by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

All three visiting Chase Trojans basketball teams were unable to deter the three Ironmen teams in matches as the CHS men and women headed into the Thanksgiving season. The CHS JV squad defeated the Chase JVs 26-21 in action last Tuesday, Nov. 21, before the break.
Up next were the Lady Ironmen, coached by Carrie Dalton and Callie Hahn. They downed the Lady Trojans easily by a score of 49-8. High scorer for the Lady Ironmen in this one was Krista Davis with a whopping 29 points! Next up were Faith McDowell and Raylei Gidney with six points apiece.
Four CHS ladies had two (2) points apiece; they were Evionna McDowell; Laila Davis; Ceniya Powell; and Taylor Digh.
In men’s court action, the 2023 CHS Ironmen men’s team downed the Trojans of Chase by a score of 77-28.
High scorer for the CHS men was Rayshawn Sewell with 12 points. Next up Chance Hunt with 10 points, followed by Andron Patterson with 9 points and Darrien Floyd and Isaiah Champion with 8 points. With six points apiece in the game were Ironmen Jordan Lowrance, Nate Bookout, Darius Pullen, and Talon Dalton. Paxton Pruett and Amir Starr rounded things out with 4 points and 2 points respectively.
The Ironmen teams played the Zebracorns of North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, or NCSSM, on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Nixon Gym, at 6 p.m. 
(Additional info by Susan L. Powell)

Also voted Class 1A NCVBCA All-State player

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville Lady Ironmen volleyball coach Leigh Kiser announced recently that sophomore Lady Ironmen volleyball player Emily Allen has been selected to the 2023 NCVBCA All-Region 6 team and was also voted Class 1A NCVBCA All-State.
Said Coach Kiser, “We are excited that Emily has been selected to the All-State team. Emily had a great year for us, leading our team with 210 kills, and 200 assists, while also having 171 digs and 53 serve aces.”
Coach Kiser also noted Allen, a 2-year starter for the Lady Ironmen, will be one of many underclassmen who will return to the 2024 team. 

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville Ironmen baseball player Brayden Reynolds recently signed an LOI (letter of intent) to play baseball for the Mars Hill University Lions.
Reynolds, 17, said he is excited to get there and get started practicing and playing. He noted MHU approached him and he said “yes.”
“I also had Tusculum in mind,” said young Reynolds, “but I felt Mars Hill was a greater fit for me.”
Reynolds, who bats right and throws a solid 89 m.p.h. fastball, visited the campus and said he loved it, adding they are looking at him as a pitcher, which is what position he has had for CHS head baseball coach Scott Heavner now for a while. He noted he plans to major in Allied Health Sciences, with a focus on Physical Therapy.
Assistant coach Austin Treadway said of Brayden that being around him anyone can see he is a great athlete and an outstanding person.
“I’m excited for him,” said Treadway. “He has worked hard for this and his determination is unbelievable. He is the hardest working athlete in this building.”
Mom Erika said, “We’re super proud of him and for him! He has exceeded all our expectations. I want for him to keep dreaming and flying high!”
Dad Chris agreed, adding, “When you see kids grow up and they finish what they’ve tried to achieve so far, and see the great progress they’ve made, then as parents, it makes you very happy!”
Wes Reynolds, Brayden’s older brother, said he is happy for his brother. He said, “Watching him grow up, I took pride in teaching him the game. I liked being someone he could look up to. It made me feel good; made me want to push him harder too.”
CHS Principal Shawn Hubers said, “Brayden is a fantastic student athlete. He is well-respected by our students and our staff. I am confident that he will continue to be a great student athlete at Mar’s Hill.”
Ironmen head baseball coach Scott Heavner said, “Brayden is a kid you don’t have to do too much with. He loves the game and knows his stuff. He has a tremendous work ethic and tends to make the team better. Additionally, he has a great personality and is a tremendous competitor. He has grown into being a special player for us. He has fulfilled his goals and we’re excited at what we’ll see from him at Mars Hill. We are fortunate he’s here; he’s been a fun player to watch and a pleasure and an honor to coach.”
Assistant baseball coach Seth Freeman said of Brayden, “He’s worked hard since the ninth grade. He has improved every year and I’m excited to see where he’s at this season.”

Kiser: “It’s sad to see the careers of our four seniors end also.”

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Coach Leigh Kiser said the 2023 volleyball season came to an end for her Cherryville Lady Ironmen last Saturday in the state tournament.
According to Coach Kiser the CHS ladies were seeded #31 in the West SPC 1A/2A and had to “…go on the road in first round action at conference foe, the #2 seed, Highland Tech Rams.”
Said Kiser, “You hate to see a conference team in the first round.” She added that her team “…really gave great effort in the loss.”
Kiser continued, “Just like in the previous two matches, the Rams had too much fire power and won the match 3-0.” Coach Kiser said for the CHS ladies, players Taylor Digh and Emily Allen led the defense with 13 and 10 digs, and Carson Reed chipped in with three (3) blocks.
Kiser wistfully said she hated to see the season end, adding that she thought her young team “really improved” during the 2023 season.
“It’s sad to see the careers of our four seniors end also. We will have a lot of underclassmen who played a lot of volleyball this season returning and I’m looking forward to our off-season workouts during the spring and summer, as we gear up for the 2024 season.”
Kiser’s ladies’ numbers for their final varsity record are: 12-13 (overall); and 7-5 for conference play.
(Additional info and stats by Brian Kiser.)

Coach Scott Harrill said the CHS Ironmen cross-country team competed in the Southern Piedmont Conference tournament last week and had a great showing with two All-Conference performances.
Steven Wyatt finished third overall out of 60 runners at the event running a personal best 17:12, he said, adding, “Steven has become an amazing runner in his first year of running.”  Cameryn Bell and Willow Chambers both had personal bests on the course at the Tryon Equestrian center. Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy was the host school this year.
Harrill also noted Cameryn also gained All-Conference honors!  Both of these young women runners have improved all year, noted Harrill.
The two All-Conference runners secured a spot in the NCHSAA regionals, and there should be more on that later (Editor’s note).

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

While the CHS football Ironmen wrapped their regular home schedule at Rudisill last Friday night, Oct. 20, with a crushing 7-58 loss to the Burns Bulldogs, it needs to be noted they have one game left in regular season play – at BCHS on Friday, Oct. 27.
Currently, Coach Tim Pruitt’s men are 2-7 overall and 2-3 in SPC 1A/2A play, but that could change come this Friday.
The Ironmen were just off winning two games in a row in the week’s previous, but all good things must come to an end at some point in time.
Burns struck first, drawing blood and jumping to an 0-8 lead after a 2-point PAT try. Two minutes later, and still in the first quarter, they scored again, and the score was 0-16.
Rayshawn Sewell got the Ironmen on the scoreboard with his second-quarter TD off a Josh Ward throw, which he took 31-yards for the score. After the PAT, the Ironmen were on the board, and it was 7-16. Not to be outdone, the Bulldogs answered back with a TD of their own with 6:53 on the clock in the second quarter and it was Burns, 7-24.
Burns’ men had their eye on Ward’s passes and he was intercepted a couple of times, one of which turned into a Burns TD, making the game 7-30, Burns as the clock wound down.
Going into half-time, the score was 7-44, Burns.
When the Bulldogs came back out onto the field they immediately went to work on the Ironmen raising the scoring ante to 7-52, as it seemed they could do no wrong on the field, scoring – almost at will.
The Ironmen, in spite of their many possessions, couldn’t move the pigskin like they wanted to and were punting it away more than running it (or passing it) into the end zone.
Burns score again at the start of the fourth quarter and went up to their final score of 7-58.
The Ironmen travel to face their rivals, the Yellow Jackets of BCHS on Friday, Oct. 27.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker.)

Second 1A/2A conference win in as many weeks

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Friday the 13th, normally a scary date in history, turned out to be a good day for the CHS Ironmen, as they won 22-21 in OT last week at Rudisill Stadium against the visiting Gryphons of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy.
It was not only their second win in as many weeks, it was also their second conference win in that same number of weeks! The team is now 2-6 overall; 2-2 in SPC 1A/2A play.
In first quarter action, the Ironmen went down the field, eventually scoring their first TD of the night on a 22-yard strike from Josh Ward to Andron Patterson, who took it in with 8:32 on the clock. Marlon Gomez’s PAT was good and the Ironmen were up 7-0. While the Gryphons, who were a tough opponent all night, came back with a TD of their own, they couldn’t get the PAT, so the game was 7-6, Ironmen, going into the second quarter.
In the beginning of the second quarter Ward had two of his passes intercepted. The Gryphons kept up the pressure and with just 52.8 on the clock, they made a 65-yard TD and got the two-point conversion, making it 7-14, TJCA.
Going into the half, CHS players QB Josh Ward carried the ball 7 times for 61 yards; Shamyr Moss carried the ball twice for 11 yards; and Rayshawn Sewell carried the ball twice for 22 yards. Patterson had 22 yards in the first half and Weston Bowers carried the ball for five yards in that first half as well.
In third quarter action, Ward handed off to Moss (4 yards; 8 yard carries respectively) and Bowers (2 yards; 11 yards respectively), then hit his “go-to” receiver, Sewell, who took a 4-yard pass in for a TD with 4:04 on the clock. With Gomez’s PAT good, the game was tied 14-14.
WCBL radio announcer, and PA man for the Ironmen in other sports events, Mr. Danny Eaker, was heard on the radio, saying the Ironmen “…needed to get a turnaround in this game,” when, in the fourth quarter, that very thing happened as CHS Ironmen freshman linebacker Landry Pruitt recovered a Gryphons fumble to get the ball back for the Ironmen.
Then the Ironmen recovered another TJCA fumble, driving the ball down the field to try for another TD. However, such wasn’t in the cards for the CHS men as a Ward pass was intercepted as the clock ran out. The game then went into overtime.
The Gryphons scored first in OT and their PAT was good, making it 21-14, TJCA.
The Ironmen answered back on a Ward to Patterson play, with Andron getting the TD, tying the game again at 21-all. After a time out was called, the CHS men lined up, with big senior tight end, Hunter Jackson (#10) out on the wing.
Ward and crew went for the two-point conversion attempt and Ward found the 6-foot, 4-inch Jackson, in the end zone, outreaching his defender, and like a play from the NFL professional playbook, he reeled in the pigskin, to score the two-point PAT for the Ironmen!
The game ended with the Ironmen at 22; the Gryphons at 21. It was the first time CHS has beaten TJCA in the past 10 games they’ve played each other, according to one individual who asked not to be named. That person also noted the Gryphons had “…won nine out of 10 previous games against the Ironmen,” but this year was the Ironmen’s year to win.
CHS had 131 yards on the ground in this win; 208 yards through the air, for a total of 339 yards. They had 17 first downs in the game.
Moss carried the ball a total of 5 times for 23 total yards in the game; Ward carried the ball 20 times for a game total of 69 yards; Bowers carried the ball five times for a total of 17 yards in the game; and Sewell carried the ball three times for 2 yards.
The numbers for Sewell in the air, however, were much different as he caught five passes for a total of 61 yards; Andron Patterson caught three passes for a total of 56 yards; and Hunter Jackson caught two passes for a total of 33 yards.
Next up for the Ironmen is another home game on Friday, Oct 20, this time against conference foe, Burns. The Ironmen’s last regular season game is a Friday, Oct. 27, away game at Bessemer City against cross-county rivals, the Yellow Jackets.
(Additional info and stats by Susan L. Powell, and Danny Eaker.)

