CHS varsity men defeat East Gaston Warriors 69-49 in away game

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

(Additional information and stats by Danny Eaker)

Ironmen basketball varsity teams win against visiting HT Rams

Lady Ironmen get their second win
of this season

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Only one hoops game was scheduled for this past week: pitting the CHS Ironmen varsity men and women against the visiting Highland Tech Rams’ teams.
The CHS ladies got their second win of the season as they downed the Lady Rams at Nixon Gym by a score of 40-38. Coach Carrie Dalton’s women led the Lady Rams at half-time, 22-10.
The leading scorer for the CHS ladies in this matchup was junior Ragan Hovis with 13 points. Senior Terayha Bess got in the double digits with 11 points on the night.
Krista Davis and Gabbie McCorkle each had 6 points apiece, followed by sophomore Ceniya Powell and Evionna McDowell, who each had 2 points apiece.
In men’s varsity action the Ironmen started slow, but built up some momentum and led the Rams at half-time by a score of 36-33; only a three-point lead.
The CHS men held on and got the win, 76-48 at the end.
The leading scorer for the Ironmen was Carson Kelly, with 30 points, followed by Landon Hahn with 18 points and Khanye Kennedy with 11 points.
Darrien Floyd had 4 points and Jack Mulvey had 3 points in last week’s action.
Five CHS players had 2 points apiece. They were: Carter Spangler; Numarius Good; Chase Hunt; Gavin Cease; and Cooper Sloan.
There was game slated for Friday, Jan. 14, but the CHS Ironmen teams are next up in action as they are slated to play two away games: one played on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at East Gaston, and the other on Friday, Jan. 21, at Thomas Jefferson (JV @ 4:30; VAR @6 p.m. They are back home at Nixon Gym on Monday, Jan. 24, versus NCSD; VAR starting @ 6 p.m.
(Additional info/stats by Susan L. Powell)

 

Varsity CHS men’s hoops squad currently 9-4 overall

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen hoops squads faced two tough schools last week while still on their holiday break; the East Gaston Warriors and cross-county rivals, the Bessemer City Yellow Jack-ets. The CHS men’s team came away with a win over the Warriors but lost to the BCHS squad in a road game on Friday, Jan. 7. The Lady Ironmen, still battling valiantly in every game, were unable to get a win in either of their two match-ups.

Against East Gaston
On Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 the Lady Ironmen took on the visiting East Gaston Lady Warriors and were defeated 55-22 by that team at Nixon Gym.
High scorer for the ladies was Gabbie McCorkle, with 9 points (one a three-pointer), followed by Terayha Bess and Evionna McDowell who each had six points. Ragan Hovis and Krista Davis scored five points apiece in this one, and Ceniya Powell scored two points for the Lady Ironmen.
The CHS varsity men defeated the East Gaston Warriors by a score of 66-57 in their matchup on the Bud Black Court at Nixon Gym, immediately following the girl’s game.
Junior Carson Kelly led all Ironmen scorers with 26 points, followed by senior Landon Hahn’s 14 points.
Senior Jack Mulvey and sophomore Khanye Kennedy had nine points and seven points respectively in this game, followed by junior Numarius Good’s four points. Getting two points apiece in the game against the Warriors were seniors Cooper Sloan and Carter Spangler, and sophomore Chance Hunt.

Against Bessemer City
No matter the sport, it is always a royal rumble whenever these two schools meet and go at it.
Such was the case last Friday, Jan. 4 in two road games at BCHS as the Lady Ironmen and the Ironmen took on the Yellow Jackets teams.
In the first game the Lady Ironmen just couldn’t seem to find any momentum as the Lady 'Jackets came out swinging, and raced ahead to a 60-14 lead at the half. By the game’s running clock-shortened end, the BCHS ladies had sealed the win with final score of 77-29 over the CHS ladies.
Leading scorer for the Lady Ironmen was Gabbie McCorkle, with 16 points. Krista Davis had five points, followed by Terayha Bess and Ragan Hovis, who each had four points apiece in this matchup.
In the men’s game afterwards, the varsity BCHS men sprinted to a 26-13 halftime lead against the CHS Ironmen and things didn’t get much better in the second half as the Yellow Jackets downed the Ironmen 75-56.
Leading scorer for the Ironmen was Carson Kelly who had 22 points, five of which were three-pointers. He was trailed in double digits by senior Jack Mulvey who scored 16 points.
Cooper Sloan had eight points and Numarius Good had four points. Seniors Gavin Cease and Carter Spangler had two points apiece and senior Landon Hahn and sophomore Khanye Kennedy each one point apiece.
The Ironmen faced the Highland Tech Rams squads at Nixon Gym on Tuesday night, Jan. 11, and will be on the road, traveling to East Gaston to once again play the Warriors on Tuesday, Jan. 18. All varsity games start at 6 p.m.

(Additional information by Susan L. Powell)

Two CHS Grapplers have great outing at LHS “Reindeer Rumble”

On Thursday, Dec. 23, two CHS Ironmen wrestlers, Jack Dellinger and Chase Miller, had a great showing at the Lincolnton Wolves’ Reindeer Rumble.
The two also played Ironmen football earlier in the season for CHS head football coach Tim Pruitt, and comported themselves well on the field. They are now taking that level of determination and Ironmen pride to the mats for the new 2022 season of wrestling.
According to sports officials Dellinger earned wins in his two bouts in the Rumble, competing in his weight class of 220 pounds. Miller, not to be outdone, finished undefeated in the matchup. To say the least, CHS is VERY proud of these young men!
The young Ironmen grapplers are coached by head coach Matthew Powers.

Ironmen men’s varsity squad drop two in last week’s court action

CHS teams lose to visiting Golden Lions; Bulldogs at Nixon Gym

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The Ironmen hoops teams were paid a pre-Christmas visit by a couple of teams new to CHS’ division who wound up playing spoiler to their Christmas hopes of going into the holidays with a couple more wins under their belts.
Alas! Such was not to be.
On Friday, Dec. 17, the highly-anticipated meeting between the Ironmen and the Shelby Golden Lions took place on the Bud Black Court at Nixon and, after the JV squad starting things off, the Lady Ironmen took the court and battled the Lady Golden Lions. The Lady Golden Lions took the win, 65-15, over the CHS ladies. High scorer for the Lady Ironmen was Gabbie McCorkle, with 11 points. Terayha Bess score 3 points and Evionna McDowell scored a point.
The boys game followed and the Ironmen came out with great intentions but had a tough time getting shots to fall in. The Golden Lions kept up the pressure on the CHS men, who still played them a fast game. In the end, the Shelby men were just too big and had the basket zoned into their bomb sights as their big men got rebounds and sank shots, earning them a 95-73 win over the CHS men.
In double digits for the Ironmen were Landon Hahn with 31 points, and Carson Kelly with 28 points. Numerius Good had 9 points and seniors Gavin Cease and Cooper Sloan had 2 points apiece. Collin Huss score a point on a second quarter foul shot.
In the Monday, Dec. 20 home game against Burns, the Lady Ironmen were up against a tall, determined group of Lady Bulldogs, who made getting to the basket juts as tough as getting any shots once you got there. In the end, the CHS ladies lost to the Lady Bulldogs by a score of 53-14. High scorer for the Lady Ironmen was Krista Davis with 5 points. Terayha Bess, Gabbie McCorkle and Alexsandra Colvin each had 3 points apiece.
The Ironmen varsity men lost to the visiting Burns Bulldogs by a score of 72-70 in a hotly contested slugfest that went down to the wire. The CHS men led at the half, 33-26, but were unable to stay the course or widen that lead in the second half. A determined Burns club paced them, then caught up to and passed the CHS squad, in spite of stellar play by the Ironmen.
High scorers for the Ironmen were Numerius Good (25 points); Carson Kelly (17 points); and Landon Hahn (11 points). Seniors Gavin Cease and Jack Mulvey had 8 points and 6 points respectively. Khanye Kennedy had 2 points and Carter Spangler scored a point.
The Ironmen varsity teams played in the Dec. 27 and 28 Bud Black/Dennis Tate Holiday Classic, held at Nixon Gym.
Teams that played in the HC were, in addition to the Lady Ironmen and the Ironmen, the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons; the Piedmont Charter Patriots; the South Point Red Raiders; and the Pinnacle Classical Academy Eagles.
When the CHS teams come back from the holiday break, they will have played at home on Tuesday Jan. 4, the Warriors of East Gaston High School, then will be away at Bessemer City HS to take on the Yellow Jackets on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell)

