high school sports

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: 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: 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: 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: Ben Medinger

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Ben Medinger

Uwharrie Charter Academy, baseball  Medinger has been a steady performer for the Eagles, and he’s one of the core veterans on the team.  UCA went 3-0 last week, including winning a pair of tight Piedmont Athletic Conference matchups with Eastern Randolph. Medinger scored a run in the team’s 3-0 decision against Eastern Randolph.  Medinger, a senior utility player, is among the top UCA players in on-base percentage and run production.  He was one of two UCA selections for the All-PAC team in 2022.  Entering this week with an 8-9 record, the Eagles are within two victories of matching last year’s…
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Lanie McDaniel

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Lanie McDaniel

Eastern Randolph, softball Eastern Randolph carried a four-game winning streak into spring break, and McDaniel did her part. Posting two hits in a Piedmont Athletic Conference victory against Randleman was among her contributions. McDaniel, a senior infielder, also drove in two runs in the Randleman game. She had a hit and scored a run in a 2-1 victory at Northern Guilford. She also scored in a one-run decision against Providence Grove. With six doubles and 13 runs batted in, she’s among the team leaders in several offensive categories.  McDaniel was an All-PAC girls’ golfer in the fall.
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Kynley Brewer

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Kynley Brewer

Uwharrie Charter Academy, softball Brewer drove in runs last week in a pair of victories for the Eagles. Brewer, a senior, scored two runs and knocked in a row against Trinity. She had two hits, two runs batted in, and scored in a run in a game at Asheboro. She was credited with two stolen bases in each game. UCA won 17-0 at Trinity in its Piedmont Athletic Conference opener in a game that lasted three innings as the Eagles posted an eight-run second inning and nine-run third inning. Then there was a 10-0 result in a non-conference game at…
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Madison Varner

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Madison Varner

Southwestern Randolph, softball Varner had a game-winning single in the ninth inning of the Cougars’ season-opening victory against visiting North Stanly. Varner, a senior, is trying to help the Cougars to another winning season. She was a regular in the lineup a year ago. This week, the Cougars begin Piedmont Athletic Conference play. They won their final five PAC regular-season games last spring.
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Maddie Small

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Maddie Small

Southwestern Randolph, girls’ basketball Small had a couple of solid games last week in the Piedmont Athletic Conference Tournament. She’s a senior captain on a team that has several key underclassmen. Small, a forward, provided nine points when the Cougars defeated Trinity 47-46 in the PAC Tournament quarterfinals. She led Southwestern Randolph with 14 points in a 75-49 semifinal loss to Eastern Randolph.  
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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Thomas Leal

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Thomas Leal

Southwestern Randolph, boys’ basketball  The Cougars might have hit their stride, and they’ve been receiving key contributions from a variety of players. Leal is one of them. This has come as Southwestern Randolph cranked up a late-season surge for the second season in a row. Leal, a senior guard, scored 15 points in last week’s 63-58 victory at Providence Grove. He was one of four Cougars in double figures, led by Sean Adkins with 18. The Cougars entered this week with a six-game winning streak, helping them move into second place in the Piedmont Athletic Conference. Leal has been a…
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