Cherryville Post 100  Legion Seniors 2021 Area IV Champs

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville’s Post 100 Senior Legion team are the 2021 Area IV Champions after defeating Rutherford Post 423 in two games last week at Memorial Stadium/Fraley Field.
According to the team’s Facebook page, this is the 23rd time a Post 100 Senior Team has played for the Area IV Championship. It further stated they have “…won 19 Championships and four (4) runner up titles since 1953, when Area IV went to the playoff series format.”
Before the game on Friday, July 23, Post 100 and the crowd recognized the Little League 11- and 12-year-old 2021 All-Stars who recently won the District One Championship and played in the N.C. State Tournament Games at the Myers Park Trinity Complex in Charlotte.
In Thursday’s July 22nd action, the Post 100 seniors squad played Rutherford Post 423 in a best two of three games and won Game One by a score of 15-0.
While Rutherford’s team was short a few players they comported themselves well but were still unable to slow down a steamrolling Post 100 juggernaut led by hitter Brett Mason, Zach Wilson, Samuel Duncan, and Cole Irby. Starting pitcher Zach Wilson, who struck out four batters, got the win in this one as the Cherryville men got 15 runs on 13 hits. Noah Ingle came in relief and struck out two Rutherford batters.
Wilson helped himself by going 2 for 4, got on base twice, had an RBI, and got on base after being hit by Rutherford’s pitcher. Duncan was 2 for 4, had a double and four (4) RBIs. Irby also was 2 for 4, had an RBI and was walked. Mason was 3 for 3 and had two (2) RBIs. Zane Brockman was 1 for 3, had 2 RBIs, and was walked; Joseph Webb, Landon Hahn, and Collin Robinson each were one for 3, with Hahn and Webb each driving in a run, while Robinson was walked.
Will Heavner had two (2) RBIs, and got on base due to catcher interference, and was walked.
The Friday, July 23, Game Two of this best-of-three games matchup saw the Post 100 team win again over Rutherford, this time by a score of 10-0. Three pitchers took the mound in this one for Coach Reynolds’ team as Joseph Webb started, striking out six batters and walking one; Brett Mason struck out three and walked none; and Brady Mackall struck out one and walked one as Post 100 rapped out 12 hits on their way to their 10-0 win.
Webb helped himself by going 2 for 3, and Mason went 2 for 4, getting an RBI, and being walked.
The remaining hitters and those who got on base for Cherryville were: Zach Wilson (1-3, 2 RBIs); Sam Duncan (1-4, an RBI, walked); Zane Brockman (an RBI and a walk); Will Heavner (walked); Cole Irby (2-4, a walk); Landon Hahn (2-3, a triple, an RBI, and a walk); Dalton Pence (1-1); Jacob Hamrick (walked); Cody Mosteller (walked); Noah Ingle (1-1, 2 RBIs); and Collin Robinson (walked).
The NC State Legion Tournament, which is hosted by Cherryville American Legion Post 100, started Tuesday, July 27, and runs through to Sunday, Aug. 1.
The Legion Mid-Atlantic Regionals start Wednesday, Aug. 4, and run through Sunday, Aug. 8, and will be played at Asheboro.
The Legion World Series starts Thursday, Aug. 12, and runs through Tuesday, Aug. 17, and will be played in Shelby, N.C., at Keeter Stadium. Check the American Legion World Series website for game times.
In Post 100 Junior Legion news, on Sunday, July 25, they defeated Carson and were scheduled to play in the Junior Legion State Championships on Monday afternoon. The Juniors, with an 18-4 record, defeated Carson 10-4 to get into the Junior Legion State Championship.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Cherryville Post 100 sweeps Mint Hill in Legion Semis

In “best-of-3” Area IV finals, Post 100 (West-2) set to face Rutherford (West-3)

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville’s Post 100 Legion team made a clean 3-0 sweep in the semi’s best three-of-five series last week by downing the Area IV East Division’s Number One seed, Post 555/Mint Hill.
The Cherryville ball club did so by taking care of business in two away games and one home game, with the following scores being: 10-2 (Game One at Mint Hill), on Wednesday, July 14; 8-5 (Game Two at Cherryville’s Fraley Field/Memorial Stadium) on Thursday, July 15; and 9-0 (Game Three at Mint Hill), on Friday, July 16.
The Area IV West 3-seed, Rutherford, won their best of three series 3-1, against Queen City, the Area IV East 4-seed. Rutherford and Post 100 will face each other in the finals (a best-of-3 series), starting in Cherryville on Thursday, July 22, and running through Saturday, July 24.
In Game Two of the series, played at Cherryville’s Fraley Field last Wednesday night, Post 100 scored the first run, off a Will Heavner double that drove in Zane Brockman, who had already hit safely and got on base.
Mint Hill came back, scoring two runs in the third inning, then three runs in the fourth to make it 5-3. But that was to be the only scoring they would get as the Post 100 team roared back, banging out three hits in the fifth inning and adding four runs, making it 7-5. The Cherryville men added two more hits in the sixth inning, scoring a run, capping the game at 8-5. Post 100 pitcher Zane Brockman allowed one hit then held the Post 555 men to no runs in the seventh for the Game Two win.
Post 100 rapped out 10 hits for eight runs in this game; committed three errors, and left 10 men stranded on base.
Hitters and those who got on base for Post 100 were: Will Heavner (3-4, a walk, and 4 RBIs); Landon Hahn (2-4); Reid Stroupe (2-4, an RBI); Collin Robinson (1-4, 2 RBIs); Zane Brockman (1-4, three walks); Cody Mosteller (1-2, a double, scored on a walk); Noah Huss (1-1); and Brady Mackall (1-1). Joseph Webb was walked, and Brett Mason got on base due to a fielder’s choice.
The starting pitcher for Coach Bob Reynolds’ Post 100 men was Brett Mason, who stayed in until the fourth inning. He struck out three and walked five batters. He was followed by Landon Hahn who struck out one Post 55 batter. Zane Brockman came in the sixth inning and finished up by striking out four Mint Hill batters.
Following the Area IV finals, the North Carolina American Legion State Tournament will begin in Cherryville (who is the host team) Tuesday, July 27, and run through to Sunday, Aug. 1.
The American Legion Mid-Atlantic Regional is slated for Aug. 3-8, at Asheboro.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Cherryville hosts 2021 Dixie Youth State Tournament

July 9 opening ceremonies packs Rudisill Stadium

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The City of Cherryville welcomed the 2021 North Carolina Dixie Softball State Tournament to town last Friday, July 9, as the members of 45 teams and their families came to the opening day ceremonies at Rudisill Stadium.
The free activities started at 6 p.m., lasting until around 7:15, then were followed by a welcome by Cherryville Mayor H.L. Beam, various Dixie Softball officials, then guest speaker and former Gardner-Webb head baseball coach, Rusty Stroupe. Cherryville’s Preston Long sang the National Anthem.
The evening’s games and festivities were capped off by the Cherryville Traditional New Year’s Shooters chant and firing of their black powder muskets. The ceremony came to an end around 8:30 p.m.
Mayor Beam, in his letter to the attendees, found inside the 2021 events program, noted that we here in Cherryville “…love softball and all youth sports… and want to do everything possible to make sure that this tournament not only meets but exceeds your expectations.”
Beam also noted the City is fortunate to have the Dixie Youth (DY) Debs team who won the 2012 All-Star State Championship; the DY Angels team, who finished third in the 2020 All-Star World Series; and the 2020 DY Debs team, who finished fourth in that year’s World Series.
Said Beam, “We are very proud of the Dixie Youth program and chances are your city was the host in previous years. It is now our turn to repay that hospitality.”
The teams from Cherryville in the tournament were:
The Cherryville Sweetees – Alli Anthony, Eva Boyer, Brooklyn Cunningham, Paisley Hamrick, Lilly Kate Jackson, Raelyn Thornburg, Leigh-Ann McSwain, Kodi Rikard, Joselyn Poston, Finleigh Herring, Rylee Jordan, Savannah Woods, and coaches Tina Watson, Angie Anthony, Natalie Poston, and Pam McSwain;
The Cherryville Darlings – Katelyn Snow, Lilliana Sanders, Airebella Whitener, Emma Pruitt, Clara Weatherford, Summer Walker, Shyanne Dellinger, Addison Nichols, Isabella McIntosh, Kynlee Lane, Collyns Whitesides, and coaches Tiffany Lott, Tim Pruitt, Scott Nichols, and Brandy Sanders;
The Cherryville Angels – Mary Ellis Upchurch, Chaslyn Montgomery, Darrah Beam, Zoe Culberson, Jenny Brown, Avery Beam, Blair Culberson, Katelin    Huffman, Haylee Lynch, Addy Morehead, Addison Pruett, Georgia Cruise, and coaches Matthew Anthony, Dustin Morehead, and Wes Culberson;
The Cherryville Belles – Natalie Brendle, Riley Ledford, Alyssa Carpenter, Mayleigh Stroupe, Desiree Smith, Addison Carpenter, Monica Moss, Zola Greene, Kiersten Green, Kileigh Jackson, Bailey McCarter, Alana Barrett, and coaches Haleigh Ledford, Mark Watson, and Melanie Carpenter; and
The Cherryville Debs – Faith Anthony, Krista Davis, Gabby Berry, Gracie Elmore, Madison Sipe, McKenzie Gates, Laila Davis, Morgan Maltba, Sarah Word, Makalah Wiggins, Gracie Curtis, Payton Propst, and coaches Cheryl Word, Sandy Cunningham, and Joe Davis.
Other teams playing in the July 9-13 tournament were: the Central Columbus Sweetees, the West Stanly Sweetees, The Boger City Darlings, the Burgaw Darlings, the Central Columbus Darlings, the Hope Mills Darlings, the Lumberton Darlings, the Montgomery County Darlings, The Richlands Darlings, the South Stanly Darlings, the West Chatham Darlings, the West Lincoln Darlings, the Hope Mills Angels, the Moore County Angels, the Topsail Angels, the Boger City Angels XP, the Montgomery County Angels XP, the Richmond Angels XP, the South Brunswick Angels XP, the West Chatham Angels XP, the West Lincoln Angels XP, the West Stanly Angels XP, the Dunn Ponytails, the Hope Mills Ponytails, the North Stanly Ponytails, the West Chatham Ponytails, the Dixon Ponytails, the Leland Ponytails XP, the Lumberton Ponytails XP, the Montgomery County Ponytails XP, the South Brunswick Ponytails XP, the South Stanly Ponytails XP, the West Lincoln Ponytails XP, the Boger City Belles, the Hope Mills Belles, the Moore County Belles, the Brunswick South Belles, the Topsail Belles, the Columbus County Debs, and the Brunswick North Debs.
Games were played at Cherryville’s CJ Thornburg Softball Fields at Ballard Park, and at Tryon Park, located just south of Cherryville.

Little League 11/12 All-Stars win District 1 Championship

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

It’s nice to come back from the pandemic’s shutdown and have a bit of great news, and for Cherryville as a “baseball town”, one of the more recent bits concerns the Cherryville Little League.
The Cherryville 11/12 All-Stars recently defeated Rutherfordton 6-5, in Game  1 of the Little League All-Stars championship, and the turned around and defeated Boiling Springs 9-5, in Game 2, of the playoffs.
They then defeated Boiling Springs 10-4 in the Championship game, making Cherryville’s Little League All-Stars (11/12) 3-0 in the tournament!
Because of that, they will be in Myers Park in Charlotte, N.C., for state tournament, which starts July 10.
Head coach Tyler Sain said of his Little League diamond kings, “I was just proud of the kids! They played great all three days.
“They were a little intimidated when they saw all of the other teams (last) Saturday evening, because we were the smallest team there. But the kids just battled. We were good in all three facets of the game each day: defensively, offensively, and on the bump.
“The kids are excited about going to (the) state tournament. Two years ago they were a little nervous when we went to Myers Park, but I feel like this time we’ll be better prepared and won’t be shell shocked when we go into that big stadium.”
The team took care of being down 3-1, noted Coach Sain, scoring seven runs, to get their 10-4 victory over Boiling Springs in the District One Little League Tournament played last week in Cherryville.
Cherryville’s All-Stars managed to get up after a Landon Sain doubled, scoring Ryder Dellinger. This put the Cherryville team up 1-0.
Boiling Springs managed to get back on top with some good batting and runs scored, making it 3-1, but the Cherryville youngsters rallied back, Coach Sain noted as Kayden Smith doubled in the fourth inning. Smith eventually came home for the score on Dellinger single. Dellinger himself scored off a triple in the gap by hitter Landon Sain, tying the game 3-all. Later, Sain crossed home plate, making it 4-3, Cherryville. This was followed by a Canon Whitesides single which drove in a run, making it 5-3.
The Cherryville squad continued their scoring drive in the fourth when Kenan Fowler scored a two-run triple, later, coming home on a Boiling Springs throwing error. The score then was 8-3.
The Cherryville squad continued to rack up the runs as Smith singled Tristan Towery scored on a Dellinger double. Dellinger later scored to put the Cherryville team up 10-3.
The boys from Cherryville held on in spite of Boiling Springs adding on another run in the bottom of the fifth inning, taking the District title, 10-4.
They play July 10, in Charlotte at Myers Park for the State Championship Tournament.
The  players for the District One Little League Tournament 11/12 All-Stars are: Canon Whitesides, Trevor Dalton, Kenan Fowler, Landon Sain, Kayden Smith, Tristan Towery, Ryder Dellinger, Curtis Kester, Jayden Adams, and Cole Carpenter.
The team’s coaches are: Head coach Tyler Sain, who is assisted by Tony Owens, Dusty Smith, and Jason Sain.

