Ayers Signs With Surry Community

Anthony Ayers, right, is pictured with his father Frankie Ayers. Anthony signed his NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue his baseball career at Surry Community College.

“Double A” Anthony Ayers is surrounded by friends and teammates before signing is National Letter of Intent.

Anthony Ayers and joined by East Surry coaches and administration at his college signing.

Anthony Ayers pitches during East Surry’s 2022 fourth-round playoff game at Randleman.

East Surry High School’s Anthony Ayers officially signed his NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue his academic and baseball careers at Surry Community College.

“It means the world to me to have the opportunity to play at the next level, and I couldn’t be any happier,” Ayers said. “I have dreamed of playing baseball in college for as long as I can remember.”

On his decision to continue his baseball career with Surry Community, Ayers said, “I already know the school has a great atmosphere and I wanted to stay close to home mainly.”

Ayers, also known as “Double-A,” is a four-year member of the Cardinals baseball program. He spent one season with the JV team, then three on varsity. His first season on varsity was the 2020 season in which East only played five games before the season was cancelled, then the 2021 season was also shortened to just 14 regular season games.

Despite game restrictions during two of his three varsity seasons, Ayers still helped the Cardinals to a impressive combined record of 45-6. During that time, East Surry won: two conference championships, one conference tournament championship (no tournament was held in 2021), one 1A West Regional Championship and one 1A State Runner-up trophy.

“I have made many great memories that will never be forgotten and met a lot of awesome people along the way,” Ayers said of his time at East Surry.

“The best thing about Double-A is that he’s a glue guy,” said East Surry coach Chad Freeman. “He’s always positive, always high energy and always doing stuff to get everybody on the team involved. From seniors on varsity to freshman on JV, he was always talking to everyone to make them feel important and feel like part of the program. He’s the kind of kid you want on a team because, not only was he a really good player, he makes everything and everybody better.”

Ayers was an immediate contributor as a sophomore on varsity. On a team with just three underclassmen, Ayers quickly worked his way into the Cards’ starting lineup at third base.

“He did a great job at third for us during his sophomore season, but of course we only got to play a handful of games because COVID hit,” Freeman said. “He wasn’t going to pitch a lot for us as a sophomore, and was mainly there for his defense while getting some swings in as well. That opened the door for him to have an awesome junior year and an even better senior year.”

Coming back for his junior season after the long layoff, Ayers found himself on a roster in need of another pitcher after losing multiple players to graduation. He was able to work his way into the rotation as a relief pitcher. This is where he carved out his niche with the team.

“As a relief guy, you want them to have the mindset of ‘give me the ball and I’m going to go all out for inning for two; I’ll do whatever you need me to do,’” Freeman said. “Double-A was always a team-first guy. If we needed him at third, he’d play third. He’d pitch when we asked him to pitch, and would go for one inning or seven depending on what the team needed. He’d hit seventh or fourth or wherever. He just wanted to play and wanted to help the team win.”

Ayers worked his way into being East Surry’s top relief pitcher his senior year. As much as he contributed to the Cards’ run to the 1A State Championship Series as a junior, Freeman called what Ayers did for the team as a senior “10-times better” than his junior campaign.

Double-A finished the year 5-0 on the mound, throwing primarily in relief. His ERA went from 4.0 down to 2.77, and Freeman said he had three or four saves as well.

Ayers also became much more productive as a hitter in 2022. He batted .338 as a senior, which improved his batting average by nearly 80 points, and saw a big jump in his on-base percentage as well while continuing to drive in runs.

No postseason honors were given in 2020, but Ayers was named an All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2021 and was named to the Foothills 2A All-Conference squad in 2022.

In addition to his contributions on the field, Freeman said Ayers’ compassion for his teammates and selfless nature made him, “One of the best overall teammates I’ve had during my tenure as an East Surry coach.”

“If somebody else had a big play, he was cheering and was just as loud as if he made the play himself,” Freeman added. “Double-A has been one of the most fun kids I’ve ever been around, and it was a joy to be able to coach him over the last four years.”

Following his signing, Ayers expressed gratitude to the coaches and teammates who helped him get to this point.

“I want to give a huge thank you to several people that have played a part in not only helping me get better at the game of baseball, but making me who I am today,” Ayers said. “I also want to give a special thanks to my dad, Frankie, who has been there since day one. He’s not only done his part for making me better at baseball, he has taught me all about life and has shaped me into the best man that I could possibly be.”

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Tourism efforts escalating in Ararat

The July 2 exhibition game between Foothills Senior Legion Post 123 and the Carolina Disco Turkeys has been postponed.

A reschedule date will be announced at a later time.

Post 123 closes out its regular season this week with back-to-back home games. Foothills (12-4) hosts North Stokes Sandy Ridge on July 5, then plays East Randolph Post 81 on July 6. Both games will be held at East Surry’s Barry Hall Field.

Foothills’ final two games of the regular season will determine the team’s playoff seeding. Playoffs begin July 8 and will be a best 2-of-3 series.

Mount Airy and East Surry were both included in NC Preps’ preseason top-15 polls for the 2022 football season.

NC Preps, part of Rivals.com, primarily covers football, basketball and baseball across the state. The site runs a variety of forums, contains recruiting information and puts out multi-platform media concerning high school sports.

The NC Preps rankings put Mount Airy No. 3 in the 1A division and East Surry No. 6 in the 2A division. Polls were voted on by the coaches in each individual class.

Both the Granite Bears and Cardinals are coming off successful seasons that help justify their teams’ top preseason rankings. Both squads finished 13-1 overall and 6-0 in their respective conferences. The 2021-22 season also marked the first time in six decades that the two teams didn’t play one another.

Mount Airy reached the Elite Eight of the 1A State Playoffs in 2021. The Bears suffered their only loss of the season to Mitchell, who went on to win the West Regional Championship and finish 1A State Runner-up.

The Bears are the highest-ranked 1A team that didn’t compete in a Regional Final in 2021.

East Surry reached the 2A West Regional Championship in 2021. The Cardinals’ only loss of the season came against the eventual 2A State Champion, Shelby.

Both the 1A and 2A NC Preps Preseason Polls are listed below. Schools are listed by ranking, and include their 2021-22 record and any postseason accomplishments.

4. Robbinsville (10-4, West Regional Runner-up)

9. Pender (10-4, East Regional Runner-up)

3. Wallace-Rose Hill (13-3, State Runner-up)

6. East Surry (13-1, West Regional Runner-up)

9. Princeton (13-1, East Regional Runner-up)

Mount Airy hosted a 7-on-7 scrimmage against Carroll County (Va.) on June 23.

The Carolina Disco Turkeys are set to return to the Granite City on July 2 for an exhibition game against the Foothills Post 123 Senior Legion Team.

The Disco Turkeys, a summer wood bat team formed in 2021 that plays out of Winston-Salem’s Truist Stadium, took its popular show to Mount Airy High School last year during its inaugural season. After a successful first meeting between the programs, the teams agreed to play once again in 2022.

“We’re happy to do the game again this year and build a connection between our two programs and with the Mount Airy baseball community,” said Greg Sullivan, team president and co-owner of the Disco Turkeys. “We think American Legion baseball is great for communities, and we have a lot of respect for their program and have been very impressed with what they’ve done so far this season.”

The Disco Turkeys will be bringing along their mascot, Boogie, for the trip, and will sell their team merchandise at the game. The team shipped out merchandise orders to all 50 states within a few weeks of their launch in spring 2021 and has been a hit with fans all over the world in their second season.

This year’s Disco Turkey’s team features players from Wake Forest, East Carolina, App State, High Point and other top schools.

The Foothills Senior Legion Team is also having a stellar year. Post 123’s impressive roster of college players, college-bound recent graduates and rising high school seniors sits at 12-2 overall on the season.

Following last year’s exhibition game, the Disco Turkey’s added Post 123 pitcher Garrett Leftwich – a 2021 graduate of Patrick County (Va.) High School – to their roster. He went on to the compete with the team at the All-American Amateur Baseball Association (AAABA) National Tournament in Johnstown, Penn. in front of a stadium crowd of a few thousand people.

“He’s a great young man and a hard-throwing pitcher who continues to get better and better,” Sullivan said of Leftwich. “He played for Southwest Virginia Community College this past year and is transferring into Patrick & Henry Community College for the upcoming season. That’s one of the best JUCO teams in the nation, and his future is very bright.

Another local connection is West Stokes graduate Dawson Neal. Neal pitched his freshman season at Pfeiffer University and is transferring to Gordon State.

Surry Community College graduate Bryson Bebber, who was recently named a recipient of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and Rawlings Gold Glove Award, is a former member of the Disco Turkeys as well.

The exhibition is scheduled to take place at Mount Airy High School on July 2 at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, and $4 of each ticket will go toward the Ty Montgomery Memorial Scholarship Fund.

CHARLOTTE — Surry Community College’s Bryson Bebber has been named a recipient of the 2022 Gold Glove Award.

The Gold Glove Award is presented by the Rawlings and the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). It designates Bebber, a sophomore first baseman from South Rowan High School, as the best fielder at this position among more than 90 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III programs.

Bebber joins former Surry second baseman, Ethan Danley, as the only players in Surry history to earn the Rawlings Gold Glove Award distinction.

“This is a tremendous honor for Bryson and our program,” stated Surry head baseball coach, Tim Collins. “Bryson has really good baseball instincts and works extremely hard. His defense saved us numerous runs during his playing career at Surry.”

Bebber led the national finalists for the award with 235 total chances and 223 total putouts while ranking second nationally with 10 assists. He only committed two errors on the season, posting a .991 fielding percentage. He was also named to the Region 10 All-Defensive team in both 2021 and 2022.

Besides providing stellar defensive for the Knights, Bebber hit .244 while driving in 19 runs with 21 runs scored. Surry finished as the Region 10 runner-up, dropping the championship game to Caldwell, 9-1.

“It has been an honor to play at Surry,” said Bebber. “I would like to thank Coach Collins for giving me the opportunity to continue my baseball career, along with Coach Swisher for all his help and support. I’ve had the privilege of playing with some incredible teammates. Receiving this award is extremely special to me because I pride myself on my defense.”

The China Grove, N.C. native will continue his academic and baseball careers this fall after earning a scholarship to St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, N.C.

“Bryson has been a great example of how an individual can come to Surry after not being heavily recruited out of high school and benefit from our program,” said Surry athletic director Mark Tucker. “He graduated this spring earning a 4.0 grade point average this academic year, and now has the opportunity to play at a four-year university after earning a scholarship. We are extremely proud of Bryson as a person and for all of his accomplishments.”

The ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Teams are released by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings Sporting Goods. The Rawlings Gold Glove winners have been selected since 2007 and feature many future Major League Baseball players.

For a complete list of award recipients, visit bit.ly/3yogSIh

North Surry High School hosted its Boys Basketball Camp in Ron King Gymnasium June 20-23.

Campers ranging from rising third graders to rising ninth graders took part in the four-day camp led by varsity boys coach Tyler Bentley, varsity assistant coaches, JV and middle school coaches as well as various current/former basketball players.

CHAPEL HILL — A total of 19 student-athletes from N.C. High School Athletic Association member schools were named winners of the “Heart of a Champion” Award for their outstanding sportsmanship, overcoming adversity and consistently going above and beyond expectations.

The recognition is part of the program offered by the NCHSAA Student Services Division. North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company sponsors these awards.

“We appreciate the continued partnership with our friends at the North Carolina Farm Bureau,” said NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker. “We are honored to join with Farm Bureau in recognizing this group of 19 student-athletes who have consistently demonstrated the values and traits that we want all student-athletes to learn through participation in our programs.

“Now, more than any other time, our society needs young people, like this group of award winners, who exhibit what it means to have the ‘heart of a champion’ and who are dedicated to excellence in all things.”

One local student-athlete, Elkin graduate Thomas McComb, was recognized as an award winner.

Each NCHSAA member school had the opportunity to nominate one male and one female student-athlete for the recognition. Applying students filled out a questionnaire, and then a school official – such as the principal or athletic director – also provided an evaluation. Students must have participated in at least one varsity sport or activity during the 2021-22 school year with no ejections, while also demonstrating outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship during their high school careers.

McComb was a multi-sport varsity student-athlete with the Buckin’ Elks where he was named to multiple All-Conference teams and even won a state championship. He also participated in five school clubs and was a member of the National Honor Society.

As a senior, McComb was a member of the Buckin’ Elks’ soccer, football, swimming and tennis teams.

McComb, who will continue his academic and soccer careers at Lees-McRae College, was named Northwest 1A Conference Defensive Player of the Year in soccer and was also named to the N.C. High School Soccer Coaches Association’s 1A All-State team.

He was also named the Conference’s Specialist of the Year in football in football.

In addition to being named All-Conference and helping Elkin win the NW1A Championship in swimming, McComb was part of the Buckin’ Elks’ 200-yard freestyle relay team that won the 1A State Championship.

In the spring, McComb was part of the Elkin tennis team that finished 1A West Regional Runner-up. He was also a regional qualifier in the individual competition.

According to the NCHSAA’s press release, McComb founded and became president of the Mountain Biking Club in his quest to help underclassmen find ways to have fun and spend time free of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Thomas said sports participation was instrumental in developing skills that would be crucial to succeeding in life: proper work ethic, adaptability, dependability, confidence and respect.

With the 2021-22 school year now complete, The News is recognizing the local student-athletes that were presented with All-Conference Honors for their respective sports during the spring.

Mount Airy competes in the Northwest 1A Conference (NW1A), Millennium Charter Academy competes in the Northwest Piedmont 1A Conference (NWPC), and East Surry, North Surry and Surry Central all compete in the Foothills 2A Conference (FH2A).

All-Conference Honorable Mentions will include (HM) following the selection’s name.

East Surry – Rosie Craven, Elise Marion, Bella Hutchens (HM), Riley Pennington (HM)

Millennium Charter – did not field a softball team

Mount Airy – Sydney Seagraves, Skylar Partin (HM), Sofia Stafford (HM)

North Surry – Bella Aparicio, Trista Berrier (FH2A Player of the Year), Carley Puckett, Sarah Mauldin (HM)

Surry Central – Kaylin Moody, Carlee Jones (HM), Kailea Zurita (HM)

East Surry finished 5-14 overall and 4-8 in conference play. The Cardinals were fifth in the FH2A standings.

Mount Airy finished 4-16 overall and 4-8 in conference play. The Granite Bears were fifth in the NW1A standings and reached the first round of the NCHSAA 1A State Playoffs.

North Surry finished 11-12 overall and 7-5 in conference play. The Greyhounds were fourth in the FH2A standings and reached the first round of the NCHSAA 2A State Playoffs. The Lady Hounds were defeated by the eventual 2A West Regional Runner-up.

North Surry senior Trista Berrier was named FH2A Conference Player of the Year.

Surry Central finished 4-14 overall and 2-10 in conference play. The Golden Eagles were sixth in the FH2A standings.

