By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Attacking from the inside and the outside gave host Watauga a formidable 1-2 punch on Jan. 17, defeating Hibriten at Lentz Eggers Gym in convincing fashion, 84-58.

Building on Jace Blocker’s 9-point effort down low in the first quarter, junior guard Cade Keller hit two of his five 3-pointers on the night in the second quarter, helping the Pioneers gain separation. Keller’s 12 points in the second period led him to a game-high 23 points by the final buzzer, while Blocker tallied 21 points, all from inside the and on the charity stripe.

After getting up on opponents the last two Northwestern Conference games at South Caldwell and Alexander Central but failing to finish in the 2024-25 season’s only conference losses, the Pioneers got back in stride and didn’t let up in this contest. Important stat: Watauga got a lot of second chance opportunities with 14 offensive rebounds.

Hibriten’s future under new head coach Ronshad Shabazz, the former all-Sun Belt Conference performer at App State, may have become evident with the varsity performance of freshman Rob Beasley. The 6-0 guard helped the Panthers keep the deficit respectable with 22 points, all scored in the final three quarters. Holden Woodward added 17 and Julius Martin contributed 12, but overall Hibriten had a challenging time dealing with the Pioneers’ pressing, disruptive defense.

With the loss, Hibriten falls to 3-14 on the season while Watauga improves to 9-5 after the win. The Pioneers next face East Forsyth on Jan. 18, at West Forsyth in Winston-Salem. The Pioneers know how to put points on the board after scoring 55 or more points in their last 14 games.

East Forsyth (7-3) comes into the game on a six-game winning streak, the Eagles’ most recent victim the Reagan Raiders on Jan. 17.

SCORING

• WAT – Cade Keller (23 points)
• HIB – Rob Beasley (22)
• WAT – Jace Blocker (21)
• HIB – Holden Woodward (17)
• HIB – Julius Martin (12)
• WAT – Josiah Railey (11)
• WAT – Jackson Love (6)
• WAT – Eli Bishop (5)
• HIB – Demarius Walton (5)
• WAT – Seth Greene (4)
• WAT – Kyle Williams (3)
• WAT – Maddox Greene (3)
• WAT – Logan Greene (2)
• WAT – Brady Lindenmuth (2)
• WAT – J T Cook (2)
• WAT – Paul Taylor (2)
• HIB – Dexter Mosely (2)

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Leading from start to finish, Watauga women’s basketball piled on as the game went on, Jan. 17, leaving Lentz Eggers Gym with a 59-44 win over Hibriten.

Point guard Kate Sears delivered a whopping 31 points on the night, but her scoring was often facilitated by a strong Pioneer supporting cast. Guard Julie Matheson was also in double figures, scoring, with 10 points, while outside sharpshooters Blair Haines and Izzy Torgerson delivered 7 points and 6 points, respectively.

This year’s surprise newcomer to the game of basketball, center Chloe Wilson, has quietly earned increased playing time and is proving to be a force inside the paint for Watauga. At 6-0, her inside threat draws multiple defenders and has taken some pressure off of Sears operating from the outside.

In her frequent trips driving to the basket, Sears drew contact from the Panthers and capitalized with 12-of-12 shooting from the charity stripe.

Next up for Watauga is a rare Saturday contest, Jan. 18, against R J Reynolds at West Forsyth, in Winston-Salem, with tipoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

SCORING

• WAT – Kate Sears (31 points)
• HIB – Zoe Rector (14)
• HIB – Aamori Patterson (12)
• WAT – Julie Matheson (10)
• HIB – Karlee Starnes (8)
• WAT – Blair Haines (7)
• WAT – Izzy Torgerson (6)
• HIB – McKenzie Collins (5)
• WAT – Shelby Thompson (3)
• WAT – Kaitlyn Darner (2)

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — An early close encountergave way to a dominating, 72-44 win for the Watauga men’s junior varsity over visiting Hibriten on Jan. 17 at Lentz Eggers Gym.

BONUS PHOTOS at bottom of article (click on any image for Slide Show Mode)

Colby Whiteside (20 points) and Wit Williamson (16 points) led the way for the Pioneers, but were also joined by a quartet of Pioneers in providing notable offensive production. Bryce Scheffler, Mason Tate and Blake Bance scored 8 points each while Miller Hankins came off the bench to add 7 points of his own.

