From JV bench to starring role. East Meck soph Zavion Funderburk powers Gminski win
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- East Meck sophomore Zavion Funderburk rose from JV to primary scorer this season.
- Return of Jordan Buzzard and interior duo boosted East Meck defense and rebounding.
- Butler showed high ceiling at 10-1 but inconsistent execution and health issues remain.
A year ago, Zavion Funderburk was at Independence High School in Mint Hill, playing on junior varsity and not getting much time on the court.
Now, he’s become a key player for an East Mecklenburg team that seems poised for a surge.
The Eagles got a big game from their sophomore star in Saturday’s 61-50 win over West Mecklenburg at the Mike Gminski Classic at Marvin Ridge High School.
The tournament, run by Phenom Hoops, includes a 14-team junior varsity field and will continue with a full schedule of games Monday and Tuesday.
“We started out the season a little rough,” Funderburk said after breaking open a tight game in the third quarter Saturday with some big 3-point shots. “But we’re starting to turn it around now. We turned up the intensity on defense.”
East Meck first-year coach Joseph Gripper said Funderburk — who had 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and four made 3s Saturday — has 29 made 3-point shots in nine games.
He’s a big part of the reason that everybody around the Eagles is so optimistic about the rest of the young season.
“He’s had seven 3s in a game,” Gripper said. “He’s had six 3s. He’s had 19 points twice and 21 points. “I knew he could shoot the ball, but I didn’t know about his IQ and understanding of the game. You watch him on film, and he’s always in the right place.”
Funderburk and East Meck (6-5) won their third straight game against West Meck, but the Eagles were 0-2 to start the season, and had lost to Harding and Hopewell by a combined 29 points.
That’s when former Eagles star Jordan Buzzard, a 6-foot-9 center signed to Coastal Carolina, decided to come back to the school. Buzzard had left for Carmel Christian for his senior year of high school.
When he came back, the Eagles began to play much better, even if it took a little bit to reconfigure roles and playing time.
A fifth straight winning season now seems like a possibility.
The Eagles? They want much more than that.
“I think we’re really good,” Buzzard said. “I think we should win our conference and make a good run.”
West Meck, too, is also making a pretty decent run, despite losing Saturday.
The Hawks were 0-25 last season but are much improved under coach Chris Ewell. West Meck (7-6) has already tied for the most single-season wins at the school since the 2019-20 season.
And Saturday, the Hawks had the game very tight in the third quarter before Funderburk got going. His shooting helped turn a 1-point halftime lead into a 7- to 9-point lead.
After that, junior forward Nixon Wright and Buzzard began to dominate inside. They also made it difficult for the Hawks to score around the basket on a night when Ewell continually urged his team “to get downhill.”
East Mecklenburg had nine blocks as a team and had nearly double the rebounds of West Meck.
Eventually, East Meck got a cushion it wouldn’t give up. And the Eagles feel they are just getting started.
“In my mind,” East Meck coach Gripper said, “when I look at us play, with our talent level, I feel, as far as Charlotte, NC, basketball goes, we have one of the better teams.”
“I think we’re capable.”
PHOTOS: East Meck vs. West Meck
Butler holds off Cuthbertson
Patrick King said the Butler Bulldogs are both the squad that raced to a 37-25 lead Saturday evening over a tough Cuthbertson team — and the squad that allowed that big edge to be erased.
Needless to say, he’d rather see more of the former than the latter.
Fortunately for Butler, the Bulldogs rediscovered their groove in the late going Saturday evening and downed Cuthbertson 59-54 in the first round of the Ardrey Kell Winter Classic.
At 10-1, King’s Bulldogs are among the Charlotte area’s most accomplished teams so far this season.
But there’s been enough inconsistency to create some anxious moments for the Bulldogs’ coach and the team’s fans.
“Every now and then we have some mental mistakes,” King said. “That was a problem in our only loss, to Hickory Ridge.”
Butler also has been slowed by injuries and illness. Several players were fighting the flu during the week of the Hickory Ridge loss.
Isaiah White, a 6-7 junior forward, was still battling the aftereffects of the virus Saturday night, although he scored 12 points.
Stefan Ross, a 6-8 junior, played Saturday for the first time this season after being out with a leg injury.
And King is starting two sophomores and a junior, along with two seniors.
“We see — when we’re in one of those runs during a game — the kind of team we can be,” he said. “We’ve just got to play that way the whole game, every game.”
Butler built an 18-8 lead late in the first quarter, only to have Cuthbertson (10-4) battle back and get within 28-25. Then the Bulldogs pulled away again. Over a span of three minutes covering the end of the first half and the start of the second, Butler went on a 9-0 run and led 37-25.
Then the Cavaliers starting hitting 3-pointers. Darrien Smith, Grady Webb and Chase Nali hit from long distance, and Cuthbertson tied the game 39-all late in the third quarter.
Butler opened the lead to 50-42, but the Cavaliers came back again, closing to 54-52 with 58 seconds left on a basket by Ethan Nelson. Cuthbertson had a chance to go ahead moments later, but the Cavaliers missed two shots, and Butler opened the lead again.
“This team has done a good job of jelling, and we can do a lot of things well,” King said. “It’s just a matter of doing it consistently, and that’s what we’re working on.”
Terrance Badio led Butler with 19 points, Elijah Stone added 13, and White had 10. Webb, who was 5 of 9 from three-point range, scored 15 for the Cavaliers. Smith added 12.
Saturday’s #BIG5 top performers
Nixon Wright, East Mecklenburg: Wright, a 6-foot-5 junior forward, had some ferocious blocks and dunks in a 61-50 win over West Mecklenburg at the Mike Gminski Classic at Marvin Ridge High. He finished with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and a team-high five blocks.
