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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

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

by RICHARD WALKER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by MICHAEL E.POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

Rutherford Post 423 currently Area IV leader at 6-1

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

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

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

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

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

Team is 1-1 in the American Legion Western Division

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

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

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

Will honor 1998 state championship team Thursday night, April 26

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

 

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

by MIKE POWELL
Guest Sports Writer
Special to the Eagle

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

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

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

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Well, folks. It’s that time again; the time all you Cherryville Ironmen baseball fans have been earnestly waiting for – time for the CHS Ironmen “Boys of Summer” – well… spring, really – to get out on the John L. “Buck” Fraley Field and take to the mound smack dab in the middle of the big green and brown diamond-shaped spot of local baseball heaven in anticipation of another stellar year of Ironmen baseball!
That said, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, head baseball coach Scott Heavner, along with a few of his assistant coaches and a smattering of players, came out onto Fraley Field, braving the cool weather in order to get in a couple of skill drills prior to them being able to start official practices.
Coach Heavner said he expected to see a number of familiar faces when the season starts up in earnest this month, along with a good crew of newer young men who are coming out to play baseball for him for their first time in high school. Heavner also noted they have been out doing a few of these skill sets earlier in anticipation of the season’s start of actual practice and this was just one of many the young men have been at.
There are still a few players Coach Heavner had from last season who are still playing basketball. They will come to play and practice, he noted, when that sport’s season is finished and they have done what is needed of them there.
Heavner had a couple of his assistants on the field with him: AC Seth Freeman, AC Michael Whitesides, and a new, but familiar face, AC Austin Treadway.

One game left before conference tournament; playoffs

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The Ironmen basketball teams had two games last week as their 2022-2023 regular season came to a close. The games were home games against the Burns Bulldogs (Tuesday, Jan. 31,) and against the Highland Tech Rams (Friday, Feb. 3). The week also saw the last regular season home game for retiring head men’s coach, Scott Harrill, whose 24-year career has brought many great memories to the Ironmen family of sportsmen and women.
The Junior Varsity squad won both of their games against their respective teams, beating Burns’ JV team by a score of 61-60, and the HT Rams’ JV team by a score of 41-40.
Against Burn’s
The Lady Ironmen faced the Lady Bulldogs of Burns on Tuesday night, Jan. 31, and lost their game by a score of 46-39. High scorer for the CHS ladies was Gabbie McCorkle with 21 points. She was the only player in double digits in this one. Laila Davis and Krista Davis both 4 points apiece, followed by Raylei Gidney and Kate Bookout with 3 points apiece. Regan Hovis and Ceniya Powell had 2 points apiece to round out the score in this one.
For the varsity men, it was a loss on their home court at Nixon Gym as the Bulldogs won, 69-57 over the CHS men.
High scorers for the Ironmen were Darrien Floyd (17), Landon Hahn (14), and Numarius Good (12). Carson Kelly had 9 points and Nate Bookout had 5 points.
Against Highland Tech
On Friday, Feb. 3, the Ironmen hoops teams took on the Rams of Highland Tech.
The Lady Ironmen took the court after the JV team downed the Rams JV squad, as noted earlier, and were only down by 2 points at the half (13-15), but when play resumed the Lady Rams went on a romp and the game ended with the CHS ladies falling to the HT ladies 34-26.
High scorers for the Lady Ironmen in this one were Gabbie McCorkle (8 pts.), Kate Bookout and Krista Davis (5 points apiece), Raylei Gidney (4 pts.), and Emily Allen and Evionna McDowell, each with 2 points.
The varsity men fared somewhat better but were in a fight as the Rams were only behind by 5 points at the half (30-25). Fortunately, the Ironmen came back after the half and got the win by a score of 62-48. Four Ironmen were in double figures: Carson Kelly (18 pts.), Landon Hahn (15 pts.), Numarius Good (12 pts.), and Darrien Floyd (10 pts.) Nate Bookout score 3 points and Chance Hunt and Rayshawn Sewell each scored two points.
The Ironmen will travel to Thomas Jefferson to play the Gryphons on Friday, Feb. 10, then will start their conference and sectional play the following week.
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell)

