KMH_FallSports_2017

2017

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

MACK & MOUNTAINEERS Can make run in Big South 2B

2016 STATE CHAMPIONS Can they do it again?

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Can they win 4th in row?

1 RETURNING STARTER LEADS Volleyball into Big South 3A 8B

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Wednesday, August 23, 2017

‘IT’S WHERE WE NEED TO BE’

2017 Kings Mountain High varsity football team

Lloyd glad to see Mountaineers back in Big South Kings Mountain’s Mountaineers are happy to be back in the Big South 3A Conference after a four-year tour of duty in the split South Mountain 2A/3A Conference.

Mountaineer head coach Greg Lloyd says he prefers not playing in a split conference, and the Big South is a perfect fit because all of the teams are neighbors.

The Big South is full of traditionally strong football teams and every Friday night is a battle.

“It’s the natural fit for us,” says Lloyd, who is beginning his 12th season as coach of the Mountaineers.

“It’s where we need to be.

I’m glad Burns and Crest are going with us. This is going to be a strong conference.”

Lloyd expects his Mountaineers to be right in the thick of the battle for the conference championship.

He also expects Burns, Crest, Hunter Huss, Forestview and Ashbrook to be powerful as well. Most “guessperts” are predicting Huss to win the conference for the second straight year.

“It’s a tough league,” Lloyd noted, “and I’m glad it’s an all 3A conference.”

Qualifying for the state playoffs will be tough in such a talented league. But, as the old saying goes, to be the best

you have to beat the best.

“We’ll have to be in the top two for an automatic playoff bid,” Lloyd said. “That won’t be an easy thing to do. I’d say you’ll have to win six games to get in the playoffs because there are a lot more 3A teams this year than in the past. But that’s good.

It’s as it KMHS head coach Greg Lloyd is happy to should be.”

Not only see his Mountaineers back in the Big South will t h e 3A. Mountaintoughen up the Mountaineers eers face tough competition for their conference run. in the conference, but they “Those are four good have scheduled four perenteams,” Lloyd noted. “South nial powers for their four Caldwell runs a wing-T, TC non-conference games to Roberson and Cuthbertson open the season. They open and Shelby are all spread at South Caldwell on Friday, teams.

It’s going to be a chalAug. 25, then play mountain power TC Roberson at home, lenge, for sure.”

But, with the potential of a strong Cuthbertson team on the road, and arch rival and having a team that could go four-time defending 2A state very deep in the playoffs, it’s a challenge the Mountaineers champion Shelby at home.

Beefing up the non-con- love to take on. Lloyd and ference schedule should others can see the potential of

OPPONENT

LOCATION

South Caldwell TC Roberson Cuthbertson Shelby Stuart Cramer North Gaston Hunter Huss Ashbrook Burns Forestview Crest

Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away

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Kings Mountain Mountaineers 2017 Jr. Varsity Football Schedule DATE

OPPONENT

August 24 August 31 September 14 September 21 September 28 October 5 October 12 October 19 October 26 November 2

South Caldwell TC Roberson Shelby Stuart Cramer North Gaston Hunter Huss Ashbrook Burns Forestview Crest

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Go Mountaineers!

Wishing all the KMHS Fall Sports Teams much success!

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DL. At linebacker, the Mountaineers return senior JT Cash, who is a two-year starter and along with Pressley is high on college recruiting lists. Another LB looking good is freshman Damien “Day Day” Wilson, who was one of the standouts on last year’s championship team at KM Middle School.

Sophomore Titus Clark and Nathan Groves, and 6-0, 200-pound junior Michael “Pac” Pruiksma will see plenty of playing time, too.

Returning All-Conference standout Reese Reinhardt will anchor the secondary at safety Backup quarterback John Harmon Melton will also be in the secondary along with James Ussery, Marquis Fewell, brothers Charles and Tyler Osborne and Joe Ruffalo.

As for special teams, the Mountaineers return threeyear starter Micah Randle for punting and placekicking.

Going into his senior season he has 113 kicking points and is within shot of Edward Blackburn’s school record of 158. Bishop will be the holder.

McRae Moore and Pruiksma will handle the long snapping duties. Toms and Brittain will return kicks.

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last year, but have several who can catch the football and go with it. Mike Toms is a returning starter at split end, and JT Cash, who is also a returning starter at linebacker, played tight end last season. Others who will be the targets of Wade’s throws include Dontarius Hughes, Chris Brittain, Seth Bishop and Holden Turner.

Paving the way for all the backs and receivers is a big, quick offensive line led by returning starters Jonathon Rikard at center and Collin Franks at tackle. New starters are tackle James Parsons and guards Sabian Beam and Xavier Brown.

“I believe we’re going to have a good line,” Lloyd said. “They’re real quick to be big kids.”

Parsons, a junior who played on the JV team last year, is the biggest at 6-5, 275 pounds.

The defensive line has been impressive in practice, too. There, the Mountaineers return AJ Austin, Jerdon Pressley, Nathan Lease, Jeremiah Brown and Stefan Chisholm. “They all played a big role in our success last year and should be one of the best defensive lines in the area,” Lloyd noted.

Isaac Watson will also see a lot of playing time on the

IT’S FALL YARD CLEANUP TIME

Kings Mountain Mountaineers 2017 Varsity Football Schedule DATE TIME August 25 September 1 September 8 September 15 September 22 September 29 October 6 October 13 October 20 October 27 November 3

having possibly the best season since Kings Mountain’s Southwestern Conference championship year of 2008.

The team should be greatly improved on the offensive and defensive lines, backfield and linebackers.

Their biggest losses were in the secondary and receiver positions, but there are newcomers who have the potential to make solid contributions.

Both lines, for the most part, are experienced and quick.

