Devonte Brooks

Widespread success reshapes Eastern Randolph’s reputation

Widespread success reshapes Eastern Randolph’s reputation

Among the thrills for Eastern Randolph during the past school year came following a road victory against South Stokes in the boys’ basketball state playoffs as coach Johnny Thomas and the team celebrate. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record)   RAMSEUR – Eastern Randolph had a different kind of school year in 2022-23. For athletics director Foster Cates, the perception of athletics at the school might be changing. That’s because the Wildcats advanced to the Class 1-A state championship game in boys’ basketball. That had never happened before. “It has been such a football and baseball dominant school forever,” Cates said. “I wanted…
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Prep Roundup: Spring athletes hit strides

Prep Roundup: Spring athletes hit strides

Logan Zepfir of UCA slides in safely at the plate as Trinity catcher Eva Porter applies a late tag during a PAC softball game earlier this season. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Three days after appearing in the Class 1-A state championship game for boys’ basketball, Eastern Randolph’s Connor Carter shot 44 for second place in a Piedmont Athletic Conference boys’ golf match at Colonial Country Club. Ryan Marshall of Wheatmore was the winner with 43. In a PAC match Thursday at Tot Hill Farm, Carter topped the seven-team field by shooting 37 for a six-shot victory on runner-up Cooper Wright of…
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A day filled with memories: Scenes from the Class 1-A title game

A day filled with memories: Scenes from the Class 1-A title game

Members of the Eastern Randolph team pose for a team photo after the championship game. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) RALEIGH – Saturday was a special day for Eastern Randolph as the Wildcats played in a state championship in basketball for the first time. The result was a loss to Wilson Prep in the Class 1-A boys’ final at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh. Still, there were memorable moments as the team’s historic season came to a close.     The season concluded with a 29-3 record and plenty of positive memories for the Piedmont Athletic Conference and Class 1-A West Region champions.
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NOT QUITE ENOUGH: Eastern Randolph boys fall in 1-A state final

NOT QUITE ENOUGH: Eastern Randolph boys fall in 1-A state final

Eastern Randolph coach Johnny Thomas consoles Devonte Brooks, left, as Will Stalker looks on after the Class 1-A state final. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) RALEIGH – The greatest basketball season in the history of Eastern Randolph had a sour ending. The Wildcats needed one more comeback and couldn’t quite generate it, falling 84-73 to Wilson Prep in the Class 1-A state championship game for boys' basketball Saturday afternoon at Reynolds Coliseum. “These boys have dedicated everything they possibly could to the sport of basketball the last four months,” Eastern Randolph coach Johnny Thomas said. “We have nothing to be sad over.”…
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Prep basketball: Eastern Randolph boys keep season going, win regional semi on road

Prep basketball: Eastern Randolph boys keep season going, win regional semi on road

Coach Johnny Thomas makes a postgame video with his Eastern Randolph boys’ basketball team after winning the Class 1-A West Region semifinal at South Stokes. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) WALNUT COVE – Pierce Leonard scored 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and Eastern Randolph rallied past South Stokes to continue its best postseason in program history. The Wildcats put together a strong second half to pull out the Class 1-A West Region semifinal, winning 74-71 on Tuesday night. “I told them, ‘I am proud of you. We’ve had a long season, but this is not it,’ ” first-year…
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Prep Football: Randleman, E. Randolph win key road games

Prep Football: Randleman, E. Randolph win key road games

Amarion Moton tries to run away from Southwestern Randolph’s Jentezen Cox and the rest of the Cougars. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Randleman and Eastern Randolph won road games Friday night to move closer to a huge Piedmont Athletic Conference showdown in two weeks. Randleman rocked Southwestern Randolph, while Eastern Randolph knocked off neighbor Providence Grove. Here’s a look at Friday night’s games. Randleman 34, Southwestern Randolph 7: At Asheboro. Amarion Moton ran for two touchdowns and Tyshaun Goldston scored on two passes from Christian Long for the visiting Tigers (6-2, 3-0 PAC). Christian McLeod kicked field goals from 33 and 24…
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