Blanks HT Rams’ 46-0 in away game last week

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen football squad got a much-needed win last Friday night when they visited the Highland Tech Rams. The final score was 46-0, and it was pretty much an “all Ironmen win”.
In what was described as a “team effort”, the young Ironmen team got on the board in the first quarter, 7-0, on a Josh Ward TD scramble, with the PAT by kicker Marlon Gomez being good.
After the Ironmen recovered a Rams fumble, Ward moved the team downfield completing passes to Rayshawn Sewell, Hunter Jackson, and others, while depending on players like Weston Bowers to carry the ball, gaining more yardage for the visiting Ironmen.
At the half, the Ironmen were up 28-0 thanks to interceptions by players Andron Patterson and stellar runs by Sewell and Ward. Patterson’s interception turned into a 55-yard scamper for another Ironmen TD, with Gomez’s PAT good. Not to be outdone, Bowers and Moss both get TD’s as the Ironmen were well on their way to sewing this game up for Coach Pruitt. Patterson took a punt by HT back 70 yards for a TD, to punch home the point of the Ironmen’s determination to win this game.
All in all, Shamyr Moss carried the ball 11 times for the Ironmen, racking up 61 yards; Ward carried the ball 10 times, eating up 65 yards; Bowers carried the pigskin seven times for 33 yards; and Sewell carried the ball twice for 14 yards, for a combined total of 173 yards on the ground.
In his role as QB for the Ironmen, Ward was 2 for 5 on the night. His receivers were Sewell (a 6-yard completion) and Patterson (10-yard completion), for which they rambled a total of 191 yards after catching their passes.
The Ironmen intercepted the Rams three times on the night.
The Ironmen will play next week at home against the visiting Gryphons of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy.
(Additional info and stats by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

The Cherryville Ironmen Cross Country team competed in the Shelby HS Invitational. Willow Chambers and Cameryn Bell ran for the Lady Ironmen.
Bell had a personal best on the tough Shelby course with a 26:14.
Coach Scott Harrill said, “Cameryn has been improving throughout the season. She has got stronger in her distance running.”
Steven Bell also had a personal best at 18:46. Coach Harrill said Steven has been training really hard and is a multi-sport athlete.  Steven finished 6th out of 77 runners in the men’s division.
The Ironmen traveled to Hunter Huss on Oct. 3, and will be at Bessemer City on Tuesday, Oct. 10.

Though varsity; JVs dropped a couple of matches, teams make a great showing

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

CHS volleyball head coach Leigh Kiser said the Lady Ironmen varsity and JV teams dropped a couple of matches this past week. Kiser noted her ladies traveled to play the Lady Warriors of East Gaston for an SPC 1A/2A conference match and – unfortunately – came away losers by a 3-0
score. Match scores in this game were 25-18, 25-15, 25-11.
Said Coach Kiser, “We were whipped from start to finish.”
For CHS, Emily Allen, with 3 serve aces, 8 kills and 9 digs; Taylor Digh’s 8 digs; and Carson Reed’s 3 blocks led the stats in this
one, according to Kiser.
On Wednesday, Sept. 13, The Lady Cavaliers of East Rutherford come to Cherryville’s Nixon Gym for a non-conference matchup, and again the Lady Ironmen suffered another defeat by a 3-0 score. Noted Coach Kiser, scores in this
matchup were 25-17, 27-25, and 25-14. Kiser also said, “I thought our team played
with more energy in this loss.”
Railey Gidney’s 3 aces, Taylor Digh’s 11 digs, and Carson Reed’s 4 kills and 2 blocks were leaders for Cherryville in this loss.
The JV Lady Ironmen suffered the same fate with 2-0 losses at East Gaston, and at home to East Rutherford.
Against the Lady Warriors, Landry Beam’s 4 digs led the CHS JV defense and Camryn Shirley’s 3 assists against the ER JV squad led Cherryville’s JV ladies. Coach Kiser noted both teams were on the road Tuesday, Sept. 19, at Thomas Jefferson in the only match of the week.
Currently, the varsity ladies are 6-8 overall, and 3-3 in conference play, while the JV ladies are 5-9 overall. (Additional information and stats by Brian Kiser.)

Pruitt’s men currently 0-4 overall; 0-0 in SPC 1A/2A play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Head Ironmen football coach Tim Pruitt’s varsity gridiron squad faced the visiting Blacksburg Wildcats at Rudisill Stadium on Friday, Sept. 1, and played that team a hard game. Still, the results were a defeat for the men in blue as they lost to the ’Cats by a score of 46-59.
After a 45-yard pass to junior Rayshawn Sewell that took the Ironmen down the field against the Wildcats. Senior Shamyr Moss then went 10 more yards, moving our team closer to the red zone, whereupon senior IM QB Josh Ward drew first blood when he hit Sewell with 7 minutes on the clock in the first quarter for a TD. The PAT by junior kicker Aiden Farmer was good and the Ironmen were up 7-0, just like that.
After a Henry Gil kickoff, the ’Cats fumbled. Ironman Jordan Lowrance recovered and scooted 40 yards into the end zone for the second Ironmen TD of the quarter. The PAT after (5:14 on the clock) was good and CHS was 14; the ’Cats, 0. With 2:02 left on the clock in the first quarter, Blacksburg scored, making it 14-7, CHS.
CHS scored a third time after a Starr recovery, and with 1:05 on the clock, made it a 20-7 game. The PAT was no good after this score.
The Wildcats came out swinging in the second quarter, scoring right off the bat, making it a 20-14 game. Ward connected with Sewell again on another TD (9:59 on the clock), this one for 36 yards. CHS tried a two-point PAT but it was no good, so they had to settle for a 26-14 score, that is until the Wildcats roared back, scoring a TD and a PAT at 7:41 on the score clock.
The Blacksburg men went ahead shortly thereafter as they got a TD with 6:43 on the clock. Their PAT was no good, and they went up over the Ironmen by one point. Score: 26-27, Wildcats.
As the Ironmen went into the half, they trailed the Wildcats by one point, 34-35.
The final score for this non-conference game was 46-59, in favor of the Blacksburg Wildcats.
The Ironmen traveled to North Gaston on Friday, Sept. 8, to play another Wildcats team in a non-conference matchup. They lost to them by a score of 7-55.
The Ironmen are currently 0-4 overall, and 0-0 in SPC 1A/2A play. The team is away again on Friday, Sept. 15 to Shelby to play the Golden Lions. They are back home on Friday, Sept. 22 for the Homecoming game against the Warriors of East Gaston.
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker.)

Overall status is 3-5 in just a month’s worth of games

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Lady Ironmen volleyball coach Leigh Kiser’s squad went on the road for a non-conference matchup at Ashbrook on Monday, Aug. 28. Said Kiser, “We played in the 3-1 win,” adding she got “…contributions from everybody in the lineup.”
Scores were 25-17 (CHS), 26-24 (AHS), 25-16 (CHS), and 25-15 (CHS). Kiser noted Emily Allen led the offense with 14 kills and Taylor Digh chipped in 12 serve aces for the Lady Ironmen.  “Kate Mulvey had five serve aces and Lexi McSwain and Krista Davis played really well,” said Kiser.
Coach Kiser noted the East Gaston Lady Warriors came to town and played their best of the season as Kiser said they “squeaked out” a 3-2 win over Cherryville. Coach Kiser said her team was “ready to play” and the defense “was great, even in defeat.”  Scores were 25-23 (EG), 25-16 (CHS), 25-12 (EG), 25-22 (CHS), and 16-14 (EG) in the fifth set. Kiser said she was “really proud” of her team’s effort and their will to win.
Leaders for CHS were Digh, with 14 digs; Mulvey, who had 14 assists, and Allen (11 digs, 10 assists, and nine kills). Kiser also singled out Laila Davis and Kate Bookout for great defense.
In junior varsity action, the junior ladies beat Ashbrook’s JV squad 2-0 by scores of 25-21 and 25-7.
“Camryn Shirley led in the win with four aces,” noted Kiser.  East Gaston JV ladies however, defeated the junior Lady Ironmen on Tuesday, Aug. 29, by scores of 25-18 and 25-19 said Coach Kiser.
“Evionna McDowell had five aces in the loss,” noted Kiser, who said her JV ladies are “…really getting better each and every game.”
The ladies faced Burns on Aug. 31 at Nixon Gym, then were away Tuesday, Sept. 5 and 6, against BCHS and North Gaston.
The varsity team’s current record is 3-5, overall, and 1-1 in SPC 1A/2A play, while the JV ladies are also 3-5 overall.
(Additional stats and information by Brian Kiser.)