The Mountaineers return their leading rusher from last year, sophomore Ricaylen Mack, who is a solid 5-8, 200 pounds and will be a load to bring down. When the Mountaineers go to a two-back set, or when Mack needs a break, Quay Brooks is ready to pile up some yards, too.

“We want to give those guys a chance to run the ball,” said Lloyd, “and (quarterback) Kaylon Wade too.”

Of course, the Mountaineers will continue to throw the ball and Wade, who was pressed into taking over quarterback duties after five games last year when Darren Burns tore his ACL, will be a dual threat.

The Mountaineers lost their go-to receivers from

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Wednesday, August 23, 2017

2017 OFFENSE

Page 3B

5 MOVING AS 1

Scheme: Power spread Returning starters Kaylon Wade, QB, Jonathan Rikard OL, Collin Franks OL, Ricaylen Mack RB, Mike Toms WR, JT Cash, TE Other key players Quay Brooks, RB, Holden Turner, TE, Xavier Brown, OL, Sabian Beam, OL, Chris Brittain WR, Seth Bishop, Slot.

Projected lineup Offensive line LT – James Parsons Bench Press 260, Back Squat 405, Power Clean 225.

LG – Sabian Beam Bench Press 330, Back Squat 500, Power Clean 275.

C – Jonathan Rikard 2016 – Pancakes 21. Grade Out 84%.

Bench Press 360, Back Squat 435, Power Clean 295.

RG – Xavier Brown Bench Press 300, Back Squat 455, Power Clean 230.

RT – Collin Franks 2016 – Pancakes 19. Grade Out 82%.

Bench Press 300, Back Squad 435, Power Clean 245.

Receivers Mike Toms, WR 2016 – 3-54 receiving, 1 TD. JT Cash, TE 2016 – 4-75 receiving, 1TD. *Holden Turner, TE *Chris Brittain, WR *Seth Bishop, Slot *2016 – Leading pass receivers on JV team.

Backfield QB – Kaylon Wade 2016 – 59-for-125 for 1,025 yards passing; 68-253 rushing; 26 points.

RB – Ricaylen Mack 2016 – 131-809 rushing (KMHS freshman record), 36 points.

RB – Quay Brooks 2016 – 1,000 yard rusher on JV team.

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Kings Mountain High’s offensive line should be one of the best in the Big South Conference and beyond. Left to right, they are tackle Collin Franks, guard Sabian Beam, center Jonathan Rikard, guard Xavier Brown and tackle James Parsons.

Offensive line could be best since 1998 The old cigarette commercial “It’s what’s up front that counts” is certainly true of this year’s Kings Mountain Mountaineer offensive line.

Veteran line coach Kevin Cruise said this line could be the best the Mountaineers have had since he joined the staff in 2007, when Greg Lloyd took over as the head coach and brought his East Gaston assistants with him.

This could also be the best offensive line since the 1998 season, when guys like Kareem Marshall, Julius Curry, Rico Feemster, Laymond Caldwell and Andy Leigh paved the way for the school’s all-time leading rusher Anthony Hillman and others to lead the team to the

Coach Kevin Cruise looks for his line to be best he’s had since he came here in 2007.

state 3A championship game.

The O line has two returning starters – right tackle Collin Franks who will be starting for the third straight year, and all-conference center Jonathon Rikard who will be starting for the second straight season. New starters are left tackle James Parsons, left guard Sabian Beam and right guard

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The group is dedicated in the weight room and on the field.

Although their names probably won’t be called out over the PA system except when the starting lineup is announced or mentioned in the news, you can bet every yard gained will be because of their hard work.

“This group has been great to work with,” says Coach Cruise. “All of them have been dedicated on the field and in the weight room, and this started back in January. Anytime the weight room is open they’re going to be there. If you tell them to be there at 8, they’ll be there at 7.

“They have really been putting in the time it takes to be successful. It’s been tremendous. They have all made major gains in the weight room.”

Cruise credits seniors Franks and Rikard for leading by example. The other three projected starters, along with key See OFFENSIVE, Page 10B

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Page 4B

A TACKLING MACHINE

Kings Mountain’s defensive line and linebackers form a strong first two levels of defense. Front row, left to right, linemen Stefan Chisholm, AJ Austin, Jeremiah Brown, Nathan Lease and Jerdon Pressley. Back, left to right, Day Day Wilson, JT Cash and Titus Clark.

KM’s DL, linebackers will be hard to handle A good mixture of veterans and talented young players will make Kings Mountain High’s defense one of the best in the area this fall.

Barring any serious injuries, veteran defensive coordinator Darrel Wilson has a group that can help make the Mountaineers a serious contender for the Big South 3A Conference championship.

Coming from the Big South, where he was a longtime assistant coach at Hunter Huss and Forestview, Wilson hopes his men are ready for a dogfight every Friday night.

“We should be in the race,” he said. “The thing about this conference is you can’t have a letdown. The competition will be a lot tougher than it’s been in a split 2A/3A conference. We’re going to be facing teams with really good athletes every week. Every game will be a battle. You’re not going to have weak teams on this schedule, even in our non-conference games. All of our non-conference opponents are quality teams that will help prepare us for the conference.”

Led by returning All-Conference player and Division I prospect Jerdon Pressley, the Mountaineers have one of the most impressive defensive lines in years. Joining Pressley up front are Nathan Lease, Jeremiah “Pork Chop”

Brown, AJ Austin, Stefan Chisholm, sophomore Isaac Watson, and others.

“This is the most experienced group I’ve had here,” said Wilson. “We have a lot of guys with game experience.”

Wilson said he has the personnel to go big and/or quick, whatever the game dictates.

“I’m really excited about that,” he said.

The linebacker crew is led by two-year returning starter at middle linebacker, JT Cash, who is being highly recruited. Others looking good are sophomore Titus Clark, freshman Day Day Wilson, and last year’s JV standouts Nathan Groves and Michael “Pack” Pruiksma.