CHS varsity basketball men’s squad now 6-1 overall

Two more games to play before Christmas break and Holiday Classic

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The Ironmen basketball teams played Pinnacle Classical Academy last Monday night, Dec. 13, at Nixon Gym, and the three teams handled themselves well, picking up a couple of wins as they head into the Christmas break.
The JV men won their matchup by a score of 62 to 18 over the JV Eagles squad.
Their game was followed by the Lady Ironmen taking on the Lady Eagles of PCA and the CHS ladies did very well for themselves in this one, pulling ahead in the second half only to stall, allowing the Lady Eagles to get the better of them. The Lady Ironmen lost to the PCA team by a score of 37 to 43.
Coach Carrie Dalton had two ladies in double digits in senior Terayha Bess and junior Gabbie McCorkle. Bess had 12 points on the night and was extremely effective under the net while speedster McCorkle had 22 points, a couple of them three-pointers to lead the Lady Ironmen scorers. Evionna McDowell had two points and Krista Davis had a point off a foul shot.
Coach Dalton’s numbers were down and she had only eight players for the game. Still those eight gave their all and almost pulled out what would have been their first win for the 2021 season had they been able to hold off a tough offense and solid defense by the PCA Lady Eagles. Six Lady Ironmen had fouls accrued against them and of those, four fouled out of the game.
In varsity men’s action Coach Scott Harrill’s squad defeated the Pinnacle Eagles by a score of 83-46, though the PCA team – coached by former Ironmen star standouts Darius “Zeke” Howell and Terry “Man” Whisnant II – fought hard against their speedy Cherryville adversaries.
Three Ironmen scored in double digits: Carson Kelly (28 points); Landon Hahn (17 points); and Darrien Floyd (10 points). Nine of Kelly’s points were off of three-pointers.
Nate Bookout came off the bench and scored 7 points (one a three-pointer), while teammates Jack Mulvey had 5 points and Gavin Cease and Collin Huss had 4 points apiece.
Big man Ethan Honeyman picked up three points off of three foul throws while Carter Spangler and Numerius Good each bagged 2 points apiece. Chance Hunt scored a point on a free throw in the first quarter. The Ironmen led the Eagles 53 to 26 as they went into the half.
The Ironmen teams went into the holiday season, and the Dec. 27-28 Bud Black/Dennis Tate Holiday Classic, facing off in two home court matchups against the visiting Golden Lions of Shelby High School on Friday, Dec. 17, then taking on the visiting Burns Bulldogs teams on Tuesday, Dec. 21.
(Additional info and stats by Susan L. Powell)

NCHSAA 2021 Cheerleading Invitational wraps with Carolina Cup; inaugural Tarheel Trophy presentations

CHS’s Cheerleaders are Small Varsity D2; Varsity Game Day D2 state Champions

RALEIGH, NC – The NCHSAA Cheerleading Invitational returned to its usual home, the Raleigh Convention Center, after a year away due to COVID, with 132 registered routines and a brand-new trophy to present. In addition to the Carolina Cup, the award for the Varsity squad regardless of division posting the highest rated performance in the traditional competition, this year the “Game Day Division” presented the inaugural Tarheel Trophy to the highest rated varsity squad regardless of division in the event.
Cherryville High’s Cheer coach Wendy Holt said her ladies are the Small Varsity D2 and Varsity Game Day D2 state Champions.
“We won both of our divisions. Did not win the Tarheel Trophy,” she noted in a phone message to the Eagle.
 Of the first awarding of the Tarheel Trophy, that was enjoyed by West Forsyth’s Varsity squad, which posted a score of 95.6 to win the Varsity Game Day D1 Division in the event. The Carolina Cup, now in its 19th season, was collected by Northwest Guilford. The Vikings performance scored 89.1 to win the Small Varsity Non-Tumble D1 Division and the school’s first Carolina Cup.
According to information received in a media release from the NCHSAA last week, in Small Varsity D2, CHS was #1, with a score of 83.2, while the #2 slot was taken by Southwestern Randolph High School with a 72.4.
In Varsity Game Day D2, CHS was #1, with 87.7, followed by #2 East Davidson High School (87.3); #3 Union Academy (85.5); and #4 East Gaston High School (81.4).

Ironmen men’s varsity hoops team currently 3-1 overall

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The 2021 CHS Ironmen varsity men’s roundball team appears to be off to a decent start as they are currently 3-1, though their coaches know the season is still young, much like the team itself.
Head coach Scott Harrill noted his Ironmen traveled to Shelby last week (Tuesday, Nov. 30) to take on former Ironmen point guard Darius Howell’s Pinnacle Eagles.
Harrill said, “The Ironmen were led by Landon Hahn with 12 points, and Carson Kelly with 11 points,” scoring in double digits for the night. Rounding out the scorers in this matchup were Gavin Cease, who had 9 points, 10 rebounds; Collin Huss with 9 points; Numerius Good with 8 points and 5 assists; Chance Hunt with 7 points; Jack Mulvey with 9 points; and Ethan Honeyman with 2 points. Harrill was glad to see the Ironmen start the season at 2-0 with the victory.
Things were a little different with the CHS men’s second crack at the North Gaston Wildcats, who handed the Ironmen a 65-57 loss in this road game.
Coach Harrill noted the Ironmen came back from being down 12 points to start the fourth quarter, only to go cold the last three minutes and drop a close one to the Wildcats.
Harrill said Carson Kelly led the Ironmen with 17 points, and Numerius Good’s 12 points, and Landon Hahn’s 11 points were the double-digit scorers in this one.
Gavin Cease had 4, Jack Mulvey 6, Darrien Floyd 2, and Cooper Sloan had 5 points to round things out for the Ironmen.
The West Lincoln Rebels came to town on Friday, Dec. 3, and started things off by handing the JV men and the Lady Ironmen teams losses. The JV’s lost to the JV Rebels 58-66, while the Lady Ironmen lost to the Lady Rebels by a score of 17-59.
The leading scorer for the ladies was Gabbie McCorkle, who had 7 points, followed by Krista Davis and Evionna McDowell who each had 3 points. Terayha Bess and Ragan Hovis each had 2 points apiece.
The Ironmen varsity men then took to the court and proceeded to do what they do best; start slow, then kick out the jams once they find their rhythm and shooting lanes. That said, they plow into much larger teams with a speed and accuracy that stuns and baffles their opponents to the point of upending any sort of strategy that opposing team might have come into Nixon Gym with in the first place.
The hot shooter on the night was Carson Kelly with 21 points, followed by Landon Hahn with 17 points. Hahn’s athleticism on the Bud Black Court last Friday night was astounding as he, at one point, literally snatched a passed ball right out of the anticipating hands of the Rebel player and took it down court for the CHS basket.
Senior player Jack Mulvey, equally athletic, scored 12 points, followed by Numerius Good and Khanye Kennedy’s 7 points each. Seniors Cooper Sloan and Gavin Cease each scored 3 points apiece and Collin Huss had 1 point on a free throw.
Coach Harrill said the boys played really hard, adding, “I am so happy with the progress the young team has made.”
He continued, “The student section was electric and brought so much passion to the game. We can’t wait to be back home Tuesday night (against Fred Foard) and at then back at West Lincoln on Friday.”
The Ironmen played Fred T. Foard at Nixon on Tuesday, Dec. 7, and will be away at West Lincoln on Friday, Dec. 10, with the JV game starting at 4:30 p.m.; the Lady Ironmen at 6 p.m., and the varsity men right after their game.
(Additional info and stats by Susan L. Powell and CHS AD Scott Harrill)

