Maiden 5-2 last Monday night, Aug. 22, in their first non-conference match.
“Carson Kelly netted three goals and had two assists, Henry Gil had one goal, Marlon Gomez with one goal and one assist, and Nate Bookout assisted in two goals for the Ironmen,” she said, adding that Jared Varela played a strong game in the goalkeeper’s position with 15 saves.
Cuomo also noted the Aug. 24 (Wednesday) home field win over Crest’s Chargers, with the match final score being 7-2.
Said Coach Cuomo, “Goals came from Carson Kelly (with 2), Nate Bookout, 2 goals and 2 assists; Will Allen, one goal; Henry Gil, one goal and one assist, freshman Davis Escobar, one goal; and Marlon Gomez with 2 assists.”
Cuomo also noted Jared Varela had a shutout in the first half with 7 saves for the Ironmen, and that Josh Morgado made his debut in goal with 8 saves in the second half.
“Steven Brown, Aiden Farmer, Javier Moran, Kai Shipley, and Numarius Good played outstanding defense to contribute to our win” added Cuomo.
The Ironmen traveled on Monday, Aug. 29, to play the West Lincoln Rebels, and will be at home tonight, Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Rudisill Stadium to play Maiden at 5:30 p.m.

Head coach Lance Beam said the John Chavis Lady Wolverines softball team defeated rivals Bessemer City 7-5, on Thursday, Aug. 25.
Beam noted Jenny Brown got the win pitching, striking out 7 batters.
“Leading the offense was Livi Harmon with 2 doubles (2 RBI’s), Landry Beam a triple (2 RBI’s), Maddie Avery a triple (2 RBI’s),” he added.
Also contributing to the offense, said Coach Beam, was Jenny Brown with multiple hits and Grace Capps with one hit. Kate Mulvey, Landry Beam, Isabelle Robinson, Hailey Vance and Kayla Throckmorton were strong defensively for the Lady Wolverines.

Actual season begins at home on Friday, Aug. 19, against Avery County

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Though Ironmen head football coach Tim Pruitt’s coaching staff has changed slightly, he is, as always, his usual optimistic self. Especially when it comes to his team’s performance when they take to the gridiron turf of Rudisill Stadium on Friday, Aug, 19 against Avery County. In short, he is believing for a good year.
As for those coaching changes, Pruitt said, “Our staff changed a little as Houston Gilmore (defensive backs/wide receivers) and Ben Pierce (running backs) did not return.”
He continued, “We have added Matt Powers to coach the defensive backs, with Will Puckett as our wide receivers coach and Chapel Moss, who will be working with our running backs, when he is available. Josh Garren will also work with the running backs if needed. Coach Powers was a big help as we went into our seven-on-seven season and it is great to have him back!”
As for how he felt the drills went and if any areas needed more work, Coach Pruitt had this to say, “The first four days have been great! The players are working hard to get into better shape and are competing to improve. We have incorporated more conditioning and feel that the players are moving at a high level through their drills. We will continue to stress the importance of mental reps, and the kids are working to install schemes on both offense and defense each day.”
Regarding if the Ironmen have added anything new to the playbook, Coach Pruitt noted, “On offense we have worked during the summer and the first four days on taking snaps under center. We can run most of our offense under center and in the gun, but the steps for the quarterbacks and running backs are much different when we take a direct snap. This will allow our backs to hit the hole quicker and will help with giving handoffs and ball security.
“On defense we have moved to a 4-3 defense that will be multiple as we feel our numbers on the defensive line are better this season and will be one of the strengths of our team.”
Pruitt noted the team’s off-season program (with weights, etc.), “…began the Monday after graduation. The players who attended on a regular basis reported in better shape for day one of practice. Our workout leaders were Camden Williams, Jordan Lowrance, Kam Bolin, Tyler Foley, and Elijah Gibson.”
Pruitt said this year’s team is comprised of assistant coaches Scott Jenkins (defensive coordinator, linebackers); Dell Garren (defensive line); Tim Moss (offensive line); Chapel Moss (running backs); Matt Powers (defensive backs); Will Puckett (wide receivers); Josh Garren (defensive line); and team manager, Leroy Montgomery.
The number of returning starters: seven on offense and seven on defense. The Ironmen lost seen starters Number of starters but have 28 returning lettermen.
Last year’s record, said Pruitt, was 3-8 overall, and 2-4 in the conference. The Ironmen lost to Cherokee in Round 1, 36-15.
Pruitt’s 2022 outlook, “The Ironmen will once again face one of the more difficult 1A schedules in the state as they face five 2A teams that won their first-round playoff game 2021. The Ironmen return a Senior-laden roster with lots of experience on the offensive line. The skill positions will lack depth, but will return quarterback Chase Miller and his favorite target in Landon Hahn. Keys to the season will be to find a running back that can complement the passing game and players that can step up to fill heavy losses at linebacker. Our strength is our depth on both the offensive and defensive lines. Our weakness is having depth at the skill positions. Developing that depth has been a focus off the summer and preseason camp.”
In picking the other teams in the league will finish (excluding CHS), Coach Pruitt noted the following: Shelby, Burns, East Gaston, Thomas Jefferson, Bessemer City and Highland Tech. Said Pruitt, “There are lots of good players at our schools, but the talent level at our 2A schools is the best in the area.”
Ten games are on their current schedule, which is always open to additions or deletions. Six of those game are SPC 1A matchups and four are non-conference games. All home games are played at Rudisill Stadium, starting at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted on the school’s website or on the sign by the stadium.
The CHS Ironmen’s Homecoming game is scheduled for Oct. 7, starting at 7:30 p.m. SPC 1A conference playoff begin Nov. 4, according to the football schedule.

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The 2022 CHS Fall Sports teams have started their drills and have been getting in some time on the practice fields and in the weight rooms, according to their respective coaches.
For 2022, the Ironmen and Lady Ironmen will field six teams and the Ironmen Marching Band will be there to root them on, playing the rousing renditions we have all come to love and appreciate.
Head Ironmen football coach Tim Pruitt has been at the helm of the gridiron squad for a number of years now and has seen a great deal of success, but, as he will always tell anyone who listens, there is always more room for growth, on and off the field.
As far as the team’s overall skill drills and workouts are concerned, Coach Pruitt said, “The first four days have been great! We have incorporated more conditioning and feel that the players are moving at a high level through their drills.” This is evidenced by the way the young men have been working out and the number of individuals who have come out to try out for the team. Coach Pruitt’s men – both varsity and JV – call Rudisill Stadium their home field.
Another CHS Fall Sports team which has seen a number come out to take part is also one which lost their senior squad from last year – one which had a great impact on the program helmed by head coach Leigh Kiser. Nevertheless, Coach Kiser said she has many returners this year and they all have a great skill set and seem ready, willing, and able to help the newcomers.
As for the workouts and drills, Coach Kiser noted, “The workouts this summer have been great. We averaged about 10 people attending to better their game and major improvements happened this summer.” The Lady Ironmen spikers call Nixon Gym their home.
For tennis coach Brandon Shull, being able to get back out on the Donna Lavery Courts to train and do their skill drills, especially after COVID-19’s issues, is nothing short of a blessing and a miracle.
While he is happy to have the Diaz twins back in net action for him, and he has a couple of returners who know their way around the courts, Coach Shull is always happy to see who is coming up so far as new talent is concerned.
As for the ladies’ drill and skill sets and practices, ever the man of few words, Coach Shull noted simply and quietly, “Practices have been going quite well. Practices have focused on different aspects and situations that are part of a tennis match.”
Head Cheerleading coach Wendy Holt, whose teams have won many championships for CHS, said the skill drills and such are an ongoing thing for her ladies, noting that, “…CHS decided to take a group of volunteers to the UCA cheer camp at ASU before the season started. This was an optional camp and was open to any eligible current 9-12th grader. The camp was a great experience and the girls that participated got a jump on the season.” They are continuing with their drills and are looking forward to the first game.
Band Director Mark Ewing has been the main band leader of the CHS Marching Ironmen for a number of seasons now and is always glad to be able to get his young musical men and women ready to lead the way on the field and at the games they perform in for the Ironmen.
Said Mr. Ewing as his band crew practiced and drilled in preparation for this season, “This season’s practices have been very productive. We have a great group of students that really enjoy participating in band.”
Head Ironmen soccer coach Michelle Cuomo noted at a recent practice, her men’s soccer team has some returning players and all who came out at last week’s drills and practices at CHS’ practice field appeared to be keen on learning what they needed to get back in the swing of things for 2022. The team’s home pitch is Rudisill Stadium.
Cross country coaches Scott Harrill and Scott Heavner are excited to be back in action for 2022 and are looking for great things from their teams.
CHS will, so far as is known right now, not field a Lady Ironmen golf team this season.

Cherryville High School cheerleaders Lani Philbeck and Kylie Reynolds were selected as East-West All-Star Cheerleaders for 2022.
Each year NCCCA hosts a live tryout in Burlington. Only girls that have previously been selected as All-Region Cheerleaders are eligible.
As members of the NCCCA All-State team they traveled to Burlington and Greensboro and put in 12-14-hour days practicing to prepare a competition level routine and to learn cheers.
During their 5-day stay they cheered for both the girls and guys East-West All-Star basketball games and the football team. They performed their routine at the NCCCA Coaches Conference and at each game.
This experience allows them to work with top choreographers and coaches. The experience is like packing an entire season into five days. Only a select few juniors from member schools were selected.