“Our linebackers are young overall,” Wilson said, “but they are good. All they need is game experience.”

Wilson believes returning All-Conference safety

DARREL WILSON Reese Reinhardt will be one of the best in the conference.

He also says Reinhardt is a good college prospect who should get some wrestling offers.

Joining Reinhardt at safety will be 6-3 backup quarterback John Harmon Melton. Others looking good in the secondary are Marquis Fewell and James Ussery,

GO! MOUNTIES!

both of whom can play DB or safety, and Chuckie Osborne.

“Chuckie is our most experienced, except for Reese,” Wilson noted.

“We’re going to be OK if we don’t have injuries,” Wilson said. “This is a good group. Up front, overall, we’re very athletic. This is my third year with Pressley. I think he’s the first three-year starter I’ve had here. Experience-wise, this should be my best group. They understand what I’m looking for.”

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Kings Mountain Mountaineers 2017 Varsity Football Roster No. Name Class Ht. Wt. 1 Seth Bishop Junior 5-8 180 2 Dontavious Hughes Senior 5-9 170 3 Reese Reinhardt Senior 5-9 170 4 Christopher Brittain Junior 5-9 165 5 AJ Austin Senior 5-11 200 6 John Harmon Melton Junior 6-3 185 7 Tyler Osborne Senior 5-8 165 8 Holden Turner Junior 5-7 200 9 Mike Toms Senior 5-10 170 10 Damian Wilson Freshman 6-1 210 11 Kaylon Wade Junior 6-0 170 12 Kobe Paysour Freshman 6-1 165 14 Eli Paysour Senior 6-2 180 15 Jaden Edwards Junior 5-11 175 16 Charles Osborne Junior 6-10 160 17 Tyler Robinson Senior 5-9 155 18 Titus Clark Sophomore 5-10 175 19 Belton Pressley Sophomore 5-10 170 21 Marquis Fewell Junior 5-10 170 22 Ricaylen Mack Sophomore 5-8 200 24 Qua Brooks Junior 5-10 180 25 James Ussery Sophomore 5-8 165 26 Richard Perry Junior 5-8 160 27 Zach Crawford Sophomore 6-0 195 28 Lane Galloway Senior 5-10 170 30 Michael Pruiksma Junior 5-11 195 31 Joe Ruffalo Junior 5-8 165 32 Nathan Groves Junior 5-7 160 33 Ian Bishop Senior 5-9 200 34 Nathan Lease Senior 6-2 220 37 Micah Randall Senior 5-9 155 38 Stefan Chisholm Senior 5-10 215 40 JT Cash Senior 6-2 200 41 Logan Collins Senior 5-11 175 42 Josh Phillips Junior 5-10 155 44 Jerdon Pressley Senior 6-1 235 50 Sabeion Beam Senior 6-0 260 51 Jonathan Rikard Senior 5-10 250 52 Collin Franks Senior 6-0 230 5 Xavier Brown Sophomore 5-11 245 54 Nathan Bess Junior 5-9 320 56 Owen Prince Junior 6-0 210 57 McRae Moore Senior 5-9 200 58 Issac Watson Sophomore 6-0 320 60 Keeshawn McCoy Senior 6-0 225 64 DJ Bagwell Sophomore 6-1 265 78 James Parsons Junior 6-7 275 90 Jeremiah Brown Junior 5-9 300 Head coach – Greg Lloyd AD – Mark Latham Athletic trainer – Kevin Allran.

Assistant coaches – Kevin Cruise, Darrel Wilson, Mark Latham, Tyrese Brooks, Luico Holland, Mike Harris, Tom Lease, Micheal Kennedy, Shane Short, Curtis Pressley, Kenny Bridges, Matt Bridges, Jeff Cloninger, Brent Bagwell, Brad Melton.

ITS FUN TO PLAY AT THE YMCA Fall Youth Sports Program KINGS MOUNTAIN FAMILY YMCA

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The Kings Mountain Family YMCA is starting up another season of fall sports. This Fall 2017 season we will be offering baseball, Àag football, volleyball, softball, and soccer.

Baseball: Ages 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 Softball: Ages 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12 Soccer: Ages 3-4, U-6, U-9, U-13 Flag Football: Ages 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 Volleyball: Ages 8-10, 11-13 Members: $30 City Resident $40 Others $55 *Financial assistance may be available

Name No. Ra’Sheem Hughes 1 Laz Welch 2 Albert Hope 3 Quintin Davidson 5 Tre Jeffries 6 BJ Bennix 8 Bryce Fisher 9 Devin Pressley 10 Jeremiah Adams 11 Cameron Stevens 12 Titus Phillips 14 Luke Bishopw 17 Tyler Huntsinger 18 Belton Pressley 19 Jordin Kendrick 21 Logan Patrick 25 Lex Salvator 27 Bradley Whitesides 28 Daviion Hillman 29 Jalen Roberts 30 Chance Cannon 31 Justyn Friday 32 Gerald Halmond 37 Chris Ruffalo 38 Orlando Odums 40 Ty Ledbetter 44 Parker Fleming 50 Ethan Thompson 51 Brandon Paulson 53 Eli Helms 54 Zach Crawford 55 Nick Burrows 56 Michael Meeler 57 Erasmo Herrera 58 Jamie Wilson 59 Robert Lipscomb 62 Michael Blanton 63 DJ Bagwell 64 Luke Hardin 65 Blake Davis 67 Chris Richardson 68 Dylan Mullis 72 Xavier Johnson 75 Payton Waldt 77 Triston Hannon 81 Head coach – Kenny Bridges.

