HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL: State playoff scores, pairings

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL STATE PLAYOFFS Rounds: First, May 6; second, May 9; third, May 13; fourth, May 16; regionals (best-of-3), May 20-24; state championship series (best-of-3), May 30 31 at Duke, UNC Greensboro FRIDAY’S SECOND ROUND GAMES WEST 1A No. 9 DRAUGHN at No. 8 Mountain Island Charter WEST 2A No. 10 LINCOLN CHARTER at No. 7 Black Mountain …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: State playoff scores, pairings

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL STATE PLAYOFFS Rounds: First, May 6; second, May 9; third, May 13; fourth, May 16; regionals (best-of-3), May 20-24; state championahip series (best-of-3), May 30 31 at Burlington Athletic Park and Ting Stadium, Holly Spings FRIDAY’S SECOND ROUND GAMES WEST 1A No. 22 Highland Tech at No. 6 DRAUGHN WEST 2A No.12 R-S Central at No. …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Varsity standings through Tuesday, May 5

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL STANDINGS (Varsity games through Tuesday, May 5) Note: HobbsDailyReport.com editor Chris Hobbs has kept game-by-game results since 1997. Corrections, comments: chobbs001@att.net… Standings will be updated daily. x–reached state playoffs; bold: still alive in state playoffs CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC                                                                                     Conf.                All        Streak x-Maiden                     …

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE: Tuesday through Saturday

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE This week’s schedule of high school baseball, softball and girls’ soccer for teams in the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A and Northwestern 3A-4A, as compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com. Start times are listed, if available, but contact the host school for exact starting times. Events that may have been added and/or have date changes …

SCOREBOARD: Friday, March 28; Saturday, March 29 results

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD FRIDAY, MARCH 28 RESULTS BASEBALL Catawba Valley 2A Bunker Hill 13, W. Caldwell 1 E. Burke 3, Bandys 0 Maiden 4, W. Caldwell 3 Newton-Conover 11, Lincolnton 1 Western Foothills 3A E. Lincoln 16, Foard 5 Hickory 9, St. Stephens 5 N. Lincoln 8, N. irdell 2 W. Iredell 14, Statesville 4 Northwestern 3A-4A Alexander Central …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Varsity standings through Thursday, April 10

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL STANDINGS (Varsity games through Thursday, April 10) Note: HobbsDailyReport.com editor Chris Hobbs has kept game-by-game results since 1997. Corrections, comments: chobbs001@att.net… Standings will be updated daily. CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC                                                                                     Conf.             All        Streak Maiden                                                                  9-2                    11-7        Won 5 E. Burke                                                                8-3                    10-6        Won 2 Newton-Con.             …

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE: Tuesday through Saturday

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE This week’s schedule of high school baseball, softball and girls’ soccer for teams in the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A and Northwestern 3A-4A, as compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com. Start times are listed, if available, but contact the host school for exact starting times. Events that may have been added and/or have date changes …

SCOREBOARD: Thursday’s results

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD THURSDAY’S RESULTS BASEBALL Western Foothills 3A Foard 14, Statesville 2 Others Patton 7, Mitchell County 3 St. Stephens 14, Maiden 2 S. Caldwell 6, Kings Mountain 1 W. Iredell 10, Mooresville 9 SOFTBALL Western Foothills 3A Foard 21, Statesville 1 Others Maiden 4, Pine Lake Prep 0 Patton 26, Mitchell County 11 St. Stephens 11, Newton-Conover …

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE: Tuesday through Saturday

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE This week’s schedule of high school baseball, softball and girls’ soccer for teams in the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A and Northwestern 3A-4A, as compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com. Start times are listed, if available, but contact the host school for exact starting times. Events that may have been added and/or have date changes …

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE: Baseball, softball, girls’ soccer

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE This week’s schedule of high school baseball, softball and girls’ soccer for teams in the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A and Northwestern 3A-4A, as compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com. Start times are listed, if available, but contact the host school for exact starting times. Events that may have been added and/or have date changes …

STATE BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: Bandys boys, E. Burke girls fall in West Regional finals

HIGH SCHOOL STATE BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS THIS WEEK’S REGIONAL GAMES (All at Joel Coliseum, Wake Forest; tickets $15 regional games, $20 state championships; parking $10) MONDAY’S RESULTS West 3A girls, No. 1 Cramer 62, No. 3 N. LINCOLN 38 East 3A boys, No. 2 Southern SES (Durham) 76, No. 1 Swanboro 65 East 3A girls, No. 2 Western  Alamance 64, vs. …

CATAWBA COUNTY HALL OF FAME: Lutz leads class of 2025

By MARK PARKER  HICKORY — In recognition of their achievements in sports in Catawba County, the Hickory Metro Sports Commission is proud to announce five new members and a Team of Distinction to the Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame (CCSHOF) for the class of 2025. This year’s inductees include former Fred T. Foard High and Lenoir-Rhyne University basketball standout …

SCOREBOARD: Wednesday’s results

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS BASEBALL Cramer at E. Lincoln, ppd., Thursday Draughn 8, Ashe County 6 Enka at S. Caldwell, ppd,, Thursday Freedom at Chase Lincolnton at Central Academy, ppd., Thursday Mitchell County 6, Patton 5 R-S Central 5, W. Lincoln 0 Statesville 7  W. Caldwell 3 SOFTBALL Crest at E. Lincoln, ppd., Thursday Forestview at Lincolnton, ppd., …

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE: Baseball, softball, girls’ soccer

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE This week’s schedule of high school baseball, softball and girls’ soccer for teams in the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A and Northwestern 3A-4A, as compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com. Start times are listed, if available, but contact the host school for exact starting times. Events that may have been added and/or have date changes …

PREP SCHEDULE: This week’s baseball, softball games; girls’ soccer matches

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE This week’s schedule of high school baseball, softball and girls’ soccer for teams in the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A and Northwestern 3A-4A, as compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com. Start times are listed, if available, but contact the host school for exact starting times. Events that may have been added and/or have date changes …

PREP BASKETBALL: All conference tourney finals now Friday

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com After inclement weather forced some scheduling changes, all three area high school basketball conference tournament championships will now be played Friday. Title games scheduled for Thursday night in the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic and Western Foothills 3A were moved after it snowed on Thursday morning. The CVAC 2A finals are Friday at East Burke while the …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Friday, Sept. 6 varsity schedule

HobbsDailyReport.com VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE (Friday, Sept. 6 games all at 7:30 p.m.) Alexander Central at N. Iredell Ashe County at W. W. Wilkes Bunker Hill at Randleman Draughn at E. Burke E. Lincoln at Lincolnton E. Rutherford at Newton-Conover Freedom at Forestview Maiden at Watauga N. Surry at S. Caldwell Statesville at S. Iredell W. Caldwell at Hibriten W. Lincoln …

FOLLOW LOCAL SPORTS WITH US!: Our 49th overall… 9th at this website

HobbsDailyReport.com WELCOME to another year of local sports coverage — highlighted by teams in high school varsity sports in the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A and Northwestern 4A — plus Draughn and Patton in Burke County. I have been slowed by some significant health problems since early in 2023 but recovering well… and regaining some speed, etc. But …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Friday, Aug.30 varsity results

HobbsDailyReport.com VARSITY FOOTBALL SCORES (Friday, Aug. 30 games) Alexander Central 54, Wilkes Central  14 Ashe County 24, N. Wilkes 0 Bandys 38, Fred T. Foard 6 Bunker Hill 48, St. Stephens 7 Forestview at E. Lincoln, ppd., Sept. 13 Freedom 12, E. Burke 7 Hickory 34, Newton-Conover 0 N. Lincoln 41, Lincolnton 20 S. Caldwell 46, R-S Central 14 Watauga …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Hickory stays unbeaten, faces 71st for 3A crown on Friday night

HobbsDailyReport.com    Scores and pairings for the state high school football playoffs that involve teams from the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A, Draughn and Patton:    To review statewide brackets for all games, visit www.nchsaa.org: STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES FRIDAY at UNC 3A No. 2 West HICKORY (15-0) vs. No. 2 East Fayetteville 71st (15-0),7 SATURDAY 1A …

IN MEMORY OF: Betty H. Blackburn, my mom

BETTY H. BLACKBURN (Oct. 22, 1931-Oct. 27, 2023) HobbsDailyReport.com Today we dedicate this website to the memory of my mom, Betty H. Blackburn. She died on Friday, Oct. 27 at  age 92, and my two brothers — David and Randy Hobbs —  and my father, James W. Hobbs, predeceased her. My work with this website — now in its seventh …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL JVs: Thursday scores, updated standings, next games

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STANDINGS JUNIOR VARSITY (through games of August 24) CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC                                                   Conf.         All          PF      PA Bandys                                      0-0              1-1          35       56 Bunker Hill                             0-0              0-2         14       66 E. Burke                                  0-0               1-1         60       22 Lincolnton                              0-0              2-0        48         6 Maiden                                    0-0              0-1         0         8 Newton-Conover                  0-0              0-2       22         76 W. Caldwell                           0-0             1-1         …

HALL OF FAME: NCHSAA adds class of 2023

HobbsDailyReport.com CARY  — The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has inducted its 2023 Hall of Fame class. The ceremony was held in Cary with a banquet that featured a video of each individual’s career by Newton native Rick Strunk, a former NCHSAA employee. https://www.nchsaa.org/news/2023-8-21/2023-nchsaa-hall-fame-banquet?fbclid=IwAR3V1oduAwGjWegprDmjfzAffrwtbIu967AVWjH8CjBgdR6JJ6vyKV9PAHc

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Varsity scores, standings, Friday’s schedule

aHobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STANDINGS VARSITY (through games of August 25) CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC                                                 Conf.          All           PF     PA Bandys                                    0-0               2-0           84        6 Bunker Hill                           0-0               2-0            91        15 E. Burke                                0-0               2-0            76        13 Lincolnton                           0-0               0-2            45       52 Maiden                                 0-0              1-0           48          6 Newton-Conover                0-0            0-2            58        110 W. …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: 2023 VARSITY GAMES BY PLAYING DATE

.HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL VARSITY PLAYING DATES Varsity football games by playing dates for schools in the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A plus Draughn and Patton. Game times are at 7:30 p.m.: FRIDAY, AUGUST 18 Alexander Central at Statesville Ashe County at Wilkes Central Draughn at Hunter Huss E. Burke at Patton E. Lincoln at Cramer …

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL: E. Lincoln wins twice, takes state 3A title

z HobbsDailyReport.com STATE HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS   Note: Game sites were assigned on Tuesday by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), with each series scheduled Friday and Saturday. NCHSAA CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDUP: https://www.nchsaa.org/news/2023-6-3/recaps-2023-softball-state-championship CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (best-of-3) 1A (at Dial Stadium, N.C. State) EAST No. 4 NORTH DUPLIN (23-3) vs. WEST No. 11 UNION ACADEMY (24-4) Game 1, Friday: …

CVCC: Baseball, softball teams will continue in 2023-2024

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY — Sports programs at Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC), — including baseball and softball — will continue in 2023-2024, school officials announced Wednesday. After receiving donations and other financial help, the Red Hawks will not drop any sports. The school had earlier said it would drop baseball and softball after the current seasons because of …

STATE BILL 636: NCHSAA commissioner makes brief comments at legislative hearing

Bill that would give state legislature even more control has not yet gone to House vote   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com RALEIGH — In an ongoing effort to settle stormy waters circling the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), the organization’s leader spoke briefly on Tuesday at a hearing about a new bill moving through the North Carolina legislature …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Burns wins again, captures state 2A crown

HobbsDailyReport.com STATE HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYOFFS   Note: Game sites were assigned on Tuesday – Ting Stadium in Holly Springs or Burlington Athletic Park – by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), with each series scheduled Friday and Saturday. NCHSAA CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDUP: https://www.nchsaa.org/news/2023-6-3/recaps-2023-baseball-state-championship CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (best-of-3) 1A (at Ting Stadium, Holly Springs) EAST No. 9 NORTH MOORE (22-8) …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Final 2023 varsity standings