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen basketball teams traveled to Shelby to battle the Golden Lions on Tuesday, Jan. 24, then away again against rivals Bessemer City on Friday, Jan. 27, on their way to finishing out the month of January. Their last January game was Tuesday, Jan. 31, against the Burns Bulldogs, played at Nixon Gym. Senior Night is Friday, Feb. 3 as they play Highland Tech at Nixon, with the last game of the 2023 regular season schedule being an away game at the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons on Friday, Feb. 10.
Against Shelby
In this away conference game against the Golden Lions of Shelby, the Ironmen varsity men lost 75-57, while the Lady Ironmen lost by a score of 65-21 to the Lady Lions.
Against BCHS
The CHS Ironmen basketball teams traveled again on Friday, Jan. 27, to take on the Bessemer City Yellow Jackets teams in conference matchups that saw the Ironmen JV and varsity men get wins over their rivals. The Lady Ironmen, in spite of a valiant battle on the court were unable to control the Lady ’Jackets, who won their game 71-27.
Taking the court first on the night were Coach Antonio Griggs’ young JV squad. The easily handled a poorly shooting ’Jackets JV squad, downing them by a score of 68-57.
The Lady Ironmen came out after them and found themselves overmatched by a fast and accurate Lady Jackets team of aggressive, hot-handed shooters.
The Lady Ironmen were led in this one by Gabbie McCorkle (8 pts.), Krista Davis (6 pts.) and Kate Bookout (5 pts.). Rounding out the points for the ladies were Laila Davis, Regan Hovis, and Raylei Gidney, with two points apiece.
The men’s varsity Ironmen crew came onto the court after the ladies’ game and, in an overtime battle with a Yellowjackets squad that did not want to admit defeat, managed to get the win against their cross-county rivals by a score of 83-78.
The Ironmen were led in scoring by senior Numarius Good who scored a whopping 30 points for the night!
He was trailed by Carson Kelly (18 pts.) and Landon Hahn (14 pts.) and Nate Bookout (11 pts.). These were the only Ironmen to score in double figures against the highly-touted BCHS team. Darrien Floyd, who fouled out, scored 8 points and Chance Hunt scored two (2) points.
As noted earlier, the Ironmen played Burns at home on Tuesday, Jan. 31, and will be home on Friday, Feb. 3, taking on Highland Tech. That date is also Senior Night for the Ironmen teams.
The last game on the schedule is Friday, Feb. 10, and is an away game at Thomas Jefferson. February 13-17 is the conference tournament (places/venues TBD).
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell)

Ladies are currently 3-15 overall and
0-7 in 1A/2A play

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen hoops teams played three games last week losing winning three and losing three. The teams they faced were: the East Gaston Warriors (conference); the Pinnacle Classical Academy Eagles (non-conference); and the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons (conference).

Against East Gaston
The Warriors teams came to Nixon Gym on Tuesday, Jan. 17 and played the Ironmen. Of the three CHS teams that played that day, the JV’s were the only team to win their matchup (47-39),
The CHS Lady Ironmen game followed and the ladies fought a good fight against the Lady Warriors but still lost by a score of 37-53. The only Lady Ironman in double figures in this one was Raylei Gidney, with 10 points. Gabbie McCorkle scored 9 points; Krista Davis scored 8 points; and Laila Davis and Evionna McDowell had 4 points apiece. Emily Allen had 2 points.
The varsity men came onto the Bud Black Court and battled the Warriors men’s team, losing to them by a score of 64-76. High scorers for Coach Harrill’s men in this one were Carson Kelly (17 pts.); Darrien Floyd (15 pts.); Landon Hahn (12 pts.); and Numarius Good (10 pts.). Nate Bookout had 8 points and Andron Patterson made 2 points.

Against Pinnacle
Classical Academy
The Pinnacle Classical Academy Eagles visited Nixon Gym on Wednesday, Jan. 18, for a non-conference matchup but lost both of their varsity games to the Ironmen roundball teams.
Coach Carrie Dalton said her ladies triumphed over the Lady Eagle by a score of 48-28.
The Ironmen varsity boys clipped the Eagles’ wings by a score of 92-59.

Against Thomas
Jefferson Classical Academy
The Gryphons of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy came to Nixon Gym on Friday, Jan. 20, and played the Ironmen varsity teams.
In the girl’s game, the Lady Ironmen lost to the Lady Gryphons by a score of 42-55. Scoring in double figures for the CHS ladies were senior Gabbie McCorkle (18 points) and Krista Davis (10 points). Raylei Gidney and Evionna McDowell each scored 4 points apiece, with Emily Allen getting 3 points. Rounding out the ladies’ score were Laila Davis with 2 points and Ceniya Powell with one point.
The CHS men took to the court against the TJCA Gryphons and soundly defeated them by a score of 81-46.
Coach Harrill had three players in double digits with Carson Kelly scoring 24 points (18 points off of three-point shots alone!); Numarius Good with 14; and Landon Hahn with 10 points. They were followed by Darrien Floyd with 7 points; Rayshawn Sewell and Ethan Honeyman with 6 points apiece; Nate Bookout with 5 points and Steven Brown with 5 points.
The Ironmen will be away this week at Shelby and BCHS.
The men are currently 9-9 overall and 2-5 in SPC 1A/2A play, and the ladies are currently 3-15 overall and 0-7 in 1A/2A play
(Additional info and stats by Susan L. Powell)