Assistant coaches – Brent Bagwell, Matt Bridges, Jeff Cloninger, Shane Cole, Brad Melton, Shane Short, Donnie Mace.

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Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Page 5B

‘15 RAHS FOR THE OLD HOME TEAM’

Kings Mountain High’s varsity cheerleaders for the 2017 football season are pictured above. Front row, left to right, Alexis Browning, Cailey Sheppard, Kayla Patterson, Shanyia Davis, Ashlee Anthony, Madison Kinmon, Tianna Burns, Talia Nichols, Jadalin Ross, Charneice Crocker. Back row, Siereca Logan, Jordan Chapman, Emilee Cloninger, Elizabeth Foy, Sophie Butler, Maniya Jarrett, Makensi Corn, Mary Catherine May, Taleayah Roberts, Kayla Houze and Coach Candice Scott.

KMHS has 2 fight songs

Kings Mountain High’s JV football cheerleaders for 2017 are pictured above. Front row are Dakota Cobb, left, and Jamye Adams. Second row, left to right, Nia Smith, Katlyn Randle, Precious Allen, Kylee Patterson, Nyah Holland, Alyssa Newton and Alex Barrett. Back row Coach Sara McComas, Maliyah Cook, Macie Sims, Abby Henson, Alyecce Davidson, Jasmyn Adams, Sydnie Hay and Bailey Ledford.

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Kings Mountain High School has two fight songs, although one has not been played in several years. They are “Stand Up and Cheer” and the one that is more familiar with today’s fans, “O Davidson.”

In the 1960s and 1970s, and possibly the early 1980s, the school fight song that was played after the team scored, was “Stand Up and Cheer.”

It is the fight song for numerous high schools, colleges and universities in the United States, including Ohio University and Western Kentucky University. (Google it).

Stand Up and Cheer was written by Paul P. McNeely in 1909 for use at the University of Kansas, where it is still played as a secondary fight song.

In the 1960s, Kings Mountain High School chorus teacher Myrle McClure wrote the words for the KMHS version, which are: Stand up and cheer, Cheer loud and long for dear old Mountaineers For today we raise, the black and gold above all others Our fighting team now is playing, And we are sure to win the game We’ve got the team, that’s sure to win, for this is dear old KM High

2017 KMHS Tennis

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Page 6B

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

KMHS NETTERS GO FOR THE THIRD LEAGUE CROWN

Kings Mountain High’s tennis team will be favored to win the Big South 3A Conference this year. Team members are, front row, left to right, Natalie Lutz, Olivia Moss, Mary Johnson, Ann Scott Baker, Carmen Houser and Amber Belcher. Back row Sarah Bell, Hallie Hunt, Jasmine Guy, Madelynn Frye and Coach Rick Henderson.

Can Lutz-Frye doubles team repeat as state 3A champs? being eliminated by a powerful Concord team. The Lady Mountaineers were 25-3 overall the past two seasons with those losses coming to three of the best teams in North Carolina.

“I’m still looking for our girls to have a very successful season,” Henderson said. “We lost one starter to graduation and another player that transferred to another school; but we have a couple of players that are stepping up and I truly feel we will be as strong as last year’s team. If we can stay healthy I’m hoping we can send a strong message to our competitors.”

Henderson said the team has a “tremendous amount of depth” and will be “one of the strongest teams in the state.”

In addition to Lutz and Frye at the #1 doubles and 1-2 singles spots, the Lady Mountaineers return junior MC Johnson and senior Amber Belcher as starters.

Returning players look-

ing to break into the starting lineup include Jasmine Guy, Sarah Bell, Ann Scott Baker, Hallie Hunt and Karmen Houser. Newcomer Olivia Moss has also been impressive in pre-season practice.

“We’ve had a couple good weeks of practice,” Henderson noted. “I’m very excited that a number of our players have improved since last year.

The biggest improvement has been the quickness and strength in their shot making, but most of all the doubles teams of MC Johnson and Jasmine Guy as well as Amber Belcher and Sarah Bell have been very impressive.”

The Lady Mountaineers are scheduled to kick off their home season Thursday, Aug. 24 against Lincolnton and will play their first Big South Conference game September 14 against Stuart Cramer. All matches begin at 4 p.m.

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION August 17 Clover, SC Away August 22 St. Stephens Away August 24 Lincolnton Home August 29 North Lincoln Away August 31 South Point Home September 7 Newton Conover Away September 12 Shelby Away September 13 Highland Tech Home September 19 Stuart Cramer Away September 23 Sugar Slam IV Away* September 26 Ashbrook Away September 28 Burns Home October 3 Forestview Home October 5 Crest Away *Sugar Slam IV is played in Candler, NC. Teams are Kings Mountain, Elkin, Maiden, North Iredell and Pisgah. Play begins at 9 a.m.

STATE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULES October 16 Individual play begins, sites TBA. October 18 First round dual team playoffs, TBA October 20-21 Individual Regional play, TBA October 24 Round 2 dual team playoffs, TBA October 27-28 State individual play, TBA October 30 Round 3, dual team playoffs, TBA November 1 Western Regionals, TBA November 4 State championship, TBA

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Coming off one of its best seasons in history, Kings Mountain High’s tennis team has some high expectations this season.

Veteran head coach Rick Henderson, beginning his 10th season at the helm, has a veteran team that includes the reigning state 3A doubles champions Natalie Lutz and Madelynn Frye.

The Lady Mountaineers will be seeking their third straight conference championship, but this year it will be in the Big South 3A instead of the South Mountain 2A/3A. With numerous other returning starters to go with Lutz and Frye, KM should be heavily favored to bring home the conference championship.

“It’s hard to put into words as I look back approximately ten months ago as to how successful our season was,” says Henderson. “Reaching the third round of the state dual team competition was definitely one of the highlights of our season, but the biggest highlight was our top two players (Lutz and Frye) winning the state 3A doubles championship in Burlington.”

