Local Sports

Bears, Blue Devils advance to "Hoopin'" final

December 23, 2011

Christmas tournament season kicked off a little early in Claremont on Thursday during the first-ever “Hoopin’ at the Hill” junior varsity basketball tournament held at Bunker Hill High School.

In girls competition, it was the Lady Bears advancing to Friday’s title game with a 35-29 victory against North Wilkes.

Brittany Travis scored 16 points, while Fantasia Umberger, Jasmine Jenkins, Cristy Thao and Kayla Garrett added four points each.

The Lady Bears face West Wilkes, who won a 55-50 overtime thrilller with North Lincoln, in the final.

Red Devils try to continue early success at Duals

December 22, 2011

For the 15th straight year, Newton-Conover hosts its unique Red Devil Duals wrestling tournament starting Friday.

The Duals feature six teams, including the Red Devils, Alexander Central, Hibriten, Durham School of the Arts, Enka and Piedmont.

N-C coach Eddy Clark said despite his team’s 16-0 record this season, the goal of this tournament is to improve.

“Our goal is not to go undefeated,” Clark said. “That’s never been a goal of mine. Our goal is to go 5-0 in February during the state dual team tournament. If we get beat now, it’s a good thing, but you never want to lose.”

PREP NOTEBOOK: Indians improve to 8-3

December 20, 2011

St. Stephens 51, Bandys 39

Chris Hefner scored 11 points and Kerigan Farley added 10 points to lead the Indians (8-3) to a non-conference victory against the Trojans.

St. Stephens turned a one-point lead in the first quarter into a 32-22 lead at halftime. That distance carried through the rest of the game, pacing the Indians to their second win over the Trojans.

Hayden Deal led Bandys (0-9) with 12 points.

Girls basketball

Bandys 80, St. Stephens 26

Red Devils steamroll Indians on the mat

December 19, 2011

For the second time this season, the Newton-Conover and St. Stephens wrestling teams tangled on the mat.

The first time, the Red Devils earned a victory against host St. Stephens during the Indian Classic a few weeks ago. The result Monday wasn't any different.

Newton-Conover (16-0) won 11-of-14 individual matches, including six pins and three by technical fall on its way to a 57-14 victory in Newton.