They took on East Gaston; Davie County grapplers at CHS’ gym

The CHS Ironmen wrestlers faced off last week at CHS Gym against wrestlers from East Gaston and Davie County. Head wrestling coach Matt Powers said he was glad his men made a good showing against the visiting teams, picking up wins from veteran Ironmen grapplers Chase Miller, Kam Bolin, Tobias Miller and Caleb Hovis, among others.
Miller, a senior, was named the Career Win Leader on Dec. 23, 2022, with 130 wins under his belt. Bolin got his 100th Career Win as well.

Boys are currently 4-8 overall; girls are currently 2-11 overall

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The Holiday Classic is over, and now it’s back to regularly scheduled basketball as the Ironmen teams look to pick up some wins as the season moves on.
Such was not to be however, as the CHS Ironmen basketball men and women lost two recent matches to the East Gaston Warriors (away) and to their rivals, the BCHS Yellow Jackets (at Nixon Gym).
Against East Gaston
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, the Ironmen traveled to Mt. Holly to play the East Gaston Warriors. The Lady Ironmen lost their game to the Lady Warriors by a score of 47-46. High scorer for the ladies in this one was Gabbie McCorkle, with 26 points, followed by Krista Davis with seven (7) points.
Emily Allen had three (3) points, and Evionna McDowell, Kate Bookout, and Layla Davis each scored two (2) points apiece.
The varsity boys’ team fared little better as the Warriors handed the CHS men an 85-54 defeat.
 Against Bessemer City
The BCHS Yellow Jackets hoops teams traveled to Cherryville on Friday, Jan. 6 to take on the CHS Ironmen basketball squads. Both Yellow Jackets teams came out winners in these matchups as the Lady YJ’s bashed the Lady Ironmen 66-18 while the varsity YJ men took a 20-point win over the CHS men, 76-56, to hand the CHS men another loss at home.
High scorers for the Lady Ironmen were Gabbie McCorkle, with 12 points. Newcomer Raylei Gidney scored four points for the ladies, while Krista Davis had two (2) points.
In varsity men’s action, the Ironmen’s highest scorer was Carson Kelly with 18 points, followed by Numarius Good and Darrien Floyd, each with 10 points. Kelly made it into the elite 1,000 Points Club of Ironmen “shooters” in this game as he amassed his 1,000th point of his CHS basketball career. Coach Harrill gave him the game ball at that point.
Nate Bookout had 9 points and Chance Hunt had 3 points while Ironmen players Rayshawn Sewell, Hunter Jackson, and Adrian Patterson had two (2) points apiece.
The Lady Ironmen are currently 2-11 overall and 0-4 in SPC 1A/2A play and the Ironmen varsity boys are 4-8 overall and 04 in SPC 1A/2A play.
The Ironmen basketball teams played Highland Tech at Highland Tech on Tuesday, Jan. 10, and are set to play Pinnacle at Pinnacle on Wednesday, Jan. 11. All varsity games are scheduled to begin at 6  p.m.
(Additional stats and information by Susan L. Powell)

…No “W’s” for either team in second day of 2022 tournament

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The 2022 Bud Black/Dennis Tate Holiday Classic – billed as “The Small High School Basketball Tourney Since 1981” was played over a two-day period last week at CHS’ Nixon Gym as the Ironmen and Lady Ironmen hoops teams hosted Piedmont Charter’s basketball teams; Highland Tech’s Lady Rams; the tough Burns Bulldogs men’s team; and Pinnacle Classical Academy’s Eagles and Lady Eagles teams. While the Ironmen teams both fared well on the first day of the Classic (Tuesday, Dec. 27), with each of the CHS teams winning against their respective foes, Wednesday’s (Dec. 28) championship bouts were another matter altogether.

