Screen shot 2021 02 25 at 11.26.35 am
The South Point High Red Raiders football team met the Forestview Jaguars last Saturday at Davis Park in Belmont for a pre-season scrimmage game. The event was held at Davis Park due to soggy conditions at Lineberger Stadium. No score was kept of the get together. Everyone just enjoyed a nice sunny day and the chance to play some ball after a long time off the field. See more scenes from the day in this week's Banner-News (March 24, 2021). Photos by Calvin Craig/Superraiders

South Point football season coming up

(February 18, 2021 Issue)

The “short” high school football season is coming up. Covid restrictions will make necessary certain adjustments. Here are the ones that will  be in place for South Point High.
Tickets are pre-sale only based on prioritized allotments to football players, cheerleaders, dance team for their parents/ family members. Games are limited in outdoor venues to 100 spectators (home fans only for football).
No tickets will be purchased at the gate.  Everyone entering will be COVID screened.
All participants, essential personnel, and spectators will wear masks and social distance at all times.
Currently there are no concession sales.
There is no Booster PSL seating or reserved parking for this season.
Games will be video live streamed and broadcast on WGNC 101.1 FM and 1450 AM.

South Point Football Schedule
Feb 24 JV @ Burns 7pm
Feb 25 V vs Burns 7pm
Mar 4 JV vs East Gaston 6:30pm
Mar 5 V @ East Gaston 7pm
Mar 11 JV vs Stuart Cramer 6:30pm
Mar 12 V @ Stuart Cramer 7pm
Mar 18 JV vs East Rutherford 6:30pm
Mar 19 V @ East Rutherford 7pm
Mar 25 JV @ RS Central 6:30pm
Mar 26 V vs RS Central 7pm
Mar 31 JV vs Shelby 6:30pm
Apr 1 V @ Shelby 7pm
Apr 8 JV @ Chase 6:30pm
Apr 9 V vs Chase 7pm
Screen shot 2021 02 18 at 2.35.52 pm

Abbey defeats Mt. Olive

(February 18, 2021 Issue)

Belmont Abbey used a late run to break open a close game last Saturday, winning 67-54 over Mount Olive in Conference Carolinas men’s basketball action.
With the victory, the Crusaders clinch a berth in the league tournament next month, guaranteeing no worse than the No. 7 seed. The Abbey improves to 11-4 overall and 9-3 in league play, while the Trojans stand 5-8, 5-8.
How It Happened 
Sean Halloran (pictured #5) led the Crusaders with 18 points, tallying half of those with a perfect nine of nine effort at the free-throw line. Quest Aldridge added 14 points and a team-high six rebounds, while Charles Solomon chipped in 10 points and five boards. Belmont Abbey shot 48.8 percent from the field overall, making 50.0 percent in the first 20 minutes. The Crusaders held a 29-18 rebounding advantage and committed a season-low 11 turnovers.
Belmont Abbey photo/story

Scenes from Stuart Cramer
vs Ashbrook soccer

(February 18, 2021 Issue)

The Stuart Cramer varsity soccer team traveled to Ashbrook High on Feb. 8 and engaged in a hard fought game. After double overtime, the contest ended in a 1-1 tie. Both teams put on a fantastic show as these scenes attest.

Photos by Bill Bostick Tarheel Sports Photography
 
Screen shot 2021 02 18 at 2.30.31 pm

Abbey lacrosse season opens 

(February 18, 2021 Issue)

Angelina Perrone (pictured) scored four goals, but the Belmont Abbey women’s lacrosse team lost a very competitive season opener last week at Wingate, 18-16.
How It Happened 
In The First Minute of the contest, Perrone scored the season’s first goal, off a pass from Kylie Eastman. Less than a minute later, Sarah Schaefer made it a 2-0 lead with a free position goal. Mackenzie Kaderabek scored two goals in a row for The Abbey, to tie the game at four.  Riley D’Andrea and Alyssa Pearson scored back to back Abbey goals to give the Crusaders a 9-8 lead at the 10:13 mark. At halftime, BAC trailed 11-10, but outshot Wingate 18-15. In the second half, Perrone again got the scoring started for the Crusaders, scoring each of the team’s first three goals of the period. A Kaderabek free position goal, followed by a D’Andrea score just 37 seconds later pulled The Abbey to within three, at 18-15.  D’Andrea finished off the scoring in the game’s final minute, but Wingate held on for the 18-16 win. On the day, Perrone was the Crusaders’ leader, with four goals and an assist. Kaderabek also scored four goals, while Eastman handed out five assists.
Belmont Abbey photo/story
Screen shot 2021 02 18 at 12.56.42 pm
Cailyn Oliverio, Keara Wiley, Ethan Jung, Mason Green, Nolan Berry, Emily Heil, Jack Lazaroski. Sydney Strauss, and Coach Dawn Heim.

Mt. Island Charter swimmers State meet results

(February 18, 2021 Issue)

Congratulations to the MICS Swim Team for their results at the High School States in Cary. Everyone at MICS appreciates the hard work and dedication of coaches Dawn Heim and Brian Lawing. Boys finished 9th out of 28 teams and Girls finished 8th out of 28 teams. First time in the top ten for both groups. Girls relays medaled for the first time in school history for the 200 and 400 Free relays. 
Photos by Michael Strauss Studios

 
Screen shot 2021 02 18 at 12.56.07 pm

Ryan Maney is WC. Friday Classified Employee of Month

(February 18, 2021 Issue)

Mr. Maney has the BEST attitude toward his work and more importantly toward the staff and students of W.C Friday. The workload of our entire custodial staff has increased tremendously during the pandemic. They have all risen to the occasion. The building looks AMAZING and we can work with confidence that we are as safe as we can be due to their efforts. Mr. Maney is a big part of this. The fact that he has taken on these additional responsibilities, in and of itself, is reason enough for Mr. Maney to be Employee of the Month. The consistent, positive, encouraging attitude with which he has taken on these additional responsibilities makes him even more deserving. Mr. Maney does an excellent job keeping our school clean and always has a positive attitude.
Screen shot 2021 02 18 at 12.55.19 pm

Belmont Abbey Men’s Lacrosse
Ranked #3 In Nation

(February 18, 2021 Issue)

The Belmont Abbey Men’s Lacrosse team has been ranked #3 in the nation, in the 2021 Preseason Coaches Poll, the USILA announced. The Abbey returns 44 players from a team that was 7-0 and ranked #4 last year when the Corona virus cut the season short.  Included among the returners are three players who received All-American Honors last season: goalie Bryce Gifford, midfielder Sean Hanrahan, and attacker Noah Haas. The Crusaders opened the 2021 season on Friday, February 12 at Catawba.