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY BASEBALL STANDINGS (Final 2023 season) CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC                                                                            Conf.       All      Streak Maiden                                                             13-1           18-8     Lost 2 Bandys                                                             11-3            17-10    Lost 1 W. Lincoln                                                       9-5            13-13    Lost 2 E. Burke                                                           8-6            11-10     Lost 2 Bunker Hill                                                     6-8             9-12      Lost 2 Newton-Conover                     …

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL: Spartans, Cougars will battle in third round

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL STATE PLAYOFF PAIRINGS (First round results, second round pairings games for teams in area conference; for complete statewide pairings visit www.nchsaa.org) TUESDAY’S THIRD ROUND GAMES WEST 2A No. 5 MAIDEN (20-3) at No. 4 W. Stanly (25-1) WEST 3A No. 5 E. LINCOLN (19-1) at No. 4 W. Rowan (20-3-1) WEST 4A No. 10 S. CALDWELL …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Draughn, Foard reach third round

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL STATE PLAYOFF PAIRINGS   (First and second round results, third round pairings games for teams in area conference; for complete statewide pairings visit www.nchsaa.org) TUESDAY’S THIRD ROUND GAMES WEST 1A No. 22 Starmount (10-13) at No. 3 DRAUGHN (21-4) WEST 2A No. 8 LINCOLN CHARTER (20-5) at No. 1 Burns (22-4) WEST 3A No. 24 N. …

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL: Alex Central, S. Caldwell a playoff win away from another battle

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL STATE PLAYOFF PAIRINGS (First round results, second round pairings games for teams in area conference; for complete statewide pairings visit www.nchsaa.org) FRIDAY’S SECOND ROUND  GAMES WEST 1A No. 16 DRAUGHN (20-4) at No. 1 S. Stokes (21-1) WEST 2A No. 17 W. LINCOLN (18-8) at No. 1 McMichael (25-0) No. 12 R-S Central (18-3) at No. …

TRACK AND FIELD: Bandys girls, Bunker Hill boys win CVAC championships

HobbsDailyReport.com CLAREMONT — The Bandys High girls and Bunker Hill boys posted Catawba Valley 2A Athletic track and field championships on May 4, winning them at Bunker Hill. The conference has also announced its list of season award winners: — Ayden Thompson of Bunker Hill and Saniya Miller of Newton-Conover won Sprinter of the Year awards. — Field Athletes of …

NCHSAA: St. Stephens’ Gonzalez-Garcia among Bradshaw honorees

HobbsDailyReport.com CHAPEL HILL — Nery Gonzalez-Garcia, a two-sport star at St. Stephens High, has been awarded a Willie Bradshaw Endowed Scholarship by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). A Bradshaw honoree gets $750 of scholarship support. The selections are chosen from a group of outstanding  Black African American, Native American, Alaska Native, Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Other …

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER: Varsity standings through Monday

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER STANDINGS (through Monday, May 8, league matches only) CATAWBA VALLEY 2 ATHLETIC x-Bandys                  9-2-1 Newton-Conover  10-3-0 x-Lincolnton          8-3-2 Maiden                   7-4-2 E. Burke                 6-4-3 W. Lincoln            3-8-2 W. Caldwell           3-9-0 Bunker Hill          0-13-0 –includes May 5 forfeit by Bandys to Lincolnton (Bandys did not …

CRAWDADS: Fall at home, head to weekend at 11-11

HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY CRAWDADS Thursday result at L.P. Frans Stadium: Jersey Shore, N.J. 7, Hickory 5 Wednesday’s result at L.P. Frans Stadium: Hickory 4, Jersey Shore, N.J. 0 Current record: 11-11, second place in South Atlantic League South Division, 5 games behind Winston-Salem Overall record: 11-11 Next game: Friday vs. Jersey Shore, 7 p.m. This series: Through Sunday; game times: Friday …

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Deal gives up 4 runs, takes loss for Mississippi

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com PENSACOLA, Fla. — Hayden Deal had trouble throwing strikes on Thursday night, ending up taking a loss as Pensacola (Fla.) edged visiting Mississippi  6-3. Deal came on as the third pitcher for the Braves (8-16) and lasted only one-third of an inning. His log for the night: two hits, four runs (all earned) with two walks …

HIGH SCHOOLS: NCHSAA approves NIL for student-athletes but state legislature steps in to stop it

Relationship between the 2 bodies is considered very strained   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com RALEIGH — The first head-to-head clash between the N.C. Legislature and North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) over a specific decision developed Wednesday. After the NCHSAA board of directors voted 18-0 to allow the state’s student-athletes to participate in an NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) …

CRAWDADS: Have even record after 20 games this season

HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY CRAWDADS   Tuesday’s results at L.P. Frans Stadium: Jersey Shore, N.J. 7, Hickory 5 Current record: 10-10, second place in South Atlantic League South Division, 5 games behind Winston-Salem Overall record: 10-10 Next game: Weds. vs. Jersey Shore, 11 a.m. This series: Through Sunday; game times: Weds. at 11 a.m.; Thursday, Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 5 …

HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE: Wednesday’s varsity events

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SPRING  SPORTS SCHEDULE High school varsity spring sports events for Wednesday involving teams from the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A plus Draughn and Patton. The schedule, with game times (if available), are compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com from individual schedules provided by the schools per a request for those schedules. Games or matches that are …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Maiden earns top seed for conference tournament

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com A Maiden High varsity baseball team that did not let three single-run losses to start the season overwhelm it is on the way to the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic tournament as a top seed. Head coach Dustin Hull’s Blue Devils (16-6 overall, five straight wins) won 13 straight league games – the last in their final …

HIGH SCHOOLS: Foard principal next AD for Catawba County Schools

Westmoreland to replace Lee Miller, promoted to assistant superintendent   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport,com NEWTON — A veteran administrator will take on a key role in the Catawba County Schools in athletics on June 1. Stephen Westmoreland, principal at Fred T. Foard High since 2015, has been named the school system’s next Director of High School Education and Athletics. Westmoreland …

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Cougars tab Gant as next varsity boys’ head coach

He helped Wills keep Cougars in contender’s status By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com TAYLORSVILLE — Alexander Central High has turned its varsity boys’ basketball program over to a key assistant who helped Ed Wills guided many of the Cougars’ best teams of the last half-century. Cam Gant, head junior varsity  boys’  coach and on the varsity bench with Ed Wills for …

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Bluffton (S.C.) hires Gabriel as next varsity boys’ coach

Former Bandys star, Lincoln Charter head coach takes new job in S.C   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com BLUFFTOWN, S.C. — Bradley Gabriel, one of the top guards in Bandys High basketball history whose 300-plus career coaching wins include at his alma mater, has  been named the next varsity  boys’ basketball head coach at Bluffton, S.C. Gabriel, who coached Lincoln Charter …

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Deal makes solid start to season

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Former Bandys High left-hander Hayden Deal is off to a good start to his seventh year in the minor leagues for the Atlanta Braves. Through Saturday night, Deal was 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA after two relief appearances for the Mississippi Braves in Double A ball. He has pitched four innings and struck out six as …

AN UPDATE: Progress is slow but we’re on way back

HobbsDailyReport.com We’re happy to report HobbsDailyReport.com editor and content coordinator Chris Hobbs is making some progress — and is able to post some items on the website — as he continues what will be a long recovery from a severely broken right arm/shoulder. Up until now the pain has been too severe for Hobbs, who is right-handed, to write or …

HUNTER HARVEY: Gives up home run but is off to solid start for Nationals

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Bandys High star Hunter Harvey is off to a solid start this season, but was touched for a home run on Friday night in a home loss to Cleveland. The Guardians won 6-4 and will continue the series on Saturday (4:05 p.m.) and Sunday (1:05 p.m.) at Nationals Park. Harvey, 28 and …

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS: Bandys hires ex-Hickory head coach Helms

  HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA — Bandys High announced Monday it has hired former Hickory High head girls’ basketball coach Barbara Helms. She replaces Eric King, who recently resigned after one season. Helms is nearing 500 career wins — she also coached East Burke girls t0 start her prep varsity coaching career. Her son, Brandon, is Bandys’ varsity head basketball coach, and …

OBIT: Former Bandys, Foard, St. Stephens head football coach Foster dies

He coached for 34 years — 32 in Catawba County — and won 175 games   Editor’s note: All year-by-year and record information about Dick Foster’s coaching career in this article is copyrighted — as is all content on HobbsDailyReport.com — and can’t be used by print or radio broadcasts without  crediting HobbsDailyReport.com for the information/research or receiving a waiver. …

HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE: This week’s varsity spring sports

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE High school varsity spring sports events for this week involving teams from the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A plus Draughn and Patton. The schedule, with game times (if available), are compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com from individual schedules provided by the schools per a request for those schedules. As the season begins, …

ATHLETES LAB: Foundation will add opportunities for more student-athletes

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com MAIDEN — Grant Rembert’s focus on what he sees as an opportunity for local athletes to grow and reach their potential is taking another step. Rembert has announced his Athletes Lab Performance Center in Maiden, available for female and male athletes age 7 through 18, is now going to include Athletes Lab Foundation, Inc. Through the …

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Final 2022-2023 boys standings

HobbsDailyReport.com STATE BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS For complete statewide pairings, visit www.nchsaa.org   Tuesday’s West Regional first round at higher seeds 2A No. 8 Lincoln Charter at No. 4 E. Gaston, time TBD Saturday’s third round results at higher seeds 2A No. 8 Lincoln Charter 85, No. 1 N. Surry 82 No. 6 Salisbury 76, No. 3 W. Caldwell 71 3A …

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Girls playoffs scores, pairings through Feb. 25

HobbsDailyReport.com GIRLS STATE BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS For complete statewide pairings, visit www.nchsaa.org   Tuesday’s West Regional first round at higher seeds 1A No. 16 Draughn at No. 13 Robbinsville, time TBA 2A No. 3 E. Burke at No. 1 Randleman, time TBA 3A No. 14 Freedom at No. 2 E. Lincoln, time TBA 4A No. 11 Charlotte Catholic at No. 2 …

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING: N-C nips Bandys, advances to 2A dual-team final

Red Devils, already owning 3 titles, get eighth shot to win it all   HobbsDailyReport.com LINCOLNTON – Newton-Conover High emerged from a mini-Catawba Valley 2A Athletic tournament on Wednesday, winning the West 2A dual-team wrestling championship. The third and fourth rounds at Lincolnton pitted No. 11 Bandys against No. 10 West Lincoln, and the top-seeded Red Devils against No. 12 …

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING: N-C, Foard gain top West seeds for state dual-teams

Bandys defends 2A championship while Foard won last year’s 3A tournament   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com The state high school dual-team championship begins Saturday with eight area teams in the field, and that includes the start of defense of state titles in 2A by Bandys and 3A by Fred T. Foard. The Catawba Valley 2A Athletic has four teams in …

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Final 2022-2023 boys standings

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL STANDINGS   (Final 2022-2023) CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC                                                                                              Conf.                     All                Streak *W. Caldwell                                                          14-0                   26-3          Lost 1 Maiden                                                                           12-2                    22-5             Lost 2 Newton-Conover                                                       8-6                  15-13   …

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Girls varsity standings through Feb. 25

  HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS (Heading into fourth round of state playoffs; teams in bold are still playing) CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC                                                                                          Conf.                        All                Streak *E. Burke                                                                     14-0                         26-2          Won 3 Newton-Conover                                                    12-2                        25-5               Lost 1 W. …

HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA: Ford new publisher of Lincoln Times-News

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com LINCOLNTON – A group that includes former West Lincoln High star football player Lanny Ford — an avid supporter of coverage of high school athletics for many years – has purchased the Lincoln Times-News. A story published in the LTN said the newspaper, owned and managed by the Leedy family since 1961, has been purchased by …

ALL-CVAC 2A FOOTBALL: Rebels’ Avery, Blue Devils’ Culliver lead selections

Bunker Hill kicker, Maiden head coach also bring home top league awards   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Dominating seasons – another title for Maiden and big year from its star wide receiver plus a record-setting year for West Lincoln’s top running back – led to two of the key 2022 Catawba Valley 2A Athletic high school football awards being shared. …