Justice Alexander and Jada Powell, Concord Academy girls: In a 54-44 win over N.C. Good Better Best at the Gminski Classic, both players finished with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Connor McKissick, Mallard Creek: In a 71-58 win over Burlington Christian at the Gminski Classic, McKissick had 18 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Myajah Nix, Central Cabarrus girls: In a 54-36 win over West Stanly at the East Lincoln Winter Jam, Nix had 17 points, 23 rebounds and seven blocks.
Jaleel Smith, Hunter Huss: In a 103-90 win over Hickory Ridge, Smith had 37 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals.
Saturday’s boys’ roundup
ARDREY KELL HOLIDAY CLASSIC
Ardrey Kell 69, Parkwood 52: Braden Suggs scored 25 points, as the Knights built a 19-9 first-quarter lead and coasted to an opening-round victory. Matthew Craft added 15 points for Ardrey Kell.
Camryn Witted scored 25 points for Parkwood.
Forest Hills 85, Porter Ridge 62: The Yellow Jackets scored 29 points in the first quarter and put on the biggest offensive show in the first day of the tournament. Forest Hills will face host Ardrey Kell at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the semifinals.
MIKE GMINSKI CLASSIC
Gaston Christian 65, Raleigh GRACE Christian 36: Cameron Newman had 22 points and five steals as Gaston Christian coasted to a win. Jaishawn Woods added 12 points, and Braydon Milner scored 10.
Mallard Creek 71, Burlington Christian 58: Burlington Christian led 22-17 midway in the second quarter, but the Mavericks went on a 9-4 run late in the half for a 37-32 intermission lead. Burlington Christian closed to within three points again with 3:40 left, but Mallard Creek went on a 13-3 run down the stretch.
Connor McKissick led the Mavericks with 18 points, while Aiden Roberson had 12 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Lajalin Overson (12 points, three assists) and Kingston Chadwick (10) also scored in double figures.
West Charlotte 76, Cannon School 70: Cannon School played one of its best games of the season, taking powerhouse West Charlotte to the wire. Chacho Womack scored 21 points for the victorious Lions, and he got plenty of help from Kahari Coleman (19 points, seven rebounds) and A.C. Pressley (16 points, five assists).
Sean Nix scored 20 points and added four rebounds and five assists for Cannon. Gabe Steinour scored 16.
CHARLESTON CLASSIC
Covenant Day 51, Mill Creek (GA) 42: Luke Thompson, Christian Montgomery and Micah Huffman led a fourth-quarter surge for the Lions, who outscored the Hawks 15-9 in the fourth quarter. Thompson scored six points, Montgomery added five, and Huffman had four.
Metrolina Christian 59, Bishop England (SC) 56: Rickey Torrence scored 25 points, and Malachi Wilson added 22, as the Warriors improved to 11-4 on the season.
MOUNTAINEER HOLIDAY CLASSIC
Providence Day 74, Lab University Christian 67: Columbus Parker, who helped lead Lancaster to the South Carolina 4A state title last season, poured in 31 points in the Chargers’ opening-round victory. Dylan Bradley (15 points) and Zeke Battier (12) also scored in double figures.
Jalyn Conner scored 18 for Lab Christian, and Kevin Crockett added 17.
ROUNDBALL CLASSIC
Concord Academy 77, James Island (SC) 37: The Eagles logged an easy victory in the first round of this tournament in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Eagles led 34-19 at the half, then outscored James Island 32-9 in the third quarter for a 66-28 margin.
Brylee Austin led the Eaqles with 20 points, and Lincoln Raper added 11.
SAM MOIR HOLIDAY CLASSIC
Jesse Carson 82, A.L. Brown 38: C.J. Perry poured in 29 points, and Jacob Mills added 24, as Carson crushed the Wonders in Salisbury. Jesse Carson hit 12 3-pointers.
Saturday’s girls’ roundup
MIKE GMINSKI NEW YEAR’S BASH
Concord Academy 54, N.C. Good Better Best 44: Justice Alexander scored 14 of her 17 points in the second half and finished with six rebounds, three assists and two steals in leading the Eagles. Jada Powell had 17 points and seven rebounds, and Victoria Collins added 12 points and five rebounds.
ARDREY KELL WINTER CLASSIC
Providence 51, Cox Mill 41: Emmer Fuller’s double-double led the Panthers. Fuller had 18 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocks. Marlee Whitten had six rebounds. Juliana Santiago led Cox Mill with 18 points.
EAST LINCOLN WINTER JAM
Central Cabarrus 54, West Stanly 36: Myajah Nix had 23 rebounds, to go with her 17 points and seven blocked shots, and the Vikings rolled to a first-round victory. Johnae Duncan added 10 points for the victors.
East Mecklenburg 54, Independence 14: The Eagles blew out the Patriots, racing to a 40-0 halftime lead. Jurnee Darling led the way with 21 points. Alana Jones added 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Gabriella Willis had five steals and four assists.
West Cabarrus 58, Christ the King 43: Jillian Simmons had a big game for the victorious Wolverines, with 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. Aubrey Silas added 13 points. Anna Hayes scored 22 for the Crusaders.
EAST RUTHERFORD CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
East Rutherford 62, Stuart Cramer 61: In a meeting of state powers, East Rutherford scored a late basket and held off the Storm. Stuart Cramer’s Oshauna Holland dominated individually, with 38 points, seven rebounds and five assists. She was the only Stuart Cramer player scoring in double figures.
JOHN WALL INVITATIONAL
Queen’s Grant Charter 53, Westover 12: ZaMiya Bynum’s 17 points and Misa Garris’ 12 points helped the Stallions run their record to 12-1. Queen’s Grant led 19-1 after one quarter.