Varsity ladies currently 1-2 overall; JVs ladies are 1-2 overall

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Lady Ironmen head volleyball coach Leigh Kiser said the volleyball season was the first sport to kick off the new sports season for Cherryville High School, and her team was in a handful of hard-fought matches to start the 2023 season.
Kiser, the winningest volleyball coach in CHS history, saw her young team open up at Nixon Gym against the Lincolnton Wolves.
“The Lady Ironmen came up short in an early season five set match by a score of 3-2,” said Kiser.
Match scores were 25-19 (CHS), 26-24 (LHS), 28-26 (LHS), 25-15 (CHS), and 15-6 (LHS).
Said Kiser, “It’s tough to open the season with a five set match but we fought to the very end.”  Leaders for the ladies were Taylor Digh (6 aces and 11 digs), Kate Mulvey (7 kills and 7 digs), and Emily Allen (10 assists, 8 kills, 8 digs).

On Wednesday, Aug. 16, North Gaston came to CHS’ Nixon Gym and handed the ladies their second loss of the season by a 3-1 score. Match scores, said Kiser, were 25-18 (CHS), 25-20 (NG), 26-24 (NG), and 25-21 (NG). Kiser noted her squad “…seemed sluggish and tired” in the match against the Lady Wildcats, and “…never could get any offense going in the match.” For the CHS ladies, Lexi McSwain had 9 aces; Allen – 6 kills and 10 digs, Carson Reed’s 7 kills, and Krista Davis and Taylor Digh, with 8 and 9 digs each, led the way for the team, said Coach Kiser.
A road game was on the schedule at rival West Lincoln on Thursday (Aug. 17) and the Lady Ironmen fought off a big Lady Rebels team to win the first match of their young season, 3-1.
“I was proud of the way we came back in this one after losing the earlier matches, and I thought we really worked out some issues we were having,” Kiser said.
Emily Allen had 4 aces, 10 assists, 11 kills, and 13 digs for CHS, while other standouts in the win were Kate Mulvey 10 assists, 5 kills, 10 digs, and defensively, Taylor Digh and Krista Davis each had 7 digs, noted Coach Kiser.
In JV Lady Ironmen action, Kiser noted Lincolnton beat the CHS JV ladies 2-0 by scores of 25-11 and 25-19.
Said Kiser, “For Cherryville, Landry Beam and Camryn Shirley each had 3 aces.”
The JV ladies got their first win of the season at home against North Gaston, 2-0 by scores of 25-22 and 25-8. Kiser noted Logan McCorkle, with 7 aces, and Camryn Shirley’s 6 aces, led the way in the JV win. At West Lincoln on Thursday, Aug. 17, the JV Lady Ironmen spikers lost the week’s second match by a score of 2-0.
Next week Coach Kiser noted her ladies would be on the road Monday, Aug. 21, at Lincolnton; at home Tuesday (Aug. 22) against East Rutherford’s Lady Cavs, and then will have an open conference play match at Shelby on Thursday, Aug. 24.
Currently, the varsity ladies are 1-2 overall, and the JVs are 1-2 overall.
(Additional stats and info by Brian Kiser.)

Cherryville Post 100’s J. Webb led two of the statistical categories in final 2023 NC Area IV’s regular season

by RICHARD WALKER

Pitcher Joseph Webb, a 2022 Burns High graduate, led Area IV in ERA (0.48) and strikeouts (45). Webb also led Area IV in strikeouts in 2022.
Below are the Area IV American Legion 2023 regular season statistical leaders: Note: Statistics provided by area coaches and/or statisticians with statistics not submitted for Matthews, Asheville, Caldwell and Rutherford.
(Ed. note: 11 Cherryville Post 100 players names are in bold)

Batting average (minimum: 20 at-bats) – Kam Miller, Queen City (18-32) .562; Ryan Bloomingburg, Mint Hill (9-21) .429; Isaiah McDowell, Hickory (17-41) .415; Colton Mayes, Cherryville (13-32) .406; Tyler Nee, Queen City (16-40) .400; Marshall McGowans, Cleveland (12-30) .400; Jake Reichert, Queen City (13-33) .394; Landon Burns, Lincoln (14-36) .389; Jacob Hamrick, Cherryville (19-49) .388; Tyler Smart, Cleveland (22-57) .386; Dylan Owenby, G-Braves (17-41) .386; Tanner Kanipe, Hickory (18-48) .375; Myles Gordon, G-Braves (15-40) .375; Ty Frattarolli, Mint Hill (11-30) .367; Matthew Makowski, G-Braves (19-52) .365; Matt Cipriano, Lincoln (10-28) .357; Braxton Hensley, Burke (16-45) .356; Ryan Hawkins, Queen City (14-40) .350; Trey Walker, Gastonia (7-20) .350; Zane Brockman, Cherryville (24-70) .343; Trig Browning, Queen City (15-44) .341; Garrison Carpenter, G-Braves (15-44) .341; Colby Putnam, Cleveland (15-44) .341; Caden Smith, Lincoln (19-56) .339; Will Fowler, Cherryville (17-51) .333; Cam Hull, Mint Hill (9-27) .333; Seth Hartnett, Mint Hill (7-21) .333; Daniel Shuta, Queen City (17-53) .321; Nathan Borchardt, Lincoln (7-22) .318; Jacob Davis, Burke (11-35) .314; Kylan Bolick, Hickory (15-48) .313; Steven Spaes, Cleveland (15-48) .313; Connor Gantt, Cleveland (23-75) .307; Brayson Buff, Burke (11-36) .306; Waylon Rutherford, Burke (7-23) .304; and Gavin Houser, Lincoln (12-40) .300.

Home runs – Brock Fowler, Queen City 3; Daniel Shuta, Queen City 3; Garrison Carpenter, G-Braves 2; Gavin Gibson, G-Braves 2; Carston Green, G-Braves 2; Ryan Hawkins, Queen City 2; Kam Miller, Queen City 2; Dylan Owenby, G-Braves 2; Ashton Pope, Cherryville 2; Colby Putnam, Cleveland 2; Steven Spaes, Cleveland 2; and several players had 1.

Runs batted in (RBIs) – Tanner Kanipe, Hickory 21; Garrison Carpenter, G-Braves 18; Connor Gantt, Cleveland 17; Zane Brockman, Cherryville 15; Dylan Owenby, G-Braves 13; Kam Miller, Queen City 13; Daniel Shuta, Queen City 13; Trig Browning, Browning 12; Gavin Gibson, G-Braves 12; Landon Jenkins, Cherryville 12; Matthew Makowski, G-Braves 12; Ashton Pope, Cherryville 12; Zack Rayfield, Cleveland 12; Will Fowler, Cherryville 11; and Cam Hull, Mint Hill 10.

Pitching record (Won-Lost-Saves); (Minimum: Combination of 2 wins and/or saves) – Ryan Ropp, Cleveland 4-0-0; Parker Dixon, Cleveland 3-0-0; Joseph Webb, Cherryville 2-1-2; Eli Newsome, Cherryville 2-1-1; Hunter Reavis, G-Braves 2-2-1; Wyatt Davis, Cherryville 2-2-1; Colby Putnam, Cleveland 2-0-0; Isaiah McDowell, Hickory 2-0-0; Aidan Taylor, Cleveland 2-0-0; Kanon Willis, Cherryville 2-0-0; Matt Asuma, Lincoln 2-1-0; Caleb Cloninger, Gastonia 2-1-0; Ashton Pope, Cherryville 2-1-0; and Zane Brockman, Cherryville 0-2-2.

Innings pitched – Parker Dixon, Cleveland 30 1-3; Joseph Webb, Cherryville 29 1-3; Caleb Cloninger, Gastonia 26; Luke Fickling, Hickory 24 1-3; Ryan Ropp, Cleveland 24 1-3; Jacob Davis, Burke 23 2-3; Tyler Smart, Cleveland 23; Easton Ledford, Hickory 21 2-3; Ramon Trejo, Hickory 20 2-3; Kanon Willis, Cherryville 20 1-3; Wyatt Davis, Cherryville 20; Colin Eckerd, Burke 19 2-3; Chase Stewart, G-Braves 18 1-3; Aidan Bumgardner, Mint Hill 18; Hunter Reavis, G-Braves 18; Brayden Reynolds, Cherryville 18; Cooper York, Gastonia 18; Elijah Miller, Hickory 17 2-3; Nick McGee, Burke 17 2-3; Aidan Taylor, Cleveland 17 2-3; Eli Newsome, Cherryville 17 1-3; Timon Strader, Mint Hill 17 1-3; Elijah Sutherland, G-Braves 17; Carter Jessen, G-Braves 16 2-3; Zane Brockman, Cherryville 16 1-3; Colby Putnam, Cleveland 16 1-3; Maddux Cabbage, Queen City 15; and Kaleb Tischler, Queen City 15.