Ironmen get first win of hoops season against North Gaston Wildcats

Lady Ironmen lose to Lady 'Cats 20-48 in season opener

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

As they headed into their Thanksgiving holiday the 2021 CHS Ironmen basketball squads (JV, and varsity men and varsity ladies) played their first non-scrimmage games at Nixon Gym on Monday, Nov. 22.
The results for the JV and Lady Ironmen teams wasn’t quite what they wanted as their Wildcat counterparts took the wins on the Bud Black Court, but for Coach Scott Harrill’s men, a hard-fought game resulted in a 63-53 victory for the Ironmen.
After the JV’s loss, CHS Coach Carrie Dalton’s Lady Ironmen lost 20-48 to the Lady 'Cats in a slow to get started for either team, low-scoring game in which the CHS ladies had a hard time of it, scoring just 7 points in the first quarter. By the half, they had 11 points on the board before heading to the locker room. While all the ladies who got some time on the court played with heart, Coach Dalton’s top scorers were Terayha Bess and Gabbie McCorkle, with 6 points apiece. Four other ladies score 2 points apiece; they were Ceniya Powell, Alexsandra Colvin, Krista Davis, and Evionna McDowell.
In varsity men’s action, came back from a half-time deficit of 28-34 to defeat the varsity Wildcats men’s team of North Gaston by a final score of 63-53. Carson Kelly was the high scorer for the CHS men with 21 points in the season opener. Senior Jack Mulvey followed with 13 points; returning player Numerius Good had 12 points; then big man Gavin Cease, with 10 points. Kelly, who was one of Coach Harrill’s three-point shooters last year was slow getting back into form but he finally found his “groove” in the third quarter with two 3-pointers, followed by two more in the fourth quarter.
Other shooters for the Ironmen in this matchup were newcomer Collin Huss ( a 3-pointer); and Cooper Sloan and Darrien Floyd, each with two points apiece.
The Ironmen teams traveled to play Pinnacle on Tuesday, Nov. 30, then are on the road again Wednesday, Dec. 1, to play North Gaston at North Gaston. On Friday, Dec. 3, they are home at Nixon Gym against the West Lincoln Rebels; games start at 4:30 p.m. (JV), and at 6 p.m. (varsity ladies), followed by the varsity men’s game.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell)

CHS Ironmen start 2021-2022 hoops season scrimmaging with Red Raiders
 

JV/Varsity teams scrimmaged on Tuesday; Lady Ironmen scrimmaged Thursday, Nov. 18

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

While the points don’t really matter in a scrimmage, the visiting South Point Red Raiders had a good showing against the CHS varsity men last Tuesday, Nov. 16, downing the Ironmen 114-67.
The two teams played six eight-minute quarters, with Coach Scott Harrill’s Ironmen going against a team they don’t normally play in their regular 1A/2A conference season. The junior varsity men also scrimmaged in the earlier games and were coached by Coach Antonio Griggs, who also is one of Coach Harrill’s varsity team AC’s.
The JV’s, who played only two short quarters, did a good job but were overmatched by a larger, speedier Red Raiders JV squad. Coach Griggs praised his young men for staying strong and making some good moves against an equally youthful South Point team.
The varsity team is comprised of returners Jack Mulvey, Numarius Good, Carson Kelly, Gavin Cease, Landon Hahn, and Carter Spangler. They were joined by Ethan Honeyman, Nate Bookout, Darrien Floyd, Cooper Sloan, Collin Huss, Khanye Kennedy, and Chance Hunt.
Kelly was the high scorer in the scrimmage with 21 points, followed by Good’s 10 points. Kennedy and Floyd had six points apiece.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell) 

CHS Ironmen’s Kadin Beaver
selected for Queen City Senior Bowl

One of 16 high school standouts picked for Dec. 18 game

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville High football player and senior Kadin Beaver is one of 16 local high school gridiron young men selected to play in the 2021 Queen City Senior Bowl, to be held at Charlotte’s Olympic High School, located at 4301 Sandy Porter Rd., Charlotte, on Dec. 18. The kickoff time is scheduled for 1 p.m., according to information on the QCSB website.
The mission of the bowl game is, as noted on the event description section of the website, is “…to create a memorable and rewarding experience for the best high school football players and coaches” in Charlotte/Mecklenburg and the counties surrounding the Queen City – counties such as Gaston, Cleveland, Cabarrus, and Union.
The teams are divided into East and West teams with Beaver being selected as the long snapper for the West team, he said recently.
Beaver, 18, has been at  CHS all four years, he said, adding his family moved to Cherryville from Gastonia when he was in the seventh grade. He attended John Chavis Middle School and played football there for Coaches Terry Moss and, later Seth Hartman.
Kadin said his mom, Ashlye, found out about the Queen City Senior Bowl, got the information and they submitted his name for possible selection in the bowl game.
“I was told they had 500 kids that applied,” Beaver noted, adding it was clearly an honor for him to have been selected from that large group of young men.
His parents, Ashlye and Buster Beaver, said of his selection, “We are very proud of him and for him.”
Kadin will be joined by the Mountain Island Raptor’s Dylan Bisson (QB) and WR Trae Nickelson (WR); South Point Red Raider RB Tyson Riley; Highland Tech Rams TE Trent Dockery; North Gaston Wildcat WR Brian Coley; Kings Mountain Mountaineer OL Tykel Smith; Crest Charger’s OL Taree Watkins and LB Nick Beason; Stuart Cramer Storm’s DL Arias Nash; Ashbrook Green Wave’s DL Jonathan Derricott; Burns Bulldog’s LB Azari Brown; Forestview Jaguar’s LB Jaycob Neely and ATH Camury Reid; Shelby Golden Lions DB Nathan Hopper Shelby; and East Gaston Warrior ATH Justin Hill.
The web site noted the coaches for the West team are: North Gaston’s Justin Clark, Highland Tech’s Pedro Truesdale, and Burns coach David Devine.
Beaver noted the teams will practice at Olympic HS starting Dec. 13 through 17, and will play Saturday, Dec. 18, also at OHS.
As for his future plans, Beaver said he hopes to be a long snapper in college and his number one college choice is Wake Forest as a walk-on hopeful. In his high school career, Beaver has played the long snapper position for the Ironmen, as well as tight end and quarterback.

