Prep boys’ rewind: Charlotte Latin survives against Charlotte Christian at home
Veteran Charlotte Latin head basketball coach Chris Berger has played or coached in the Hawks’ rivalry game with Charlotte Christian for 40 years.
He said the intensity and closeness of the games never surprises him.
It was more of the same Tuesday night as Berger’s team survived fouling a 3-point shooter with 0.5 seconds left in a 57-55 win at Charlotte Christian in the Charlotte Independent Schools Athletic Association league opener for both teams.
“We were fortunate to win. We really were,” said Berger, a 1989 Latin graduate who was a longtime assistant for legendary Hawks’ coach Jerry Faulkner before becoming head coach 17 years ago. “We made just enough plays to win.
“Give Christian a lot of credit. They did a good job and (first-year head coach) Luke Boythe is doing a great job. I’ve known him since he was a player over here.”
The Hawks took their 11th straight win in the longtime CISAA rivalry by taking control early and holding off a late Knights’ charge.
Latin roared ahead 16-5 late in the first quarter, led 31-17 at halftime and were up by a game-high 35-20 with 7:03 left in the third quarter.
But the Knights kept pushing and trapping — and kept getting closer and closer.
Though Christian never led t, it would close within two points three times in the final 2:16 — at 53-51, 55-53 and the final score.
“We’ve had some battles over the years with them,” Berger said of the longtime rivalry. “And, like it was tonight, the passion and intensity of this games is always high.”
The outcome wasn’t decided until the final second when Latin fouled a Christian player in the left corner on a 3-point try.
But all three free throws were missed — the last on purpose — and Latin took the hard-fought victory.
Emory Chaney led Latin (13-5, 1-0) with 21 points with Alex Dauska adding 16, Noah Diaz 10 and Landon Spicer five.
For the Knights (15-6, 0-1), Matty Carroll had 20 points, Austin Bradway nine, Marshall Nicholson and Adam Miller eight apiece and Saul Lieberman six.
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Tuesday’s boys’ #BIG5 top performers
Zeke Battier, Providence Day: The son of former Duke great and NBA champion Shane Battier, Zeke Battier had 20 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and four steals in a 64-58 win over Covenant Day.
Emory Chaney, Charlotte Latin: In a 57-55 win over rival Charlotte Christian, Chaney had a game-high 21 points.
Sean Nix, Cannon School: Nix had a game-high 26 points in a 80-69 win over Charlotte Country Day.
Jaleel Smith, Hunter Huss: In a 77-74 win over Crest, Smith scored 59 points, the ninth-most ever scored by a N.C. public school boys’ player. He added 11 rebounds, six steals and two assists. He made 18-of-28 shots and 21-of-23 free throws.
Malachi Wilson, Metrolina Christian: Wilson had a team-high 20 points in a tight 51-48 win over SouthLake Christian.
NCHSAA single-game scoring marks
Rk., player, school, points, year
1. Paul McNeil, Richmond Senior, 71, 2024
2. Bob Poole, Clayton, 67, 1950
3. JamesOn Curry, Eastern Alamance, 65, 2004
3. David Smith, North Surry, 65, 1967
5. Janari Hill, Jones, 64, 2017
6. Cam Hamilton, Chambers, 63, 2017
6. Jeff Ward, Nakina, 63, 1982
8. Isaiah Evans, North Mecklenburg, 62, 2023
9. Chris Paul, West Forsyth, 61, 2002
10. John Byrne, Wake Forest, 60, 1968
11. Jaleel Smith, Hunter Huss, 59, 2026
11. Freddie Little, Bunn, 59, 2004
11. JamesOn Curry, Eastern Alamance, 59, 2001
11. Tony Byers, Bessemer City, 59, 1969
Boys’ roundup
Providence Day went on the road for its CISAA opener Tuesday night and held off a challenge by host Covenant Day, scoring a 64-58 victory.
The Chargers (13-5, 1-0), ranked eighth in The Observer’s Sweet 16, got a big night from Zeke Battier, who scored 20 points. Battier also had 11 rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Aiden Scruitsky added 13 for Providence Day.
