athlete of the week

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Hayden Hemming

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Hayden Hemming

Wheatmore, boys’ soccer  Hemming turned in an incredible week by scoring seven goals across two games.  The sophomore midfielder scored three goals in a 5-3 loss to visiting Southwestern Randolph. Then Hemming was even more productive two days later by posting four goals in a 5-3 victory against host Uwharrie Charter Academy.   That result marked the Warriors’ first PAC victory of the year and their third triumph overall.  Hemming has been Wheatmore’s leading scorer, with about half of the team’s total goals this season.  A year ago on the Warriors’ powerhouse team, Hemming was credited with nine goals in…
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Sarabeth Johnson

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Sarabeth Johnson

Trinity, volleyball Johnson has been a steady contributor for the Bulldogs during her senior season. Trinity carried a six-match winning streak into action this week. In last week’s five-set conquering of Eastern Randolph, Johnson provided 18 digs, 17 kills and four aces. Johnson, a captain who’s listed as an outside hitter and a setter, rates in the top two on the team in kills, digs and service aces. She received all-PAC recognition in the spring as a jumper for Trinity’s track and field team.
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: PEDRO ORTIZ

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: PEDRO ORTIZ

Southwestern Randolph, boys’ soccer Ortiz was a major contributor in three victories last week for Southwestern Randolph. He supplied a goal against both Trinity and North Davidson after earlier in the week notching an assist against Providence Grove. The Cougars have been a strong team in racking up a nine-game winning streak entering this week. Through 11 games, they’ve outscored their opponents by a cumulative score of 54-9. Ortiz is a sophomore midfielder.
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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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