Ironmen lose to Cherokee Braves in first round playoffs action

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen football squad ended their 2021 season with a 36-15 road loss to the Cherokee Braves in the first round of the state West 1A playoffs.
The team’s 2021 season ends at 3-8 overall; 2-6 in SPC 1A/2A play and the high school gridiron careers of 10 fantastic, talented young seniors also comes to an end.
Head coach Tim Pruitt – who is suitably proud of his young men – said the team had a phrase all year long – “Knocking Down the Door” – which he felt helped the Ironmen along in what has been a tough year for them as they played in a very tough conference against some opponents who aren’t, as Pruitt said, “…going away, but will only get better as time goes on,” adding he hopes the Ironmen too, will get even better and continue to grow as 2022 comes along.
Of his team, Coach Pruitt, “We played with a lot of heart against Cherokee and all year long in one of the toughest 1A schedules around. I feel like we competed all year long. Our kids pulled together as the season went along.”
The Ironmen’s first TD of the night – which ate up 40 yards – came at the hands of a Kadin Beaver reception of a Chase Miller pass. Henry Gil’s PAT was good and the Ironmen got on the board. Pruitt noted the game was 28-0 in the middle of the second quarter before the Ironmen got a score.
“We outscored them (Cherokee) in over two quarters of the game,” noted Pruitt, who noted he had great play from both his offense and defense during the hard-fought game.
On defense, while there were a number of one-on-one tackles in which the Ironmen D-line shone brightest, three of Pruitt’s players got his attention with their performances. They were Kadin Beaver, Tobias Miller, and Landon Hahn, who, along with senior player Mason Grindstaff, had a great game against Cherokee, with Hahn getting an interception off the Braves’ vaunted QB, Donald Bradley.
“In the second quarter we came out and held them,” noted Pruitt.
On offense for the Ironmen, Chase Miller carried the ball 13 times for a total of 27 yards; Gavin Cease carried the ball seven times for a total of 18 yards; Jackson Owens carried the ball once for a yard; and Cooper Sloan, in spite of a recent ankle injury, carried the ball nine times for a total of 38 yards.
In the air, the Ironmen’s QB, Miller, completed seven of his 15 passes, slinging the ball to Hahn ( a 13-yard pass); Kadin Beaver (2 passes for 42 yards); Jackson Owens (one toss for six yards); and – of course, Sloan – two 'rockets’ for a total of 51 yards!
All told, the Ironmen’s offense put up a total of 233 yards against the mighty Braves.
Coach Pruitt noted his tackle leaders were Kadin Beaver – 17; Kam Bolin – 13; and Caleb Hovis – 9.
“Kadin also had a tackle for loss and a pass break-up. Kam had a forced fumble,” Pruitt said.
In other West 1A playoff action, long-time CHS rival, the 21-seeded Bessemer City Yellow Jackets lost on the road, 62-0 against powerhouse, 12th-seeded North Rowan.
(Additional information by Danny Eaker and Coach Tim Pruitt)

Ironmen gridiron crew finish regular season with 23-6 win at BCHS

“Battle of the Belt” ends with CHS still in charge of the iconic item

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

In yet another “Battle of the Belt” between the CHS Ironmen football squad and their rivals, the Yellow Jackets of Bessemer City High School, a 23-6 victory means the vaunted trophy stays at CHS for another year. With this win, the Ironmen are now one game ahead of the ‛Jackets in their all-time series, 35-34-2, as the Ironmen have been victorious four times in their last six meetings.
The action began in earnest at BCHS’ stadium after the Yellow Jackets had their Senior Night festivities, recognizing their football, cheerleading, and band seniors and their parents before the game.
Taking the BCHS kickoff, the Ironmen got right to work with their offense running game as Cooper Sloan and Chase Miller racked up yardage. Quarterback Miller completed a pass to Landon Hahn for 18 yards. Another Miller pass was intercepted by the ‘Jackets, but they fumbled the ball and Kadin Beaver recovered it for the Ironmen. Miller called his own number and scrambled for 18 yards, getting closer to the end zone. Gavin Cease made a three-yard dash, taking the ball in for the Ironmen for the TD with 7:00 on the clock. The PAT was no good and the score was 6-0, Ironmen.
In second quarter play, the Yellow Jackets wasted no time in tying the game up 6-all with 11:18 on the clock. Their two-point conversion attempt was no good.
Ironman Kam Bolin recovered a ‘Jackets fumble, which the Ironmen, through a series of plays and runs, along with three completed passes by Miller to Cease and Hahn (5, 4, and 16 yards) took the CHS men to halftime.
The halftime stats and tallies are as follows: Cease – 5 carries/9 yards; Sloan – 2 carries/6 yards; and Miller – 12 carries/65 yards. Passing: Hahn – 3 catches/39 yards; Cease – 1 catch/4 yards. Air yards – 43; ground yards – 80, for a total of first half yards of 123.
The ‘Jackets received the kickoff and moved downfield, but fumbled. The Ironmen recovered the ball and proceeded to move it for what would be another CHS TD, with 8:48 on the clock. The PAT by kicker Henry Gil was good and the Ironmen were up 13-6.
Miller again divided his ball handling skills between calling his own number, handing off to Cease, or throwing to his go-to receiver, Hahn, as well as Carter Spangler, who was like a spider catching flies as he reeled in a couple of Miller’s spirals for 16 yards and 10 yards respectively. The Ironmen got close enough to the BCHS goal for the sure leg of kicker Henry Gil to bang it through for a three-point, 27-yard field goal with 1:16 on the clock, taking the Ironmen to a 16-6 lead.
The fourth quarter started poorly for the Yellow Jackets as Hahn intercepted their QB, Jameer Hopkins, and ran it back 35 yards. After a Miller called his own number, running for a total of 20 yards off of three rushes, the speedy CHS QB completed a 23-yard pass to Spangler for a TD with 7:00 on the clock. Gil’s PAT was good and the Ironmen’s lead went to 23-6.
The BCHS men were unable to keep a tough Ironmen defense off their backs, which kept them from scoring any more points for the remainder of the fourth quarter.
The game’s total rushing yards: 156; passing yards: 111, for a total yardage of 267 yards for the night. Miller had 25 carries for 132 yards (rushing); Cease had 9 carries for 20 rushing yards; Hahn caught 5 passes for 57 yards; Spangler caught 3 passes for 50 yards; and Sloan was 2 for 6. Miller completed 7 of 14 passes to get his 111 yards in the air.
The Ironmen are currently 3-7 overall; 2-4 in SPC 1A/2A play as they are now scheduled to travel to Cherokee to play that team in the first round pairings of the 2021 West 1A/2A State playoffs.
The pairing for the Ironmen and a couple of other local teams in that first round are (according to the NCHSAA): #13 Cherokee (5-4) vs. #20 Cherryville (3-7); #12 North Rowan (6-3) vs. #21 Bessemer City (2-8); and #6 Thomasville (7-2) vs. #27 Highland Tech (0-9).
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

