Porter Ridge names Michael Hertz as its new head football coach

Former Independence and Providence High assistant Michael Hertz will be the new head football coach at Porter Ridge.

Hertz, who played linebacker and running back in college at William & Mary, was a six-year assistant on Porter Ridge teams after moving to the Charlotte-area in 2007. After leaving Porter Ridge, Hertz served as linebackers coach at Providence and Independence.

Hertz will be Porter Ridge’s fourth head coach in five seasons. The Pirates were 3-19 in the last two seasons combined.

“Mr. Hertz’s passion and dedication for both academic and athletic success was evident and unmistakable,” said Porter Ridge principal Dr. Bashawn Harris. “We look forward to benefiting from his experience, as we continue to develop lifelong learners that achieve academically, perform athletically and contribute positively.”

▪ East Lincoln’s Sage Surratt and Monroe’s Brayan Diaz were named to the MaxPreps’ Junior All-America team. Surratt, a wide receiver, and Diaz, a kicker, made second team.

Basketball

▪ R-S Central’s Teja Twitty has led her team to an 11-3 record (losses to 3A No. 1 Freedom, 3A No. 2 Asheville Erwin and 4A power McDowell). Twitty is averaging 24 points 16 rebounds and getting recruiting interest from East Tennessee State, Western Carolina, Charlotte and UNC Greensboro.

▪ Rocky River’s A.L. Horn had 32 points Wednesday in a 74-65 loss to Hopewell. Tre Faison and Brian Smart had 18 each for Hopewell. ... Providence Day girls sophomore Kennedy Boyd had career-high 19 points, plus seven assists and three steals in a 74-25 win Wednesday over Melbourne Power (Australia). Providence Day’s boys and girls host the Australian teams each year, housing them and feeding them.

▪ Christ The King’s Catherine Strickland scored her 1,000th point during a 49-47 Christmas tournament win against Southside High. She is the first player in the school’s three-year history to score 1,000 career points.

Volleyball

Cox Mill’s Taylor Rowland, a sophomore outside hitter, was named to the MaxPreps Underclass All-America team.

▪ Charlotte Country Day’s Raleigh Clark was named a top 50 national junior by national recruiting website Prepvolleyball.com. Covenant Day’s Sarah Billiard was an honorable mention pick, named as one of the “next 35.”

Wrestling

Marvin Ridge senior Christian Beach won his 150th career match at the Holy Angels Invitational last week. His record this season is 33-1.

This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 7:22 PM with the headline "Porter Ridge names Michael Hertz as its new head football coach."