Mount Airy High School hosted its Youth Volleball Camp in Howard M. Finch Gymnasium June 20-23.

Campers ranging from rising third graders to rising ninth graders took part in the four-day camp led by varsity coach Shelby Bryant, assistant coach Sarah Knott as well as various current/former players.

East Surry High School’s Anthony Ayers officially signed his NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue his academic and baseball careers at Surry Community College.

On his decision to continue his baseball career with Surry Community, Ayers said, “I already know the school has a great atmosphere and I wanted to stay close to home mainly.”

“I have made many great memories that will never be forgotten and met a lot of awesome people along the way,” Ayers said of his time at East Surry.

Ayers was an immediate contributor as a sophomore on varsity. On a team with just three underclassmen, Ayers quickly worked his way into the Cards’ starting lineup at third base.

Double-A finished the year 5-0 on the mound, throwing primarily in relief. His ERA went from 4.0 down to 2.77, and Freeman said he had three or four saves as well.

No postseason honors were given in 2020, but Ayers was named an All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2021 and was named to the Foothills 2A All-Conference squad in 2022.

Following his signing, Ayers expressed gratitude to the coaches and teammates who helped him get to this point.

The Foothills Junior Legion Team won the rubber match against Surry Pride in dominant fashion on June 20.

Both schools are part of the Foothills Post 123 American Legion organization. Instead of having one junior team like previous years, enough players came out from Surry County and surrounding areas that Post 123 formed two younger squads. The Foothills Juniors are made up of all rising high school sophomores and juniors as well as a few rising seniors. Surry Pride primarily consists of rising high school freshman, with a few sophomores and juniors also on the team.

Monday’s game at Surry Central High School was the third meeting between the two teams. Foothills Juniors won the first meeting 11-10 on May 18, and Surry Pride retaliated with an 8-7 win on June 3.

The Juniors left no doubt in round No. 3 by defeating the Pride 14-2.

Foothills racked up its 14 runs on 15 hits. Brison George, Kamden Hawks, Landon Gallimore, Macean Alvear and Ashton Gwyn each had multiple hits for the Juniors, while James Steele, Trampus Atkins, Ian Gallimore, Smith Ray and Cash Hemric each added one hit.

The following Foothills players had multiple RBIs: Alvear, George, Gwyn, Hemric, Hawks and Steele.

George, the leadoff batter for the Juniors, scored the game’s opening run in the top of the first inning. After being walked, George stole second and scored on a double hit by Hawks to the left field fence. The Pride picked up the second out of the inning before Ian Gallimore was walked, then Caleb Morgan – running for Hawks – went home on a wild pitch and made it 2-0.

Juniors pitcher Ray and the Foothills defense sent each of the first three Pride batters back to the dugout to end the inning.

Surry pitcher Luke Bruner picked up a strikeout to begin the second inning. Foothills’ Bradley Goins reached first on an error, then the Juniors’ next four batters each hit singles: Gwyn, Alvear, George and Steele.

The score was up to 6-0 after the barrage of singles, and Hawks brought in run No. 7 with a ground out.

Landon Johnson, Vincent Pannutti and Phillip Byrd all put the ball into play for the Pride in the bottom of the second, but couldn’t get on base. Johnson and Pannutti grounded out, and Byrd’s line drive was caught by Ray on the mound. Bruner did become Surry’s first baserunner of the game, but never advanced past first.

Cayden McRoberts took the mound in the top of the third. Landon Gallimore doubled to start the inning, then Goins was walked. Surry’s luck seemed to be turning around after catcher Pannutti caught Gallimore stealing third and Gwyn lined out to Johnson. However, a fielding error put Alvear on base and scored Goins, then another error opened the door for Alvear to steal second and third before scoring run No. 9.

David Schuyler recorded the Pride’s first hit of the game in the bottom of the third. McRoberts followed with a single to left field, then Carter Motsinger was walked to load the bases. Cade Atkins singled to score Schuyler, then a sacrifice fly from Johnson allowed McRoberts to score and make it 9-2.

The Pride carried momentum into the top of the fourth by forcing two quick outs. Pannutti threw Morgan out stealing second with Myles Draughn on the mound, then Draughn flied out.

Ian Gallimore was walked with two outs, then Ray and Landon Gallimore each singled to load the bases. Hemric scored Ian and Ray with a single, then Landon and Hemric scored on a hit from Gwyn that was followed by a fielding error. Another Pride error on an Alvear hit scored run No. 14.

The Pride had three ground outs in the bottom of the fourth inning with Draughn on the mound. Sid Sutphin pitched in the top of the fifth inning and Juniors hit one single and flied out three times.

Surry’s final chance to keep the game going came in the bottom of the fifth. Motsinger was walked by Landon Gallimore and moved his way over to third on a groundout. Johnson was also walked to put runners on the corners, but then a Landon strikeout and another groundout ended the game.

PILOT MOUNTAIN — An 8-3 home victory over High Point-Thomasville Post 87 gave Foothills Post 123 its ninth victory of the 2022 season.

Post 123 (9-1) never trailed in Friday’s game. The Senior Legion Team scored in each of the first three innings to build a 5-0 lead, “winning every inning,” as coach Brian Hawks said.

The visiting HiToms tacked on a pair of runs in the fourth inning while holding Foothills scoreless in the fifth and sixth. Post 123’s offense could only be contained so long, as the team padded its lead with three runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Foothills scored eight runs on 11 hits and was walked seven times – at least once per inning. Post 123 even had chances to open the lead up more, but left nine runners on base in the June 17 game. Three Foothills players recorded multiple hits: Anthony Ayers (East Surry HS Class of 2022), Nash Thompson (Patrick County HS, VA ‘22) and Landon Jackson (Elkin HS ‘21).

Five Post 123 players added one hit each: Trey Armstrong (East Surry HS ‘22), Ethan Ball (West Stokes HS ‘22), Logan Dowell (Mount Airy HS ‘22), Daniel Shearin (Grayson Co. HS, VA ‘22) and Carson Willoughby (East Surry HS ‘21),

Post 87 (8-4) scored its three runs on seven hits and four walks. The HiToms only had multiple hits in an inning once.

Three pitchers spent time on the mound for Post 123. Styles Geramita (Carlisle School, Va. ‘23) threw the first 4.1 innings, striking out four batters and walking none. Geramita allowed two runs on four hits, and both runs were scored as part of a three-hit fourth inning.

Justin Reeves (Surry Central HS ‘23) pitched the next 1.2 innings. Reeves struck out three batters, walked two and didn’t allow any hits or runs. Ayers threw the final inning of the game, striking out two batters, walking another two and allowing one run on one hit.

Post 123 got on the board with one run in the bottom of the first. Already with two outs, Dowell was walked and Ball hit an RBI double to left-center field.

Foothills added two runs in both the second and third innings while Post 87 remained scoreless.

Post 123 loaded the bases in the second inning with one out: Shearin was walked, Thompson beat the throw to first on an infield grounder and Jackson singled with a hit to the outfield. Willoughby hit a double to left-center to score Shearin and Thompson and increase the lead to 3-0.

Ball was walked to begin the bottom of the third, then moved to third on a double hit by Ayers down the right-field line. Clay Whitaker (Surry Central HS ‘23) picked up the RBI with a ground out at first. Thompson then brought in run No. 5 with an RBI single.

Foothills only combined for one hit in the fourth and fifth innings, while the HiToms got back into the game with two runs in the top of the fourth.

High Point had a chance to take the lead by loading the bases in the top of the fifth. Reeves took over on the mound with one out on the board and a runner on first. He walked his first batter, then the next flied out but hit deep enough into the outfield that runners advanced to second and third base.

Foothills elected to intentionally walk a Post 87 player that previously doubled. This gamble paid off, though, as Reeves struck out the next batter to leave three runners stranded.

Post 123 finally extended its lead in the bottom of the sixth. Willoughby reached first thanks to a fielding error, then dashed over to second and beat the throw from the outfield. Armstrong safely bunted his way to first while also moving Willoughby to third, then Armstrong stole second with Dowell at the plate.

Dowell hit a 2RBI single to score the two East Surry graduates and make it 7-2. Dowell moved to second on a wild pitch, then crossed the plate himself when Ayers rocked his second double of the evening.

Post 87 put a pair of runners on in the top of the seventh thanks to two walks thrown by Ayers. Foothills picked up the first out of the inning on a fielder’s choice, then Ayers tossed a strikeout for out No. 2. High Point managed to score its third run off an RBI single, but Ayers threw Foothills’ ninth strikeout to end the game.

The June 17 win over High Point-Thomasville moved Foothills to 9-0 on the season. Post 123 then dropped its first game of 2022 two days later against East Randolph, 11-6.

Post 123 looks to get back on track on June 22 by playing a double-header at North Stokes.

With the 2021-22 school year now complete, The News is recognizing the local student-athletes that were presented with All-Conference Honors for their respective sports during the spring.

All-Conference Honorable Mentions will include (HM) following the selection’s name.

East Surry – Anderson Badgett, Bradley Davis (FH2A Golfer of the Year), Jace Goldbach, Chase Harris, Connor Key (FH2A Championship Medalist)

Millennium Charter – did not field a golf team

Mount Airy – Eli Morrison, Avery Poindexter, Brooks Sizemore, Chapman Utt (HM), Mason Varney (HM)

Surry Central – Reece Hanson, Adam Hege, Nathan Narewood (HM), Wesley Whitaker (HM)

East Surry won both the regular season and conference tournament championships in the Foothills 2A Conference. The Cardinals’ Bradley Davis was named FH2A Player of the Year, Connor Key was the medalist of the conference tournament and Darrin Haywood was named FH2A Coach of the Year.

East Surry went on to win the 2A Midwest Regional Championship as a team. Anderson Badgett was the medalist at the regional championship.

East concluded its season by winning the 2A State Championship. Individually, Davis finished State Runner-up.

Mount Airy finished second in the NW1A regular season standings and second at the conference tournament. Brooks Sizemore was the Bears’ low scorer for the regular season, and Sizemore and Avery Poindexter tied for the team’s top score at the NW1A Championship.

The Granite Bears finished fifth as a team at the 1A West Regional Championship. Sizemore tied for 17th overall at regionals.

North Surry finished fourth in the FH2A regular season standings and third at the conference tournament. Brody York had the Greyhounds’ best score through seven regular season matches and finished sixth overall at the FH2A Championship.

York competed in the 2A Midwest Regional Championship for the Greyhounds and tied for 22nd.

Surry Central finished third in the FH2A regular season standings and fourth at the conference championship. Reece Hanson had the Golden Eagles’ best score through seven regular season matches, and Adam Hege was the team’s top scorer at the FH2A Championship.

Central qualified for the 2A Midwest Regional Championship as a team and finished seventh, with Hege leading the way by tying for 11th. Hege represented the Eagles at the 2A State Championship where he finished tied for No. 72.

Mount Airy High School hosted the Northwest Basketball Academy June 13-16.

Campers ranging from rising third graders to rising ninth graders filled both of Mount Airy’s gyms for four days of basketball. The camp was led by varsity boys coach Bryan Hayes, varsity assistant coaches, JV and middle school coaches as well as various current/former basketball players.

Campers engaged in daily competitions and competed for camp records. Campers were divided into three divisions by age: ACC, NBA and JV.

Individual competition winners are listed below by division:

Consecutive free throws: Jaylan Brim (6)

3-Pointers in a Minute: Griffin Key (9)

Chippy Drill: Griffin Key/Kannon Gardner (25)

Four Cone Combine: Trey Fussell (14.47 seconds)

17-Second Drill: Gavin Norman (18.33 seconds)

3-Ball Dribble: Kannon Gardner (19.51 seconds)

Mikan Makes in a Minute: Cole Wright (22)

Most Outstanding Camper: Jaylan Brim

Consecutive free throws: Gavin Frazier (7)

3-Pointers in a Minute: Rowen Fitzgibbons (13)

Chippy Drill: Rowen Fitzgibbons/Cohen Brinkley (29)

Four Cone Combine: Ty Hemic (13.47 seconds)

17-Second Drill: McKennon Hiatt (15.15 seconds)

3-Ball Dribble: Anderson Moore (19.66 seconds)

Mikan Makes in a Minute: Rowen Fitzgibbons (34)

Most Outstanding Camper: Corbin Kerley

Consecutive free throws: Ian Cox (9)

3-Pointers in a Minute: Ian Cox (16)

Chippy Drill: Taeshon Martin/Zach Goins (28)

Four Cone Combine: Scott Moore (15.81 seconds)

17-Second Drill: Taeshon Martin (15.02 seconds)

3-Ball Dribble: Zach Goins (10.56 seconds)

Mikan Makes in a Minute: John David Bunke (35)

Hotshot Champion: John David Bunke

Two-in-a-Row Champion: John David Bunke

Most Outstanding Camper: Ian Cox

East Surry High School hosted the school’s 2022 Boys Basketball Camp on June 14-16.

Dozens of young men came out to the camp during its three-day run. The camp was led by varsity boys coach Chad Motsinger, varsity assistant Bradley Davis and an array of current/former players as well as guest counselors.

Campers took part in various individual and team competitions, drills and received instruction from guest speakers.

In addition to daily awards, the following awards were given out at the conclusion of the camp:

Camper of the Week: Jay Wright

Outstanding Cardinal Camper, Middle School: Talon Mason

Outstanding Cardinal Camper, Elementary School: Declan Tilley

Hot Shot Champion: Davis Seivers

Free Throw Champion: Easton Sallee

Mikan Drill Champion: Weston Dean

Along with recruitment and retention of officials and related behavior issues in high school sports, which were previously addressed in this column, another concern across the high school landscape this year has been the impact of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) on high school athletics.

It has been less than one year since the NCAA suspended its longstanding amateur rules to allow college athletes to monetize their success and profit from their NIL, and many changes have occurred at that level. And, throughout the year, several state high school associations have established policies to help high school students navigate through murky NIL waters.

The state of officiating, NIL and information about the 50th anniversary of Title IX, were among the subjects discussed during the NFHS’ Media Availability Session yesterday. A recording of the webinar is available here.

With regard to NIL, we realize that high school students can be tremendous entrepreneurs – they already are in a number of capacities. Students have the ability to be recognized for their athletic prowess and that can be a nice opportunity for a young person.

However, the NFHS and its member associations believe high school student-athletes should not be able to benefit as professionals from something they do not own – that is their high school uniform. The NFHS and its member state associations would not support a situation that would involve a member school and a student-athlete entering into a professional contract while representing that member school.

Right now within the 51 member state associations, while some state statutes are bringing high school student-athletes into their language, no student-athlete in a member school can be a professionally paid student by virtue of their identity as a student-athlete in that member school.

We believe the purpose of high school athletics and performing arts is not to develop professional athletes but to develop kids, to help kids develop life skills and help them develop relationships. The high school locker room is arguably the last bastion of amateurism within an education-based setting, and we want to protect that.