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Thursday through Saturday results

HobbsDailyReport.com THURSDAY, DEC. 1 GIRLS Draughn 66, Patton 9 Freedom 56, Hickory 48 BOYS Hickory 70, Freedom 69 Draughn at Patton, ppd., Dec. 14 FRIDAY, DEC. 2 GIRLS Alexander CentraL 62, S. Iredell 34 Ashbrook at N. Lincoln Ashe County 71, W. Wilkes 29 Carson at Statesville Fred T. Foard 52, Bandys 24 Freedom 57, E.  Burke 53 Hibriten at …

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Tuesday, Wednesday results

HobbsDailyReport.com TUESDAY, NOV. 29 GIRLS Alexander Central 59,  N. Gaston 20 Ashe County 63, N. Surry 57 Bandys 60, W. Iredell 36 Draughn  at Freedom, ppd., Dec. 6 E. Burke 60, Patton 14 Fred T. Foard 47, Maiden 41 Hibriten 71, Wilkes Central 32 Lake Norman 78, N. Iredell 34 Lincoln Charter 62, W. Caldwell 17 Newton-Conover 54, St. Stephens …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: Draughn advances to West 1A title game

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STATE PLAYOFFS 1A ROUND 4 No. 6 DRAUGHN 42, No. 2 ANDREWS 21 Draughn         14       6     8     14—42 Andrews            7      7      7        0—21 SCORING SUMMARY First quarter D—Connor Pinkerton 8 pass from Eli Tillery (Rudy Mendoza kick) A—Austin Martin 70 pass from Donovan Bateman (Ty Clark kick) …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: Top-seeded Reidsville eliminates Maiden

Editor’s note: All historical references about Reidsville and Maiden are from research by HobbbsDailyReport.com and – like all copy on our website – is copyrighted. The information can’t be republished or broadcast without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com or with a waiver of the copyright. To inquire about a waiver, contact Chris Hobbs at chobbs001@att.net. By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Unofficial game totals from …

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

HobbsDailyReport.com HAPPY THANKSGIVING from HobbsDailyReport.com… we’ve become part of the local mix for those who enjoy following high school sports and other important news in the Greater Hickory area, and are just starting our sixth season of basketball, wrestling and swimming coverage. A big thank you today to our partners who make it possible — in our fifth year — …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Maiden extends win streak over Bears to 33 games

Gibbs bruises hand in victory but expected to play Friday in fourth round Reidsville   Editor’s note: All historical references about Bunker Hill and Maiden are from research by HobbbsDailyReport.com those references are copyrighted, as is all content on our website. The information can’t be republished or broadcast without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com or with a waiver of the copyright. To inquire …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: Statewide scores, pairings

HobbsDailyReport.com STATE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS Note: To review brackets, including all first round scores, visit www.nchsaa.org (All games at 7:30 p.m.) 1A EAST Friday’s championship No. 3 Rosewood (10-4) at No. 1 Tarboro (12-1), 7:30 p.m. Fourth round results No. 1 Tarboro 45, No. 4 Northampton County 20 No. 3 Rosewood 27, No. 2 N. Moore 7 Third round …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Blue Devils start quick, pummel Mount Pleasant

Editor’s note: All historical references about Mount Pleasant and Maiden are from research by HobbbsDailyReport.com and – like all copy on our website – is copyrighted. The information can’t be republished or broadcast without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com or with a waiver of the copyright. To inquire about a waiver, contact Chris Hobbs at chobbs001@att.net. Maiden earns repeat battle with league rival …

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: N. Iredell rallies, wins state 3A title at 33-0

Western Foothills 3A champs nip Greenville Rose 3-2 at N.C. State in final   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com RALEIGH – North Iredell High — the best volleyball team in the Western Foothills 3A with an unbeaten record that included losing only one set in league play – is also the state’s top 3A team. The Raiders, 14-0 in league play …

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER: Hickory faces Jacksonville on Saturday for state 3A title

BY CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com GREENSBORO — Hickory High goes for a state 3A title in boys’ soccer on Saturday, facing East No. 8 seed Jacksonville at 2:30 p.m. in Greensboro. Jacksonville (18-7-2) won its spot in the final with a 2-1 victory at East No. 2 First Flight, while Hickory (West No. 10 seed) advanced by beating West No. 1 …

FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: Area second round scores through Saturday, third round pairings

Hit by a rash of injuries, North Lincoln decided to opt out of postseason   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CHAPEL HILL – Thirteen football teams from the Greater Hickory area are advancing to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) football playoffs. The brackets were pulled back for review during the day on Saturday and then finalized later that …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Bandys 35, West Caldwell 28

Trojans win 2 straight for first time since 2019 but even third in a row wouldn’t likely net playoff bid   Editor’s note: All historical references to the West Caldwell-Bandys series are from research by HobbbsDailyReport.com and – like all copy on our website – is copyrighted. The information can’t be republished or broadcast without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com or with a …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Maiden wins in final minute, runs win streak over Bunker Hill to 32

Editor’s note: All historical references to the Bunker Hill-Maiden series since 1980 is from research by HobbbsDailyReport.com and – like all copy on our website – is copyrighted. The information can’t be republished or broadcast without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com or with a waiver of the copyright. To inquire about a waiver, contact Chris Hobbs at chobbs001@att.net. By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Unofficial …

SHRINE BOWL: Maiden’s Culliver leads 4 area selections for North Carolina

All-Star game — set Dec. 17 in Spartanburg (S.C) — returns after 2 COVID-impacted years with no contest   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Maiden High receiver Chris Culliver highlights a list of four players from area football conferences selected for North Carolina’s Shrine Bowl team. The other three picks are: North Lincoln tight end Bryson Esser, Watauga …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Maiden romps at Bandys in second-highest scoring game of storied series

Game No. 70 features 52-27 score, 900-plus yards of total offense and more than 550 passing   Editor’s note: All historical references to the Bandys-Maiden series, which started in 1955, are from research by HobbbsDailyReport.com and – like all copy on our website – is copyrighted. They can’t be republished or broadcast (other than by WLON and WNNC in our …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STANDINGS: Draughn, E. Lincoln in West title games

HobbsDailyReport.com VARSITY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STANDINGS (through games of Friday, Nov. 25, fourth round state playoffs, schools in bold still playing) CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC                                                                                                               Conf.            All             PF          PA x-Maiden                                                                                      7-0               12-2            554     289 Bunker Hill                                                                                    6-1              11-2         …

HUNTER HARVEY: Finishes strong, completes season at 2-1 with 2.52 ERA

Former Bandys High star eligible for salary arbitration with Nationals   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com NEW YORK — Former Bandys High star Hunter Harvey finished the major league season strong with three strikeouts in two sinmgle-inning appearances. He pitched one inning on Wednesday night in the Washington Nationals’ 9-2 loss at the New York Mets after going one inning on …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Bandys, Lincolnton confirm each will be without 1 player ejected last week

Bandys head coach injured but on the job, will guide Trojans against Maiden   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA – Bandys and Lincolnton will each have one high school varsity football player out on Friday due to ejections for fighting in last Thursday’s game at Bandys. Bandys athletic director Brandon Harbinson on Tuesday clarified the Trojans had one ejection while …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Injured Bandys HC will guide team in battle with Maiden

HobbsDailyReport.com awaiting more info from Catawba, Lincoln County school systems   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA — We’ll also post updated or more complete information — if and when — it becomes available. Lincolnton played at Bandys in a high school varsity game on Thursday night — Lincolnton won 43-34 in a Catawba Valley 2A Athletic battle — and there …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Unbeaten Bunker Hill hits bumps in the road

1 player ejected, 9 DQed at North Iredell; staph infection breakout to impact roster as well   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CLAREMONT – Bunker Hill High’s varsity football team is navigating two road bumps as it prepares to go for a 4-0 start. The Bears (3-0) open Catawba Valley 2A Athletic play on Friday at home against Lincolnton (7:30 p.m.), …

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Bandys sets Alumni Games to celebrate 1982 state title teams

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA — Bandys High has announced it will honor its state 2A championship basketball teams of 1982 with alumni games on Nov. 12 at Bost-Matheson Gym. The event begins at 6 p.m. and includes appearances by this year’s varsity basketball teams. The alumni games will feature Green and White teams. The Green team will have players …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Spartans make key defensive stop to top Bandys

Draughn drills Highland Tech, is off to 4-0 start   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com South Caldwell High needed a key defensive stop late to add a field goal and hold off visiting Bandys 31-24 on Friday night to improve to 3-1. The Spartans used a 16-yard TD run by Suan Moore to lead 28-24 and then stopped a Bandys drive …

HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE: This week’s varsity events (other than football)

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL FALL VARSITY SPORTS SCHEDULE   Varsity fall sports – other than football (see a separate post) – for teams in the Catawba Valley Athletic 2A, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A and for Draughn and Patton for this week. The schedule is compiled from those sent to HobbsDailyReport.com, per the website’s request, and includes events from the schools …

CRAWDADS: Lose finale by 2 runs, close season at 66-65

HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY CRAWDADS   Sunday’s results at L.P. Frans Stadium: Rome, Ga. 4, Hickory 2 Saturday’s results at L.P. Frans Stadium: Game cancelled Current record: 28-37, fourth place in South Atlantic League South Division,  seven 7 1/2 games behind third-place Asheville; nine games behind second-place Bowling Green (Ky.); 11 1/2 games behind Rome (Ga.) First-half finish: 38-28, second behind division …

HIGH SCHOOLS: Maiden visits Bandys with volleyball league lead on line

Foard, unbeaten in Western Foothills 3A, plays at St. Stephens   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com A 10-kill, nine digs night by Payton Miller helped spark Maiden High’s volleyball victory on Tuesday night and set up a showdown for first place in the Catawba Valley Athletic 2A. The Blue Devils downed visiting West Caldwell 25-6, 25-13, 25-7 to improve to 3-0 …

WNNC’S GOLDEN HELMET: Week 1, Bunker Hill RB Jason Willis

HobbsDailyReport.com NEWTON — WNNC is again this season selecting an area Player of the Week in high school football. The radio station and Coca-Cola present the Golden Helmet award each week after receiving nominations from the schools, a tradition established by WNNC owner Dave Lingafelt. WNNC also continues to lead Catawba County’s radio stations in live weekly broadcasts of the …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEWS 2002: A few notes….

We’ve completed high school varsity previews for 2022 and appreciate the patience and understanding for the delay — our website crashed at mid-day on Aug. 19 (opening night) and was down for four days. We also had a number of delays in receiving return information from head coaches. As a result, HobbsDailyReport.com regrets it will not have season previews on …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Draughn Wildcats

DRAUGHN WILDCATS   Conference: Western Highlands 1A-2A Head coach: Chris Powell (19-23, 4 years). Assistant coaches: Jonathan Winker, LB-DC; Billy Abee, DL; Ryan Wilkins, DB; Chris Cozort, OLB; Jeremy Davis, WR-DB; Bryson Lambert, WR; Justin Radabaugh, RB Last season’s records: 6-6 overall, 4-2 in Western Highlands 1A-2A, second place SCHOOL FOOTBALL HISTORY Last season in state playoffs: 2021, 1A Last …

NORTHWESTERN 3A-4A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Alexander Central Cougars

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDaily Report.com ALEXANDER CENTRAL COUGARS Conference: Northwestern 3A-4A Head coach: Butch Carter (147-102, 21 years; 43-23 at Alexander Central, 6 years) Assistant coaches: Matt Williams, QB-WR-OC; Marcus Bowen, DB-DC; Larry Robinson, B-Backs; Chris Marshall, TE-OL-Strength Coach; Jerry Ratchford, DL; Cody Bowers, OLB; Jeremy Honeycutt, ILB; Patrick Smith, WB-Special teams; Jonathan Watts, SID/Stats; Caroline Sawyer, athletic trainer. Last …

NORTHWESTERN 3A-4A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Freedom Patriots