Post 100 currently 8-4 overall
and 7-3 in Area IV standings

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville’s  Post 100 American Legion senior team is currently 7-3 in Area IV play in the Western Division, and 8-4 overall. Like other Legion ball clubs they are in a bit of a hurry to get in as many games as possible before the playoffs.
On Monday, June 21, Post 100 played host to visiting Post 423 of Rutherford, with Post 100 taking that game 12-2 in 6 innings of play.
Coach Bob Reynolds used two pitchers in this one: Noah Ingle, who struck out two batters and walked one, and Collin Robinson, who walked one batter. Ingle got the win in this matchup. The Post 100 men had 12 runs on 14 hits, making no errors in this one, but leaving three men on base.
Hitters for the Cherryville club were Zach Wilson (4-4, 2 triples, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, in on a wild pitch); Landon Hahn (2-4, a double, 2 RBIs, in on an error); Reid Stroupe (2-3, and a double); Brett Mason (1-3, and RBI); Zane Brockman (1-4, an RBI, and a walk); Will Heavner (1-4, an RBI); Cole Irby (1-4, 2 RBIs); Joseph Webb (1-3); Ty Heavner (1-1, an RBI); and Cody Mosteller (a walk).
On Tuesday, June 22, Maiden visited Post 100 at Cherryville’s Fraley Field/Memorial Stadium, losing to Cherryville 9-2.
Wednesday, June 23, saw Asheville Post 70 come to Cherryville to play the Post 100 men in a double-header. Cherryville won both games; Game One, 4-2; and Game Two by a score of 4-0.
Burns High School product Brady Mackall was the starter on the mound in the second game, striking out three and walking three. West Lincoln pitcher Noah Huss came in and struck out one batter. Mackall got the win in the second game. Game Two action saw the Post 100 men getting four runs off six hits, making two errors, and leaving seven men on base.
Hitters for the Post 100 club were Zach Wilson (3-4, 2 RBIs); Will Heavner (1-3, a walk); Cole Irby (1-3); Will Fowler (1-3, a walk); Collin Robinson (three walks; an RBI; in on a wild pitch); and Brett Mason (a walk).
On Thursday, June 24, Cleveland County Post 82/155 visited Post 100 in a double-header which saw the two teams split wins; Post 82/155 taking Game One 4-0, over Post 100, and Coach Bob Reynolds’ Post 100 club victorious in a 4-3 win over the Post 82/155 club from Cleveland County in Game Two.
Starting pitcher in the second game Landon Hahn struck out seven batters and walked two while relief pitcher Zach Wilson struck out five batters.
Post 100’s men had four runs on seven hits; had one error; and left five men stranded on base.
Hitters for the Cherryville club were Wilson (2-4); Brett Mason (2-4, scored on a wild pitch, stole third base); Hahn (1-3, 2 RBIs); Cody Mosteller (1-3); Will Heavner (1-4, hit by a pitch, in on an error); and Collin Robinson (walked, and in on an error).
On Friday, June 25, Hickory Post 48 came to town to play Cherryville, losing to Post 100 by a score of 5-3. The winning pitcher for Post 100 was Noah Huss (West Lincoln, Class of 2022).
Post 100’s senior players were on the road on Saturday, June 26, losing to Burke 8-3, and were on the road again on Sunday, June 27, at Caldwell.
More road trips in store for Post 100’s men are Monday, June 28, when they were scheduled to be at Rutherford; and Tuesday, June 29, at Maiden. On Wednesday, June 30, Burke is scheduled to play at Cherryville.
On Saturday, July 3, a Pairings meeting in slated to be held in Cherryville, 9 a.m., and the Area IV Playoffs are scheduled for July 4-25, with the First round “best of 5” games to be played July 4-8.
(Additional info by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Ironmen end pandemic-shortened 2021 season 14-2

Lose 9-2 to East Surrey Cardinals in second round of 1A playoffs

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The Cherryville High Ironmen had a great 2021 baseball season and finished 14-2 overall, after losing 9-2 on June 17,  to the East Surrey Cardinals, in the second round of action of the 2021 NCHSAA 1A state high school baseball playoffs.

Against Pine Lake Prep
In first round action of the 2021 NCHSAA 1A State playoffs, the CHS Ironmen took on the visiting Pride of Pine Lake Prep, and defeated them in what amounted to a nail-biter of a matchup, 6-5. which was another example of CHS’ famous “Ironmen Kardiac Kids” coming back from being down to their second out in the seventh inning stretch and rallying to win this first round playoff game by one run!
Coach Scott Heavner started freshman Eli Newsome on the mound in this one and the right-hander didn’t disappoint as he struck out four Pride batters. Newsome walked two batters. Kanon Willis came in the fourth inning to relieve Newsome, and he struck out three Pine Lake batters. The Ironmen had six runs off of nine hits.
Hitters for the CHS ball club were Landon Hahn, who went 3 for 5; walked; had one RBI; and scored on a wild pitch. Collin Robinson was 2 for 4 and was walked twice, and Willis helped himself at the plate by going 2 for 4 as well.
Other hitters were seniors Christian Hahn (1-5, 3 RBIs, and a walk), and Ty Heavner (1-5, 1 RBI, and a walk).
Will Fowler was walked; Tobias Miller was walked and got on base on an error; and Will Heavner was walked twice.
Coach Heavner said he was proud of his men, adding he was happy to be able, like they were, to “…go another round,” in the playoffs. Heavner also noted that he had great respect for the Pine Lake ball club and their coaches.

Against East Surrey
In this 1A second round state playoffs matchup with the Cardinals of East Surrey, the Ironmen just couldn’t get the rally going in the direction they wanted and lost to the Cardinals in this away game by a score of 9-2, capping a 14-2 pandemic-shortened baseball season in which nine of their players’ had batting averages of over .300.
The CHS men managed to score their two runs in the seventh inning and those two runs came off of five hits. The Ironmen committed two errors in this game and left five men stranded on base.
Pitcher Collin Robinson took the loss in this matchup.
Robinson helped himself at the plate by going 2 for 3, while three players, Ty Heavner, Chase Miller, and Kanon Willis were 1 for 3, with  Miller getting a double.
The loss marked the last time in an Ironmen baseball uniform for five seniors: Dalton Pence, Ty Heavner, Christian Hahn, Ben Huffstetler, and Quinlan Sanford.
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Baseball Ironmen wrap up regular 2021 season 13-1 overall

Team finishes  11-1 in the Southern  Piedmont 1A Conference

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville High’s Ironmen baseball team wrapped up their 2021 regular season with an 8-2 win over county rivals the Bessemer City Yellow Jackets on Thursday, June 10, at Fraley Field.
Prior to that though, on Tuesday, June 8, the boys went up against the Eagles of Lincoln Charter for their second time this season, losing 5-1.
Coach Heavner’s starting pitcher in the CHS/LC matchup was freshman Eli Newsome, who struck out four batters and walked none. Landon Hahn relieved Newsome in the fifth inning, striking out one Eagles batter and walking another. Trip Creason followed Hahn on the mound, coming in the sixth inning and striking out one batter before the Eagles took the game.
Hitters for the Ironmen were Landon Hahn (3-4, a triple); Christian Hahn (1-4, an RBI); Ty Heavner (1-3, on base on an error); Will Fowler (1-3); and Will Heavner, who got on base on a walk.
The Ironmen had one run off of six hits in the game; committed three errors, and left eight men on base.
In the last game of the Ironmen’s regular season, the BCHS Yellow Jackets came to town. The CHS men won this matchup 8-2, capping their COVID-shortened regular season at 13-1 overall, and 11-1, in SPC 1A play.
Starting pitcher for the CHS team this outing was Kanon Willis, who struck out four batters, and walked one. Collin Robinson came in the sixth inning and struck out five 'Jackets batters.
Hitters for the Ironmen were: Christian Hahn (2-4, a double, in on an error, scored on a wild pitch, and one RBI); Chase Miller (a home run, two RBIs, two walks); Will Fowler (2-4, a double, an RBI, and a walk); Landon Hahn (an RBI, a walk, and in on an error); and Trip Creason, who had an RBI. Others scoring or otherwise doing well for the Ironmen were: Ty Heavner (walked, and was walked in); Willis (two walks); Tobias Miller (on base due to being hit by a pitch); Will Heavner (on base due to an error); Logan Hendricks (walked); and Eli Newsome (hit by a pitch/on base).
Miller’s homer was only the second for the Ironmen this season; the first coming off the bat of senior Quinlan Sanford earlier in the season May 11, in the home game against Piedmont Charter.
The Ironmen scored their eight runs off of just five hits. They made no errors and left 10 runners on base.
The first round of the state playoffs is scheduled to begin Tuesday, June 15, at a place yet to be determined.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Ironmen baseball team 12-0 overall; 10-0 in SPC 1A play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

With two more games remaining in their 2021 regular season schedule, Coach Scott Heavner’s CHS Ironmen “diamond kings” are 12-0 overall and 10-0 in SPC 1A play.
The following is a roundup of the past three games the CHS men have played.

Against Christ the King
The Ironmen traveled on Tuesday, May 25, to play the Crusaders of Christ the King High School.
The Ironmen won 5-3 in this matchup, with “lefty” Dalton Pence getting his fourth win for the season. Kanon Willis got the save; his second of the season. The boys were up 5-1 over the Crusaders in the bottom of the seventh inning and the CTK men battled back to pick up two more runs. However, it was a case of too little; too late for them as the Ironmen held on to their lead and moved ahead 7-0 in the SPC 1A standings.
Hitters for the Ironmen were Ty Heavner, who got two (2) hits; Willis, Pence, Collin Robinson, and Will Heavner got a hit a piece to help the team going forward.

Against Highland Tech
The CHS men were home at Fraley Field on Thursday, May 27, against the Highland Tech Rams. The Rams were a tough club and stuck it out through the seventh inning, but in the end it was CHS’ win, 9-0.
Landon Hahn was Coach Heavner’s starter in this one and he struck out three and walked one batter. Tripp Creason came in the fourth inning, striking out four Rams batters and walking none.
Hitters for the Ironmen were Dalton Pence (3-4, a double, 2 RBIs, scored on a wild pitch, and walked); Landon Hahn (2-4, 1 RBI, walked); Ty Heavener (1-2, 1 RBI); Tobias Miller (1-2); Will Fowler (3-4, a double, 2 RBIs, walked twice); Kanon Willis (1-2, a double); and Ben Huffstetler (1-3, in on a wild pitch, hit by a pitch/walked, and one hit). Christian Hahn was walked and hit by a pitch; Tripp Creason was walked; Chase Miller was walked; Will Heavner was walked; Quinlan Sanford was hit by a pitch and took his base; and Collin Robinson was walked, hit by a pitch, and came in on a wild pitch.
The Ironmen  got nine runs off of eight hits. made two errors, and left 11 men on base.

Against TJCA
On Tuesday, June 1, the Gryphons of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy visited Fraley Field. The Ironmen won this matchup 9-4. Their last face-off with the Gryphons resulted in a 5-2 away game win on Friday, May 7.
Starting pitcher Dalton Pence struck out five batters until he was sidelined by an injury in the second inning. Eli Newsome came in at that time and struck out seven Gryphons batters. Tripp Creason came in the seventh inning and struck out two TJCA batters and walked one.
Eli Newsom was credited with the win.
Hitters for the Ironmen were Ty Heavner (3-4, a double, an RBI, a walk; and in on a hit batter); Landon Hahn (3-3, an RBI, a walk, and in on a wild pitch); Will Fowler (an RBI, a walk, in on a wild pitch); Kanon Willis (1-1, 2 RBIs); Ben Huffstetler ( a hit, a double, and three walks); and Collin Robinson (2 hits, an RBI; a walk).
Other contributing or getting on base were Christian Hahn (walked); Eli Newsome (walked); and Tobias Miller (hit by a pitch).
The Ironmen has nine runs off of nine hits; made two errors and left 10 men on base.

Against PCC
In the Friday, June 4, away game against the Piedmont Community Charter Patriots, the Ironmen scored 22 runs in their 22-0 rout of the hapless Patriots, who were mercy-ruled in the fifth.
Logan Hendricks got the win on the mound for the Ironmen, making it the 12th win for the CHS team overall, and their 10th SPC 1A win.
The remaining two games for the Ironmen are home games and they are (inclement weather not withstanding): Tuesday, June 8, at home against Lincoln Charter, and Friday, June 11, at home against BCHS’ Yellow Jackets.
The first round of the playoffs is scheduled to start Tuesday, June 15, in a location that has yet to be determined.=
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

CHS Cheerleader champions!

 The NCHSAA Game Day Non-Building State Champions, winning on Saturday, May 22, 2021! Head Coach Wendy Holt said they also placed Second in Small Varsity. Back row are: Anna Leigh Jones, Maggie Beam, Lizzy Brannan, Khya Brooks, and Rylee-Grace Burgis. Middle row: Sarah Eaker, Kylie Reynolds, Madison Pruitt, Sydney Abernathy, and Payton Godfrey; and down front are: Kendall Chupp, Lani Philbeck, Allie Kay Homesley, Anna Burleson, and Izzy Wilson. Their coaches are Wendy Holt, Dr. Heather Porter, and Tammy Wilson.          (photo provided)

 

IM baseball currently 8-0 overall; 6-0 in SPC 1A play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

In diamond action last week the CHS Ironmen baseball team picked up two wins – one a conference win over the BCHS Yellow Jackets; the other a non-conference win over the visiting Green Wave of Ashbrook – to move to their current 8-0 overall position. They are also currently 6-0 in SPC 1A play as well.

Against BCHS
The Ironmen traveled to Bessemer City on Tuesday, May 18 to play cross-county rivals the Yellow Jackets and brought home the win. The score was 15-2 Ironmen.
The game went six innings and Coach Scott Heavner used three pitchers, starting with sophomore Kanon Willis, who struck out three 'Jackets batters. He was followed by junior Logan Hendricks, who walked four batters. Up next was CHS junior Trip Creason, who came in the sixth inning and struck out two more batters.
Fifteen Ironmen came to the plate and 10 got hits, either driving in runs or getting on base. Five Ironmen were walked by BCHS pitchers.
The rundown is as follows: senior and UNC-Chapel Hill signee Dalton Pence walked and later scored on a wild pitch; freshman Eli Newsome was 1-4, with 2 RBIs; Christian Hahn (2-4, walked in); Landon Hahn (1-3, a walk, scored on a wild pitch, and was walked in); Teaghan Strutt (walked); Ty Heavner (1-2, an RBI); Tobias Miller (1-3, an RBI); Will Fowler (walked twice); Chase Miller (1-3, walked, one hit was a double, an RBI); Creason (1-3, 2 RBIs); Ben Huffstetler (walked three times); Quinlan Sanford (1-2, walked, 2 RBIs); Numar Good (walked); and Willis (2-2, an RBI).