The purpose of high school athletics is very different from the professional level – and even the college level. High school students can enjoy some success with NIL, but it cannot be done while wearing the school uniform.

And with what has happened at the college level this past year, there are some major concerns about the breakdown of amateur sports – and what the future holds in high schools nationwide.

At the high school level, there is a concern about the absolute breakdown of culture and climate of the high school locker room and the purpose for kids to play high school sports. If high school student-athletes are allowed to wear their Friday Night Lights jerseys to engage in professional contracts, not only are the dynamics of amateurism disrupted, but also the dynamics of a team, the school and the community. You have students earning money because they are a high school student and a pretty good athlete with the jersey on. This is extremely disruptive to the purpose of high school sports.

There is a concern about the breakdown of not just the pathway to education after high school and perhaps participation, but also the breakdown of the very sensitive culture and climate that is amateur high school sports.

We know that adjustments, tweaks and re-thinking of issues are important in our ever-changing world. The NFHS and its member state associations continue to be open to change, but resolute in the belief that high school sports is not about preparing students for the next level of play but preparing students for life.

Three local baseball players recently received All-State Honors for the 2021-22 season.

The N.C. Baseball Coaches Association (NCBCA) takes nominations at the conclusion of each baseball season to create an All-State team for each public school classification. No teams were named in 2020 with the season cancelled due to COVID-19.

All three of Surry County’s All-State players compete in the 2A division. Two of the players, East Surry’s Folger Boaz and Luke Brown, are repeat selections, while Surry Central’s Dakota Mills was selected for his first All-State team.

Mills is a member of the class of 2022, while Brown and Boaz are members of the class of 2023.

Hitting: .568 batting average (42/74)*, .667 on-base percentage, 42 hits, 19 RBIs, 42 runs, 5 home runs, 3 triples, 7 doubles, 22 base on balls, 30 stolen bases**

Fielding: .985 fielding percentage, 182 put-outs on 196 total chances, 11 assists, 2 double plays, 3 errors

*school record, tied for No. 19 in N.C. history

**school record, tied for No. 27 in N.C. history

Surry Central finished fifth in the FH2A Conference. The Golden Eagles were 12-13 overall and 6-6 in conference play.

Mills is Surry Central’s first All-State selection since Tyler Myers in 2017.

Hitting: .390 batting average (30/77), .521 OBP, 49 RBIs***, 22 runs, 7 home runs, 7 doubles, 13 BB

Pitching: 11-0 record, 63 innings pitched, 3 complete games, 0.89 ERA, 126 strikeouts, 41 base on balls, only 18 hits allowed

Hitting: .306 batting average, 17 RBI, 13 runs, 1 home run, 6 doubles, 9 BB

Pitching: 7-1 record, 58.1 innings pitched, 2 complete games, 1.68 era, 79 strikeouts, 34 BB, 1 save

East Surry finished the 2022 season as the Foothills 2A Conference (FH2A) Regular Season and Tournament Champions. The Cardinals were 24-2 overall and 12-0 in conference play.

At least one East Surry player has been named to the NCBCA All-State team each year since 2016.

Listed below are Surry County’s All-State baseball selections by year. In addition to East Surry and Surry Central, North Surry and Elkin have also had players named All-State in the past decade.

2022 Folger Boaz (ES), Luke Brown (ES), Dakota Mills (SC)

2021 Folger Boaz (ES), Luke Brown (ES), Luke Bowman (ES)

2019 AJ Wilson (ES), Seth Keener (ES)

2018 Kain Kiser**** (ES), AJ Wilson (ES)

2017 AJ Wilson (ES), Kendal Tucker (NS), Tyler Myers (SC)

2016 Tyler Smith (ES), Kendal Tucker (NS), Chase Chandler (NS)

2015 Daniel Brinegar (EK), Nick Wilson (NS)

2014 Tyler Marion (ES), Scott Meredith (ES)

****Kiser was also named NCBCA 1A State Player of the Year

Full 2022 NCBCA 2A All-State Team

Below is the full list of players named to the 2022 NCBCA 2A All-State Team. Selections are listed in alphabetical order by school.

Brooks Brannon – Randleman (NCBCA 2A State Player of the Year)

Ty Lawson – Whiteville (NCBCA 2A State Pitcher of the Year)

With the 2021-22 school year now complete, The News is recognizing the local student-athletes that were presented with All-Conference Honors for their respective sports during the spring.

All-Conference Honorable Mentions will include (HM) following the selection’s name.

East Surry – Trey Armstrong, Anthony Ayers, Folger Boaz (FH2A Player of the Year), Luke Bowman, Luke Brown (FH2A Pitcher of the Year), Caden Lasley (HM), Tristen Mason (HM)

Millennium Charter – Phillip Byrd, Ethan Holladay (HM)

Mount Airy – Logan Dowell, Ian Gallimore, Kamden Hawks, Rylan Venable (NW1A Pitcher of the Year), Reece Deaton (HM), Cameryn Wilson (HM)

North Surry – Ethan Edwards, James McCreary, Brodie Robertson, Kolby Watson, Keaton Hudson (HM), Cam Taylor (HM)

Surry Central – Brady Edmonds, Dakota Mills, Kade Norman, Clay Whitaker, Justin Reeves (HM), Mason Jewell (HM)

East Surry won both the regular season and conference tournament championships in the FH2A Conference. The Cardinals’ went 12-0 in conference competition during the regular season, then won back-to-back games to win the FH2A Tournament Title. Folger Boaz, Luke Bowman, Brett Clayton, and Matthew Keener were named to the FH2A All-Tournament team, Trey Armstrong was named Tournament MVP and Chad Freeman was voted conference Coach of the Year.

The Cardinals were seeded No. 4 in the 2A West and reached the fourth round of the state playoffs for the fourth-consecutive postseason. East Surry finished the year 24-2, and its only loss in the 2A division came against the eventual state champions.

Millennium Charter tied for fourth in the NWPC Conference with a 3-7 record. After starting the season 1-11 overall, the Lions won five-consecutive games in which they outscored opponents 71-14. Millennium came up short in its first-round game of the conference tournament and did not qualify for the state playoffs.

Mount Airy finished tied for second in the NW1A Conference with a 10-2 regular season record. The Bears closed the regular season and opened the conference tournament riding a seven-game winning streak, the program’s longest in more than 60 years. Mount Airy reached the NW1A semifinals, and Reece Deaton was named to the All-Tournament team.

The Granite Bears earned the No. 8 seed in the 1A West and reached the third round of the playoffs for the second time in four seasons. The team finished the year 19-9 overall.

North Surry tied for third in the FH2A regular season standings with a 7-5 record. After starting the season 6-7 overall, the Greyhounds won 10-of-11 games and reached the FH2A Tournament Championship. Myles Draughn, Ethan Edwards and Kolby Watson were named to the FH2A All-Tournament team.

North Surry was given the No. 21 seed in the 2A West and dropped its first-round playoff game 2-1 in extra innings. The Hounds finished the season with a 16-10 record.

Surry Central finished fifth in the FH2A regular season standings with a 6-6 conference record. The Golden Eagles dropped their first-round matchup in the FH2A Tournament.

Central was given the No. 23 seed in the 2A West and nearly upset the No. 7 seed, eventually falling 7-5. Surry Central finished the season 12-13 overall.

DOBSON — The Surry Community College volleyball team is set to hold its annual youth camp in July.

The volleyball camp will begin Monday, July 11 and run through Wednesday, July 13 at the SCC gym on the Dobson campus. The camp is open to rising fourth to rising eighth graders, and will take place from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. each day.

Participants will receive individual instruction and drills for all areas of volleyball including serving, hitting, passing, setting and blocking. Campers will also receive teamwork skills and drills.

The camp is under the direction of Surry Head Coach Caleb Gilley, along with other areas coaches.

Coach Gilley will be entering his third season with the Knights in 2022. Surry finished the 2021 season 25-4 overall and nationally ranked.

Gilley previously coached at East Surry High School from 2011-2019 and led the Cardinals to seven Northwest 1A Conference Championships as well as two West Regional Championships. He was named Northwest Coach of the Year six times, and was honored as the AVCA Coach of the Year for North Carolina in 2019.

Gilley will be assisted by current volleyball players from the Lady Knights volleyball team. This includes the Knights’ All-Region setter, Anna Stevens, and Region 10 Player of the Year Michelle Thao.

The cost of the camp is $45 if registered before July 1 ($40 for multiple family members before July1) and $60 if registered after July 1 ($50 for multiple family member after July 1).

Each camper will receive a Surry Volleyball t-shirt for attending, and will also be eligible for camp awards and door prizes given at the conclusion of the camp.

For more camp information or to request a camp brochure, please contact Surry coach Caleb Gilley at 336-386-3593 or gilleycr@surry.edu

Additional information is available at knights.surry.edu

East Surry High School’s Luke Bowman officially signed his NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue his academic and baseball careers at Surry Community College.

“It means a lot to me to be able to play college baseball,” Bowman said. “This has been a dream ever since I’ve started playing. From playing little league to travel and throughout school ball, it has always been something I’ve wanted to do.”

Bowman helped East Surry continue its tradition of success during his two seasons with the varsity squad. The 2021 and 2022 Cardinals combined to win: two conference championships, one conference tournament championship (no tournament was held in 2021), one 1A West Regional Championship and one 1A State Runner-up trophy.

“He’s a phenomenal kid,” said East Surry coach Chad Freeman. “We all know he’s a great athlete and a great ballplayer, but he’s an even better person. He was a leader on the team that set the example by how hard he played, but could be vocal if he needed to. He’s also a really smart ballplayer.

“He will bring a lot to the Surry Community program and then to wherever he goes after.”

Part of the reason Bowman said he chose Surry Community College was because of the program’s success, making it an easy transition since he was coming from a successful high school program.

“I wanted to play at Surry because of the location and the reputation they have of always being good at baseball,” he said.

Bowman was planned to split time between varsity and JV his sophomore season at East before the season was cancelled. The following year, Luke came back and had an incredible season that helped earn him All-State honors.

Freeman said that Bowman is just as worthy of being named All-State as a senior if not more. The awards for the 2022 season have not been issued at the time of publication.

Offensively, Bowman finished his senior season by setting the East Surry school record with 46 runs scored. He had a .463 batting average, a .626 on-base percentage, 10 extra-base hits (seven doubles, two triples and one home run) and 20 RBIs.

Bowman also set the Cardinals’ record for career batting average at .448.

“Being able to play at East Surry with the people I grew up with was the best years of my life,” Bowman said. “There was never a dull moment in practice or games. All the coaches and every kid made it a very special place to be.”

In addition to his offensive contributions, Luke was a cornerstone of East Surry’s strong defense. He came into his junior season as the team’s starting catcher.

“He was just lights out behind the plate,” Freeman said. “He gets a lot of praise for his contributions on offense, but he had the same impact defensively. He had a tough job handling our pitches and made it look easy. Then this past year he only had two errors all season. That’s impressive when you play 26 games and handle the ball as much as he handles it.”

Bowman finished the 2022 season with a .992 fielding percentage, 228 put-outs and 22 assists.

“I have a ton of trust with Luke,” Freeman said. “I probably communicated with him more than any other player on the team because he’s involved in pretty much every play. We also talked a lot between innings, and he’d tell me different things he noticed and his thoughts on what we needed to do. It was like having another coach on the field.

“Obviously he was good, but he also made everybody else around him better. He really was a big part of our success this year.”

Bowman’s athleticism and baseball IQ made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals. While he specialized as the team’s catcher, he was also used as an outfielder. Freeman said that he believes Luke can be just as successful as an outfielder at the next level if his future coaches need him there.

Bowman also spent time on the mound for East Surry. When the Cards would play three games in a week, Freeman said he had total confidence in Bowman to throw a few innings. He even earned a win on the mound for East Surry as a senior.

Freeman said he had no doubts that Bowman would’ve played any position on the field if it meant helping the team succeed.

“He’s athletic enough that if I had even asked him to play middle infield he would have,” Freeman said. “He’s a tremendous athlete, an intelligent player and I can’t brag on him enough for how he helped our team be successful.”

Humbled to be signing his way to collegiate baseball, Bowman expressed gratitude to some of the people most responsible for helping him get to this point.

“I’d like to thank my parents and my grandparents more than anything,” Bowman said. “They always made sure I was at every practice and every game. I would also like to thank all the coaches; I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

“I’m just ready to continue playing baseball at the next level. I think it will be very fun, especially with “Double A” Anthony Ayers also coming to play with me.“

With the 2021-22 school year now complete, The News is recognizing the local student-athletes that were presented with All-Conference Honors for their respective sports during the spring.

All-Conference Honorable Mentions will include (HM) following the selection’s name.

East Surry – Samantha Blose, Liannette Chavez, Addison Goins, Morgan Bryant (HM), Sophie Hutchens (HM)

Millennium Charter – did not field a girls soccer team in 2021-22

Mount Airy – Karyme Bueno, Aliyah Flores (NW1A Defensive Player of the Year), Morgan Hiatt, Mackenzie Hudson (NW1A Co-Goalkeeper of the Year), Grey Moore, Alex Rose, Kylie James (HM), Paola Ramirez (HM),

North Surry – Kimberly Elias, Callie Allen (HM), Weatherly Reeves (HM)

Surry Central – Brittany Frausto, Dafne Perez, Wendy Cantor (HM), Lillian Orozco (HM)

The following players were also named to the N.C. Soccer Coaches Association’s 1A or 2A All-Region teams. No local players were named to the NCSCA’s All-State teams.

East Surry – Samantha Blose, Liannette Chavez

Mount Airy – Karyme Bueno, Aliyah Flores, Morgan Hiatt, Mackenzie Hudson, Grey Moore, Alex Rose

Surry Central – Brittany Frausto, Dafne Perez

East Surry finished 11-7-2 overall and 8-4 in conference play. The Cardinals were third in the FH2A standings and reached the first round of the 2A State Playoffs.

Mount Airy finished 17-3-4 overall and 10-2 in conference play. The Granite Bears won the school’s first-ever NW1A Conference Championship and reached the second round of the 1A State Playoffs. Will Hurley was named NW1A Coach of the Year.

North Surry finished 3-16 overall and 2-10 in conference play. The Greyhounds were sixth in the FH2A standings.

Surry Central finished 7-10-3 overall and 4-8 in conference play. The Golden Eagles were fifth in the FH2A standings.

KINSTON – A total of 24 Surry Community College student-athletes from spring sports were named to the Region 10 All-Academic team.

In order to be named All-Academic, student-athletes must achieve a minimum 3.0 grade point average while passing at least 12 credit hours in the semester their sport takes place.

With 24 spring recipients, Surry ranked seventh overall among N.C. Community Colleges with athletic programs. Surry had 12 student-athletes represented on the Region 10 All-Academic fall team, featuring 10 members of the volleyball team along with two members from the women’s golf team.

Golf competes in both the fall and spring, which meant a few student-athletes could be honored for both semesters.