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDaily Report.com FREEDOM PATRIOTS   Conference: Northwestern 3A-4A Head coach: Justin Hawn (7-8, 2 years) Assistant coaches: Ian Cooper, LB-DC; Billy Whisenant, DL; Jeb Bennett, DB; Brad King, QB;; Brent Rowe, RB; Tyler Hackett, WR; Jeffrey Beall, OL; Justin Fortune, DL Last season’s records: 5-5 overall; 2-3 Northwestern 3A-4A, fourth place SCHOOL FOOTBALL HISTORY Last season in …

NORTHWESTERN 3A-4A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Ashe County Huskies

ASHE COUNTY HUSKIES   Conference: Northwestern 3A-4A Head coach: Brian Hampton (75-72, 13 years; 59-54 at Ashe County, 10 years). Assistant coaches: Drew Piscopo, OC; Matt Baldwin, DC; Mike Tasso, DL; Avery Barr, OL; Ronnie Pruitt, DB; Rusty Barr (stats) Last season’s records: 1-8 overall; 0-5 Northwestern 3A-4A, sixth place SCHOOL FOOTBALL HISTORY Last season in state playoffs: 2020 2A …

WESTERN FOOTHILLS 3A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: West Iredell Warriors

  WEST IREDELL WARRIORS   Conference: Western Foothills 3A Head coach: Matt Wilson (0-0, first year) Assistant coaches: Bradley Moose, Bryan Summers, George Saffos, Greg Eldridge, Mickey Jordan, Ron Graham, Scott Norris, Wesley Beckham Last season’s records: 1-7 overall; 1-6 Western Foothills 3A, seventh place SCHOOL FOOTBALL HISTORY Last season in state playoffs: 2017, 2AA Last state playoff victory: 2007, …

WESTERN FOOTHILLS 3A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Hickory Red Tornadoes

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY RED TORNADOES   Conference: Western Foothills 3A Head coach: Joe Glass (60-57-0, 10 years; 7-5-0 at Hickory, 1 year) Assistant coaches: Mike Natoli, QB-OC; Jody Weatherman, LB-JV DC; Kyle Riddle, OL; Torez Leach, LB-JV head coach; D.J. Holloway, DL; Jaquan Crawford, JV QB; Josh Coffey, JV WR-OC; Ronnie Hopper, LB; Robin Shuford, RB; Will Brown, …

CVAC 2A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: West Lincoln Rebels

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com WEST LINCOLN REBELS   Conference: Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Head coach: Darren Ponder (24-10-0, 3 years) Assistant coaches: David Avery, OC; John Henderson, QB; Chuck Mallory, OL; Harry Huddleston, SE; Jesse Hatcher, SE; Austin May, OL; Wayne Navey, ILB; Brad Newton, DB; Jon Markley, OLB; Jared Swafford, ILB; Sam McInnes, DL Last season’s records: 9-3 overall; …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Robinson throws for 350 yards as Bunker Hill remains undefeated

Maiden gets tough battle from St. Stephens, prevails 29-19 at home     By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Bunker Hill High’s explosive offense got hot on Friday night with junior quarterback Redek Robinson throwing for 350 yards and three touchdowns in a 27-20 victory over North Iredell on the road. Playing in Olin for the first time in the series, the …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Hickory 35, Newton-Conover 28

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY 35, NEWTON-CONOVER 28 (Friday at Barger Stadium, Hickory) N-C                 7      7      8      6—28 Hickory       15   14      0      6—35 SCORING SUMMAR\Y First quarter H—Ty Hill 21 pass from Brady Stober (Dashawn Medley pass from Turner Wood), 9:34 H—Tayshaw Wright 54 pass from Stober (Josh Tyree kick), 5:16 N-C—Aiden Luangkhot 10 run (Dax Shannon kick), …

FRIDAY’S PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEWS: Red Devils renew series against Red Tornadoes

Maiden hopes to rebound by winning ninth straight in battles with St. Stephens   Editor’s note: All references to series records, etc., are unofficial but still copyrighted and any republishing or broadcast(s) of research done by HobbsDailyReport.com are prohibited unless credit is given to the website for its research. Our copyright is waived for media partners WNNC and WLON; others …

WESTERN FOOTHILLS 3A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: St. Stephens Indians

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com ST. STEPHENS INDIANS   Conference: Western Foothills 3A Head coach: Kyle Lowman (2-7-0, 1 year) Assistant coaches: Eric Mendel, DC; Matt Jones, LB; Stephen Carpenter DB; Rafael Orozco, DL; James Mayfield, OL; David Childers, WR Last season’s records: 2-7 overall; 2-5 Western Foothills 3A, sixth place SCHOOL FOOTBALL HISTORY Last season in state playoffs: 2015, 3A …

WESTERN FOOTHILLS 3A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: North Lincoln Knights

NORTH LINCOLN KNIGHTS   Conference: Western Foothills 3A Head coach: Nick Bazzle (163-97-0, 21 years; 34-12 at N. Lincoln, 4 years) Assistant coaches: Jake Walker, OL; Alex Pederson, A-backs; Lee Crawford, WR; Clayton Cribbs, B-backs; Paul Regan, DC-DB; Charlie Goss, ILB; Mark Ludwig, DL; Mike Sullivan, OLB Last season’s records: 8-3 overall; 6-1 Western Foothills 3A, second place SCHOOL FOOTBALL …

WESTERN FOOTHILLS 3A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: North Iredell Red Raiders

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com NORTH IREDELL RED RAIDERS   Conference: Western Foothills 3A Head coach: Andy Howell (3-6-0, 1 year) Assistant coaches: Parker Jeffreys, LB-DC; Devin Nicholson, OLB; Danny Nicholson, DL; Johnny Turner, DB; Lionel Johnson, RB; Robert Melton, OL; Shawn Sharpe, WR; Bryan Tutterow, RB-associate head coach; Ricky Driver, WR; Jonathan Hobbs, OL; Joey Wright, QB; Kevin Smith, DL …

WESTERN FOOTHILLS 3A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Fred T. Foard Tigers

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com FRED T. FOARD TIGERS   Conference: Western Foothills 3A Head coach: Micheal Ramseur (0-0, first year) Assistant coaches: Bryan Farley, football operations; Corey Durben, DB-DC; Marcus Greer, LB; Michael Elmore, DL; Danny Williamson, WR; Scott Williams, QB; Joshua Speagle, RB Last season’s records: 0-9 overall; 0-7 Western Foothills 3A, eighth place   SCHOOL FOOTBALL HISTORY Last …

WESTERN FOOTHILLS 3A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: East Lincoln Mustangs

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com EAST LINCOLN MUSTANGS   Conference: Western Foothills 3A Head coach: David Lubowicz (33-23-0, 5 years) Assistant coaches: David Brehm, OL; Chris Matile, DL; Josh Robinson, LB; Josh Thompson, RB; Matt Beam WR-OC; Jay Roseboro, DB, Ryan Goggle, DC, Garrett Young, QB; Neil Lunceford, OL Last season’s records: 8-4 overall; 3-4 Western Foothills 3A, fourth place SCHOOL …

CVAC 2A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Newton-Conover Red Devils

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com NEWTON-CONOVER RED DEVILS   Conference: Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Head coach: Steven Pack (19-31-0, 5 years; 9-17-0 at Newton-Conover, 2 years) Assistant coaches: Chris Hinson, DC-assistant head coach; Chip Watts QB-OC; Sean Kilby,WR; Dominique Bunn, OL; Ky’son McCluney, RB; Jacob Sigmon, OLB; Aaron Hope, DL; Zack Langley, LB; Cameron Stanley, DB Last season’s records: 3-7 overall; …

CVAC 2A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Maiden Blue Devils

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com MAIDEN BLUE DEVILS   Conference: Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Head coach: Will Byrne (55-15-0, 6 years) Assistant coaches: Kewun McDaniel, JV head coach; Jared Spring, Brent Jenkins, Michael Danner; Hugh McCall Last season’s records: 13-1 overall; 7-0 Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, champion SCHOOL FOOTBALL HISTORY Last season in state playoffs: 2021, 2A Last state playoff victory: …

CVAC 2A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Lincolnton Wolves

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com LINCOLNTON WOLVES Conference: Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Head coach: David Byrd (4-7-0, 1 year) Assistant coaches: Marty Holbrook, TE-JV head coach; Jaden Angle, LB-DC; Marc Keifer, DB; Chris Carrigan, DL; Demery Brewer, LBs; Kevin Surratt, WR; Michael Budzinski, OL-DL; Scott Cloninger, QB-special teams; Jonathan Ingram, DL; Mack George, RB; Roger Cranford (stats) Last season’s records: 4-7 …

CVAC 2A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: East Burke Cavaliers

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com EAST BURKE CAVALIERS   Conference: Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Head coach: Derrick Minor (56-38-0; 7-8 at E. Burke, 2 years) Assistant coaches: Jim Childers, ILB; Matt Childers, DB-DC; Josh Martin, OL-Special Teams Coordinator; Jeremy Marlowe, DL; Fred Brown, OLB; Peyton Murray, RB-WBs; Allen Wittenberg, OL-TE Last season’s records: 3-5 overall; 2-5 Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, sixth …

CVAC 2A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Bunker Hill Bears

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com BUNKER HILL BEARS   Conference: Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Head coach: Albert Reid (10-2-0, 1 year) Assistant coaches: Chris Cloninger, OC-DL; Bobby McLaughlin, DB-QB; Doug Watters, DL; John Sullivan, DB-WR; J.P. Killian, OLB-RB; Mo Peoples, HB-FB; Jason Willis Sr., DB-WR; Matt Lineberger, OL Last season’s records: 10-2 overall; 6-1 Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, second place SCHOOL …

CVAC 2A FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Bandys Trojans

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com BANDYS TROJANS Conference: Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Head coach: Jason Barnes (4-11-0, 2 years) Assistant coaches: Bill Vaughan, QB-OC; Brian Ballard, RBs; Brandon Helms, WR/JV head coach; Kent Millsaps, DE; Frank Porter, DBs; Jim (Goody) Goodwin, DT; Mike Helms, OL; Jimmy Gordon, DT Last season’s records: 3-6 overall; 1-6 Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, seventh place SCHOOL …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Watauga wipes out Maiden’s 11-point lead to win

  Stober throws for 5 scores as Hickory rumbles past S. Caldwell;  Bunker Hill starts 2-0 by beating St. Stephens   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Watauga High wiped out an 11-point deficit on Friday night in Boone, rallying to defeat Maiden 23-19 with two fourth-quarter scores. Maiden (1-1) led 19-8 after quarterback Wesley Thompson threw 74 yards to Chris Culliver …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Bunker Hill battles Indians, eyes 2-0 start

Editor’s note: Previews for varsity football games scheduled Aug. 26. We apologize for the delay in posting, as we have been trying to catch up as quickly as possible after a website crash that lasted for four days (it has been repaired). Thanks for your patience. By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com ST. STEPHENS (1-0) at BUNKER HILL (1-0), 7:30 p.m. The …

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: St. Stephens wins, off to 4-1 start

Indians are home on Saturday with N-C, Lincoln Charter visiting Editor’s note: Varsity volleyball reports received by HobbsDailyReport.com since the season began. Some of the reporting was not earlier posted because of a four-day delay after our website server crashed. We appreciate the patience of readers and coaches during our unfortunate loss of posting ability for four days… the problem …

NCHSAA HALL OF FAME: Now includes Spartans’ Anderson

HobbsDailyReport.com CARY — Danny Anderson, head boys’ basketball coach at South Caldwell and a 700-game winner, was inducted Saturday to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Hall of Fame. He is still active and climbing the all-time victory list. His coaching stints include at Madison-Mayodan, Starmount, West Caldwell (two tenures) and Maiden. Anderson is a Gastonia native and …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Final 2021 Northwestern 3A-4A leaders

FINAL 2021 NORTHWESTERN 3A-4A INDIVIDUAL FOOTBALL LEADERS (All totals are unofficial, as compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com; underclassmen are indicated by all caps)   RUSHING (500 or more yards)                                                                                                                          Att-Yds.                  PG             TDs B.G. HAMPTON, Freedom                                                                 135-1,051             105.1                 12 Jaxsen Wilkerson, S. Caldwell                                                           139-981   …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Final 2021 Western Foothills 3A leaders

