Langston Wertz Jr.

The best player I've seen in Mecklenburg County this season, by far, is United Faith's Ian Miller. I still can't believe he is getting out of state to play college. I knew he could handle the ball and shoot.

Langston Wertz Jr.: It's been a tough couple of years for South Mecklenburg girls basketball coach Troy Gaston, one of the most accomplished coaches in the state.

Langston Wertz Jr.: I'd like to see all of the state's private schools eliminate one rule: the one that allows players to play an extra year.

Langston Wertz Jr.: Lake Norman basketball coach Brandon Jolly marvels at how quick and athletic Vance High point guard Marquis Rankin is.

Ardrey Kell's Justin Cheek is a totally different player this season.

Langston Wertz Jr.: High school basketball season started barely a month ago and an old problem, at least in Mecklenburg County, is starting to creep up again.

There is a joy to the way East Mecklenburg girls' basketball star Monet Tellier plays.

As I watched Butler High whip Fayetteville Britt 48-17 in the N.C. 4AA championship Saturday night, I couldn't help but wonder where these Bulldogs might rank among the state's best ever teams.

Friday night, West Rowan tailback K.P. Parks couldn't sleep. He watched a high school football show on television and then turned off the lights, stared at the ceiling and prayed to a higher power.

Newton-Conover High's Justin Weisner, born with Down syndrome, gets his touchdown.