CHS’ Nowowiecki signs LOI to play for Guilford College

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Raegan Nowowiecki, the CHS Lady Ironmen’s senior pitcher, recently signed a Letter of Intent to play college softball for the Lady Quakers of Guilford College.
Raegan, surrounded by her family members, coaches, and her many friends and Lady Ironmen teammates, signed the LOI at CHS in the library.
Nowowiecki played travel ball, noted her mom, Jennifer, for last eight years, primarily as a pitcher, and currently plays for Players Adidas Elite. She is coached by Autumn and Chris McCurry, said Jennifer.
When Raegan came to Cherryville, her mom said she played softball all two years at John Chavis Middle School, then played all four years at CHS under head softball coach AJ Henley.
“She will continue her softball and academic careers at Guilford College in Greensboro NC in the fall, and her intended will major will be Health Science. She plans on getting a Bachelor’s degree in that discipline, noted Mrs. Heavner.
Guilford, located in Greensboro, N.C., is a Division 3 NCAA college. Raegan will be coached by Dennis Shores and her pitching coach will be Staci Smith.
Parents Ricky and Jennifer Heavner and her sister, Savannah Heavner, are all – to say the least – very proud of and for her.
Said mom. Jennifer, “She has worked very hard for this and we’re just so proud of her!” Dad, Ricky echoed this sentiment as he smiled at her as she and her friends posed for “selfies” and photos after the signing, saying, “Yes sir! We ARE VERY proud of her!”
Raegan, along with softball teammate Laila Davis, represented CHS at the Body Armor state games this past summer of 2021. She was All-Conference her junior year; second team All-State and All-Area her junior year as well.
Raegan ranked 41st in the state in strikeouts; received “Best Pitcher” accolades; and was the Southern Piedmont 1A Pitcher of the Year; all in her junior year, said mom, Jennifer.
Lady Ironmen head softball coach AJ Henley said, “Raegan has been with me for three of her four years here at CHS as a starter for our team. I’m excited for her and proud for her that she is going to the next level, to play college softball. I am also looking for a great year from her this Spring, especially with the new freshmen coming in.”
Both coaches McCurry said they are “super proud” of Raegan, of how she always put in the time and the hard work to be the best she could be when it came to pitching and giving “110 percent” for the game of softball.
CHS AD Scott Harrill said, “We here at CHS are proud of Raegan and what she has done for our softball team. She is an amazing pitcher who has grown over the four years she has been her at CHS. We look forward to following her college career at Guilford and know she will represent CHS well.” 

CHS Cheerleaders recognized

At halftime of the CHS/TJCA football game on Friday, Oct. 15, the CHS varsity cheerleaders, under the direction of coaches Wendy Holt (head coach), and assistant coaches Heather Porter, and Tammy Wilson, were recognized by the Ironmen Booster Club and the athletic department of CHS for their outstanding accomplishments during the 2020-2021 competition season. At that time they were presented with their Game Day and State Championship rings. CHS Principal Shawn Hubers, AP Jada Warnock, and AD Scott Harrill presented the ladies their 2021 NC Cheerleading Coaches Association Game Day and Traditional State Champions, and the 2021 NCHSAA Game Day Non-Building State Champions with their rings.
Receiving rings were: Head Coach Wendy Holt, and assistant coaches Heather Porter and Tammy Wilson, and cheerleaders Maggie Beam, Lizzie Brannan, Allie Kaye Homesley, Madison Pruitt, Izzy Wilson, Sydney Abernathy, Khya Brooks, Rylee-Grace Burgis, Abby Burleson, Kendall Chupp, Sarah Eaker, Payton Godfrey, Anna Leigh Jones, Lani Philbeck, and Kylie Reynolds.
These CHS cheerleaders and Coach Holt have won a staggering total of 19 state titles since their first win in 2008. NC has two state championships for cheerleading. CHS has won both titles since 2015. CHS has also won a newest division at both competitions last season. This division is known as Game Day and includes a band dance and a situational sideline.
The coaches than the Ironmen Booster Club and the CHS athletic department, and faculty and staff for their continued support of the CHS cheerleading program.
Congratulations, Cheerleaders and Coaches!

Ironmen gridiron squad gets 50-14 road win at Highland Tech

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

As the 2021 football season winds its way down, the head coach Tim Pruitt’s CHS Ironmen were still in the hunt for a much-needed win, if for no other reason than a morale boost.
Last Friday night, Oct. 8, they got a big one – 50-14, to be exact – at the expense of the Highland Tech Rams. And on the Ram’s home turf. And during that team’s Homecoming Night ceremonies, no less!
It was pretty much the Cooper Sloan show, with star turns by the usual cast of stellar players: Chase Miller, Landon Hahn, Kadin Beaver, Shamyr Moss, Jackson Owens, Caleb Hovis, Gavin Cease, Carter Spangler, Kam Bolin, Henry Gil, Jack Mulvey, Mason Grindstaff, and, well, the list that night was seemingly endless as everybody got into the action on both sides of the line for the Ironmen.
The Ironmen’s first TD came in the first quarter with 8:44 on the clock as young Mr. Sloan not only got the TD, but powered it in the end zone for a two-point conversion afterwards, making the opening score 8-0, Ironmen. Sloan’s second TD came on a 30-yard run to the end zone with 2:54 on the clock. Quarterback Chase Miller ran it into the end zone for the Ironmen’s second two-point conversion, making it 16-0.
In second quarter action, Landon Hahn caught a Miller pass and got 25 yards out of it, followed up by yet another Sloan TD. this time with 10:38 on the clock. The extra point attempt was no good but the Ironmen were now up 22-0, with no answer from the Rams.
The Ironmen’s fourth TD of the night, also in the second quarter, came from senior wide right Carter Spangler, who caught a Miller pass and ran it 42 yards for the TD with 7:49 on the clock. Gil’s PAT was good and the score went to 29-0, CHS.
A Rams fumble was scooped up by speedy fullback Kam Bolin and the swift junior took it 28 yards into the end zone for a TD. With Henry Gil’s PAT being through the uprights, the score was 36-0, Ironmen.
Closing out the second quarter and the first half of play, Sloan once again scrambles 20 yards for TD with 2:50 on the clock. With Gil’s PAT kick good, the score was now 43-0, CHS.
The Ironmen, at half-time, had 177 yards rushing and 69 yards passing for a total of 246 yards.
After the Rams had their Homecoming festivities, the teams came back onto the field and third quarter play began.
At some point, the refs called for the game clock to continue to run, and Kadin Beaver assumed the QB duties. Ball carrying duties went to Gavin Cease for this quarter.
Cease, who carried the ball six times, rushed for 79 yards, with some of those yards being a two-yard scamper into the end zone with 7:28 on the clock for an Ironmen TD. Gil’s PAT was good and the Ironmen were up 50-0.
The Rams were finally able to get on the boards with a TD with 1:37 left on the clock in the third quarter, but their PAT was no good.
Starting the fourth, the Rams recovered their own onside kick and looked to move down the field under a new-found head of steam but senior cornerback Jack Mulvey has other ideas as he intercepted a Rams pass and ran it back for 15 yards.
The Ironmen had to turn it over on downs and the Rams capitalized on their good fortune, turning it into a TD with 2:45 left on the clock. Rams QB, senior Luke Whitted ran into the end zone for the two-point conversion and the game ended shortly thereafter, with the final being 5-14, CHS.
Coach Tim Pruitt said of his men, “I thought we executed our plays a lot better Friday night in keeping the ball away from our opponents. We were able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides, offense as well as defense. Anytime you can average 10 yards a game is a good night. We were able to force some turnovers and, on defense, tackle Caleb Hovis (#78) had seven tackles.”
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell and Danny Eaker)