FINAL 2021 WESTERN FOOTHILLS 3A INDIVIDUAL FOOTBALL LEADERS (All totals are unofficial, as compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com; underclassmen are indicated by all caps) IMPORTANT: Individuals totals were not available for Fred T. Foard, which did not compile stats in 2021 and North Iredell and West Iredell stats were incomplete (missing multiple games and the schools were not able to provide those …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Final 2021 Catawba Valley 2A Athletic leaders

FINAL 2021 CATAWBA VALLEY 2A INDIVIDUAL FOOTBALL LEADERS (All totals are unofficial, as compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com; underclassmen are indicated by all caps) RUSHING (500 or more yards)                                                                                                                                Att-Yds.             PG          TDs MASON AVERY, W. Lincoln                                                                  303-1,823       151.9           18 BEN GIBBS, Maiden                                                                                238-1,814       129.5          15 Blaine …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Leading returning players (underclassmen in 2021)

HobbsDailyReport.com LEADING RETURNING PLAYERS 2022   (All totals are unofficial, as compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com; underclassmen’s totals for 2021 season; does not include Fred T. Foard, N. Iredell or W. Iredell as those schools did not provide statistics for some or all of their 2021 games) RUSHING (Average of at least 40 YPG)                                                                                                                  Att-Yds.        …

WE’RE BACK!: HobbsDailyReport.com again available… sorry for 4 days without us

HobbsDailyReport.com WELCOME BACK!!   Thank you for resuming following the high schools we cover in the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A and Northwestern 3A-4A plus Draughn and Patton. We also dabble in daily updates on the Hickory Crawdads and follow the baseball careers of Hayden Deal with the Mississippi Braves (Double A) and Washington Nationals reliever Hunter Harvey. …

HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE: Friday’s varsity events (Aug. 19)

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL FALL VARSITY SPORTS SCHEDULE   Friday’s varsity fall sports  for teams in the Catawba Valley Athletic 2A, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A and for Draughn and Patton. The schedule is compiled from those sent to HobbsDailyReport.com, per the website’s request, and includes events from the schools that responded. Start times are listed, if available, and events added …

HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE: Thursday’s varsity events, JV football

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE   Thursday’s junior varsity football games and varsity non-football events for teams in the Catawba Valley Athletic 2A, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A and for Draughn and Patton. The schedule is compiled from those sent to HobbsDailyReport.com, per the website’s request, and includes events from the schools that responded. Start times are listed, if …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Western Foothills 3A varsity schedules

  WESTERN FOOTHILLS 3A VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULES   (All games at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)   EAST LINCOLN MUSTANGS   2021 records: 8-4, 4-3 (fourth place) Head coach: David Lubowicz (33-23-0, 5 years) Aug. 19 – Hibriten Aug. 26 – Forestview Sept. 2—at Lincolnton Sept. 16 – HICKORY Sept. 23 – at STATESVILLE Sept. 30 – W, IREDELL (HC) …

HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE: This week’s varsity events (non-football)

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL FALL VARSITY SPORTS SCHEDULE   This week’s varsity fall sports – other than football (see a separate post) – for teams in the Catawba Valley Athletic 2A, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A and for Draughn and Patton. The schedule is compiled from those sent to HobbsDailyReport.com, per the website’s request, and includes events from the schools that …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Thursday’s junior varsity schedule

HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR VARSITY FOOTBALL     Games scheduled by teams on Thursday in the Catawba Valley 2A, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A and by Draughn and Patton. All games begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Ashe County at Wilkes Central E. Burke at Patton E. Lincoln at Hibriten Freedom at Crest, 5 p.m. Fred T. Foard at Maiden Hickory …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Friday’s varsity schedule

HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL     Games scheduled by teams in the Catawba Valley 2A, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A and by Draughn and Patton. All games begin at 7:30 p.m. Alexander Central at Hickory Bandys at St. Stephens Bunker Hill at Cramer Carson at Statesville Crest at Freedom Patton at E. Burke Hibriten at E. Lincoln Maiden at Fred T. …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Bandys gains from addition to coaching staff

Trojans add assistant Mike Helms, who spent 16-plus years as boss at 6 schools   Editor’s note: All stories at HobbsDailyReport.com are copyrighted and can’t be republished or rebroadcast — other than by WNNC and WLON, our reporting partners — without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com’s reporting and/or research or by requesting a waiver of that copyright. To inquire about a waiver, e-mail …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Maiden has new QB after family moves from Ashe County

    Editor’s note: All stories at HobbsDailyReport.com are copyrighted and can’t be republished or rebroadcast — other than by WNNC and WLON, our reporting partners — without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com’s reporting and/or research or by requesting a waiver of that copyright. To inquire about a waiver, e-mail chobbs001@att.net. Thompson threw for nearly 2,000 yards as a junior, is expected to …

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL: Hickory picks former star Abernathy as head coach

She replaces Barbara Helms, who retired from teaching at HHS in April   Editor’s note: This article is copyrighted by HobbsDailyReport.com, and the record(s) of Hickory High girls’ varsity basketball have been developed by research and records kept by the website and can’t be reprinted or rebroadcast without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com or obtaining a waiver of that copyright. To inquire about …

BREAKING NEWS: Bunker Hill hires Childers to coach varsity girls’ basketball

He’s also spent 10 years working with the Bears’ varsity baseball program   Editor’s note: All stories at HobbsDailyReport.com are copyrighted, and that includes historical research the website has done on Bunker Hill High girls’ basketball. That research can’t be republished or rebroadcast –other than by WNNC and WLON, our reporting partners — without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com or requesting a waiver …

BREAKING NEWS: N. Lincoln names London as new varsity girls’ basketball coach

Bandys graduate has taught, coached with Knights since 2016   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com LINCOLNTON – Jacob London, a teacher and coach at North Lincoln High since 2016, is returning to coaching basketball by guiding the Knights’ varsity girls this season. On Tuesday, North Lincoln athletic director Dennis Frye confirmed London is replacing Brad Mangum, who left the Knights after …

LEGION BASEBALL PLAYOFFS: Wilimington rebounds, now 1-1 in SE Regional (updated)

HobbsDailyReport.com AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL PLAYOFFS Note: See previous posts for all Area IV scores, pairings SOUTHEAST REGIONAL (all games at McCrary Park, Asheboro) Wednesday Aug. 3 results Game 1 — Camden, S.C. 11, Owensboro, Ky. 0 Game 2 — Evans, Ga. 5, Columbia, Tenn. 0 Game 3 — Belleview, Fla. 8, Wilmington 5 Game 4–  Randolph County 14, Rock Hill, …

BREAKING NEWS: Lincolnton hires former player to coach varsity boys’ basketball

  By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com LINCOLNTON – Lincolnton High has hired one of its former players to coach its varsity boys’ basketball team. Jalen Littlejohn — who played for the Wolves and graduated in 2012 — was announced on Wednesday on social media as the new boys’ head coach. Littlejohn averaged 17.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.3 assists …

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Hickory’s Walker finds Tar Heels as the right fit

UNC now has 2 of Catawba County’s top stars for 2023 college season   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY – The future of North Carolina football now includes two top players from Catawba County. Two weeks after the Tar Heels landed Maiden High wide receiver Chris Culliver, they also got Hickory defensive end Rico Walker. Walker (6-foot-3, 233 pounds) announced …

EAST-WEST GIRLS’ SOCCER: Tigers’ Woglemuth wins MVP in All-Star match

East nips West despite 17 saves by Foard star who goes in books as one of area’s best-ever girls’ stars   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com GREENSBORO – Fred T. Foard’s Alexis Woglemuth closed her high school athletic career in a way that solidified a spot in any debate about the best female athlete of the last 50 years in the …

EAST-WEST SOCCER: Local stars lead West against East on Tuesday night

Hibriten’s Jim Blanton guiding the West boys’ team   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com GREENSBORO – The players and coaches on the West All-Star soccer teams who are from Greater Hickory area conferences are expected to play key roles in Tuesday night’s matches. The annual battles against the best seniors from the East are scheduled from starts of 6:30 p.m. (girls) …

EAST-WEST BASKETBALL: West sweeps all-star games in Greensboro

Alexander Central’s Walter scores 10 points, hits a 3-pointer in girls’ 7-point victory   HobbsDailyReport.com GREENSBORO – The West swept the East on Monday night in the annual East-West All-Star basketball games at the Greensboro Coliseum, the girls winning 62-55 and the boys winning 92-90. The West girls, coached by Brad Mangum, wiped out an early nine-point deficit – pulling …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Maiden’s Culliver says his pick is North Carolina

Blue Devils wide receiver ranked among best in the nation   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com MAIDEN — Maiden High star wide receiver Chris Culliver, who unofficially needs five catches to reach 100 for his career, celebrated July 4 by announcing he plans to sign with North Carolina. Culliver (6-foot-2, 180 pounds) posted his decision, as did Tar Heel Illustrated, on …

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL: Led by 5 from W. Lincoln, area has 36 all-state players

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Thirty-six players from Greater Hickory area teams – 11 of them from the Western Foothills 3A and five from West Lincoln – have been selected all-state in softball. The North Carolina Softball Coaches Association (NCSCA) made the picks from among nominees whose head coaches are members of the organization. There are three area picks on the …

LEGION BASEBALL: Post 48 falls twice, finishes seventh in Area IV West

Playoff pairings meeting scheduled Friday in Cherryville   HobbsDailyReport.com NEWTON – Hickory Post 48 finished seventh among eight teams in American Legion baseball’s Area IV West Division, losing its last two games and five of its last six. Burke County nipped Hickory 4-0 on Monday night in Newton and Rutherford County won 15-3, also in Newton, on Wednesday night. That …

BREAKING NEWS: Rudisill ready to lead Bunker Hill baseball

Editor’s note: Content posted on our website is copyrighted, as are historical records about the Bunker Hill baseballl program, developed and researched by HobbsDailyReport.com. That research can’t reprinted or broadcast without crediting our website’s work and/or only with a copyright waiver. To request a waiver, e-mail chobbs001@att.net. Former Bandys athlete, assistant named Bears’ next head coach   By CHRIS HOBBS …

BREAKING NEWS: King leaves W. Iredell, will coach Bandys girls

Editor’s note: Content posted on our website is copyrighted, as are historical records about the Bandys basketball program and Eric King’s coaching records, developed and researched by HobbsDailyReport.com. That research can’t reprinted or broadcast without crediting our website’s work and/or only with a copyright waiver. To request a waiver, e-mail chobbs001@att.net. By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA – Eric King already …

CRAWDADS: Beat Rome on road for first win of second-half race

HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY CRAWDADS   Friday’s result at Rome (Ga): Hickory 8, Rome 1 Thursday’s result at Rome (Ga.): Rome 3, Hickory 0 Current record: 39-28 overall; 1-0, tied for first place with Greenville,(S.C.) and Asheville in second half standings in South Atlantic League South; finished second in first-half standings (38-28), 3 1/2 games behind division champion Bowling Green (Ky.). Next …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Bandys tied for most with 4 all-state players

Greater Hickory area leagues have 11 selections by N.C. Baseball Coaches Association   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Eleven players from area conferences — including four from Bandys – have been named all-state by the North Carolina High School Baseball Coaches Association (NCBCA) for 2022. The Trojans has four picks on the 2A team, Draughn has two on the 1A team, …

BREAKING NEWS: Appeal filed in eligibility lawsuit against Catawba County Schools

Case involves student-athlete’s plan to transfer from Fred T. Foard to Maiden   Editor’s note: Content posted at HobbsDailyReport.com is copyrighted and can’t be republished or broadcast without crediting the website’s reporting. To request a waiver, e-mail chobbs001@att.net By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com NEWTON – The dismissal of a civil lawsuit against the Catawba County Board of Education/Catawba County Schools (CCS) …

OBIT: Former South Caldwell star, head coach Hardee dies at 62

He played on first Spartans team, was head  coach at alma mater for 10-plus years   Editor’s note: All content on HobbsDailyReport.com is copyrighted — including the history of South Caldwell football included in this article – and can’t be published by print media or broadcast without crediting HobbsDailyReportcom’s research or obtaining a copyright waiver. To request a waiver, e-mail …