Very few people gave the young sophomore (Lutz) and freshman (Frye) combination a strong test as they finished undefeated for the entire season in doubles.

“Last year this duo had an impressive record of 19-0 in doubles,” Henderson noted. “I really don’t see anyone coming close to beating these two but as we get closer to post season play the competition will stiffen up. I look for both Natalie and Madelynn to go deep into the playoffs again.

“Over the last number of months, this duo has earned a number of awards and gained a lot of recognition since winning the state championship. My wish is that I hope they get a chance of repeating but a lot of that will depend on how healthy they remain.

Presently, both Natalie and Madelynn have been nursing a couple of aches and pains but when the season kicks off we will see how they perform.”

Henderson sees the Big South being tougher overall than the SMAC with Forestview giving the Lady Mountaineers their toughest competition.

“I look for us to be a strong contender for the conference championship,” Henderson said. “Having won the SMAC the last two seasons has been a very bright spot for our team but we are always looking for ways to improve.”

Kings Mountain went 14-0 in the conference play the last two years, and last year went three rounds in the state tournament before

2017 Kings Mountain High women’s tennis schedule

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Page 7B

A LEARNING PROCESS FOR KMHS VOLLEYBALL

Kings Mountain High’s varsity volleyball team includes, front row, left to right, Jami Nivens, Grace Whitaker, Layla Harris, Abbie Harris, Mandy Breakfield and Kyann Crocker. Back row, head coach Heather Pasour, Leeasia Rhodes, Ruthie Dover, Baylee Marr, Makena Deaton, Kylie Bearfield, Emma Goff and assistant coach Lindsay Ellis.

Kings Mountain’s JV volleyball team includes, front row, left to right, Savannah Poston, Elissa Harper, Grace Whitaker, Jordan Parker, Ashtyn Martin and Rachel Johnson. Back row, varsity coach Heather Pasour, manager Myla Athitang, Keegan Irby, Rylie Carroll, Shaelin Smith, Athena Ross, Mackenzie Dameron, Cassidy Meisenhelter and head JV coach Haley Blanton.

Only three players return from championship team With just three players returning from last year’s South Mountain Athletic Conference championship team, Kings Mountain

High’s volleyball team is in a learning process during non-conference games but hopes to be ready to roll when they open play in the

new Big South 3A Conference August 29 at Stuart Cramer.

Second-year head coach Heather Pasour is optimistic

that the Lady Mountaineers will be in the thick of the running for the Big South title.

Senior outside hitter LeeAsia Rhodes is the only full-time starter returning but middle hitter Makena Deaton and outside hitter Baylee Marr saw a lot of playing time last season and bring a lot of experience to the lineup.

Since the Lady Mountaineers run a 6-2 offense, Pasour said the setters will hold a big key to the team’s success.

With Rhodes being the only senior on the roster, Pasour looks for a good team for the next several years. She is carrying two

freshmen and four sophomores on varsity and all of them are looking good in early practice.

Joining Rhodes, Deaton and Marr on the roster are junior Ruthie Dover, freshmen Emma Goff and Kyann Crocker, sophomores Ruthie Dover, Kylie Bearfield and sisters Layla and Abbie Harris, and junior Mandy Breakfield.

“We’re rebuilding,” says Pasour, “but I think we have a lot of talent. We still have some time before conference play and can still get ready. We have a lot of potential but we’re very young.”

A former head coach in Gaston County, Pasour Meets For One Hour Weekly To Pray For Children, Schools, Teachers To Find Out How To Join Or Start A Group Log On To:

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knows the Big South will be strong competition.

“I would say Crest and Forestview are the teams to beat,” she said, “and Stuart Cramer could be strong.

The key for us is that right now everybody is playing a new position and need to click. All of the girls are playing well as individuals but have to come together.

Defense is always going to be the key.”

Pasour said the Lady Mountaineers won’t be as tall as last year, “but we have quite a few who can jump.”

She said the team attended camp recently and performed well.

“Everybody talked about how much heart our girls have,” she said. “They don’t give up. You can’t coach that. They truly enjoy each other. When everything comes around, we’re going to be good.”

Pasour will again be assisted by Lindsay Ellis.

Haley Blanton will coach the JV team.

The Kings Mountain Herald | www.kmherald.com

Page 8B

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

KMHS CROSS COUNTRY HAS HIGH HOPES

Girls seek record fourth straight title Even though they’re going into a new conference that will probably be stronger top to bottom than the one they just left, Kings Mountain High’s cross country teams are optimistic about their prospects in 2017.

Veteran coach Rayvis Key’s teams face some challenges in the Big South 3A, but still hope to have the same kind of success they’ve had the past four years in the South Mountain 2A/3A. Key’s girls teams won

the SMAC the past three years. He would like to think they could start their four-year assignment in the Big South with a four-peat.

But, with only eight runners it could be tough.

“It would be nice to win four championships in a row,” says Key. “I don’t think any other team from Kings Mountain has ever done that in cross country.

It’s going to be a test.”

The coach says the “key” to winning the championship is having five players that can finish high in each

race. With just eight runners, though, even one injury could be devastating.

The Lady Mountaineers return two of the top runners from last season, junior Nicola Bridges, who was #2 in the conference meet in ’16 and a state qualifier; and Conner Calhoun, who was third in the conference after missing some time with an injury.

“Nicola is good,” said Key. “She’s training hard and I’m looking for her to improve. Conner’s also looking good and staying

healthy.”

The Lady Mountaineers lose one of their top runners.

Sophomore Maggie Lloyd is concentrating on year-round soccer after leading the state 3A in goals in the spring.

“Losing Maggie will be hurt,” Key said. “She was fifth in the conference last year.”