Dylan Thurman scored 18 points, and Douglas Smith added 16 for Covenant Day (7-13, 0-1).
Cannon School 80, Charlotte Country Day 69: The host Cougars (8-10, 1-0) opened CISAA play on a winning note, as Sean Nix poured in 26 points. D.J. Rogers added 15.
Emory Roberts scored 22 points and Hunter Blythe added 21 for the Buccaneers (10-10, 0-1).
GREATER METRO 6A/7A
Hickory Ridge 65, A.L. Brown 44: The host Ragin’ Bulls (11-4, 5-0) jumped to a 10-0 lead and built their margin to 20-5 after the first quarter. The Wonders fell to 2-12. 0-5.
BIG SOUTH 5A/6A
No. 5 Hunter Huss 77, Crest 74: Jaleel Smith’s 59 points and 11 rebounds were just enough to carry the host Huskies (14-2, 5-0) past the Chargers (9-4, 2-2). Smith’s total was the ninth-most in a game in N.C. High School Athletic Association history.
Kings Mountain 76, Ashbrook 69: Ashbrook (6-6, 2-2) led 50-46 after three quarters, but the Mountaineers (7-8, 4-0) rallied and remained a half-game behind Hunter Huss in the race for first place.
Tyler Morgan’s basket put Ashbrook ahead 61-56 with five minutes left, but Kings Mountain battled back and went up 67-65 on Caleb Nixon’s basket. Ethan Daniels then hit a three-pointer, and the Mountaineers held on.
South Point 86, North Gaston 68: The visiting Raiders (4-9, 1-3) outscored the Wildcats (8-5, 0-5) 44-34 in the second half. Jalen Howard scored 19 for North Gaston.
SOUTH PIEDMONT 4A/5A
East Rowan 56, South Rowan 47
Jesse Carson 72, No. 10 Jay M. Robinson 69: Jesse Carson (14-1, 5-0) hit 16 three-point field goals, 10 in the second half, and handed Jay M. Robinson (11-2, 4-1) its first conference loss. C.P. Perry hit two key free throws for Carson with 16 seconds left. C.J Miranda led Robinson with 16 points, and Jamell Reed added 14.
Salisbury 78, Concord 68
West Rowan 54, Northwest Cabarrus 53
METROLINA ATHLETIC
No. 1 Concord Academy 60, Hickory Grove Christian 29: The top-ranked team in the Sweet 16 put down an early challenge from the Lions (11-6, 1-3). Hickory Grove trailed only 20-11 after the first quarter, but the Eagles (19-2, 4-0) outscored Hickory Grove 29-6 in the second period.
Lincoln Raper and James Minland each scored 12 for the victors, Jonas Agyeman added 11, and Mata Vidakovic scored 10.
Metrolina Christian 51, SouthLake Christian 48: Malachi Wilson’s 20 points led Metrolina (14-8, 2-3) over SouthLake (13-10, 0-5). Rickey Torrence added 11 points for the victors. Dillon Mason had a game-high 26 for SouthLake Christian.
CATAWBA SHORES 2A/3A/4A
Christ the King 64, Community School of Davidson 58
Lake Norman Charter 58, Corvian Community 57: Collin McConneyhead and Kam Davis each scored 16 points in leading the Knights (7-3, 3-2) past the Cardinals (2-12, 2-3). Kendall Patel had 16 points and 15 rebounds for Corvian, and Brycen Hinnant added 12 points.
Lincoln Charter 70, Bradford Prep 45: The visiting Eagles (10-3, 5-0) remained in first place with this lopsided victory. Isaiah Baines topped the Bears (5-9, 2-3) with 18 points.
Pine Lake Prep 85, Langtree Charter 69
SOUTHERN PIEDMONT 2A/3A/4A
Bessemer City 76, Cherryville 44: Bessemer City (8-6, 6-1) trailed early but took a 10-8 lead on Jamarri Starr’s basket and then got back-to-back field goals from Isaiah McCallister. Cherryville (3-11, 0-8) never got closer.
Lincolnton 82, West Lincoln 48: The host Wolves (8-5, 5-2) outscored West Lincoln (1-14, 1-6) 30-8 in the first quarter and cruised.