Against Ashbrook
The Ashbrook Green Wave visited Fraley Field last Friday, May 21, and gave the Ironmen a run for their money. The game, which went the six full innings, was tied up a couple of times before the Ironmen got the win, 11-9, over the Green Wave men.
Coach Heavner again used three pitchers, starting with freshman Eli Newsome, who struck out five batters and walked two. He was followed by junior, Trip Creason, who gave up four walks. Sophomore Kanon Willis came in and struck out two batters and walked one.
Senior Christian Hahn was the big hitter on the night with four hits in five “at bats”. Senior Ty Heavner was 2-4 with 2 RBIs, and took his base after being hit by a pitch. Will Fowler was 2-5 and had a whopping 3 RBIs. Landon Hahn was 1-5, 2 walks, and an RBI. Senior Dalton Pence was walked twice, then was walked in by Wave pitcher loading the bases.
Tobias Miller was 1-1, and his pinch-runner, Chase Miller, came in on a wild pitch. Kanon Willis was walked; Will Heavner was walked twice but drove in a run later for an RBI; Quinlan Sanford was walked twice; and Collin Robinson, who got a hit and 2 RBIs, was also walked.
The Ironmen played an away game at Christ the King on Tuesday, May 25, but will be back home at Fraley Field on Thursday, May 27, taking on SPC1A opponents, Highland Tech. That will be followed by another Tuesday home game on June 1, against the Gryphons of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy.
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Baseball Ironmen now 6-0 overall, 5-0 in SPC 1A play

CHS men remain undefeated in the conference

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen have now won six of their 14 scheduled games in the 2021 season of SPC 1A play. Last Friday night, in an away game played at Lincoln Charter, after a hard-fought matchup between two league powerhouse ball clubs, the never-say-never Ironmen – those sometimes “Kardiac Kids” – hung on to a slim 4-3 lead to get the win over a tough, never-give-up Lincoln Charter Eagles club.

Against Piedmont Charter
Starting off the week, on Tuesday, May 11, the Ironmen were home at Fraley Field, taking on visitors, the Piedmont Charter’s Patriots.
Coach Scottie Heavner gave four pitchers mound-time, starting with junior Trip Creason, who was later credited with the win in the 10-0, mercy-ruled game. Freshman Eli Newsome came in the third inning; sophomore Kanon Willis came in the fourth; and finisher Logan Hendrick, a junior, ended it for the Ironmen. Creason walked one batter and struck out five. Newsome struck out two batters; Willis struck out three batters and walked one, while fellow Ironman pitcher Hendrick struck out three and walked one as well.
The Ironmen had 10 runs on six hits; committed no errors, and left four men on base.
The “big knock” of the night was by senior Quinlan Sanford, who hit a third inning, two-run home run over the left field fence off of Patriots pitcher Matt Taylor. Taylor came on the mound in the third inning in relief of starter Brady Lamb. Sanford was 1-2 on the night with two RBIs.
Other hitters for the Ironmen were: Will Heavner (2-3, a double); Collin Robinson (1-2, 2 RBIs); Dalton Pence (1-2, and RBI); Ty Heavner (an RBI); Ben Huffstetler (1-3); Newsome (1-1, an RBI); and Tobias Miller (1-1).
Will Fowler got on base after being hit by a pitch, and Chase Miller walked and later got on base after being hit by a pitch.

Against Lincoln Charter
This Friday, May 14, match was a much-anticipated game by both teams and their coaches. Both teams came into this matchup undefeated and, as always, only one team can walk away the winner and last Friday night in Denver, NC, that team was the CHS Ironmen who, by all accounts, came out swinging.
Neither team made any errors; both teams were good and both teams made good plays in the field, playing well all night long. The Eagles tied the game 2-2 in the third inning; the CHS club went ahead 4-2 in the fifth; and the Eagle made it 4-3 and were knocking on the door to tie it again as Pence and company held them; then young Newsome came in the seventh and the Ironmen shut the door on the Eagles.
Senior UNC – Chapel Hill signee Dalton Pence, the big “lefty” who has done well for the Ironmen baseball club, continued his win streak, making it 3-0, so far. Pence has played 19 innings and has 45 strikeouts in those three games. He was relieved in the seventh inning by Eli Newsome, an impressive freshman pitcher, who got the last out as well as being credited for the “save”.
Pence helped himself out at the plate as well, as lead-off batter, he went 2 for 2, had an RBI, walked twice and scored twice.
The Ironmen scored four runs off six hits, and left five runners stranded. They struck out 11 times. The Eagles scored their three runs on six hits.
Along with Pence, other hitters for Coach Heavner’s Ironmen were: Collin Robinson (1-3, a double in the 2nd inning); Chase Miller (2-4, an RBI); Ty Heavner (1-4, an RBI); and Will Fowler (0-2, an RBI).
The Ironmen played at BCHS on Tuesday, May 18, then are back home at Fraley on Friday, May 21, playing Ashbrook.
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker) 

Ironmen baseball squad now 4-0 overall as season progresses

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen baseball team are currently 4-0 over-all, and 3-0 in SPC 1A play as the 2021 season progress-es.
On Wednesday, May 5, the men traveled to Sims Legion Park in Gastonia, which is the home field for the High-land Tech Rams. The Rams struck first, making it 2-0, until the fourth inning when the Ironmen got on the board with a run. In the fifth inning, as they held the Rams to only one more run while the CHS men scored three runs. They tacked on two more runs in the sixth and held on to a 6-3 lead as a determined Rams club attempted to get runners on base, tie the game and move ahead. Ironmen coach Scott Heavner used three pitchers in this matchup: starter Kanon Willis, Logan Hendrick (4th inning), and Trip Creason, in the 5th inning.
Hitters in this one for the Ironmen were Landon Hahn (1-5); Christian Hahn (1-4, an RBI… his brother, Landon came in); Ty Heavner (2-4, 3 RBIs); Quinlan Sanford (2-4, a double, an RBI); and Collin Robinson (1-4, a bunt). Dalton Pence was walked three times; Tobias Miller was walked once; and catcher Ben Huffstetler, III was walked three times.
Pitcher Willis had two strikeouts and walked two Rams batters; Hendricks had one strike out and walked two Rams; and Creason struck out six batters and walked none.
The Ironmen had six runs on seven hits.
Against TJCA Gryphons
The CHS men traveled again on Friday, March 7 to take on the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons in Forest City. The Cherryville club won the SPC 1A matchup 5-2.
The winning pitcher was senior 'lefty’ Dalton Pence, who won his second game as pitcher. Pence, a UNC-Chapel Hill signee, struck out 16 Gryphons batters, and gave up two earned runs on four hits. He has a total of 30 strikeouts so far this season.
As with the Rams game previously, the Ironmen had to come from behind as we were down 2-0, until top of the fourth inning. The Ironmen took the lead from the gutsy Gryphons 4-2 in the sixth inning and scored their last run in the seventh inning for the win.
Hitters for the CHS men in this one were Collin Robin-son (2-4, an RBI); Will Fowler (1-3, an RBI); Chase Mil-ler (1-2); Quinlan Sanford (1-4); and Will Heavner, who although 0-5 at bats got an RBI. One Ironmen run was scored on an error by the TJCA squad.
The Ironmen played Piedmont CC on Tuesday, May 11 at home, then will travel to play Lincoln Charter on Friday, May 14, in what promises to be a clash of SPC 1A base-ball powerhouses.
(Stats and additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Jones one of eight in Class of 2020 to join NCHSAA Hall of Fame

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Former CHS Ironmen baseball head coach Henry Jones was one of eight Class of 2020 inductees to join the NCHSAA Hall of Fame according to information listed on the sports organization’s web site.
Just last week, former players and now coaches in their own right, CHS head basketball coach and AD Scott Harrill, CHS head baseball coach and former Jones player and assistant coach Scott Heavner, and former CHS baseball player and current assistant coach Brian Kiser attended the ceremony in Cary, N.C., when Coach Jones received his honor.
Though the class was formally introduced at a luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, at the NCHSAA offices in Chapel Hill, the formal induction ceremony and banquet was held on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at the Embassy Suites in Cary.
Said Coach Harrill of Coach Jones, “Coach Jones was my baseball coach and athletic director in high school, then I worked under him as a basketball coach while he was the AD. He is a great friend. Coach Jones has impacted more lives over his coaching career than most ever will.
“It was not always about wins and losses (with him), but about relationships that he built with his players and athletes. Coach Jones is very deserving of the honor of being selected in to the NCHSAA Hall of Fame. The Ironmen family is very proud of him. If you look at his coaching tree, you can see the impact he had on so many to go into teaching and coaching. I would venture to say over 50 athletes have either coached in college, high school, (the American) Legion, middle school, and recreational baseball.”
According to the “bio” of him on the NCHSAA web site, Coach Jones, who graduated from Shelby High School, then later from Gardner-Webb University, “…began his teaching and coaching career in Gaston County’s Cherryville High School in 1973.”
He served, it was noted, “…as the school’s head coach in numerous sports including, basketball, football, and cross country, during his tenure from 1973 until 2005 but made his most notable contributions in baseball.
“Jones led the Ironmen baseball program to six State Championships in three different decades (1980, 1982, 1992, 1993, 1998, and 2001) and a runner-up finish in 1997 while appearing in the post-season 24 out of 28 years.
“His teams won conference championships 11 times while posting a career record of 542-207,” and he was named Coach of the Year in the conference on eight different occasions as well as Gaston County Coach of the Year “numerous times.”
Additionally, as per the NCHSAA web site, Coach Jones “…was selected as the 1982 Outstanding 2A Coach by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters and won the 1993 North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association Coach of the Year Award and was given a Meritorious Service Award by that group in 1997.”
For 25-plus years Jones was the athletic director at Cherryville, and in 1988, the NCHSAA honored him with the Region 6 award for Male Coach contributing the most to High School Athletics.
He was, as per the web site, “…also selected as one of the NCHSAA’s 100 Coaches to Remember during the Association’s Centennial Celebration” and he has been inducted into the following Halls of Fame: Cherryville, North Carolina Baseball Coaches, Gaston County, and Cleveland County.
The NCHSAA noted this class is the 34th to join the Hall of Fame.
In addition to Coach Jones, the remainder of the Class of 2020 are: Donald Clark from Snow Hill; Barbara Foxx from Sanford; Norvell Lee from Goldsboro, Fred McDaniel from Wade, Ron Parson from Reidsville, David Rothwell from Statesville, and Milt Sherman from Greenville.

NIAAA recognizes CHS’ Harrill as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator

Long hours, hard work pay off for coach; AD

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

As a high school coach and teacher, Scott Harrill is accustomed to having to wear many hats in his job.
In addition to being a CIC, he is also the President of the N.C. Basketball Coaches Assoc., the Athletic Director for Cherryville High School, the men’s basketball head coach, teaches Instructional Technology and Computers, and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Now, he has a new title and set of letters after his name: CMAA, or more appropriately, a Certified Master Athletic Administrator.
Recently, a letter was sent out by Sheri Stice, CMAA, chairperson of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) to him making him aware their organization I pleased to announce he has been recognized by that association as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA).
In the letter, Ms. Stice noted, “To earn this distinction, Scott has demonstrated exemplary knowledge, contributions and on-going professional development in the field of interscholastic athletic administration. The voluntary certification process included a thorough evaluation of the candidate’s educational background, experience, NIAAA Leadership Courses and professional contributions. It is culminated with a practical written or oral presentation project.
“Scott is one of a very elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide to attain this level of professionalism.”
The letter noted the NIAAA is “…a national professional organization consisting of all 50 state athletic administrator associations and more than 12,000 individual members” and “…is dedicated to promoting the professional growth of high school athletic administrators and preserving the educational nature of interscholastic athletics and the place of these programs in the secondary school curriculum.”
Coach Harrill, in acknowledging the NIAAA recognition, said, “(It) comes from many years of service and many hours of work. I have taken over 10 Leadership and Athletic courses through the NIAAA, both in person and online. I have attended conferences, developed a leadership academy with some students, as well as served as the conference President and the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association President.”
To become an NIAAA CMAA, Harrill also had to – in addition to having to have passed the 10 classes, done so many hours of service, served in leadership roles both at school, in your conference, and throughout your state – Coach Harrill also had a final project, which was a written paper, then an interview before a committee.
“You have to pass an Athletic Administrator test as well as pass the final project,” he added.
As for how the CMAA will further his career and how it will help you as an AD, going forward, Harrill noted, “I feel as though continuing education is important in any line of work. Being an AD does not mean you get to stop learning. You have to find new ways to better serve the students and staff at your school.
“Some of the classes deal with legal issues, handling of tough situations, sportsmanship, dealing with the general public, enforcing rules and regulations, and such. As far as my career, I enjoy what I do as the CHS Athletic Director, and I enjoy representing Cherryville in our community, county, and throughout the state.  I have also enjoyed serving on the National Board of the Basketball Coaches Association.”
When asked if, to his knowledge, if this was not only a “first” for him, but for CHS as well, Harrill responded with, “Yes, I am the only one at CHS to have obtained the CMAA. Also, I am the only Athletic Director now serving in Gaston County to have earned the CMAA.”
He continued, “I take great pride in doing my job at CHS.  I try to be fair and consistent in what I do. Being an Athletic Director takes a lot of hours of work, but the benefits of seeing our student athletes succeed makes it all worth it.”
Cherryville High Scholl Principal Kevin Doran said, “Coach Harrill is dedicated to our Athletic Department and works hard to be the best he can be for the athletes of Cherryville.”