For Hibriten, Rob Beasley and Deacon Ogborn combined for 19 first quarter points to keep things close for the Panthers at the end of the opening stanza, even staying within reach by intermission, but defensive adjustments by the Pioneers and a scoring barrage by Tate and Whiteside in the decisive third quarter created separation the hosts refused to relinquish.

SCORING

• WAT – Colby Whiteside (20 points)
• WAT – Wit Williamson (16)
• HIB – Rob Beasley (15)
• HIB – Colin Cook (9)
• WAT – Mason Tate (8)
• WAT – Bryce Scheffler (8)
• WAT – Blake Bance (8)
• HIB – Deacon Ogborn (8)
• HIB – Cooper Boggs (8)
• WAT – Miller Hankins (7)
• WAT – Asa Privette (4)
• HIB – Rylan Morgan (2)
• HIB – Austin Barlowe (2)
• WAT – Cole Lewis (1)

BONUS PHOTOS

(All photographic images by David Rogers for High Country Sports)

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Leveraging a trio of 3-pointers by three different players in the second quarter to gain early separation, Watauga’s WBB junior varsity capitalized with pesky defense and opportunistic play in the second half to defeat visiting Hibriten on Jan. 17, 35-24, in Lentz Eggers Gym.

Presli Wood, Charlie Mattox and Izzy Mohr all hit from behind the 3-point arc in the decisive second period to power the Pioneers’ offensive production. Mattox finished the game with a game-high 11 points, with steady contributions throughout the contest from Wood (7 points), Mohr (8 points) and Steph Mendez (6 points).

Hibriten had six Panthers get in the scoring column, with Makenzie Collins shooting a team-high 4 points.

SCORING

• WAT – Charlie Mattox (11 points)
• WAT – Izzy Mohr (8)
• WAT – Presli Wood (7)
• WAT – Steph Mendez (6)
• HIB – Makenzie Collins (4)
• HIB – Jayden Smith (3)
• HIB – Skyla Lail (3)
• HIB – Melanie Burgess (3)
• HIB – Leah Watson (3)
• HIB – Madi Walker (3)
• WAT – Glo Lutz (2)
• WAT – Ellie Hege (1)

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C.— Against four Northwestern Conference rivals and a pair of non-conference opponents, the Watauga High School women’s swimming team flexed their muscles on Senior Night, Jan. 15, at the Watauga County Recreation Center pool.

The depth of the 2024-25 season’s roster was on display, as evidenced by the team’s relay performances:

• • In the 200 Medley Relay, the Pioneers had three relay teams, finishing No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5. The first place team featured senior Lola Herring, senior Mary-Kathryn Riddle, senior Maggie Cheves, and junior Athena Elliott.
  • No fewer than 10 Pioneer teams (40 swimmers) competed in the Women’s 200 Free Relay, coming away with No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, No. 9 and No. 12. The first place team featured Cheves, Tessa Buchanan, Addison Wilson and Elliott.
  • In the longer distance, 400 Free Relay event, Watauga had two entries, finishing No. 1 and No. 3. The first place team was comprised of junior Macie Kent, junior Ireland Laxton, freshman Francesca Martin and sophomore Addison Wilson.

First place Watauga performances in individual events included:

• • Women’s 200 Individual Medley – Lola Herring
  • Women’s 50 Free – Athena Elliott
  • Women’s 100 Free – Maggie Cheves
  • Women’s 500 Free – Addison Wilson
  • Women’s 100 Backstroke – Maggie Cheves

With that roster depth, Watauga secured plenty of points vs. each of the individual teams.

• • Watauga 128, Alexander Central 37
  • Watauga 137, Ashe County 14
  • Watauga 137, Avery County 9
  • Watauga 124, University Christian 40
  • Watauga 135, Freedom 27

Pioneer Men go 4-1

In the Men’s Division, the events were often very close, reflecting in several cases reflecting stronger men’s programs in general in the Northwestern Conference. The Pioneers finished 4-1 on the night, losing only the dual competition vs. University Christian.