Cherryville Hall of Fame Sports Banquet inducts 10 new members

1985 CHS Basketball State Championship team also inducted

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

At the Saturday, Oct. 2, Cherryville Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet, 10 individuals and one sports team from CHS were honored by a large crowd of family and well-wishers. The 6 p.m., dinner was held at Cherryville’s First Baptist Church COC.
The crowd was regaled by guest speaker and 1994 Duke Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Gene Banks. Banks was part of the 1977-1978 team that reached the NCAA Championship that year, according to his short “bio”. Banks also played two seasons in the NBA, continuing his pro career in Italy and Israel.
In his introduction, Hall of Fame Committee member Calvin Hastings, himself a 2002 Cherryville Sports Hall of Fame member, noted that Banks “…coached in the NBA with the Washington Wizards,” and is currently the Athletics Director for Gaston College and their new team, the Rhinos. Banks is also special assistant to Gaston College President, Dr. Hauser, said Hastings.
Hall of Fame committee members who were present at the event were Jerry Hudson (President), Scott Harrill (Vice-President), Mike Powell (Treasurer), Dennis Tate, Danny Eaker (Secretary), Calvin Hastings, Dr. Bud Black, Al Graves, and Dr. Floyd Wright. Larry Sipe and Rocky Bennett were unable to attend due to other commitments.
Banks noted, “We are here honoring some great folks tonight.”
Banks said his decision to attend Duke didn’t come readily as he was looking at six other colleges and their winning basketball programs.
Banks said he likes what he sees in Cherryville, adding, “I like the energy I see here. And to the inductees… job well done!”
Terry Whisnant, Jr., one of the top scorers in North Carolina high school basketball history, and Thomas Bess, a three-sport standout, were among those voted in to the 2021 class by the committee as were the following: Larry Boyles (posthumously), Skeet Brackett (posthumously), Trentavious “Trent” Friday (one of the fastest men in Cherryville and Gaston County sports history and a track star who holds three state records and a national record in sprint events.), CHS Athletic Director and head basketball coach Scott Harrill (his record at Cherryville stands at 384-170, so far), Sonja Hoyle, Ebonee Johnson, Cameron Lovelace, Abby Owens, and the 1985 State Champion CHS men’s basketball team, who won the N.C. 2A championship under the leadership and coaching of the late David Watkins.
Fan of the Year awards went to Mrs. Linda Ballard and the Rev. Dr. Vince Hefner.
Inductee Skeet Brackett was a recreation and youth sports activist and Larry Boyles was an acclaimed amateur boxer in the 1950s and a member of the Carolinas Boxing Hall of Fame. Brackett’s widow, Libby accepted on her late husband’s behalf, noting how honored Skeet was to serve on the Hall of Fame Committee and how much he loved sports, whether it was coaching, or playing golf, a game he truly loved.
“He loved sports and he enjoyed teaching kids how to play the game,” she said.
Sports Hall of Fame President Jerry Hudson noted the group has been “…inactive for more than a decade, but met in March of this year to regroup, elect officers, and set a new agenda.”
The Cherryville Sports Hall of Fame has not inducted any new members since 2009, according to Treasurer Mike Powell.
With this year’s induction, the total of members in the Cherryville Sports Hall of Fame stands at 11 members, 15 of whom are posthumous inductions.
Bess, who lives now in Texas, was unable to be here to accept but Dr. Bud Black read a speech Bess sent for him to read to everyone, expressing his wish to be here “…and see all your smiling faces!”
Terry Whisnant, Jr.’s grandmother, Bonnie Whisnant accepted for her grandson, thanking the committee.
Friday, a professional athlete now living in Orlando, Fla., thanked his family, Coach Harrill, who he said has been “…like a father” to him, and all his friends who believed in him.
Harrill also thanked his family; wife, Teresa, his sons, Trevor and Lane; his mother and father; and his coaches.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to coach these kids. You know, becoming a coach was my dream,” he said, holding back his emotions.
He continued, “It’s about all of us. It’s a community thing. The kids keep me young. I hope I have taught them something. The Lord has blessed me and these kids have become my own.”
Mrs. Hoyle, who said she is 83, was a CHS Lady Ironmen basketball player. She said she was happy to be inducted, as did fellow Lady Ironmen basketball inductees Ebonee Johnson and Abby Owens Hawkins.
Johnson, the school’s all-time leading Lady Ironmen points scorer, said, “Thank you for all of the great years and great memories!”
Cameron Lovelace was noted as being one of the all-time great athletes to ever come from CHS by Coach Harrill.
Lovelace, like all of the inductees, thanked the committee for inducting him, adding it “…is a blessing to be inducted.”
Lovelace thanked Dr. Black, and apologized to him for all the “…broken clipboards.” He also thanked Coach Dennis Tate and Coach Harrill, as well as Leroy Montgomery, of whom he said, “We wouldn’t have the team we have if it wasn’t for him.” Lovelace also thanked his mom and dad, who taught him about hard work.
He closed his comments by saying, “I’ll always be an Ironman!”
Abby Owens Hawkins thanked former women’s basketball coach Alan Mauldin and said she will always cherish the memories she made playing CHS sports.
“I want to thank all my coaches, my parents, my sister, and I pray my daughter continues to enjoy sports. I especially want to thank my husband, Chad Hawkins.”
Harrill noted that inductee Terry Whisnant, Jr., who is in Florida celebrating his son’s birthday, was the NC state basketball player of the year, voted the Number One roundball player in Gaston County, had the most 40-point or more games in the history of Ironmen basketball, went on to play college ball at Florida State, then later in Europe as well as playing semi-pro ball. Terry’s grandmother, Bonnie Whisnant, accepted his induction plaque.
Lastly, the 1985 CHS men’s basketball team was inducted, and five of their members were on hand to accept for the team. Members there were Jay Moss, Kenny Poston, Jamie McSwain, Guerry Reardon, and Phillip Bradley.

(Additional notes/information for this article by Susan L. Powell)

JCMS Lady Wolverines softball team are currently undefeated

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Lance Beam, head John Chavis Middle School softball coach, said recently his team is 6-0 against Gaston County opponents as their season comes down to its final games of their schedule.
Chavis defeated Belmont Middle by a score of 10-6 on Monday, Sept. 13, said Beam, who noted, “Raylei Gidney got the pitching win, striking out three (3) batters. She was helped with strong defensive plays from the entire defense.
“The offense was led by Landry Beam, Maddie Avery and Jenna Anthony, who had two (2) hits each and multiple RBI’s.”
Kate Mulvey, Kennedy Weathers, Gidney, Addison Davis and Abi Canipe also contributed with a hit a piece, he said. The Lady Wolverines offense got multiple runs from Beam, Gidney and Anthony.
On Monday, Sept. 20, the Chavis softball team defeated Mt. Holly 18-6 in five innings.
Coach Beam said Kennedy Weathers got the pitching win, striking out eight (8) batters.
“The offense was led by Jenna Anthony, Raylei Gidney, Landry Beam, Addison Davis and Desirae Smith, who all had multiple hits. Weathers, Kate Bookout, Abi Canipe and Emily Allen also contributed with a hit each.”
Chavis then turned around and defeated Grier 17-1, in three innings on Thursday, Sept. 23, as Raylei Gidney and Kennedy Weathers pitched, striking out seven (7) batters.
Said Coach Beam, “Weathers, Landry Beam, Raylei Gidney, Kate Bookout, Abi Canipe, Desirae Smith and Laney Spangler all had hits to lead our offense.”
The team is currently 6-0, and faced Cramerton at Cramerton on Monday, Sept. 27. Their last game is against Bessemer City Middle on Thursday, Sept. 30, and playoffs start on Monday, Oct. 4, with the County Championship scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 6.