Tuesday – Dec. 27, 2022
In the first game of the day in this Holiday Classic matchup, the Piedmont Charter Lady Patriots lost 49 to 53 to the tough and focused shooting of the Highland Tech Lady Rams.
Later that night, the Pinnacle Classic Academy Lady Eagle’s team lost to the CHS Lady Ironmen by a score of 42-30. It was the CHS ladies’ second win of the 2022 hoops season.
High scorer for the Lady Ironmen in the win was Gabbie McCorkle with 20 points. Kate Bookout had 6 points; Rayleigh Gidney had 4; Krista Davis 3; and four players had 4 points apiece.
Next up in that day’s games was the matchup between the Burns varsity Bulldogs, who played the Piedmont Charter Patriots men’s team, defeating that team by a score of 65 to 59.
In the following Tuesday men’s hoops action pitting the CHS Ironmen against the Pinnacle CA Eagles, the Ironmen won by a score of 74-32.
High scorer for the Ironmen in the win was Carson Kelly with 19 points. Numarius Good had 13 points; Hunter Jackson had 8; with numerous players getting 6, 4, and 2 points apiece to add to the win.

Wednesday – Dec. 28, 2022
In the consolation games for the ladies’ teams, the Piedmont Charter Lady Patriots defeated the Lady Eagles of Pinnacle Classic Academy, 60-41.
In the boys’ consolation game, the Pinnacle CA men defeated Piedmont by a score of 84-48.
The two championship games played in the Holiday Classic later that night were between the Lady Rams of Highland Tech and the CHS Lady Ironmen. The Lady Rams took this one by a score of 48-22.
High scorer for the CHS ladies in the loss was Gabbie McCorkle, who had 13 points.
In the men’s championship game that followed the ladies’ game, the CHS Ironmen lost to the hard-charging, couldn’t-seem-to-miss Burns Bulldogs by a score of 76-52.
High scorers in this matchup for the CHS men was Darrien Floyd with 20 points, followed by Numarius Good with 11 points and Carson Kelly with 10 points. Chance Hunt had 5 points with Nate Bookout, Rayshawn Sewell, and Hunter Jackson scoring the remainder of the points.
Most Valuable Player (Girls) went to HT’s Akela Taylor. All-Tournament Girls were: Bailey Maiers, Addie McCraw, Reese Thomas, and Emma Ghorley – Highland Tech; Kate Bookout, Krista Davis, and Gabbie McCorkle – Cherryville; Cydney Self – Pinnacle Classical Academy; and Grace East and Lyric Brown – Piedmont Charter.
Most Valuable Player (Boys) went to Burns’ Carlo Wallace. All-Tournament Boys were: Jeremiah Norris, Lemont Wilson, Ryan Thompson, and Johnny Johnson – Burns; Carson Kelly, Numarius Good, and Darrien Floyd – Cherryville; Jordan Jones and Xavier Wilcher – Piedmont Charter; and Cody Humphries – Pinnacle Classical Academy.
(Additional information and stats by Susan L. Powell and Dr. Bud Black)

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The 2022 CHS Ironmen Track championship 4x400 meter state champs received their state championship rings on Friday, Dec. 16 at a half-time ceremony at Nixon Gym during the Ironmen basketball game.
Athletic Director Scott Harrill and head track coach Justin Willyoung handed out the ornate rings to the following young men who brought honor and glory to the 2022 CHS Track men’s team: Jackson Owens, Cooper Sloan, Jack Mulvey, Mason Grindstaff, and Yandel Lazala. Grindstaff was unable to be there due to his serving his country as a United States Marine, but the ring was accepted by his father.
Coach Willyoung noted these five amazing young men “…were the nucleus for a team that made school history multiple times last year.” Coach Willyoung added, “This was a once-in-a-generation group of young men that banded together and made history multiple times this past season.”
It was noted that Owens is attending Lenoir-Rhyne for pre-med and is involved in their track and field program. Sloan is attending Defiance College for Exercise Science and is playing football. Lastly, Lazala is currently a senior at CHS and is returning with his eyes on another state championship.

Black/Tate Holiday Classic scheduled
for Dec. 27-28

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen varsity basketball men are currently 4-4 overall and 0-1 in SPC 1A/2A play at roughly the mid-point in their 2022-2023 hoops season, with the bulk of their conference games looming ahead of them.