EAST-WEST: July games will feature 14 from area conferences

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com GREENSBORO – The West All-Stars will feature 14 athletes from Greater Hickory area leagues, plus two head coaches and two assistant coaches. The games — sponsored by the N.C. Coaches Association (NCCA) as part of their coaching clinics — are scheduled July 11-13. The girls’ and boys’ basketball games are July 11 at the Greensboro Coliseum …

ZACH JARRETT: Hitting .215 with five homers after 30 games with Gastonia

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com GASTONIA — Zach Jarrett is hitting .215 with five home runs after 30 games with the Gastonia Honey  Hunters, who play in the Atlantic League Professional South Division. Jarrett, a power-hitting star at Hickory High and Charlotte, joined the Honey Hunters after he was released by the Baltimore Orioles when they broke spring training. At Gastonia, …

ALL-WESTERN FOOTHILLS 3A: North Lincoln leads 2022’s selections (updated)

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com North Lincoln High leads the All-Western Foothills 3A awards for spring sports with four of the top winners. In voting by conference head coaches, the Knights produced the league’s top baseball pitcher and baseball head coach and the co-player of the year in softball and the top softball coach. Senior Landon Reeves, who will play college …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Most career wins in Greater Hickory area

Editor’s note: Stories and research by HobbsDailyReport.com is copyrighted. This information can’t be published by print media or used on radio broadcasts without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com. To request  a waiver of the copyright, e-mail chobbs001@att.net.HobbsDailyReport.com.   HobbsDailyReport.com TOP CAREER RECORDS THROUGH 2022 SEASON Unofficial career win totals for head baseball coaches with at least 100 victories from those in the Catawba …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Records of last 10 seasons (2013-2022)

Editor’s note: Stories and research by HobbsDailyReport.com is copyrighted. This information can’t be published by print media or used on radio broadcasts without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com. To request  a waiver of the copyright, e-mail chobbs001@att.net.HobbsDailyReport.com. HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL RECORDS, LAST 10 SEASONS Unofficial records of Greater Hickory high school baseball teams over the last 10 seasons (2013-2020), listed in order …

HS SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS: South Stanly, West Stanly grab West titles

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS (For complete East brackets and updates, visit www.nchsaa.org) Playing dates: First round, May 10; second round, May 13; third round, May 17; fourth round, May 20; regional titles series (best-of-3), May 24-28; state championship series, best-of-3, site TBA, June 2-3. 1A CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (best-of-3) WEST No. 11 S. Stokes (21-6) vs. No. 1 S. Stanly …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: S. Caldwell picks up forfeit win, record shifts to 8-2

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HUDSON — South Caldwell High picked up a forfeit varsity football win for last season on Wednesday that adjusts the Spartans’ record to 8-2. When Chambers became the third Charlotte-Mecklenburg school to indicate it must forfeit games from last season — Myers Park and West Charlotte have also since the season ended — and South Caldwell …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Kirkpatrick, first HC at South Caldwell, dies

“Red” was also the last head football coach at Granite Falls; sons followed him into coaching   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com GRANITE FALLS – Don “Red” Kirkpatrick — the last head football coach at old Granite Falls High and the first at South Caldwell — died on Tuesday morning. His son, Marc, notified HobbsDailyReport.com on Tuesday that his father passed …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Final 2022 standings (updated)

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL STANDINGS (Final) CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC                                                                                                              Conf.              All            Streak Bandys                                                                                                12-2             21-8           Lost …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Bandys sweeps top honors in Catawba Valley 2A Athletic

BY CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Bandys High leads this season’s All-Catawba Valley 2 Athletic baseball team after winning a regular-season title and the conference tournament. The Trojans (21-8) — eliminated Thursday in the second round of the state 2A playoffs by Mount Pleasant, 4-3 – had a league-best five all-conference picks and swept the league’s top awards. In a vote of …

ATHLETES LAB: Turf is down on field built as part of expansion in Maiden

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com MAIDEN — The turf is down on the multi-purpose field that is part of the expansion at The Athletes Lab. The project will allow The Lab — where the focus in on individual and team improvement through workouts and other programs — to add soccer and other sports as it grows in its goal of helping …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: West Iredell hires Wilson as next head coach (updated)

Former N-C quarterback leaving Alexander Central after 10 seasons   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com STATESVILLE – Matt Wilson, who came to Alexander Central High a decade ago to help his dad transition the Cougars to a triple option offense, is taking his first head football coaching job. As first reported by The Taylorsville Times, Wilson on Monday accepted the head …

CONFERENCE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS: Bandys, E. Lincoln, Alex Central capture titles

HobbsDailyReport.com CONFERENCE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC Monday’s first round results (at highest seeds) No. 1 W. Lincoln 15, No. 8 Newton-Conover 0, 4 inn. No. 5 W. Caldwell 13, No. 4 E. Burke 3, 5 inn. No. 2 Bandys 15, No. 7 Bunker Hill 5 No. 3 Maiden 9, No. 6 Lincolnton 3 Tuesday’s semifinals at Lenoir-Rhyne University …

CONFERENCE BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS: Bandys, Foard, Alex Central earn championships

HobbsDailyReport.com CONFERENCE BASEBALL TOURNAMENTS CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC   Monday’s first round results (at highest seeds) No. 1 Bandys 15, No 8 W. Caldwell 0, 5 inn. No. 5 Maiden 19 No. 4 W Lincoln 5, 6 inn. No. 7 Newton-Conover 9, No. 2 Lincolnton 5 No. 3 Bunker Hill 10, No. 6 E. Burke 3 Wednesday’s semifinal results at …

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL: Hickory confirms Helms has retired

Varsity basketball coaching position now listed as open Editor’s note: This article is copyrighted by HobbsDailyReport.com, and the record(s) of Hickory High girls’ varsity basketball have been developed by research and records kept by the website and can’t be reprinted or rebroadcast without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com or obtaining a waiver of that copyright. To inquire about a waiver, contact chobbs001@att.net. By …

NCHSAA: Board adds state girls’ wrestling championships

Five Quarter rule adopted, will give more playing opportunities in basketball   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CHAPEL HILL – The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) announced Wednesday it will add girls’ wrestling championships in 2023-2024. In the first NCHSAA board meeting since a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with the State Board of Education, the organization’s board …

STATE BOYS DUAL-TEAM TENNIS: Western Foothills 3A teams to battle in first round

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com The four boys’ tennis teams from the Western Foothills 3A  advancing to the state dual-team playoffs will battle in the opening round. In pairings released Monday by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), Hickory earned the West No. 3 seed, Hibriten is at No. 7, St Stephens at No. 10 and Fred T. Foard …

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Deal goes 2 1/3 innings in home loss to Chattanooga

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Hayden Deal pitched 2 1/3 innings on Wednesday night for the Mississippi Braves in a 4-3 home loss to Chattanooga (Tenn). Deal was the second pitcher used by Mississippi, allowing two hits, two runs (both earned), walking one and striking out one. The Braves fell to 3-8 and Chattanooga improved to 6-5, with another game in …

BREAKING NEWS: Brittain resigns as girls’ head basketball coach at Bandys

She exits after 5 seasons with 68 wins, trio of 2A playoff teams   Editor’s note: This story is copyrighted and historical information on the coaching history of Bandys girls’ basketball can’t be republished or rebroadcast without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com or by having a copyright waiver. To request a waiver, contact Chris Hobbs at chobbs001@att.net. By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA – …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Spencer sparkles as Trojans shut out Maiden

  Junior right-hander allows one hit in win over Blue Devils as Trojans stay atop league   Editor’s note: This story has been updated after having the last name of an honoree at the game incorrect. HobbsDailyReport.com apologizes for the mistake in the initial post of the article. By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA — Bandys High right-hander Cade Spencer said …

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL: Conference standings through Thursday

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL STANDINGS (through games of Thursday, April 14) CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC (Conference games only) Bandys                              11-1 W. Lincoln                      11-1 Maiden                            8-4 E. Burke                          7-5 W. Caldwell                   5-7 Lincolnton                    3-7 Bunker Hill                 …

HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE: Monday’s varsity events

HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE   High school varsity spring sports events for Monday involving teams from the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A plus Draughn and Patton. The schedule, with game times (if available), are compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com from individual schedules provided by the schools per a request for those schedules. Games or matches that are …

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Deal starts season back in Double A for Braves

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Hayden Deal’s fifth pro season is underway, and he is back in Double A and pitching for the Mississippi Braves for the second straight season. Deal, a 6-foot-4 left-hander who starred at Bandys High and in college at Presbyterian. has pitched in one of the Braves’ first three games. Mississippi fell at home 5-1 to Montgomery …

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD: Friday’s varsity results

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD FRIDAY’S RESULTS BASEBALL Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Bunker Hill 2, W. Lincoln 1 Lincolnton 6, Bandys 4 Maiden 12, W. Caldwell 3 Newton-Conover 10, E. Burke 6 Western Foothills 3A E. Lincoln 15, Statesville 1 (Thurs.) Fred T. Foard 7, W. Iredell 0 Hickory 5, N. Lincoln 4 St. Stephens 2, N. Iredell 0 Northwestern 3A-4A …

HUNTER HARVEY: Called back to big leagues on Sunday; Nats on way to Atlanta

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former Bandys High pitching star Hunter Harvey’s stay in Triple A was very short, as he was called back to the Washington Nationals on Sunday. Harvey — sent to Triple-A Rochester (N.Y.) when Washington left spring training — rejoins the Nationals (1-3) as they prepare to start a three-game series on Monday night …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Hickory dedicates complex to Craft at Friday’s game

Baseball Complex will be named after Red Tornadoes’ head baseball coach By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY – Hickory High will honor David Craft — one of its top all-time athletes — on Friday night with a dedication ceremony at its on-campus baseball facility. The HHS field is named after the late Troy Washam, and the newly renovated complex will now …

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD: Tuesday through Thursday varsity results

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD THURSDAY’S RESULTS BASEBALL Avery County at W. Caldwell, ppd., April 27 Draughn 12, Maiden 8 Lincoln Charter at Bunker Hill Shelby 7, Freedom 1 SOFTBALL Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Newton-Conover at E. Burke, DH, ppd., no date Western Foothills 3A Fred T. Foard 3, N. Iredell 2 GIRLS SOCCER Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Bandys 7, W. …

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Orioles release Jarrett; Harvey pitches in Triple A for Nats

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles have given former Hickory High baseball star Zach Jarrett his release. Jarrett, who also starred in baseball at Charlotte, was in spring training with the parent club. He went 1-for-3 and was among the outfielders getting a look-see as Baltimore worked on the 26-man roster it planned to take into the …

CVAC 2A: Sets baseball tourney for Legion Fairgrounds, softball for Lenoir-Rhyne

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com The Catawba Valley 2A Athletic announced Monday where it will play the conference tournaments in baseball and softball. The baseball tournament will be played at Henkel-Alley Field at the American Legion Fairgrounds in Newton, home field for Catawba Valley Community College and Hickory Post 48’s Legion team. The softball tournament, for the first time, will be …

HIGH SCHOOLS: Bandys bombs Rebels, opens 2-game lead in CVAC 2A baseball

Alex Central’s Williams no-hits Hibriten; W. Lincoln beats Bandys, ties for softball lead   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com They’ll need more, but Bandys High’s Trojans put themselves in a good spot on Friday night with an 11-1 victory in five innings over West Lincoln in baseball. The Trojans’ eighth straight victory gave them a two-game lead over Lincolnton, Maiden and …

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL: Swanson resigns as head coach at Bunker Hill

Editor’s note: Information about the history of Bunker Hill girls’ basketball in this article is copyrighted — as is all content on HobbsDailyReport.com — and can’t be used by print or radio broadcasts without  crediting HobbsDailyReport.com for the information or receiving a waiver. To request one, contact Chris Hobbs at chobbs001@att.net. By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CLAREMONT – Feeling the tug …

HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE: Friday’s varsity events

HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE   High school varsity spring sports events for Friday involving teams from the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A plus Draughn and Patton. The schedule, with game times (if available), are compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com from individual schedules provided by the schools per a request for those schedules. Games or matches that are …

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD: Thursday’s varsity results