NORTH IREDELL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
Pine Lake Prep 54, Bradford Prep 49: The Pride erased a 41-36 deficit after three quarters and won its first-round game. Sophie Chilton led the Pride with 17 points, and Tabitha Schmedes added 14. Raegan Backley scored 11.
Statesville 60, Rocky River 51: The Greyhounds built a 32-23 halftime lead and held on. Statesville, with one of the state’s youngest starting lineups, was led by freshman Harmony Anderson (12 points, eight rebounds). Sophomores Ava Waugh (11 points) and Aubrey Graham (10 points, five assists) also scored in double figures, and sophomore Symeria Harris had a team-high seven rebounds.
Saturday’s boys’ box scores
ARDREY KELL 69, PARKWOOD 52
Ardrey Kell 19 25 9 16 — 69
Parkwood 9 7 18 18 — 52
ARDREY KELL 69 — Braden Suggs 25, Matthew Craft 15, D. Jones 6, J. Jones 6, Stankavage 5, Burhans 4, Jobanputra 3, Nelson 3, Gramaglia 2
PARKWOOD 52 — N Davis 14, M Davis 2, Whitted 25, Terry 4, Bot 2, Pierce 5
Records: AK 8-2
BUTLER 59, CUTHBERTSON 54
Butler 18 14 11 16 — 59
Cuthbertson 10 15 17 12 — 54
BUTLER 59 — Terrance Badio 19, Elijah Shine 13, Isaiah White 10, Tomlinson 7
CUTHBERTSON 54 — Grady Webb 15, Darrien Smith 12, Cheek 9, Nali 7, Nelson 4, NIckerson 4
CONCORD ACADEMY 77, JAMES ISLAND 37
Concord Academy 18 16 32 11 — 77
James Island 6 13 9 9 — 37
CONCORD ACADEMY 77 — Brylee Austin 20, Lincoln Raper 11, Agyeman 9, Minlend 8, Vidakovic 8, Miller 5, Lewis Jr. 5, Boyer 3, Dyer 2
JAMES ISLAND 37 — J. Gladden 10, M. Gladden 8, Brooks 4, Morris 4, Triplin 4, Adler 3, Dangerfield 2, Fairfield 2
EAST MECKLENURG 61, WEST MECKLENBURG 50
EAST MECK 61 — Putman 2, Nixon Wright 16, Zavion Funderburk 12, Braylen Caldwell 12, Toro 4, Coleman 2, Jordan Buzzard 11
WEST MECK 50 — Leak 7, Nasir White 11, RJ Grier 10, Pratt 4, Graham 5, Josiah Bridges 13
FOREST HILLS 85, PORTER RIDGE 62
Forest Hills 29 21 20 15 — 85
Porter Ridge 15 16 17 14 — 62
FOREST HILLS 85 — Massey 7, Landon Blakeney 12, Truth Rorie 15, Parker 7, Amari Melton 32, Covington 1, Parker 4, Ware 2
PORTER RIDGE 62 — Colton Johnson 14, Cading 4, Alston 1, Moneghan 3, Adams 7, Elmore 8, Osei 4, Sullivan 5, Jace McClain 18, Bryant 2
Notable: Forest Hill’s Amari Melton scored his 1,000th point and tied his career-high with 32 points in the game.
GASTON CHRISTIAN 65, GRACE CHRISTIAN 35
GRACE CHRISTIAN 35 — Morris 2, Emuobor 5, Phillips 8, Anum 6, Sefried 2, Nelson 2, Gradyn West 10
GASTON CHRISTIAN 65 — Lupana 2, Cameron Newman 22, Duhon 6, Jaishawn Woods 12, Brayden Miner 10, Roberts 3, Makoi 4, Southern 6
HOUGH 66, BENJAMIN BANNEKER (NY) 57
Hough 17 12 20 17 — 66
Banneker 19 6 16 16 — 57
HOUGH 66 — Oliver Stamey 23, John Slusher 17, Ratliff 8, Beshears 7, Coleman 6, Byers 3, Barnett 2
Records: Hough 6-2; Banneker 8-1
HUNTER HUSS 103, HICKORY RIDGE 90
HICKORY RIDGE 90 — Birkemeier 6, Braylen Hill 11, Amari Winters 21, Davis 6, Tyson Durant 12, Samuel Birkemeier 10, Gidney 1, Travien Williams 25
HUNTER HUSS 103 — Lockhart 7, Zach Anderson 13, Jaleel Smith 37, Falls 6, Pless 6, Di Phillips 30
Notable: Hickory Ridge’s Travien Williams had 25 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and four steals. Huss’ Zi Phillips had 30 ponts, three rebounds and three assists.
MALLARD CREEK 71, BURLINGTON CHRISTIAN 58
MALLARD CREEK 71 — Aiden Robertson 12, Tucker 7, Connor McKissick 18, Songanie 4, Kingston Cardwell 10, Moats 8, Lajalin Overton 12
BURLINGTON CHRISTIAN 58 — Robinson 6, Jordan Jacobson 14, Yarborough 5, Manny Vanhook 16, Clark 3, Will Okombi 10
MARVIN RIDGE 77, LANCASTER (SC) 69
MARVIN RIDGE 77 — DJ Smith 15, Wiest 5, Matthew Rivlin 20, Pane 5, Henry Smith 14, MacHabenicht 18
LANCASTER 69 — Gavin Hood 20, Jayden Reeves 17, Brice 2, Jaden Hayden-Barber 12, Malik Tinsley 15, Bufford 2
Notable: Marvin Ridge’s Matthew Rivlin had 20 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two assists in the win at the Mike Gminski Classic.