First place performances among the Watauga men included:

• • Men’s 200 Free – Lanson Gilbert
  • Men’s 50 Free – Michael Makdad
  • Men’s 100 Free – Silas Powell

The Watauga men’s team scores:

• • Watauga 84, Alexander Central 55
  • University Christian 73, Watauga 64
  • Watauga 92, Ashe County 8
  • Watauga 90, Avery County 8
  • Watauga 74, Freedom 67

The 2024-25 Senior Class

• Maggie Cheves will continue swimming career at Catawba College, planning to major in Environmental Science.
• Bridget Flaherty plans to major in Communications at a 4-year university.
• Autumn Gardner will attend Appalachian State with plans for a double major in English and History.
• Trathan Gragg plans to attend a 4-year university, play football and pursue a degree in kinesiology.
• Lola Herring is leaning toward attending Colorado State, but is yet undecided about which 4-year university she will attend.
• Patrick Mellon plans to serve the USA by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.
• Thomas Moss will attend a 4-year university and study Nursing.
• Abi Pitts plans to attend a 4-year university and study Public Health on a pre-Med track.
• Reese Reule will attend a 4-year university and pursue a major in Biology, aiming for a career as a cardiovascular surgeon.
• Mary Kathryn Riddle plans to attend Liberty University, yet undecided as to a major.
• Annabelle Stewart will attend Milligan University to study Environmental Science and compete on the track and cross country teams.
• Jack Wilson plans to attend a 4-year university, play football and major in Construction Management.
• Jonah Zeruca is leaning toward attending UNC Charlotte, but his so far undecided about which 4-year university he will attend.

All Watauga Performances:

By David Rogers. TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. — With roughly five minutes to go in the men’s basketball game between Alexander Central and Watauga, the Pioneers seemingly were in control with a 7-point lead. Missed shots and forced turnovers in the the closing minutes proved the visitors’ undoing, however, as the host Cougars took advantage en route to a 68-65 win.

Cougar guard Jayon Connor had a night, pouring in 39 points and clearing the boards for 8 rebounds. For good measure, the 6-5 junior guard added 4 assists, 2 blocks and 3 steals. Fellow guard Jaheim Redmond added 14 points and a game-high 7 assists, with 3 steals.

Watauga’s offensive production was broad, with four players in double figures, led by 15 points from junior guard Cade Keller. Others included guard Josiah Railey’s 13, forward Jace Blocker’s 10 points and guard Jackson Love’s 10 points.

The Cougars’ were successful in limiting the 3-point sharpshooter Keller’s opportunities from beyond the arc. In previous games he has burned the nets for as many as 30 points, and so far this year has average 16.8 points per game, including the Jan. 14 tilt.

Next up for the Pioneers (8-5 overall, 0-2 Northwestern Conference) is a home matchup on Jan. 17 vs. Hibriten.  Alexander Central (8-7, 2-0) goes on the road to South Caldwell.

TOP PERFORMERS

• AC – Jayon Connor: 39 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, 3 steals
• AC – Garison Millsaps: 8 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals
• AC – Jaheim Redmond: 14 points, 7 assists, 3 steals
• WAT – Cade Keller: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block
• WAT – Maddox Greene: 8 points, 6 assists, 3 steals
• WAT – Jace Blocker: 10 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
• WAT – Jackson Love: 10 points, 3 rebounds
• WAT – Brady Lindenmuth: 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal

By David Rogers. TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. — Host Alexander Central varsity women’s basketball team battled valiantly in every quarter on Jan. 14, but the Cougars could not quite overcome their own turnovers while Watauga capitalized on them. The Pioneers prevailed in a squeaker, 48-44.

The Pioneers’ senior guard Kate Sears recorded game-highs in rebounds (16) and steals (4), while also posting team-highs in points (14) and in assists (5). From the charity stripe, Sears was 4-for-4.

Sophomore guard Blair Haines also finished the game in double figures (11 points), nailing a trio of shots from beyond the arc down the stretch.

The Cougars’ strength emerged inside the paint, where they held a decisive, 28-12 advantage over Watauga. Unfortunately, Alexander Central committed 14 turnovers on the night and the Pioneers had little sympathy while minimizing their own miscues. By game’s end, the Boone visitors had scored 17 points on ACHS turnovers, while giving up only 4 points on their own (6) ball-handling errors.