Stuart Cramer 80, East Gaston 57: Kaiden Dye went four-for-four on three-point shots, scoring 16 points and helping the Storm (7-6, 4-3) down East Gaston (5-11, 3-5). Gavin Johnson also scored 16 for Stuart Cramer, and Tahj Whitley added nine rebounds.
YADKIN RIVER 2A/3A
North Rowan 77, Albemarle 51
North Stanly 65, South Stanly 39
Union Academy 63, Gray Stone Day 38
CATAWBA RIVER 1A/2A/3A
Piedmont Community Charter 64, Carolina International 39
No. 2 Queen’s Grant Charter 85, N.C. School of Science & Math/Morganton 24: Bobby Montgomery III hit four-of-six from three-point range, scoring 14 points and leading the second-ranked Stallions (18-3, 8-0). Montgomery also had five assists and seven steals.
Chase Smith topped Queen’s Grant with 19 points, and Cannon DeBerry totaled 10 rebounds.
Thomas Jefferson Academy 70, Bonnie Cone Academy 52
NONCONFERENCE
Carmel Christian 80, Cabarrus Stallions 49
Elevation Prep 54, Legion Collegiate (SC) 46
No. 6 Gaston Christian 79, No. 7 Davidson Day 67: Gaston Christian (20-4) outscored the visiting Patriots (14-9) 25-11 in the second quarter for a 42-25 lead.
Lee Park Prep 59, Providence Classical 41
North Iredell 66, West Davidson 58
Victory Christian 65, Arborbrook Christian 33
MONDAY’S BOYS’ ROUNDUP
Ethan Gramaglia grabbed a rebound, was fouled, and made the game-tying and game-winning free throws as No. 9 Ardrey Kell edged No. 11 Charlotte Catholic 72-71 in double overtime Monday night.
Gramaglia, a 6-foot junior who averages 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds a game, came up big in the final seconds. His rebound came with the Knights (14-2) trailing the Cougars (13-3) 71-70. He then hit the two free throws for the victory.
The teams were tied 53-all after regulation and 60-60 after the first overtime.
Braden Suggs led Ardrey Kell with 23 points, and Dylan Morrison and Gramaglia each added 13.
Jack Siegel scored 23 for Charlotte Catholic, with Mack Jordan adding 20 and Joseph Kapsiak scoring 19.
GREATER METRO 6A/7A
Central Cabarrus 73, Berry Academy 60: Parker Watkins’ 23 points led the Vikings (5-9, 4-1) over the Cardinals (6-6, 3-2). Kameron Cook added 16 points, and Duron Vaughn grabbed 16 rebounds.
Harding 80, Olympic 50
WESTERN FOOTHILLS 4A/5A
Bandys 68, West Iredell 55
No. 14 East Lincoln 73, Maiden 52: Jaxon Dollar’s 22 points led the visiting Mustangs (14-1, 8-0) to their 10th consecutive victory. Christian Atkins added 17 points, and Brayden Miller scored 15 for East Lincoln. Tae Maze’s 19 points topped Maiden (4-9, 2-5).
Newton-Conover 63, Fred T. Foard 54
North Lincoln 75, Bunker Hill 37: Carter Abernethy scored 22 points, and Ty Chandler added 19, as the Knights (12-2, 6-1) rolled over the Bears (3-12, 1-6). North Lincoln led only 19-13 after the first quarter but outscored the hosts 19-8 in the second period.
NONCONFERENCE
Combine Regional 67, Lab University Prep 61
Union Day 71, Union Prep 37: Jazon Reynolds poured in 32 points for the Gryphons (5-7) in this road victory. Malcolm Cross added 13 for Union Day.