CHS Ironmen/Lady Ironmen golf teams season almost finished

The 2021 CHS combined Ironmen/Lady Ironmen golf team, has played a number of matches –eight – since they started on March 15, at the Cherryville Golf and Country Club, their home course.
The team’s most recent match was played at SkyBrook Country Club on Thursday, April 15, and was hosted by Christ the King.
Lincoln Charter won as a team but CHS’ Jackson Tedder was the overall winner. This is only second time this year CHS has had overall winner. Senior Kelssie Cook won overall ladies a few weeks ago.
Lincoln Charter hosted the CHS team on Monday, April 19, at the Lincoln Country Club and Westport CC.
The remaining schedule is as follows: Thursday, April 22; with CHS hosting at the Cherryville Golf & Country Club. Teams playing:    Bessemer City, Highland Tech, and Christ the King; Tuesday, April 27, with Highland Tech hosting at Lincoln Country Club. Teams playing are: Christ the King, Lincoln Charter, and CHS; and Wednesday, April 28, with CHS hosting at their home course at Cherryville Golf &Country Club. Teams in this one are Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, and Highland Tech.

Ironmen end season with a
43-30 win over visiting BCHS

Both teams tied now 34-34-2 in all-time clashes stats

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen walked away victorious on Friday night, April 9, and sporting a piece of hard-won hardware as they held on to win their last football game of the 2021 season, 43-30.
In doing so they got to take home – for a while anyway – the coveted “champs” belt the two teams have been trading back and forth as sports rivals and to even up the decades-long score of who has the most wins between the two since they have been facing off with each other.
For the record, they are now tied 34-all in wins and losses, with two tie games in there somewhere.
Bessemer City head coach Larry Boone brought his Yellow Jackets coaching staff and team to town, and while they may have been much reduced in numbers and strength, and were down two TDs in getting on the board, they definitely came to Rudisill to play some football.
That the ‘Jackets scored 30 points is a testament to Boone’s well-known coaching prowess in building winning BCHS teams. With the pandemic hitting everybody in high school sports hard these past two years it was great to see these two teams face off again.
In the first quarter the Ironmen drew first blood in the matchup with 9:46 on the clock off a Cooper Sloan four-yard dash for the TD. With kicker Eli Moss’ PAT being good they were up 7-0 after that impressive drive led by starting quarterback, junior Kadin Beaver.
It’s still the first quarter and senior Austin Thompson is in the QB slot. The Ironmen move downfield again and with 30.7 seconds on the clock, Sloan found the red zone again, scoring his second TD for the Ironmen on a four-yard run. Again, the powerful leg of Eli Moss banged the PAT through the uprights and it was 14-0, Ironmen.
Not to be outdone, the ‘Jackets got their first TD of the game with 9:39 on the clock. With their two-point conversion play being good, they made it 14-8.
Beaver, in again as the QB, kept the ball, and scampered 12 yards, setting up good field position for fellow Ironmen Thompson, in again as QB right after Beaver’s run, to get a 36-yard gallop from Chase Miller for the CHS team’s third TD, with 7:36 on the clock. Moss’ PAT was good and the score was 21-8.
Ironman Matthew Torres recovered a BCHS fumble and the Ironmen aet up a bit more yardage before the Yellow Jackets took over on downs.
The ‘Jackets took advantage of having the ball and #5 Jameer Holmes, their QB playing as a defensive end, went 12 yards and punched the ball in for the ‘Jackets with 1:49 on the clock. Again, BCHS went for the extra two-points, got it, and the score tightened up at 21-16.
CHS’ Ford Golden called for the fair catch on the resulting kick-off and the Ironmen once again started their drive as the first half wound down.
Chase Miller came in as QB for the Ironmen, and with 5:11 on the clock, ran the ball 14 yards to score an Ironman TD. Austin Thompson then threw a two-point conversion pass to Landon Hahn, making the score 29-16, Ironmen.
After half-time, and at the start of the third quarter, the BCHS squad got back in the game, closing the gap with a TD with their two-point conversion, making the score 29-24.
Ironman Ford Golden recovered another BCHS fumble and the Ironmen held onto the ball, racking up some more yardage as the third quarter came to a close.
At the start of the fourth quarter Thompson completed a pass to Christian Hahn for 10-yards. Miller, again in the QB slot, called his own number and ran 13 yards into the end zone for another CHS TD, with 11:04 on the clock. Miller again called his own number and dashed into the end zone again for the two-point conversion, making the score 37-24.
An Ironman fumble set up a Yellow Jackets TD by #7, Terrance Smith, with 5:58 on the clock. The BCHS men tried for the extra point but it was no good and the score was 37-30.
Both Thompson and Miller saw QB duties as the fourth quarter wound down, but the CHS men’s last TD came at the hands of Cooper Sloan, who started it all way back in the first quarter. Sloan zipped into the end zone on a two-yard run with 1:28 on the clock. The extra point kick fell short and the game was 43-30.
The last big play for the Ironmen was an interception, but a flag was thrown for two infractions: an illegal block in the back by the ‘Jackets and a face mask foul by the Ironmen.
The ‘tale of the tape’ for the night for the Ironmen was that they accrued a total of 352 yards on the night; 296 yards on the ground and 52 yards in the air.
Sloan carried the ball 22 times for 104 yards; Miller carried the pigskin 16 times for a total of 114 yards; Price carried it five times for 31 yards; QB Beaver carried it twice for 20 yards; and QB Thompson carried it four rime for 27 yards.
Thompson completed seven of 10 passes for a total of 56 yards.
Coach Pruitt said the team’s defensive stats were: Kam Bolin –11 tackles and one interception; Christian Hahn – 10 tackles, one pass break-up and one forced fumble; Kadin Beaver – six tackles and one tackle for loss; and Ford Golden – six tackles and one fumble recovery.
The Ironmen had 22 first downs in this end-of-season game, but racked up 80 yards in penalties.
The finished their 2021 season 2-5 overall and 2-4 in SPC 1A play.
Head coach Tim Pruitt said, after the game, “This was a good high school football game. Our men fought adversity, as did theirs. I have the greatest respect for (BCHS Coach) Larry Boone and for (the BCHS) Yellow Jackets. To have only 14 kids play and do what they did? It speaks volumes. But our kids kept fighting. Our kids stepped up and made plays. Our offense stepped up and made some good plays, as did our defense. We didn’t handle the physicality (of the game) as well as we should have, but we did well.”
Coach Pruitt said the touchdown the Ironmen got at half-time “…was huge!”
As for what’s in the future for the Ironmen gridiron squad who will be back in training sooner rather than later for the 2021-2022 sports year, he noted simply, “We will lift weights and run and get ready for June!”
(Additional info and stats by Susan L. Powell, and Danny Eaker)

CHS softball ladies get pair of much-needed wins

Lady Patriots, Lady Rams fall to Lady Ironmen bats

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Lady Ironmen interim head coach Callie Hahn said her ladies won a pair of games this past week after a daunting 0-4 start to their 2021 season.
Hahn said on Monday, March 29, the Lady Ironmen hosted the Lady Patriots of Piedmont Charter in non-conference action at CHS Field and came away with a 12-5 victory.
Right-hander Laila Davis got the start and pitched three innings, giving up four (4) runs (three earned). She struck out four Lady Pats batters.
Junior Raegan Nowoweicki came on in relief and picked up the win with 10 strikeouts and one (1) earned run.  Coach Hahn said hitters for the CHS ladies were Rileigh Kiser (3-5, with 2 RBIs), Davis (1-3, 2 RBIs), Kaitlyn Newsome (4 RBIs), Aleigha Whisnant (1-3, an RBI), and senior Faith Anthony, who was 1 for 2.
Said Hahn, “We scored seven runs in the second (inning) to take a big lead, and added runs in the fifth and sixth innings to seal the win.”
Hahn noted the ladies’ second win of the 2021 season came in the SPC 1A opener against the Lady Rams of Highland Tech.
Hahn said, “The game was tight all the way to the seventh inning when we plated five runs to win by a final score of 8-2.”
Hahn added her team played one of its better defensive games, noting that the Lady Rams “…made some crucial errors that helped us pull out the win.”
Nowoweicki got the win on the mound again, going seven innings and striking out 15 batters, said Hahn, while giving up just two runs (one earned).
Said Han, “On offense, Aleigha (Whisnant) was 1-4, with two RBIs, and Raegan (Nowoweicki) was 1-4, with an RBI. Rileigh (Kiser) was 2-4, and Laila (Davis), Amber (Roach), and Elizabeth (Levine) each had singles.”
Hahn continued, “It was good to get a win to open our conference play. Hopefully, we can use this momentum as we move through our conference schedule.”
Cherryville will be away at Lincoln Charter on Tuesday, April 6, and at home at CHS Field against Piedmont Charter on Thursday, April 8.
Currently the Lady Ironmen are 2-4 overall, and 1-0 in SPC 1A play.
(Additional stats and information by Brian Kiser)

 

2021 Dixie Girls Softball
Opening Day draws large crowd

160-plus girls help field 12 teams for
popular Cherryville organization

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

A little cold weather didn’t dampen the excitement on the faces of 160-plus girls of all ages who came out on Saturday, March 20, for the opening day of the 2021 Dixie Girls Softball season.
A media release from Jamie McSwain, from Rockin’ Realty, one of the team sponsors (Sweetees) noted, “It is the largest turnout we have had in three or four years.”  She continued, “Over 160 (young ladies) registered to play this year.”
McSwain said there were 12 teams on the field that day, along with their entire board, Mayor H.L. Beam, III, and City Manager Jeff Cash.
Dixie Girls Softball President Cheryl Word and Vice-President Daniel McBride, VP, said the girls ranged in age from 3 years old up the age of 19.
President Word said, “We had a great turnout! Our numbers were some of the best they have been in several years. I think overall it was a great day! Everyone seemed to be very happy to be out and back on the ballfield.” 
McBride thanked the group many sponsors for making it all possible and announced the top winners for the organization’s candy fundraiser.
First place winner, Skyla Arnold received a $300 Great Wolf Lodge gift card; second place winner, Emily Lowrance received a Lenovo Smart tablet; third place was a tie between winners, Desiree Smith and Hazel Workman, who each
See DIXIE, Page 3
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received $75 cash.
“There were also two $50 winners, Kailee Walker and Laya Owens,” said Mrs. McSwain, “drawn from all girls who sold at least one box of candy in this group.”
As parents and family members stood, the very talented Mackenzie Auten sang the National Anthem, then Cherryville Mayor, H.L. Beam, III, spoke of the pride the City has in the program and what it means every year for the young girls of Cherryville.
Said Mayor Beam, “The City of Cherryville is so proud of the progress of this organization, which has produced winners at the local, state, and national levels.”
Beam continued, welcoming the parents, all the fans, the coaches and players, and reminded everyone the City of Cherryville supports Cherryville Dixie Girls Softball and asked all of them there not to forget that Cherryville is host to the N.C. Dixie Girls State Tournament, which is scheduled to be held July 9-13, 2021.
For his part, Mayor Beam noted, “This is my eighth year speaking at the Dixie Girls Softball organization’s Opening Day ceremonies and it is my largest crowd, so far, to welcome to the season’s opening day!”
McSwain noted Mr. Mark Watson announced the players and coaches as they lined up to come out onto the field.
The first pitch was thrown out by Olivia “Livi” Harmon and with her sister, Ella Harmon, catching for her behind the plate.
The sisters were then presented with a trophy in memory of their mother, Susan Harmon, who passed away, noted Mrs. McSwain. McSwain added, “The girls have played Dixie Softball for years and their mother volunteered for the program often.”
Additionally, McSwain noted that Mr. McBride also recognized Olivia Harmon for her Grand Slam while playing Angels Division All-Stars in the 2020 World Series last summer in Alabama.
The young ladies got to play 10 games on Saturday and McSwain said the regular season began Monday, March 22 at Ballard Park.
McSwain noted that the teams/sponsors and their coaches are as follows: Sweetees – Rockin’ Realty/Pam McSwain, KT Towing/Tina Watson, and Carolina Care Health, Rehabilitation, and Retirement Cottages/Angie Anthony; Darlings – Greene Law Offices/Brandy Sanders, and Ferguson ACE Hardware/Michael Whitesides; Angels – Upchurch’s Garden Center/Matthew Anthony and Max Baxter Roofing/Wes Culberson; Ponytails – Cherryville Anima Hospital/Wes Brown and Carpenter – Porter Funeral & Cremation Services/Andy Capps; Belles/Debs – Roma Italian/Chris Harmon, Main Street Tire & Lube/Sandy Cunningham and Houser Drug/Mark Watson; and Other – Carolina Federal Credit Union, Pizza Hut and Medical Center Pharmacy.
“Cherryville Dixie Girls Softball Board is asking for volunteers to help with the 2021 NC Dixie Girls State Tournament, which is July 9-13,” she said.
For those who can do so, she added that sign ups are at Ballard Park at the concessions stand, or volunteers can contact her (Jamie McSwain) at jamie.mcswain333@gmail.com.