METROLINA CHRISTIAN 59, BISHOP ENGLAND (SC) 56
Metrolina 14 15 12 18 — 59
Bishop England 17 15 9 15 — 56
METROLINA 59 — Rickey Torrence 25, Malachi Wilson 22, Secrest 8, Reeder 2, Kirbyson 2
BISHOP ENGLAND 56 — Sam Pelsnik 22, Drew Gallagher 11, Reardon 8, Matsik 6, Donate 5
Records: Metrolina 11-4; Bishop 5-5
Notable: Metrolina will play Palmetto Christian (SC) Monday at 4 p.m.
PROVIDENCE DAY 74, LAB U 67
Providence Day 13 17 26 18 — 74
Lab U 11 19 17 20 — 67
PROVIDENCE DAY 74 — Columbus Parker 31, Dylan Bradley 15, Zeke Battier 12, Haynes 6, Stokes 6, Scruitsky 2, Williams 2
LAB U 67 — Jalyn Connor 18, Kevin Crockett 17, Thomas 7, Dancy 6, Payne 6, Deng 6, Mims 3, Ker 2, Anderson 2
Notable: Providence Day (8-5) beat Lab U (12-10) in the opening round of the Shelby Mountaineer Classic. Providence Day faces either Weddington or Gaston Day in Monday’s 6 p.m. semifinal.
WEST CHARLOTTE 76, CANNON SCHOOL 70
WEST CHARLOTTE 76 — Kaharri Coleman 19, Chacho Womack 21, AC Pressley 16, Wade 8, Cross 8, Johnson 2, Williams 2
CANNON SCHOOL 70 — Brezault 3, Underwood 5, Lowry 2, Brendan Weaks 10, Martinez 2, Gabriel Steinour 16, Sean Nix 25, DJ Rogers 12
Saturday’s girls’ box scores
CENTRAL CABARRUS 54, WEST STANLY 36
Central Cabarrus 11 19 8 16 — 54
West Stanly 10 5 11 0 — 36
CENTRAL CABARRUS 54 — Myajah Nix 17, Jahnae Duncan 10, Fofana 7, Rouse 8, Arevalo 6, Grant 4, Pickett 2
WEST STANLY 36 — Raygan Gainey 12, Fox 7, Griffin 5
Notable: Central Cabarrus won at the East Lincoln Winter Jam.
CONCORD ACADEMY 54, NC GOOD BETTER BEST 44
CONCORD ACADEMY 54 — Brower 6, Victorian Collins 12, Smith 2, Justice Alexander 17, Jada Powell 17
NC GBB 44 — Yancey 5, Rozzell 5, Woodland 2, Utley 3, Richardson 8, Tia Bryant 10, Smith 5
EAST MECKLENBURG 54, INDEPENDENCE 14
Independence 0 0 6 8 — 14
East Meck 23 19 10 2 — 54
INDEPENDENCE 14 — Robinson 5, Green 4, Bailey 3, Geherehiwut 2
EAST MECK 54 — Jurnee Darling 21, Alana Jones 13, MacKenna Weisner 10, Willis 6, Davis 2, Shehane 2
Records: Independence 2-9; East Meck 5-6
EAST LINCOLN 78, HOPEWELL 3
Hopewell 0 2 0 1 — 3
East Lincoln 35 12 21 10 — 78
HOPEWELL 3 — Farley 2, Williams 1
EAST LINCOLN 78 — Lane Pethel 18, Emma Montanari 17, Malena Arndt 14, Miller 9, Byus 5, Baldwin 4, Hemrick 4, Matz 3, Beam 2, Dann 2
MYERS PARK 52, HUNTER HUSS 39
Myers Park 12 9 15 16 — 52
Hunter Huss 4 9 10 16 — 39
MYERS PARK 52 — Summer Thomason 18, Amani Barner 15, Arianna Shaw 12, Reich 3, Pope 2, Hemingway 2
HUNTER HUSS 39 — SaRyah McCorkle 15, Shemiah McCory 11, Worthy 6, Mackins 4, Floyd 3
Records: Myers Park 7-4; Huss 6-3
Notable: For Myers Park, Barner (15 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks), Thomason (18 points, 5 rebounds) and Shaw (12 points, 5 rebounds) had big games.