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville’s Post 100 American Legion ball club, the Western Division number one team, coached by Bobby Reynolds, won their 20th Area IV title last Friday night at Fraley Field, defeating the Queen City Mustangs, the Eastern Division number one team, 5-4, in the Area IV final.
Cherryville Post 100 ended their regular season 25-12. Their overall wins were 17-10 for the regular season and they were 8-2 in the playoffs.
Next up for the men is the N.C. state tournament at Campbell University starting July 26th and running through the 30th.
The Pool divisions are listed as being: Stars – Area I No. 1 Fuquay-Varina 21-5-1, Area II No. 2 Hope Mills 16-10, Area III No. 2 Randolph County 28-9, and Area IV No. 1 Cherryville 25-12; Stripes – Area I No. 2 Pitt County 20-6, Area II No. 1 Wilmington 18-8, Area III No. 1 Rowan County 35-7, and Area IV No. 2 Queen City 21-7.
In the remaining games against the Gaston Braves (July 18 & 20), Post 100 won Game 5 by a score of 3-2 and Game 6 by a score of 8-7.
Starting pitching in Game 5 was Joseph Webb (seven strikeouts and two walks), with Kanon Willis closing (two strikeouts and a walk). Hitters for the Post 100 men in Game 5 were: Landon Hahn (1-4, got on due to an error); Cole Irby (1-4, walked); Will Blackburn (1-4); Jacob Hamrick (3-3, a solo home run, and a double); Reid Stroupe (1-3, got on due to an error); and Collin Robinson (1-3). Ashton Pope was walked and hit by a pitch.
In Game 6 against the Braves, played on July 19 and 20 (due to weather issues), starter Zane Brockman got things going for the Post 100 men. He was followed by Kanon Willis (one strikeout and two walks), then Chase Miller took the mound, striking out one Braves batter.
Left-hander Collin Huss came on after Miller and walked two and was replaced by Coach Reynolds by Landon Hahn, who finished out the game, striking out three batters.
As the lead-off batter for Post 100, Hahn helped himself at the plate, going 2-5, and getting a double. Brockman also did well at-bats, going 3-5 and getting on also on an error.
Others getting hits or getting on base for Post 100 were Cole Irby (2-5, a double, an RBI); Ashton Pope (fielder’s choice and hit twice by a pitch); Kanon Willis (1-3, scored on a wild pitch and an RBI); Landon Jenkins (1-1, fielder’s choice); Jacob Hamrick (1-5, walked twice); Joseph Webb (2-4, a grand slam home run, 4 RBIs, and in on an error); and Colin Robinson (2-4, a walk).
In the Friday, July 22 game against the Mustangs for the Area IV title, starting pitcher Ashton Pope struck out two batters and walked two before handing off the ball to Zane Brockman who
struck out seven batters and walked one to end the game.
Hitters and those getting on base for Post 100 were Hahn (3-4, hit by a pitch); Brockman (1-4); Irby (walked, on due to catcher interference, and an RBI); Pope (walked); Jenkins (1-1); Webb (2-4, a double, scored); Hamrick (hit by a pitch and on due to an error); Stroupe (1-3, an RBI); and Robinson (walked, hit by a pitch, and scored on a wild pitch).
The team, coaches, and fans all said a warm “goodbye” to player and West Lincoln product, Noah Huss, who “aged out” of his great Legion career, and who will now be moving on to play college baseball.
The schedule for the state championship games
July 26
Queen City vs. Wilmington, 10 a.m.
Rowan County vs. Pitt County, 1 p.m.
Cherryville vs. Hope Mills, 4:30 p.m.
Fuquay-Varina vs. Randolph County, 7:30 p.m.
July 27
Pitt County vs Queen City, 10 a.m.
Randolph County vs. Hope Mills, 1 p.m.
Rowan County vs. Wilmington, 4:30 p.m.
Fuquay-Varina vs. Cherryville, 7:30 p.m.
July 28
Pitt County vs. Wilmington, 10 a.m.
Cherryville vs. Randolph County, 1 p.m.
Queen City vs. Rowan County, 4:30 p.m.
Fuquay-Varina vs. Hope Mills, 7:30 p.m.
July 29 semifinals
Games at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
July 30 final
1 p.m.
Southeast Regional tournament (at Asheboro)
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell, Danny Eaker, and Richard Walker’s Carolina Sports Hub at carolinassportshub.com)

Braves lead best-of-seven
semifinals series so far

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The number two team in the Area IV Eastern Division, the Gaston Braves, has a one game lead on the Western Division Area IV team, Post 100, as both teams headed into the remainder of the July 15 through 17 weekend semifinals.
In wrapping up their quarterfinals matchups, Post 100 won their remaining two games against Matthews Post 235 last week, 3-1 and 9-6, respectively.
In the 3-1 win, played at Fraley Field on July 10, Post 100’s starting pitcher Zane Brockman, a Kings Mountain High product, got the win, going five innings, giving up two hits and allowing no runs. Noah Huss followed Brockman, pitching an inning and giving up a hit. He was followed in turn by Landon Hahn, who also pitched one inning and got the save. Hahn gave up one hit but also allowed no runs.
Brockman helped himself going 1-3; Ashton Pope was 2-3, with a two-run home run in the first inning. Other hitters were Cole Irby (1-3); Kanon Willis (1-3); Jacob Hamrick (2-3); and Collin Robinson (1-1). Post 100 scored their 3 runs off of 8 hits with all runs coming in the first and third innings.
In the last game against Post 235, played away on July 11, the Cherryville men won by a score of 9-6. The winning pitcher was Kanon Willis.
Will Blackburn was the starter and he walked two batters. Willis came in and struck out two batters and walked one. Colin Huss pitched, striking out one batter and walking one. Ashton Pope finished out the game, striking out six batters and walking three. The Legion seniors got their nine runs off of eight hits.
On Thursday, July 14, the Post 100 seniors started their semifinal best four of seven series with the Post 144/266 Gaston Braves. The Braves won that first matchup at Fraley Field, 0-4.
Post 100 starter Joseph Webb struck out four Braves batters. Chase Miller followed Webb on the mound and he struck out three batters and walked one in the loss.
Only three Post 100 batters had base hits (Will Fowler, Will Blackburn, and Collin Robinson). Landon Hahn was walked; Ashton Pope got on base twice due to errors; Cole Irby got on base also due to an error; and Reid Stroupe also was walked twice. Robinson also got on base due to an error by the Braves.
In Game Two of this series, played at South Point High School on Friday, July 15, the Braves won their second in a row 3-2.
The Post 100 men returned to Fraley Field Saturday, July 16 for Game Three of the semi’s and won by a score of 2-1 over the Braves.
The starter for Coach Bob Reynolds, who is now in his 29th year of coaching Post 100, was Ashton Pope, who struck out five batters and walked two. Pope was followed in the mound duties by Kanon Willis who struck out one Braves batter and walked one.
Getting base hits were Landon Hahn, Zane Brockman (also an RBI), and Cole Irby. Hahn got on base on an error; Will Fowler was walked; and Joseph Webb got on base on an error, was walked and hit by a pitch and scored on a wild pitch. Additionally, catcher Reid Stroupe and second baseman Collin Robinson were walked.
The Post 100 men got their two runs off of three hits.
Post 100 is 12-2 in the Division; 17-10 overall, and is currently 4-2 in the Area IV playoffs.
July 14-20 Area IV semifinals (best-of-7)
No. 1 West: Cherryville vs. No. 2 East: Gaston Braves
Game 4 was scheduled to be played at South Point HS, Sunday, July 17, Game 5 was scheduled for Monday, July 18 at Cherryville; Game 6 was scheduled for Tuesday, July 19 at South Point; and Game 7 is scheduled for Wednesday, July 20 at Cherryville’s Fraley Field/Memorial Stadium.
The Area IV final is scheduled for July 21-23, times to be announced later, and the N.C. State Tournament at Campbell, is slated for July 26-30.

(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Rainy weather bedevils Legion games, postponing some

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The Cherryville American Legion Post 100 seniors Area IV quarterfinals, best-of-5 series started last Friday night at 7 p.m., at Fraley Field as Coach Bob Reynolds and his men, representing Area IV West, took on visiting Matthews Post 235, who represented the Area IV East.
And, as seems to be the case, the weather is wreaking havoc on many of the games, forcing the teams to postpone some games and reschedule.
That said, in this first Area IV Q-finals matchup, the Post 100 men blanked the Matthews squad at Fraley, 7-0.
Coach Reynolds started with right-hander Joseph Webb, who threw three (3) strikeouts and went five inning to get the win. Kanon Willis came in the sixth inning and finished the game, striking out one batter and walking one.
The Legion men got their 7 runs off of 6 hits, and their leading hitters and scorers in this first game of the series were: Landon Hahn (1-4, a double); Ashton Pope (a hit, a walk, and scored on a wild pitch. He was hit twice by pitches); Chase Miller (1-1); Jacob Hamrick (2-3, a double, an RBI, and scored on a wild pitch); Zane Brockman (a walk); Cole Irby (hit by a pitch); Will Fowler (2 walks and an RBI); Will Blackburn (Fielder’s Choice and scored); Tobias Miller (a walk); Colin Huss (a walk); Reid Stroupe (a hit and a walk); and Taylor Cook (scored on a wild pitch).
Game Two in the series was to have been played at Matthews on Saturday at 7 p.m., but rain forced the postponement of it and Game Two was scheduled for Fraley Field on Sunday, July 10, with a later start time of 7:30 p.m. Game Three is slated to be played, therefore, at Matthews’ home stadium on Monday, July 11, at 7 p.m., weather permitting, of course.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

The CHS Ironmen Spring Sports Awards Ceremony took place in May. The various teams and their athletes were honored with a number of awards. The Eagle will bring you some of the those awards, starting with the teams first then moving on to individual awards in the coming weeks. The welcome was given by Principal Shawn Hubers and Travis Dellinger, President of the Ironmen Booster Club spoke, as did Dr. Jennifer Wall, the Vice President of the IM Booster Club. Other Booster Club officers are: Secretary Chad Hovis; Treasurer Michelle Miller; and Co-Treasurer/Resources Sarah Fowler. Ironmen Athletic Director Scott Harrill also addressed the student/athletes. telling them what a great job they did. Each team’s coach handed out their awards.

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Coach Bob Reynolds’ senior Legion men took two games prior to their taking a week off, downing Hickory Post 48 and York, S.C., Post 66. Both games were played at Fraley Field/Memorial Stadium in Cherryville.
Currently the team is 11-6 overall and is 7-0 in Western Division play.

