St. Stephens sophomore tailback Izzy Payne eclipses 1,000-yard rushing mark, earns all-conference nod for 1st time in 2025

HICKORY, N.C. — An athlete’s success does not develop overnight. His or her craft must be harnessed to its full potential in a gradual process. St. Stephens High School sophomore Izzy Payne displayed his growth with the varsity football program the last two seasons. “My love for football came from my dad; he would show … Continue reading St. Stephens sophomore tailback Izzy Payne eclipses 1,000-yard rushing mark, earns all-conference nod for 1st time in 2025 →

HOME AGAIN: Former St. Stephens wrestling star Coy Reid ends collegiate career in a full-circle destination

HICKORY, N.C. – Who says you can’t go home again? Montreat College senior Coy Daniel Reid did just that as he embarked in his final chapter competing on the wrestling mat. Montreat College senior and former St. Stephens High School wrestler Coy Reid with his family as he is recognized for 'Senior Night' at Arndt … Continue reading HOME AGAIN: Former St. Stephens wrestling star Coy Reid ends collegiate career in a full-circle destination →

Bandys High senior Samuel Hill looks to continue his juggernaut style of play on the defensive end during the 2024 season

CATAWBA, N.C. — As a prep sports athlete, one is not always simply handed the keys to the castle right away. Oftentimes, there is a grind before the coaching staff feels he or she is ready enough to take control. While some individuals get the chance to demonstrate one’s prowess as an underclassman, others have … Continue reading Bandys High senior Samuel Hill looks to continue his juggernaut style of play on the defensive end during the 2024 season →

Blue Devils senior Kendall Roberts hopes to add to program’s legacy of running back greatness in 2024

MAIDEN, N.C — The Maiden Blue Devils varsity football program has had its fair share of talented running backs come through its system over the years with the likes of Tommy Henry and Preston Clarke in the early 2000s. Henry rushed for 2,366 yards during the 2004 season, according to NCpreps.com, while Clarke rushed for … Continue reading Blue Devils senior Kendall Roberts hopes to add to program’s legacy of running back greatness in 2024 →

Newton-Conover quarterback Logan Adair enters senior season in 2024 with great expectations under new coaching regime

NEWTON, N.C. — Being a galvanizing leader is tough in any sport, let alone football in what is considered the most important position on the field at quarterback. Newton-Conover High School senior Logan Adair felt the brunt of that as a first-year starter with the varsity program in 2023. When things go according to plan, … Continue reading Newton-Conover quarterback Logan Adair enters senior season in 2024 with great expectations under new coaching regime →

AN ALL-TIME GREAT: Fred T. Foard’s Riley Vogel becomes one of the best hitters in North Carolina prep softball history; caps off career with 4th all-state selection on June 26

NEWTON, N.C. — Becoming an all-time great is not an overnight reality in the sports world. It takes passion, dedication and often years of hard work to mold oneself into a promising athlete. For some, it may not work out; while, others may attain just enough success to be included in the category of elite. … Continue reading AN ALL-TIME GREAT: Fred T. Foard’s Riley Vogel becomes one of the best hitters in North Carolina prep softball history; caps off career with 4th all-state selection on June 26 →

ONE FOR THE BOOKS: Bandys High grad Gabby Vatrano achieves ultimate success by becoming 1st All-State soccer athlete in school history following 2024 season

CATAWBA, N.C. — Once known as a promising upstart coming out of middle school, Bandys High School recent grad Gabriela “Gabby” Vatrano lived up to her potential and became a star in the world of soccer. Vatrano began making a name for herself at just 13-years-old and has not looked back. From her dominance in … Continue reading ONE FOR THE BOOKS: Bandys High grad Gabby Vatrano achieves ultimate success by becoming 1st All-State soccer athlete in school history following 2024 season →

Newton-Conover senior point guard Javier Lineberger achieves All-District status in final prep basketball season; He wrapped up career in 4th Annual WNC All-Star game on March 30

NEWTON, N.C. — The love of playing a particular sport is not just about individual success. It’s also about the brotherhood or sisterhood that is shared amongst teammates. Only later in one’s progression do personal accolades begin to shape his or her competitive nature to excel. Newton-Conover High School senior Javier Lineberger had to claw … Continue reading Newton-Conover senior point guard Javier Lineberger achieves All-District status in final prep basketball season; He wrapped up career in 4th Annual WNC All-Star game on March 30 →

OVERCOMING THE ODDS: Lady Tigers senior guard Davoney Dellinger reinvigorates joy in career-best prep basketball run

NEWTON, N.C — Adversity comes in many forms and can extend to different facets of one’s life including the sports world. Being a student-athlete is not always easy. There will often be obstacles in one’s way, whether personal or professional in nature. The confidence and desire to overcome those challenges also sits in a gray … Continue reading OVERCOMING THE ODDS: Lady Tigers senior guard Davoney Dellinger reinvigorates joy in career-best prep basketball run →

HARD IN THE PAINT: Bunker Hill center Damireona Burch exudes confidence, passion in career-best basketball season

CLAREMONT, N.C. — One’s passion and drive to be great in a particular area can sometimes supersede that of just natural talent. Talent is often warranted, but the ability to excel could be limited if an individual does not have the desire to grow in his or her craft. Bunker Hill High School senior Damireona … Continue reading HARD IN THE PAINT: Bunker Hill center Damireona Burch exudes confidence, passion in career-best basketball season →