As season opens, Lady Ironmen softball team lose two

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Lady Ironmen softball interim head coach Callie Hahn said her ladies opened the season going on the road at Chase.
Hahn noted that after a hard fought game against the Lady Trojans, her ladies came up short by a 6-4 score.
Said Coach Hahn, “We got behind but kept fighting back before eventually taking the loss. Some of our players haven’t played since the shutdown last year, but I was proud of how we continued to battle.”
Hahn said offensively for the Lady Ironmen, Aleigha Whisnant and Amber Roach had a hit and an RBI each, with Rileigh Kiser getting a double in the loss.
“Raegan Nowoweicki pitched well in the losing effort, going the distance and allowing only two earned runs while striking out nine batters,” said Coach Hahn.
On Wednesday, March 17, the ladies had a home opener when they played host to a strong hitting East Rutherford Lady Cavaliers team.
Said Coach Hahn, “East (Rutherford) had two (2) homeruns, one (1) triple and five (5) doubles in smashing their way to a 5-inning, 12-0 victory.”
Hahn continued, “Plain and simple? We couldn’t get them out and they just kept hitting.”
Hahn said Kaitlyn Newsome led the ladies with a 2-hit day that included a double, with Whisnant hitting a double as well.
“Laila Davis saw her first varsity action on the mound in relief of starter and losing pitcher Raegan Nowoweicki,” said Hahn, who added, “In these first two games, we have seen several positives as well as areas that need improvement. The girls are learning from each game and working hard to make adjustments for the games ahead.”
The Lady Ironmen were at home Monday, March 22, against Stuart Cramer and again on Thursday, March 25, when they take on RS Central.
The team’s current overall record is 0-2.
(Additional stats and information by Brian Kiser and Susan L. Powell)

Ironmen gridiron squad gets a “W” at Highland Tech

Team racks up a total of 379 yards during the game

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen gridiron squad got a much-needed win last Friday night, defeating the Highland Tech Rams 33-12, at Highland Tech.
The Ironmen scored first in the first quarter off an Austin Thompson quarterback keeper with 1:38 on the clock. With the PAT by Christian Hahn, the score was 7-0, Ironmen.
The Rams answered back early in the second quarter when they scored a TD thanks to an Ironmen fumble. The Rams returned it 50 yards to get on the board with 11:22 on the clock. The PAT by the Rams, however, failed and the score, 7-6, still saw CHS with a slim lead.
Cooper Sloan (#21) got a TD on his eighth carry, and put CHS up 13-6, with 7:09 on the clock. Christian Hahn’s PAT was good and the Ironmen went up 14-6.
Still in the second quarter of the first half and Sloan again gets a TD off a two-yard scramble with 2:42 on the clock. The PAT was no good and the score was 20-6.
With just 19 seconds on the clock in the first half, the Ironmen tried a field goal but it didn’t make it in.
The third quarter started with a Landon Hahn interception. Then, with 9:23 on the clock the Ironmen’s Sloan scored again off a seven-yard run into the end-zone, making it, after a good PAT, 27-6.
A scant few minutes later, the Rams answered back with a TD of their own with 7:34 on the clock. Their PAT was, again, no good and the score was 27-12, in favor of the Ironmen.
After punting it away to the Rams, Ironman Anthony Roberts intercepts a Rams pass giving the CHS men control of the ball. A 70-yard pass to Christian Hahn sets up good field position for the Ironmen and Chase Miller carried the ball 14 yard for the TD, with 21 seconds on the clock in the third quarter of the second half. The PAT was no good, but the Ironmen were now up 33-12.
The fourth quarter started with bad news for the Rams as Landon Hahn once again intercepted one of their passes.
The remainder of the fourth quarter boiled down to runs by Chase Miller and Gage Price, which gained the Ironmen 24 yards before Christian Hahn punted the ball away. The Rams were unable to make anything happen after the punt and the game came to an end with the Ironmen on top, 33-12.
The Ironmen had a more impressive outing this time as they had a total of 243 rushing yards and a total of 136 passing yards.
Cooper Sloan carried the ball 23 times for a total of 148 yards; Chase Miller carried the ball 11 times for a total of 59 yards; QB Austin Thompson carried the ball after calling his own number six times for a total of 19 yards; and Gage Price carried the ball five times for a total of 17 yards.
Quarterback Thompson completed nine passes for a total of 136 yards. The total yards on the night for the Ironmen was 379 yards.
Head Coach Tim Pruitt said of the men’s performance in the game, “(I) enjoyed watching our team execute and give great effort on Friday night. The offense was more balanced as we moved the ball on the ground and in the air. That starts with the play of the offensive line.”
He continued, “We played better but we still have things we can brush up. Defensively we played the run better and had three interceptions (two by Landon Hahn and one by Anthony Roberts). We need to get more pressure on the quarterback with our pads; rush and tackle him when we get there. On Special Teams we created a turnover and had one as well. (Our) focus is the red zone will be worked on this week as we prepare for CSD (Community School of Davidson and Senior Night!”
That game will be at home at Rudisill Stadium, Friday. March 19, starting at 6:30 p.m.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

 

Ironmen lose second gridiron home game 7-46 to Pine Lake Prep

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The Governor eased COVID-19 restrictions enough for high school football programs to have a few more fans in the stadiums than was previously the case, and it showed this past Friday night.
Rudisill Stadium was the site for the March 5 matchup between visiting Pine Lake Prep’s Pride and the Ironmen, as well as being the Homecoming 2021 game for the school. It was the most fans seen since the start of the pandemic over a year ago.
While the Homecoming was a great night for all involved, the game didn’t go quite the way it could have as the Pride, looking better than they have in past visits to Rudisill, defeated the Ironmen 7-46. The first strike by the Pride was with 7:01 on the clock in the first quarter and the Pride were up 0-8.
Senior Austin Thompson started the night as quarterback for the CHS men, but the Ironmen finished the night with Chase Miller at the helm, along with occasional appearances by Kadin Beaver in the QB slot in the second quarter, third, and fourth quarters. Miller came in during the fourth quarter.
The Pride got their second TD of the first quarter with just 7.5 seconds left on the clock. With the two-point conversion, they were up 0-16 over the host Ironmen.
And so it went throughout the night as the Pride seemed to be able to score at will on their march to the final score, a tally of 46 points.
The CHS Ironmen were able to finally get on the board late in the fourth quarter when QB Chase Miller threw a 20-yard score to receiver Cooper Sloan for the TD, with 1:20 on the clock. Kicker Eli Moss’ PAT was good and the score at the final was 7-46.
Austin Thompson completed two passes of 12 attempts. Both Beaver and Miller had some completions as well.
Chase Miller carried the ball nine times for a total of 30 yards rushing; Cooper Sloan carried the ball 14 times for a total of 53 yards rushing; while others carried the ball as well. While the total yardage was originally 94 yards rushing, the Ironmen were hurt by -34 yards lost, dropping the total to 60, resulting in the Ironmen having just 60 yards in rushing and 27 yards in passing for a game total of 87 yards on the night.
Ironmen Head Coach Tim Pruitt said of the men, “We are continuing to get a great effort from our players on Friday’s and had a good practice week. We have got to improve our execution in all phases. This week on offense we will need to work on our ball security and pass protection. Run blocking was improved.”
He continued, “On defense we need to work on playing with our pads and finishing our tackles.”
Coach added, “(We have a) …big week (coming up) as we prepare for a Highland Tech team that has not played this season and we are playing our first road game.”
The Ironmen are currently 0-2 overall.
They are slated to play the HT Rams on Friday, March 12, away at Highland Tech.
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Ironmen soccer men win one, lose one as season progresses

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen soccer men defeated Bessemer City’s Yellow Jackets men’s soccer team, 11-2, at home at Rudisill Stadium on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Said Coach Reed, “It was a great win for the eight Ironmen seniors on Senior Night!”
Freshman Henry Gil scored three goals, with senior Quinlan Sanford scoring two.
Seniors Chase McNeill, Julian Guadarrama, Ryan Riffle, and Eli Moss scored one goal apiece, as did sophomore Dalton Canup and freshman Marlon Gomez.
Coach Reed noted assists came from Chase McNeill, Xerek Shipley, Henry Gil, and Marlon Gomez.
On Thursday, Feb. 25, Coach Reed said his CHS soccer men lost to SPC 1A powerhouse, the Eagles of Lincoln Charter, at home at Rudisill Stadium). The score was 5-2. Both CHS goals were scored by freshman Henry Gil with assists from freshmen Marlon Gomez Alamillo and Kemper Harris.
Coach Reed said of his men’s work in this matchup, “They played well.”
The Ironmen are scheduled to play at home on Tuesday, March 2, against the Crusaders of Christ the King, then they travel to play at Piedmont Charter on Wednesday, March 3. All home games are slated to start at 4:30 p.m.
The soccer Ironmen are currently 3-5 overall.

 

Ironmen varsity hoops squad gets big road win over Lincoln Charter

Get a home win against PCCS but end regular season with road loss to TJCA Gryphons

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Against Lincoln Charter
Coach Scott Harrill and company got one of the biggest wins in their 2020-2021 season last Tuesday (Feb. 16) as they stunned the Lincoln Charter Eagles in an 80-70 road victory.
Harrill said, via email, “The Cherryville Ironmen men’s basketball team defeated the Number 1 team in the state 1A rankings, the Lincoln Charter Eagles, last Tuesday night.”
Coach Harrill added his Ironmen, who have been improving all year, are the winners of seven of their last eight games. He noted they “…rolled into Lincoln Charter with confidence.”
He noted that from the opening tip, you could tell things were going the Ironmen way as sophomore Numarius Good hit his first two three-pointers from the wing off assists by senior Lavonte Hughes.
“Hughes then attacked the elbow area and knocked down elbow jumpers,” said Harrill, adding, “The Ironmen led after the first quarter 15-12.”
He continued, “The Ironmen got balanced scoring in the second quarter with Carter Spangler, Hughes, Carson Kelly, Austin Thompson, Landon Hahn all chipping in baskets. Noah Abenerthy and Gavin Cease came in and contributed in many ways on both ends of the court.”
According to Coach Harrill, the Eagles didn’t let up and took the lead, up to 14 points.
The Ironmen fought back in the second half after being down 14, to cut the lead to two after the third quarter on hot shooting by Carson Kelly.
Kelly, just a sophomore, noted Harrill, took control of the game in the third quarter, knocking down three, three-pointers in the quarter and getting a floater to go. Kelly scored 10 in the quarter and the Ironmen notched a season high of 27 points in the third quarter.
Hughes continued to put pressure on the Eagles as they tried to trap the point guard, but Lavonte found the open man every time, said Harrill.
Along with Kelly, Austin Thompson had a big quarter, as well as Jack Mulvey, he said.
The fourth quarter started out the same way, with Kelly hitting two more three’s to finish with six three-pointers on the night. Landon Hahn came up with some big steals and layups. Seniors Lavonte Hughes and Austin Thompson iced the game once the Ironmen got the lead hitting six out of six free throws down the stretch to seal the 80-70 victory over the Number 1 ranked team.
Coach Harrill said, “I am so proud of the effort these men have given all year. Tonight (last Tuesday) was a special night. Any time you can go in and win at Lincoln Charter is special, but the heart of these men is awesome. Our seniors, Noah Abernethy, Lavonte Hughes, and Austin Thompson have helped lead us in the way we needed to go. They never stopped believing.
“Aberenthy is the ultimate teammate and true Ironman; Hughes is a warrior on the court that refuses to lose; Thompson is our vocal leader to put us all where we need to be and a physical presence.”
Harrill said he is very proud and knows these seniors will remember this win for a long time.
Leading scorers for the Ironmen were Lavonte Hughes – 21 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds; Carson Kelly – 20 points; Austin Thompson  – 13 points, 8 rebounds; Landon Hahn – 11 points, 4 steals; Jack Mulvey – 7 points, Numarius Good – 6 points, and Noah Abernethy and Carter Spangler – 2 points apiece.
The Lady IM lost to Lady Eagles 17-71.

Against PCCS
The Ironmen got a home court win, 64-41, last Wednesday, Feb. 17, over the visiting Piedmont Community Charter Patriots. Prior to the men’s varsity game, the JV’s, under Coach Franklin Allen, won their game over the JV Patriots by a score of 63-47.
Senior Austin Thompson led the Ironmen with 20 points, followed by senior Lavonte Hughes with 12 points.
Carson Kelly scored nine (9) points, with teammate Landon Hahn getting six (6) points.
Remaining scorers were senior Noah Abernethy and Gavin Cease each scoring five (5) points apiece, while Jack Mulvey and Numarius Good each scored three (3) points apiece. Carter Spangler sunk a free throw for a point.

Against TJCA
The Ironmen varsity men’s hoops squad ended their regular season with a 73-62 road loss to Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy’s Gryphons.
According to Max Preps, the Lady Ironmen lost to the Lady Gryphons 9-56.
The men finished 9-5 overall (Max Preps) and 7-5 in SPC 1A play. The ladies finished at 1-11 overall (Max Preps) and 1-10 in SPC 1A play.
(Additional stats and information by Susan L. Powell)