Against Hickory
(Post 48)
In this Tuesday, June 14 game, the Post 100 men won by a score of 8-2.
Coach Reynolds started Will Blackburn, who struck out nine (9) batters and walked four (4). He was followed by another right-hander, Kanon Willis, who struck out one batter and walked one. Blackburn got the win.
Hitters for the Post 100 men in this one were Landon Hahn (1-4, a double, and an RBI); Will Fowler (1-4, an RBI); Willis (2-3, a double, and an RBI); Joseph Webb (2-3, a home run, 3 RBIs); Jacob Hamrick (2-3, a triple, a walk, and an RBI); Collin Robinson (2-3, a double and an RBI); and Landon Jenkins (a walk).
The Cherryville Legion ball club got their eight runs off of nine hits.
Against York, SC
 (Post 66)
The Post 100 men defeated the Post 66 ball club by a score of 4-0 in this matchup, played on Wednesday, June 15, at Fraley Field. They got their four (4) runs off of nine (9) hits.
Starting pitcher was Joseph Webb, who struck out six batters and walked two. Coming in after Webb was Noah Huss who struck out one Post 66 batter. Webb was credited with the win.
Hitters in this one were Landon Hahn (1-4, a base hit, and hit by a pitch); Cole Irby (1-4, a base hit, a walk, and hit by a pitch); Kanon Willis (1-4, 1 RBI); Colin Huss (1-3, and an RBI); Will Fowler (1-1); Chase Miller (3-3, a double); Taylor Cook (1-2); Collin Robinson (a fielder’s choice and an RBI); Jacob Hamrick (1-1); and Tobias Miller (a walk, and an RBI).
Post 100 will play next, according to their schedule, on Wednesday, June 22, at Caldwell County (Post 29), starting at 7 p.m. They will then play at home against Cleveland County Post 82 & 155 on Thursday, June 23, starting at 7 p.m.
The team will then take part in the North-South Challenge, which takes place at Fraley Field Friday, June 24 through Sunday, June 26.
On Friday (June 24), Ft. Mill will take on Rutherford County at 5:30, followed by Ft. Mill against Post 100 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday’s games (June 25) will see Greer take on Rutherford County at 11 a.m.; Greer against Fuquay-Varina at 1:30; Florence against Rutherford County at 4 p.m., followed by Florence versus Post 100 at 6:30 p.m.
The Sunday, June 26 games have Florence against Fuquay-Varina at 12 noon, followed by Ft. Mill against F-V at 2:30 p.m., then Greer versus Post 100 at 5 p.m.
On Monday, June 27, Post 100 will play Asheville at Fraley Field, starting at 7 p.m. Then, they are scheduled to play Fuquay-Varina at Campbell University on Wednesday, June 29 at 7 p.m., and against F-V again on Thursday, June 30 at a time to be announced.
On Friday, July 1, at a time to be determined, the American Legion Area IV playoff pairings meeting will be held at the Post 100 Legion building in Cherryville.
The Area IV playoffs are scheduled to begin the next day, July 2.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Cherryville team defeats Wayne County but loses to Randolph County earlier in Classic

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville’s Post 100 Legion seniors baseball team is currently, after their June Classic, 5-0 in Area 4 Division play; 8-6 overall (as of Sunday, June 12).
On Thursday, June 9, the Post 100 seniors played Cleveland County and eked a 1-0 win. They then started playing the 2022 June Classic games which would see teams playing at Fraley Field in Cherryville and at Keeter Stadium in Shelby.
In Friday, June 10’s Classic action at Fraley Field, the Post 100 senior team downed Rowan County by a score of 12-6.
On Saturday, June 11, Classic action continued with the Post 100 men taking on Wayne County, who had earlier at Fraley Field, defeated Randolph County by a score of 4-3. Cherryville handed Wayne County a 5-1 defeat, then later in the night’s diamond action lost 9-8 to Randolph County.
In action against Post 11 (Wayne County), pitcher Landon Hahn got the win as Post 100 got five runs off of 11 hits. Hahn was stellar on the mound as he gunned down two base runners as they played off the bags at first and second.
Game Two had Post 100 pitted against Post 45 of Randolph County. The Randolph County men jumped out to an early lead and it took a bit for our Post 100 men to catch up but it looked like it was going to be a game going into the seventh inning as Post 100 closed the gap, getting 8 runs and looking as if they might tie the game, forcing extra innings. Such was not to be as Post 45 won the game by a score of 9-8.
Coach Bob Reynolds used four (4) pitchers in this one starting with Noah Gantt, who struck out one and walked four. Next on the mound was CHS product Brayden Reynolds, who struck out two and walked four. Following young Reynolds on the mound was Will Blackburn, who walked three and walked one. Blackburn was in turn followed by another CHS product, Chase Miller, who was the last Post 100 pitcher on the mound.
The Post 100 men got their eight runs off of 10 hits as they battled back to inch closer to tying the game.
Hitting well or getting on base for the Post 100 team were Landon Hahn (2-4); Zane Brockman (2-4, a double, 2 RBIs); Cole Irby (2-4, a double, a home run, a walk, and 2 RBIs); Ashton Pope (1-3, a walk, and 2 RBIs); Reid Stroupe (got on due to an error); Will Fowler (2-4, a double and a walk); Kanon Willis (1-4 and an RBI); and Taylor Cook (on base due to being hit by a pitch).
According to Richard Walker’s SportsHub.com web site, on Sunday, June 12, at the June Classic games played at Keeter Stadium’s Veteran’s Field, in Shelby, Group A, which was Number 1, Rowan County taking on Group B, represented by Number  2, Cherryville, Post 100, Rowan County was victorious, winning 5-1 over the Cherryville Legion senior team.
The Post 100 men will be back in Fraley Field action on Monday, June 13 as Henderson visits the Post 100 men. This is followed up on Tuesday, June 14 (weather permitting), by Hickory visiting the Post 100 American Legion senior team.
The last home game of that week will pit Post 100 against visiting York, S.C, in an Area IV matchup on Wednesday, June 15.

(Additional stats and info thanks to Richard Walker and CarolinasSportsHub.com; Susan L. Powell; and Danny Eaker)

Cherryville Legion team is also 5-3
overall so far

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville’s American Legion Post 100 ball club played Burke County Post 21’s ball club at Fraley Field on Tuesday, May 31, defeating them by a score of 14-5.
Head coach Bob Reynolds utilized two pitchers in this battle: Will Blackburn, and Ashton Pope. Blackburn got the win, striking out six batters and walking three. Pope came in and got two strikeouts. Blackburn helped himself at his turn at bats by going 1for 4, and getting walked. Pope also helped himself going 2 for 4; one a hit to the Fraley Field fence, and getting 3 RBIs.
Other hitters for the Post 100 men were lead-off batter Landon Jenkins (3-5, a triple, and 3 RBIs); Zane Brockman (4-5, a double, scored on a wild pitch, and 3 RBIs); Cole Irby (1-5, a double, and an RBI); Jacob Hammrick (1-4, a double, and a walk); Taylor Cook (2-4, 2 hits, and a walk); and catcher Reid Stroupe (2-4, a double, 2 hits, a walk, and an RBI).
The Post 100 men got their 14 runs off of 16 hits to the detriment of the Burke Post 21.
Since Legion play started in May, and according to Richard Walker’s CarolinasSportsHub.com web site, Post 100 is currently 4-0 in the Area IV Western Division, and 5-3 overall.
In other Post 100 AL matchups, also listed on Mr. Walker’s web site, from the most recent to the oldest game listed for Post 100, on June 1, Cherryville defeated Rutherford County Post 423, 7-6.
The day before, Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day), Post 100 was at Rowan, losing to Post 324 8-1). The Saturday, May 28 game between Caldwell Post 29 and Cherryville, played at Cherryville, was suspended to June 22 with Caldwell leading 4-2 with two outs in the top of the seventh inning.
On May 27, Post 100 was at Hickory Post 48, handing that team an 18-3 loss in five innings. The May 26 matchup between Rutherford Post 423, scheduled to be played at Cherryville’s Fraley Field was postponed, with no date set for a game.
On May 25, the Post 100 game at Henderson was also postponed until Tuesday, June 28, and the May 23 game pitting Cherryville at Gastonia was also postponed with makeup date set.
May 22 saw Post 100’s baseball squad blank Cherryville at Burke 12-0 in five innings of play, while the day previous day, May 21, Post 23 of Gastonia played at Post 100’s home field with Post 100 taking that game by a score of 22-0 in five innings.
On Tuesday, June 7, Post 100 was at Rock Hill, in South Carolina, taking on Post 34, and on Wednesday, June 8, they are in an Area IV matchup against Asheville Post 70, at Asheville (game starts at 7 p.m.). On Thursday, June 9, they play at Cleveland Co. Post 82 and 155; game time also starting at 7 p.m.
The Cleveland Co. Classic starts June 10 and runs through June 12 with games at Fraley Field on Friday and Saturday, and games at Keeter Stadium on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
(Additional info and stats: Richard Walker of Carolinas Sports Hub.com; Susan L. Powell; and Danny Eaker)

Team’s wins best 2 of 3 games; ends Union Academy Cardinals run

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The 2022 iteration of Coach Scott Heavner’s CHS Ironmen diamond kings are the NCSHAA West 1A Regional champs, defeating the Cardinals of Union Academy in the best 2 of 3 matchups last week.
The Ironmen eked out a 6-5 win on Saturday, May 28 at Fraley Field as they came home for a final Game Three matchup against the Cardinals, who won their May 26 game at the Cardinal’s home field, causing the third game to be played as the series was tied 1-1.
The Cardinals had the lead 5-3 going into the sixth inning but the Ironmen scored three runs in that inning on a hit by lefty hitter Colin Huss.
Coach Heavner used four pitchers in this battle, starting with Kanon Willis, who went one and a third innings before being relieved by Brayden Reynolds. Reynolds had a tough time and Heavner sent in Chase Miller, who finished that inning. Junior right-hander Landon Hahn came in and pitched, coming back also in the seventh inning and wrapping things up for the Ironmen. Hahn got the win.
Hitters for the Ironmen were Collin Robinson (1-3, an RBI); Will Fowler (1-3); Willis (1-2, an RBI); Tobias Miller (1-3); Trip Creason (1-2, and RBI); and Huss (1-1, 3 runs driven in).
With this win, the CHS Ironmen are the NCHSAA 2022 West 1A Regional champs!
They move on to play the Perquimans Pirates at the 2022 Baseball State Championship series starting Friday, June 3, at 8 p.m., at Ting Stadium in Holly Springs, NC.
This 1A Championship pits #1 Perquimans against #3 CHS with Game 1 (as announced) starting June 3, at 8 p.m., with Perquimans as the home team. Game 2 will be June 4, at 2 p.m., with CHS as the home team. Game 3, should one be needed, will be also on June 4, at 8 p.m., with Perquimans again as the home team.
Please note, according to the NSHAA, Game 3 could and will be moved to 5 p.m., if the other series at the site does not reach Game 3.

In this series: Game One (May 24)
The Ironmen won this one by a score of 9-1, with the winning pitcher being Brayden Reynolds. Reynolds struck out 3 and walked 2. Chase Miller followed young Reynolds in this one.
The Ironmen got their nine runs off of 10 hits. The game was played at Fraley Field.
Hitters were: Hahn (a base hit and a walk); Robinson (two base hits and a fielder’s choice); Heavner (2-4, an RBI); Fowler (on base/fielder’s choice); Willis (2 hits, one a home run; a walk; and a fielder’s choice; an RBI);Chase Miller (3 hits; a home run; hit by a pitch; 4 RBIs); Tobias Miller (a walk); Trip Creason (a walk); and Huss (2-3).