ERA (Minimum: 15 innings pitched) – Joseph Webb, Cherryville 0.48; Colby Putnam, Cleveland 0.49; Aidan Taylor, Cleveland 1.59; Timon Strader, Mint Hill 1.62; Kanon Willis, Cherryville 1.72; Ryan Ropp, Cleveland 1.73; Jacob Davis, Burke 1.78; Hunter Reavis, G-Braves 1.94; Zane Brockman, Cherryville 2.14; Aidan Bumgardner, Mint Hill 2.33; Eli Newsome, Cherryville 2.42; Wyatt Davis, Cherryville 2.45; Parker Dixon, Cleveland 2.54; Elijah Sutherland, G-Braves 2.88; Brayden Reynolds, Cherryville 3.11; Nick McGee, Burke 3.17; Carter Jessen, G-Braves 3.34; Easton Ledford, Hickory 3.55; Tyler Smart, Cleveland 3.65;Chase Stewart, G-Braves 3.82; Colin Eckerd, Burke 3.92; Ramon Trejo, Hickory 5.08; Kaleb Tischler, Queen City 5.13; Luke Ficklin, Hickory 5.47; Caleb Cloninger, Gastonia 5.65; Maddux Cabbage, Queen City 6.07; Cooper York, Gastonia 7.00; and Elijah Miller, Hickory 7.13.

Strikeouts – Joseph Webb, Cherryville 45; Parker Dixon, Cleveland 30; Wyatt Davis, Cherryville 26; Hunter Reavis, G-Braves 25; Tyler Smart, Cleveland 25; Kanon Willis, Cherryville 24; Aidan Bumgardner, Mint Hill 22; Aidan Christmas, Queen City 22; Carter Jessen, G-Braves 21; Elijah Sutherland, G-Braves 21; Maddux Cabbage, Queen City 20; Caleb Cloninger, Gastonia 19; Luke Fickling, Hickory 19; Eli Newsome, Cherryville 19; and Timon Strader, Mint Hill 19.

Volunteer coaches from CHS, Chavis; former Ironmen and Wolverine gridders help 80-plus youngsters learn some
pigskin skills and drills

by MICHAEL E.POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville High School Ironmen head football coach Tim Pruitt, CIC, AIC, said recently last week’s Mini Football Camp for the Little Ironmen and John Chavis Middle School Wolverines took place last week on Tuesday, July 25, and lasting until Thursday, July 27.
Said Pruitt, “Coaches from the Little Ironmen, Chavis Wolverines and Cherryville High School worked with the players. We are proud of them and their willingness to come out and work with these kids. Great work was also provided by 30 members of the CHS football program, as well as former players Kadin Beaver, Jack Dellinger and Kam Bolin.”
Pruitt added that during the three-day camp there were 80-plus players who participated and improved their craft
Coach Pruitt continued, “We have been doing these camps at CHS since the summer of 2016, though we had two years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Camps like this have been a part of my coaching background when I was an assistant at Starmount, to all of my head coaching positions, such as at West Wilkes and Watauga.”
Pruitt also thanked his staff and fellow Ironmen coaches, Scott Jenkins, Matt Powers, Will Puckett, and Austin Treadway, who he noted “…helped, along with the coaches that I mentioned, like John Chavis Middles School Wolverines Head Coach, Scottie Gibson, and the Little Ironmen coaches.”
As for those former CHS Ironmen players who came back and helped out, Pruett noted Kam Bolin, who is going to Bluefield University in West Virginia, and had to report back to that school last week; Kadin Beaver, who is returning to long snap at Methodist University; and Jack Dellinger, who he said will be attending the University of Tennessee.
Pruitt was especially excited about the number of kids at this year’s camp, as it was – to date – the largest they’ve had turn out, so far.
Said Coach Pruitt, “We had over 80 kids! Our numbers have ranged from the 30’s to the 60’s through the years. Thanks to our coaches – Will Puckett and Scottie Gibson, and all the parents who got the word out to the community through social media.”
Pruitt noted they had a few kids that were pre-K and went all the way up to eight grade, so the range would have been from ages 4 through 13.
“Our largest group was the third and fourth grade group with 26 players,” he said.
Coach Pruitt was pleased to see the kids learning football skills and drills while having fun, all at the same time.
“The players hopefully learned some technique, but our emphasis was to have fun,” he said, adding, “We also stressed getting better daily and to always compete at everything you do.  Thus, consider doing more than playing one sport. At a small school it is important that kids do this to help make all of our programs successful.”
He continued, “Our players that worked with the campers got to enjoy kids who are out there to have a good time, but also had to be patient if that player was not listening or having a hard time understanding their coaching.”
Pruitt then gave a sly smile and added, “This will probably be reversed when the first day of practice begins on Monday (July 31).”

Team of senior players are 7-5 in regular season Area IV play; 13-11 overall, and 9-1 in playoff action

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Coach Bob Reynolds’ Post 100 senior men are the 2023 Area IV champions after defeating Post 82 last week at Fraley Field, 3-2.
The Western Division team finished their 2023 regular season at 7-5 in their Area IV division (West); 13-11, overall; and were 9-1 in the playoffs. They are currently heading to play in the state tournaments which start as a double-elimination tournament July 25-29, at host Fuquay-Varina. They are scheduled to play the host team on Monday, July 24, at 7:30 p.m., and are one of two Area IV teams (the other being Cleveland Post 82) slated to play at the state level. Additionally, there are two (2) Area I teams (Pitt County, Wayne County or Kinston); one Area II team (either Carteret or Wilmington); and two Area III teams (High Point, Rowan County). Cherryville Post 100’s record is 22-12, while Fuquay-Varina Post 116’s record is 23-3. All N.C. American Legion state tournament pairings/games are being played at Barker-Lane Stadium, on the campus of beautiful Campbell University.
Tuesday, July 25’s schedule is as follows: Game 1 – Area 1 No. 1 (Pitt County Post 39 – 16-9) vs. Area 4 No. 2 (Cleveland County Post 82-155 – 24-9), 10 a.m.; Game 2 – Area 3 No. 2 (High Point Post 87 – 17-4) vs. Area 2 No. 1 (Wilmington Post 10 – 16-2), 1 p.m.; Game 3 – Area 1 No. 3 (Wayne County Post 11 – 30-6) vs. Area 3 No. 1 (Rowan County Post 342 – 37-5), 4:30 p.m.; and as noted earlier, Game 4 – Host/Area No. 2 (Fuquay-Varina Post 116 – 23-3) vs. Area 4 No. 1 (Cherryville Post 100 – 22-12), 7:30 p.m.
A quick roundup of the Sunday, July 16 game one continuation at Fraley Field pitting Post 100 against Rutherford Post 429 resulted in the teams taking up an earlier game suspended by rain. Post 100 was down in that one and were unable to rally at home, losing the continued game 1-4 to Post 429.
Hitters in the remainder of the game for Post 100 were Will Fowler (a double); Will Blackburn; Joseph Webb (an RBI and on base by a fielder’s choice); Jacob Hamrick reached base on an error; and Zane Brockman walked. In the following Game 5 at Fraley, Post 100 defeated Rutherford Post 429 by a score of 7-3. Starting pitcher Wyatt Davis struck out four batters and walked four. Joseph Webb came in and struck out four and walked one to end the game.
Hitters for Post 100 in this second game were: Hamrick (1-4); Brockman (3-4, an RBI, a double and a walk); Ashton Pope (3-4, an RBI, a double and was hit by a pitch); Landon Jenkins (1-4, 3 RBIs); Collin Huss (3-4, a double and a walk); Blackburn (2-3, 2 RBIs, a double and a walk); Webb (a walk); and Reid Stroupe (on base on an error). Post 100 won the series 4-1.
In the next series of games for the Post 100 senior men, they played Cleveland County Post 82, winning the series 2-0.
Game One was played at Shelby’s Keeter Stadium on July 19, and Post 100 won that one by a score of 2-1.
Game Two was played at Memorial Stadium/Fraley Field, with Post 100 winning by a score of 3-2 and taking the best-of-three series, 2-0.
Joseph Webb started for Coach Reynolds in the July 20 game and struck out seven batters, walking only one. He was followed on the mound by Ashton Pope, who did a great job on the mound as well.
With this win Post 100 became the 2023 Area IV champs, moving on to play in the 2023 American Legion State championships.
Junior Legion action
The Post 100 Legion Juniors team played their last game at Fraley Field on Tuesday, July 18, losing to South Caldwell by a score of 4-10.
Head coach Stan Haynes used five pitchers to work their way out of a tough spot and they young men gave great effort, but in the end, couldn’t bounce back from a six run deficit.
Starter Aaron Heavner struck out two batters, the Coach Haynes brought in Hayes Kiser, who walked two batters. Matthew Herring then pitched, walking one. He was followed on the mound by Nathan Hovis who struck out a batter and walked two. The last pitcher for the Post 100 Juniors in this matchup was Camden Williams, who struck out two and walked one batter.
Hitters for the Junior men in this matchup were: Karson Cloninger (1-2, a double, scored on a wild pitch); Tyler Avery (1-4); Eli Black (2-4, hit by a pitch); Davin Digh (2-3, an RBI, and a walk); Jacob Driggers (1-4, a walk); Kenan Stewart (3-4, a double, a walk, hit by a pitch); Braden Helms (2-4, an RBI and a walk); Grae Ponder (1-4, a walk); and Bryson Withers (3-4, an RBI, and walked three times).
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell, Danny Eaker, and Richard Walker/Carolina Sports Hub)