Belmont Abbey photo
Screen shot 2021 02 18 at 12.55.43 pm

Dunbar signed with Jacksonville University

(February 18, 2021 Issue)

South Point senior, Anna Dunbar, has signed a national letter of intent to play beach volleyball at Jacksonville University, Florida. Anna was the SWC Defensive Player of the Year this past season. Seated from the left are: Jackie Dunbar, Anna’s mother; Anna; Grayson Dunbar, Anna’s brother; and Sam Asis, Anna’s beach volleyball coach.  Standing from the left are: D’Anielle Henslee, Anna’s aunt; Linda Henslee, Anna’s grandmother; Chloe Ratliff, Anna’s teammate on the South Point volleyball team; Bridget Atkinson, South Point head volleyball coach; and Emily Revels, Anna’s teammate on the South Point volleyball team. 

Photo by Charlotte Sautner
 
Screen shot 2021 02 18 at 12.55.07 pm

Downing named Conference Carolinas
Women's Basketball Defensive Player

(February 18, 2021 Issue)

Belmont Abbey forward Allie Downing (pictured) has been named the Conference Carolinas women’s basketball Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced. It marks her second time winning the award this season. Last week, the New Madison, Ohio native grabbed 11 defensive rebounds, and added two steals.  She was also the defensive leader of a team that gave up just 53 points per game last week.

Belmont Abbey photo

Lady Red Raiders top Lady Storm in hoops action

The South Point Lady Red Raiders basketball team went up against the Stuart Cramer Lady Storm last week. Both teams went all out and when the final buzzer blared South Point had won 45-29. Here are some exciting scenes from the game.

Photos by Bill Bostick Tarheel Sports Photography

 

Storm pushes past Red Raiders

(February 11, 2021 Issue)

The Stuart Cramer Storm and South Point Red Raider soccer teams met last week. When the final whistle had sounded, Stuart Cramer came out on top by a score of 3-0. Here are some scenes from the game.
Photos by Bill Bostick
Tarheel Sports Photography
Screen shot 2021 02 04 at 1.54.52 pm

Gaston College athletic program hits home run with big name signings

(February 3, 2021 Issue)

The Gaston College Board of Trustees voted unanimously in November to add athletics to its rich history of academic excellence and leadership. Gaston College has been without athletics for nearly 50 years and when Dr. John Hauser became President last June, he began the process to end that drought.
A national search was officially organized to hire key leaders to lead the program and the first tier of the lineup is now complete with the hiring of: Gene Banks, Athletic Director; Dickey Nutt, Associate Athletic Director/Head Basketball Coach; Shohn Doty, Head Baseball Coach; John Horshok, Director Athletic Program Development and Sports Marketing.
“This is an amazing group who will bring instant credibility and excitement to our college and campus,” Dr. Hauser said, “Our alumni, students, faculty, staff and community deserve a full college experience and athletics will provide both local enthusiasm and national exposure for Gaston College.”
Banks will manage the coaching staff as Athletic Director (AD) and he brings his legendary Duke University credentials to Gaston College along with the management skills he developed playing and coaching in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and internationally.
After being named the top high school player in the country Banks helped launch the Duke dynasty and played on Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s first team before performing for the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. He later coached the Washington Wizards with Flip Saunders. He has previous experience as an AD at Bennett College and has a popular streaming podcast--”The Bank Shot” and continues to help support youth programs through his long-running namesake foundation.
In addition to his athletic director duties, he will be involved with the College’s new Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as work with WSGE 91.7 FM--the College’s award-winning radio station. “I am joining Gaston College to strive to achieve athletics excellence,” Banks said, “This is a truly remarkable opportunity to design a program from scratch and combine top-notch athletics with a unique community partnership approach.”
“I can’t wait! --we want to bring more fun and excitement to Gaston College than they have ever had!”, he added.
Dickey Nutt is a coach in NCAA Division I basketball with 273 wins as well as an award for being “Coach of the Year” at Arkansas State in the Sunbelt Conference.  He is currently a special assistant to the head coach at Cleveland State University, where he plans to finish the season, and is a former head coach at Southeast Missouri State, and former assistant head coach at Oklahoma State, Stetson, and Florida State.
He was recommended to the Gaston Head Coach job by Florida State Head Coach Leonard Hamilton a former player at Gaston College whose team is the current defending ACC Champions. Hamilton has been also been a passionate adviser to this process of building back a sports program with his alma mater.
Shohn Doty brings 25 years of college coaching experience to Gaston College and is known for his significant success as a pitching coach and led UNC-Charlotte 49ers to the lowest ERA in Conference USA.  He started his career at Indiana State and then Old Dominion and was responsible for recruiting and coaching future MLB Hall-of-Fame pitcher Justin Verlander. He stayed at Old Dominion for four years before coaching at UNC-Wilmington and Arkansas-Ft. Smith before moving to the Charlotte assignment.
During his tour with the 49ers his pitchers crafted four wins over Top Ranked Division I teams (Arkansas #4, NC State #6, East Carolina #8 and Wake Forest #17).
  In addition to Banks, Nutt, and Doty--Gaston College has partnered with Horshok’s Gas House Gang, LLC--a creative sports marketing group composed of premier sports professionals (including Banks).
Horshok has a distinctive career representing national and international sports and entertainment business properties and entities to include Coca-Cola USA, Major League Baseball Alumni Association, International Special Olympics, Partners of the Americas/US State Department, USA Rugby, Siemens Corporation, Harmon Killebrew Foundation, and USA Sports Marketing. Horshok will brand and network key relationships for Gaston College and manage the overall sponsorship and community activation targets.
“We are very fortunate to have John (Horshok) as part of our team,” said Dr. Hauser. “His experience with coaching youth and men’s programs combined with his long associations with clubs like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals as well as his many associated properties will be invaluable in developing a successful athletic and community model at Gaston College.”
In addition to the baseball, basketball programs GC are now interviewing coaches to head up their Esports, softball and beach volleyball programs.
 Gaston College will begin to recruit players for the 2021 Fall season beginning March 1 and will be fully eligible for the 2022 championship season in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
For more information, contact John Horshok, Director Athletic Program Development and Sports Marketing at 336 209-2318.