Series Game Two (5-26-22)
The final score of this Ironmen away game loss was 5-10 in favor of the Cardinals. The losing pitcher was Eli Newsome who had 4 strikeouts and 2 walks. Trip Creason came in and finished the game for the Ironmen. He had 3 strikeouts and one walk.
Hitters for the CHS men were Hahn (hit by a pitch and an error); Robinson (2-4, an RBI); Heavner (2-3, 2 home runs and 3 RBIs); Fowler (got on due to an error); T. Miller (2-3, and scored a run); Creason (hit by a pitch, on base); and Huss (on by a walk).
The Ironmen are currently 21-10 overall, 8-4 in SPC 1A play as they head into the state championships.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker).

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen diamond kings have moved deeper into the NCHSAA 1A/2A playoffs with defeats of the East Wilkes Cardinals and the Uwharrie Charter Eagles last week at Fraley Field.
Against E. Wilkes
In this 4-3 win, the Ironmen got those four runs off of just two (2) hits. Still, it was enough as the “Kardiac Kids” hung on, as they always do, confounding some of the better high school baseball minds in the area.
That said, the winning pitcher in this matchup was young Eli Newsome, who struck out four batters and walked three. Brayden Reynolds got the save, striking out two Cardinals batters.
Hitters for the Ironmen in this one were Landon Hahn (3-4, on base twice on errors, an RBI); Collin Robinson (walked twice); Will Heavner (1-4, a walk); Will Fowler (1-4, one hit, a triple); Kanon Willis (1-4, a double, a walk, and an RBI); Chase Miller (2 walks, a base hit); Logan Hendricks (hit by a pitch and on base); Trip Creason (1-4, a walk, 2 RBIs); and Colin Huss (got on base by a fielder’s choice).

Against Uwharrie Charter
The Eagles of Uwharrie Charter came into Fraley Field looking to put this young Ironmen team out of action, as they have done in the past, but this time the baseball dieties were not on their side as the Ironmen dealt them a 7-5 drubbing, effectively ending that team’s drive to advance in the NCHSAA playoffs.
The  Ironmen scored their seven (7) runs on four hits and Kanon Willis got the win with young Brayden Reynolds once again notching another save.
Right-hander Willis, steely-eyed as always, struck out five (5) batters and walked only two. Young Reynolds struck out two (2) and walked only one Eagles batter.
Hitters for Coach Heavner’s squad in this one were Hahn (2-4, a solo home run smash, a walk, and a base hit); Robinson (1-4, 2 RBIs); Heavner (2-4 and scored on a wild pitch); Fowler (1-4, an RBI); Willis (2 walks); Numarius Good (scored on a wild pitch); Chase Miller (1-4, scored on a balk); Tobias Miller (2 base hits and two walks); Creason (1-3); and Huss (1-3).
The Ironmen will play at home at Fraley Field next week, barring any inclement weather.

(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Ladies currently 16-8 overall; 10-2 in SPC 1A/2A play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Coach A.J. Henley’s CHS Lady Ironmen took two wins at their home field last week as they moved forward in their playoffs quest.
Against Swain County
First up in the CHS ladies’ quest was a solid 12-2 win in the first round of the playoffs against the visiting Swain County Lady Devils as they rapped a number of hits, taking control of the game and ending the Lady Devils in five innings of play. The winning pitcher was Krista Davis, as she went the distance to take the battle to the Swain County team.
Against North Stokes
The Lady Vikings of North Stokes (#24-seed) traveled to Cherryville on Wednesday, May 11 to face the #8 seed Lady Ironmen in a second round, CHS home game playoffs matchup.
Once again, right-hander Krista Davis was on the mound for Coach Henley’s ladies and as usual, she delivered, getting the win as she held the Lady Vikings to a no-hitter, as the Lady Ironmen defeated them by a score of 7-0.
Coach Henley said his best hitter of the game was first baseman Riley Bryant who went 3 for 3. But he added the ladies had five others who hit well for the team, getting a hit apiece.
The CHS Lady Ironmen are scheduled to travel and play their third playoff game away against Norwood’s South Stanley Lady Bulls, a team that is 24-3 overall.

(Additional information by Coach A.J. Henley, Susan L. Powell, and Scott Harrill)

Justin W. Willyoung, Head Men’s Track and Field Coach at Cherryville High School waxed philosophical about his team’s recent Championship win last week.
“Where do I even begin with this one?” said Coach Willyoung.
“Let’s just say I spent hours and hours in the evening and weekends drawing up all possible scenarios; point combinations, underperformances, over performances, wildcard entries, etc.  and none of them ended up being even close to what actually happened. Every now and then all that stuff goes right out the window and the team just steps up and does amazing things exactly when it’s needed the most.”
He continued, “I feel like this team was destined to make this happen; that is the only way to explain the outcome. The meet did not start well for us, we left a ton of points on the table, we had some underperform and a few other schools over performed. We found ourselves unfamiliarly down early and our chances of winning kept getting smaller and smaller as the day went on. We got a few big sparks from guys that were trying some new events who did very well.”
Willyoung noted junior Danyel Thompkins came through in a big  way by scoring unexpected points in the 110 hurdles and the 800 meter dash. Young Thompkins was also a member of the 4x100-meter relay team.
Said Justin, “Danyel gutted out some great races and gave us the chance to stay in the meet,” adding that senior Cooper Sloan had his workload altered to try and match the flow of the meet and he adjusted amazingly well.
“Our seniors did what they always do and when the pressure was on, they excelled. The pivotal part of the whole meet came with three events left when we were almost mathematically eliminated from a chance at victory. Down 27.5 points with three events to go there was only one way to win and this is where it gets legendary!”
Willyoung noted that as they were heading into the 200-meter dash CHS needed a clean sweep of that event to stay alive. The only problem was that the men were ranked 4th, 5th, and 6th.  “However, this was no ordinary group,” he said. “This was seniors Jackson Owens, Cooper Sloan, and Mason Grindstaff. This was a group I knew I could put the entire weight of the situation on their shoulders and be confident that they could make it happen. I pulled them together and said that our only chance to win this meet was a clean sweep, that’s its… no other options.”
“We got this coach”, Willyoung quoted them as saying, and the rest is history. They would go on to take 1, 2, 3 in that event but not without a little drama.
Said Willyoung, “Coming off the turn and into the final stretch we were sitting in 1st (Jackson), 4th (Cooper), and 6th (Mason). Jackson maintained his lead and cruised to an easy victory, Cooper made an amazing push and vaulted into 2nd where he would stay, and Mason, with 50 meters to go, was still in 6th. It seemed unlikely that we would get our sweep, but right at that moment Mason did what Mason does and dug deep; he hit another gear and sprinted past the rest of the competitors into 3rd. It was an absolutely amazing clutch performance! Time and time again this season our seniors have come up big in high stakes situations, these three young men did it and gave us our chance. Now, all of the sudden over the course of just one event, we found ourselves sitting 3.5 points back with two events left. In the 2-mile we had just one competitor, freshman Logan

 “Jud” Ervin. We desperately needed Jud to have a personal best performance, beat the Burns kids that were in that race and score us valuable points. He did all three.”
Said Willyoung, “Jud crushed his personal best time by 10 seconds and scored us 3 points to bring us within ½ a point headed into the last event. So there we were, ½ point out of 1st place and in another must-win situation. Burns was seeded less than one second behind us in this event, the 4x400-meter relay and if they won, it was over. Once again, I gathered the boys together, Jackson Owens, Cooper Sloan, Yandel Lazala, and Jack Mulvey and let them know what we needed. They already knew and they were ready. Yandel jumped out of the gate early and gained us a lead that we would never relinquish, Cooper and Jack widened the gap and Jackson brought it home and just like that, in the span of three events, we went from almost zero percent chance to win the meet to Conference Champions! Truth be told, if there was one event and one group of young men needed to win a meet, I would pick this group every single time. Our 4x400-meter relay is highly ranked in the state and all four competitors and our two alternates for that event are absolute warriors. They come out and compete hard in this event each and every time.”
Champions: (ALL of CHS’ champions set new meet records in their events and CHS is the first ever 1A/2A Southern Piedmont Conference champions): Jackson Owens – 200 meter, 400 meter, 4x400-meter relay; Cooper Sloan – Shot Put, 4x400-meter relay; Yandel Lazala –4x400-meter relay; and Jack Mulvey – 4x400-meter relay.

All Conference: Jackson Owens, Cooper Sloan, Yandel Lazala, Jack Mulvey, Gavin Cease, Mason Grindstaff, and Taishan Bell.
A list of everyone who finished; every young man we brought contributed to the win: 4x100 relay – 6th place, Kam Bolin, Gavin Cease, Danyel Thompkins, Marlon Gomez; 4x200 relay – 2nd place, Gavin Cease, Yandel Lazala, Cooper Sloan, and Mason Grindstaff; 4x400 relay – 1st place, Yandel Lazala, Cooper Sloan, Jack Mulvey, and Jackson Owens; 4x800 relay – 5th place- James Bell, Cain Cash, Marlon Gomez, and Robbie Bowman; Taishan Bell – 2nd Long Jump, 5th triple jump, and 7th 400 meter’ Amarius Berry – 5th discus’ Kam Bolin – 6th 110 hurdles, 7th 300 hurdles, and 6th 4x100 relay; Logan Ervin – 6th 3,200 meters; Mason Grindstaff – 3rd 200 meters, and 6th 300 meter hurdles; Caleb Hovis – 5th shot put; Yandel Lazala – 6th triple jump, 6th 400 meters, 2nd 4x200, and 1st 4x400 relay; Jack Mulvey – 3rd high jump, 3rd triple jump, and 4th long jump, 1st 4x400; Jackson Owens – 3rd 100 meters, 1st 200 meters, 1st 400 meters, and 1st 4x400 relay; Cooper Sloan – 1st shot put, 2nd 200 meter, 2nd 4x200, and 1st 4x400; and Danyel Thompkins – 6th 800 meter, 7th 110 hurdles, and 6th 4x100 relay.