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD THURSDAY’S RESULTS BASEBALL Statesville at Winston-Salem Atkins GIRLS SOCCER Catawba Valley Athletic 2A Lincolnton 6, W. Caldwell 1 Newton-Conover 8, W. Lincoln 0 Others Freedom 6, R-S Central 0 Hickory Christian 7, Hibriten 0 Patton 4, Chase 1 BOYS TENNIS Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Maiden 6, Bunker Hill 3 Newton-Conover at Bandys, ppd., Friday W. Caldwell …

HIGH SCHOOLS: Alex Central nips St. Stephens, leaving no unbeatens in area baseball

Bandys rolls past Foard in softball, posts 11th victory of season   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com There are no more unbeaten high school baseball teams in the Greater Hickory area. Alexander Central slipped by St. Stephens 2-1 in eight innings on Wednesday night in Hickory, the first loss of the season for St. Stephens (10-1). The Cougars (11-1) were dealt …

HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE: Thursday’s varsity events

HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE   High school varsity spring sports events for Thursday involving teams from the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic, Western Foothills 3A, Northwestern 3A-4A plus Draughn and Patton. The schedule, with game times (if available), are compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com from individual schedules provided by the schools per a request for those schedules. Games or matches that are …

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD: Wednesday’s varsity results

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS BASEBALL Alexander Central 2, St. Stephens 1, 8 inn. Fred T. Foard at Maiden, cancelled Hickory 6, Bunker Hill 2 Lincolnton 10 W. Iredell 0 N. Iredell 9, W. Wilkes 4 N. Lincoln 14, W. Lincoln 2 N. Surry 10, Ashe County 3 R-S Central 11, Freedom 3 Watauga 10, A.C. Reynolds 0 SOFTBALL …

HIGH SCHOOLS: Williams’ walk-off homer gets Cougars past Spartans in baseball

Bandys runs baseball win streak to 6, takes league lead; St. Stephens’ Lail holds Statesville hitless in softball   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Big hits win big games, and Caleb Williams of Alexander Central High delivered one on Tuesday night. Williams — a junior outfielder batting third in the Cougars’ lineup — smacked a three-run, walk-off home run in the …

HIGH SCHOOLS: West Caldwell scores 19, wins on road to snap 33-game losing streak

Top 3 batters in lineup combine for 8 hits, drive in 7 runs in win at Avery County   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Getting eight hits and seven RBIs from the top three spots in its batting order, West Caldwell High rolled to a 19-9 victory over Avery County on the road Monday night to snap a 33-game baseball losing …

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Nats claim Harvey, put him on 40-man roster

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Hard-throwing right-hander Hunter Harvey joined his third major league baseball team this week. Harvey, a former Bandys High star, was picked off the waiver wire by the Washington Nationals earlier in the week. He was on the wire after being removed from the 40-man roster of the San Francisco Giants. He is on the Nationals’ 40-man …

HIGH SCHOOLS: Freshman pitches Watauga into Northwestern 3A-4A baseball lead

St. Stephens rallies to win at E. Lincoln, is now area’s only unbeaten baseball team   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Watauga High freshman Johnny Ray shut down Alexander Central’s bats – the visiting Cougars had one hit – as the Pioneers won 6-0 on Friday night to take over the baseball lead in the Northwestern 3A-4A. Watauga (7-2, 2-0) ran …

HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD: Friday’s varsity results

HobbsDailyReport.com HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD FRIDAY’S RESULTS BASEBALL Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Bandys 11, W. Caldwell 0 Bunker Hill 4, Newton-Conover 3 Maiden 13, Lincolnton 9 W. Lincoln 14, E. Burke 5 Western Foothills 3A Hickory 11, W. Iredell 0, 5 nn. N. Lincoln 7, Fred T. Foad 3 St. Stephens 6, E. Lincoln 5 Statesville at N. Iredell, April 22 …

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TENNIS: Fred T. Foard beats W. Iredell, stays unbeaten

  HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TENNIS SUMMARIES THURSDAY, MARCH 24 FRED T. FOARD 9, WEST IREDELL 0 Singles: Graham Wright (F) d. Bryson Detring 6-0, 6-0; Connor Josey (F) d. Bradley Sidden 6-0, 6-0; Grayson Walker (F) d. Jacob Steward 6-0, 6-0; Aiden Ollis (F) d. Garrison Head 6-0, 6-0; Anthony Dunmore (F) d. Tyler Pope 6-0, 6-1; Brandon Henderson (F) …

HIGH SCHOOLS: Alexander Central rolls in baseball, improves to 9-0

Young homers twice, drives in 5 runs as Indians cruise past Bears   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Scoring in double digits for the third straight game and fifth time six games, Alexander Central High remained unbeaten in baseball on Thursday. The Cougars won 10-2 in a non-league game at Mooresville to improve to 9-0. They are at Watauga on Friday …

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL: Watauga freshman named second-team all-state

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Watauga High freshman guard Kate Sears has been selected second-team all-state by the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association (NCBCA), and she is the only player from Greater Hickory area conferences to make all-state. Sears, who is 5-foot-9, averaged 18.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game for the Pioneers, who finished 24-4. She …

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Crawdads prep for start of 30th season

First up is exhibition game against Lenoir-Rhyne University on April 5   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY – The Hickory Crawdads’ 30th season of baseball is just around the corner. The Crawdads will play an exhibition game at L.P. Frans Stadium against Lenoir-Rhyne University on April 5 at 6 p.m. (admission $5). Hickory continues as a Texas Rangers affiliate (High …

HIGH SCHOOL TOURNAMENTS: Bandys, S. Caldwell headed to Shelby Easter

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com SHELBY – Bandys and South Caldwell have learned their opening-round baseball opponents for the Shelby Easter Tournament on April 18-21 at Shelby High. Bandys faces Kings Mountain on April 19 at 4 p.m., and South Caldwell starts against Crest on Monday at 7 p.m. If the Trojans and Spartans win, they’ll play a semifinal on April …

SPORTS MEDIA: WLON, HobbsDailyReport.com will work together

  Content, research done by website available for local broadcasts   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com LINCOLNTON – Two media outlets focused on sports in the region announced Monday they’ve agreed to work together – primarily on high school sports – effective immediately. WLON (1050 AM) and HobbsDailyReport.com have informally worked together through most of the five years that HobbsDailyReport.com has …

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Hickory to honor Craft before April 8 game

Baseball Complex will be named after Red Tornadoes’ head baseball coach   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY – Hickory High will honor David Craft — one of its top all-time athletes — on April 8 with a dedication ceremony at its on-campus baseball facility. The HHS field is named after the late Troy Washam, and the newly renovated complex will …

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL: Final 2021-2022 varsity standings

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL STANDINGS (FINAL STANDINGS) Note: As compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com, which copyrights its content. These standings can’t be republished by print media without a waiver of that copyright. To request a waiver, e-mail chobbs001@att.net… Use the same address for corrections or other inquiries: CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC                       …

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL: Final 2021-2022 varsity standings

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL STANDINGS (FINAL STANDINGS) Note: As compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com, which copyrights its content. These standings can’t be republished by print media without a waiver of that copyright. To request a waiver, e-mail chobbs001@att.net… Use the same address for corrections or other inquiries: CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC                        …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Northwestern Foothills 2A rushing leaders for 2020 season

  COMING FRIDAY: Rushing leaders for 2020 in the South Fork 2A   NORTHWESTERN FOOTHILLS 2020 2A FOOTBALL LEADERS   Last updated: July 8, 2021 Top 10s in the Northwestern Foothills 2A 2A for the 2020 spring football season, as compiled by HobbsDailyReport.com. All totals are unofficial and players who were underclassmen are indicated by bold. Players from West Iredell ARE …

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL: Blanton retires at Hibriten, former player to replace him

Coach exiting after 17 seasons, conference title in his final year   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com LENOIR – Hibriten High announced a change in girls’ varsity softball head coaches on Wednesday. In a press release, athletic director Derek Reeves said Jim Blanton has resigned after 17 seasons, effective immediately, and the new Panthers head coach is former player Brittany Morton. …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Northwestern 3A-4A rushing leaders for 2020 season

St. Stephens High’s Zak McLauchlin was the leading rusher in 2020 in the Northwestern 3A-4A with unofficial totals of 134 carries for 779 yards. He averaged 111.2 yards per game and scored seven touchdowns. He’ll cap his prep football career by playing for the West in the East-West All-Star game next week in Greensboro./TWITTER PHOTO COMING THURSDAY: Rushing leaders for …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Beam back, will coach receivers at East Lincoln

Former head coach at Burns, N. Lincoln, Newton-Conover is back on the field   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com DENVER, N.C. – East Lincoln High has added a wide receiver coach to its varsity football staff who is well-known for his passion for the game and success. Matt Beam, whose head-coaching stints include Burns, North Lincoln and Newton-Conover, posted on Facebook …

COLLEGE: 8 former players, athletic trainer sue Lenoir-Rhyne University

They’re seeking more than $26 million in damages from school, women’s head basketball coach, school president   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Despite an independent investigation saying no racism was found in the Lenoir-Rhyne University women’s basketball program, the school is not yet clear of those allegations. Late last week, eight former players and an athletic trainer filed a federal lawsuit …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: 2021 Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Conference varsity schedules

Bandys and Maiden will meet Oct. 8 at Maiden for their first battle as members of the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Conference. The new eight-team league, created by statewide realignment, starts with non-league games on Aug. 20./MICHELLE THOMPSON PHOTO   CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC CONFERENCE VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULES Game times: All  games at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted BANDYS (Head …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: 2021 Western Foothills 3A varsity schedules

  WESTERN FOOTHILLS 3A 2021 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULES   Game times: Conference games at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted EAST LINCOLN (Head coach David Lubowicz, 5-2 last season) Aug. 20 – at Hibriten Aug. 27 – at Forestview Sept. 3 – Lincolnton Sept. 17—at HICKORY Sept. 24—STATESVILLE Oct. 1—at W. IREDELL Oct. 8 – FRED T. FOARD Oct. 15—ST. STEPHENS …

HIGH SCHOOLS: Names for new conferences for Greater Hickory area schools

HobbsDailyReport.com Note: Average daily memberships are listed for each school WESTERN HIGHLANDS 1A-2A Black Mountain Owen (2A) 748 Madison (2A) 712 Draughn 630 Mountain Heritage 614 Avery County 539 Mitchell County 489 Rosman 299 MOUNTAIN FOOTHILLS 7 2A R-S Central 845 Patton 834 Brevard 791 E. Rutherford 766 Hendersonville 745 Chase 722 Polk County 614 CATAWBA VALLEY 2A ATHLETIC CONFERENCE W. …

GET READY FOR THE 2021 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON!