Legion Juniors in weekend playoffs (July 15-16) at Memorial Stadium/Fraley Field

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

In the AL Semifinals, played July 12-19, and a best of 7 games win scenario, Coach Bobby Reynolds’ men are currently 6-0 against the Post 423 Rutherford ball club.
The Cherryville ball club was 7-5 in Western Division, Area IV play; 13-11 overall.
In Game One, played on Wednesday, July 12, it was the West No. 4 Rutherford winner versus the West No. 2 winner, Cherryville. Post 100 won that matchup by a score of 9-2.
Coach Reynolds’ men got their nine runs off of eight hits. Coach Reynolds started with his go-to guy, right-hander Joseph Webb. Webb struck out 11 Post 423 batters and walked four. The Kanon Willis came in, struck out one and walked one. He was followed by Brayden Reynolds, who also struck out one and walked one. Pitcher Colton Mayes came in and finished the game for the Post 100 men.
Hitters for the Post 100 club in this one were Jacob Hamrick (2-4, a triple, and an RBI); Zane Brockman (2-4, an RBI, got on base on a fielder’s choice and once on an error; Will Fowler (1-4, a n RBI, and a walk); Ashton Pope (2-4, a walk); Collin Huss (3-4, walked twice and on base on an error); Landon Jenkins (2-4, hit by a pitch); Ethan Guy (2-4, 2 RBIs and a walk); Will Blackburn (2-3, 3 RBIs, and scored on a wild pitch); and Reid Stroupe (3-3).
In Game Two, played at Rutherfordton on Thursday, July 13, Post 100 won that one by a score of 5-3.
In Game Three, played on Friday, July 14, Post 100 was back at Memorial Stadium/Fraley Field, winning their third against Post 423 by a score of 4-1.
The Post 100 men rapped out nine hits to get their four (4) hard-earned runs. Starting pitcher was Ashton Pope, who struck out one, and walked two. Brayden Reynolds came in and walked a batter. He was followed by Eli Newsome who struck out one batter. Wyatt Davis came in and struck out one batter also.
Hitters for Post 100 in this matchup were Hamrick (1-3); Brockman (2-3, a home run, a double and an RBI); Pope (3-3, on by FC, and on by an error); Guy (2-3, and a double); Jenkins (1-3, scored on a wild pitch); Fowler (2-3, walked); Willis (1-2); and Stroupe (1-3.
In Game Four’s action at Rutherfordton on Saturday, July 15, play was suspended with Post 423 leading 4-0 in bottom 4th. The game was scheduled to resume Sunday, July 16 at 6 p.m., at Cherryville, with Game 5, if it is needed, also to follow that same night.
The remaining schedule for the semi’s is Game 6 (if necessary), Monday, July 17, at Rutherfordton and Game 7 (if necessary), Tuesday, July 18 at Cherryville.
The Final (July 20-22) is 1 game or best of 3.
POST 100
JUNIOR LEGION
In N.C. Area IV 2023 Junior Legion (Western Division – Standings through July 15), Head Coach Stan Haynes’ Cherryville Post 100 men were 6-4 in their division; 8-6 overall, and 0-2 in the playoffs leading up to the pairings for the N.C. state tournament at Cherryville’s Fraley Field, which started Saturday, July 15.
According to the schedule, Game 4 of the tournament – Host Cherryville Post 100 was to have played Area 2’s No. 1 (Calabash Post 503). However, Cherryville wins by forfeit
On Sunday, July 16, Game 8, pitting Carson against Cherryville, started 3 p.m., at Fraley Field.
The remaining scheduled games are as follows:
(Monday, July 17): Game 9 – Winner Game 5 vs. Loser Game 7, 10 a.m.; Game 10 – Roanoke vs. Loser Game 8, 12:30 p.m.; Game 11 – Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8, 3 p.m.
(Tuesday, July 18); Game 12 – Winner Game 10 vs. Loser Game 11, 11 a.m.; Game 13 – Winner Game 11 vs. Winner Game 9, 1:30 p.m. (Wednesday, July 19); Game 14 – Winner Game 12 vs. Winner Game 13, 11 a.m.; and Game 15 – if necessary, 2 p.m. (day to be determined).
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell, Danny Eaker, and Richard Walker of Carolina Sports Hub.com)

Thank you to their amazing donors because, so far, the JCMS cheer team has raised $8,000! Chavis Cheer is still looking to raise $7,000 more to meet their goal of $15,000. The rest of the funds will go to help provide the team with new uniforms and safety items. Thank you for your support! If you or your business is interested in helping with donations, please let Mary Beth Tackett, City of Cherryville Program Coordinator, and Cherryville Chamber of Commerce Director, know at (704) 435-3451.
Also, you can call John Chavis Middle School and donate there or go to their web site on the Gaston County Schools main web site.

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville American Legion Coach Bob Reynolds’ Post 100 men defeated Caldwell Post 29 last Wednesday night at home at Memorial Field/Fraley Field by a score of 10-3. Coach Reynolds used two pitchers in this matchup, starting with Kanon Willis, who struck out five (5) batters and waked none. Joseph Webb came on the mound in the sixth inning and struck out one batter. There appeared to be an issue about the game close to the end of the inning and the game was ended in the sixth on a call by the umpires.
Hitters for the Post 100 team were Jacob Hamrick (4-4, a double, a triple, an RBI, and scored twice on a wild pitch); Ryan Styles (1-4, reached on an error); Zane Brockman (1-4, 2 RBIs); Will Fowler (3-4, an RBI); Ashton Pope (2-4, hit by a pitch); Ethan Guy (3-4,an RBI, got on due to an error, walked); Landon Jenkins (2-4, 2 RBIs, and walked); and Collin Huss (3-4, an RBI, waled, and hit by a pitch).
According to Carolina Sports Hub’s web site, run by Richard Walker, on Monday, June 26, Post 100 lost 3-1 to Cleveland. On Tuesday, June 27, they defeated Rutherford 9-3; won against Burke 7-4 on Wednesday, June 28, in the first game at Fraley, the defeated Caldwell in the second game of the DH.
On Thursday, June 29, Post 100 was at Hickory; then on Friday, June 30, was the Area IV pairings meeting, at 2 p.m., in Cherryville.
The Area IV playoffs (according to the schedule so far, are: First round (July 1-5, best of 5); Quarterfinals (July 6-11, best of 5); Semifinals (July 12-19, best of 7); and the Final (July 20-22, 1 game or best of 3).
In N.C. Area IV 2023 Junior Legion action, Coach Stan Haynes’ Juniors men are currently 6-4 in the Western Division and 8-6 overall.
On Saturday, June 24, the Post 100 Juniors defeated Burns 12-8, the on Sunday, June 25, the defeated R-S Central 11-5 in five innings.
On Monday, June 26, Burns defeated the Post 100 Juniors 5-4, and on Tuesday, June 27, the Belmont at Cherryville game was canceled.
The Post 100 Juniors took on the Dallas Legion Juniors on Wednesday, June 28, and won that matchup by a score of 12-9.
The Area IV Juniors playoffs (all series best-of-3) are as follows: Quarterfinals June 30-July 4 – No. 1 South Caldwell-1 (10-0) vs. No. 8 R-S Central (6-4); June 30 – at SC: July 1 – at R-S; July 2 (if necessary) – at SC; No. 4 Dallas (7-3) vs No. 5 Chase (7-3): June 30 – at Dallas; July 1 – at Chase; July 2 (if necessary) – at Dallas; No. 3 Matthews (8-2) vs. No. 6 Cherryville (6-4): June 30 – at Matthews; July 1 – at Cherryville
July 2 (if necessary) – at Matthews; No. 2 East Rutherford (9-1) vs. No. 7 South Caldwell-2 (6-4); June 30 – at ER; July 1 – at SC; July 2 (if necessary) – at ER.
In the Semifinals (July 5-8), it will be thusly: the No. 1-8 winner vs. the No. 4-5 winner; and the No. 3-6 winner vs. the No. 2-7 winner.
The Finals are scheduled for July 9-12.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell, Richard Walker [Carolina Sports Hub], and Danny Eaker)

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The Cherryville Post 100 American Legion men took on visiting Post 48, Hickory on Friday, June 23 at Cherryville Memorial Stadium/Fraley Field, defeating the Post 48 club by a score of 6-1. The winning pitcher in this one was Joseph Webb, who went five innings and struck out eight Hickory batters and walking one.
2023 CHS grad and Ironmen baseball player Will Fowler had a great at-bats as he was 3-3 on the night in this game. Fowler had two (2) walks; a double; and reached second, and third, and came home on a couple of Hickory throwing errors. Will also had an RBI.
Kanon Willis, scored on a wild pitch and Colton Mayes walked; had a base hit (a double), and an RBI; while Reid Stroupe, who was the catcher for the 2A NCHSAA State champion Burns Bulldogs, was 1-3, while also doing a stellar job behind the plate for Coach Bob Reynolds’ Post 100 men.
CHS Ironmen baseball product Eli Newsome came in and pitched an inning, striking out two. He was followed by his Ironmen teammate, Kanon Willis, who also pitched one inning, also striking out two batters.
Hitters for the Post 100 squad were Jacob Hamrick, who was 1-3 and scored on a wild pitch; Zane Brockman, who was 1-3, with an RBI; Ethan Guy (1-3); Ashton Pope (walked);
The postponed Wednesday, June 21 game (Cherryville at Rutherford), will be played Tuesday, June 27, while the postponed Thursday, June 22 Burke at Cherryville game will be played on Wednesday, June 28.
On Friday, June 30 there will be an Area IV pairings meeting at 2 p.m. at Cherryville, and the Area IV playoffs schedule is: First round (July 1-5, best of 5); Quarterfinals (July 6-11, best of 5); Semifinals (July 12-19, best of 7); and Final (July 20-22, 1 game or best of 3).
Coach Stan Haynes’ Juniors are currently 4-3 in the Western Division.
The Cherryville at Burns Juniors game (suspended to June 26 with Burns leading 2-0 in 2nd inning) with Burns at Cherryville. On Sunday, June 25, R-S Central was at Cherryville to take on the Juniors, and on Tuesday, June 27, Belmont was at Cherryville. On Wednesday, June 28, the Cherryville Junior Legion men were at Dallas
The Junior Legion’s Playoffs (all a “best-of-3”), are as follows: Quarterfinals July 1-4; Semifinals July 5-8; and Finals July 9-12.

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

Rutherford Post 423 currently Area IV leader at 6-1

(Editor’s note: the following information by Richard Walker’s Carolina Sports Hub web site at https://carolinassportshub.com.)