“Our student-athletes had a great spring semester in the classroom,” said Surry Athletic Director Mark Tucker. “In addition to having 24 spring athletes honored, we had a total of 32 student-athletes including those from the fall that finished with at least a 3.0 grade point average with 10 student-athletes earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

“To be ranked seventh in the state is tremendous considering that most other North Carolina community colleges have more athletic teams, and in turn more student-athletes.”

The Surry Knights named to the Region 10 Spring All-Academic team are listed below by sport.

Baseball: Brayden Adams (Metrolina High School), Bryson Bebber (South Rowan HS), Kyle Brittain (North Lincoln HS), Noah Caldwell (Bandys HS), Nathan Childers (North Wilkes HS), Cole Chipman (East Wilkes HS), Zach Devries (Dacula HS), Will Gray (Mount Pleasant HS), Landon Jackson (Elkin HS), Drew Kinser (Metrolina HS), Tate Samples (East Wilkes HS), Peyton Wall (Forbush HS), Ethan Watson (Hibriten HS) and Jack Weaver (South Rowan HS).

Softball: Taylor Allen (Alleghany HS), Chelsey Atkins (Surry Central HS), Megan Atkins (Surry Central HS), Allie Bruner (East Surry HS), Rachel Cooke (Maiden HS), Abigail Draughn (North Surry HS), Kassie Eldreth (Alexander Central HS) and Makara Woodbury (North Surry HS).

Golf: Mattie Noonkester (Mount Airy HS) and Hadly Tucker (East Surry HS).

Thirty-four Region 10 colleges were represented on the All-Academic team, and there was representation from every spring sport. Spartanburg Methodist College had the most student-athletes honored with 67, while baseball led all sports with 444 student-athletes receiving academic honors.

A total of 823 Region 10 student-athletes were recognized for their academic success.

Surry Central High School held its annual Eagles Nest Basketball Camp June 6-9. More than 100 young people took part in the camp and received instruction from varsity boys coach Marty Behrens, varsity girls coach Mandy Holt as well as JV coaches, assistant high school coaches, middle school coaches and current/former Golden Eagle basketball players.

East Surry High School hosted the 2022 Lady Cardinals Basketball Camp June 6-8. More than 50 young women came out to the camp during its three-day run. The camp was led by varsity girls coach Jay Boaz, varsity assistant coaches, an array of current/former players and guest counselors.

As the 2021-22 school year draws to a close, there is some good news to report on the officiating front, and next steps to take before action begins again this fall.

In a survey by NFHS Director of Officiating Services Dana Pappas, 28 of 36 participating state associations reported an increase in the number of registered officials from 2020-21 to 2021-22. Overall, in these states, there was a six percent increase in the number of registered officials this past year, as compared to a nine percent decrease between 2018-19 and 2020-21.

While some of the participating states reported decreases in officials this past year, four states – Delaware, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota – currently have more registered officials than before the pandemic.

We salute the great work done in all these states to address the nationwide shortage of officials; however, as was discussed at the recently completed NFHS Officials Consortium, steps must be taken to improve respect for officials and behavior at high school events if new officials are going to be retained beyond three years.

Since the Officials Consortium ended about two months ago, the NFHS has started to implement next steps identified by the 60-plus leaders in attendance – with the end goal being to retain individuals currently officiating high school sports and recruit others to the profession.

Among those next steps will be a broad-scale nationwide campaign that addresses behavior and respect. While sportsmanship is always front and center in high school sports, this emphasis will go beyond the general tenets of sportsmanship.

Attendees at the Consortium identified the boorish behavior of fans – and others – as the most common and visible issue affecting the recruitment and retention of officials.

Further, the consensus was that this type of behavior has become normalized. Unfortunately, it is almost expected that fans – sometimes coaches and others – will disrespect the men and women who are serving as officials.

Along those same lines, there is a lack of respect for the role of an official – adding another deterrent to becoming an official.

Everyone must be involved in these changes – students, parents, coaches, administrators, media. Bad behavior has been handed down and become anticipated and expected, but we believe change can – and must – occur.

In addition to a toolkit being developed to send to all groups in the world of high school sports, another consortium is being planned for the fall – this time to include administrators, coaches, media and law enforcement/security.

We believe if boorish behavior at high school sporting events can be normalized, that, with work, respectful and positive behavior can be the new normal.

Foothills Senior Post 123 honored former team member Ty Montgomery prior to a 10-6 win over East Randolph Post 81.

Montgomery, a 2021 graduate of North Surry High School, passed away in January 2022. Ty was a member of the varsity football and baseball teams while at North.

The June 2 game was originally slated to take place at East Surry High School’s Barry Hall Field – which serves as the Foothills Seniors’ home field – but was moved to Mount Airy High School due to weather.

The Legion team welcomed Montgomery’s family onto the field before the game. They were joined by members of the North Surry varsity baseball team and coaching staff.

Foothills coach Brian Hawks thanked everyone for making it out to the game despite the last-minute shift in location. He informed the crowd that Legion team would help fund the Ty Montgomery Memorial Scholarship through ticket sales and donations. Ty’s older brother, Coy Montgomery, tossed the first pitch.

Post 123 defeated Post 81 earlier in the week, but took extra innings to do so. Foothills finally defeated East Randolph 6-3 after 10 innings of action.

The rematch in Surry County seemed like it was headed for another extra inning affair with the score tied 5-5 going into the bottom of the sixth inning. Instead, Post 123 doubled its score by adding five runs in what would be its final at bat.

With one out already on the board, Clay Whitaker (Surry Central High School ‘23) doubled with a hit that slammed against the center field fence. Carson Willoughby (East Surry HS ‘21) was intentionally walked after hitting three singles earlier in the game, as was Anthony Ayers (East Surry HS ‘22) after a wild pitch sent Whitaker and Willoughby to scoring position.

Logan Dowell (Mount Airy HS ‘22) returned to his former high school field and crushed a 2RBI double to score Willoughby and Whitaker. Luke Bowman (East Surry HS ‘22) followed with an RBI single that scored Ayers, put Dowell on third and increased the lead to 8-5.

East Randolph committed an error trying to get Bowman out stealing second which allowed Dowell to score run No. 9. Ethan Ball (West Stokes HS ‘22) then hit an RBI double to score Bowman for the 10th run. Post 81 had to swap pitchers just to end the inning.

Randolph was able to tack on one run in the top of the seventh after an error from Post 123, but a trio of strikeouts from pitcher Zach Bryant (North Surry HS ‘21) wrapped up Foothills’ fifth win of the season.

Bryant was one of three pitchers to spend time on the mound for Post 123. Ethan Edwards (North Surry HS ‘22) started and threw four innings, striking out five batters, walking five, and allowing one run on four hits.

Hunter Strole (Patrick County HS ‘22) took over for .2 innings and threw one strikeout and one walk. Strole allowed two hits, but those hits paired with two Foothills errors led to three Randolph runs.

Bryant closed the game by throwing the final 2.1 innings. He struck out four batters, walked three, and allowed two runs on four hits.

Willoughby and Whitaker each had three hits as Post 123 finished with 14 overall. Ball, Dowell, Bowman and Mason each collected multiple hits for Foothills.

Post 123 improves to 5-0 on the season with the win.

It’s been more than 14 years since Army Private First Class Adam Marion, a native to Surry County, was killed in Iraq while serving with the N.C. National Guard.

Adam’s parents, Pam and Donnie Marion, think daily about their son and the sacrifice he made for this country. Over the past 14 years, many people – both in and out of the Marion family – have worked to ensure Adam’s bravery and selflessness are never forgotten.

Adam’s legacy was recognized on a national scale during Memorial Day Weekend when Stewart-Haas racing and driver Aric Almirola honored him during the Coca-Cola 600.

In the week leading up to the race, it was announced that Pfc. Adam Marion’s name would be featured on the windshield of Almirola’s No. 10 car. As part of the race’s festivities, Pam, Donnie and members of the family made the trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 29.

“I don’t have the words for it,” said Pam, attempting to describe how it felt seeing the No. 10 car in person for the first time. “We had thought we knew what it was going to look like, but when it was unveiled it just did my heart good to see it on there.”

Family friend Joel Edmonds, who works as Almirola’s spotter, had the idea to feature Adam on the car for the Memorial Day race. After more than a decade of propositions with various race teams, Edmonds finally got an opportunity to recognize Adam’s sacrifice with the Smithfield Ford team.

“He actually texted Donnie about it to make sure it was okay with us, and we were honored,” Pam said. “I was just surprised because Adam has been gone for 14 years, and this long after people are still doing things to honor him. It makes us so proud.”

“We were totally surprised and really pleased that Joel worked so hard for Adam,” Donnie said. “We were excited to know it was going to happen.”

Pam and Donnie arrived at the speedway around noon the day of the race. Also making the trip was their daughter and son-in-law, Adrian and Terry McCann, as well as their grandson Connor McCann.

Adrian and Terry’s daughter, Marissa, was unable to make the trip.

“They had an area set up for the gold star families with free food and entertainment; they treated us really well,” Donnie said. “WCCB Charlotte even interviewed us while we were down there.”

At 2:00 that afternoon, the family went down to the pits and met up with Edmonds to tour the race trailer.

“We met the driver, and he introduced us to his wife and kids as well as the pit crew,” Donnie said. “They were all really, really nice and great people. Everybody really bent over backwards to treat us really well.”

The family was able to see the car before the race and have pictures made with it. The race team gave everyone shirts and hats, and also signed autographs.

The Coca-Cola 600 was the first race Donnie and Pam watched in person since 2002. They attended that race two decades ago with Adam.

Prior to the race, the Marions had a chance to meet with other families that were having loved ones honored.

“That was one of the most touching things at the race,” Pam said. “We were down by the cars and there were families of fallen soldiers. They played ‘Taps’ and had a prayer. It was a really touching experience.”

The family stayed in the pits for the first two stages of the race. Donnie described their seats as being 10 feet directly above the car in the pit box. For the latter two stages, the family was given box seats.

“We appreciate it so much that they did this,” Pam said. “We know it was a lot of hard work for Joel and everyone involved.”

While it was emotional seeing their sons name on the car and his picture posted by the race team, Donnie and Pam said it wasn’t a tough decision to come to the race and that they were so happy the team recognized Adam.

“We’re quite amazed that after 14 years people are still doing things to make sure he’s not forgotten,” Donnie said. “It was emotional, sure, but mainly we knew people were there to recognize our son and the price he paid. We’re proud and happy for any and all recognition.”

“It’s not like this took us by surprise; we live with this every day,” Pam said. “We wake up and think about Adam, and think about him all the time. We’re just grateful that so many people are dedicated to keeping his memory alive.”

Each of the five local public high schools honored a select few senior student-athletes as part of their year-end awards.

Some schools based the awards on athletic achievement alone, while others factored in athletic and academic success.

Information for the award requirements and winners was provided by each respective school.

The Cardinals recognized a Male and Female Athlete of the Year. Rosie Craven was named Female Athlete of the Year, and Cooper Motsinger was named Male Athlete of the Year.

Craven was a three-sport athlete that played tennis, basketball and softball. She earned All-Conference Honors in tennis and softball, and was an All-Conference Honorable Mention in basketball.

Craven helped the Lady Cards tennis team win the Foothills 2A Conference Championship. Individually, she was a regional qualifier in the 2A singles bracket.

Rosie, the salutatorian for East Surry’s Class of 2022, plans to attend N.C. State University.

Motsinger earned All-Conference Honors in four sports as a senior: cross country, indoor track, tennis and outdoor track.

He was part of one team conference championship, which he won with the Cardinals’ indoor track team, and two individual conference championships, winning titles in the FH2A outdoor track 3,200-meter run and the FH2A Singles Championship. Motsinger also won the 2A Midwest Regional Singles Championship, was a state semifinalist in the 2A Tennis State Championship and was a state qualifier in cross country.

Cooper, the valedictorian for East Surry’s Class of 2022, plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill.

The Lions selected one male and one female as recipients for the school’s Scholar Athlete Award.

Each award is given annually to a Millennium Charter senior who best exemplifies the combined ideals of MCA scholarship and athletics.

The Female Scholar Athlete of the Year was Sophia Gomez.

Sophia played soccer for three years at Millennium. She also played softball and competed in track and field during her junior year.

Gomez plans to attend N.C. State University.

The Male Scholar Athlete of the Year was Hartley Devore.

Devore was a four-sport athlete that competed in cross country, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, and baseball.

Hartley was a regional qualifier in cross country in the fall.

Over the winter, Devore was a conference champion by winning the 4×800-meter relay in the Northwest Piedmont 1A Conference Championship. He also earned All-Conference Honors in the 4×400 relay.

In the spring, Devore was a regional qualifier in the 4×800 relay.

He plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill.

The Granite Bears honored one male and one female student-athlete that had the highest academic averages in the Class of 2022

Calissa Watson was named the winner of the 2021-22 Delana Chilton Award.

Watson was Mount Airy’s valedictorian for the Class of 2022. Calissa was part of the Granite Bears’ volleyball team that won its first conference tournament championship in 29 years.

She plans to attend East Carolina University.

Mount Airy High named Dylan Tilley the winner of the 2021-22 Alan McGee Award.

Tilley, who finished as the Bears’ salutatorian for the Class of 2022, was a member of the Mount Airy’s football and tennis teams.

Mount Airy won conference championships in both football and tennis, while reaching the 1A West Regional Semifinals in each sport as well.

Tilley plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill.

The Greyhounds recognized one male and one female as the top student-athletes in the Class of 2022. Each student-athlete must meet the following criteria:

Students are nominated by coaches, and all coaches vote on the names submitted.

The winner of the 2021-22 Don L. Smith Outstanding Female Athlete Award was Callie Allen.

Allen is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, ranks toward the top of her class and will graduate as an honors scholar. In addition to her academic accolades, she has participated in every possible athletic season all four years of high school.

In the fall, Callie was a three-year member of the volleyball team – with one season on varsity – before moving to cross country her senior year. Allen was FH2A Conference Female Runner of the Year, a regional qualifier and a state qualifier.

In the winter: Allen participated in basketball all four seasons with the varsity team. She earned All-Conference Honors three years, was FH2A Co-Player of the Year and an All-District selection as a senior and led the Greyhounds to the FH2A Championship in 2022.

In the spring: Allen was a four-year varsity soccer player that was named an All-Conference Honorable Mention as a senior.

Allen plans to attend either the University of Tennessee or Clemson University.

The winner of the 2021-22 Ron King Outstanding Male Athlete Award was Ethan Edwards.

Edwards is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, ranks toward the top of his class and will graduate as an honors scholar. In addition to his academic accolades, he was a four-year member of the baseball team where he overcame adversity to be a senior leader on and off the field.

As a freshman, Edwards was part of the JV Hounds baseball team but had his season ended prematurely after needing surgery. Although unable to return to the field that season, he returned to the team for practices and games to be a supportive teammate. Then, Edwards’ sophomore season on varsity was cut short after four games due to the pandemic.