Key looks to sophomore Brooke Clark and senior Caroline Foster to improve.

Sophomore Carly Johnson is on board after sitting out last season and Key said he is excited to have her.

“Zahra Roberts has also shown a lot of improvement and we look for good things from her,” Key said.

“We only have eight girls on the team, but only the top five scores count,” Key noted. “We have to stay healthy.”

Key looks to Gastonia Ashbrook to be the team to beat, and believes Forestview will be strong as well.

“They have a girl who won their conference last year and was in the top ten in the state,” Key said of the Lady Jaguars. “Ashbrook

and Forestview will both be a force to be reckoned with.

“Team-wise, I think we will be right up there with them,” he added. “Stuart Cramer will probably be right there too.”

It will be unusual having just eight runners after being accustomed to 18, but Key said he has some “high quality athletes” at the top.

“If we have three girls close to the top we are going to be hard to beat,” he said.

“We feel good about Nicola and Conner. We hope someone improves and steps up.”

Mountaineers have highest numbers ever Kings Mountain High’s boys cross country team has its biggest roster ever with 19 runners, and head coach Rayvis Key hopes that translates to a great season in the Big South 3A Conference.

Typically, the Mountaineers have been small in numbers while the Lady Mountaineers had a huge roster. It’s just the opposite

this year.

Although Key lost some good runners, including graduating senior Malachi Wingate who was one of the best ever at KMHS, he has some good ones returning.

Senior Dane Skeith heads the list. He finished in the top five in the South Mountain Athletic Conference last year and made the All-Conference team.

“He has to step up,” says Key. “He does soccer and cross country so he will be stretched to the limit. He has some big shoes to fill since we lost Malachi Wingate.”

Another top prospect is Jaylen Roberts, who ran in the top five on the team last season. He is in much the same boat as Skeith because he plays football.

The Mountaineers have

numerous other runners who have the potential to be very competitive as the team tries to challenge traditional Big South power Forestview for the championship.

“We have a lot of depth,” Key noted. “We have a lot of guys that ran in the fourth through tenth range last year and within about 30 seconds of each other.

“Forestview will be the

team to beat. We were third in the SMAC last year by three points, so I feel like we can be second or third this year,” Key said.

A lot of younger runners show a lot of promise.

“Freshman Jake Stacey is looking good and is up there pushing Dane and Jaylen,” Key noted. “Other freshmen looking good are Tucker Leatherman and Wyatt Wil-

son. They’re showing tremendous potential.

“We are deep. With nineteen runners we’re going to be able to throw some bodies at the other teams.

Kings Mountain cross country has made a complete about face, Key said. “Two years ago we had 19 girls and seven boys. This year we have 19 boys and eight girls.”

AIDEN WILSON

BELLE HOLLIFIELD

BROOKE CLARK

BRYSON KEY

CALEB BARNES

CALEB SEARS

ZAHRA ROBERTS

CARLY JOHNSON

CAROLINE FOSTER

CONNER CALHOUN

DALLIN CAMPBELL

DYLAN WILLIAMS

JESSE HUGHES

ZACHARY FALLS

JUSTIN MATHIS

NICOLA BRIDGES

SAM WILSON

SIMON WEST

TUCKER LEATHERMAN

VEGA WESTON

WYATT WILSON

Kings Mountain Mountaineers 2017 cross country schedule DATE August 26 September 5

September 26 October 3 October 7 October 12 October 19 October 28 November 4

OPPONENT(S) 44 schools from Western NC Bessemer City, Cherryville, North Gaston, Ashbrook, South Point Clev. Co. Meet Forestview Wendy’s Invitational Ashbrook, Cramer, Huss, Forestview Big South meet Regional meet State championship

LOCATION Jackson Park Hendersonville

TIME

KMHS TBA Forestview McAlpine Pk., Charlotte

4:30 TBA 4:30

Ashbrook Ashbrook TBA Beeson Park, Kernersville

4:30 4:30 TBA

10:00 AM

TBA

TBA

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”

Timothy 4:7

Best wishes to all the athletes this fall!

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301 Oak Grove Rd., Kings Mountain, Nc 704.739.5826 www.pattersongrovebaptistchurch.org

Volleyball wins two at Shelby The Lady Mountaineers opened their season last Tuesday with both matches going the distance.

The varsity won 25-21, 2514, 23-25, 23-25, 15-12 after the JVs prevailed 25-10, 2325, 15-4.

Kyann Crocker had 15 service points and played well on defense to lead the varsity win.

Leeasia Rhodes had 11 service points and Kylie Bearfield added nine. Makena Deaton played well on offense.

For the JVs, Ashtyn Martin

had 17 service points and Keegan Irby added 12.

The Lady Mountaineers dropped a pair of games Thursday at North Lincoln.

The JVs fell 25-17, 25-12 and the varsity lost 25-14, 25-19, 26-24.

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The Kings Mountain Herald | www.kmherald.com

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Page 9B

2017 KMHS SOCCER New soccer coaches look to continue past success Kings Mountain High’s varsity soccer players and new coaches Erik Price and Ramey Erik Price is now Kerns are head coach of learning on both the KMHS the curve in girls and boys practice and soccer teams. non-confer- He was named ence games head coach of the in hopes of Mountaineers rehaving a cently when longgood first time coach Dan season in Potter retired and took a job with the B i g Clover Alternative South 3A School.

Conference.

Price, head coach, and Kerns, his assistant, joined the team just a few weeks ago after veteran coach Dan Potter retired from Kings Mountain schools to take a position at the Clover, SC Alternative School.

A lot of their practice time has been getting to know the players and what positions they’ve played in the past, and they’re now playing preseason games in hopes of getting into high gear once conference play begins on September 11 at Stuart Cramer.