Teams status listed in the following manner:
Team name – Western Division/Division Overall/Playoffs
Rutherford County Post 423 – 6-1/6-1/0-0
Cleveland County Post 82-155 – 4-2/10-4/0-0
Asheville Post 70 – 4-2/6-3/0-0
Burke County Post 21 – 4-2/5-3/0-0
Caldwell County Post 29 – 3-5/4-8/0-0
Cherryville Post 100 – 1-4/7-10/0-0
Hickory Post 48 – 0-6/2-9/0-0
(x= non-division games)

June’s games and scores
-Thursday, June 1 – x-Cherryville at Rowan (R 6-1)
-Wednesday, June 7 – x-Matthews at Cherryville (C 9-0)
-Thursday, June 8 – x-GBraves at Cherryville  (canceled)
-Friday, June 9 (June Classic at Shelby/Cherryville); Pool A – Cleveland, Rowan, Wayne; Pool B – Anderson S.C., Cherryville, Queen City
x-Wayne at Cherryville (C 3-1)
-Saturday, June 10 (June Classic at Shelby/Cherryville)
x-Queen City at Cherryville (C 11-5)
x-Anderson, S.C. at Cherryville (C 11-1 in 6)
-Sunday, June 11 (June Classic at Shelby)
x-Pool A No. 1- Rowan County vs. Pool B No. 2- Anderson, S.C. (R 8-2 after top 6/rain)
x-Pool A No. 2- Wayne County vs. Pool B No. 1- Cherryville (ppd., rain, no makeup date)
-Monday, June 12
Cleveland at Cherryville (Cleveland 2-1 in 8)
-Tuesday, June 13
Cherryville at Caldwell (Caldwell 4-3)
-Thursday, June 15
Rutherford at Cherryville (R 4-2)
-Friday, June 16 (North-South Challenge at Fort Mill, S.C.)
x-Florence, S.C. vs. Cherryville (F 15-4 in 5)
x-Fort Mill, S.C. vs. Cherryville (F 8-3)
-Saturday, June 17 (North-South Challenge at Fort Mill, S.C.)
x-Rock Hill, S.C. vs. Cherryville (R 13-5)
-Tuesday, June 20
Cherryville at Asheville
-Wednesday, June 21
Cherryville at Rutherford
-Thursday, June 22
Burke at Cherryville
-Friday, June 23
Hickory at Cherryville
-Saturday, June 24
Cherryville at Hickory

N.C. Area IV 2023 Junior Legion
(Division records: Standings only: through June 16)
Western Division
Cherryville Post 100 4-3

(Ed. note: some additional info and stats by Danny Eaker)

Team is 1-1 in the American Legion Western Division

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville’s Post 100 men are currently – as of June 11 –
in the N.C. Area IV 2023 are 7-4 overall and 1-1 in the Western Division.
On Friday, June 9, Coach Bob Reynolds’ men took on Wayne County, Post 11, at Fraley Field and defeated the visiting team by a score of 3-1. The starting pitcher for the Post 100 men was Brayden Reynolds, a CHS product, who struck out three batters and walked four. Coach Reynolds brought in another CHS baseball product, Kanon Willis, who came in the fifth inning and struck out three and walked two. The Cherryville Legion men had three hits to get the three runs they needed to hold on for the win.
Hitters and those who got on base for Coach Reynolds and the Cherryville squad were Jacob Hamrick (1-4, a triple); Will Fowler (1-3, an RBI); Ashton Pope (1-3, hit by a pitch); Ethan Guy (2-3, hit by a pitch twice); Joseph Webb (an RBI and a sacrifice fly, scoring a run); Willis (2-3, a walk, on due to an error); and Evan Hartsoe (1-3, an RBI, and hit by a pitch).
In the Saturday, June 10 game, also played at Fraley Field, Post 100’s men saw action against visiting Queen City in the 4:30 p.m. game and downed that team by a score of 11-5.
In the night-cap game at 7 p.m., again at Fraley Field, Cherryville’s Post 100 took on Post 14 out of Anderson, S.C., and won by a score of 11-1.
Right-hander Wyatt Davis, a Kings Mountain product, was the starting pitcher, striking out three and walking two before Coach Reynolds changed pitchers and went to #26, Braden Helms, of West Lincoln, in the fifth inning. Helms then proceeded strike out two batters.
The Cherryville men rapped out seven hits to get 11 runs in this one.
Hitters and those who got on base were Ethan Guy (2-3, an RBI, and a walk); Zane Brockman (3-4, 2 RBIs, a triple, and was walked twice); Ashton Pope (2-4, walked and hit by a pitch); Landon Jenkins (3-4, a double, 3 RBIs, a walk, and was hit by a pitch); Collin Huss (1-4, an RBI); Colton Mayes (2-4, an RBI); Joseph Webb (2-3, 2 RBIs and a walk); and Eli Black (2-4, and walked twice).
The team was scheduled to play Sunday, June 11 at the Cleveland County Tournament at Keeter Stadium, then on Monday against Cleveland County Post #82 & 155 at Fraley. They were scheduled to play Tuesday, June 13 at 7 p.m., at Caldwell County Post #29, coming back on Thursday to Fraley Field, weather permitting, to play Rutherford County Post #423, at 7 p.m.
On Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17, the men are scheduled to play in the NC/Sc Challenge in Fort Mill, SC. They will be back, according to their schedule, to Fraley Field on Tuesday, June 20, at 7 p.m., to take on Asheville, Post #70.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

The Post 100 American Legion senior team are roughly half way into their 2023 schedule and are, so far, 3-4 overall and 1-1 in division play.
After beating a couple of previous teams 6-2 (Matthews), and 11-0 (Gastonia), on May 24, they played a home game against the Queen City Mustangs and lost by a score of 11-15. The next night, Thursday, the QC Mustangs hosted the Post 100 men and Post 100 lost that one by a score of 2-4.
In the May 24 game, the Post 100 men rapped out nine hits to get their 11 runs but it just wasn’t enough to lasso the Mustangs, who garnered 15 runs on the night for the win.
In this game, Coach Reynolds used four pitchers to try and get the job done: starter Eli Newsome (a strikeout; 4 walks); Will Blackburn (2 walks); Collin Huss (3 strikeouts and 2 walks); and Colton Mayes (one strikeout and one walk).
Hitters for the Post 100 men in the May 24 loss were J. Hamrick (1-5, a double, an RBI, scored on a wild pitch); R. Styles (1-5, got on by being hit by a pitch, and a fielder’s choice); Z. Brockman (1-5, on due to an error, scored on a wild pitch); A. Pope (3-5, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, a walk); W. Fowler (1-4, a double, 2 RBIs, a walk); L. Jenkins (2-4, a double, a triple, 2 RBIs, and hit by a pitch); K. Willis (1-4, an RBI, got on from an error); J. Webb (on due to being hit by a pitch); and C. Huss (2-4, a home run, and a walk).
Post 100 played Queen City again, losing to them by a score of 2-4, as has been noted, then on May 30, they played Asheville, winning that one by a score of 3-1. On May 31, they were at Burke Post 21 and lost to them by a score of 2-4).
On Thursday, June 1, they visited Rowan Post 324 and fell to that team 1-6.
They are scheduled to play on June 7, then the Cleveland County Tournament starts on Friday, June 9, with Post 100 playing Wayne County at 6:30 p.m., at Fraley Field. Saturday’s CCT games (June 10) will have Post 100 playing at Fraley at 2 and 4:30 p.m. (Games 2 & 3). On Sunday, June 11, Post 100 will move to Shelby’s Keeter Stadium for any further play in the CCT schedule (if such games are needed).
(Additional information/stats by Susan L. Powell, Danny Eaker, and Ned Yates)

The Cherryville Ironmen Golf Team won the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A by a total of 46 strokes over 2nd place East Gaston.  All conference players for this season include; Jackson Tedder, Blake Tedder, Tyler Stroupe, and Peyton Huffman.  The Southern Piedmont player of the year was Senior Jackson Tedder with a season average of 36.2 strokes per 9 holes. Cherryville competed in the 1A West Regional on May 8th at Lincoln Country Club where they finished runner-up to Mitchell.  Next for the Ironmen will be the State tournament which is being held at Pinehurst #6 on May 15th and 16th.   (photo provided)

On Tuesday, May 9, John Chavis Middle School’s Wolverines baseball squad took the county championship title with a 2-0 win over Stanley. It was the school’s county-record, 10th overall title.
Head coach Tony Owens said his Wolverines were the No. 3 seed in a season that saw no team go unbeaten in the 10-game regular season. He noted that the number one seed (Belmont) and the number two seed (Cramerton) were knocked off in the postseason semifinals.
Pitcher Parker Anderson had a one-hitter with 13 strikeouts for the 10-2 Wolverines, helping himself at the plate with two hits. Others having hits for the JCMS team were Kenan Fowler and Jackson Heavner. The team has won nine county championships, the most recent being in 2015.

Team is currently 21-4 overall; 11-1 in SPC 1A/2A play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen baseball juggernaut keeps rolling along, with an eye on the prize of possibly another state championship. Last week, they were 18-4 overall, and 11-1 in SPC 1A/2A play and didn’t look to be slowing down any. As they head into the final week of play the Ironmen are far ahead of other teams in the hunt, according to an NCHSAA West projection.
Let’s have a look at their last two matchups: between them and the visiting Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons and the Shelby Golden Lions.
In the Tuesday, May 2 game at Fraley Field pitting the Ironmen against the visiting TJCA Gryphons, the Ironmen, who have bested this team on numerous occasions, did it again, blanking them 10-0 in a mercy-ruled five innings of play at Fraley Field.
Coach Heavner used two pitchers in this one – lefty Collin Huss, who struck out 8 batters and walked 3, and right-handed dynamo, Collin Robinson, who polished it all off by striking out two batters.
Hitters for Coach Heavner and his crew were Landon Hahn (3-3, a triple); young Robinson (2-3, an RBI, and scoring on a wild pitch); Kanon Willis (2-3, a double, an RBI, scored on a wild pitch and a balk); Will Fowler (2-3, and hit by a pitch); Tobias Miller (2-3, a walk); Huss (1-3, a home run, and an RBI); Brayden Reynolds (1-3, a home run); and Chase Miller (1-2, an RBI).
The Ironmen got their 10 runs off of 12 hits.