The last two years, Ethan continued to be a member of the varsity team where he led by example through hard work and being a great teammate. His sportsmanship has been evident through good and bad times. His hard work was validated with an All-Conference selection as both a junior and a senior, and was part of the 2022 FH2A All-Tournament team.

Edwards led the team with a .533 batting average in 2022 hitting mainly leadoff.

He plans to attend N.C. State University.

The Golden Eagles honored two three-sport athletes as the school’s Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

Mia McMillen was named Surry Central Female Athlete of the Year. She participated in volleyball, basketball and outdoor track and field.

McMillen earned All-Conference Honors, recorded her 1,000th dig and helped Surry Central reach the second round of the state playoffs as a senior with the volleyball team. In total, she was an All-Conference selection all four years of volleyball.

Mia was named FH2A Conference Co-Player of the Year in basketball after averaging 21.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.2 steals, 2.8 assists and 0.5 blocks playing more than 31 minutes per game. She had four games of 30 or points, 14 games of 20 or more points, 18 games of 15 or more points and at least 10 points in all 22 games.

McMillen was also selected for the East-West All-Star Game, represented the West in the Triad High School All-Star Classic and had the second-most votes in All-District voting.

McMillen capped her senior year by winning the 2A State Championship in 300-meter hurdles. She was named FH2A Female Athlete of the Year for a second-consecutive year, won four individual conference titles and two regional championships.

In addition to her gold medal in 300 hurdles, McMillen: won a bronze medal in 100 hurdles, finished fifth in the long jump state championship and was sixth in the 4×200 relay state championship.

Mia plans to continue her volleyball career at Limestone University.

Dakota Mills was named Surry Central Male Athlete of the Year. He participated in football, basketball and baseball.

Mills led the Golden Eagles’ football team in receptions, receiving yards and yards per catch in 2021-22. Of Surry Central’s seven total receiving touchdowns, he caught six of them and was named an All-Conference selection.

Dakota led the varsity Eagles basketball team in both assists and steals while averaging 9.1 points. Once again, he was selected for the FH2A All-Conference team.

Mills had a historic baseball season for Surry Central. His 30 stolen bases are the most in school history and tied for the 19th-most in state history. His .568 batting average is the second-highest in school history and tied for 27th in state history.

Mills also led the Golden Eagles with five home runs, 42 runs scored and a .985 fielding percentage.

He plans to continue his baseball career, but is currently undecided on a destination.

Mount Airy High School graduate Clay Mounce (class of 2016) helped Heroes Den Bosch capture the Dutch National Championship on May 29.

Heroes competes in the BNXT League, which combines the first tier leagues of the Netherlands and Belgium and is part of FIBA Europe. By winning the 2022 National Championship, Heroes ends a seven-year title drought and captures its 17th championship overall.

Mounce helped his team defeat Zorg & Zekerheid Leiden 3-2 in the best-of-5 championship series. Heroes won game one of the series, but fell to a 2-1 deficit with consecutive losses. The series was tied 2-2 with a 61-52 win on May 27.

After combining for just five points in games 3 and 4, including a scoreless game 4, Mounce exploded for a team-high 23 points – the most of his international career – in the decisive game 5. His 23 points came on 66.7% shooting, going 8-for-12 overall and 5-for-8 from beyond the arc.

Mounce also finished with four rebounds, one assist and one block in game 5.

The 24-year-old completes his first season of international play averaging 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks.

Mounce previously played Division-I college basketball for the Furman University Paladins, where he was a three-year starter. After a redshirt year in 2016-17, Mounce played in 30 games for the Paladins as a sophomore and averaged 5.0 points.

He started 85 of a possible 90 games over the next three years. Mounce averaged 10.7 points as a redshirt sophomore, then jumped to 13.2 points as a junior and 13.8 points as a senior. He also averaged at least 5.6 rebounds in his final three season of college.

Mounce played for coach Levi Goins at Mount Airy High School. As a senior, Mounce averaged 25.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.0 blocks and 2.7 steals and was named Player of the Year in both the Northwest 1A Conference and N.C. District 11.

Surry Central High School hosted the largest Golden Eagles Football Camp ever on May 31-June 1.

The two-day camp saw more than 100 children come out and take part in drills. Campers received instruction from Surry Central’s varsity coaching staff, as well as past and current members of the Eagles’ football team.

For the first time, the camp allowed children between kindergarten and second grade to attend. Depending on the day there were up to 35 K-2 campers in attendance.

Campers were also able to meet with coaches of the Dobson Eagles youth football organization to find out more about the league.

Mount Airy Middle School recognized two student-athletes as part of the school’s 2021-22 year-end awards.

Award winners were selected based on their success in the classroom as well as athletics.

The winner of the John Hamilton Award was Taeshon Martin. Martin, the son of Helena Shuff, was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track.

The winner of the Mary Alice Hayes Award was Audrey Brown. Brown, the daughter of Greg and Lynn Brown, was a two-sport athlete in tennis and softball.

East Surry High School senior Maegan Banks officially signed her NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue her academic and softball careers at Surry Community College.

“Playing college ball is a dream come true for me,” Banks said. “I’m excited to start on this journey.”

Banks joins a Surry Community team that is coming off one its best seasons ever. The 2022 Lady Knights won a program record 35 games, finished second in Region 10 play and ranked as high as No. 18 in the National Junior College Athletic Association DII National Poll.

In addition to their team success, Surry Community’s coaching staff of Blaine Bullington, Joel Jones and Gary Stone was named the Regional Coaching Staff of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

“Surry is close to home and offers a great start toward my degree and career path,” Banks said. “I really like the coaches, and felt a connection with them from the start. I have already been taking classes at SCC while in high school, so it feels like home.”

Banks was a four-year varsity starter with the Lady Cards softball program. She was an All-Conference selection her junior year, and helped East Surry win the Northwest 1A Conference Championship that same season.

Maegan played pitcher and outfield during her time at East. Banks’ reliability and willingness to do whatever the needed made her a vital piece of the Cardinals’ team.

“The best way to describe Maegan is consistent and confident,” said Cardinal coach Randy Marion. “I have always known that – as a coach – I could count on Maegan to give her best, and that the moment wasn’t going to be too big for her.”

Playing college softball has always been Banks’ goal, she said. She began playing at age 8 in East Surry Little League, then went on to play recreation, travel and high school softball.

“Travel ball has been the biggest factor in preparing me for being a college athlete,” Banks said. “I’ve worked hard, putting in countless hours and days, as well as overcame a couple of injuries to get here.”

She carried this work ethic into East Surry and became a leader for the Lady Cards.

“One of the great things about Maegan is she leads by example. She doesn’t mind putting in the extra work and her teammates see that,” Marion said. “She has worked extremely hard toward getting physically stronger over the course of her high school career, and it definitely paid off the last couple of years for her out in the field and at the plate.”

Banks extended gratitude toward multiple people for helping her get to this point:

“I’d like to thank God for leading and directing me through life in every way. I’d also like to thank my parents for taking care of me, driving me to countless practices, pitching lessons and tournaments and for always supporting me. They’ve always cheered me on no matter what.

“Thank you to all of my coaches through the years, for the good and tough times, for the support, instruction and encouragement, which has helped me become the softball player I am today.”

East Surry High School is set to host youth basketball camps during the first and second full weeks of June.

The Lady Cardinals Girls Basketball Camp is set for June 6-8. The camp will be held daily from 7:45 a.m. to noon and is open to rising third through rising ninth graders.

The East Surry Boys Basketball Camp will take place the following week from June 14-16, and will also run daily from 7:45 a.m. to noon. The boys camp is open to rising third through rising eighth graders.

Each camp features individual instruction and drills from experienced coaching staffs led by varsity girls coach Jay Boaz and varsity boys coach Chad Motsinger. Daily activities include individual skills development and competitions, shooting competitions and the potential to compete against camp counselors. Campers will also take part in team games with emphasis on teamwork, communication and movement without the ball.

The coaching staffs will encourage and teach fundamental basketball with an emphasis on maintaining the campers’ enthusiasm and having lots of fun. Campers will receive instruction on ball handling, offensive movements, defense and agility. Additionally, players will develop valuable skills to further their game with a specific focus on position play.

Through guest speakers, these camps will also teach campers to learn essential leadership qualities, the importance of teamwork and the power of positivity.

Cost for each camp is $100 payable by cash or check on the first day of camp. A t-shirt is included in the price of registration. Registration forms can be found online at bit.ly/3N862Ls

With questions, contact Coach Boaz at jboaz410@gmail.com or Coach Motsinger at cwmotsinger@gmail.com

After two years of pandemic-related shutdowns and delays, all spring sports state championships are back on schedule across the country, including some storied track and field meets.

More than two million students are involved in the traditional spring sports of track and field, baseball, softball and lacrosse, along with other sports and performing arts programs – the first opportunities for full-scale participation in some states since 2019.

Outdoor track and field is the top combined participatory sport at the high school level, with 605,354 boys and 488,267 girls involved in the sport rich in state championship history. Several state associations are into their second century of state meets in track and field, and competition – and attendance – is off to a great start.

In Iowa, where its first state high school track meet was held in 1906, a record three-day attendance of 39,415 was set last weekend in Des Moines as the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union staged another successful event.

In a state that has produced many record track performances since conducting its first boys state meet in 1911, the Texas University Interscholastic League completed another outstanding event May 12-14. Flower Mound High School took home top honors as the Class 6A girls champion, led by distance runner Natalie Cook who won both the 1,600 and 3,200 meters.

Four states with even longer track and field histories are set to begin state meets in the coming days. This weekend, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) will stage its 102nd State Track Meet after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

In a meet that annually draws more than 20,000 spectators to Buchanan High School in Clovis, the CIF State Track Meet has produced a Who’s Who of competitors over the years, including Allyson Felix, Florence Griffith-Joyner, Misty May-Treanor, Bobby Bonds, Lynn Swann, Reggie Bush and many others.

In a meet that began in 1908, the Ohio High School Athletic Association will hold its 114th Boys State Track Meet, as well as its 47th Girls State Meet June 3-4 at Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus.

However, the true granddaddies of high school track and field are Wisconsin and Illinois. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, after being shutout in 2020 and delayed to nearly July last year, will hold its 126th State Track Meet June 3-4 in La Crosse.

In Illinois, where the first state track meet was contested in 1893, the Illinois High School Association will conduct its three-day event later this week at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Beyond opportunities for participation in state meets, the spring sports of baseball and softball have provided one individual and one team a chance to overcome adversity and challenges.

Easton Arendt has not let his disability of only two fingers on his left hand keep him from succeeding in high school baseball. The sophomore pitcher at De Pere High School in Wisconsin recently led De Pere to a 4-0 shutout victory with 12 strikeouts. In an article on the WFRV-TV (Green Bay) website, Arendt had the following comments:

”Early on, I would think to myself having this disability, I wouldn’t be able to do the things other people can. Then I got the mindset of working twice as hard as everybody else on the field or in any sport that I’m playing. Early on in my grade school days, there were times that I didn’t fit in with the other guys or classmates that I had, but that made me want to work even harder and prove to them that I can do the things that I can do. I used to view it as a disability, but now that I’m at this level, I use it as just a hand. I want to make kids that may have the same effect or something a little bit different to know that they can succeed.”

More than 360,000 girls are involved in fast-pitch softball across the country, but no team has won fewer games and yet learned more life lessons than Pasadena (California) Marshall High School.

In an article by Bill Plaschke in the Los Angeles Times, this incredible team, which recently completed an 0-18 season and has won only one non-forfeited game in three years, has truly demonstrated that high school sports is indeed much more than the final score. It is much more than winning games and championships. No, high school sports is about “improving each day,” about “showing up every day,” about “forming bonds, creating friendships, growing together,” about “laughing together, sweating together, playing hard together,” as some of the players shared.

We salute high school coaches and athletic directors across the country who have been instrumental in making sure student-athletes are involved in spring sports and performing arts.

Surry Central High School senior Kade Norman officially signed his NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue his academic and baseball careers at Rockingham Community College.

“It is a great honor to be able to play baseball at the next level while also furthering my education,” Norman said. “This has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Growing up I was always a three-sport athlete, but my love for baseball was always at the top. It feels great to know that all the cage work and extra time spent on the field paid off.

“RCC just seems like a great fit for me. I am just excited to get to play and work with my new teammates and coaching staff to continue to grow in this game.”

Even before he became the Golden Eagles’ head coach in 2020, Jeff Edmonds saw the impact that Norman had on and off the baseball field. This impact increased as Norman gained more and more experience at the varsity level.

“Kade was the steadying leader of our team each year he was here,” Edmonds said. “He came in as a freshman and became the first baseman and cleanup hitter right away. As he grew, he encouraged our younger players to be more accountable in their roles as varsity players, much as he did as a younger player here. He’s been the right voice for bringing our group together through good periods and tough patches.”

Norman’s leadership set him apart in all three of his sports. Selflessness was his trademark as he did whatever was asked of him, whether that be diving head first into a dogpile to recover a fumble, putting his body on the line to draw a charge late in a basketball game, or nearly doing a complete split to make an out at first base.

This also meant Norman was willing to step up in high pressure situations.

“He wants to be the guy at the plate with runners in scoring position, and he always gives a solid at-bat,” Edmonds said.

Kade was one of the players primed for a breakout season in 2020 before it was cancelled. He came back the following season and looked like he hadn’t missed a game.

This is when Edmonds realized college ball was more than just a dream for Norman.

“During his junior year, I saw Kade begin to drive balls with power to the middle of the field and the opposite gap while still being able to get to pitches on the inner half of the plate,” Edmonds said. “He showed an ability to handle velocity. I think he has the skill to hit well at the next level, especially when he’s focused year-round on baseball and hitting in particular.”

Just as the Golden Eagles football and basketball teams did earlier in the year, Surry Central’s baseball team had its strongest season in a handful of years. The Eagles started the season 11-3, and made the team’s first appearance in the state playoffs since 2017.

“Surry Central baseball and Surry Central sports as a whole was an amazing experience for me,” Norman said. “I loved the guys I got to play with, and they will all hold a special place in my heart.”

“I’m really happy for Kade that he’s getting an opportunity to go to school and to play baseball,” Edmonds said. “He’s a great student, and he knows what he wants to do with his life once baseball ends for him. Hopefully the baseball will continue going a good bit.”

In addition to his friends and teammates, Norman extended thanks to his parents, coaches and God for helping him get to this point.

“I would like to thank my parents for pushing me to be the best that I could be, and all of my coaches over the years; I would not have this opportunity if it wasn’t for these people,” Norman said. “A special thanks to Coach Edmonds and Coach [Hank] Whitaker for helping me get where I am, from contacting and talking to college coaches to helping me get into the cage when the weather was bad.

“And lastly, I would like to thank God for giving me the physical ability to play this game. I am truly blessed.”