South Point wins swim championship

(February 3, 2021 Issue)

By Charlotte Sautner
The South Point High School men’s and women’s swim teams won the Southwestern 2A conference championships held on January 21st at the Sharks Aquatic Club in Shelby. This is the fourth straight year that South Point’s swim teams have won the championships.  They are coached by MaryEllen Lewis who was named Men’s Coach of the Year.  Coach Lewis talked about how proud she is of their accomplishments.  She said, “There were so many challenging restrictions this season.  They had half the time in the pool to practice, but still managed to become conference champs.”
Following are the results:
200 yard medley relay
Women: 2nd – Arden Pallozzi, Kirsten Lynch, Sydney Lester, Cara Targonski
Men – 1st – Davis Adcock, Gage Adcock, Luke Smith, Luke McMahan
200 yard free
Women: 3rd – Arden Pallozzi; 4th - Avery Boyd
Men: 2nd – Henry Eisenhuth; 3rd – Caden Wagner
200 yard IM
Women: 2nd – Avery Lester; 3rd – Cara Targonski
Men: 1st – Davis Adcock; 2nd – Edwin Gore
50 yard free
Women: 2nd – Kirsten Lynch; 8th – Kailee McAlister
Men: 2nd – Luke McMahan; 3rd – Luke Smith
100 yard fly
Women: 3rd – Kirsten Lynch; 4th – Arden Pallozzi
Men: 1st – Henry Eisenhuth; 2nd – Quinton Futrell
100 yard free
Women: 5th – Avery Boyd; 6th – Kailee McAlister
Men: 3rd – Gage Adcock; 4th – Edwin Gore
500 yard free
Women: 3rd – Sydney Lester; 6th – Emma White
Men: 2nd – Quinton Futrell; 4th – Carson Helton
200 yard free relay
Women:  2nd – Avery Lester, Cara Targonski, Kirsten Lynch, Sydney Lester
Men: 1st – Luke Smith, Luke McMahan, Gage Adcock, Davis Adcock
100 yard backstroke
Women:  2nd – Avery Lester; 7th – Cara Targonski
Men: 1st – Davis Adcock; 3rd – Matthew Erickson
100 yard breaststroke
Women: 1st – Sydney Lester; 2nd – Anna Huffstickler
Men: 1st – Luke Smith;  2nd – Gage Adcock
400 yard free relay
Women: 1st – Karlee McAlister, Avery Boyd, Arden Pallozzi, Avery Lester
Men: 1st – Quinton Futrell, Henry Eisenhuth, Edwin Gore, Matthew Erickson

Final Scores
Women: South Point – 308     Men: South Point – 352
 East Gaston – 239         East Gaston – 268
Shelby – 236                          Chase – 180
Chase – 236                             E. Rutherford – 172
E. Rutherford – 145           Shelby – 137
Burns – 92             Burns – 130
RS Central – 35         RS Central - 59
Screen shot 2021 02 04 at 1.52.42 pm

Tolbert Wins 1A Individual Cross Country State Championship

(February 3, 2021 Issue)


Congratulations to Highland School of Technology student athlete Lauren Tolbert for winning the 1A individual cross country state championship with a time of 19:15.05. Lauren is Gaston County’s first individual cross country state champion since 1978 when South Point’s Glenn Sparrow won.
Gaston Schools photo

Spivey is Conference Carolinas Women’s Basketball Player of the Week

(February 3, 2021 Issue)

Belmont Abbey forward Keyanna Spivey has been named the Conference Carolinas Women’s Basketball Player of the Week, the Conference office announced. Last week, the Rocky Mount, N.C. native scored 34 points in three games.  Highlighting Spivey’s week  was a 16-point performance at Emmanuel on Saturday, including 12 in the fourth quarter.  Spivey shot 45% from the field for the week, and went 7-9 from the free throw line.
Belmont Abbey photo
 

Stuart Cramer Storm Vs. South Point Red Raiders

(February 3, 2021 Issue)

The Stuart Cramer Storm and South Point Red Raider varsity basketball teams met last week. The exciting and hard fought contest went to the final buzzer with South Point pulling out a close 60-57 win. Here are some scenes from the thrilling event.     Photos by Amy Craig. See more photos inside this week's Banner-News.

 

Safe Sitter class offered

(February 3, 2021 Issue)

The Belmont Parks and Recreation is hosting a Safe Sitter: Safe@Home class for Grades 4-6. This class will teach preteens how to be safe when they are home alone. The price for the class is $25.00 , which includes an hour and a half class and a safe at home booklet that the participants can take home with them. Four classes, two on Wednesday March 10th at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and two classes on Saturday March 13th at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. If you would like more information on this class or would like to register, please go to https://parksrec.egov.basgov.com/belmont   or call 704-825-8191. 
Abbey

Abbey tops Emmanuel

(January 28, 2021 Issue)

LJ McCoy (pictured) tallied 18 points and hit four free throws in the final 1:06, lifting Belmont Abbey to a hard-fought 76-74 victory over Emmanuel in Conference Carolinas men’s basketball action last week at the Wheeler Center. The win was the fifth in a row for the Crusaders, who improve to 6-1 overall and 4-0 in league play.