  HobbsDailyReport.com We’ve posted the 2021 varsity football schedules for the Northwestern 3A-4A schools… starting our preparations at HobbsDailyReport.com for a season that has an opening night of Aug. 20. Our FREE website will provide coverage and details this school year on schools in all sports (plus junior varsity football) in the Catawba Valley Athletic 2A Conference, the Western Foothills …

WE WELCOME BENNETT FUNERAL HOME TO HOBBSDAILYREPORT.COM

HobbsDailyReport.com HobbsDailyReport.com is proud to announce the addition of Bennett Funeral Home to our core group of advertisers who make it possible for us to provide local sports coverage in the Greater Hickory area for FREE. We are very excited that Robbie Bennett and his staff are showing their support for local student-athletes — joining Dwayne Wilson Insurance, Burke Mortuary …

BREAKING NEWS: Bandys’ starting QB moving, will play this season at R-S Central

Trey Shearer averaged nearly 100 yards of total offense as a sophomore   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA – Trey Shearer, who averaged nearly 100 yards of total offense per game last season for Bandys High, won’t be back in the Trojans’ lineup this season. Guy Shearer, Trey’s dad, said Thursday the family is moving back to Rutherford County, and …

BREAKING NEWS: Bandys hires Hickory girls’ assistant as varsity boys’ head coach (updated)

Brandon Helms is son of Barbara Helms, head girls’ hoops coach of Red Tornadoes   Editor’s note: This story and related graphics are copyrighted and statistics, etc., in both can’t be used by print media or broadcasters without a waiver of that copyright by HobbsDailyReport.com. To inquire about a waiver, e-mail chobbs001@att.net. By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA – Bandys High …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Black Mountain Owen hires former N-C head coach

Brint Russell leaving E. Rutherford to become boss at his alma mater   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com BLACK MOUNTAIN — Former Newton-Conover High head football coach Brint Russell is heading home. Russell, most recently head football coach and athletic director at East Rutherford, has been named the new head football coach at Black Mountain Owen, his alma mater. He was …

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL: Hensley to coach Maiden for second time

He replaces Frank Snider, who has retired   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com MAIDEN — Maiden High announced Wednesday the return of Stephen Hensley as its varsity girls’ basketball head coach. A press release from the athletic department: Maiden High School Principal Brian Hefner and Athletic Director Caine Houser are excited to announce the hiring of Stephen Hensley as the new …

BREAKING NEWS: Bunker Hill promotes defensive coordinator to head football coach

Albert Reid was 4-year football star at Freedom, also played at Western Carolina   Editor’s note: All records, stats, etc., included in graphics with this story and the story itself are copyrighted by HobbsDailyReport.com and can’t be used — partially or otherwise — in print or by broadcast media without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com upon usage. To request a waiver of that …

BREAKING NEWS: Kyle Lowman leaving Bandys, will be head coach at St. Stephens

He’s third person from his football-focused family to guide a Catawba County program   Editor’s note: All records, stats, etc., included in graphics with this story and the story itself are copyrighted by HobbsDailyReport.com and can’t be used — partially or otherwise — in print or by broadcast media without crediting HobbsDailyReport.com upon usage. To request a waiver of that …

BREAKING NEWS: South Caldwell promotes Justice to head football coach (updated)

Spartans’ selection is former starting QB, three-sport star who still holds records there     By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HUDSON – When South Caldwell High’s football players are next coached up about how to run a play, develop a work ethic or understand how to be a good teammate, they’ll hear it from someone who knows what they are experiencing. …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Hickory Public Schools announce Lincolnton’s Glass next head coach at HHS (updated)

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Here is an unedited version of a press release from Hickory Public Schools Public Information Officer (PIO) Beverly Snowden received by local media on Wednesday morning. Late Tuesday night, HobbsDailyReport.com reported — via multiple sources — on the selection of Joe Glass, head coach the last two seasons at Lincolnton, as the new HHS head coach …

BREAKING NEWS: Glass leaving Lincolnton to be head football coach at Hickory (updated)

He’s a former Red Tornadoes assistant whose first head-coaching job was at Patton   Editor’s note: This story has been edited to correct Glass’ tenure at Lincolnton, the number of years he has been a head coach and his career record. By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY – Joe Glass, head football coach at Lincolnton High for the last two seasons …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Sources say Hickory closing in on hire of next head coach

Exactly who is in charge unclear as Red Tornadoes look to replace leader forced out in late April   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY – Hickory High may be closing in on a replacement for former head football coach Russell Stone. A source told HobbsDailyReport.com recommendation of a candidate for the open position – barring new developments – would go …

NCHSAA: State legislators have second hearing about their concerns

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com RALEIGH — A subcommittee of the North Carolina Legislature investigating the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) held its second hearing on Thursday. Those appearing before the subcommittee included State Superintendent Catherine Truitt and Buddy Collins, former vice chair of the State Board of Education. HighSchoolOT.com, which has led reporting on legislative concerns, livestreamed both …

NCHSAA: Report says legislator asks fines for last 10 years be returned

Total of fines collected over last 5 years exceeds $400,000   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com RALEIGH — A member of the North Carolina Legislature, which is investigating the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), is asking the organization to refund all funds it has collected over the past 10 years via fines to schools found to have violated NCHSAA …

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL: LRU president’s updated video response

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com HICKORY — A YouTube video response to accusations of racial problems at Lenoir-Rhyne University by school president Dr. Fred Whitt is posted below. In it, Whitt mentions last Thursday’s protest by some students/student-athletes and the ongoing investigation prompted by allegations from Laney Fox, a sophomore who remains enrolled at the school. She played on the women’s …

WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Lenoir-Rhyne sophomore says her concerns about racism got her kicked off team (updated)

School says that wasn’t the reason, opens an  investigation; protest, march to campus from  City Hall planned on Thursday   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com A sophomore who played as a freshman and then opted out last season at Lenoir-Rhyne University has made several social media posts that allege her removal from the school’s women’s basketball team was because she spoke …

NCHSAA: State legislature votes to open an investigation

Subcommittee with subpoena power will lead inquiry   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com RALEIGH — A subcommittee of the N.C. Legislature decided on Tuesday it will investigate the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). A subcommittee will de appointed and the probe includes reviewing the NCHSAA’s finances. Several recent media reports indicate the NCHSAA, primarily through its endowment fund, has …

HOBBSDAILYREPORT.COM: We’re celebrating a birthday!

HobbsDailyReport.com We want to thank the loyal readers of HobbsDailyReport.com, as we are celebrating our fourth birthday this month. We’re proud to report that we have generated more than 6,250 posts about local sports since the first day we launched our website and, at last report, we had generated more than 750,000 page views since that opening day. We thank …

HIGH SCHOOLS: New league will be Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Conference

Butch Parker, South Fork 2A’s leader, will be conference administrator  for new league   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com The new eight-team 2A conference that begins in August will be named the Catawba Valley 2A Athletic Conference. In an e-mail from Butch Parker — currently conference administrator for the South Fork 2A — he said he has accepted the same role …

HIGH SCHOOLS: Ban of Anson County from 2009 playoffs sparked legislature’s interest in NCHSAA

HobbsDailyReport.com RALEIGH — Additional first-reporting by HighSchoolOT.com managing editor Nick Stevens, who writes a North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) decision to ban Anson County from the 2019 football playoffs triggered the N.C. Legislature’s interest in the NCHSAA. The NCHSAA on Wednesday contacted state prep media, indicating it has coordinated a ZOOM press conference about this development for 9:30 …

HIGH SCHOOLS: State legislature looking at NCHSAA, report says

HighSchoolOT.com: Legislature’s concerns include NCHSAA, as non-profit, having multi-millions   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com RALEIGH – The North Carolina Legislature has questions and some concerns about the role of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), a breaking report by HighSchoolOT.com says. HighSchoolOT.com managing editor Nick Stevens provides a comprehensive report – a story, a video interview with Sen. …

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Legendary coach Tom Brown dies

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com MAIDEN — Legendary football coach Tom Brown, who came to the Greater Hickory area to play college football at then-Lenoir-Rhyne College and was later a high school head football coach at Maiden, Bunker Hill and East Burke, has died. Brown — who battled COVID-19 and other health concerns for several months — died at about 2:30 …

STATE 2A VOLLEYBALL: Foard rolls over McMichael, repeats with 8th state title in school history

HobbsDailyReport.com Fred T. Foard High won its second straight state 2A volleyball championship on Saturday morning, defeating McMichael 25-14, 25-11, 25-12 at Green Level High in Cary. The Tigers (19-0) lost only one set all season, repeating also as Northwestern Foothills 2A champions under head coach Meredith Lombardi, and Foard is 8-for-8, winning a state title every time it has …

LINCOLN COUNTY HALL OF FAME: This year’s class includes N. Lincoln’s Bazzle

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com LINCOLNTON – The next class of the Lincoln County Sports Hall of Fame will include Nick Bazzle, head football coach at North Lincoln and a former head coach at Newton-Conover and Alexander Central. The class, announced on Thursday, also includes Jimmy Cherry, Jay Heafner, Nancy Little and Joanne Potts. Cherry has been public address announcer in …

NCHSAA: Realignment data says 8 area schools will change classification

Draughn headed to 1A, Foard back up to 3A, Alex Central will be 4A   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CHAPEL HILL – Eight high schools currently in Greater Hickory area conferences will change classifications in the next statewide realignment. East Lincoln, Lake Norman Charter and North Lincoln from the South Fork 2A will go 3A. Draughn will drop to 1A …

NCHSAA: Video details process, info on next statewide realignment

Average daily membership (ADMs) still a key, but State Cup points enter equation   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CHAPEL HILL – The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) released an 11-minute video (https://www.nchsaa.org/schools/schools-main-page/conferences/realignment-information) on Tuesday that details work being done on the next statewide realignment. The next realignment will be for the school years of 2021-2025 and starts on …

HOBBSDAILYREPORT.COM: We welcome your thoughts, comments as we prep for another year

An open letter to the thousands of you who follow sports at HobbsDailyReport.com: Thank you for your interest in local sports coverage and specifically in HobbsDailyReport.com, our website launched in April 2017 that is still going strong (more than 1 million page views). We’ve been fortunate – no one in my small family has experienced COVID-19 – but we have …

NORTHWESTERN 3A-4A: Football schedule; opening games on Feb. 26

HobbsDailyReport.com The Northwestern 3A-4A has released its 2020 varsity football schedule. There are seven schools in the conference, same as last season, and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) is limiting teams to seven games due to COVID-19. The first games are Feb. 26, and the regular season continues through April 9. Here are non-conference games scheduled so …

ATHLETES LAB: Adds advanced technology to track each athlete’s progress

Baseball, softball strength and conditioning camps scheduled for July HobbsDailyReport.com MAIDEN – Athletes Lab LLC is adding more technology and broadening its focus on tangible ways pitchers and hitters can track their development. Grant Rembert, CEO of Athletes Lab, announced the company has added Rapsodo Technology, which provides numerical and other feedback to pitchers and hitters. It’s a unique technology …

BREAKING NEWS: Bliss will return to coaching, guide Bandys varsity boys

By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com CATAWBA – Rob Bliss’ return to coaching prep basketball is official after his teaching contract was approved on Monday night by the Catawba County Board of Education. As first reported by HobbsDailyReport.com on May 6 (https://hobbsdailyreport.com/bandys-high/breaking-news-bliss-will-be-next-varsity-boys-basketball-coach-at-bandys/), Bliss will teach history and be head boys’ varsity basketball coach at Bandys High. He took over as principal at …

HOBBSDAILYREPORT.COM WELCOMES ATHLETES LAB

HobbsDailyReport.com welcomes Athletes Lab — whose focus is on helping area student-athletes improve and become the best they can be – to our list of advertisers. Editor/content coordinator Chris Hobbs is looking forward to working with Grant Rembert and Aaron Rembert and their staff in Maiden. We’re especially excited to reconnect with former athletes now working with Athletes Lab, as …

JOIN OUR TEAM!

JOIN OUR TEAM! While continuing to follow the end of great seasons in basketball and other winter sports,  HobbsDailyReport.com’s coverage of varsity spring sports in the South Fork 2A, Northwestern Foothills 2A and Northwestern 3A-4A has started. If you are interested in advertising on our site, please contact Chris Hobbs at chobbs001@att.net for details and pricing. We have spots available …

WE’RE GROWING, SO JOIN US TO BRING MORE ATTENTION TO YOUR BUSINESS

JOIN OUR TEAM! While continuing to follow winter varsity sports among local high schools, HobbsDailyReport.com is preparing for varsity spring sports in the South Fork 2A, Northwestern Foothills 2A and Northwestern 3A-4A. If you are interested in advertising on our site, please contact Chris Hobbs at chobbs001@att.net for details and pricing. We have spots available on our front page and/or …

OUR PREMIUM CONTENT: An example of the difference in free and premium content moving forward

Here’s how our free area content and new premium service content will differ   By CHRIS HOBBS HobbsDailyReport.com Editor/Content Coordinator HobbsDailyReport.com has opened a premium service area for our coverage of local sports in the Greater Hickory area, with the link to paying for that monthly or full school year membership available at the top right corner above the ad …

We’ll deliver the local sports news you want (video)

HobbsDailyReport.com As our website enters its third year of following high school athletics in the South Fork 2A, Northwestern Foothills 2A and Northwestern 3A-4A and other local sports, we’ll continue to deliver the best coverage in the Greater Hickory area. We’re focused on continuing to provide prep coverage of the area — it’s season No. 44 for content coordinator Chris …