Team is currently 15-9 overall; 8-4 in SPC play; listed as 3rd in the conference

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen won two games in SPC tournament play last week but lost one to Burns, who barely hung on by one run to take the win over a determined Ironmen squad.
The week also saw the CHS men make a clean sweep of the three games they played against rival BCHS, two at home and one away.
Against BCHS (May 3)
Lefty pitcher Colin Huss got the 16-2 win in this one as he struck out six batters and walked two; Huss was followed on the mound by Chase Miller who struck out two BCHS batters. Miller was in turn followed by Collin Robinson who struck out three Yellow Jackets batters. The Ironmen got their 16 runs off of 10 hits.
Hitters for the CHS men in this matchup were: Landon Hahn (3-5, a walk, and 2 RBIs); Robinson (3-5, 3 walks, and scored on a wild pitch); Will Heavner (an RBI); Will Fowler (2-3, 2 walks, and scored on a wild pitch); Kanon Willis (1-3, and scored on a wild pitch); Chase Miller (2-4, a double, a walk, and 2 RBIs); Trip Creason (3-3, a walk, scored on a wild pitch, and 2 RBIs); Nate Bookout (a walk); Tobias Miller (3-3, a walk, and 2 RBIs); Logan Hendrick (1-1, and an RBI); Huss (2-2, and 2 RBIs); and Eli Newsome (2 walks).
Against East Gaston (May 4)
The Ironmen traveled to East Gaston for this one and stroked out a 9-5 semifinals victory over a tough Warriors ball club, giving the Ironmen their second SPC 1A/2A conference tournament win. The winning pitcher was Kanon Willis, who went six innings and struck out five batters. The Ironmen racked up seven runs off six hits in the first inning alone. For the game, the Ironmen got their nine runs by rapping out 12 hits. Landon Hahn pitched the last inning, getting three strikeouts.
Hitters for the CHS men were Hahn (3-4, 4 RBIs); Chase Miller (4-4, an RBI); Colin Huss (1-3, 2 RBIs); Willis (1-4, an RBI); Collin Robinson (1-4, an RBI); Will Heavner (1-3); and Will Fowler (1-4).
Against Burns (May 5)
The Ironmen were once again on the road in the 'semis’, traveling to play the Bulldogs at Burns. The men sadly lost by only one run to the tenacious 'Dogs by a score of 4-3.
Freshman pitcher Eli Newsome started for Coach Heavner, followed by senior Trip Creason. Chase Miller finished the game and was credited with the loss.
Ironmen slugger Will Fowler was 2 for 3 and blasted a three-run home run. The youngster has, at last count, four HRs under his belt this season. Young Fowler also got 3 RBIs for his effort. Collin Robinson was 2 for 3 also.
The first round of the state playoffs began Tuesday, May 10.
The Ironmen also recognized some of the members of the 1982 state championship team that were at Fraley Field on Friday, May 6. The team finished their regular season 20-1 and won the SD-7 Conference championship, losing only to Fred T. Foard High. They finished their season at 25-2 and with a state championship for Coach Henry Jones, his second of six total state championships won in his long and illustrious career.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Ironmen currently 13-8 overall; 8-4 going into the playoffs

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS baseball Ironmen ended their regular season with an 11-1 win over the rival BCHS Yellow Jackets last Friday, April 29, at Fraley Field. That same week saw them defeat the visiting West Lincoln Rebels 9-3 in what was head coach Scott Heavner’s 300th career win.

Against West Lincoln
In this Wednesday, April 27 game, lead-off batter, junior Landon Hahn was 3-5, with a double and 2 RBIs; followed by Tobias Miller who was 3-4, and Collin Robinson, who was 2-5. Three batters, Will Heavner, Will Fowler, and Kanon Willis, were 2-4 at the plate. Heavner score on a wild pitch and had an RBI while Fowler had 2 RBIs and Willis had one RBI. Hitting 2 for 3 at-bats were Logan Hendricks and Collin Huss. Hendricks, one of two seniors on the team, got a double and 2 RBIs. Starting pitcher Eli Newsome, who struck out three and walked one, was 1-1 and got walked. Hahn came in and struck out two Rebels batters, followed by Huss coming in and striking out three batters and walking one.
The Ironmen got nine runs off of eight hits in this game to get the win.

Against Bessemer City
The Yellow Jackets and Ironmen faced each other on Tuesday, April 26; in an away game in which the BCHS squad got hammered 18-1 by the Ironmen, giving Coach Heavner his 301st win. The Jackets came from The Hive on Friday, April 29 to Fraley Field to try and get some sort of payback, but such was not to be as the Ironmen once again held the Jackets to just one run, defeating them to end the CHS men’s regular season at 13-8 overall; 8-4 going into the playoffs.
Senior Trip Creason was the starting pitcher. He struck out 7 batters and walked only two. Kanon Willis came in and struck out two batters.
For the Ironmen, it was home run night as Will Heavner (3-4, an RBI, two walks) blasted one into the atmosphere, followed by Creason’s solo homer later on in the game. Creason was 2-3, with a walk on the night as well.
Other hitters for the Ironmen in this matchup were Hahn (2-4); Robinson (3-4, 3 walks); Fowler (2-4, a double, put on base, and 3 RBIs); Willis (3-4, a walk, 2 doubles, scored on a wild pitch, and 2 RBIs); Chase Miller (1-4, a double, scored on a balk); and Huss (2-3, got on base on an error, and a walk). The Ironmen got their 11 runs off of 8 hits.
According to CHS Athletic Director Scott Harrill the SPC 1A/2A Tournament playoffs were set to begin Tuesday, May 3 and continue on Wednesday, May 4, and Friday. May 6.
Sixth seed BCHS will play third seed CHS; 7 seed Thomas Jefferson is scheduled to play 2 seed East Gaston, while 5 seed Highland Tech will face 4 seed Shelby. Number one seed Burns has a bye.

(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Head CHS men’s track coach Justin Willyoung is plain spoken about things, especially when it comes to winning.
“First thing I would start with about this (Gaston County track) meet is that it was four years in the making (and) was a product of four years of hard work, determination, and dedication by this group especially our seniors.”
When Willyoung took over four years ago he had nine kids his first day of practice – boys and girls combined. When they got to the county meet that year, he said, “I will never forget that they didn’t have a packet ready for us or really factor us in at all in planning for the meet. Someone jokingly said, 'We always forget you guys are even in the county.' I calmly said, 'This will definitely be the last year anyone forgets about Cherryville at this meet.' I remember walking right out to our small group of kids and saying to a few freshmen (our current seniors) that were sitting there, 'When you are seniors we are going to win this thing.' They all agreed and four years later THEY made it happen! I could not be more proud of this group and what they have already and will continue to accomplish this season.”
He continued, “This team embodies the true spirit of what the Ironmen are all about. We are the smallest school and one of the smallest teams in the county. The big schools have the luxury of only needing their kids to run one or two events. Almost all of our guys do four events each meet. It is grueling and painful and truly takes a special athlete to do that every week of the season, but our guys not only do it but get better every day. Team spirit is at 110 percent at our meets; it’s so contagious that other teams end up cheering us on! This is a special group of young men.”
Coach Willyoung said he’d like to give a “shout out” to Gaston County Track MVP Jackson Owens.
“Jackson knowingly and willingly sacrificed individual glory and the prestige of being a county champion in individual events to make sure his team was in the best possible position to win,” he said. “He chose a workload for this meet that is nearly unreasonable to ask of any young man. I tried to talk him out of it but he insisted it was best for the team and it paid off. He earned the respect of those around him and the county coaches voted him as track MVP.”
Jackson was second in the 400-meter dash, third in the 800-meter dash, 10th in the 100-meter dash, and ran the anchor leg of the winning 4x400-meter relay, said Willyoung. 
“I would also like to recognize Field MVP Jack Mulvey for dominating the jumping events and running an impressive leg of the winning 4x400-meter relay. Jack has been a consistent top performer all season and has an impressive drive to win. He is consistently improving each meet and has his sights set on State in multiple events and a second consecutive conference Field MVP title.” 
Willyoung also singled out Kam Bolin, a two-event winner in the 110-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles and who also ran the anchor leg on the fourth place, 4x100-meter relay team.  Said Willyoung, “Kam has steadily improved all season and always comes through when he’s needed. Kam will do any event at any time if asked. He is seeded high in the region in the 110 hurdles.”
Seniors Mason Grindstaff, Cooper Sloan, and Gavin Cease majorly contributed to the team victory, placing in their events and scoring valuable points for the team total, noted Willyoung.  “Cooper was a member of all three relay teams, earning first place in the 4x400, second in the 4x200, and fourth in the 4x100. He also placed third in the shot-put ,where he threw a personal best. Mason was a member of the second place 4x200 relay, fifth in the open 200-meters and second in the 300 hurdles. Gavin was a member of the second place 4x200 relay and fourth place 4x100-meter relay,” Coach Willyoung added.
Junior Yandel Lazala made a significant impact on the track and in the field, said coach.
“He was a member of the winning 4x400-meter relay team, sixth in the open 400-meter dash, second as a member of the 4x200-meter relay, and sixth in the triple jump.” noted Willyoung.
Willyoung noted sophomore Taishan Bell “…impressed on the track and in the field as well” taking second in the long jump, fourth in the triple jump, sixth in the high jump and fourth in the 110-meter hurdles.
“Taishan and Yandel have bright futures on the track team!” he said. adding that junior Danyel Thompkins scored valuable points in the 110-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles. 
Said Coach Willyoung, “Every member of the boys team contributed to the team victory.”
The breakdown of events and places that scored points toward the team total: 4x800-meter relay – 6th: Kadin Beaver, Cain Cash, Jud Ervin, and James Bell; 110 hurdles – 1st: Kam Bolin, 4th: Taishan Bell, and 5th: Danyel Thompkins.
The 4x200 relay – 2nd: Cooper Sloan, Gavin Cease, Yandel Lazala, and Mason Grindstaff; 4x100 relay – 4th: Cooper Sloan, Gavin Cease, Kam Bolin, and Marlon Gomez; 400-meter – 2nd: Jackson Owens and 6th: Yandel Lazala.
The 300 hurdles – 1st: Kam Bolin, 2nd: Mason Grindstaff, and 5th: Danyel Thompkins.
In the 800-meter – 3rd: Jackson Owens; the 200-meter – 5th: Mason Grindstaff; and the 3,200-meter – 5th: Jud Ervin.
In the 4x400 relays – 1st: Cooper Sloan, Yandel Lazala, Jack Mulvey, and Jackson Owens; in the High Jump – 1st: Jack Mulvey and 6th: Taishan Bell; in the Long Jump – 2nd: Taishan Bell and 5th: Jack Mulvey; in the Triple Jump – 3rd: Jack Mulvey, 4th: Taishan Bell, and 6th: Yandel Lazala.
In the Shot Put – 3rd: Cooper Sloan and 8th: Mason Grindstaff; and in Discus – 5th: Elijah Gibson, 6th: Tyler Foley, and 8th: Amarius Berry.
“A great team effort,” said Coach Willyoung.
Head Lady Ironmen track and field coach Houston Gilmore said of the girl’s track team’s performance at the Gaston County Meet, “The girl’s track team finished in fifth place in the county meet. It was a great team effort from all of the girls.”
The team was highlighted, he noted, by top-five finishes by the following ladies: Rylee-Grace Burgis, Khya Brooks, Callista Spencer, Landrie Wofford, Sarah Rayfield, and all of the relay teams.
“Congratulations to all of the girls!” he said.