How It Happened 
Belmont Abbey found itself leading by seven with 56 seconds left, but needed a defensive stop in the final five second to secure the victory. Mario Lacy, Jr. and Charles Solomon also reached double figures at 14 and 12 points, respectively. Lacy added eight rebounds, while Sean Halloran tallied seven boards and a team-best five assists. The Crusaders posted a season-low for shooting percentage at .446 (29-65), but also turned in their best field goal percentage defense number of the campaign at 41.2 percent (21-51). Belmont Abbey won the rebounding battle 37-33 and forced 22 turnovers.  After Emmanuel scored the first five points of the game, Nate Davis hit three straight buckets to give The Abbey a 6-5 lead. With the score tied at 11, McCoy and Emmanuel Hernandez hit baskets and the Crusaders never trailed again. Seven straight points turned a one-point lead into eight, 33-25 with 5:07 left in the half, then margin reached its biggest point, 39-27 at the 2:56 mark. The score was 43-32 at the break. KJ Jones of Emmanuel led all scorers with 26 points.
Belmont Abbey photo/story
Islandcharter
Mt. Island Charter School volleyball team.

East Wake Academy wins state title with 3-1 win over Mountain Island Charter

(January 28, 2021 Issue)

Mt. Island Charter School played East Wake Academy for the NC 1A state championship last Saturday.
East Wake Academy got their offense rolling early, taking a commanding 2-0 set lead with a pair of 25-15 set wins to set themselves to win the school’s first state championship. The Eagles combination of setter Kristen Seavy and Krista Brantley were a deadly force in the four set win over Mountain Island Charter.
Seavy was selected as M.V.P. of the 1A Championship Match thanks to her 38 assists and four aces. She also contributed five digs and four blocks to a spectacularly well rounded effort. The Eagle attack funneled through Seavy, though she frequently played through Brantley who smashed 28 kills with just 10 attacking errors in the match.
Mountain Island Charter got their attack going in the third set, sparked by ten kills from Lauren Pledger in the set. The Raptors ripped off nine straight points to go up 13-11 in the third. Then, after giving up a 6-0 run to the Eagles, the Raptors tacked on another 9-0 run to go up 22-17, eventually holding off East Wake Academy 25-21 to force a fourth set.
Early in the fourth set, Mountain Island appeared poised to send the match to a decisive fifth set, scoring six straight to take a 12-6 advantage. However, finding themselves down 21-11 in the fourth, the Eagles managed a side out that brought up Eilis Thomas up to the service line. Thomas sent her heavy, diving serves pounding across the net, disrupting the Raptors rhythm and the Eagles scored 12 straight points to go up 24-21, hanging on to close out the match 25-23.
The NCHSAA is committed to recognizing good sportsmanship and has partnered with the North Carolina Farm Bureau to recognize one individual from each of the participating championship teams in volleyball with the 2020-2021 Sportsmanship Awards. The recipients for this year’s 1A awards were Lauren Pledger from Mountain Island and Lexi Brantley from East Wake Academy.

Gaston Christian School hoops action

(January 28, 2021 Issue)

The Gaston Christiam School varsity boys basketball squad played in the MLK Phenom Hoops tournament against Metrolina Christian Academy last week and won 70-61. Will Kelly had 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Greg Brockington had 16 points, 5 assists, 2 saves. Joe Rhyne had 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. GCS photos
 

Stuart Cramer Storm

(January 28, 2021 Issue)

The Stuart Cramer Storm basketball team met North Gaston last week. After the dust settled the North Gaston Wildcats prevailed 69-49. Here are some scenes from the thrilling evening.
Photos by Amy Craig
 

Stuart Cramer Storm men fall to Crest

(January 21, 2021 Issue)

The Stuart Cramer Storm varsity basketball team took on Crest on January 11. When the final buzzer sounded, Crest had won 84-62. Here are some scenes from the action packed contest.

Photos by Amy Craig
 
Abbey2awards

Abbey’s Kuhlman, Downing
win awards

(January 21, 2021 Issue)

Belmont Abbey seniors Maria Kuhlman and Allie Downing have been named Conference Carolinas Women’s Basketball Player of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced.
Kuhlman has made a conference-high 18 three-point field goals this season, and has a .529 percentage from long range. Her 16 assists on the season are second-best in the conference, and trail only teammate Taylor Stelley. She is also averaging 13.8 points per game, which is among the top 5 in Conference Carolinas.
Downing has been the leader of a very tough Crusader defensive unit. She has pulled down a Conference Carolinas-best 25 defensive rebounds on the year, and has a conference-high seven steals. She also has blocked four shots this season, which put her in a tie with teammates Brittany Autry and Shelby Darden for the conference lead. Downing has led a defensive unit whose opponents are shooting just .351, a conference best.

Belmont Abbey named Award of Excellence winner for Conference Carolinas

(January 21, 2021 Issue)

Belmont Abbey has been selected as Conference Carolinas’ nominee for the 2021 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence.  The accolade recognizes initiatives in the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement and student-athlete leadership. Twenty-eight schools and one conference earned distinction as finalists with all 23 Division II conferences submitting a nominee for the first time since 2015. Six additional finalists were picked as at-large honorees for submitting a strong nomination that was not chosen as the finalist for their conference.
Division II honors its members each year for conducting events that promote student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders within their communities or on their campuses. A committee of athletics administrators determined this year’s finalists, and the national Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee selects the winner, who will be announced at the Division II business session Jan. 15 at the virtual 2021 NCAA Convention.
“We are ineffably grateful to the NCAA for selecting Belmont Abbey College as the Conference Carolinas nominee for the 2021 Division II Award of Excellence,” Vice-President and Director of Athletics Stephen Miss said. “. A testament to the vision, leadership, and hard work of so many of our SAAC students - not just this past Spring but over the 10 years since it’s inception - Mr. Crusader has grown in stature and significance on our campus and is now a staple of our academic calendar and Abbey culture. I would be remiss not to acknowledge and thank Coach Toni Elyea for her good work in partnership with Michelle McNeight. We anticipate eagerly learning the overall outcome of this prestigious award.”
Belmont Abbey submitted its annual Mr. Crusader Pageant, where student-athletes participate in a multitude of events and the audience votes for their favorite student-athlete by donating money to Make-A-Wish. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee members plan, organize and produce the evening, which is also the the department’s largest fundraiser and community engagement event. Avery Wilson, a Make-A-Wish recipient who participates each year as a judge, was celebrated for beating cancer, helping SAAC break the previous record for Make-A-Wish donations.
“As a collective whole, our campus strives for excellence and virtue in everything so receiving this award is a huge honor and signifies what our student athletes started in 2010, and have grown into something bigger than themselves -- leaving a legacy that harnesses the spirit of The Abbey,” SAAC Advisor and Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Toni Elyea added. “It shows our students that they are called to serve the common good. However, our students are anything but common. They breath life into all of our events and our campus each day. I couldn’t be more proud of them, the amazing coaches, administration and faculty that I get to work with each day. I am looking forward to once again raising the bar this year with SAAC and our community.”
Abbeymen