PROVIDENCE 51, COX MILL 41
Providence 10 14 16 11 —51
Cox Mill 12 4 13 12 — 41
PROVIDENCE 51 — A. Detenber 7, A. Filnow 13, Skinner 2, Whitten 5, E. Fuller 18, Stafford 4, Broadway 2
COX MILL 41 — Bacon 2, Harmer 2, Woodrich 8, J. Santiago 18, Radack 2, Coleman 1, Lembrke 2, Alexander 6
Records: Providence 6-4; Cox Mill 5-3
Notable: Emma Fuller had 18 points, 12 rebounds and 7 blocks for Providence
QUEEN’S GRANT 53, WESTOVER 12
Queen’s Grant 19 15 11 8 — 53
Westover 1 4 3 4 — 12
QUEEN’S GRANT 53 — Za’Miya Bynum 17, Misa Garris 12, Hicks 9, Chisholm 5, Wilson 3
WESTOVER 12 — Courtney 6, Burns 4, Diliane 2
Records: Queen’s Grant 12-1; Westover 6-5
Notable: Teams met at the John Wall Holiday Classic in Raleigh
WEST CABARRUS 58, CHRIST THE KING 43
West Cabarrus 9 13 23 13 — 58
Christ The King 10 12 8 16 — 43
WEST CABARRUS 58 — Jillian Simmons 19, Aubre Silas 13, Sharia White 11, Parks 9, Brown 2, Hayes 3
CHRIST THE KING 43 — Anna Hayes 22, R. Gorman 3, L. Gorman 3, McCain 4, Siour 6
Notable: West Cabarrus junior Jillian Simmons had 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Scores and schedules
ARDREY KELL WINTER CLASSIC
(at Ardrey Kell High)
Saturday
(girls’ round robin)
Myers Park 52, Hunter Huss 39
Providence 51, Cox Mill 41
Ardrey Kell 70, Forest Hills 52
(boys’ first round)
Spartanburg 69, Providence 53
Butler 59, Cuthbertson 54
Forest Hills 85, Porter Ridge 62
Ardrey Kell 69, Parkwood 52
CHARLESTON CLASSIC
Saturday
(at Ashley Ridge High)
(boys) Covenant Day 51, Mill Creek (GA) 42
(at Bishop England High)
(girls) Smith County (TN) 67, Charlotte Christian 46
(boys) Charlotte Christian 84, Rock Hill (OH) 44
(boys) Metrolina Christian 59, Bishop England (SC) 56
(at James Island High)
(boys) Olympic 85, Academic Magnet (SC) 40
(at Summerville High)
(girls) Covenant Day 54., Fairview (KY) 19
COMET CLASSIC
(at North Stanly High)
Lexington 7 5, West Stanly 60
Cabarrus Stallions 64, South Stanly 53
North Stanly 77, Langtree Charter 50
COMPORIUM CLASSIC
(at Andrew Jackson, SC, High)
Girls’ third place: Marlboro County (SC) 52, Great Falls (SC) 32
Boys’ third place: Marlboro County (SC) 77, Great Falls (SC) 23
Girls’ championship: Andrew Jackson (SC) 53, Chambers 25
Boys’ championship: Andrew Jackson 73, Rock Hill 61
EAST LINCOLN WINTER JAM
(at East Lincoln High)
Saturday’s first round
(girls) East Mecklenburg 54, Independence 14
(girls) West Cabarrus 58, Christ The King 43
(boys) Hough 66, Washington (DC) Benjamin Banneker 57
(girls) Central Cabarrus 54, West Stanly 36
(boys) SouthLake Christian 57, Christ the King 44
(girls) East Lincoln 78, Hopewell 3
(boys) East Lincoln 73, Lake Norman 65
FREEDOM CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT
(consolation semifinals)
Hickory Grove Christian 44, East Burke 40
Johnson County (TN) 61, West Caldwell 59
(championship semifinals)
Asheville Christian 58, McDowell 54
Freedom 74, T.C. Roberson 55
HIGH COUNTRY HOLIDAY CLASSIC (boys)
(at Watauga High)
Saturday’s first round
Hopewell 92, Apex 55
Panther Creek 64, Hibriten 56
Apex Friendship 88, South Iredell 53
Watauga 91, Saluda (SC) 61
HOGGARD HOLIDAY CLASSIC (girls)
Laney 66, Ballantyne Ridge 42
JOHN WALL HOLIDAY CLASSIC
Saturday
Southeastern Prep 56, Davidson Day 40
Ambassador Christian 68, Spire Academy 67
Gaston Christian girls 53, Grimsley 46
St. Frances Academy (MD) girls 53, Cannon School 41
Queen’s Grant Charter girls 53, Westover 12
East Rutherford girls 62, Stuart Cramer 61
MOUNT PLEASANT HOLIDAY CLASSIC
(boys’ bracket)
Saturday’s first round
Central Cabarrus 64, Carolina International 62
Cox Mill 75, Albemarle 32
Jay M. Robinson 94, Mount Pleasant 57
Mooresville, bye
(girls’ round robin)
Saturday’s games
Albemarle 48, Parkwood 40
Jay M. Robinson 40, Mount Pleasant 33
NEW YEARS BASH/GMINSKI CLASSIC
(at Marvin Ridge High)
Saturday
(girls) Concord Academy 54, N.C. Good Better Best 44
(boys) Mallard Creek 71, Burlington Christian 58
(boys) East Mecklenburg 61, West Mecklenburg 50
(boys) Gaston Christian 65, Raleigh GRACE Christian 35
(boys) West Charlotte 76, Cannon School 70
(boys) Hunter Huss 103, Hickory Ridge 90
(boys) Marvin Ridge 77, Lancaster (SC) 69
NORTH IREDELL HOLIDAY CLASSIC
(at North Iredell High)
Saturday
(girls) Pine Lake Prep 54, Bradford Prep 49
(boys) West Cabarrus 72, West Iredell 49
(girls) Hibriten 69, West Iredell 26
(boys) Statesville 82, Forbush 63
(girls) Statesville 60, Rocky River 51
(boys) Rocky River 57, Bradford Prep 36
(girls) West Wilkes 62, North Iredell 51
(boys) North Iredell 91, West Wilkes 80
SAM MOIR CLASSIC
(at Catawba College)
(girls) East Rowan 42, A.L. Brown 28
(boys) Jesse Carson 82, A.L. Brown 38
OTHER TOURNAMENTS
Saturday
(boys) Ballantyne Ridge 80, New Life Christian 30
(boys) Concord Academy 77, James Island (SC) 37
(girls) East Rutherford 62, Stuart Cramer 61
(girls) Mooresville 50, North Davidson 49
(girls) Dorman (SC) 75, Olympic 11
(girls) Winston-Salem Christian 62, South Iredell 20
MONDAY
ARDREY KELL WINTER CLASSIC
(Boys’ semifinals)
(Consolation bracket)
Providence vs. Cuthbertson, 3 p.m.
Porter Ridge vs. Parkwood, 4:30 p.m.
(Championship bracket)
Spartanburg vs. Butler, 6 p.m.
Forest Hills vs. Ardrey Kell, 7:30 p.m.