Cancer Night walk; Senior Night are
April 29

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

On Tuesday, April 12, the CHS Lady Ironmen took on the visiting Lady Rams of Highland Tech and defeated them by a score of 11-1. The team currently 10-4 overall; 8-1 in SPC 1A/2A play.
Head coach A.J. Henley said pitcher Raegan Nowowiecki got the win. Hitters for the CHS ladies in this one were Laila Davis, who was 3-4; Emma Proctor (2-4); and catcher Lexi McSwain, who went 2-3.
The CHS ladies traveled to Highland Tech on Thursday, April 14 to play the Lady Rams again, this time on their own home turf; once again inflicting a 13-4 loss onto the Lady Rams.
Pitcher Raegan Nowowiecki got the win in this one, striking out 12 HT batters.
Leading hitters in this one for the CHS ladies were Landyn McBride, Emma Proctor, Ava Miller, Krista Davis, and Riley Bryant.
The CHS Easter Tournament, which started Tuesday, April 19, and goes into Wednesday, April 20, had Cherryville hosting the West Lincoln Lady Rebels; the North Gaston Lady Wildcats; as well as teams from North Lincoln, East Lincoln, and Kings Mountain. Regular play will resume after the Spring Break holiday as the Lady Ironmen play the BCHS Lady Jackets on Tuesday, April 26 at Bessemer City; the East Gaston Lady Warriors on Thursday, April 28 at CHS; and the Lady Jackets again at CHS on Friday, April 29.
Coach Henley wanted to remind everyone that Cancer Night and Senior Night are also on Friday, April 29.
The SPC 1A/2A Conference Tournament starts Tuesday, May 3 and runs through Friday, May 6, places and times to are yet to be determined.
(Additional stats/info by A.J. Henley)

Ironmen are 7-6 overall; 4-4 in SPC 1A/2A play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS baseball Ironmen came up with back-to-back away and home losses on Wednesday, April 6 and Thursday, April 7, respectively, to the Warriors of East Gaston High School.

Against East Gaston (away)
This game, originally scheduled for April 5, was played on April 6, and resulted in a 0-6 loss for the visiting Ironmen. Pitcher Eli Newsome took the loss in this one. Hitters for the Ironmen in this matchup were Chase Miller (1-3); Will Heavner (1-3); Kanon Willis (1-2);and Tobias Miller (1-2).

Against East Gaston (at Fraley Field)
The two teams – the Warriors and the Ironmen – met again, this time at Fraley Field, but the results, though not as tough on the young men as their previous loss, was still not what they wanted as the Warriors batters managed to get an 8-5 win over the scrappy Ironmen, who stayed in the game for nine innings of play.
Hitters for the CHS men in this one were Landon Hahn (2-5); Will Heavner (2-5); Will Fowler (2-5, in on a walk, 2 RBIs); Kanon Willis (2-5, 2 RBIs); Collin Robinson (3-4); and Tobias Miller (1-5, a double, one RBI). Chase Miller got on base on a walk.
Coach Heavner’s starter, Brayden Reynolds, struck out two batters and walked one. Willis came in relief and finished the game, striking out four and walking two.
The Ironmen squad had five runs off of 10 hits in this losing endeavor.
They played at home on Tuesday, April 12, against Highland Tech, then are scheduled to play them away on Thursday, April 14 at 7 p.m.
According to the team’s schedule they are away at the Beach Diamond Invitational Monday through Friday, time and place TBA, as per the schedule.

(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

According to head men’s golf coach Timmy Fleming, the Cherryville High School golf team placed first in their match on Monday, March 28, at Cherryville Golf and Country Club. Coach Fleming noted the team’s score was 161.
Said Fleming, “East Gaston came in second with a score of 165. Highland Tech, Thomas Jefferson, Shelby, Burns and Bessemer City also competed.”
The Medalist for the match was Shelby’s Barek Cardell, firing a 36.
Cherryville’s Tedder brothers, Jackson and Blake, both finished close with a pair of 38s.
The Cherryville team competed in another conference match on Monday, April 4, at Green Meadows.

Three Lady Ironmen wrestlers a “first” for the school

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville High School’s head wrestling coach Matt Powers said the 2021-2022 season has wrapped up and will go down as another record year.
Said Powers, “On a short turnaround from the COVID-19 sports season, the Ironmen wrestling team, back in the traditional setting of a Winter sport, looked to replace two Seniors in the lineup that had been multiple-time state qualifiers and placers. At the beginning of the season, it looked as if the lone returning two-time state qualifier and one-time placer would lead the team surrounded by athletes who had had a limited COVID season.” He continued, “Even though we could not fill a complete lineup most of the season, the team finished the season 15-19, and 7-1 in combined Southern Piedmont – Catawba Shores 1A/2A Conference. The only conference loss came to 2A East Gaston. The team won their first-round State playoff dual against South Stokes before falling in the second round to Swain County. The team was ranked throughout the season at one point 5th in the state 1A.”
Powers noted the Ironmen wrestling team qualified 10 wrestlers for the western regional held at Allegheny High School, came out 5th place as a team, and qualified four wrestlers for the State Championships (the highest number of qualifiers in a single season). Those four represented CHS at the State tournament, finishing 9th in the state 1A, which Coach Powers believes is the highest place CHS has ever finished.
All-Conference wrestlers were: Robbie Bowman (120-pound class); Chase Miller (152-pound class); Kam Bolin (160-pound class); Mason Grindstaff (182-pound class); and Tobias Miller (195-pound class). The SPC 1A/2A Conference Wrestler of the Year was Chase Miller, who Coach Powers noted also joined the (CHS) 100 Match Win Club.
Powers also stated State Qualifiers were Bowman, C. Miller, Bolin, and Grindstaff, while the State Placers were C. Miller (2nd) and Grindstaff (3rd).
Other notable pieces of information: Yanet Guadarrama, Josie Roper, and Alyssa Roberts were Cherryville’s first three female wrestlers.
Powers said, “Yanet Guadarrama was the first female wrestler to win a match, was the first female to medal at an individual tournament, placing 3rd at West Caldwell’s Warrior Invitational, and the first female to qualify for the Western Regional tournament.”
He continued, “All three ladies wrestled at the NC Women’s Invitational where Alyssa Roberts was the first female from CHS to qualify for the top 16 bracket at that tournament.”

Team currently 4-2 overall; 2-0 in SPC 1A/2A play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Coach Scott Heavner’s Ironmen varsity squad won a pair – a home game and an away game – and lost one at home in last week’s work on the diamond.

Against Shelby
The Golden Lions of Shelby High came to Fraley Field on Tuesday, March 15 and gave the Ironmen a tough time of it, but the Ironmen came away with a narrow 3-2 victory. The Lions, along with Burns and East Gaston, are a couple of the new opponents the CHS teams now have to face in the 1A/2A Southern Piedmont Conference.
Pitchers Kanon Willis and Braden Reynolds struck out 11 Lions batters between them (Willis-7; Reynolds-4. Willis walked 3 batters).
Hitters for the CHS men in this one were Willis (1-3, 2 RBIs) and Tobias Miller (1-3,  an RBI), and batter Will Heavner, who was walked and got on later on an error by the Lions.

Against Community School of Davidson
This was another home game for the Ironmen, played on Thursday, March 17, and it didn’t quite go the way they wanted it as the visiting CSD Spartans handed the CHS men an 8-3 loss at Fraley Field.
Coach Heavner wound up using five pitchers in this one.
Starter and senior Trip Creason walked one Spartan batter and was followed on the mound by Chase Miller, who had one strike-out but walked two batters. Senior Logan Hendrick came up next, walking four Spartans and striking out three. Left-hander Collin Huss was up next, walking three batters before Coach Heavner took him out and finished up with Nate Bookout, who struck out a CSD batter.
Hitters for the Ironmen were Landon Hahn (1-4, a double, 2 RBIs) and Will Fowler (1-4). Huss was walked and also had an RBI. Will Heavner was walked but later had a base hit.

Against Shelby
The Ironmen faced the Golden Lions again on Friday, March 18 in an away game at Shelby High School. Once again the Ironmen defeated the Golden Lions by a score of 2-1.
Hitters for the Ironmen were Tobias Miller, who doubled in the sixth inning. Pitcher Eli Newsome lasted the game, striking out nine Lions batters for the win.
The Ironmen were scheduled to play Maiden (at Maiden) on Monday, March 21, at 7 p.m. They will play Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy on Tuesday, March 22, at 5 p.m.

(Additional info/stats by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

The Cherryville Little Ironmen’s William H. Puckett, III said in a recent media release that on Saturday, March 5, at Nixon Gym, their organization had its final day of Saturday basketball.
The scores and standouts from each game are as follows:
For the 5-8th grade game (middle school age), it was App State versus Georgetown. App State were the Tournament Champions, and the final score was App State 43, Georgetown 42. It came down to a nail biter of a game, Puckett noted.
Standouts for each team were: App State – number 0, Aaron Heavner (with 22 pts.), and Landry Pruitt (with multiple rebounds and 3 points). For Georgetown  it was number 3, Elijah Proctor (with 31 points) and number 10, Enijahe Whitworth (with 10 points).
For the 3-4th grade age group it was the Oregon Ducks versus App State. The Oregon Ducks were Tournament Champions in this one with the final score: Ducks – 15, App State – 6.
Said Puckett, “It was a very defensive game.”
The Ducks standout was Brayden Atkins (with 5 points) and Kye Gidney (with 4 points).
App state was led by Dane Harris, with 3 points.
The final game was the Kindergarten – 2nd grade age group with the Oregon Ducks the Tournament Champions.
Again, noted Mr. Puckett, “This was a very exciting game.”
The final score was Oregon Ducks – 37, versus Duke Blue Devils – 27.
The Ducks were led by number 23, Cason Puckett (with 18 points), and  number 7, Robert Ott (with 11 points).
The Duke Blue Devils were led by  number 00, Brody Self (with 22 points), and  number 33, Lawson Walls (with 3 points).
Said Puckett, “We had a fundraiser and the top 18 kids had the opportunity to ride in a limousine to the Charlotte Hornets versus the San Antonio Spurs game. In all, Cherryville Little Ironmen hosted over 270 players, parents, and siblings at the Hornets game. It was an awesome time for the kids!”
Puckett noted the Little Ironmen wish to give their thanks to Dan Harris, Kelly Harris, Hannah Garrett, and Haley Craft for their hard work and dedication.
Also, thanks is given as well to the referees, Cherryville High School student-athletes, Landon Hahn, Chance Hunt, and Darrien Floyd for their help in refereeing the games. 