Price said the help of Potter’s returning players has been valuable and he is sure the success the Mountaineers have enjoyed the past few seasons will continue.

The Mountaineers have a good mix of veteran starters and talented younger players.

The list of returnees includes Chase Yow, Nolan Raby,

Kings Mountain High varsity soccer roster # 00 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 99

Name John Harris Leighton Harris Chase Yow Josh Visoso Dewi Eagan Cameron Johnson Justin Watkins Nolan Raby Landon Wright Josue Molina-Garcia Mason Nguyen Alexis Diaz-Garcia Dane Skeith Marc Atilano Brandon Quevedo-Johns Holden Bullock Tristan Stenger Rushi Patel Travis Wright Silas Price

John Harris, Josue Molina-Garcia, Mason Nguyen, Holden Bullock, Dane Skeith, Cameron Johnson, Landon Wright and Brandon Quevedo-Johns.

Price is carrying 20 players on varsity, including 14 seniors, three juniors and three sophomores.

“We have a good group of players coming back that look really strong,” Price noted. “They are looking really good. We’re pleased.

“We had our first scrimmage at Stuart Cramer and we got to see them at game speed,” he noted. “We’re expecting a lot of good things from the returning starters, and others that were on the team last year are also stepping up.”

Going into a new con-

t o G

Position GK, Forw.

MF, Forw.

HB, Stri.

MF Forw., JF D, SWEP D, MF For., MF, Strk.

HB, MF Forw., MF HB, Strik.

D FB MF, Forw.

Swep, Forw., MF FB, D, Stril.

MF GK D, MF GK, MF

Grade Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So.

ference, Price said he really doesn’t know a lot about the competition but he is excited about his Mountaineers.

“I’m sure Forestview will be strong, but I’m really not sure about the other teams in that conference,” he said.

“We’re just going in with our eyes wide open until we find out what they have.”

Price said he and Kerns are exceptionally pleased with how their Mountaineers have handled the coaching transition.

“We’re all missing Coach Potter,” he said. “He’s been Mr. Soccer in Kings Mountain for so long. But the players are buying into what we’re doing and they’re taking it all in stride. They’re going to do well.

“We are very excited to be

? s d i K

d e ? e s N r o o l F

Ht. 6-0

Wt. 160

5-10

170

5-5 5-8

135 135

5-9 5-11 5-7 5-6 5-6 6-1

140 160 139 135 135 135

5-6 5-9 5-9 5-8 5-9 6-2

150 165 140 155 180

Natalie Lutz will be KM’s only golfer in the Big South 3A and should be a state qualifier for the third straight season.

Lutz only KM golfer

a part of this program and just want to keep it heading in the same direction.”

The coaches are happy that 14 of their 20 varsity players are seniors that helped the Mountaineers win 37 games during the past two seasons.

“The best I can tell we lost only four field players from last year’s team,” Price noted. “The returning kids have been really helpful with us trying to figure out who played where. They’re giving us the information we need to keep this thing moving forward.”

Price, who is also the coach of the highly successful KMHS girls soccer team, said he is excited to also be coaching the boys.

“I’m just so thankful that the administration thought enough of me to ask me to do this,” he said. “Coach Potter has just done so much work for this program. The guys’ mentality changed under him.

He got them used to winning and they have had some really good years.”

For the second year in a row the Kings Mountain High girls golf team will consist of only one player, Natalie Lutz.

Lutz is a rising junior who has been All-Conference both of her first two years at KMHS, and last year was the South Mountain Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

She qualified for the state tournament her freshman and sophomore year.

This season she will be competing in the Big South 3A Conference against players from Crest, North Gaston, Hunter Huss, Ashbrook, Forestview and Stuart Cramer.

Burns will not field a team.

Unless Kings Mountain can come up with two more golfers before the season begins in September, it will not be eligible to compete as a team. But, Lutz can still qualify for the Western Regional and NCHSAA tournaments as an individual.

“Natalie works hard and puts a lot of time in her golf game,” said KMHS coach Kevin Moss. “If she continues to improve like she has in the past, she should be competing for the conference player of the year award again. Hopefully she will qualify for the regional and state tournaments for the third year in a row.”

KMHS 2017 women’s golf schedule Date September 5 September 11 September 18 September 25 October 2 October 9 October 17 October 23-24

Host North Gaston Kings Mountain Stuart Cramer Crest Ashbrook Forestview Western Regional State championship

Location Glen Oaks KM Country Club Green Meadows Riverbend Catawba Creek Crowders Mountain Etowah Golf & Lodge Southern Pines

KMHS 2017 men’s soccer schedule Date Wed., Aug. 23 Mon., Aug. 28 Wed., Aug. 30 Wed., Sept. 6 Thurs., Sept. 7 Mon., Sept. 11 Wed., Sept. 13 Mon., Sept. 18 Wed., Sept. 20 Mon., Sept. 25 Wed., Sept. 27 Mon., Oct. 2 Wed., Oct. 4 Mon., Oct. 9 Wed., Oct. 11 Mon., Oct. 16 Wed., Oct. 18 Mon., Oct. 23 Wed., Oct. 25

Opponent Shelby RS Central Chase Polk County RS Central Stuart Cramer North Gaston Hunter Huss Ashbrook Burns Forestview Crest Stuart Cramer North Gaston Hunter Huss Ashbrook Burns Forestview Crest

Location Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Home

Time 5 & 6:30 5:00 5:00 5:00 & 6:45 5:00 5 & 6:30 5 & 6:30 5 & 6:30 5 & 6:30 6:00 5 & 6:30 5 & 6:30 5 & 6:30 5 & 6:30 5 & 6:30 5 & 6:30 6:00 5 & 6:30 5 & 6:30

Wishing the Mountaineers a successful fall sports season!