(Girls’ round robin)
Myers Park vs. Cox Mill, 10:30 a.m.
Providence vs. Forest Hills, noon
Ardrey Kell vs. Hunter Huss, 1:30 p.m.
BUTCH BLALOCK CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT’
(at Highland Tech)
(semifinal round)
(Girls) North Gaston vs. Piedmont Community Charter, noon
(Boys) North Gaston vs. Pinnacle Classical, 2 p.m.
(Girls) Highland Tech vs. Pinnacle Classical, 4 p.m
(Boys) Highland Tech vs. Victory Christian, 6 p.m.
CHARLESTON CLASSIC
(at Ashley Ridge High)
(boys) Covenant Day vs. Berkeley (SC), noon
(at Bishop England High)
(girls) Charlotte Christian vs. Porter Gaud (SC), 11:30 a.m.
(boys) Charlotte Christian vs. Stall (SC), 1 p.m..
(at Cane Bay High)
(girls) Covenant Day vs. Perry County (KY), 11:30 a.m.
(at James Island High)
Olympic vs. Woodmont (SC), 1 p.m.
(at Palmetto Christian High)
(boys) Metrolina Christian vs. Palmetto Christian (SC), 4 p.m.
THE CLASSIC (boys)
(at Bristol, TN)
(winners’ bracket quarterfinals)
Olympia (FL) vs. Webb School (TN), 4 p.m.
North Mecklenburg vs. Our Lady of Mount Carmel (MD), 5:30 p.m.
Upperman (TN) vs. Bishop O’Connell (VA), 7 p.m.
St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) vs. Bearden (TN), 8:30 p.m.
COMET CLASSIC (boys)
(at North Stanly High)
South Stanly vs. Lexington, 4 p.m.
Langtree Charter vs. West Stanly, 5:30 p.m.
Cabarrus Stallions vs. North Stanly, 7 p.m.
EAST LINCOLN WINTER JAM
(consolation semifinals)
(girls) Christ the King vs. West Stanly, old gym, 11:30 a.m.
(girls) Hopewell vs. Independence, 1 p.m.
(boys) Christ the King vs. Washington (DC) Benjamin Banneker, 2:30 p.m.
(championship semifinals)
(girls) West Cabarrus vs. Central Cabarrus, 4 p.m.
(boys) Hough vs. Lake Norman, 5:30 p.m.
(girls) East Lincoln vs. East Mecklenburg, 7 p.m.
(boys) SouthLake Christian vs. East Lincoln, 8:30 p.m.
FREEDOM CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT
(boys’ finals)
Boys’ seventh place: East Burke vs. West Caldwell, 1 p.m.
Boys’ fifth place: Hickory Grove Christian vs. Johnson County (TN), 2:30 p.m.
Boys’ third place: McDowell/Asheville Christian vs. Kings Mountain, 5:30 p.m.
Boys’ championship: McDowell/Asheville Christian vs. Freedom, 8:30 p.m.
(girls’ round robin)
Kings Mountain vs. West Caldwell, 4 p.m.
Freedom vs. East Burke, 7 p.m.
HIGH COUNTRY CLASSIC (boys)
(at Watauga High)
(consolation semifinals)
Ashe County vs. Hibriten, 2 p.m.
South Iredell vs. Saluda (SC), 3:30 p.m.
(championship semifinals)
Hopewell vs. Panther Creek, 5 p.m.
Apex Friendship vs. Watauga, 6:30 p.m.
HOGGARD HOLIDAY CLASSIC (girls)
(at Hoggard High, Wilmington)
Ballantyne Ridge vs. Hoggard, 6 p.m.
Porter Ridge vs.Laney, 7:30 p.m.
JOHN WALL CLASSIC
(at Raleigh)
Coby White Boys’ Bracket
(at Broughton High)
(consolation semifinals)
Davidson Day vs. The Burlington School, 12:30 p.m.
Ambassador Christian/Spire Academy vs. Millbrook, 2 p.m.
(championship semifinals)
Ambassador Christian/Spire Academy vs. /Greensboro Day, 6:30 p.m.
Southeastern Prep vs. IMG Academy (FL), 8 p.m.
Wonderland Girls’ Bracket
(at Southeast Raleigh High)
(consolation semifinals)
T.W. Andrews vs. Terry Sanford, 10:30 a.m.
Cannon School vs. South Garner, noon
(championship semifinals)
Mallard Creek vs. Bullis School (MD), 6 p.m.
St. Frances Academy (MD) vs. Princess Anne (MD), 7:30 p.m.
MIKE GMINSKI NEW YEAR’S BASH
(at Marvin Ridge High)
(boys) Mallard Creek vs. East Mecklenburg, 11 a.m.
(boys) Carmel Christian vs. Harrells Christian, 12:30 p.m.
(boys) Myers Park vs. Cannon School, 2 p.m.
(girls) Queen’s Grant Charter vs. Concord Academy, 3:30 p.m
(boys) Queen’s Grant Charter vs. West Charlotte, 5 p.m.
(boys) Combine Academy vs. Gaston Christian, 6:30 p.m.
(boys) Marvin Ridge vs. Hunter Huss, 8 p.m.
MOUNT PLEASANT HOLIDAY CLASSIC
(Boys’ semifinals)
(consolation bracket)
Albemarle vs. Mount Pleasant, 4:30 p.m.
(championship bracket)
Mooresville vs. Central Cabarrus, 6 p.m.
Jay M. Robinson vs. Cox Mill, 7:30 p.m.
(Girls’ round robin)
Parkwood vs. Jay M. Robinson, noon
Mount Pleasant vs. Albemarle, 1:30 p.m.