Abbey men top Barton

(January 21, 2021 Issue)

Sean Halloran led four players in double figures and Mario Lacy posted his first double-double as a Crusader, lifting Belmont Abbey to a 77-58 victory over Barton in Conference Carolinas men’s basketball action Friday night. Halloran posted a season-high of 21 points, while Lacy tallied 14 points and 13 rebounds, both season bests.
Quest Aldridge chipped in 12 points, while freshman Prince Davies added 10 points, four rebounds and three assists.

How It Happened 
Halloran hit eight of 11 from the field with five three-pointers, while also making three steals and dishing our three assists.  Belmont Abbey trailed 14-8 in the first eight minutes, but posted a pair of 8-0 runs around a Bulldog free throw to lead by nine, 24-15, at the 3:26 mark. An 11-3 spurt over the final 3:06 of the period, pushed the margin to 15, 35-20, at the break. The Crusaders’ lead reach as high as 27 on two occasions near the middle of the second half, before Barton used a 11-0 run to climb to within 18. The Abbey shot 50.8 percent from the field, including 56.7 percent after intermission, while the Bulldogs could only rally to 43.6 percent shooting after a 30.8 percent opener. Belmont Abbey held a 42-25 advantage on the boards and had one fewer turnover. The Crusaders improve to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in league play, while the Bulldogs fall to 0-2, 0-2.
Abbeygirls

Abbey girls beat Barton

(January 21, 2021 Issue)

Alexis Schulz (#23) scored 16 points and the Belmont Abbey women’s basketball team earned a solid 83-65 victory over Barton this afternoon.  With the win, The Abbey improves to 5-2 on the year, with a 1-1 conference record.  Barton is now 2-1 on the season, with a 2-1 Conference Carolinas mark.

How It Happened 
The teams went back and forth early, until a 10-0 Abbey run put the Crusaders in front 21-14.  At one point during the stretch, the Crusaders scored seven points in less than a minute.  BAC led 23-18 when the period expired . A 4-0 run to open the second put the Crusaders up 27-18. Later in the quarter, the Crusaders defense held the Bulldogs to no field goals over a 4:19 span.  Four straight points by Hannah Roney to close out the quarter gave Belmont Abbey a 42-29 lead at halftime. Barton came to within five early in the third, but then a 9-0 Abbey run put the Crusaders in front 51-37.  Kelli Thomas scored four points during the run. Allie Downing scored five points in a 19-second span, and Belmont Abbey held a commanding 65-48 lead heading into the final period. A jumper by Schulz at the 7:37 mark put BAC up by 20.  She scored 12 of The Abbey’s 18 points in the quarter to help the Crusaders finish off the 83-65 victory. On the day, Downing’s 17 points led the Crusaders.  Schulz scored 16.  Brittany Autry, Maria Kuhlman, and Keyanna Spivey each scored 11.  Spivey also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds.
Gastonchristian
Gaston Christian Basketball team

Gaston Christian School basketball scenes

(January 14, 2021 Issue)

The Gaston Christian School JV basketball team defeated Westminster last week by a score of 54-50. Bobby had 12pts; Jacob 12pts, 6 reb, 5 assists; Niko 12pts, 5 assists; Chris 8 pts; Kyriako 6pts, 5 reb, 2 assists; Preston 4pts, 6 reb.

Gaston Christian Photos
See more photos on page 13 of this week's Banner-News.

 
Stuartcramer

Stuart Cramer High Storm Basketball Team VS. KM High Mountaineers

(January 14, 2021 Issue)

The Stuart Cramer High Storm basketball team met the Kings Mountain High Mountaineers last week in two exciting games. The Cramer JV team won their game 34 to 26. The varsity team fell to KM by a score of 85 to 42. Here are some scenes from the evening of play.

See more photos on page 11 of this week's Banner-News
Photos by Amy Craig

 
Brittany
Brittany Autry

Abbey women’s basketball defeats Bluefield State

(January 14, 2021 Issue)

Brittany Autry scored 19 points and the Belmont Abbey women’s basketball team earned a 84-66 win at Bluefield State last week. With the win, The Abbey moves to 3-1 on the season.
How it Happened:
Belmont Abbey got off to a hot start and never looked back.  Autry scored four points in the opening minute, and the Crusaders jumped out to an early 9-0 lead.  The tough BAC defense did not give up a point in the first four minutes of the contest, and led 21-12 when the opening quarter expired.
In the opening minutes of the second, Belmont Abbey scored seven points in a minute to take a 28-20 lead. A 7-0 Abbey run late in the second put the Crusaders on top by nine, and The Abbey held a 42-31 lead at halftime. In the third, Autry again scored four points in the opening minute.  The rest of the quarter was back and forth.  The Crusaders led 63-51 heading into the final period. The fourth was also very back and forth, with neither team making any big runs.  The Crusaders finished with the 84-66 victory. On the day, Autry was the Crusaders’ leader, with 19 points and five rebounds. Allie Downing scored 13 and pulled down eight boards.  Alexis Schulz added 14 points.
Belmont Abbey story/photo
Sean
Sean Halloran

Abbey tops UNC-Pembroke

(January 14, 2021 Issue)