Tuesday’s boys’ box scores
NO. 1 CONCORD ACADEMY 80, HICKORY GROVE 29
Concord Academy 20 29 21 10 — 80
Hickory Grove 11 6 8 4 — 29
CONCORD ACADEMY 80 — Lincoln Raper 12, James Minlend 12, Jonas Agyeman 11, Mata Vidakovic 10, Brylee Austin 8, Romain Boyer 7, Mandrake Lewis Jr 7, Jordan Pierce 6, Tyzhir Dyer 4, Cruz Miller 3
HICKORY GROVE 29 — Darriyun Sturdivant 7, Darrick Milo 6, Tristan Nelson 5, Omari Massey 3, Caleb Nelson 2, Reggie Morrow Jr 2, Brycen Branham 2, Jesse Parker IV 2
Notable: Concord Academy (19-2) next game 1/16 @ Westminster; Hickory Grove (11-6) next game 1/16 @ Metrolina
NO. 2 QUEEN’S GRANT 85, NC SCIENCE & MATH MORGANTON 24
Queen’s Grant 26 32 19 8 — 85
NCSSM 7 4 5 8 — 24
QUEEN’S GRANT 85 — Bobby Montgomery 14, Mekhi Allen 11, Chase Smith 19, Cannon DeBerry 11, Preston Scott 10, Ethan McSweeney 12, Mustaf 4, O’Neil 2, Brown 2
NCSSM 24 — Ellwanger 2, Taylor 8, Pittman 8, Gutschall 2, Morgan 4
NO. 8 PROVIDENCE DAY 64, COVENANT DAY 58
Providence Day 24 10 14 16 - 64
Covenant Day 15 12 15 16 - 58
PROVIDENCE DAY 64 — Zeke Battier 20, Aidan Scruitsky 13, Haynes 9, Stokes 8, Parker 7, Bradley 5, Williams 2
COVENANT DAY 58 — Dylan Thurman 18, Douglas Smith 16, Christian Montgomery 11, Huffman 6, Thompson 4, Barry 3
Records: Providence Day 13-5 (1-0), Covenant Day 7-13 (0-1)
Notable: The Chargers were able to get by the Lions behind Zeke Battier’s 20 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. The Chargers will host Charlotte Country Day on Friday.
CANNON SCHOOL 80, CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY 69
Cannon 17 18 27 18 — 80
Charlotte Country Day 14 11 18 26 — 69
CANNON SCHOOL 80 — Nix 26, Rogers 15, Brezault 6, Underwood 7, Lowry 10, Martinez 2, Steinour 3, Weaks 11
CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY 69 - Hunter Blythe 21, Nolan Lowery 11, Hobs Mulford 6, Jabari Spruill 4, Emory Roberts 22, Ben Harker 5
CHARLOTTE LATIN 57, CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN 55
Charlotte Latin 18 13 18 8 — 57
Charlotte Christian 7 10 21 17 — 55
CHARLOTTE LATIN (13-5, 1-0): Noah Diaz 10, Emory Chaney 21, Smith 2, Warren 1, Spicer 5, Alex Dauska 16, Hollmeyer 2.
CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN 55 — Matty Carroll 20, Bradway 9, Nicholson 8, Miller 8, Barnes 2, Burns 2, Lieberman 6.
Records: Latin 13-5, 1-0; Christian 15-6, 0-1
LAKE NORMAN CHARTER 58, CORVIAN COMMUNITY 57
Lake Norman Charter 7 19 18 14 — 58
Corvian 9 20 11 17 — 57
LNC 58 — Collin McConneyhead 16, Kam Davis 16, Bennett Love 9, Cam Roberts 7, Isaiah Carter 5, Alex Massey 3, Jake Wozniak 2. Notable: LNC improves to 7-7 (3-2) and will travel to Bradford Prep on Friday.
METROLINA CHRISTIAN 51, SOUTHLAKE CHRISTIAN 48
MCA 8 10 18 15 — 51
SLCA 12 9 8 19 — 48
METROLINA CHRISTIAN 51 — Malachi Wilson 20, Rickey Torrence 11, Gadd 7, Reeder 6, Kirbyson 4, Secrest 3
SOUTHLAKE CHRISTIAN 48 — Dillon Mason 26, Cameron 7, Paige 7, Stubbs 4, Johnson 2, Remesal 2
Records: MCA 14-8; SLCA 13-10
Notable: Metrolina Christian plays Hickory Grove Christian on Friday, January 16 at 7 pm.