Against Stuart Cramer
Last week they took on the Storm of Stuart Cramer in a non-conference matchup which saw the Lady Storm hand the Lady Ironmen a 55-13 loss. The Lady Storm held the CHS ladies’ leading scorer – Gabbie McCorkle – to just five points in the game. However, Emily Allen came through for Coach Carrie Dalton and scored 7 points in the game. The remaining point scored for the ladies in this one was from Krista Davis.
The varsity men’s game went to overtime as the CHS men battled the larger school, fighting hard and forcing the game into overtime at 61-all at the end of fourth quarter play. The final score in the Tuesday, Dec. 13 game was 74-68 in favor of the visiting Storm.
Landon Hahn was the leading scorer for Coach Scott Harrill’s men in this one with 20 points, followed by Numarius Good and Darrien Floyd, who each score 15 points. Carson Kelly scored 14 points; 12 of which were shot from three-point land. Ethan Honeyman scored four points for the Ironmen.
The CHS JV squad lost to the JV Storm team by a score of 46-43.

Against Shelby
The Shelby HS Golden Lions roared into town last Friday night, Dec. 16, and clobbered the CHS varsity teams. The only win any CHS team got that night was JV squad’s 47-38 win over the JV Golden Lions before the varsity teams took to the Bud Black Court at Nixon Gym.
The Lady Golden Lions defeated the hard-fighting, CHS ladies by a score of 71-18, giving the Lady Ironmen their fourth consecutive loss of the season.
The highest scorers for the ladies in this one were Gabbie McCorkle, with 7 points, one of which was a three-pointer; and Laila Davis, with 5 points. Other shooters for the ladies were Kate Bookout and Krista Davis, with 2 points apiece, and Regan Hovis and Emily Allen with one point apiece.
In the men’s game, the varsity Ironmen lost a hard-fought game against the Golden Lions visitors by a score of 69-46, giving Coach Harrill’s group of shooters their third loss in a row this season.
Only two Ironmen made into double digits in this matchup – senior Numarius Good, with 21 points, and Darrien Floyd, with 11 points. Other scorers for the Ironmen varsity men were: Carson Kelly (6 points); Chance Hunt (4 points); Rayshawn Sewell (3 points); and  Ethan Honeyman, with one point.
The Ironmen played the Burns Bulldogs on Tuesday, Dec. 20 before playing in the Bud Black/Dennis Tate Holiday Classic, which is held Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 27 and 28, after the Christmas holiday.
The New Year, 2023, will see the Ironmen teams playing on Wednesday, Jan, 4, 2023 at East Gaston, then they will play their first home game of the New Year on Friday, Jan. 6, against rival Bessemer City. Both of these games continue the CHS teams’ conference matchup schedule, which ends on Feb. 10 against Thomas Jefferson’ Gryphons at TJCA.

(Additional information/stats by Susan L. Powell)

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

Against CHASE
The CHS Ironmen basketball teams played a couple of home non-conference games last week and won over visiting CHASE High School at Nixon Gym.
The Lady Ironmen, coached by Carrie Dalton and Callie Hahn, defeated the visiting Lady Trojans on Monday, Dec. 5 by a score of 39-19.  The leading scorer in this matchup for the CHS ladies was Gabbie McCorkle with 13 points, followed by Raylei Gidney, with 12 points. Emily Allen scored six points and Krista Davis scored four points. Regan Hovis and Skye Taylor each scored two points apiece for the Lady Ironmen.
In varsity men’s court action, Coach Scott Harrill’s Ironmen defeated the Trojans by a score of 70-53, in Nixon Gym action following the girls’ win.
The leading scorers for the men in this one were seniors Carson Kelly (#0) with 29 points, and Landon Hahn (#1), with 15. Darrien Floyd had 10  points and Numarius Good had eight (8) points against the Trojans.
Others scoring were Ethan Honeyman with four (4) points and Nate Bookout, with two (2) points.

Against Fred T. Foard
In a Tuesday, Dec. 6 away non-conference game, the CHS Ironmen varsity men beat the Fred T. Foard Tigers 70-64 at Newton. In a game played before the men’s game, the CHS Lady Ironmen were defeated by the Fred T. Foard Lady Tigers by a score of 62-17.

Against West Lincoln
The CHS Ironmen basketball teams traveled on Friday, Dec. 9, to play nearby rivals, the West Lincoln Rebels, in another non-conference game.
Also, on Friday, Dec. 9, the CHS ladies lost to the Lady Rebels by a score of 59-31. The men lost to the Rebel varsity men by a score of 82-75.
According to the web site, MaxPreps, the CHS varsity men are currently 4-2 overall, and 0-0 in conference play, which has yet to start. The CHS girls are now 1-5, 0-0; having lost to the Lady Rebels 59-31, last Friday night.
(Additional information by Susan L. Powell)