Last week a rough one for the Lady Ironmen volleyball squads

Varsity ladies currently 5-11 overall; 2-3 in conference play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Lady Ironmen volleyball head coach Leigh Kiser said it was a rough week for the ladies as they dropped a conference match to East Gaston’s Lady Warriors and a non-conference match to Forestview’s Lady Jags.
At East Gaston Kiser said CHS “…got behind early and stayed behind” losing 3-0, by scores of 25-16, 25-13, and 25-14. Kiser said the ladies could never get a handle on the ball and it led to easy points for the Lady Warriors.
For the Lady Ironmen, Rileigh Kiser had 16 assists and 8 digs, Terayha Bess and Addie Eaker chipped in 6 kills, and Taylor Digh had 6 digs, Kiser noted.
Forestview’s Lady Jaguars came to Nixon Gym last Wednesday for a non-conference game and again the Lady Ironmen fell 3-0, by scores of 25-12,25-15, and 25-21.
Said Coach Kiser, “We couldn’t get anything going early, but I am proud of how the squad didn’t give up and made the three sets a good game.”
Terayha Bess and Addie Eaker again had 6 kills each, Taylor Digh had 10 digs to lead the defense, Kaitlyn Newsome had 6 digs, and Rileigh Kiser 16 assists, 6 digs, said Kiser. 
Kisrer said her JVs suffered the same defeats, losing both of their matches this week as well. 
Said Kiser, “At East Gaston the JV ladies lost 25-11, and 25-13.  Krista Davis and Briley Wright had three digs each. They again lost 25-7, and 25-9, to a strong Forestview JV squad. Briley Wright had three digs in the loss.”
The varsity Lady Ironmen were at West Lincoln last Saturday for a midseason tournament taking on Chase, Hibritin, and West Lincoln.
At this time, the varsity ladies were 5-8 overall; 2-3 in 1A/2A conference play, and the JV ladies were 1-11 overall.
Kiser said her Cherryville spikers went on the road on Saturday, Sept. 18, for a volleyball midseason classic at West Lincoln, adding, “Even though the Lady Ironmen played in some tough matches, they ended the day going 0-3 in their matches” in this tournament.
Kiser continued, “Up first was a really good Hibriten team. Our ladies were ready to go in the morning match and hung tough before losing 3-1, with scores being 25-18 (CHS), 25-21 (HHS), 26-24 (HHS), and 25-11 (HHS).”
For CHS, Rileigh Kiser had 5 aces, 21 assists, and 15 digs.  Terayha Bess had 10 kills, and Kiser, Katie Eaker, and Carson Reed had 3 blocks.
Coach Kiser said it was a good test for her team and they had chances to win.
In Match 2 the CHS ladies played against Chase for the third time this  season, and just like the first two meetings, this one went five sets.
Kiser said her team showed a lot of grit in coming from behind to make it a match but lost in a heartbreaking fifth set.
Scores were 25-10 (Chase), 25-19 (Chase), 25-23 (Chase), 26-24 (CHS), and 20-18 (Chase) in the final set.
For the Lady Ironmen, Rileigh Kiser had 5 aces, 37 assists, 5 kills, and 11 digs. Addie Eaker had 12 kills and Terayha Bess had 17 kills, leading the offense. Taylor Digh chipped in 10 digs and Kaitlyn Newsome had 8 digs. Kiser said this match was “tight from the beginning” and her squad gave her everything they had.
In the final matchup, the Lady Ironmen played rival West Lincoln for the third time this season, and just like the other two, the Lady Rebels came away with the victory. Scores were 25-20 (CHS), 25-15 (WL), 27-25 (WL), and 25-12 (WL).
“Our ladies came out fast, hung in the middle and then ran out of steam to finish. It was a long day for sure. I’m proud of the way we hung in there,” said Coach Kiser.
Leaders for the CHS ladies were Krista Davis (9 digs), Taylor Digh (11 digs), Rileigh Kiser (24 assists,11 digs), Skye Reed and Addie Eaker (6 kills each), and Terayha Bess (10 kills).
The Lady Ironmen will be back in conference action at Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy and Burns HS next week.
Currently, the varsity’s record is 5-11 overall; 2-3 in conference play.
(Stats and information by Brian Kiser)

Chavis Middle’s Lady Wolverines currently undefeated at 3-0

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Head Lady Wolverines softball coach Lance Beam said the Chavis softball team defeated W.C. Friday Middle School 21-0, on Tuesday, Sept. 7, with pitcher Raylei Gidney getting the win and pitching a no hitter. She struck out three (3) batters.
Said Beam, “The offense was led by Maddie Avery and Jenna Anthony who had two hits each.”
Additionally, Beam noted Kennedy Weathers, Gidney, and Kate Bookout also contributed with a hit apiece.
“The Lady Wolverines offense got multiple runs from Kate Mulvey, Landry Beam, Addison Davis and Abi Canipe,” he added.
In action on Thursday, Sept. 2, Coach Beam said the softball ladies defeated Holbrook 12-0 in four innings.
“Raylei (Gidney) got the win, pitching a no hitter and striking out 10 batters,” noted Beam, adding, “Our offense was led by Landry Beam and Addison Davis who had two hits each and scored multiple runs.”
Beam said the Lady Wolverines offense also got hits and runs from Kate Mulvey, Kennedy Weathers, Kate Bookout, Maddie Avery and Abi Canipe.
The team is currently 3-0. They had a “bye” on Monday, Sept. 9, but played Belmont at home, then will travel to Stanley on Thursday, Sept. 16.

CHS Ironmen soccer team begins season

The CHS Ironmen men’s soccer team has started their season in their new conference, and has tied 2-2 with Maiden at their Monday, Aug. 23, away game.
Head coach Michelle Cuomo noted though they won their Wednesday, Sept. 1, home game against the visiting Rebels of West Lincoln by a score of 2-1.
“We got goals from (sophomore midfielder) Henry Gil, with an assist from (sophomore CB) Nathan Bookout and (sophomore midfielder and forward) Marlin Gomez off of a free kick”, she said.