Against the Shelby Golden Lions
The Ironmen won this battle 7-3 with pitchers Eli Newsome and Kanon Willis racking up some nice stats so far as strike outs go: Newsome struck out seven Golden Lions batters while teammate Willis knocked off two (K’s). It took the CHS men nine hits to rack up their 7 runs, but that did the trick.
Hitters for Coach Scotty Heavner’s men in blue were as follows: Hahn (3-4, he also got his 100th hit!); Willis (2-4, 2 RBIs, and scored on a wild pitch); Fowler (2-3, hit by a pitch); Will Heavner (1-3 and a walk); Tobias Miller (3-3, an RBI, and hit by a pitch); Collin Huss (2-3, 3 RBIs, and hit by a pitch); and Brayden Reynolds (1-3).
They played Burns at Burns on Friday, May 5, and won that game 6-3. They are currently 21-4 overall; 11-1 in SPC play.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker) 

For Will, it’s all about getting to that next level of play…

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

CHS Ironmen baseball player Will Fowler has signed to play baseball for the Catawba Valley Community College Red Hawks when he starts college in the fall. He had many family members and friends there last week to watch him sign his name on the dotted line to play ball for
a college team.
Will said before the signing, “I’m excited to start something new. All my coaches have worked hard to get me better and to know what to do to get to the next level (of play).”
His mom, Sarah, said of him, “We are so proud of him. He has worked really hard for this. We can’t wait to watch him keep playing baseball.”
His aunt Emilie Pope said she too was proud of her nephew, agreeing with his mom that she too “…can’t wait to see him continue to play.”
CVCC’s assistant baseball coach Randall Ortiz was on hand to watch the signing, but, as per college policy, was unable to give a comment.
Will’s grandfather, Louie Fowler, said, “We are extra proud of him! He has been playing baseball since T-ball up. We have been to all of the games.” Grandmother Joan agreed, adding, “We are really proud of him, as Louie said. He is a fine young fellow and we are sure he will do well.”
Grandmother Barbara Crews noted, “For Will, baseball has been such a dream to him. He is a good kid. He has such character!”
Dad Jody Fowler also echoed what everyone had said previously, “Obviously we are just super proud of him and his great work ethic! Will is a great example that hard work pays off and that you can achieve your dream if you are willing to work at it. He has done that since coming up through the great Cherryville Little League program.”
Shawn Hubers, CHS Principal, said, “Will is just a super kid and the picture of what a student athlete should look like. He excels on the field and in the classroom. I am confident he will do great things in the future.”
Grandfather Billy Crews said of Will, “As proud as I am of my kids and grandkids at this moment, I am more proud of my children and grandkids for their faith in Christ. Will has used his talents and abilities to achieve his goals and ambitions, leading up to this as it takes him into the future.
“As a family, we’re excited about his commitment to CVCC,” he concluded.
Head CHS baseball coach, Scott Heavner said, “We are extremely proud of Will and his accomplishments. He is such an important part of our baseball program. He’s a tremendous work horse and his work ethic is phenomenal! He commands respect by his presence on the field and in class. He is one of a very special CHS baseball group we have this year.”
Coach Heavner said of the 2023 CHS Ironmen baseball squad, of which Will is an integral part and player (he is the team’s catcher), “These young men, for the most part, have played together for so long. What he does for us is tremendous! He has been there for the last three years as our full-time catcher. Not only that, but he is a great human being who comes from a great family. Will is a young man who will do great things in life, and that’s what it’s all about! All I can say to end my comments is that Will is ready!”

Will honor 1998 state championship team Thursday night, April 26

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen baseball team came back from their Beach Diamond Invitational last week and went right back to work, taking on two teams; the Highland Tech Rams (twice) and the West Lincoln Rebels and came away victorious, defeating the Rams in their first matchup on Tuesday, April 18, by a score of 16-4 in five innings of play; defeating the Rebels on Wednesday, April 19, by a score of 7-2, again winning in six innings; and finally blasting the Rams again, 16-4 in a Thursday, April 20 home game that was moved from the originally scheduled Friday, April 21, due to possible inclement weather.
Breaking down the stats, the winning pitcher for the first HT game was right-hander Brayden Reynolds. Reynolds is now 3 wins and 2 losses in his pitching stats. Chase Miller came in the last inning to mop up.
The Ironmen tagged 11 hits to get their 16 runs in this one.
Hitters for Coach Heavner’s club for this game were Landon Hahn (1-5, an RBI); Collin Robinson (0-2, an RBI); Kanon Willis (2-3, 3 RBIs); Will Fowler (2-4, 2 RBIs); Will Heavner (1-2); Tobias Miller (0-2, an RBI); Collin Huss (1-4, 3 RBIs); Eli Newsome (1-4, 2 RBIs); and Chase Miller (1-3, 3 RBIs).
Against West Lincoln last week (April 19), pitcher Kanon Willis went 6 innings and gave up one run. Collin Robinson came in and gave up a run. He was credited as the winning pitcher.
The Ironmen scored 5 runs in the top of eighth inning.
The Ironmen took on the HT Rams again, this time at Fraley Field on Thursday, April 20 (date was changed) and defeated that club again by a score of 13-3. Eli Newsome got the win on the mound. With that win, young Newsome is the team’s winningest pitcher this year with 6 wins against 1 loss. The Ironmen banged out 10 hits on the way to the 13-run win.
Hitters for the Ironmen in this one were: Hahn (2-5, 2 RBIs); Robinson (1-3, an RBI); Willis (1-4, a triple, 3 RBIs); W. Heavner (1-4); T. Miller (1-3, 3 RBIs); Huss (1-4); B. Reynolds (1-2, an RBI); and C. Miller (2-3, two doubles, an RBI).
CHS Athletic director Scott Harrill said the Ironmen and CHS will honor the 1998 state championship team Thursday night, April 27, at the baseball game at Fraley Field against the visiting Green Wave of Ashbrook.
CHS plays BCHS at Bessemer City at 7 p.m., on Friday, April 28.
SPC 1A/2A tournament play is scheduled to start on May 2 and run through May 5, according to the schedule. May 19 is the start of the NCHSAA State Playoffs (times to be determined).
(Additional stats and info by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

 

On Thursday, April 6, new head coach Lance Bean’s CHS Lady Ironmen took on the Lady Warriors of East Gaston High School and came away victorious by a score of 12 to 11. Coach Beam noted it was a tight one, but was proud of the CHS ladies for staying true to form and battling on the diamond.
Said Beam, “Raylei Gidney was the winning pitcher. Emma Proctor had 3 hits, 1 RBI, Laila Davis had 3 hits, 1 RBI, Riley Bryant  had 3 hits, 1 RBI, Landyn McBride had 2 hits, 3 RBI’s, and (catcher) Lexi McSwain had 2 hits and 2 RBI’s.”
The CHS ladies are currently 11-3 overall and 6-2 in SPC 1A/2A play, as per the sports info web site, Max Preps.
They were scheduled to play Monday, April 10, at South Point High School against the Stuart Cramer High School Lady Storm at 9 a.m.; then against the Kings Mountain Lady Mountaineers at 11 a.m.

by MIKE POWELL
Guest Sports Writer
Special to the Eagle

Keyshawn Woods of Bessemer City scored 25 points to earn MVP honors and lead the Midwest team to a 110-73 win over the West in the West-Midwest 1A All-Star Basketball Games March 18 at Bessemer City High.
Nazari Smarr and Randall Pettus, teammates of Woods at Bessemer City, had 18 and 16 respectively for the West, which featured players from two other Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Conference teams – Cherryville (Numerius Good and Carson Kelly) and Highland Tech  (Gavin Blackwood and Dante Hairston).
In the girls all-star game, Mahalah Stewart of Blue Ridge Early College High School captured MVP honors in sparking the West to a 93-76 victory.
Other players named as outstanding all-stars in the girls division were: Janiya Adams (Bessemer City), Kilee Morrow (Mountain Heritage), A.J. Hill (Cherokee), Kensley Phillips (Robbinsville) and Kiara Taylor (Hiwassee Dam).
Boys most outstanding all-stars were: Dillian Brown (Murphy), Preston Hyde (Hiwassee Dam), Randall Pettus (Bessemer City), Max Smoker (Mountain Heritage) and Kris Littlejohn (Polk County).
Dr. Bud Black of Cherryville, the tournament’s organizer, called the ninth all-star games and banquet “probably the best we have had over the years. There was an overflow banquet hall with at least 250 people attending, and the Ace Parker Gynasium was full.”
Nine scholarships were awarded to players from the combined rosters, Black said.
The coaching staff for the boys Midwest team consisted of Danny McDowell of Bessemer City, Barry Johnson of Mountain Heritage and Chad Dellinger Mitchell. West all-star boys coaches were Mark Raper of Hiwassee Dam and Brett Lamb of Highlands.
In the girls ranks, Anny Garner of Cherokee, Josh Griffith of Swain and Brett Lamb of Highlands made up the West coaching staff. Midwest coaches were Billy James of Bessemer City, Allison Phillips of Avery and Liz Taylor of Draughn.
Forner N.C. State star Rodney Monroe was the guest speaker at the banquet.