Junior Sean Halloran hit a three-pointer with 10.7 seconds to play, giving Belmont Abbey its only lead of the contest and a 68-67 victory over 22nd-ranked UNC Pembroke last week at the Wheeler Center. The contest was the season-opener for both teams. The shot from the left wing capped a rally that saw the Crusaders down 12-0 at the start of the game and by eight points with 5:16 to play.
How it happened
Charles Solomon, who assisted on the game-winner, led The Abbey with 13 points, five rebounds and one assist. Halloran tallied 12 points, with LJ McCoy also reaching double figures with 10 points. The Crusaders connected on 62.5 percent from the field in the second half to finish the contest at 51.1 percent. The Braves were limited to 33.3 percent after intermission and 42.2 percent overall. After falling behind 12-0 in the first five minutes and 18-4 at its biggest point, Belmont Abbey cut the margin to four, 26-22, at the 4:29 mark, but UNCP was able to stretch the lead back to double figures, 37-27 at the break. The Braves’ lead was still in double figures at 56-46 with 8:30 remaining, before the first Crusader charge. Seven straight points cut the gap to four, 58-54 with 5:43 remaining. UNCP scored four straight but The Abbey again closed to two, 62-60 with 4:14 to play. Solomon hit a pair of free throws with 2:04 for the final points before Halloran’s three. Each team missed a pair of free throws in the final 55 seconds that could have altered the outcome. Both team had an uncharacteristic number of turnovers (22 for the Crusaders and 21 for the Braves), while UNCP held a slim 25-24 rebounding edge. Tyrell Kirk led all scorers with 23 points.

Belmont Abbey Named Award of Excellence Winner for Conference Carolinas

(January 14, 2021 Issue)

Belmont Abbey has been selected as Conference Carolinas’ nominee for the 2021 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence.  The accolade recognizes initiatives in the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement and student-athlete leadership. Twenty-eight schools and one conference earned distinction as finalists with all 23 Division II conferences submitting a nominee for the first time since 2015. Six additional finalists were picked as at-large honorees for submitting a strong nomination that was not chosen as the finalist for their conference.
Division II honors its members each year for conducting events that promote student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders within their communities or on their campuses. A committee of athletics administrators determined this year’s finalists, and the national Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee selects the winner, who will be announced at the Division II business session Jan. 15 at the virtual 2021 NCAA Convention.
“We are ineffably grateful to the NCAA for selecting Belmont Abbey College as the Conference Carolinas nominee for the 2021 Division II Award of Excellence,” Vice-President and Director of Athletics Stephen Miss said. “. A testament to the vision, leadership, and hard work of so many of our SAAC students - not just this past Spring but over the 10 years since it’s inception - Mr. Crusader has grown in stature and significance on our campus and is now a staple of our academic calendar and Abbey culture. I would be remiss not to acknowledge and thank Coach Toni Elyea for her good work in partnership with Michelle McNeight. We anticipate eagerly learning the overall outcome of this prestigious award.”
Belmont Abbey submitted its annual Mr. Crusader Pageant, where student-athletes participate in a multitude of events and the audience votes for their favorite student-athlete by donating money to Make-A-Wish. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee members plan, organize and produce the evening, which is also the the department’s largest fundraiser and community engagement event. Avery Wilson, a Make-A-Wish recipient who participates each year as a judge, was celebrated for beating cancer, helping SAAC break the previous record for Make-A-Wish donations.
“As a collective whole, our campus strives for excellence and virtue in everything so receiving this award is a huge honor and signifies what our student athletes started in 2010, and have grown into something bigger than themselves -- leaving a legacy that harnesses the spirit of The Abbey,” SAAC Advisor and Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Toni Elyea added. “It shows our students that they are called to serve the common good. However, our students are anything but common. They breath life into all of our events and our campus each day. I couldn’t be more proud of them, the amazing coaches, administration and faculty that I get to work with each day. I am looking forward to once again raising the bar this year with SAAC and our community.”
Southpoint
South Point senior, Asheton Queen, has signed a national letter of intent to play softball at Gardner Webb University.  Seated from the left are: Barry Queen, Asheton’s grandfather; Kellie Queen, Asheton’s mother; Asheton; and Judy Spicer, Asheton’s grandmother.  Standing from the left are: Blake Queen, Asheton’s brother; Craig Queen, Asheton’s father; Treymane Stephens, trainer-ADS and Grayson Queen, Asheton’s brother.

Asheton Queen signs with Gardner-Webb

(January 14, 2021 Issue)

South Point senior, Asheton Queen, has signed a national letter of intent to play softball at Gardner Webb University.  Seated from the left are: Barry Queen, Asheton’s grandfather; Kellie Queen, Asheton’s mother; Asheton; and Judy Spicer, Asheton’s grandmother.  Standing from the left are: Blake Queen, Asheton’s brother; Craig Queen, Asheton’s father; Treymane Stephens, trainer-ADS and Grayson Queen, Asheton’s brother. 
 
Abbey2
Belmont Abbey story/photo

Abbey defeats UNC-Greensboro

Maria Kuhlman (pictured above) and Allie Downing each scored 15 points to lead the Belmont Abbey women’s basketball team to a 63-60 win over Division I opponent UNC Greensboro this evening to kick off its 2020-21 season.
BAC led early, and stayed within six points of UNCG the entire opening quarter. Kuhlman made a 3-point shot in the closing seconds of the first to pull The Abbey to within a point, 19-18, at the end of the quarter. The Crusaders took a 24-22 lead early in the second. Later in the half, the defense held the Spartans scoreless for a 4:35 span. Kuhlman made two 3-point shots late in the second to put the Crusaders up 38-34 at halftime. The teams traded leads throughout the third quarter, which was a defensive battle.  BAC held UNCG to a 5:45 span of no field goals near the end of the period. Jo Snow capped off the Crusader scoring in the period with two free throws, and the Spartans held a 52-49 lead heading into the final period. Two quick baskets by Brittany Autry early in the fourth put The Abbey in front 53-52. The Abbey’s defense was again strong in the fourth, giving up just two Spartan points in the first 8:50 of the quarter.  The Abbey won the contest 63-60. Kuhlman and Downing scored 15 points each, while Autry scored 12 and grabbed five rebounds. Keyanna Spivey grabbed seven rebounds, while freshman Shelby Darden pulled down six.
Belmont Abbey story/photo