Lady Ironmen varsity VB squad
wins first home game of season

Coach Kiser, teams, all happy to be back  in Nixon

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Even though everyone is back to wearing masks, CHS head volleyball coach Leigh Kiser said she and her teams are happy to be back in the gym for a normal season, and hopes her veteran team can win a bunch of matches this season.
Said Kiser, “We have a lot of returners with game experience and have some really talented newcomers.”
The Lady Ironmen opened their 2021 season by traveling to Forestview where they came away with a 3-0 loss to a tough team. Scores in that matchup were 25-10, 25-22, and 25-9.
Kiser noted Taylor Digh and Rileigh Kiser each had 10 digs, with Rileigh adding 10 assists, of which four went to senior Terayha Bess. Kiser said her team went through long scoring droughts that really put them in a hole early.
The CHS ladies’ home court, Nixon Gym, hosted the visiting Chase Lady Trojans in the home opener with CHS pulling out an exciting 3-2 victory.
Kiser noted match scores were 26-24 (CHS), 26-24 (Chase), 25-19 (CHS), 25-19 (Chase), and 15-12 (CHS). Coach Kiser said her team “…showed a lot of grit in the match” adding  she was proud of the way they answered each Chase run.
Stat leaders were Rileigh Kiser (7 aces, 26 assists, 13 digs); Terayha Bess (13 kills); Taylor Digh (22 digs); and Addie Eaker and Katie Eaker, each with 7 kills.
On Thursday, Aug. 18, cross county rival West Lincoln invaded Nixon Gym, and the Lady Rebels pulled out a hard-fought 3-2 win over coach Kiser’s ladies.
Said Kiser, “Our team had an early lead and seemed to relax, letting the Rebels back in the match. Some poor serving and passing did us in, in this one.”
Stats in this one were: Terayha Bess with 13 kills, and freshman Carson Reed, with 6 kills. These two led the Lady Ironmen offense. Rileigh Kiser set them up with 31 assists and led the defense with 18 digs. Senior Skye Reed’s 10 digs also helped out the ladies.
Coach Kiser said she has learned much about the fight in her varsity team and knows more wins are in the ladies’ future.
In JV action the JV Lady Ironmen lost their first match 2-0, at Forestview, 25-14 and 25-8. Krista Davis was stat leader with 7 digs. The JV’s lost a heartbreaker 2-0, in last Wednesday’s home opener by scores of 25-22 and 25-23.
The Ironmen juniors got their first win of the season, however, by beating West Lincoln’s JVs by scores of 25-14 (CHS), 25-17 (WL), and 15-13 (CHS). Lexi McSwain’s three (3) serve aces led the Ironmen JV squad.
This week the Lady Ironmen hit the road and are at Chase, Lincolnton, followed by the new conference’s opener at Shelby’s Lady Golden Lions.
The teams records are: Varsity – 1-2;  and JV – 1-2.

(Stats and additional info by Brian Kiser)

Phantom Bass Class

On Saturday, Aug. 7, championship bass fishermen and a representative of Phantom Outdoors, along with Cherryville’s premier outdoor sports store, The Great Outdoors, held a Phantom Bass Class for roughly 30 to 40 youngsters at the Great Outdoors store. Bassmasters Classic past champion for the past two years, Hank Cherry, Cherryville’s own pro fisherman, Guy Eaker, and pro bass anglers, Patrick Walters and Fred “Pug” Clements spoke about the sport of professional bass fishing. Phantom Outdoors representative Chad Pennell was there as was Great Outdoors owner Tyler Beam. Lined up in the photo (and bracketing Cherry’s huge trophies) are (front row, left to right): Chad Pennell and Tyler Beam; and back row, left to right: Fred “Pug” Clements, Patrick Walters, Hank Cherry, and Guy Eaker. (photo provided)

CHS’ Harrill receives Region 6 AD Excellence award

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Gaston County Schools’ Athletic Director Chad Duncan congratulated Cherryville High School Athletic Director Scott Harrill recently on his being awarded the Region 6 Athletic Director of Excellence Award.
In a media release Mr. Duncan noted that on Monday, July 19, the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association held their Awards Luncheon and presented worthy individuals with awards signifying their many contributions to their schools and the state-wide program.
He noted it was his hope, “…all of you will want to become a part of to help with your professional development in this business.”
To that end he congratulated the following individuals in Region 6: Coach Harrill – Athletic Director of Excellence Award; Ryan Resendez – Citation Award; and Steve Gardner – Braveheart Award.
About Coach Harrill, Duncan said, “We are obviously very proud of Coach Harrill and what he has meant to Cherryville athletics and to Gaston County Schools.”
Coach Harrill said, “It was an honor to receive the award and was a total shock. It was my first state wide athletic director award. I have been taking leadership, finance, Title IX, and other classes to help me as an athletic director. I feel like you are never too old to stop learning, no matter the job you are in. I value the relationships with other Athletic Director’s around the state of North Carolina, and enjoy collaborating with them.”
He continued, “It is very time consuming, but (is) something I enjoy. I could not imagine just being the athletic director and not being directly involved in coaching. Coaching has always been a love and passion of mine.”
As far as what the award means to him and others who watch the work he does at CHS, he said, “I think it shows that other Athletic Directors across the state have seen what we have tried to do here at CHS to make things the best they can be. I find it a blessing and a ministry in leading coaches and student athletes.  What a privilege to know your peers think that much of you to select you in that area.”
In talking about the organization giving him the award, Harrill noted, “The NCADA is a great organization that really tries to promote student-based athletic education. Working along with them and the NCHSAA has been a wonderful experience.”
Additionally, Coach Harrill being the man he is, always looks to spread the honors out as much as possible, saying he owes so many people credit for his growth and helping him going forward in his career.
One of those is his former principal at CHS, Kevin Doran, who recently moved to guide the staff, faculty and students at Cramer Middle School.
“My former principal Kevin Doran has always been a great supporter of me working with others around the state. I have met with new principal Shawn Hubers several times and he is an athletic-minded principal as well. I look forward to some great years of learning from him and watching our Ironmen grow to new levels. It is a blessing every day to be called Coach!  Besides the name Dad, the next greatest title is 'Coach’,” he said, adding one of his many favorite quotes that help guide him daily, “The Rev. Billy Graham words still ring true today – 'A coach will impact more people in one year than the average person will in an entire lifetime’.”
Current CHS Principal Shawn Hubers had this to say about the long-time Ironmen head basketball coach, “Coach Harrill has just done an amazing job as our athletic director at Cherryville High School. In my short time here I have already seen his dedication to our athletic program. He is up early mowing ball fields and he is always available for our coaches and student athletes. Coach Harrill is the standard of what a great athletic director should look like, and we are blessed to have him at CHS!”

Cherryville Dixie Girls Angels are World Series champs!

Team is undefeated at Monck’s Corner, SC-hosted series

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Cherryville Dixie Angels won last week’s World Series in Monck’s Corner, S.C.. going undefeated in both state and World Series Championships!
According to head coach Matthew Anthony, the 10U ladies beat Florida 9-5, South Carolina 6-0, Georgia 14-0 and Moncks Corner, who was the host, by a score of 8-4. These girls gave it their all every game.
Members on this 2021 DGSB World Series Angels team and their coaches are Darrah Beam, Mary Upchurch, Jenny Brown, Katelin Huffman, Zoe Culberson, Avery Price, Chaslyn Montgomery, Georgia Cruise, Addison Pruett, Addy Morehead, Blair Culberson, and Haylee Lynch, and coaches Matthew Anthony, Dustin Morehead, and Wes Culberson.
Coach Anthony said of his team, “These girls were on top of their game the whole tournament.”
Anthony, who has coached his daughter Faith in her climb to the top of the Cherryville Dixie Girls and Lady Ironmen softball ladder, said he has been coaching Dixie Girls Softball for 14 years and has coached this (Angels) age group (10U) for four years.
“This was the first World Series for us in fast pitch softball,” Anthony noted, adding that while his team may not have had a lot to say about their winning it all, he did say, “They were VERY excited!”
Coach Anthony said there is a pizza party planned for the young ladies, by way of a celebration, at a Bessemer City pizza restaurant (Dino’s) on Saturday, Aug. 7, at 2 p.m., then on Sunday, Aug. 8, they will be at the Cherryville Country Club from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
They were to be at the American Legion State Championship Tournament game on Sunday, Aug. 1.
Anthony said the ladies went undefeated throughout the state tournament and the World Series, quite an accomplishment for the little ladies.
“We only had nine runs scored against us during the World Series,” said Coach Anthony.
Anthony also noted that his pitchers came through for the team as did the batters and the infield and outfield crews.
Said Anthony, “Addy Morehead pitched a no-hitter while Zoe Culberson and Jenny Brown also had a combined no-hitter.”
 

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)