Team is currently 9-3 overall; 5-1 in SPC 1A/2A play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen played the Burns Bulldogs twice last week, once at home at Fraley Field, and once at the Bulldog’s home turf. In the first game, the Ironmen won 3-2 in a tight, well-paced game.
In last Tuesday, March 28 action at Fraley, the CHS men used two pitchers, starting out with Brayden Reynolds, who struck out four batters and walked three. Coach Scottie Heavner sent in his closer, Kanon Willis, who wrapped the game by striking out one Burns batter. The Ironmen had three runs off of six hits, with young Reynolds getting the win. Hitters for the CHS men in this one were Landon Hahn (2-4); Collin Robinson (3-24); Willis (3-4, an RBI); Will Fowler (an RBI); Will Heavner (1-3, an RBI); Collin Huss (2-3; and Reynolds, who helped himself at the plate by going 1 for 3.
The Ironmen traveled on Friday, March 31, to Burns and played the second game against the Bulldogs, coming away this time with a 4-3 loss.
The Ironmen had the momentum originally with a 3-1 lead going into the sixth inning. Pitcher Eli Newsome gave the team a great run for five innings, but the steam ran out and the Bulldogs rallied, getting the necessary runs for the win. Newsome took the loss. He is now 3-1 in pitching wins.
The Ironmen got some great juice from their batters as two players hit home runs (Will Heavner and Collin Huss), followed up by great work by the following players: Collin Robinson (2-4, an RBI); Heavner (1-2, a solo home run, an RBI); Collin Huss (1-3, a home run, an RBI); and Chase Miller (1-3).
The CHS men are currently 9-3 overall; 5-1 in SPC 1A/2A play, and faced the Warriors of East Gaston and will face them again,  this week. The CHS men are in a three-way tie in the SPC 1A/2A with Burns at 5-1.
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker) 

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

On Monday, March 20, the CHS Lady Ironmen softball team defeated the Lincolnton Lady Wolves 8-2 in an away game, according to head coach Lance Beam.
Beam said Raylei Gidney was the winning pitcher. Hitters for the CHS ladies in this matchup were: Landyn McBride (3 singles, 2 RBI’s), Krista Davis (home run), Lexi McSwain (single, double), Ava Miller (2 singles, 2 RBI’s) and Chloee Stroupe (single, 2 RBI’s).
The Lady Ironmen traveled again on Tuesday, March 21 to battle the Lady Gryphons of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, defeating them by a score of 17-0.
Coach Beam noted Krista Davis was the winning pitcher and Davis helped herself in this one by getting a single, double, an inside the park home run, and 3 RBI’s.
Others doing well in this game were Kennedy Weathers (single, triple, an inside the park home run, and 3 RBI’s), Landyn McBride (2 singles, 1 RBI), Lexi McSwain (2 singles, 2 RBI’s), Laila Davis (single, double, 2 RBI’s), and Ava Miller (single, triple, 2 RBI’s).
On Friday, March 24, the TJCA Lady Gryphons visited the CHS ladies for a rematch. This one didn’t fare any better for the Lady Gryphons as the CHS softball team won the mercy-rule ended game by a score of 10-0.
Coach Beam’s stats for this one were: Raylei Gidney was the winning pitcher with six (6) strikeouts.
Hitters were Riley Bryant (single, double, 3 RBI’s), Krista Davis (single, double, 2 RBI’s), Landyn McBride (2 singles, 1 RBI), and Emma Proctor (single, double).
The CHS ladies played the Lady Bulldogs of Burns on Tuesday. March 28 at CHS Field, then are scheduled to visit Burns on Friday, March 31, game time at 6 p.m. They will play East Gaston at home on Tuesday, April 4, and will travel on Thursday, April 6 to East Gaston for an away game.
The team’s Easter Tournament starts Tuesday, April 11 and ends on Wednesday, April 12. Both dates are scheduled to be played at CHS.
(Stats/info by Coach Lance Beam)

Team is currently 5-2 overall; 2-0 in SPC 1A/2A play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen baseball squad is rolling right along, in spite of the colder weather, and are making their presence known among their opponents, many of whom have been at the receiving end of their bats, gloves, and pitching skills. They currently have a 5-2 overall win/loss stat (MaxPreps Sports); 2-0 in the SPC 1A, and have knocked off a couple of former powerhouse teams, such as Shelby and Lincolnton, although Kings Mountain proved to be a tougher nut to crack last week. Still… the season is young.
On Tuesday, March 14, they traveled to their new SPC 1A/2A opponents, Shelby, and got an 8-6 victory in that away matchup.
Shelby (2A) gave the Ironmen a run for their money, but the CHS crew won it all in the 7th inning as they came from behind a 6-4 deficit going into the seventh and loaded the bases on the Golden Lions. Brayden Reynolds came up to bat and he cleared the bases. End of game. End of story. The winning pitcher was Kanon Willis.
Then, on Wednesday, March 15, they blasted the 2A Lincolnton Wolves 13-0 at the Wolves’ own home field. The winning pitcher in that one was Collin Huss, who received a bit of help from a Tobias Miller home run.
The nest time the Ironmen face the 2A Golden Lions was last week at Fraley Field and they got a 7-2 home field win over the Golden Lions, as starting pitcher Eli Newsome went five and a third innings. Senior Chase Miller came in to relieve Newsome.
Hitters in this one were Collin Robinson (2-3, an RBI); Kanon Willis (1-3. an RBI); Will Fowler (2-4, an RBI); Will Heavner (2-4, an RBI); and Chase Miller (2-3, an RBI).
In JV news, starting pitcher Aaron Heavner helped his team get a 10-0 win over the JV Golden Lions last week. The win came in five innings of work as young Heavner struck out nine (9) batters, had no walks, and only gave up two hits in his work on the mound.
For the CHS JV’s Talon Dalton, Noah Hollingsworth, Aiden Dills, and Garren Short each had one hi apiece to seal the deal on the JV win in this one.
The Ironmen are away against the Gryphons of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy this week.
(Additional information/stats by Danny Eaker and Susan L. Powell.)

The CHS Lady Ironmen softball team picked up a win and a loss last week as they took on the Lady Jaguars of Forestview on Tuesday, March 7, followed by a game at home against the visiting Robbinsville Lady Knights on Thursday, March 9.
In the non-conference matchup between the Lady Ironmen and the Lady Jags, the CHS ladies won by a score of 5-1.
Coach A.J. Henley said the winning pitcher in this game was newcomer Raylei Gidney.
Henley noted his leading hitters in the Forestview game were Emma Proctor (2-4), and Laila Davis (2-4).

Against Robbinsville
In another non-conference matchup, the CHS ladies lost to the Lady Knights of Robbinsville on March 9, at CHS Field by a mercy-ruled score of 14-4.
Coach Henley noted the losing pitcher was Lady Ironman Laila Davis. He also added there were no leading CHS hitters in this game.
The CHS ladies were scheduled to play an away conference game against the Lady Golden Lions of Shelby on Tuesday, March 14, then are scheduled to be back home on Thursday, March 16 versus Stuart Cramer and Friday, March 17 against Shelby.

Great weather brings good crowd, all eager to see some baseball

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen baseball team got a 3-2 win over the visiting West Lincoln Rebels last Saturday, in a game that was moved to that date due to a rain cancellation.
As torrential as Friday’s rain was, Saturday’s blue skies made for great baseball weather at Fraley Field as the visiting Rebels came looking for the win. Last week, the Ironmen had a 3-2  loss and were looking for their first win at home.
Coach Scott Heavner started right-hander, Eli Newsome, and went through an assortment of pitchers, from Colin Robinson, and Chase Miller; ending with closer Kanon Willis.
The Ironmen scored their three runs off of six hits, and Newsome was the winning pitcher.
Hitters for the Ironmen were shortstop Landon Hahn (2-3, a double); second baseman Colin Robinson (1-3); catcher Will Fowler (1-3, a double, and a walk); first baseman Tobias Miller (1-3, a double, and an RBI); Collin Huss (1-3, a triple, and an RBI); and Kanon Willis (an RBI).
Newsome struck out two Rebels batters and pitched four innings. He was followed by Robinson who walked one and struck out two batters. Robinson pitched one inning.
Chase Miller pitched one inning and struck out a West Lincoln batter, the Willis came in and pitched the last inning, striking out three Rebels batters.

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

Team finishes at 12-13 overall, 5-8 in SPC 1A/2A

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville High School Ironmen head basketball coach and Athletic Director Scott Harrill said his men finished their 2022-2023 roundball season as they always have, by playing strong and giving their all throughout the season.
Said Harrill, “The Cherryville Ironmen had a strong showing in the conference tournament, but came up one point short of defeating a very good Burns team.”
The Ironmen lost to the Bulldogs by a score of 66-65.
Coach Harrill noted his Ironmen varsity squad “…fought back from a 14-point deficit with Landon Hahn getting hot in the third quarter.”
He continued, “Hahn had 10 (points) in the third quarter, along with three steals. In the fourth quarter, as the Ironmen made a run on the Bulldogs, juniors Nate Bookout and Chance Hunt hit back-to-back three pointers.”
Harrill noted Cherryville was led in scoring by the team’s seniors, with Carson Kelly getting 25 points, Landon Hahn scoring 20 points, Numarius Good 6, and Ethan Honeyman scoring 5 points.

Against the Eastern Randolph Wildcats
The Ironmen traveled to play the third-ranked Eastern Randolph Wildcats in the first round of the state playoffs. The CHS men lost the game against the Wildcats by a score of 95-60.
Coach Harrill said, “Eastern Randolph was tall and athletic and ended the season for the Ironmen.”
He continued, “The length and press bothered us early. We finally were able to settle down, but it was a little too late.”  Coach Harrill said senior Carson Kelly had “…a big second half, hitting six (6) three-pointers and (he) finished his senior year off with 21 points.”
Fellow senior Landon Hahn got in early foul trouble, Harrill noted, “…but came on strong in the second half scoring all 14 of his points in the second half. Senior Numarius Good had 12 points while Darrien Floyd chipped in 11 points.”
Coach Harrill said he was, “…really proud of this group” and added that he “…hated to see the season come to an end.”
Ever the great mentor and coach, Harrill said, “I wish these seniors a lifetime of memories of basketball and look forward to see what they do in the future. I know they will all be very productive in life.”