athlete of the week

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Addie Flinchum

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Addie Flinchum

Eastern Randolph, volleyball Flinchum is a senior outside hitter and middle hitter for the Wildcats. She has been a force at the net, leading the team in kills. She’s averaging almost four kills per set. Flinchum was the Wildcats’ only representative on last year’s All-Piedmont Athletic Conference team. This year, Eastern Randolph won five of its first seven matches. That matched the Wildcats’ top victory total in any of the past four seasons. Flinchum has been an All-PAC selection in softball. She’s a pitcher for the Wildcats.
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: CHLOE PAINTER

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: CHLOE PAINTER

Uwharrie Charter Academy, volleyball Painter has been among the key contributors for the Eagles during the first few weeks of the season. When they opened Piedmont Athletic Conference play by defeating Providence Grove 25-20, 25-13, 25-23 last week, Painter provided 25 assists, six kills, 10 digs and two aces. Painter, a senior, is listed as a setter and return specialist. The Eagles took a 6-2 record into this week, holding a three-match winning streak. Prior to defeating Providence Grove, UCA topped Richmond and Central Davidson.
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Karli Kennington

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Karli Kennington

Randleman, volleyball Kennington is one of four seniors on the Tigers’ roster. The defensive specialist has been a key contributor to Randleman’s strong start to the season.  She had 26 digs against Oak Grove last week and later in the week provided 18 digs against Northern Guilford. She has had 19 or more digs in three matches so far.  Kennington’s stat lines have also included aces, kills and assists. Randleman, a Class 2-A school, set a schedule with Class 3-A opponents for each of its first six non-conference matches. The Tigers entered this week with a 4-1 record. 
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Kai Matthews

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Kai Matthews

Asheboro, football Matthews had key plays on offense and defense as the Blue Comets opened the season by defeating visiting Albemarle 24-22.  He scored on a rushing play for one of the Blue Comets’ four touchdowns. He also made a late-game interception as Asheboro clung to the lead.  The Blue Comets won their season opener for just the second time in a seven-season span.  Matthews, a senior, has excelled in track and field as a sprinter for Asheboro as well.  
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Kearns Trotter

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Kearns Trotter

Southwestern Randolph, basketball / tennis Kearns Trotter made his mark on the courts for Southwestern Randolph, both in basketball and tennis. He wrapped up his career with the Cougars on a couple of teams with winning records. Those squads were Piedmont Athletic Conference regular-season runners-up. Trotter, a guard, made regular contributions for the boys’ basketball team. Among those was 11 points in a home upset of eventual Class 1-A state finalist Eastern Randolph. Trotter wasn’t done after the winter. In boys’ tennis, he was named to the All-PAC team in each of the past two seasons. *During the summer, we…
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Zane Cheek

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Zane Cheek

Providence Grove, multi-sport Cheek was active in each of the sports seasons, beginning as a multi-purpose back for the football team. He averaged more than 90 rushing yards per game as a senior in 2022. He again was selected as an All-Piedmont Athletic Conference player. He was one of Providence Grove’s key players in boys’ basketball as a guard. He wrapped up his prep career as a sprinter on the track and field team. His twin brother, Zander Cheek, also was a standout athlete for the Patriots. ** During the summer, we recognize seniors from the past school year.
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Mackenzie Roach

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Mackenzie Roach

Randleman, softball Roach played her final season with the Tigers in what was a softball career that began as a freshman. She was listed as an infielder and pitcher. The Tigers were off to a strong start to this past season, with victories in three of their first four games before fading to a 7-16 record. Roach also was selected as an All-Piedmont Athletic Conference performer in girls’ swimming. ** During the summer, we recognize seniors from the past school year.
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Ava Cugino

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Ava Cugino

Uwharrie Charter Academy, girls’ soccer Cugino repeated a spot on the Piedmont Athletic Conference all-conference team. This year, she was second among the Eagles with seven goals and third on the team with 11 assists. She also was one of the primary options on UCA for corner kicks. UCA produced an 8-11-2 record that included one road victory in the Class 1-A state playoffs. Cugino also participated in girls’ tennis for the Eagles.
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: David Elliott

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: David Elliott

Asheboro, boys’ golf Elliott wrapped up his high school career by tying for 57th in the Class 3-A state tournament this spring. Elliott was a member of the Mid-Piedmont Conference all-conference team for the third year in a row. He was a three-time regional qualifier (while his freshman season in 2020 was cut short by the pandemic). Elliott has competed in numerous youth and amateur tournaments. ** During the summer, we recognize seniors from the past school year.
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Gabi Carter

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Gabi Carter

Randleman, volleyball Carter was rated among Randleman’s top producers in several categories during her senior season on the volleyball team. She was the leader among the Tigers in service percentage and second on the team in aces. She also made strong contributions in blocks and kills per set. She played as an outside hitter and defensive specialist. Randleman racked up a 17-6 record in 2022 for its fifth consecutive winning season. Carter was also a member of Randleman’s Piedmont Athletic Conference champion girls’ basketball team. ** During the summer, we recognize seniors from the past school year.
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