Team currently has a 1-2 start in their
opening games

Against West Lincoln
In their first regular season game, the 2022 CHS softball ladies lost to the West Lincoln Lady Rebels 4-2 on Monday, Feb. 28 in a non-conference, away game.

Against Stuart Cramer
Next up for the Lady Ironmen diamond queens was a non-conference away game against the Lady Storm of Stuart Cramer, in Belmont, on Thursday, March 3.
Head coach AJ Henley’s hard-playing CHS ladies barely lost this one (by one run), with a final score of 5-4.
According to Max Preps sports web site, the Lady Ironmen scored a run in the first inning, getting on the scoreboard first; then pegged two (2) more runs in the 6th inning, and got their final, hard-earned run in the 7th inning.

Against Lincoln Charter
This one was a non-conference home game for the Lady Ironmen, and was a great win for the team.
The game score was 2-1, in favor of the Lincoln Charter Lady Eagles, in 4th inning, but the Lady Ironmen tied the game in the in short order.
However, never count the Lady Eagles out as they homered and went ahead by one run in the 5th inning.
The stalwart Lady Ironmen hung on and battled back, and defeated the Lady Eagles 3-2 in 10 innings of play.
The winning pitcher was Raegan Nowowiecki, for the Lady Ironmen.
Weather permitting, the ladies will take the field at CHS on Wednesday, March 9 against West Lincoln, then will play again at home, as they face off against the Lady Wildcats of North Gaston. Both games are non-conference matchups.

During last week’s Championship 2022 NCHSAA 1A Wrestling State Tournament, two CHS wrestlers made it into the Final Placements. They are: at 152 pounds – in 2nd Place, Chase Miller; and at 182 pounds and finishing the state in 3rd Place is Mason Grindstaff of Cherryville.
Starting with the Quarterfinal Round of the 2022 NCHSAA 1A Wrestling State Tournament, and moving on through until the finals and consolation matches, here is how the four CHS wrestlers who made it to the state tournament fared.
In the Quarterfinals, the young men competed well with two of them, Chase Miller (152 weight class) getting a win in sudden victory period 1, over South Stanley’s Michael Gabbard, and Mason Grindstaff (182 weight class), getting a win by decision over Uwharrie Charter’s Jaden Maness.
The following are the stats for the quarterfinal matches/weight classes in which the four wrestled:
120 lb. – Tristan Hale (South Davidson, 47-0) won by tech fall over CHS’ Robbie Bowman (33-18) (TF-1.5 2:48 [15-0]);
152 lb. – Chase Miller (Cherryville, 44-7) won in sudden victory period 1 over Michael Gabbard (South Stanly, 32-5) (SV-1 7-3);
160 lb. – Isaac Williams (Union Academy, 31-7) won by fall over Kam Bolin (Cherryville, 38-12) (Fall 3:36); and
182 lb. – Mason Grindstaff (Cherryville, 37-7) won by decision over Jaden Maness (Uwharrie Charter, 37-11) (Dec 6-2).
In the Championship Semifinals, held on Friday, Feb. 18, in the 152 lb. class, Chase Miller (Cherryville, 45-7) won by fall over Dylan Ramage (East Wilkes, 28-14) (Fall 2:43), and  Kyle Fink (Robbinsville, 45-4) won by major decision over Mason Grindstaff (Cherryville, 37-8) (MD 9-1).
In the 2022 NCHSAA Individual Wrestling State Tournament Consolation Round Results – Final Day, on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, the results were: 182 pound class – 3rd Place Match, Mason Grindstaff (Cherryville, 39-8) won by decision over Jaden Maness (Uwharrie Charter, 39-12) (Dec 4-1).
In the 1A Wrestling State Tournament Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022 Consolation Semifinals, the results were: in the 160 pound class, Bradley Parker (Avery County, 31-4) won by fall over Kam Bolin (Cherryville, 39-13) (Fall 1:30), while in the 182 pound class, Cherryville’s Mason Grindstaff (39-8) won by fall over Noah Maltba (Mitchell, 27-17) (Fall 0:59).
In the 2022 NCHSAA 1A Wrestling State Tournament Consolation First Round (also on Saturday, Feb. 19, in the 120 pounds classification, Robbuinsville’s Logan Hyde (23-11) won by decision over Robbie Bowman (Cherryville, 33-19) (Dec 11-7). In the 160 pound class, CHS’ Kam Bolin (39-13) won by fall over Darren Joyner (Southside, 10-6) (Fall 1:00).
In the 1A Wrestling State Tournament, Saturday, Feb. 19, Consolation Semifinals, in the 160 pound class, Bradley Parker (Avery County, 31-4) won by fall over Kam Bolin (Cherryville, 39-13) (Fall 1:30), while in the 182 pound class Mason Grindstaff (Cherryville, 39-8) won by fall over Noah Maltba (Mitchell, 27-17) (Fall 0:59).
In the tournament’s Championship Finals, held also on Saturday, Feb. 19, in the 152 pound class, Tristan Adams (Avery County, 24-4, Jr.) won over Chase Miller (Cherryville, 45-8, Jr.) by decision (Dec 5-3).

EG Warriors; BCHS Lady Yellow Jackets move on

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Lady Ironmen lost 27-22 in the first round of the SPC 1A/2A playoffs last Tuesday, Feb. 15, to the BCHS Lady Yellow Jackets in a game played at Bessemer City’s gym.
On that same night, back at Nixon Gym, the Ironmen varsity men were handed a 51-66 defeat at the hands of a better prepared East Gaston Warriors.
The Ironmen had handed the scrappy Warriors two defeats earlier in January and it is to be suppose the East Gaston hoops squad was looking for a little payback, which came in the form of a loss to the CHS men in SPC 1A/2A first round tournament action at the CHS home court of Nixon Gym.
The leading scorers for Coach Harrill’s Ironmen were junior Carson Kelly, with 11 points; and senior Jack Mulvey and sophomore Khanye Kennedy, each with 10 points apiece. They were the only Ironmen in double figures for the night.
Cooper Sloan and Landon Hahn each had 6 points, followed by Chance Hunt, with 4 points. Rounding out the low scoring night for the Ironmen were Numarius Good and Darrien Floyd, each with 2 points apiece.
According to information from the NCHSAA’s 2022 NCHSAA, the Men’s & Women’s Basketball Brackets have been finalized as of Saturday, Feb. 19, with first round games scheduled for the home of the higher seed on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022.
In those first round men’s pairings the #20-seed Ironmen will travel to take on #13-seed Swain County. That game, according to Coach Harrill, is to start at 6 p.m.
The State Championships will be held – according to NCHSAA information – on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at UNC’s Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill and Reynolds Coliseum at NC State University in Raleigh.
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell)

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville High School’s head basketball coach Scott Harrill picked up a massive victory on Friday night, Feb. 11, against the visiting Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons as he notched his 400th coaching win.
Harrill, mobbed by family, friends, fellow coaches and players alike, stood in the middle of an Ironmen scrum thanking everyone for the well wishes and support. Coach Harrill noted he couldn’t have done what he has done without the help and support not just of his many players throughout his many years of coaching, but thanked also his lovely wife, Teresa; sons, Trevor and Lane; his mom and dad, Marie and Howard Harrill, as well as his assistant coaches Dennis Tate, Dr. Bud Black, and Antonio Griggs, as well as long-time team manager Lee Roy Montgomery, and all the CHS Ironmen school principals, staff, Booster Club folks and other Ironmen team personnel who contributed so much throughout the years to the hoops teams’ successes.
Principal Shawn Hubers said of the accomplishment, “400 wins is an amazing accomplishment! Coach Harrill always gets the best out of his players and this year is no different. Cherryville High School is blessed to have Coach Harrill leading our basketball team and athletic department.”
Last Friday night was Senior Night for the basketball seniors and the cheer squad seniors as CHS said “good-bye” to the following seniors student/athletes: Terayha Bess (girls’ basketball); Abby Burleson, Khya Brooks, Sydney Grace Abernathy, and Rylee Grace Burgis (cheerleading); and Gavin Cease, Carter Spangler, Jack Mulvey, and Cooper Sloan (men’s basketball). All the seniors were escorted onto the Bud Black Court at Nixon Gym by the parents.

Against NCSD Bears
The Ironmen played non-conference matches last week and the week before against the Bears of the North Carolina School for the Deaf and won both of those games.

Against the
TJCA Gryphons
The Lady Ironmen played the TJCA Lady Gryphons and lost to them 18-55. Four ladies got on the boards with points and they were Gabbie McCorkle (9 pts.); Terayha Bess (4 pts.); Krista Davis (3 pts.); and Ragan Hovis (2 pts.) The Lady Ironmen finished their regular season at 2-19 overall; 1-11 in SPC 1A/2A play.
In varsity men’s action the  Ironmen hoops squad had a bit of a time handling the Gryphons right out of the gate as they didn’t appear to want to just roll over and play dead, battling the running and gunning Ironmen squad hard, going not just toe-to-toe with them, but matching them shot for shot, three-pointer for three-pointer. The final score for this game – Coach Harrill’s 400th win – was 59-51, the Ironmen.
Carson Kelly led the men with 22 points (5 three-pointers), followed by Landon Hahn with 12 points.
The remaining Ironmen scorers were: senior Gavin Cease (6 pts.); Khanye Kennedy (5 pts.); senior Cooper Sloan (4 pts.); Numarius Good and Chance Hunt (3 pts. apiece); and seniors Carter Spangler and Jack Mulvey with 2 points apiece on the night. The men finished their regular season at 16-7 overall; 6-6 in SPC 1A/2A play.
The varsity Ironmen boys were slated to play East Gaston Tuesday night, Feb. 15, at Nixon Gym as the Conference Tournament started on Feb. 14, and run until Feb. 18.
The Sectional Playoffs are Feb. 19, 22, and 24, at locations to be determined.
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell, Danny Eaker, and Scott Harrill.)