©CommunityFirstMedia

©CommunityFirstMedia

KMHS GOLF

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The Kings Mountain Herald | www.kmherald.com

Page 10B

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

2017 KMHS Varsity Volleyball

ABBIE HARRIS

BAILEE MARR

EMMA GOFF

JAMIE NIVENS

KYANN CROCKER

KYLIE BEARFIELD

LAYLA HARRIS

LEEASIA RHODES

2017 KMHS JV Volleyball

ASHTYN MARTIN

ATHENA ROSS

CASSIDY MEISENHELTER

ELISSA HARPER

GRACE WHITAKER

JORDAN PARKER

MACKENZIE DAMERON

MYLA ATHITANG

No. Name No. Name 3 Abbie Harris 9 Baylee Marr 4 Emma Goff 6 Grace Whitaker 7 Jami Nivens 8 Kyann Crocker 16 Kylie Bearfield 2 Layla Harris 22 Leeasia Rhodes 10 Makena Deaton 15 Mandy Breakfield 12 Ruthie Dover Managers: Zoe Eagan, La’Nya Adams, Myla Athitang

KMHS JV volleyball roster

RACHEL JOHNSON

RYLIE CARROLL

No. 4 16 22 14 8 12

Name Athena Ross Cassidy Meisenhelter Grace Whitaker Keegan Irby Rylie Carroll Shaelin Smith

No. 11 3 10 7 2 9

Name Ashtyn Martin Elissa Harper Jordan Parker Mackenzie Dameron Rachel Johnson Savannah Poston

SHAELIN SMITH

SAVANNAH POSTON

KMHS Band gears up for the new year.

OFFENSIVE From Page 3B reserves Tyler Bess, Owen Prince, McRae Moore and others, are following their lead.

“They’ve all improved tremendously,” Cruise said.

“Franks lost a lot of weight since last year and is in the best shape he’s ever been in. He has a lot of stamina. He and Rikard lead by example. They won’t let anybody take a break.

“I’ve done less motivating this year than any other year that I’ve been here. The linemen have taken on their role.

They’re going to be dominant.”

Cruise and his guys give a lot of the credit to the Mountaineers’ defensive line.

“It helps when you have one

of the toughest defensive lines around,” Cruise said. “Both groups have worked hard to make us better as a team. It’s like we’re competing against each other.”

The linemen are ready to rumble when the Mountaineers travel to Hudson for their season opener August 25 against South Caldwell.

“We’re now at the point where the majority of our offensive scheme is in,” Cruise said. “We just have to have good technique at all times. We need to just run the plays and not think too much.”

The Mountaineers know the Big South 3A will be much tougher than the South Mountain 2A/3A, so they will have to be at their best every Friday night.

“I think if we stay healthy

we can have an exceptional season,” Cruise said. “Our main goal is to improve every day. We have to win every day.

The offensive line has the biggest amount of kids playing together on every play. You have to have cohesiveness because it’s five moving as one.

“Our line is quick. Franks, by losing weight, has really improved his quickness. Brown is as quick as they come. All our guys are big but they can move.

That will be in our favor. We like to pull. We don’t pull just one player, we pull all five of them. You can’t be just big bodies out there. We’re athletic and can move. All five can move. All five are strong.

“If we can move the ball on our defense, we can move it on anybody.”

RUTHIE DOVER

MANDY BREAKFIELD

Kings Mountain Lady Mountaineers 2017 volleyball schedule

KEEGAN IRBY

KMHS varsity volleyball roster

MAKENA DEATON

DATE August 14 August 15 August 17 August 21 August 22 August 24 August 29 August 31 September 5 September 6 September 7 September 11 September 12 September 14 September 19 September 21 September 25 September 26 September 28 October 3 October 5 October 10 October 12

OPPONENT Lincolnton Shelby North Lincoln Shelby East Rutherford Polk County Stuart Cramer North Gaston Hunter Huss East Gaston Ashbrook Clover, SC Burns Forestview Crest Stuart Cramer North Lincoln North Gaston Hunter Huss Ashbrook Burns Forestview Crest

SITE Away Away Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Home Away Away Home

CONTEST BEGINS NEXT WEEK in the August 30 Issue of the Kings Mountain Herald Each week our photographer will make a crowd photo at the Kings Mountain High School Football Game. If your photo is the one circled, call our office at 704-739-7496 to receive the Fan of The Week $100 Prize.

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The Kings Mountain Herald | www.kmherald.com

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Page 11B

2017 KMHS Varsity Football

AJ AUSTIN

BELTON PRESSLEY

CHARLES OSBORNE

CHRIS BRITTAIN

COLLIN FRANKS

DAY DAY WILSON

DONTAVIOUS HUGHES

ELI PAYSOUR

HOLDEN TURNER

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JOSH PHILLIPS

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QUA BROOKS

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RICAYLEN MACK

RICHARD PERRY

SABEION BEAM

SETH BISHOP

STEFAN CHISHOLM

TITUS CLARK

TYLER OSBORNE

2017 KMHS Varsity Soccer TYLER ROBINSON

XAVIER BROWN

LEIGHTON HARRIS

CHASE YOW

JOSH VISOSO

Kings Mountain High athletic trainer Kevin Allran, center, is joined by four KMHS student trainers for the 2017 football season. Left to right, the students are Kalia Payne, Aleenih Carter-Kee, Natalie Lutz and Amya White.

DEWI EAGAN

CAMERON JOHNSON

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The Kings Mountain Herald | www.kmherald.com

Page 12B

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

2017 KMHS JV Football

ALBERT HOPE

BJ BENNIX

BLAKE DAVIS

BRADLEY WHITESIDES

BRANDON PAULSON

BRYCE FISHER

CAMERON STEVENS

CHANCE CANNON

CHRIS RICHARDSON

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2017 KMHS JV Soccer

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