Ironmen basketball coach Scott Harrill breaks county record for most wins

Gets #380 against BCHS on Feb. 5,
passing Coach Marty Hatchell

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Ironmen head basketball coach and CHS Athletic Director Scott Harrill has many accomplishments attributed to him, along with a slew of letters and initials pertaining to his teaching and coaching prowess.
Now he can add a couple more – record breaker and record setter!
Harrill recently surpassed his friend and fellow roundball coach Marty Hatchell, who retired from coaching in 2009, as Gaston County’s all-time winningest men’s basketball coach with 380-plus wins. He got number 380 on Feb. 5, in an away game against the BCHS Yellow Jackets, winning 78-67. His current tally (and percentage of wins) is – with the recent win at Piedmont Community Charter School – 381, against 171 losses for a 70 percentage of wins. Harrill noted the record is for varsity wins only and doesn’t factor in any of his JV wins.
Coach Harrill’s career started as a JV coach at South Point High in 1995, then he came to Cherryville in 1999 as the JV coach with the late Coach David Watkins.
“I took over after Coach Watkins passed away in December of 2000,” he said.
In addition to coaching Cross-Country at CHS, Harrill said he has coached football at South Point and Cherryville for 13 years.
“I have also coached as the head men’s golf coach, and a couple of JV baseball games.”
Harrill, a 1989 CHS grad, received his undergraduate degree from Appalachian State in 1993, then got his Master’s degree from ASU in 2008.
As for how it feels to catch up to and pass Coach Hatchell’s many wins, Harrill was somewhat philosophical.
Said Coach Harrill, “It has been a little overwhelming thinking of the great coaches along the way. This is a team achievement with Coach (Dennis) Tate, Coach (Bud) Black, and Coach (Antonio) Griggs. Those men are just as much a part of this as I am. We work together really well. I will be forever grateful for them taking in a young coach, sticking with him, and being by my side the entire way. Marty is a friend and former coach who I coached against. He had all of his wins at those two schools. I look back at all the great kids we have had the chance to coach and watch grow.”
When asked what was it like to play opposite Hatchell and his teams, Coach Harrill noted, “He was a fiery coach and was always competitive.”
Coach Hatchell, who was 52 when he retired in 2009, coached the Yellow Jackets at BCHS for 13 years, then coached 11 years at Ashbrook, according to Coach Harrill, who noted Hatchell’s record was 379 wins in 24 years.
In addition to thanking his assistant coaches and current and former players, Harrill said, “God and my faith has always been a huge part of my life and coaching philosophy. (My wife,) Teresa has always stood by me and supported me in all that I do. She is amazing at being at all of those games for 25 years.
“She has brought our two boys to games since they were born. Trevor and Lane have always loved being in the gym. It was a joy over the last 21 years to get to spend that time in the gym with them.
“My parents, Howard and Marie, have been to almost every game during my playing and coaching career.  Mom has kept the book a long time, dad has filmed over the years when needed. Thanks again to Coaches Tate, Black, and Griggs for all the years of working with me.  The Ironmen basketball team is family to each of us.
“I am also thankful for Terry Usery and Kathy Abernethy for all the years of keeping the clock and score book for us.
“To the many players over the years who I think of as sons, they are what makes this special. Each one of those players has a special memory that I could share. I also thank Mr. (Steve) Huffstetler, my first principal at CHS; Mr. (Derrick) Jackson; and Mr. (Kevin) Doran, who has been with me the last eight years. We are blessed to have supportive principals like these three men over the years.”
Scott continued, “Wins and losses come and go, but the relationships last a lifetime. From phone calls, to weddings, to new births, to lunches, stopping in the gym, a golf game; those are the memories I will cherish. The long bus rides, the practices, the locker room, those are fun times.”
His wife, Teresa, said, “I am so proud of Scott and the Ironmen basketball staff! Scott loves the game of basketball but he loves his players more. Over the years he has had some amazing athletes that have made this honor possible.
“His coaching staff is like no other. You don’t find better men. They love their Ironmen basketball, win or lose. Having 380 wins is amazing, but the thought of how many lives Scott has impacted over the course of these 380 wins makes my heart smile. Late night ball games, game film analysis, daily practices have been part of our lives for over 25 years. This is an honor he and I are blessed to be part of.”
Friend, mentor, and Assistant Coach, Dr. Bud Black, said of his long-time friend and protégé, “Scott has been an outstanding basketball coach because he treats everyone fairly and is a great communicator. The many years Coach Tate and I have been with him illustrates his belief in the Cherryville High School basketball philosophy.
“The players are taught to first believe in faith and family, second to succeed academically, and third basketball. This philosophy has been a part of the CHS basketball program since 1981 and has led to Coach Harrill being the most successful high school basketball coach in Gaston County.
“He measures success by the players living life as men with character and being a leader in their church, family, and career.”
Coach Dennis Tate said of Harrill, “You have got to have the passion for the game, which Coach Harrill does. You start preparing yourself in the summer. Coach Harrill expects us to help him out if he has other things to do, as he’s the AD, and we can relate to the players, so that makes his job easier, if he needs us to talk with or help out one of them.”
Tate continued, “I feel like I’ve been a part of each and every one of them (the Ironmen wins) since the 80s, with Coaches Black and Watkins, and now Coach Harrill. With win number 380, I want to say congratulations to my long-time friend and coaching companion.”
Assistant Coach Antonio Griggs agreed, adding, “Congratulations Coach on win number 380! As a former player and current member of your staff, I’m beyond thankful for your commitment to the students and our community.
“I know firsthand how tirelessly you work on scouting the opponents and teaching our student athletes life lessons along the way. Thanks for everything you do for all programs. Special thanks to Teresa Harrill for her overwhelming support for our program over the years. We love both of you. #CvilleBasketballFamily.”

(Ed. note: On a sad and personal note – After this was written, it was learned that CHS Ironmen Clock Keeper, Mr. Terry Usery passed away on Feb. 13. Our prayers are with his family.)

Ironmen get some payback against rival 'Jackets with 78-67 win

CHS’ Coach Scott Harrill sets county basketball coaching record with 380th
career win

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Last Friday night at Bessemer City the CHS Ironmen got to help their head coach celebrate his new record for 380 all-time, coaching wins by a basketball coach by defeating their cross-county hoops rivals, the BCHS Yellow Jackets by a score of 78-67. It was a little payback for a loss in January to the ’Jackets, who came to Nixon Gym and defeated the Ironmen.

Against Piedmont Charter
On Monday night, Feb. 1, the CHS Ironmen basketball teams played the visiting Piedmont Community Charter Patriots at Nixon Gym.
In the first game Coach Franklin Allen’s  JV squad won their game 56-55. This game was followed by the Lady Ironmen, who were just overwhelmed by a fast and furious Lady Patriots team. The CHS women lost by a score of 12 to 55.
Faith Anthony had six points, Ja’marra Wall had four points, and Gabbie McCorkle had two points.
In the third game of the night, the CHS varsity men won, 66-52 over the Piedmont Charter men.
The stats are as follows: Lavonte Hughes – 15 points, 8 assists, 8 rebounds, 5 steals; Carter Spangler – 13 points; Carson Kelly – 12 points ; Austin Thompson – 8 points; Landon Hahn – 8 points; Jack Mulvey – 5 points, 7 rebounds; Noah Abernethy – 3 points; and Jaylon Moon – 2 points.
On Thursday, Feb. 4, the JV men and the Lady Ironmen played their makeup games at Nixon Gym, with the ladies losing to the Lady Eagles of Lincoln Charter, 58-17.

Against BCHS
There was no JV game in this Friday, Feb. 5, away matchup, so the CHS ladies took to the court first.
The Lady 'Jackets came out hot and never let up for the entire game, downing the Lady Ironmen by a score of 27-60.
Junior Terayha Bess led the ladies in this one with 9 points, followed by senior Faith Anthony with 8 points. Ja’marra Wall and Ragan Hovis had 4 points apiece and Laila Davis and Gabbie McCorkle each had a point.
The ladies are currently 1-8 overall; 0-7 in SPC 1A play.
When the men’s teams started into action it was evident it was going to be game of speed and hot shooting, which both of these teams have in abundance.
As we said, it was a memorable night at rival Bessemer City, as CHS Athletic Director and head basketball coach Scott Harrill set a Gaston County coaching record with 380 career wins.
Of the game, Harrill said, “The young Ironmen played with great energy and passion as has come to be expected winning four of the last five games.
“Cherryville jumped out to a 21-11 lead in the first quarter paced by two sophomores, Carson Kelly and Landon Hahn. Kelly hit two three-pointers in the opening stanza and got a two-pointer to go in for 8 (points) in the quarter, followed by Hahn chipping in 7 in the first quarter.”
Harrill said the second quarter saw Jack Mulvey get hot, hitting two three-pointers, and scoring 10 points in the second quarter. The half time score was 41-31, Ironmen.  The third quarter saw senior leader Lavonte Hughes step up and take control of the game. Fellow senior, Noah Abernethy contributed in the third quarter as well, hitting two big free throws. 
As BCHS pressed, Hughes sliced the defense with scoring and assists. The 'Jackets made a small run to start the fourth quarter, but senior Austin Thompson scored 8 points and controlled the paint for the Ironmen.
Harrill noted that when BCHS had to resort to fouling to stop the clock, Carson Kelly stepped up and knocked down five of six free throws to seal the win.
The away win at BCHS took Coach Harrill to the top of the all-time coaching career wins list in Gaston County history, with 380.
Said Coach Harrill, “I am proud of these young men for their hard work and dedication. And I am thankful for the defensive game plan Coach Griggs put in this week. Also, Coach Tate has been working on our guards taking good game shots, and it paid off! 380 wins! Wow!”
Hughes ended up with 11 points, 13 assists, 9 rebounds and 6 steals, as Coach Harrill said, “What a player he is, and an even better young man! He makes everyone around him better.”
Leading scorer on the night Landon Hahn led the way with 19 points and 4 steals, followed by Carson Kelly 17 points and Austin Thompson with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Jack Mulvey scored 12 points, and Gavin Cease had 3 points, with senior Noah Abernethy getting 2 points.
The varsity Ironmen are 5-4 overall, and are 3-4 in SPC 1A play.
On Tuesday, Feb. 9, they were away at Piedmont Charter, but are back home Friday, Feb. 12, against Highland Tech, in their last home game. Games start at 4:30 (JV); 6 p.m., for varsity.

(Additional stats and information by Susan L. Powell)

Ironmen varsity men’s basketball squad 3-4 overall

Teams get wins all around on Senior Night against Chase

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Against Thomas Jefferson
The Cherryville basketball Ironmen teams took on the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons on Tuesday, Jan. 26, in three home court matchups, starting with the Junior Varsity team on the court first.
The JV men eluded the JV Gryphons in a squeaker of a low-scoring game, winning 17-16.
The Lady Ironmen game followed after the standard COVID-19 cleansing of the gym, and the CHS ladies found the visiting Lady Gryphons a little hard to handle, in spite of many of Coach Carrie Dalton’s players getting back in action after being out. At the end of the game, the Lady Ironmen lost to the TJCA Lady Gryphons 23-56. Scoring for the ladies in this one was as follows: Gabbie McCorkle – 10 points (two of which were three-pointers); Terayha Bess, who was solid under the net, with eight (8) points; Faith Anthony and Ragan Hovis with two points apiece and Ja’marra Wall with one (1) point.
In the third game of the night, the varsity men’s hoops squad defeated the Gryphons by a score of 59-53.
Leading scorers in this one were: Lavonte Hughes, with 22 points; Carson Kelly with 15 points (two of which were three-pointers); Landon Hahn with eight (8) points; Jack Mulvey with seven (7) points; Numarius Good with three (3) points; TJ Thompson with two (2) points; and Noah Abernethy and Teaghan Strutt with one point apiece.

Against Chase
The Ironmen teams played once again at home on Thursday, Jan. 28, and once again all three CHS teams were victorious, though it was a tough fight against the visiting Chase Trojans, in the non-conference game.
Coach Franklin Allen’s JV squad defeated the Trojans’ JV squad 44-32, giving them, at this time in their season, three wins overall.
The Lady Ironmen came next and played a scrappy Lady Trojans team, but hung on to win their first game of the season, 30-23. Gabbie McCorkle was the lead scorer in this one with 10 points (one of which was a three-pointer); followed by Terayha Bess with seven (7) points.
Senior Faith Anthony had five (5) points and Ragan Hovis had three (3) points. Rounding out the scoring for the ladies was Ceniya Powell and Laila Davis, each with two (2) points apiece, and Haley Prince with one point.
Coach Harrill’s squad rounded out the trifecta of wins over Chase as the varsity men defeated the Trojans 60-51.
Leading the scorers was senior Lavonte Hughes with 14 points, followed by Jack Mulvey with 11 points, and Carson Kelly with 10 points. Austin Thompson scored nine (9) points and Numarius Good had seven (7) points. Four Ironmen had two points each: Carter Spangler, Gavin Cease, Jaylon Moon, and T.J. Thompson. Noah Abernethy had one point, off a free throw in the fourth quarter.

Against Christ the King
Coach Scott Harrill said the story of the night was senior Lavonte Hughes reaching his 1,000th career point.  “Lavonte has been a four-year varsity player and one of the best point guards in a long line of great point guards at CHS,” said Harrill, who added Lavonte scored his 1,000th point on a free throw with 6:36 on the clock in the fourth quarter.
Coach Harrill said he was very proud of Lavonte on his accomplishment.
“Lavonte is one of the best young men you could ever be around. He makes everyone around him better,” he said.
Lavonte ended the night with 30 points on 10 of 16 shooting and was 8 for 10 from the free-throw line.
Harrill noted the game started out with Christ the King getting hot from the three-point line, making many early and often. The Ironmen fought back with Hughes scoring seven points in the first quarter and 12 more in the second quarter.
Gavin Cease helped the Ironmen on the defensive end drawing three charges in the first half. Austin Thompson was 3-for-3 shooting in the half, but that was not enough when CTK hit eight (8) three-pointers by halftime.
Harrill said “cold shooting plagued the Ironmen” in the third quarter, going 3 for 17.
Carter Spangler, Hughes, and Jack Mulvey each had four (4) rebounds, with young Carson Kelly leading the team in steals.
Scoring for the Ironmen were: Hughes, 30; Mulvey, 10; A. Thompson, 6; Kelly, 4; Hahn, 2; Good, 4; Moon, 3; and TJ Thompson, 2.
Earlier, the Lady Ironmen lost their game 20-60, to the Lady Crusaders.
The Ironmen played Pinnacle Classical Academy on Monday, Feb. 1, at home. On Friday, Feb. 5, they are away at Bessemer City, with the JV at 4:30 p.m., and the varsity games at 6 p.m.
(Additional stats and information by Susan L. Powell)

Ironmen soccer practices, workouts good prep for coach, team

Jan. 26 was opening game for 2021
varsity men

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville Ironmen soccer coach (or “gaffer” for hard-core soccer fans), said their practices have, so far, gone well in preparing them for their Tuesday, Jan. 26, opening game, played at Rudisill Stadium.
Said Head Coach Jonathan Reed, “We have some new faces this year who will bring much needed experience to the team. With the addition of the players, I think we will have a better playing Mid-field and attacking.” He added he is looking “…for a physical, yet smarter defense this season.”
Coach Reed noted, “We have 10 returners from last season and five new players coming on board. Unfortunately, we have seven seniors, which will make the next season a rebuilding year. However, the experience of the seniors and the new lads should help this season.”
Reed’s assessment of last year’s performance in the SPC 1A is simple.
“Last year was a good year for us in Cherryville soccer. We broke a few school records. One being the most wins in school history for boys’ soccer.
“We have a good core of players now who have been together for four years so hopefully that will help the performance of the team.
“The conference is hard since we play all Charter schools (Except for Bessemer City and Highland Tech) and now with the addition of Christ the King for the second year into our conference it will make it that much harder.
“Playoffs are set up different this year so we will keep our heads and continue to learn the great game of soccer and
build from it,” he said.

Players to watch
Reed said some players to watch as this season progresses will be Julian Guadarrama, Henry Gil, Chase McNeill and Nate Bookout.
“The four of them will help the movement of the ball and the attacking ability this year,” said Coach Reed. “Some of the players in the shadows currently will, more than likely, come out from them and improve their game the more comfortable they become.”
According to Reed, those players will be Marlon Gomez, Kai Shipley and Kemper Harris.
He added, “The improvements of Ethan Roberts, Will Allen and Dalton Canup will help distribute the wing plays. The Defense, consisting of Ryan Riffle, Ben Hayes, Eli Moss and Xerek Shipley will continue to play a physical but smarter game of football. Quinlan (Sanford) in Goal this season is another blessing for us.”
The men’s first away game is at BCHS, Wednesday, Jan. 27, then they are home again at Rudisill Stadium on Friday, Feb. 1, against the Highland Tech Rams.
All home games start at 4:30 p.m.