Abbey1
Brittany Autry

Win puts Abbey at 2-0 on the year

Five Belmont Abbey women’s basketball players scored in double figures in their 89-72 victory over Wingate last week.  The win puts The Abbey at 2-0 on the year.  The Bulldogs dipped to 0-3. How It Happened - Maria Kuhlman made to early 3-pointers to put The Abbey up 8-0.  The Crusaders never lost the lead. Shelby Darden scored the last five Crusader points of the quarter, giving BAC a 22-13 advantage. In the second, the Crusaders again scored the first eight points of the quarter. Keyanna Spivey scored eight points in the quarter, and Belmont Abbey held a 51-32 lead at halftime. Brittany Autry (pictured) scored four in the third to lead the Crusaders, and BAC led 61-49 heading into the final period. The fourth was the highest-scoring quarter of the game.  Allie Downing scored four points in the opening minute. The Abbey led by as many as 20 in the period, and finished the contest with the 89-72 win. Autry recorded a double-double, with 10 points and 13 rebounds.  Spivey finished with 16 points and six boards, and Darden also had a strong performance, with seven points and eight rebounds.
Belmont Abbey story/photo
Gastoncollege

Intercollegiate sports are coming to Gaston College

 (December 3, 2020 Issue)

Gaston College is taking steps to start a new intercollegiate sports program.
College President Dr. John Hauser laid out plans in a presentation to Gaston College Board of Trustees on Tuesday to launch a college sports program that will offer men’s baseball and basketball, women’s beach volleyball and softball, and Esports. Approximately, 96 athletes, 52 men and 44 women, would participate in the five initial athletic programs.
The Gaston College Board of Trustees enthusiastically voted unanimously for Dr. Hauser to take the necessary steps to contact the National Junior College Athletic Association to establish the new college sports program. With the Board of Trustee’s approval, Dr. Hauser and the College’s administration will need to submit a letter of intent with the NJCAA. Pending approval, a search for an athletic director would be one of the next steps.
Dr. Hauser told the Board, “Community colleges that offer sports regard the athletics program as an integral part of the educational experience.”
“Sports programs have proven to enhance and strengthen student life, diversity, student mental and physical health, and overall college unity. This is something we believe that our Gaston College students and the communities we serve in Gaston and Lincoln counties are looking forward to enjoy and support in many ways.”
Dr. Hauser added, “As we began the process to put this plan and presentation together, one of our former students provided me with tremendous help and moral support. Leonard Hamilton, the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Florida State University and a GC Alum, has graciously provided me with professional insight and advice regarding this new venture that will reignite sports at the College.”
Coach Hamilton, who was born and raised in Gastonia, played basketball for Gaston College back in the early 70s when the College had sports teams. Since then, he has won many awards and accolades including being named the 2020 Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year.
 He plans to keep supporting President Hauser and Trustees with the new sports program and is looking forward to seeing sports back at the College.
“As a first-generation college student, I struggled, but having my teammates, college activities to attend, and a social environment at Gaston College helped sustain me to go on to a four-year university and to complete a master’s degree. I then encouraged others to do the same – those who would have never dreamed they, too, could do it. Kids today are the same as I was then, just looking for an opportunity,” said Hamilton.
Once the NJCAA program membership is approved, Gaston College will join Region 10 which includes North Carolina, South Carolina, and Southwest Virginia. The cost to support the five sports is estimated to be $321,448.
The Gaston College Foundation will work to secure intercollegiate athletic scholarships, engage in community fund raising and events, and work hand-in-hand with the student athletes with community engagement events and activities. President Hauser shared a variety of ideas for revenue generation to support athletics beyond student activity fees, bookstore revenues, and excess fees. This is standard practice for intercollegiate athletic programs at North Carolina Community Colleges.
Future plans include engaging faculty, staff and students regarding sports, including potential names for a mascot.
Wrestling

The Belmont Abbey wrestling team

(December 3, 2020 Issue)

The Belmont Abbey wrestling team finished their first day of their team wrestling tournament last Saturday afternoon in the Wheeler Center. The Crusaders held 28 matches spread out on two mats with competitions in each weight class. The conclusion of the wrestle-offs was held on Tuesday inside the Wheeler Center.
Belmont Abbey Photo

 
Tumbling

Belmont Abbey Acrobatics

(December 3, 2020 Issue)

The Belmont Abbey Acrobatics and Tumbling team held their intra-squad meet last Wednesday night inside the Wheeler Center. The Crusaders, led by head coach Emily Powers, split into two teams, Black and White, and competed in all the heats in a typical meet. The two teams combined to perform the team event. The guest judges handed out scores throughout the meet with the White Team earning the victory by 0.05.
Belmont Abbey photo

 
Wooten
Jacob Wootton

Wootton is semifinalist

(November 12, 2020 Issue)

Give a shout-out to Stuart W. Cramer High School student Jacob Wootton. Jacob is a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program, giving Gaston County Schools four high school seniors who will compete against other students from across the country to win a prestigious National Merit Scholarship. Jacob transferred to Gaston County Schools recently, and is at Stuart W. Cramer where  the teachers and counselors there will do an excellent job of helping him navigate the National Merit competition. Gaston Schools’ other three semifinalists are Sydney Lester and Grace Nehring of South Point High School and Marshall Pearson of Highland School of Technology.
Belmontabbeyblackteam
  Belmont Abbey photo ​​​​​​​

Belmont Abbey

(November 12, 2020 Issue)

The Belmont Abbey Black team blocked 15 Red attempts and Andrew Kohut tallied 13 kills, leading to a 3-1 (25-19, 25-23, 19-25, 25-20) victory in an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday night at the Wheeler Center. The Halloween night action was the second of two fall sessions for the Crusaders. Kohut hit .152 (13-8-33) for the Black team, while the Red has a pair of players also tally 13 kills - freshmen Justin Kean and Matteo Miselli. William Morris and Kohut dominated the middle, with 14 and nine blocks, respectively. 13 of Morris’ were assists, while Kohut also had one solo with eight helpers. Clayton Zimmerman of the Red team was credited with 37 assists to Brennan Davis’ 26 for the Black. Jake Somers (Red) led all players with eight digs, while Davis had a match high three aces.                                      
Belmontabbey