Monday’s boys’ box scores
NO. 9 ARDREY KELL 72, NO. 11 CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC 71 (2 OT)
Ardrey Kell 16 11 16 10 7 12 — 72 Charlotte Catholic 15 11 15 12 7 11 — 71
CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC 71 – Mack Jordan 20, Joseph Kapsiak 19, Jack Siegel 23, Woeste 2, McKinstry 1, Houser 2, Shepard 2, M. Kapsiak 2.
ARDREY KELL 72 – Braden Suggs 23, Ethan Gramaglia 13, Dylan Morrison 13, Donnie Jones 7, Matthew Craft 6, Jeremiah Jones 6, Cole Stankavage 4.
Records: Ardrey Kell 14-2; Charlotte Catholic 13-3.
NO. 14 EAST LINCOLN 73, MAIDEN 52
East Lincoln 22 18 17 16 – 73
Maiden 8 13 20 11 – 52
EAST LINCOLN 73 – Christian Atkins 17, Gavin Heaberlin 4, Davis Beam 4, Jaxon Dollar 22, Brayden Miller 15, Gaige Ikard 7, Parker Frisk 0, Josh Beam 1, Jackson Davis 3
MAIDEN 52 – Threadgill 6, Fields 7, Seagle 2, Tae Maze 19, Keyahjae Smyre 16 Mummert 2.
Records: East Lincoln 14-1, 8-0, Maiden 4-9, 2-5
Notable: East Lincoln is on a 10-game winning streak.
NORTH LINCOLN 75, BUNKER HILL 37
North Lincoln 19 19 25 12 – 75
Bunker Hill 13 8 12 4 – 37
NORTH LINCOLN 75 – Carter Abernethy 22, Ty Chandler 19, Nick Whitener 11, Burnett 6, Rinkus 4, Heavner 3, Phillips 2, Keilman 2, Mincey 2, Agee 2, Helms 2.
BUNKER HILL – scoring not available.
Upcoming schedule
Wednesday
Western Foothills 4A/5A
Bandys at Hickory
Bunker Hill at West Iredell
Fred T. Foard at North Lincoln
Newton-Conocver at Maiden
Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A
Shelby at Highland Tech
Nonconference
Catawba Ridge (SC) at Forestview
East Lincoln at T.C. Roberson
Lincolnton at South Point
Math & Science Academy of Charlotte at Sugar Creek Charter (boys), 6 p.m.
Uwharrie Charter at Union Academy (girls), 6 p.m.
Thursday
Rocky River 4A/5A
Central Academy at Monroe
Catawba River 1A/2A/3A
N.C. School of Science & Math/Morganton at Piedmont Community Charter
Nonconference
Amanda Academy at Elevation Prep (boys), 7 p.m.
British Intl. School at Lee Park Prep (boys), 5 p.m.
Friday
CISAA
Charlotte Christian at Covenant Day (girls, 5:30 p.m.; boys, 7 p.m.)
Charlotte Country Day at Providence Day (girls, 5:30 p.m.; boys, 7 p.m.)
Charlotte Latin at Cannon School (girls, 5:30 p.m.; boys, 7 p.m.)
Greater Metro 6A/7A
A.L. Brown at Cox Mill
Central Cabarrus at West Cabarrus
Harding at Hickory Ridge
Olympic at Berry Academy
North Piedmont 6A/7A
Lake Norman at South Iredell
Mooresville at North Iredell
Statesville at Davie County
Southern Carolina 6A/7A
Charlotte Catholic at Cuthbertson
Marvin Ridge at Sun Valley
Piedmont at Weddington
Big South 5A/6A
Ashbrook at Forestview
Kings Mountain at South Point
North Gaston at Crest
Rocky River 4A/5A
Anson County at Forest Hills
Parkwood at Mount Pleasant
South Piedmont 4A/5A
Concord at Jay M. Robinson
East Rowan at Salisbury
Northwest Cabarrus at Jesse Carson
West Rowan at South Rowan
Western Foothills 4A/5A
Bunker Hill at Hickory
East Lincoln at Newton-Conover
Fred T. Foard at West Iredell
Maiden at North Lincoln
Metrolina Athletic
Concord Academy at Westminster Catawba (girls, 5:30 p.m.; boys, 7 p.m.)