East Surry High School senior Joseph Grezmak officially signed his NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue his academic and football careers at Louisburg College.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I’ve always wanted to play college ball since I first started in little league,” Grezmak said.

Before becoming an intimidating force on East Surry’s defensive line as a senior, Grezmak stepped away from the sport for a few years and didn’t pick it back up until his sophomore year.

“Since then I’ve dedicated a lot of time and effort to making myself a better athlete to be able to play in college,” Grezmak said.

“Joseph is a great young man that has really grown and matured,” said East Surry coach Trent Lowman. “He began playing with us as a sophomore and started to figure the game out pretty quick. He came in last spring after the quarantine and time off and had lost around 50-60 pounds. He’d really improved his health, but changed how he played the game and almost had to start from scratch again.”

Spots opened up on East Surry’s defensive line after the team lost its six-leading tacklers from the 2020-21 season. The turnaround was faster than usual, though, as the season ended in May and started again in August.

Instead of taking an offseason, Grezmak lived in the weight room to prepare for his senior year. He was already an animal at 6-foot-5, but he became even scarier when he, “put some weight back on in all the right areas,” according to Lowman. He entered the 2021-22 season listed at 245 pounds.

Grezmak quickly found his niche with the Cardinals’ defense as he turned into an All-Conference player. East Surry held opponents to fewer than 10 points per game during the regular season and fewer than 15 ppg for the season.

Joseph finished the year with 77 total tackles, 14.0 tackles for a loss and 4.0 sacks. He also blocked a punt, forced a fumble and led the team with four fumble recoveries – two of which he took to the end zone.

“We knew he was very capable as a player and a person to be a solid member of the squad, but we were all pleasantly surprised at his growth on the field and especially in the locker room,” Lowman said. “He became a huge asset to our team in many capacities and will definitely be missed.”

East Surry finished the season 13-1 overall. The Cardinals won the Foothills 2A Conference Championship and were Regional Runners-up in the 2A West. East’s only loss of the year came against the eventual 2A State Champions.

“Coming through East Surry is the best experience someone could ask for,” Grezmak said. “There are great coaches that set high standards and that are going to help you through anything and always be there for you. And, there’s an amazing community that supports the football team every Friday night.”

Grezmak has progressed greatly each year since returning to football in 2019. He said he was attracted to Louisburg because it gives him an opportunity to continue growing, which would then allow him to transfer to a four-year school and continue his playing career.

“I’d like to thank every coach I’ve ever had, but especially Coach Lowman for helping me turn my dream into a reality,” Grezmak said. “Also, I’d like to thank my family and friends who have supported me in the long run.”

“One thing is for certain: there is only one Joseph Grezmak!” Lowman said. “I love him, and I’m glad I was blessed to teach and coach him.”

Mount Airy High School is hosting two basketball camps during June.

The Northwest Basketball Academy is scheduled for June 13-16 and is open to rising third through ninth grade boys.

The camp runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and features individual instruction and drills from an experienced coaching staff led by varsity boys coach Bryan Hayes. Coach Hayes recently recorded his 100th career win as a head coach.

Daily activities include individual skills competitions, shooting competitions and the potential to compete against camp records. Campers will also take part in team Games with emphasis on teamwork, communication and selflessness.

The coaching staff will encourage and teach fundamental basketball with an emphasis on having fun. Campers will receive instruction on ball handling, offensive movements, defense and agility. Additionally, guards and posts will develop valuable skills to further their game with specific position work

This camp will also teach campers to learn essential leadership qualities, the importance of communication and life skills

Lunch will not be provided, so the instructors ask that campers be sent with lunch boxes or coolers. Drinks will be available for purchase daily in the concession stand. Parents/guardians may also bring their child lunch and are welcome to watch camp activities.

Cost of registration is $100, or $90 for second family members. All campers will receive a t-shirt.

The Mount Airy Lady Bears Basketball Camp is scheduled for June 27-30 is open to rising third through ninth grade girls.

The camp runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and features instruction from a two-time state championship coaching staff featuring: Angela Mayfield, a Mount Airy graduate that played basketball at Catawba College, and who just completed her sixth season as Lady Bears head coach in which she won her 100th game at the school; Abby Gallimore, who played basketball at North Surry and William Peace College and has coached basketball at the middle and high school levels for 21 years; Alica Henson, who played at North Surry and Montreat College.

Registration is $60 and includes a t-shirt. Contact Coach Mayfield for family discounts.

Forms for each camp can be found at bit.ly/3zf5wqC

Checks should be made out to Mount Airy High School. Registration forms, waiver & release forms and payments should be dropped off in the Mount Airy High School front office or mailed to 1011 N. South Street, Mount Airy NC 27030 addressed to either Coach Angela Mayfield or Coach Bryan Hayes.

The North Surry Greyhounds Boys Basketball Camp is set for June 20-23.

The camp will be held inside North Surry’s Ron King Gymnasium and is open to rising third through ninth graders.

Camp is held daily from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $100 if registered on or before June 1, and $120 after. A t-shirt is included with the registration fee.

The camp is sponsored by the North Surry varsity and JV basketball programs. Counselors include: head coach Tyler Bentley; assistant coaches Tanner Hiatt, Jackson Smith and Rocky Horton; and current and former Greyhound basketball players.

The 2021-22 varsity Greyhounds finished with an overall record of 23-5. North Surry finished 12-0 in the Foothills 2A Conference, and swept the regular season and conference tournament championships. The Hounds finished the season as 2A West Regional Runners-up after falling to the eventual state champions in the Final Four.

Coach Bentley was named FH2A Coach of the Year, and five players were named either All-Conference or All-Conference Honorable Mention: Jahreece Lynch, James McCreary, Kolby Watson, Jackson Smith and Cam Taylor.

Registration forms can be found at bit.ly/3lTGrtN

With questions, contact Coach Bentley via email bentleys@surry.k12.nc.us or call North Surry High School at 336-789-5055.

WALNUT COVE — South Stokes dropped the second game of the 1A West Regional Championship on May 25.

Top-seeded South Stanly used a 5-run sixth inning to take its first lead of the game at 8-5. The No. 11-seeded Lady Sauras scored once and loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh, but failed to equalize before the Rowdy Rebel Bulls recorded the final out.

South Stokes (21-8) falls just short of reaching its first State Championship since 1998, while South Stanly (28-3) returns to the 1A State Championship Series for a second-consecutive season.

The Sauras remained firmly in control through the first five innings of play. Pitcher Madison Wilson allowed just two hits and one base on balls during this time, meanwhile striking out six batters.

Offensively, South Stokes recorded seven of its 12 total hits in the first five innings, helping the home team build up a 4-0 lead.

Wilson started the game with a single, but was called out at second on a fielder’s choice hit by Rebecca Amos. Amos stole second just before the second out, then teammate Addison Flynt hit a line drive to center field to score Amos and put South up 1-0.

The first three innings were completed in less than 30 minutes. South Stanly went three up, three down at the plate in in the first, second and fourth innings with just one hit coming during the second. South Stokes went three up, three down in the second and third innings after scoring in its opening at-bat.

Lady Saura Sydney Patterson was walked to lead off the bottom of the fourth. Patterson went to second base on a sacrifice bunt from Flynt, then rounded second and dashed to third when she saw the Bulls’ third baseman was out of position. Emily Mitchell joined Patterson on base when she a line drive into the thigh of a Bulls infielder.

With runners on the corners, Ryleigh Pinnix crushed a 3-run home run to put South Stokes up 4-0.

South Stanly recorded its second hit in the top of the fifth, but couldn’t advance past second base. The Bulls did manage to get on the board in the sixth, though.

South Stokes forced two quick outs in the top of the sixth thanks to a fly out and an unassisted ground out at first base. South Stanly put a runner on base after a Saura fielding error, then the Bulls’ Mattie Poulus hit a 2-run homer to cut the lead in half.

Still with two outs, Wilson walked the next two batters. South Stanly’s Mary-Ryan Hinson placed a blooper just over second base to bring another runner across the plate and make it 4-3.

South Stokes’ Pinnix singled up the middle to begin the bottom of the sixth, then she was joined on base by Mackenzie Smith after a line drive to left field. A Bulls fielding error on Smith’s hit allowed Pinnix to reach home and make it 5-3.

Wilson walked the first two batters of the top of the seventh to prompt a pitching chance. Mitchell took the mound but also walked back-to-back batters, this time scoring a run to make it 5-4. Poulos hit a sacrifice fly to bring in the tying run, then a 3-run homer hit by Cassidy Smith gave South Stanly its first lead of the game.

Wilson re-entered as pitcher and helped the Sauras escape without allowing any more runs.

South Stokes kept its composure in the bottom of the seventh. Amos and Patterson hit back-to-back singles, then Flynt was hit by a pitch. South Stanly’s Poulos threw her fourth strikeout of the game to leave bases loaded, but an error on a hit by Pinnix scored South Stokes’ sixth run.

After 6.1 innings on the mound, in which she allowed six runs on 12 hits, Poulos was pulled from the mound and replaced by Glover Ali.

Smith put the ball into play as Ali’s first batter, but the hit went right at the third baseman who made a quick throw to the plate for the second out. Ali struck out the next batter to secure the win for South Stanly.

South Stanly wins the Regional Championship Series 2-0. The Bulls’ first win over the Sauras – a 5-4 home victory – took place May 24.

South Stanly advances to the 1A State Championship Series and will face the winner of No. 1 Bear Grass Charter (23-4) and No. 2 Vance Charter (17-5).

Dobson native Adam Marion will be honored by Stewart-Haas Racing and driver Aric Almirola at Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600.

Army Private First Class Marion, a 2000 graduate of Surry Central High School, was serving in Iraq with the North Carolina National Guard in April 2008 when he was killed in action.

Almirola’s No. 10 car is customized with the stars and stripes of the U.S. flag, as well as a banner with Marion’s name at the top of the windshield. Adam’s parents, Pam and Donnie Marion, will be among those recognized prior to the May 29 race.

“I’m just so glad that we can do something to recognize him for all that he did for us; there’s truly no way to repay it,” said Joel Edmonds, who serves as Almirola’s spotter and has been involved in racing for three decades.

Edmonds grew up around Marion’s family and has been connected with them for most of his life. He said he still remembers where he was when the call came in about Adam.

“You know, there aren’t many people that live 26 years and accomplish as much as he did,” Edmonds said. “You look at all the good he did, and he’s still having that kind of impact so many years after.”

In addition to his military service, Marion was both a volunteer and a staff member at the Children’s Center of Northwest North Carolina. According to the Children Center’s community relations coordinator Valerie Smith, the center operates two residential homes for youth in Surry and Yadkin counties, as well as youth, family, and behavior health programs and services for both youth and families in seven counties in Northwest North Carolina.

Beginning in 2009, the Pfc. Adam Marion Memorial Golf Tournament has been held in his memory to raise funds for the center. The tournament became an annual springtime event and has raised more than $1 million.

The 2022 tournament featured more than 260 golfers and saw contributions made by several local businesses.

Because of the impact Marion had and continues to have on the community, Edmonds said he’s been trying to get him featured by multiple race teams over the years.

“There are so many of these heroes that have passed, so I knew it was always going to be a longshot that we could get him recognized,” Edmonds said. “I realize I’m getting toward the end of my career in full-time racing, so it really makes me feel good to finally get it done for him. The Lord works in mysterious ways, and it finally worked out that this could happen for Adam at this time.

“I’m very grateful that Stewart-Haas Racing and Aric Almirola worked to get him on the car and honor him. You always hear people say never forget, and that’s so true. You never want to forget that people like Adam are the reason that we’re able to do anything.”

Almirola made an appearance on Fox’s “Racehub Live” on May 25 and said the following on the decision to honor Marion:

“My family came over from Cuba in 1966, and we are so grateful for our freedom here in this country and the men and women that fight for it. This weekend, Memorial Day weekend, [it’s] such an awesome opportunity to race and to honor the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice for us to have this freedom.”

When Edmonds heard the news that the race team approved his proposal, he said he immediately contacted Pam and Donnie to ensure they were okay with it.

“I just can’t imagine what strength it takes to put a smile on for all these tournaments, all these events,” Edmonds said. “I texted Donnie, and he replied two minutes later saying they would be honored. They didn’t know I’d been trying to do this for 10-12 years.

“I never did this for me, I just want people to know of Adam’s incredible life and sacrifice. Here we are 14 years later and he’s getting stuff accomplished that we can’t while we’re here.”

The Coca-Cola 600 takes place Sunday, May 29 at Charlotte Motor Speedway with a scheduled 6 p.m. start time.

Mount Airy High School senior Sydney Seagraves officially signed her NCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue her academic and softball careers at Concord University.

“I’m really excited,” Seagraves said. “Up until a couple months ago I didn’t want to play in college, but I loved Concord and how it felt. It made me want to play softball again.

“I like how small the college is and how you get one-on-one with the professors, and also the coaches. The coaches know what they’re doing; they’re not super old, but not super young. It’s perfect because they can relate to you and help you.”

Seagraves’ ability to play collegiate softball was never a doubt for Mack Hodges, who coached her all four years of high school.

“To see her growth as a pitcher, a leader and a hitter has been fun to watch,” Hodges said. “She’s a natural leader on the softball field. She’s our best player and she’s willing to work as hard as anybody; that’s what you ask of your best players. She’s played third, first, pitched and she’d catch if we wanted her to. She would play anywhere that we needed her to play. She’s been a big part of what we do.”

Sydney began her journey in the sport with tee-ball before joining a 10U softball team at age 8. She initially started as a second baseman, but tried pitcher when her coached needed someone to step in.

“Ever since then I’ve been a pitcher,” she said.

She moved into the ranks of travel ball later and competed for such teams as the Drillers and Firecrackers. When Seagraves and her fellow class of 2022 members reached middle school, they quickly made history.

“The middle school hadn’t won a game in years, then my seventh grade year we finally won one,” Seagraves said. “It was the same with high school.”

The class of 2022 knew it had an uphill battle when they reached high school in the fall of 2018 since Mount Airy did not field a varsity softball team the previous spring. However, Seagraves said she knew there were a few good prospects that were coming with her from the middle school that wanted to help establish a program.

“We’ve struggled with numbers over the years for sure, but that senior group has been big,” Hodges said. “They’ve been around for four years, and they’ve battled through the fact that we’ve had to struggle with numbers and had to play with a lot of inexperienced players year after year. But, it never affected how they played and how hard they worked.”

The Lady Bears went winless in 2019, but only had two upperclassmen on the team and returned nearly everyone. The next season, Mount Airy picked up its first win in close to three years.

“Sydney’s sophomore year, the COVID year, we had a team that could’ve been a decent little group,” Hodges said. “We went and played at East Wilkes, and they’re always a pretty good team; Derrick [Hill] always does a great job. We go down there and beat them 1-0, and Sydney has a really good game pitching. That’s when I realized how special of a player she was and really started to see her growth.

“I remember she came off the field so excited and was like, “wait, we won?”