CHS spikers R. Kiser, A. Eaker make SPC 1A All-Conference team

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Two CHS Ironmen volleyball players were named to the SPC 1A All-Conference team this past Friday, Jan. 15, according to AD Scott Harrill.
Cherryville High sophomore setter Rileigh Kiser and junior middle hitter Addie Eaker were named, along with players from six other SPC 1A schools.
Additionally, the SPC 1A also named their Coach of the Year, Highland Tech’s Daniel Poole, and the SPC 1A Player of the Year was Lady Rams player Ashlynn Stephens.
Highland Tech also had Stephens named as an All-Conference player, along with teammates, Lexi West and Ozi Sery.
The remaining volleyball ladies named All-Conference for the SPC 1A were Lincoln Charter’s Kamden Dalton and Maddi Carter; Christ the King’s Abby Hartnett and Kaitlyn Hull; Piedmont Charter’s Peyton Hamlin and Ava Stratman; Thomas Jefferson’s Kathleen Brown; and Bessemer City’s Alec Stinnett.

Lady Ironmen volleyball season comes to an end

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Everything eventually ends, though never like we usually want it to.
Such was the case with CHS volleyball head coach Leigh Kiser and her talented teams as their pandemic-shortened season came to a close last week with three matches.  Coach Kiser was philosophical, noting this season has been filled with what she termed, “…many challenges that we’ve never had to face.”
Kiser said on Tuesday, Jan. 5, her ladies traveled to Thomas Jefferson and came away winners by a 3-0 score.  Match scores were 25-18, 25-23, and 25-21. Leaders for CHS in this one were senior Megan Smith with four (4) aces and 12 digs, senior Reese Hoyle with a season-high nine (9) kills; junior Katie Eaker with six (6) kills, and sophomore Rileigh Kiser with 21 assists and eight (8) digs.
Said Coach Kiser, “We played really hard, start to finish, and it felt good to break our losing streak.”
On Wednesday, Jan 6, the Lady Ironmen spikers traveled to Lincoln Charter for a makeup match and were beaten soundly 3-0, by scores of 25-7, 25-11, 25-7.
Kiser said the Eagles were playing for one of the two conference playoff berths and they were ready for CHS.  In this match, Kiser noted that Megan Smith and Rileigh Kiser had eight (8) digs each, with young Kiser having eight (8) assists as well. Senior Reese Hoyle and junior Addie Eaker had three (3) kills each for the offense.
On Thursday, Jan. 7, another playoff contender, the Lady Crusaders of Christ the King, visited Nixon Gym for the season’s final match. It was the last high school game for seniors Hoyle, Smith, and volleyball newcomer Alexis Thomas.
“We really wanted to send our seniors out on a winning note,” said Kiser, “but after a hard fought match, we lost 3-0.”
She noted match scores in this one were 25-15, 25-13, 25-18, with Hoyle once again leading the offense with five (5) kills and Addie Eaker pitching in four (4) for the ladies. Senior Megan Smith and sophomore setter Rileigh Kiser led the defense with 11 digs each, with Kiser also contributing 11 assists.
In JV action the junior ironmen lost all three of their matches for the week, said Kiser.
“At Thomas Jefferson the JV ladies fell 2-0 by scores of 25-23 and 25-8. Taylor Digh had three (3) kills and Payton Cook had two (2) aces.”
Coach also noted that Lincoln Charter’s JV squad made “quick work” of the JV ladies in Match Two by scores of 25-6 and 25-4.
“Gracie Truesdale had two (2) blocks in this one,” noted Kiser.
In the final JV game of the season, the JV Lady Ironmen fell 2-0 to Christ the King’s JV squad as Taylor Digh’s two (2) aces led the stat sheet for the JV ladies.
Coach Kiser said her team would miss its seniors next year.
“Megan Smith and Reese Hoyle have been big parts of our program for many years and it was great getting to see Alexis try a new sport. We will get to work this summer and hope for a full schedule of games next year.
“We will have plenty of experience with our junior and sophomore classes, and we are looking forward to competing in the new conference,” said Kiser.
Final records are: Varsity – 4-9 (overall), and 4-8 (SPC 1A), and JV – 2-11 (overall), 2-10 (SPC 1A).
(Additional stats and information by Brian Kiser)

 

Ironmen roundball back as JV, varsity teams scrimmage Lincolnton Wolves

First game is at Chase on Jan. 5; first home game Jan. 8, at Nixon Gym

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

As head coach Scott Harrill said recently, “Ironmen basketball is back, and we are happy to see it!”
Harrill said his CHS Ironmen JV and Varsity basketball teams had their first scrimmage of the new basketball year on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Lincolnton High.
“The JV Ironmen were competitive throughout the contest,” said Harrill, noting that freshmen Ade Anderson, Ethan Honeyman, and Darrian Floyd were standouts during the scrimmage.
Coach Harrill also said his varsity men’s matchup was a long time coming for the Ironmen.
Said Harrill, “The boys’ team has been looking froward to getting back on the court since CoVID-19 has started.  The new look Ironmen are getting used to playing in masks, and getting back in shape.”
The Ironmen were led by seniors Lavonte Hughes and Austin Thompson, Coach Harrill noted, adding Hughes was a “good floor general” and Thompson “did his job in the paint.”
He continued, “Thompson being an undersized center, did a great job of stretching the floor and led the team in three-pointers made. Jack Mulvey, Gavin Cease, and Numarius Good showed some signs of improvement.”  Coach Harrill said the young men have many things to work on, but noted he feels like this group has a great chance to be a very good team.
“We will rely on senior leadership with Noah Abernethy, Lavonte, and Austin. We will have to be a scrappy team and play hard at all times. We are not the biggest team, but will have to be the team that plays the hardest.
“In the scrimmage, we made some mistakes, and were not in the right spot at all times, but these things can be worked out. We look forward to the season ahead,” he said.
Leading scorers for the scrimmage game were Hughes and Thompson. On the defensive end, Coach Harrill noted Cease, Landon Hahn, and Good were all showing signs of excellence. Harrill added that Ironman Carter Spangler did many good things during the scrimmage.
“Carter is a behind the scenes guy, that makes good decisions, gets on the floor, and hustles at all times,” said Harrill.
Coach Harrill noted the Ironmen will watch the scrimmage film and get back to work in practice in preparation for their first game on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Chase. Their first home game will be Friday, Jan. 8, against Piedmont Charter’s Patriots.

Lady Rams down Lady Ironmen Spikers 3-0 in rare Friday night match

COVID-19 issues cancel planned Dec. 17 game against Hunter Huss  

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Going into the pre-holiday season week, CHS head volleyball coach Leigh Kiser’s Lady Ironmen were, as she put it, “…set to host Hunter Huss at Nixon Gym on Thursday, Dec. 17, in a non-conference matchup,” but it seems COVID-19 had other thoughts.
The match scheduled that day to be played at Nixon Gym had to be canceled, said Coach Kiser. There is no indication when, or if, it will be rescheduled.
That said, Kiser noted her ladies turned their attention to current SPC 1A conference leader, the Lady Rams of Highland Tech, who they took on in a rare Friday night match, on Dec. 18, at Nixon Gym.
Said Kiser afterwards. “The Lady Rams left no doubt why they are leading the conference,” adding the HT ladies “…have plenty of offensive power and can spread the ball all over the floor. They also have great defense and solid serving.”
Highland Tech walked away with a convincing 3-0 win by match scores of 25-11, 25-11, and 25-12.
For the Lady Ironmen varsity women, junior outside hitter Jamarra Wall led the way, said Coach Kiser, “…with five (5) kills and sophomore defensive specialist Kaitlyn Newsome led the defense with four (4) digs.”
Coach Kiser noted her JV ladies also fell in a hard-fought match by a 2-1 score.
Said Kiser, “Scores in this one were 25-17 (HT), 25-22 (CHS), and 15-6 (HT).
“(Sophomore) Gracie Truesdale had three (3) serve aces and four (4) kills, and (freshman) Laila Davis contributed three (3) aces and four (4) kills.
Kiser noted that after the Christmas break the Lady Ironmen teams will get back into conference play as they head towards the season finale.
The varsity ladies’ current overall record is 3-6; in SPC 1A play, they are 3-5. The JV ladies are currently 2-7 overall, and are 2-6 in SPC 1A play.

(Additional information and stats by Brian Kiser)

2020 CHS Lady Ironmen Junior Varsity Volleyball team

Back row (left to right): Head coach Leigh Kiser, Laila Davis, Makayla Sigmon, Gracie Truesdale, Marisa Moore, Payton Cook, and Assistant coach Brooke Henley. Front row (left to right): Yanet Guardarama, Taylor Digh, Callista Spencer, Nancy Guardarama, and Ceniya Powell. Front and center: Briley Wright.

2020 CHS Lady Ironmen Varsity Volleyball team

Back row (left to right): Head coach Leigh Kiser, Reese Hoyle, Skye Reed, Addie Eaker, Katie Eaker, Jamarra Wall, and Assistant coach Brooke Henley. Second row (left to right): Rileigh Kiser, Kaitlyn Newsome, Jessica Martin, Natalie Furr, and Alexis Thomas. Front and center: Megan Smith.
 

2020 CHS Ironmen Varsity Cheerleaders

Back row, left to right: Anna Leigh Jones, Sydney Abernathy, Lizzie Brannan, Khya Brooks, Rylee-Grace Burgis, Maggie Beam, and Payton Godfrey. Front row (left to right): Lani Philbeck, Izzy Wilson, Kendall Chupp, Sarah Eaker, Abby Burleson, Madison Pruitt, Kylie Reynolds, and Allie Kay Homesley. The varsity squad’s coaches are Wendy Holt and Dr. Heather Porter. The JV squad’s coaches are Tammy Wilson and Casey-Rae Floyd.                                                 
  (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

Varsity, JV ladies split a pair of wins last week

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

In last week’s matches, the JV and Varsity Lady Ironmen spikers split a pair of games, according to head coach Leigh Kiser.
Kiser said on Tuesday, Dec. 8, her ladies were on the road in a conference match at Christ the King in Huntersville with Christ the King winning the varsity match 3-0. The match scores were 25-20, 25-9, and 25-22.
Coach Kiser said the varsity ladies hung with the home team Lady Crusaders in Sets 1 and 3, but were outplayed badly in Set 2, suffering the defeat.
“Addie Eaker had eight kills, set up by Rileigh Kiser’s 10 assists, with Kiser’s 10 digs and Megan Smith’s six digs leading the defense,” said Coach Kiser. “Reese Hoyle contributed three serve aces in the loss,” she added.
On Thursday, Dec. 10, the CHS Lady Ironmen traveled to their rival, BCHS, for a match. The ladies came away victorious with a 3-0 conference win.
Said Kiser, “Scores in this one were 25-17, 25-18, 25-18. We got great offensive production from junior Addie Eaker, who had 12 kills. Libero Megan Smith contributed four digs and four kills, and sophomore Rileigh Kiser led with six serve aces and 19 assists.”
Coach Kiser noted she hopes her squad will use the momentum from the win as they host Hunter Huss’ Lady Huskies and Highland Tech’s Lady Rams, who defeated Lincoln Charter’s varsity squad last week.
The Lady Ironmen’s games are Thursday, Dec. 17, and Friday, Dec. 18, at Nixon Gym, starting at 4:30 p.m.
In JV action, the ladies also picked up a win this week for first-year coach Brooke Henley, but first lost a hard-fought match at Christ the King (CTK). Match scores at the CTK loss were 30-28 (CHS), 25-18 (CTK), and 15-7 (CTK).
Gracie Truesdale led the JV action at CTK with three serve aces and six kills, said Kiser.
A quick victory was in order for the junior varsity Lady Ironmen as they defeated host BCHS’ Lady Yellow Jackets JV’s 25-4 and 25-7, for a conference victory.  Freshman Taylor Digh’s 12 serve aces paced the ladies in this one, noted Coach Kiser.
The CHS Lady Ironmen volleyball teams’ current records are: Varsity, 3-5 (overall); SPC 1A, 3-4; and JV, 2-6 (overall); SPC 1A, 2-5.