MOUNTAINEER CLASSIC (boys)
(at Shelby High)
(consolation semifinals)
Charlotte Lab Christian vs. Gaston Day, 3 p.m.
Pine Lake Prep vs. Kings Mountain, 4:30 p.m.
(championship semifinals)
Providence Day vs. Weddington, 6 p.m.
Shelby vs. Kings Mountain, 7:30 p.m.
NORTH IREDELL HOLIDAY CLASSIC
(semifinals)
(consolation bracket)
(girls) Bradford Prep vs. West Iredell, 9 a.m.
(boys) Forbush vs. West Iredell, 10:30 a.m.
(girls) Rocky River vs. North Iredell, noon
(boys) Bradford Prep vs. West Wilkes, 1:30 p.m.
(championship bracket)
(girls) Pine Lake Prep vs. Hibriten, 3 p.m.
(boys) Statesville vs. West Cabarrus, 4:30 p.m.
(girls) Statesville vs. West Wilkes, 6 p.m.
(boys) Rocky River vs. North Iredell, 7:30 p.m.
PEOPLES BANK HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT
(at West Lincoln High)
(first round)
(girls) West Lincoln vs. Lincoln Charter, Main Gym, noon
(girls) North Lincoln vs. Forestview, Ross Gym, noon
(boys) Ashbrook vs. East Gaston, Main Gym, 1:30 p.m.
(boys) North Lincoln vs. Draughn, Ross Gym, 1:30 p.m.
(girls) East Gaston vs. Draughn, Main Gym, 3 p.m.
(girls) Bandys vs. Ashbrook, Ross Gym, 3 p.m.
(boys) Lincoln Charter vs. Forestview, Ross Gym, 4:30 p.m.
(boys) West Lincoln vs. Bandys, Main Gym, 4:30 p.m.
RED RAIDER WINTER RUMBLE
(at South Point High)
(first round)
(girls) Charlotte Latin vs. Burns, noon
(boys) Piedmont Community Charter vs. Bessemer City, 2 p.m.
(girls) South Point vs. Bessemer City, 4 p.m.
(boys) Stuart Cramer vs. South Point, 6 p.m.
SAM MOIR HOLIDAY CLASSIC
(at Catawba College)
(semifinals)
(consolation bracket)
(girls) A.L. Brown vs. Salisbury, 9 a.m.
(boys) North Rowan vs. South Rowan, 10:30 a.m.
(girls) North Rowan vs. Jesse Carson, noon
(boys) A.L. Brown vs. East Rowan, 1:30 p.m.
(championship bracket)
(girls) East Rowan vs. South Rowan, 3 p.m.
(boys) Salisbury vs. Central Davidson, 4:30 p.m.
(girls) West Rowan vs. Central Davidson, 6 p.m.
(boys) Jesse Carson vs. West Rowan, 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
ARDREY KELL WINTER CLASSIC
(Girls’ round robin)
Forest Hills vs. Hunter Huss, 10:30 a.m.
Providence vs. Myers Park, noon
Ardrey Kell vs. Cox Mill, 1:30 p.m.
(Boys’ finals)
Seventh place: Providence/Cuthbertson vs. Porter Ridge/Parkwood, 3 p.m.
Fifth place: Providence/Cuthbertson vs. Porter Ridge/Parkwood, 4:30 p.m.
Third place: Butler/Spartanburg vs. Ardrey Kell/Forest Hills, 6 p.m.
Champiionship: Butler/Spartanburg vs. Ardrey Kell/Forest Hills, 7:30 p.m.
BUTCH BLALOCK CLASSIC
(at Highland Tech)
Girls’ third place: North Gaston/Piedmont Community Charter vs. Highland Tech/Pinnacle Classical, noon
Boys’ third place: North Gaston/Pinnacle Classical vs. Highland Tech/Victory Christian, 2 p.m.
Girls’ championship: North Gaston/Piedmont Community Charter vs. Highland Tech/Pinnacle Classica;l, 4 p.m.
Boys’ championship: North Gaston/Pinnacle Classical vs. Highland Tech/Victory Christian, 6 p.m.
CHARLESTON LOWCOUNTRY CLASSIC
(at Ashley Ridge High)
(boys) Covenant Day vs. Ashley Ridge, 4:30 p.m.
(at Bishop England High)
(boys) Metrolina Christian vs. Rock Hilll (OH), 11 a.m.
(girls) Charlotte Christian vs. Bishop England (SC), 2 p.m.
(boys) Charlotte Christian vs. Bishop England (SC), 3:30 p.m.
(at James Island High)
(boys) Olympic vs. Clinton (SC), 1 p.m.
(at Summerville High)
(girls) Covenant Day vs. Stratford (SC), 2:15 p.m.
THE CLASSIC (boys)
(at Bristol, TN)
semifinal round; North Mecklenburg playing; schedule TBA
COMET CLASSIC (boys)
(at North Stanly High)
Langtree Charter vs. South Stanly, 4 p.m.
Cabarrus Stallions vs. West Stanly, 5:30 p.m.
North Stanly vs. Lexington, 7 p.m.
EAST LINCOLN WINTER JAM
Girls’ seventh place: Independence/Christ the King vs. West Stanly/Hopewell, 11:30 a.m.
Girls’ fifth place: Independence/Christ the King vs. West Stanly/Hopewell, 1 p.m.
Boys’ fifth place: Christ the King/Benjamin Banneker vs. East Lincoln/SouthLake Christian, 2:30 p.m.
Girls’ third place: East Mecklenburg/East Lincoln vs. West Cabarrus/Central Cabarrus, 4 p.m.
Boys’ third place: Christ the King/Benjamin Banneker vs. Lake Norman/Hough, 5:30 p.m.