Unfortunately for the Bears, the season would be postponed less than 48 hours after the win before eventually being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 2021 Granite Bears won their first three games for the program’s best start in more than a decade. Mount Airy was in a tough situation though as the regular season was shortened to a maximum of 14 games. The Bears were originally only supposed to play conference games, but only four of the six schools in the conference fielded softball teams.

“After last year, she kind of had some doubts about the future,” Hodges said. “I didn’t put any pressure on her. The biggest thing I told her was to keep her mind open and don’t shut the door completely, and just let her come back to it naturally. I think as she got closer to the time she realized how much she would miss it.

“She’s had a lot of big games for us this year, and has helped give us opportunities to win.”

Returning for her senior season helped open the door for Seagraves to find her college of choice, of which she is extremely grateful.

“I want to thank all my coaches and just everybody who’s helped me get to where I am, especially my mom and my dad,” Seagraves said.

Surry Central High School is hosting the Eagles Nest Basketball Camp June 6-9.

The camp is open to boys and girls that are rising third through ninth graders.

Daily camp is from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. with the gym open at 8 a.m. each day. Cost is $110 and includes a t-shirt if registered after May 31. The early bird rate for the camp is $100 if registered by May 31.

Each day campers will take part in skill stations, instruction from coaches, individual competitions – such as Knockout, Hot Shot, 1-on-1-on-1 and free throw shooting) and daily league games.

The camp is sponsored by the Surry Central Basketball Programs. Counselors include: coach Marty Behrens and varsity boys coaching staff, coach Mandy Holt and the varsity girls coaching staff, coaches from Central Middle School and players from the Golden Eagle basketball teams.

Gatorade, water and concessions will be available all week, and pizza will be available to order each morning at $2.50 a slice.

Championship games and an awards ceremony will be held Thursday, June 9 around 2 p.m.

Registration forms can be found at bit.ly/3lJQ3ac

If you have questions, email Coach Mandy Holt (holtma@surry.k12.nc.us) or call Surry Central High School at 336-386-8842

RANDLEMAN — East Surry’s baseball season came to an end Friday in a fourth-round playoff game against the defending 2A State Champion, Randleman.

The Cardinals were held to just two hits in their first true playoff road game in six years, while the home Tigers had 10 hits – including a trio of home runs. East couldn’t convert when it chances to put runs on the board, and Randleman made the Cards pay for any mistakes.

Randleman advances to the Regional Championship for the third-straight postseason with a 10-0 win.

“I told the kids that we had to play just about a perfect game to have a chance. We didn’t, and they made us pay,” said East Surry coach Chad Freeman. “You tip your hat because they are the better team. There’s nothing else you can say about it really.”

Friday’s game marked East Surry’s fourth-consecutive appearance in the fourth round of the state playoffs, which is the second-longest active streak in the state among all classifications. The only team with more consecutive fourth-round appearances is Randleman, who competed in its 11th-straight in 2022. Since 2011, the Tigers have won two 2A State Titles and finished 2A State Runner-up three times.

“They’re so good and just relentless,” Freeman said. “One through nine, every single kid that they’ve got in the lineup takes great approaches and they don’t get fooled very often at the plate.”

Luke Brown and Anthony Ayers served as the Cards’ two pitchers against the Tigers (29-1). Brown faced 25 batters in 3.2 innings on the mound, allowing nine runs – including four earned runs – on eight hits, with five strikeouts and three walks. Ayers faced three batters to close the fourth inning and open the fifth, allowing one run on two hits.

“The score won’t show it, but Luke didn’t throw a bad game,” Freeman said, referencing costly fielding errors by the Cardinals that contributed to the five unearned runs. Freeman also mentioned the shallow outfield fence on the lines of Joe Brookshire field.

“With those first two home runs that put them up 4-0…I mean, they hit them well, but if we’re at our field or many other fields it’s at most a 1-0 lead,” Freeman said. [Luke] pitched well, it’s just that playing in this environment, at this field against this team was a different animal. They’re defending state champs for a reason, and they’re going to win states again.”

East Surry (24-2) put runners on base in the first, third and fifth innings. Leadoff Luke Bowman singled to start the game and was sacrificed over to second base, but was left on after a strikeout and a flyout.

In the third inning, Trey Armstrong was hit by a pitch and Folger Boaz rocked a double to move Armstrong to third with no outs. The Tigers met at the mound to regroup and it worked, as pitcher Drake Purvis struck the next three batters out.

Purvis, a sophomore left-handed pitcher committed to N.C. State, finished with nine strikeouts in five innings.

“Gotta give credit to Purvis,” Freeman said. “He buckled down when runners got on base, and we didn’t do what we needed to and execute in good situational approaches. That’s the difference between being in a game and still having a shot, to getting beat 10-0.”

Another Cardinal, Brett Clayton, was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning with one out. Randleman forced a double play to end the inning by catching a fly ball and getting the out at first.

East Surry finishes the year 24-2, and Freeman said the players have a lot to be proud of looking back on the season.

“The feeling right now stinks because you’re coming off of a loss, but I told the guys after the game not to let this game diminish what all we accomplished this season,” Freeman said. “I told them: ‘you bumped up to a new classification even though we’re still 1A size. We went 24-2. We made it to the fourth round against the defending 2A State Champions. It’s been one heck of a year.’

“I’m so thankful for the kids that I’ve got. They’re wonderful young men, competitive players and most importantly they’re good people. That makes it even easier and even better as a coach when you’ve got players that will play hard and love each other. It was a special season with a special group, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

East Surry had to come ready to play night in and night out, Freeman said, and added that was what pushed the team to get even better. He spoke of the “tremendous talent” in and around Surry County, and said it was evident by the close games the Cardinals had against the likes of North Surry, Forbush, Surry Central and West Stokes.

Following Friday’s game, Freeman gave a final salute to the Cardinal seniors: Bowman, Ayers, Armstrong, Peyton Inscore, Tristen Mason and Anthony Ward.

“You look back and these kids were sophomores when COVID hit, and several of them would’ve been part of a big run with that strong group that never got to play their senior season,” he said. “They took us on an amazing journey last year to a state championship appearance and played two tight games in the state finals.

“Then, they took us to a 24-2 season this year with a conference championship, a conference tournament championship and a fourth-round appearance – again, all while we are still pretty dang small and going against some pretty big and very good 2A teams. It’s a great group of kids, and I’m blessed to be their coach.

No. 1 Randleman faces No. 15 Community School of Davidson (17-6) in the West Regional Championship. The winner of the best 2-of-3 series in the West advances to the 2A State Championship Series to face the winner of the East’s No. 4 Whiteville (21-3) and No. 15 North Lenoir (19-8).

Reach Cory on Twitter @MaNewsSports

GREENSBORO — Millennium Charter and Mount Airy took part in the 1A State Championship Track and Field Meet on May 21.

The meet, held at N.C. A&T University’s Marcus T. Johnson Track inside Truist Stadium, featured four three individuals and one relay team from local 1A schools. Another local relay team qualified for the state meet, but was unable to compete.

Results are listed below by school.

Team points were accumulated for each school’s top-8 individual finish: 10 points for first place, 8 for second, 6 for third, 5 for fourth and one point fewer through eighth place.

Millennium’s 4×800-meter relay team was the school’s second-ever state qualifier in outdoor track. One of the relay team members, junior Ava Utt, was the school’s first state qualifier in 2021. She was also the school’s first medalist by taking bronze in high jump last year.

Utt was part of girls 4×800 relay team that also featured Lion sophomore Clara Minix, as well as freshmen River Edge and Ruby Hoerter. The girls finished No. 11 in the race with a time of 12:00.42.

The Granite Bears had four state qualifiers in the boys competition: three individuals and one relay team.

Mount Airy’s 4×100 relay team of Mario Revels, Connor Burrell, Caleb Reid and Tyler Mason qualified by finishing fourth in the 1A West Regional Championship, but wasn’t able to compete at states due to an injury.

The three individual state qualifiers all finished just off the podium in their respective events.

Sophomore Deric Dandy competed in his first state championship meet and took fifth in the discus throw. Dandy’s best mark was 134-04.

Sophomores Blake Hawks and Caden Ratcliff also finished fifth in their respective events. Hawks competed in the triple jump as a freshman and finished No. 6 with a mark of 40-03.25. He improved to 41-02.00 in 2022 to finished fifth.

Ratcliff competed in the 800 meters as both a freshman and a sophomore. He took the No. 15 spot in 2021 with a time of 2:22.70, and improved to No. 5 with a time of 2:05.53 in 2022. The top-5 finishes in this year’s race were separated by less than six seconds.

Mount Airy’s boys were tied for No. 20 as a team with 12 points.

Members of the Surry Homeschool Basketball program are set to compete in North Carolina’s 2022 Home Educators All-Star Game.

Both the Surry Runnin’ Patriots boys and girls teams compete in the North Carolinians for Home Education Athletic Commission (NCHEAC). The NCHEAC East-West All-Star Game is scheduled for May 27 and will take place at Salem Baptist Christian School in Winston-Salem.

Four members of the Runnin’ Patriots will compete in the all-star game: Joshua Bunke will represent the boys team, and the trio of Faith McClary, Lindsay Cooper and Karlie Effler will represent the girls.

The Runnin’ Pats will team with other players from the NCHEAC’s Western Conference, which includes teams from Forsyth, South Guilford, Cabarrus and South Charlotte. The NCHEAC East features teams from Wilmington, North Wake, Rocky Mount/Wilson, South Wake and Wake Forest.

Joshua Bunke was named All-Conference for the third year in a row in 2022. He was also named to the All-Tournament team at the Triad Baptist Christmas Tournament.

For the season, Bunke averaged 17.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He shot 83% from the free throw line and led the Patriots’ attack with leadership on and off the court.

Josh achieved the 1,000 point milestone last year, and finished his career with 1,905 points.

Faith McClary, an excellent shooter herself, changed roles this year and became primarily a distributor as she repeated on the All-Conference team.

McClary ran the Lady Pats’ offense and worked constantly to get other players involved. She scored 204 points on the year while also dishing out 86 assists.

Faith will continue her basketball career at Bob Jones University in the fall.

In addition to being a repeat All-Conference selection, Lindsay was selected as conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Cooper usually drew the toughest defensive assignment and led the team in steals with 111. As good defense often turns into offense, Cooper also scored 314 points, assisted on 101 baskets and had five double-doubles.

Another repeat All-Conference selection, Effler is a versatile and creative scorer that can also get teammates involved.

She finished the year with 465 points and 113 assists. Often drawing the other team’s best defender, Karlie still managed to score consistently as an excellent outside shooter who can also drive to the basket, score in close and draw fouls.

Karlie is a 1,000 point scorer, having achieved this feat during last season.

She is also a lockdown defender who also surpassed 100 steals during the 2022 season.

GREENSBORO — Four local student-athletes won gold medals at the 2A State Championship Track and Field Meet.

East Surry, North Surry and Surry Central competed in the 2A Championship Meet on May 20 hosted at N.C. A&T University’s Marcus T. Johnson Track inside Truist Stadium.

Two of the local state champs hail from East Surry, while North Surry and Surry Central and each had one. The three schools combined to have 12 state qualifiers.

Results are listed below by school.

Team points were accumulated for each school’s top-8 individual finish: 10 points for first place, 8 for second, 6 for third, 5 for fourth and one point fewer through eighth place.

Senior Clara Willard and sophomore Isaac Vaden swept the 2A Discus Throw Championships.

Willard competed in the 2021 1A Discus Championship and finished No. 11 with a mark of 79-01 feet. She jumped to the top 2A spot in 2022 with a championship throw of 118-09 feet. Willard tied Camden County’s Kennedy Lighty for the No. 1 spot, but won the tiebreaker with her second-longest throw.

Clara is just the third female state champion in outdoor track in East Surry history. She joins Suzanne Shelton, who won the 1A 1,600-meter Run Title in 1994, and Maya Bennett, who won the 1A High Jump Title in 2003.

Willard’s 10 championship points put East Surry tied for No. 25 in the team standings.

Like Willard, Vaden had a huge leap from last year’s 1A championship to this year’s 2A meet. Vaden finished No. 15 of 16 competitors in 2021 with a throw of 95-01. He left no doubts this season by throwing a championship distance of 145-01 – which won the 2A title by more than eight feet.

Vaden is the first male outdoor track state champion in East Surry history.

Also competing in the state championship for East Surry was senior Cooper Motsinger. Motsinger finished No. 6 in the 3,200 meters with a time of 10:27.20.

Vaden and Motsinger’s 13 points helped East Surry finish tied for No. 17 in the team competition.

Ella Riggs competed in her first outdoor track championship this year as a freshman.

Riggs took part in shot put and finished just off the podium in fifth place. Her throw of 34-08.50 was less than two feet behind the fourth-place finish, and she was the only freshman to finish in the top-8.

Riggs’ four points helped the Lady Greyhounds finish tied for No. 41 as a team.

Junior Jared Hiatt was the only local male competitor to compete in two different events at the state championship. He competed in long jump at the 2021 2A State Championship, but competed in both long jump and high jump at this year’s meet.

Hiatt captured the Long Jump State Championship with a final mark of 22-10.75. He narrowly defeated the defending 2A State Champion and the highest seed coming into this year’s championship, Terry Hayes of Wilkes Central, by 1.5 inches.

Hiatt wins his second overall state championship and first in outdoor track; he previously won the 2021-22 Indoor Track State Championship for long jump.

Jared is the second outdoor track state champion in North Surry history, joining 2018 2A Shot Put Champion Ryan Eldridge.

In addition to his gold medal in long jump, Hiatt won a bronze medal in high jump with a leap of 6-04. There was a three-way tie for second place in the event, and the final order was decided based on number of attempts needed to clear a mark.

Hiatt’s 15 points helped the Greyhound boys finish No. 15 as a team.

Golden Eagle senior Mia McMillen was one of only two local competitors, male or female, to compete in four events at the state championship level. She was also the only local athlete competing in their third outdoor track state championship meet.

McMillen had two finishes on the podium on Friday, including a gold-medal performance in the 300 hurdles with a time of 45.08 seconds. Her championship win comes after two second-place finishes in the event as a freshman and a junior (no state championship was held in 2020).

Surry Central girls have now won a total of 25 outdoor track state championships since 1990; 20 individual titles and five relay titles. Mia wins the school’s first outdoor track championship since Sarah Brown won the pole vault title in 2019.

Like Hiatt at North Surry, McMillen added a bronze medal to go with her gold. Mia took third in the 100 hurdles with a time of 15.16, which was .09 seconds behind second place.

McMillen had two other finishes just outside the top-4. She finished fifth in long jump with a mark of 17-06.50, actually tying for fourth in distance but dropping to fifth due to number of attempts, and sixth in the 4×200 relay at 1:48.48 with teammates Aylin Rodriguez, Ella Priddy and Ivy Toney.