(Stats and additional information by Brian Kiser)

Ironmen get a conference win on Senior night over TJCA

Varsity ladies are currently 2-4 overall; 2-3 in Southern Piedmont Conference play 

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

In two matches last week, the CHS Lady Ironmen spikers lost one, the won one.
Head volleyball coach Leigh Kiser said her Lady Ironmen teams began the week with a Tuesday, Dec. 1, home match against the Patriots of Piedmont Community Charter, but her varsity squad came up short in the game with a 3-0 loss. Scores in this one were 25-21, 25-14, and 25-14; all going to PCC.
Coach Kiser said that after the first close set her team could never get on the offensive and took the loss.
Said Kiser, “They (the Lady Patriots) have an experienced team and it showed up tonight (Dec. 1).”
For the CHS ladies, Kiser noted senior libero Megan Smith had five (5) digs, senior outside hitter Reese Hoyle and junior middle hitter Addie Eaker had three (3) kills each, and sophomore setter Rileigh Kiser had seven (7) assists and six (6) digs in the loss.
Moving forward to the Thursday, Dec. 3, home game at Nixon Gym against the visiting Lady Gryphons of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, Kiser noted that in an unconventional time you find yourself having your Senior Night a little earlier in the schedule.
That said, Coach Kiser and the remaining Lady Ironmen, along with some of the CHS sports staff, the recognized the four seniors in festivities prior to the home match with conference foe Thomas Jefferson.
Recognized were Reese Hoyle, Megan Smith, Laura Morgan and Alexis Thomas. Kiser noted of her senior ladies, “These seniors have been with me sine eighth grade. They will be hard to replace next year and I will be sad to see them leave.”
Megan Smith was escorted onto the floor by her parents, Tracey and Rocky Smith. Smith, a varsity starter for the last two seasons, wants to attend the University of Tampa to pursue a career in nursing. She said her best memories of the season are “…the pregame talks in Kaitlyn’s car.”
Reese Hoyle was escorted onto the floor by her parents, Jennifer and Mark Hoyle. Also a varsity starter for the last two seasons, she wants to attend Gaston College for a year, then transfer to NC State to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She said her favorite memory is beating Bessemer City last year.
Alexis Thomas was escorted onto the floor by her father, Jason Thomas. She has been with the team for one season, noted Coach Kiser. Thomas wants to attend Gaston College next year. Her best memory of the season is being able to play volleyball her senior year.
Last, but not least, is Laura Morgan, who was escorted onto the court by her Aunt Becky. She also has been a varsity player for the past two seasons and wants to attend East Carolina University to pursue a career in psychology. Her best memory of the season is getting those really good digs back into the court when the ball went out of bounds.
Back to the game; the ladies lost set one to the Lady Gryphons, but roared back, said Kiser, to take a 3-1 match win by scores of 25-22 (TJCA), 25-18 (CHS), 25-10 (CHS), and 25-20 (CHS).
Said Coach Kiser, “This was our team’s most complete game of the season to date. Seniors Laura Morgan and Megan Smith had 18 combined digs, and Addie Eaker with 10 kills, Skye Reed and Reese Hoyle with eight (8) kills, and Katie Eaker’s seven (7) kills, led the offense.”
Kiser noted also how sophomore setter Rileigh Kiser contributed 28 assists, 15 digs, five (5) kills and three (3) aces in the varsity Lady Ironmen’s victory.
Kiser reiterated, “This is an experienced senior class,” adding also that she will miss these girls once this season was over.
In JV Lady Ironmen volleyball action, the JV ladies fell 2-0, to Piedmont’s JV Lady Patriots by scores of 25-20 and 25-20. Freshman Laila Davis’ four (4) serve aces led the JV Lady Ironmen, Kiser noted.
The CHS JV ladies fell again on Thursday, Dec. 3, to Thomas Jefferson’s JV Lady Gryphons by scores of 25-14 and 25-13. Kiser said freshman Taylor Digh was the stat leader in this one with five (50 assists and two (2) serve aces.
The ladies were on the road on Tuesday, Dec. 8, visiting Christ the King; then will make the short trip on Thursday, Dec. 10, to play cross-county rival Bessemer City’s Lady 'Jackets, coached by head coach Lindsey Shumaker.
The current record for the varsity team is 2-4 (overall), and 2-3 in SPC 1A play. For the JV ladies, they are currently 1-5 (overall), and 1-4 in SPC 1A play.

w(Additional stats and information by Brian Kiser)

Lady Ironmen volleyball teams get first wins of season

Varsity ladies currently 1-3 overall;
1-2 in SPC 1A play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Lady Ironmen volleyball coach Leigh Kiser said of her teams, “There’s always more on the line when your rivals from Bessemer City pay a visit to Nixon Gym.”
She was referring, of course, to last week’s Thursday, Nov. 19, matchup when the Lady Ironmen teams (varsity and JV) put together their first complete game of the season, coming away with their first win of the season over the Lady Yellow Jackets 3-0, by scores of 25-12, 25-13, 25-12.
Coach Kiser said her team was ready from the first serve of the game, adding she was able to give all 12 of her players some playing time in the win.
Said Kiser, “Rival games are always fun and our team played like they were ready to win. Juniors Addie Eaker, Katie Eaker, and Skye Reed combined for 15 kills, which were set up by sophomore setter Rileigh Kiser’s 12 assists. Kiser (#31) also led the way with 10 digs and 4 serve aces for the winners.
On Monday, Nov. 23, the CHS ladies traveled to play what Coach Kiser noted may be the most improved team in the conference, the Highland Tech Rams.
Said Kiser, “The Rams have the reigning conference player of the year, along with some other hitters, great defense and great serving.”
The Lady Rams didn’t waste time in sending the Lady Ironmen back to Cherryville with a 3-0 loss by scores of 25-14, 25-19, 25-7.
In this matchup, it was Lady Ironmen varsity players Addie Eaker and Skye Reed each contributing three (3) serve aces, and Megan Smith and Rileigh Kiser leading the defense with five (5) digs apiece.
Kiser said her ladies were back home at Nixon Gym on Tuesday, Nov. 24, facing off against conference powerhouse Lincoln Charter who – surprisingly – dropped their first conference match last week to Highland Tech’s Lady Rams.
Coach Kiser said her teams really played hard, but the Lady Eagles of Lincoln Charter were out to prove they still were one of THE teams to beat, as they blasted the CHS ladies 3-0, by scores of 25-10, 25-9, 25-9.
Senior Reese Hoyle was the stat leader with four (4) kills in this losing effort.
In Junior Varsity action, the Lady Ironmen also picked up the season’s first win 2-0, at home against BC’s JV Lady 'Jackets. Kiser noted the scores in this one were 25-14, and 25-6. For the JV ladies, freshman Taylor Digh was the stat leader with nine (9) serve aces.
At Highland Tech, the JV Lady Rams made quick work of the JV Lady Ironmen 2-0. Scores in this one were 25-8 and 25-18.
Said Kiser, “Briley Wright had four (4) digs to lead our defense.”
In further JV action, Lincoln Charter’s JV squad made quick work (2-0) of the CHS JV’s last Tuesday at Nixon, by scores of 25-8 and 25-11. Again Taylor Digh led the CHS JV ladies with four (4) serve aces.
Coach Kiser noted that (after the Thanksgiving break) both of her Lady Ironmen squads played host to conference opponents Piedmont Charter (Away/Dec. 1) and Thomas Jefferson (Home/Dec. 3).
The two teams’ records are: Varsity – 1-3 (overall); 1-2 (SCP 1A); and JV – 1-3 (overall);  1-2 (SPC 1A).

(Stats and additional information by Brian Kiser)

CHS Cross Country team has strong first outing for 2020 season

Ironmen runners finish third in Tryon Park meet

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Ironmen Cross Country coach Scott Harrill said the CHS Cross Country team had their first meet of the 2020 season on Monday, Nov. 18, at Tryon Park.
Said Harrill of the meet, “We had a strong showing and finished third in the meet. Thomas Jefferson (Classical Academy) finished in first place, followed by Highland Tech in second place, Cherryville in at third, and Bessemer City in fourth place.
“Cherryville was only two points out of second place and I feel like they can finish strong in the next meet, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 2, also at Tryon Park.”
Coach Harrill noted the Ironmen have one returning runner in senior Noah Abernethy, adding, “Noah has been a great leader for our program. He has shown the way of hard training and dedication.”
Harrill noted also that Thomas Jefferson runner Carson Gilliam set a blistering pace, coming in first at 16.53, on the grass course for 3.1 miles.
Leading the CHS crew was Ironman Scott Stroupe, who finished ninth overall in the meet with a 21:28 time, Coach Harrill said.
“Coming in right behind Scott was Ironman Jackson Owens at 21:57. Chase McNeill was right on his heels at 21:58.
“Also, Ben Hayes, who has been a track star for CHS, came in at 22:21, and Noah Abernethy had a time of 23:20, in the first race of the season.”
Harrill said the Ironmen will be off for the Thanksgiving holiday, and then be back in action, as was mentioned earlier, on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Tryon Park.
At that time they will compete against Bessemer City, Highland Tech, and Piedmont Charter.

 

Tar Heels fan Dalton Pence’s baseball dream comes true

CHS senior signs LOI to play baseball for his favorite college team

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Inking his name on the line, CHS senior Dalton Pence knew it was the culmination of a dream come true, ever since he was a wee lad.
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, amongst family, friends, and not a few of his coaches and mentors, young Pence signed a letter of intent (LOI) to play baseball for the UNC-Chapel Hill Tar Heels baseball team – his favorite team since he was old enough to… well, have a favorite team.
Pence, along with mom, Lisa, and dad, Mike, sat at a table at the Roadrunners Training Facility on Hwy. 150, surrounded by his Post 100 American Legion coaches Bob Reynolds and Drew Reynolds; CHS head baseball coach, Scott Heavner; his travel ball coach, Ron Treadway; as well as CHS Athletic Director, head basketball coach, Scott Harrill. Sitting beside of him were his parents, and his brother, Ryan, who played football at CHS. Also at the signing were Dalton’s grandparents, Lois Pence and Randy Peel, and Carolyn and Glenn Wilson. Many of Dalton’s fellow CHS Ironmen and Post 100 Legion baseball players were there for him as well.
Pence, 18, said he will be a pitcher for the team, so far as he knows right now, and will be heading to Chapel Hill in July of 2021. While there, he plans to major in history.
Pence, always a man of few words, said, “This feels great! This is a dream come true for me.”
Pence, a hard-throwing lefty, said he has been playing baseball since he was four, playing in Cherryville’s Little League, then at John Chavis as a Wolverine, then at CHS for Coach Heavner, and also playing for Coaches Bob Reynolds and son, Drew, for the Post 100 American Legion, as well as the already-mentioned travel ball with Coach Treadway, a family friend and mentor.
Coach Heavner said of Pence, “It’s always good when kids can realize their dream, especially ones they’ve had since they were small.
“I’ve coached Dalton since age 12. He played ball with my son, Ty, and we knew he was special from an early age. He’s gotten consistently better every year and he is going to continue to get better. We are happy for him. The Pence’s are a great family, and just good people.”
Legion head coach Bob Reynolds said of Dalton, “In every game we had last summer, Dalton has pitched well and seemed to handle situations, exceeding our expectations.
“He has had lots of offers from many colleges, and Dalton has taken it (his playing) to another level or two, moving his game up every time. He has been solid all fall as well and he has a lot of good days ahead.”
Treadway said of Pence, “Dalton is a special young man and is always respectful to his coaches. He has wanted to be a Tar Heel since he was a little boy. I am super proud to see him accomplish his goals. Our family loves him and wishes him the best of luck in his future.”
Parents Lisa and Mike both said, “Since he was little he’s always liked the Tar Heels and baseball. We are proud of him and what he has accomplished in his hard work.”
Dad Mike added, “When he was eight he got an opportunity to go into Carolina’s baseball locker room. He looked around and said, 'I’ve got to play here!' Now his dreams have come true!”

 

Volleyball, high school sports are back, in a reduced form

Kiser is the winningest coach in school’s
volleyball history

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Any reason for Cherryville High School sports fans to find their way back into a CHS gym or stadium is cause for celebration and yelling for the home team at the top of your lungs.
Even if it is COVID-19-shorthened season and only a handful of parents and fans can be there in some form of social distancing or other.
As CHS head volleyball coach, Leigh Kiser said, “Finally!”
That was the answer Coach Kiser had when asked about the upcoming season.
Kiser and company noted that after a lot of worry about the possibility – any possibility, really – for an upcoming season, the Lady Ironmen were, on Thursday, Nov. 12, the first CHS sports team to hit the court for the fall sports season.
Kiser, who is entering her 11th season as coach of the Lady Ironmen spikers, said her team has been working out for weeks under the guidelines of Gaston County and the NCHSAA.
“Our athletes are all ready to compete after the long COVID-19 layoff,” she said. “We will have a shortened 14-game season, which will be comprised of 12 conference matches and two non-conference matches.”
Their first time back on the VB court was a JV and Varsity scrimmage with the Lady Wolves of Lincolnton.
Said Kiser, “We have an experienced varsity team that will have to be ready to go right away with the short season.
“Defensively we will lean on seniors Megan Smith and Laura Morgan, and sophomore Kaitlyn Newsome to lead the defensive effort.”
She continued, “All-Conference setter, sophomore Rileigh Kiser is back to set up experienced hitters, senior Reese Hoyle, and juniors, Skye Reed, Addie Eaker, and Katie Eaker.
“We also have some newcomers that should provide some quality points as the year goes on.”
Coach Kiser said she was “excited for the season” and added that she likes her teams’ experience, but noted it will be tough not having the full non-conference schedule to get ready for conference play.
In the conference, Lincoln Charter, Christ the King, Highland Tech, and Piedmont Charter have deep and talented rosters, which should make for a competitive conference season, Kiser said.
It should be noted Coach Kiser is the winningest coach in the volleyball program’s history with a record of 130-122 at Cherryville High.
She will also have a 14-game JV season as well.

13th Annual CFCU Memorial Golf Tournament raises $35,000 for scholarships for seniors

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Anytime you can have some fun, get some exercise, and raise thousands of dollars doing it for a worthwhile cause is always a “win-win” scenario.
Such was the case when on Friday, Sept. 25, Carolina Federal Credit Union, along with the host club, Dan Arthurs Cherryville Golf and Country Club, once again hosted another successful CFCU golf tournament.
This one, the 2020 13th Annual Jack Jenkins, Joel Wallace, and Don Starling Memorial Golf Tournament, drew a good field of golfers and sponsors, noted CFCU COOO Chad Cash, who said he and the CFCU and CG&CC crew were pleased with how it all went, especially in this time of a pandemic.
Said Mr. Cash, “We want to say a special thank you to our sponsors, golfers, staff, volunteers, and the Cherryville Golf and Country Club for their participation in our 13th Annual Jack Jenkins, Joel Wallace, and Don Starling Memorial Golf Tournament. This tournament allows us (CFCU) to continue to gift scholarships to local high school seniors.
“Also, thanks to a group of fantastic and numerous sponsors, (as) throughout the years, CFCU has been able to give over $30,000 in scholarships to local seniors.”
Cash noted earlier, in a media release, CFCU was hoping the upcoming year would be their biggest year yet.
Simply put, Chad noted, “We couldn’t do it without all of our members’ support; thank you all so much!”
By way of background on the ubiquitous tournament, Mr. Cash said of the tournament, “Jack Jenkins was the first and longtime CEO of Carolina Federal Union, and both Joel Wallace and Don Starling were longtime board members of Carolina Federal Credit Union.
“During our 13 years we have given over $35k in scholarships to local high school students. All the funds are not possible without our sponsors and players.”
Cash noted that First Place in this year’s tournament went to the foursome of Post 100 American Legion baseball head coach Bobby Dale Reynolds, Beam Hauling owner Scott Beam, Mr. Billy Cease, and Mr. Owen Wilson.