Gaston Christian School boys cross country team wins NCISAA 3A Title

(November 12, 2020 Issue)

The Gaston Christian School boys cross country team led by Connor Nanney and Adam Hoyle recently won the NCISAA 3A Title.  The team had three runners in the top 15. Well done!
Golf

Belmont Abbey Golfers

(November 12, 2020 Issue)

Belmont Abbey golfers Jena Nagy (pictured) and Bridget Forgatch tied for third at the recent Crusader Challenge hosted at the Green Valley Country Club. Six members of the Belmont Abbey women’s golf team finished in the top ten after the one-round tournament.  Belmont Abbey photo

 
Gcs

GCS All-Conference

Congratulations to Gaston Christian School runners who earned All-Conference honors this season. Adam Hoyle placed first overall in the conference meet earning his second All-Conference honor. Connor Nanney finished 3rd overall earning his 3rd all conference honor. (Tied for most in team history). Jake Sosebee placed 5th overall earning his 2nd All-Conference honor. Ryan Thornburg placed 6th overall earning his 3rd All-Conference honor. (Tied for most in team history). Garrett Huffman placed 8th overall earning his 1st All-Conference Honor. Thomas Bunko placed 9th overall earning his 2nd All-Conference honor. Kate Hoersch placed 9th overall earning her 1st All-Conference honor. 
Soccer

Belmont Abbey Women's Soccer Team

Isabella Benavente (#3) scored three goals as the Belmont Abbey women’s soccer team earned a 4-3 victory over Spartanburg Methodist. How It Happened: SMC scored first, in the 15th minute, but Mackenzie Lewis evened the score just three minutes later. In the second half, Benavente scored three goals in a row, the first two coming in a 10-minute span. Spartanburg Methodist tried to come back, with two late goals, but it was not enough as the Crusaders held on 4-3. Goalkeepers Cieara Berg and Olivia Egbor saw their first game action of the Fall.
 
Volleyball

Belmont Abbey women’s volleyball

The Belmont Abbey women’s volleyball team wrapped up its fall scrimmage schedule last Saturday with the Red team sweeping the White team 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-22) at the Wheeler Center Saturday afternoon. Hailey Ryan tallied 10 kills and 16 digs both match highs in the victory.
Football

Football Flashbacks...

About this time last year the Mt. Island Charter School Raptors played the Community School  of Davidson Spartans. When the dust settled, the Raptors had pulled out a smashing 61-0 win.
Photos by Bill Ward

 

Hawksbill Mountain

Frequent BannerNews contributor Bill Ward (pictured) and his family took a trip to Hawksbill Mountain near Linville Gorge and shot these spectacular fall leaf color photos. The foliage colors in our mountains are at their peak so if you get a chance now’s the time to go see them.    Photos by Bill Ward and Sara Winkler
 

Football Flashbacks...

(October 29, 2020 Issue)

Just about this time last year the Stuart Cramer Storm football team played Hunter Huss. The Storm was shut out 34-0. Here are some flashback photos from the contest.

Football Flashbacks...
(October 22, 2020 Issue)

This time last year, the South Point Red Raiders varsity football team clashed with East Rutherford High. The final score in the gridiron grappling was South Point 42 and East Rutherford 14. Just to refresh your memory concerning what a high school football game looks like here are some scenes from the game.             
Photos by Calvin Craig/Superraiders
 

Calling all photographers

Gaston County is holding a photo contest for community members. The three categories to enter are Events / Nature / Buildings. Pictures must be taken in Gaston County anytime since July 1, 2019.
By submitting your photos, you are affirming that you are the owner of the rights to the photo(s), and you agree that the county may use the photo(s) in its publications, on its website, and/or on its social media; you further agree that by submitting photo(s) for the county’s consideration, you waive any right to payment for their use.
The best submissions will be used in Gaston County’s Annual Report, on GastonGov.com and shared on social media with credit given to the photographer. The winners of each category will have their work framed and hung at the Gaston County Administration building.
Entries can be sent by private message through our Facebook account, or by email to Adam.Gaub@GastonGov.com. Winners will be determined by the County Public Information Office. All photos must be submitted by November 1, 2020.

Conference Carolinas to open conference basketball schedule in January 2021

The Conference Carolinas Board of Directors unanimously agreed to officially start the conference basketball season in January of 2021.
Belmont Abbey College is a Conference Carolinas member.
The decision was made in the best interest of Conference Carolinas student-athletes, coaches and administrators due to the continued challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conference Carolinas men’s and women’s basketball teams will officially return to campus for practice for the start of league play on Dec. 28, 2020.
 In addition, the conceptual start date of conference play is to be no earlier than Jan. 13, 2021. The Conference Carolinas Directors of Athletics are scheduled to meet in the near future to continue working on designing an updated conference basketball schedule for the spring of 2021.
All Conference Carolinas member institutions will have institutional discretion to compete in the fall 2020 semester against outside competition. Institutions also will have discretion on when to begin practices in the fall of 2020.
“The health and safety of our student-athletes and our men’s and women’s basketball coaching staffs continues to be our top priority,” Commissioner Chris Colvin said. “This decision, like all of our decisions over the last few months, was challenging, but we feel it is also the right decision to continue to give all of our member institutions the best chance to have a truly successful conference basketball campaign.”
The 2021 Conference Carolinas Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships are scheduled to get underway with first round play on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. The quarterfinals (March 5), semifinals (March 6) and finals (March 7) will be held for the second straight year at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
 “We are excited to see our teams back on the court in January competing and preparing for what we know will be another tremendous basketball championship at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in March of 2021,” Colvin said.
Conference Carolinas is continuing to work to create safety protocols and precautions around intercollegiate athletics participation in the spring of 2021. The conference will also continue to work with its member institutions and the NCAA to monitor the latest local, state and federal developments.