Union, Stanly Counties produce 3 Charlotte Observer high school athletes of the week

Union and Stanly Counties have produced this week’s Charlotte Observer high school athletes of the week.

Sam Starnes, Parkwood basketball: The 6-foot senior averaged 21 points, 5.5 rebounds and three rebounds per game this week as Parkwood beat Anson County and Central Academy.

Starnes scored 19 points, including four three-pointers and eight rebounds,to lead the Wolfpack to an 84-50 win over Anson County Jan. 19.

The next night, he scored 23 points, including six three-pointers and four assists, to help Parkwood to a 71-52 victory over Central Academy.

Starnes is averaging 8.4 points and 3.3 rebounds for Parkwood (8-11).

Amari Baldwin, Albemarle girls basketball: The 5-foot-2 freshman posted a triple-double with 16 points, 11 assists, 10 steals and eight rebounds to lead Albemarle to a 61-47 win over Union Academy Jan. 20.

Albemarle is 11-5 this season.

Leah Sandock, Union Academy swimming: The Cardinals’ senior won all four events she competed to help Union Academy to a win over Gray Stone Day, Mount Pleasant and West Stanly Jan. 20.

Sandock won the 200 freestyle (2:01.54), the 100 butterfly (1:00.66), while helping the 200 and 400 freestyle relays to victories at the same meet.

Sandock, a Davidson College commit, has qualified for the 1A/2A Central Regional in seven individual events and three relays.

Want to nominate an athlete?: Athletes of the week highlights high school players with outstanding performances. The goal is to recognize all athletes in all sports, both the most accomplished and the underrated or underappreciated players. If you want to suggest someone to be included in the Athletes of the week column, send email to Jay Edwards at edwardswork23@gmail.com. Please include the athletes’ name, school, class and applicable game performance statistics. Coaches must be willing to verify information.

This story was originally published January 23, 2022 at 3:08 PM.