Toney, a sophomore, joined McMillen as the only other local competitor to compete in four events at the state meet. Also making multiple appearances at the state meet were Lady Eagle teammates: Priddy with three, Rodriguez with two, Madelyn Wilmoth with two and Yeira Munoz with two.

Toney, Munoz and Cassie Snead competed in individual events for the Lady Eagles. Snead was No. 9 in discus with a mark of 100-01.00, Toney took the No. 10 spot in pole vault with a mark of 7-06 and Munoz was No. 13 in the 3,200 meters with a time of 14:30.13.

Central’s 4×400 and 4×800 relay teams each finished sixth.

Wilmoth, Rodriguez, Toney and Priddy finished the 4×400 in 4:23.35, and the team of Wilmoth, Toney, Munoz and Priddy finished the 4×800 in 10:45.63.

Surry Central’s girls had the highest team finish of any local school. The Lady Eagles racked up 29 points to finish No. 8 of more than 50 teams.

Two Surry Central boys competed at the state championship as well: sophomore Ignacio Morales and freshman Allen Huffman. Both boys were competing in the outdoor track championship for the first time.

Morales took part in the 3,200 meters and finished third with a time of 10:05.43. He was the only sophomore to finish in the top-8.

Huffman competed in the 300 hurdles and finished No. 15 with a time of 44.82.

Surry Central’s boys tied for No. 31 in the team standings with six points.

WALNUT COVE — Mount Airy’s storybook baseball season came to an end Tuesday in the Sweet 16 of the 1A State Playoffs.

Mount Airy and South Stokes were tied 1-1 through the third inning, then South added a trio of runs in the bottom of the fourth. The Bears put runners on base in the fifth and seventh innings but failed to score again.

No. 1-seeded South Stokes advanced to the Elite Eight with the 4-1 win.

Mount Airy finishes the season 19-9 overall. The 2022 team’s 19 victories are the second-most in school history according to Mount Airy sports historian Doug McDaniel, trailing only the 1939 team that finished 20-0.

This year’s team also won seven consecutive games at one point – a feat last accomplished by the 1958 Bears who won 10 consecutive games.

Mount Airy was the only 1A team during the regular season to defeat South Stokes. The Sauras (18-6) defeated the Bears 5-4 in the Granite City on March 22, then Mount Airy turned around and topped South 6-1 in Walnut Cove on March 28.

The Bears quickly loaded the bases to begin the rubber match. Rylan Venable led off with a single, then Ian Gallimore was walked and Kamden Hawks reached first on an error. Reece Deaton looked to score the opening run with a hit to second base, but South turned a 4-6-3 double play to hold Mount Airy scoreless.

Mount Airy turned a double play of its own in the bottom of the opening inning to keep the game scoreless. The Bears then took a lead thanks to three hits in the top of the second.

Mount Airy’s first two batters, Cameryn Wilson and Landon Cox, singled to start the inning. Josh Penn reached first on a fielder’s choice that also sent Wilson to third, then a Brison George single sent Wilson to the plate.

South quickly put two runners on in the bottom of the inning after Nolan Coe and Maddox Nelson drew back-to-back walks with just one out on the board. The runners advanced a base on a groundout, then Coe scored on a single from Ethan Nelson.

The Granite Bears were able to put runners on base in 5-of-7 innings, but struggled to get them back home.

Logan Dowell and Kamden Hawks singled to begin the third inning. South turned another double play to get Hawks and Deaton out, but Dowell advanced all the way to third. The Bears’ senior was stranded after a flyout.

South scored the decisive trio of runs in the bottom of the fourth. Coe led off by reaching first on an error before being moved to second on a sacrifice by Nelson. Jordan Buck was hit by a pitch to put two runners on base, then both were scored on a Blake Hughes triple.

Hughes added run No. 4 when he crossed the plate after a wild pitch.

Mount Airy went three up, three down in the fourth and sixth innings, and fell victim to another double play in the fifth. South had a chance to extend its lead by loading the bases in the bottom of the sixth, but the Bears left all three runners stranded by forcing a pair of flyouts.

South picked up two quick outs in the top of the seventh before Brison George singled to keep the game alive. Venable followed his teammate with a double, but George got out trying to go home on the hit.

Six Bears recorded at least one hit in the game: Venable, George, Wilson, Dowell, Hawks and Cox. Wilson had the Bears’ only run, and George hit the lone RBI.

Mount Airy and South Stokes only combined to throw two strikeouts in the game.

Rylan Venable spent 5.0 innings on the mound for the Bears, throwing one strikeout, two walks and allowing four runs on five hits. Ashton Gwyn threw 1.0 inning and had two walks.

South’s Connor Young tossed a complete game with one strikeout, two walks, and allowed one run on six hits.

LOUISVILLE — Surry Community College’s trio of softball coaches was voted one of the top coaching staffs in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Surry’s coaching staff, made up of head coach Blaine Bullington and assistant coaches Joel Jones and Gary Stone, was voted an NJCAA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year for 2022 by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

According to an NFCA press release, the organization is currently made up of nearly 6,000 coaches. Known for its high regarded coaching awards, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels from webinars to legal counsel, in-person events and the National Convention.

Surry was chosen as the NJCAA Division II recipient from the East Region. Joining SCC was Des Moines Area Community College (Iowa) for the Midwest Region, Murray State College (Oklahoma) in the South Region.

In the national press release, the NFCA says the following of Surry’s coaching staff:

“Head coach Blaine Bullington, along with assistant coaches Joel Jones and Gary Stone, led Surry to a 35-11 overall record, 22-6 mark in conference play and a No. 18 ranking in the most recent NJCAA DII national rankings.

“Behind the tutelage of Bullington and his staff, the Knights are one of the top offensive teams in NJCAA DII, ranking in the top five in several categories, including second in home runs (48), extra-base hits (156) and slugging (.593), and third in batting average (.375), doubles (104), total bases (696) and RBI (302).”

The Lady Knights’ 35 overall wins set a program record. The team also had four players named to Region 10 All-Region teams in addition to an All-Tournament selection.

“Coach Bullington and his staff are incredible both in working with our student-athletes,” said Surry athletic director Mark Tucker. “They work to develop our student-athletes with a comprehensive approach placing emphasis on academics, personal growth, and community service while continuously developing their skills on the softball field. Surry is extremely blessed to have Coach Bullington and his staff leading our program.”

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association NJCAA Division I and II National Coaching Staff of the Year will be announced on June 6.

ASHEBORO — The Lady Bears’ soccer team fell 3-1 to Uwharrie Charter in the second round of the 1A State Playoffs.

Hot off the team’s first playoff victory since 2019, Mount Airy struck first against Uwharrie with a Karyme Bueno goal nearly an hour into Thursday’s playoff match. The No. 7-seeded Eagles netted the equalizer eight minutes later on a free kick, then scored the go-ahead goal with just six minutes left on the clock.

Uwharrie Charter added an insurance goal with two minutes left in regulation to secure the playoff win.

”I thought we did a really good job early on then scoring that first goal,” said Bears coach Will Hurley. “I thought we could’ve had them when we got that 1-0 lead. I knew we needed to rest some of the girls, but having seven players out with injuries really hurt us. Uwharrie stayed in the fight and made some good plays down the stretch.”

Tuesday’s game was given a 5:00 kickoff time since Uwharrie Charter’s field didn’t have lights, meaning it was 91-degrees when the game began. Despite the heat, Hurley felt the Lady Bears were able to keep their stamina up through the first half and part of the second.

“Everything really came together at one point, “Hurley said. “I thought some of passing was really, really good, and we were able to move the ball up the field efficiently on a field that wasn’t easy to play on. Ashley [Escamilla] came in off the bench and played significant minutes in the midfield when Paola [Ramirez] went down.”

Ramirez left the game with an injury in the 25th minute. She and Morgan Hiatt advanced up the right sideline with 1-2 passes that put Ramirez in a 1-on-1 situation with Uwharrie’s keeper. Ramirez’s shot was deflected out of bounds by the charging keeper, and the ensuing collision took the Lady Bear sophomore out of the game.

The injury led to Hurley adapting his lineup once again. Mount Airy already had its striker shifted back to defensive mid, a center midfielder moved up to striker, and a defender moved up to midfielder to compensate for the cornucopia of injuries.

Defensively, Mount Airy’s back line of Kinlee Reece, Kylie James, Aubrey Wilmoth and Aliyah Flores held Uwharrie to just four shots in the first half. The Bears caught the Eagles’ speedy forwards offside, and any chances Uwharrie had after getting through the defense were stopped by keeper Mackenzie Hudson.

Mount Airy broke the scoreless tie in the 56th minute. Kate Deaton attacked up the left sideline and crossed to Karyme Bueno in the box, and Bueno finished to put Mount Airy up 1-0.

The Bears shifted into a defensive mindset after scoring. This deterred all of Uwharrie’s goal-scoring opportunities until the 64th minute, when the Eagles’ converted on a 35-yard free kick.

Hiatt’s long throw ins had Mount Airy back into Uwharrie’s 18-yard box, but the Bears’ shots couldn’t find the back of the net. The teams were knotted up at 1-1 until Uwharrie floated a cross from the left sideline into the side-netting of the far post in the 74th minute.

The Eagles shifted their formation into a defensive 4-3-3 after the second goal. With the center of the field more crowded, Mount Airy pushed for more attacks up the sidelines which set Hiatt up for more long throw ins. Deaton had a pair of good looks in the final four minutes as a result, but both shots went off frame in an attempt to bypass the crowded 18-yard box. Grey Moore added a shot on goal that saved by Uwharrie’s keeper.

With Mount Airy’s team now in an offensive formation, Uwharrie took advantage and added its third goal. The Bears moved into Eagle territory with less than a minute to play, but it was too little too late as the final whistle signaled the end of Mount Airy’s historic season.

“One thing I have to say about Uwharrie is that their girls were really respectful and really good to our girls,” Hurley said. “They battled for 80 minutes, then brought over freeze pops for our girls and talked with them after the game. There was a lot of great sportsmanship, and it was a pleasure to see.”

The Lady Bears finish the season 17-3-4. Mount Airy captured its first-ever conference championship this season while setting school records for single-season wins (17), fewest goals allowed (20), most shutouts (14) and the most consecutive matches without a loss (17).

Hurley knew early on this team was capable of great things, but said none of it would be possible if the girls hadn’t put in the work.

“I’d have to say there really wasn’t a single player that I’d consider most improved, because that honor would go to the entire team,” Hurley said. “Everyone really bought in and worked incredibly hard to be successful.

“We probably started out as an offensive team, then injuries really hit home and we became more of a defensive team in the end. Had we not had those injuries, I think we would’ve gotten better defensively and been great at both. It just says a lot about the girls’ character to keep fighting all year long. I’m just thankful I got to be a part of it.”

Hurley credited his three senior players – Hiatt, Hudson and Moore – for really setting the tone for the team to be successful.

“They treated everybody across the board equally,” Hurley said. “These three seniors did not get senioritis like most teams either. This has been the best team I’ve ever had as far as everyone getting along, and those three seniors made all the difference.

“Everybody was pretty upset after the game. When Morgan walked off the field I could see she was crying, so I ran over to her and told her it was alright. She said, ‘It’s just the greatest team I’ve ever been a part of.’ I think she was less upset about the actual loss and more that the season was over. She didn’t want to leave this crew.

“They really have been a pleasure to coach.”

Mount Airy and Millennium Charter Academy competed in 1A Regional Track Championships over the weekend.

Mount Airy took part in the 1A West Regional hosted by East Burke High School, and Millennium competed in the 1A Midwest Regional that was hosted by Davie County High School.

Millennium had one girls relay team qualify for the 1A State Championship Meet, and Mount Airy had one relay team and three boys qualify as individuals. The 1A State Championship Meet is scheduled for May 21 at North Carolina A&T University.

Full 1A Midwest Regional results can be found at bit.ly/38xflWi, and 1A West Regional results can be found at bit.ly/3aabSxg

Millennium had nine student-athletes compete in the 1A Midwest Regionals.

Ava Hiatt, Ava Utt, Clara Minix, Ruby Hoerter and River Edge took part in the girls competition, and Calvin Devore, Hartley Devore, Brody Krakenberg and Isaac Shipley competed in the boys. Utt, Minix, Calvin Devore and Hartley Devore were the only members of the 2022 Lions team that had experience in the Regional Championship.

The duo of Utt and Minix teamed with Hoerter and Edge to finish fourth in the girls 4×800 relay. The relay team finished the race in 11:44.97 minutes. Utt returns to the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A State Championship, while Minix, Hoerter and Edge will make their first appearances.

Utt and Hoerter finished just outside the top-4 in individual events. Utt took fifth in high jump with a leap of 4-06.00 feet, and Hoerter was fifth in the 3,200-meter run at 14:37.94.

Hiatt and Minix also competed as individuals for the Lady Lions. Hiatt finished seventh in discus throw with a mark of 71-03.00, and Minix finished eighth in the 800 meters at 2:49.02.

The Lions’ 4×800 boys relay team finished just outside the state qualifying mark by taking fifth. The team of Calvin Devore, Hartley Devore, Brody Krakenberg and Isaac Shipley finished the race in 9:18.16.

Calvin Devore and Krakenberg had the boys’ two individual performances by competing in the 800 and 3,200 meters, respectively. Calvin finished seventh in the 800 with a time of 2:08.84, and Krakenberg was 14th in the 3,200 meters with a time of 13:08.90.

Mount Airy sent 11 student-athletes to the 1A West Regional Championship.

Sydney Seagraves took part in the girls competition, while Deric Dandy, Blake Hawks, Mario Revels, Connor Burrell, Caleb Reid, Tyler Mason, Caden Ratcliff, Declan Conner, Ware Viers and Noah Khuri competed for the boys.

Ratcliff and Hawks, both sophomores, qualified for the state championship for a second consecutive year. Ratcliff did so by finishing second in the 800 meters with a time of 2:05.40, and Hawks finished second in triple jump with a mark of 41-00.00.

Five other Granite Bears qualified for their first 1A State Championship thanks to top-4 finishes at regionals. Dandy finished third in discus throw with a mark of 146-03.00, and the 4×100 relay team of Revels, Burrell, Reid and Mason finished fourth with a time of 46.22 seconds.

Hawks nearly qualified in long jump as well, finishing sixth with a mark of 20-08.50. Hawks was just an inch behind the fourth-place finisher, and 2.5 inches behind the third-place finisher.

Seagraves added two top-10 finishes in the girls competition. The senior placed eighth in shot put with a mark of 29 feet, and finished No. 10 in discus throw with a mark of 85-10.00.

Also competing at regionals for Mount Airy: Conner finished 10th in the 3,200 meters with a time of 11:36.65; Revels was No. 12 in high jump with a height of 5-04.00; the 4×200 relay team of Revels, Burrell, Reid and Hawks finished No. 13 with a time of 1:42.99; and the 4×400 relay team of Ratcliff, Viers, Dandy and Khuri finished No. 15 with a time of 4:00.40.

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