Where Watauga missed some shots (they only made 17 of 65 attempts from the field), a teammate was often following up with an offensive rebound. The Pioneers registered a 14-3 advantage in second chance points. Of their 40 rebounds, 20 were on the offensive end.

Add Sears’ being perfect at the free throw line to a 2-for-2 performance at the line by senior Kaitlyn Darner, Watauga made all six of their foul shots.

Game-high scoring honors went to the Cougars’ junior forward Meredith Wike and her 20 points. Fellow forward Faith Burch earned a double-double, with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Malayah Adams gets game-high recognition for her six assists.

Next up for the Pioneers (8-5 overall, 2-0 in Northwestern Conference) is a Jan. 17 date at home, vs. Hibriten (10-5, 0-1). Alexander Central (10-5, 1-1) travels to Hudson to play the third 4A rival in the conference, South Caldwell (9-7, 0-2).

TOP PERFORMERS

• WAT – Kate Sears: 14 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 1 block
• WAT – Blair Haines: 11 points, 2 rebounds
• WAT – Julie Matheson: 5 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
• WAT – Kaitlyn Darner: 6 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
• AC – Meredith Wike: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
• AC – Faith Burch: 13 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal
• Malayah Adams: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists

By David Rogers. TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. — Although the host Alexander Central men’s junior varsity team led Watauga 30-29 at halftime, six 3-pointers by the Pioneers’ Mason Tate in the second half broke things open to help lead the visitors to a convincing, 77-62 win on Jan. 14.

Tate’s game-high 26 points, including eight treys from behind the arc, was joined by 19 points from teammate Cole Lewis. The starting guard not only made five 3-pointers of his own, but was also a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

In fact, Watauga had three players without a miss from the charity stripe, including Lewis, Lucas Cash (2-for-2) and Caleb Ogden (3-for-3).

Watauga’s scoring came from nine different players, led by Tate and Lewis as the only ones in double figures.

Now 7-2 on the season, Watauga faces Hibriten on Jan. 17 at Lentz Eggers Gym, at home.

SCORING

• WAT – Mason Tate (26)
• WAT – Cole Lewis (19)
• AC – Cooper Oxentine (12)
• AC – Nate Roark (12)
• AC – Bryant Fox (10)
• WAT – Wit Williamson (7)
• WAT – Caleb Ogden (7)
• AC – Luke Collins (7)
• WAT – Colby Whiteside (6)
• AC – Quis Parks (6)
• AC – Graham Hoke (6)
• WAT – Blake Bance (5)
• AC – Carter Payne (5)
• WAT – Chase McInturff (3)
• AC – Jacob Hubbard (3)
• WAT – Bryce Scheffler (2)
• WAT – Lucas Cash (2)
• AC – James Hensen (1)

By David Rogers. TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. — With a clear height advantage, Alexander Central’s women’s basketball junior varsity overwhelmed their Watauga counterparts, 50-32, on Jan. 14.

Cooper Childers poured in a game-high 13 points for the Cougars, including one of two ACHS 3-pointers. The other trey was a first quarter salvo by Kayleigh Porter.

Guard Lyla Mayberry also got into double figures for Alexander Central. Her 12 points included hitting on two of three attempts from the charity stripe.

While Watauga only had four players find the bottom of the net, led by Steph Mendez’s 11 points and eight apiece by Presli Wood and Charlie Mattox, the Cougars saw points generated up and down their roster.

Watauga got behind early and although they staged a little bit of a rally in the second half, could not sustain it enough to cut meaningfully into the Cougars’ 15 point lead by intermission.

Next on the schedule for Watauga is a home tilt vs. Hibriten on Jan. 17.

SCORING

• AC – Cooper Childers (13)
• AC – Lyla Mayberry (12)
• WAT – Steph Mendez (11)
• WAT – Presli Wood (8)
• WAT – Charlie Mattox (8)
• AC – Alivia Smth (6)
• AC – Hannah Chapman (6)
• AC – Madi Green (6)
• WAT – Madison Millsaps (5)
• AC – Kayleigh Porter (3)