Two-point loss to Burns described as “heartbreaking”

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen varsity men got two good road wins against a couple of conference foes last week, and almost bagged a “W” against new conference foe Burns, but the Bulldogs hung on and pulled out the two-point win in spite of a great Ironmen effort.
 Against Burns
Coach Scott Harrill noted his men “…lost a heart-breaker 68-66 to Burns on Tuesday night.”
That said, he said the leading scorers for the Ironmen were Carson Kelly (23 points), Jack Mulvey, with a double-double 16 points and 14 rebounds, Numarius Good (6 points), Khayne Kennedy (9 points), Chance Hunt (4 points), and Carter Spangler (2 points).
The Lady Ironmen suffered 13-63 loss to the Burns Lady Bulldogs in their matchup at this same away game.
Against TJCA
In this away game, the CHS Lady Ironmen lost 10-61 to the Lady Gryphons.
The Ironmen boys hoops squad, said Harrill, “…won a big conference game, 55-44, at Thomas Jefferson.”
He continued, “The Ironmen played with great intensity and (it) was a back-and-forth game. The Ironmen came out hot with Carson Kelly hitting three three-pointers in the first quarter and Landon Hahn hitting two threes in the 18-point first quarter. The game ended up 28-23 at the half in favor of the Ironmen.”
Harrill noted the game was close with TJCA hitting a three-pointer with 4:32 remaining in the game to take a 44-41 lead.  Said Harrill, “That is when the Ironmen defense shut the Gryphons down. Numarius Good came up with three big steals for the Ironmen down the stretch and pushed the lead to 7.  Cooper Sloan came up with two big blocks in the final two minutes. Hahn went 4-4 from the free-throw line in the final minute to secure the 55-44 Cherryville victory.”
Coach Harrill said, “I am very proud of the way the men played tonight. They never quit on the defensive end. What a performance!”
Carson Kelly led the way with 20 points, and Landon Hahn had 11 points. Other scorers were: Numarius Good, 8 points; Carter Spangler, 3 points; Chance Hunt, 3 points; Jack Mulvey, 2 points; Gavin Cease, 4 points; and Cooper Sloan, 4 points.

Against Highland Tech
The Ironmen once again were on the road, traveling to Highland Tech Friday night, Feb. 4, for a rivalry game with the Rams.
In JV action, Coach Antonio Griggs said his young men lost to the JV Rams 43 to 58. His leading scorers were: Rayshawn Sewell (11 pts.); Steven Brown (9 pts.); and Amir Starr, with 8 points.
Coach Harrill said, “The Ironmen started the first quarter with Numarius (Good) making two big three-pointers followed by a Hahn 'three’. Cooper (Sloan) gave us a good post presence in the first quarter with three baskets in the paint, helping the Ironmen jump out to a 21-16 lead after one quarter.”
The second quarter, noted Harrill, saw many foul calls both ways. He added the free throw shooting could have been a little better for both teams. The half-time score was 32-25, Ironmen.  Coach said Jack Mulvey carried the Ironmen in the third quarter, scoring nine points and pulling down 5 rebounds in the quarter.  Said Harrill, “Cherryville hit 10 free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the 63-50 victory.”
The Ironmen had five players in double figures: Carson Kelly – 14 points, Jack Mulvey – 14 points, Numarius Good – 12 points, Landon Hahn – 10 points, and Cooper Sloan – 10 points.
Carter Spangler had 2 points, said Coach Harrill, adding, “The back-to-back games were tough, and I am really proud of how hard Landon Hahn has been playing defense. He has shut down two of the top scorers in the conference the last two nights. Also, Numarius Good had been great for us in the fourth quarter coming up with big steals, and Cooper Sloan just continues to improve on the defensive end. We need to finish off the season with a win to keep the momentum in the playoffs.”
According to Max Preps, the Lady Ironmen are currently 2-18 overall; 1-10 in SPC 1A/2A play, and are 7th in the conference. The varsity Ironmen, also according to Max Preps, are currently 13-7 overall and are 5-6 in SPC 1A/2A play.
The varsity men played NCSD on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at Nixon Gym, and then are slated to play Thomas Jefferson on Friday, Feb. 11, at Nixon Gym. The JV game starts at 4:30; followed by the varsity games beginning at 6 p.m.
The Conference Tournament is scheduled for Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 14-18 Conference Tournament (no information as to where it is to be played) and the Sectional Playoffs are scheduled for Tuesday through Saturday, Feb. 19, 22, 24, at a place and time yet to designated.
(Additional information/stats by Scott Harrill, Susan L. Powell, and Danny Eaker

Men currently 11-6 overall; ladies currently 2-15 overall

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville High’s Ironmen basketball teams battled two very tough teams last week; one in an away game and the second in a home game at Nixon Gym on the Bud Black Court. A game with NCSD that was meant to be played at home on the 24th of January has been postponed, moved to another date.

Against Shelby
The CHS Ironmen traveled to Shelby on Tuesday, Jan. 25 to play the Golden Lions.
First up in the away games were the Lady Ironmen, who suffered a 77-15 loss to the Lady Golden Lions. Individual scores for the varsity ladies were not available.
The varsity men took to the court and after a battle, lost to the Golden Lions by a score of 72-50.
The high scorer for the Ironmen in this game was junior guard Numarius Good with 12 points, followed by senior Jack Mulvey with 11 points.
Teammates Landon Hahn and Darrien Floyd each had 7 points. apiece to help in the game while sophomore Chance Hunt chipped in 6 points in an epic Ironmen effort against one of the tougher teams in the newly-created conference.
Junior Collin Huss had 4 points in this matchup while seniors Cooper Sloan (2 pts.) and Gavin Cease (shot 2 free throws and made one of them) added their efforts in the game.

Against BCHS
The powerhouse Yellow Jackets, county rivals of the CHS Ironmen, visited Nixon Gym on Thursday, Jan. 27, and both BCHS hoops teams walked away with wins against the Ironmen basketball varsity squads.
After a 42-35 win by Coach Antonio Griggs’ CHS JV hoops squad over the JV Yellow Jackets, the varsity Lady Ironmen took to the court against the Lady Jackets, coached by Billy James. The Lady Ironmen, coached by Carrie Dalton and Callie Hahn gave great effort but fell at the final buzzer, 25-65, to the Lady Jackets.
The leading scorer for the Lady Ironmen in this matchup was Krista Davis with 11 points, followed by senior Terayha Bess with 7 points. Gabbie McCorkle had 5 points and Ragan Hovis scored 2 points for the Lady Ironmen.
The varsity Ironmen boys team – led by high scorer Carson Kelly with 14 points – gave it their best shot against the Yellow Jackets, but Coach Danny McDowell’s BC squad won the second meeting between the two rival teams, 68-53 at the final buzzer. Kelly was the only Ironman in double digits in this game.
Seniors Jack Mulvey and Landon Hahn scored 9 and 8 points respectively in this matchup, followed by teammates Carter Spangler and Numarius Good, who each scored 5 points apiece. Senior Gavin Cease scored 4 points while Chance Hunt and Cooper Sloan each scored 3 points apiece. Junior Ethan Honeyman was fouled and he rounded out the Ironmen’s scoring as he bagged 2 points off of two made free throws.
Currently, the CHS varsity women are 2-15 overall; 1-9 in the SPC 1A-2A and the CHS varsity men are 11-6 overall and 3-5 in the SPC 1A-2A.
On Tuesday, Feb. 1, the Ironmen traveled to play Burns, and on Thursday, Feb. 3, the CHS hoops teams are slated to play an away game against the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons with the JV game starting at 4:30, and the varsity games starting at p.m.
(Additional stats and info by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Men improve to 11-4 overall; 3-3 in the  SPC 1A/2A

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen varsity hoops squads traveled to East Gaston last week to battle one of their new conference opponents, the East Gaston Warriors. The varsity men won their game 69-49, handing the Warriors their second defeat at the hands of the scrappy 1A team.
Head Ironmen boys basketball coach Scott Harrill said the Cherryville boys basketball team improved to 11-4 on the season after a good conference road win against the 2A East Gaston Warriors.
Said Coach Harrill, “The Ironmen saw senior Jack Mulvey have one of his best overall games, scoring 10 points, getting eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and drawing three charges!”  Harrill said the Ironmen were “in a hole” after the first quarter, being down 18-11. Cherryville tied the game by halftime at 28-all with sophomore Chance Hunt coming in to spark the Ironmen.
Hunt hit a three pointer, got two steals, and had two assists in the second quarter. Then Hunt really turned up the pressure for the Ironmen and they kept that energy the rest of the game.
The third quarter saw junior Carson Kelly get hot, hitting four three pointers in the third quarter and scoring 18 points in the third quarter on his way to a game-high 35 points.
The Ironmen built a 14-point lead going into the fourth quarter as big senior Gavin Cease had two big plays in the fourth quarter and a “nice and one finish” in the paint, noted Harrill, who added, “The strong center had a game-high 11 rebounds to go along with his eight points.”
Seniors Mulvey and Landon Hahn knocked down free throws in the fourth quarter, with the final score being CHS 69, East Gaston 49.
Coach Harrill said the Ironmen and Warriors both wore special National Guard uniforms on EGHS’ Military Appreciation Night. Harrill said, “I am always happy anytime we can honor the military. I loved the energy and effort the kids played with tonight. They really stepped up and we got some great play from Hunt and (senior) Carter Spangler coming in with a lot of energy.”
The senior – Spangler – finished with five big defensive rebounds, noted Coach Harrill, adding that such helping hold East Gaston’s leading scorer to zero points for the game.
The Ironmen played the Shelby Golden Lions on Tuesday, Jan. 25, at Shelby, then play at home Friday night, Jan. 28, against the visiting Bessemer City Yellow Jackets. Games start at 4:30 p.m. (JV) and 6 p.m., for the varsity squads.
The Lady Ironmen played the East Gaston Lady Warriors, losing to that team by a score of 55-25. The CHS ladies are currently 2-13 overall; 1-5 in SPC 1A/2A play, according to MaxPreps.

(Additional information and stats by Danny Eaker)