Gaston Christian at Gaston Day (girls, 5:30 p.m.; boys, 7 p.m.)
Hickory Grove Christian at Metrolina Christian (girls, 5:30 p.m.; boys, 7 p.m.)
Catawba Shores 2A/3A/4A
Christ the King at Lake Norman Charter
Community School of Davidson at Langtree Charter
Corvian Community at Pine Lake Prep
Lake Norman Charter at Bradford Prep
Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A
Bessemer City at Lincolnton
Burns at Stuart Cramer
East Gaston at Highland Tech
West Lincoln at Cherryville
Yadkin Valley 2A/3A/4A
Gray Stone Day at Albemarle
North Rowan at South Stanly
South Stanly at Union Academy
Catawba River 1A/2A/3A
Carolina International at Sugar Creek Charter (girls, 5:30 p.m.; boys, 7 p.m.)
Mountain Island Charter at Bonnie Cone Academy
Piedmont Community Charter at Thomas Jefferson Academy
Queen’s Grant Charter at Jackson Day
Foothills Athletic
Statesville Christian at North Hills Christian (girls, 5:30 p.m.; boys, 7 p.m.)
University Christian at Hickory Christian
Nonconference
Arborbrook Christian at NorthPointe Christian (boys), 7 p.m.
Cabarrus Stallions at South Charlotte Thunder
Carmel Christian at Fletcher School (girls), 4 p.m.
Carolina Day at SouthLake Christian (girls, 5:30 p.m.; boys, 7 p.m.)
Hough at North Mecklenburg
Palisades at Myers Park
South Mecklenburg at Ballantyne Ridge
Victory Christian at Lake Norman Christian (boys), 7 p.m.
Walnut Grove Christian at Lee Park Prep (boys), 6 p.m.
West Charlotte at East Mecklenburg (girls), 6 p.m.
Saturday
Phenom Sports MLK Showcase (boys)
(at Carmel Christian)
East Mecklenburg vs. Clover (SC), 2:30 p.m.
Ambassador Christian vs. High Point Wesleyan, 4 p.m.
Butler vs. Queen’s Grant Charter, 5:30 p.m.
Independence vs. Carmel Christian, 7 p.m.
Chambers MLK Showcase
(at Chambers High)
(girls) West Mecklenburg vs. Sugar Creek Charter, noon
(girls) Chambers vs. Orangeburg-Wilkinson (SC), 1:30 p.m.
(boys) Pine Lake Prep vs. Sugar Creek Charter, 3 p.m.
(boys) Carolina International vs. Orangeburg-Wilkinson (SC), 4:30 p.m.
(boys( Chambers vs. Hopewell, 6 p.m.
Peace Basketball Showcase
(at West Charlotte High)
(boys) Rocky River vs. Indian Land (SC), 11:30 a.m.
(boys) Bull City Prep vs. Mount Zion Christian, 1 p.m.
(girls) West Charlotte vs. Hillside, 2:30 p.m.
(boys) Mallard Creek vs. Winston-Salem Prep, 4 p.m.
(boys) West Charlotte vs. Hillside, 6 p.m.
Craze Sports MLK Showcase (girls)
(at Jackson Day)
Indian Land (SC) vs. Garinger, 12:30 p.m.
Butler vs. Scotland County, 2 p.m.
Ambassador Christian vs. Northwestern (SC), 3:30 p.m.
TBA, 5 p.m.
Hough vs. Charlotte Catholic, 6:30 p.m.
Nonconference
Greensboro Day at Davidson Day (boys), 3:30 p.m.
Lincolnton at Reidsville (girls, 3:30 p.m.; boys, 5 p.m.)
Myers Park vs. New Hanover (boys), in Brandon Ingram MLK Classic at Kinston High, 6:30 p.m.
Providence vs. Southern Lee (boys), in Lee County MLK Showcase, 1 p.m.
Providence Day vs. Virginia Academy (girls), in MLK Classic at High Point Andrews, 3:30 p.m.
South Charlotte Thunder at Providence Athletic Club (SC) (girls, 3 p.m.; boys, 4:30 p.m.)
This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 10:31 PM.