Girls’ championship: East Mecklenburg/East Lincoln vs. West Cabarrus/Central Cabarrus, 7 p.m.
Boys’ championship: East Lincoln/SouthLake Christian vs. Lake Norman/Hough, 8:30 p.m.
HIGH COUNTRY HOLIDAY CLASSIC (boys)
(at Watauga High)
Seventh place: Ashe County/Hibriten vs. South Iredell/Saluda (SC), 2 p.m.
Fifth place: Ashe County/Hibriten vs. South Iredell/Saluda (SC), 3:30 p.m.
Third place: Hopewell/Panther Creek vs. Apex Friendship/Watauga, 5 p.m.
Championship: Hopewell/Panther Creek vs. Apex Friendship/Watauga, 6:30 p.m.
HOGGARD HOLIDAY CLASSIC (girls)
Ballantyne Ridge vs. New Hanover, 11 a.m.
Porter Ridge vs. Hoggard, 2 p.m.
MOUNT PLEASANT HOLIDAY CLASSIC
(girls’ round robin)
Jay M. Robinson vs. Albemarle, noon
Mount Pleasant vs. Parkwood, 1:30 p.m.
(boys’ finals)
Fifth place: Carolina International vs. Albemarle/Mount Pleasant, 4:30 p.m.
Third place: Mooresville/Central Cabarrus vs. Cox Mill/Jay M. Robinson, 6 p.m.
Championship: Mooresville/Central Cabarrus vs. Cox Mill/Jay M. Robinson, 7:30 p.m.
MOUNTAINEER CLASSIC (boys)
(at Shelby High)
Seventh place: Charlotte Lab Christian/Gaston Day vs. Pine Lake Prep/Northwest Cabarrus, 3 p.m.
Fifth place: Charlotte Lab Christian/Gaston Day vs. Pine Lake Prep/Northwest Cabarrus, 4:30 p.m.
Third place: Providence Day/Weddington vs. Shelby/Kings Mountain, 6 p.m.
Championship: Providence Day/Weddington vs. Shelby/Kings Mountain, 7:30 p.m.
MIKE GMINSKI NEW YEAR’S BASH
(at Marvin Ridge High)
(boys) Burlington Christian vs. East Mecklenburg, 11 a.m.
(girls) Queen’s Grant Charter vs. N.C. Good Better Best, 12:30 p.m.
(boys) Mallard Creekvs. Camden (SC), 2 p.m.
(boys) Gaston Christian vs. Hunter Huss, 3:30 p.m.
(boys) Queen’s Grant Charter vs. Lancaster (SC), 5 p.m.
(boys) West Charlotte vs. Myers Park, 6:30 p.m.
(boys) Marvin ridge vs. Hickory Ridge, 8 p.m.
NORTH IREDELL HOLIDAY CLASSIC
Girls’ third place: Pine Lake Prep/Hibriten vs. Statesville/West Wilkes, 3 p.m.
Boys’ third place: West Cabarrus/Statesville vs. Rocky River/North Iredell, 4:30 p.m.
Girls’ championship: Pine Lake Prep/Hibriten vs. Statesville/West Wilkes, 6 p.m.
Boys’ championship: West Cabarrus/Statesville vs. Rocky River/North Iredell, 7:30 p.m.
PEOPLES BANK HOLIDAY CLASSIC
(at West Lincoln High)
(consolation bracket)
(girls) North Lincoln/Forestview vs. Lincoln Charter/West Lincoln, Ross Gym, noon
(boys) North Lincoln/Draughn vs. Ashbrook/East Gaston, Ross Gym, 1:30 p.m.
(girls) Bandys/Ashbrook vs. Draughn/East Gaston, Ross Gym, 3 p.m.
(boys) Lincoln Charter/Forestview vs. Bandys/West Lincoln, Ross Gym, 4:30 p.m.
(championship bracket)
(girls) North Lincoln/Forestview vs. Lincoln Charter/West Lincoln, Main Gym, noon
(boys) North Lincoln/Draughn vs. Ashbrook/East Gaston, Main Gym, 1:30 p.m.
(girls) Bandys/Ashbrook vs. Draughn/East Gaston, Main Gym, 3 p.m.
(boys) Lincoln Charter/Forestview vs. Bandys/West Lincoln, Main Gym, 4:30 p.m.
RED RAIDER CLASSIC
(at South Point High)
Girls’ third place: Charlotte Latin/Burns vs. Bessemer City/South Point, noon
Boys’ third place: Piedmont Community Charter/Bessemer City vs. Stuart Cramer/South Point, 2 p.m.
Girls’ championship: Charlotte Latin/Burns vs. Bessemer City/South Point, 4 p.m.
Boys’ championship: Piedmont Community Charter/Bessemer City vs. Stuart Cramer/South Point, 6 p.m.
SAM MOIR CLASSIC
(at Catawba College)
Girls’ third place: 3 p.m.
Boys’ third place: 4:30 p.m.
Girls’ championship: 6 p.m.
Boys’ championship: 7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
THE CLASSIC (boys)
(at Bristol, TN)
final round; North Mecklenburg competing
PEOPLES BANK HOLIDAY CLASSIC
(at West Lincoln High)
Girls’ seventh place: Ross Gym, noon
Girls’ third place: Main Gym, noon
Boys’ seventh place: Ross Gym, 1:30 p.m.
Boys’ third place: Main Gym, 1:30 p.m.
Girls’ fifth place: Ross Gym, 3 p.m.
Girls’ championship: Main Gym, 3 p.m.
Boys’ fifth place: Ross Gym, 4:30 p.m.
Boys’ championship, Main Gym, 4:30 p.m.
This story was originally published December 27, 2025 at 7:46 PM.
