From staff reports
In Thursday’s first-round matches in the 3A state championships at Greensboro Coliseum, South Rowan’s Jonathan Ruiz, East Rowan’s Mark Almeida, Carson’s Brandon Sloop and A.L. Brown’s Robert Smith prevailed.
Ruiz took a 17-8 major decision at 113 pounds against Jacksonville’s Latrone Evans.
Almeida advanced via a forfeit victory against Sun Valley’s Moses Richardson at 120.
At 152, Sloop won a 4-3 decision against Western Harnett’s Dakota Roberts.
Smith recorded a pin at 170 against Patton’s Tyler Buff.
South’s Logan Durham lost a 12-4 major decision at 106 to Hunt’s Noell Carillo.
A.L. Brown’s Avery Clinding was decisioned 4-0 at 106 by West Brunswick’s Ronnie Dellinger.
East’s Jason Deutsch lost a 6-2 decision at 113 to Havelock’s Jake Smith.
At 132, West Rowan’s Jaymes Fairbank lost a 3-2 decision to Fred T. Foard’s Ben Pitts.
South’s Austin Holbrook lost 6-5 at 145 to Western Harnett’s Michael Zak. Also at 145, A.L. Brown’s Arley Flores lost by technical fall to Orange’s Zach Rimmer.
West heavyweight Tre Sheppard was pinned by Havelock’s Derrick Nelson in the first round.
In 4A matches on Wednesday, Davie’s Ryan Smith and Alex Gobble won their openers.
Smith decisioned South View’s Xavier Martinez 9-5 at 126, while Gobble beat Enloe’s Kevin Stiles by tech fall at 170.
Davie’s Lake Billings was pinned at 106 by Britt’s Andrew Wanovich.
Davie’s Trevor Albarron lost a 4-1 decision at 113 to Durham Jordan’s Robbie Tomasic.
Davie’s Gerald Whitaker lost a 5-2 decision at 138 to Independence’s Casey Belville.
At 160, Davie’s Trevon Faulkner lost by tech fall to Cary’s Bo Mulligan.
Davie’s Jack Robertson was pinned at 182 by Greenville Rose’s Jay Speight.
In 2A first-round action on Thursday, Salisbury’s D’Andre Hunter got off to a good start at 126. He won a major decision (12-0) over Topsail’s Johnny Deveaugh.
Salisbury’s Sam Murph lost at 106 in the first round. He dropped a 4-3 decision to Pisgah’s Drew Singleton.
In the 1A ranks, North Rowan’s large contingent — Will Robertson, A.J. Chambers, Thomas Fowler, Josh Mock, Giancarlo Solorzano, Marc Gonzalez, Damon Ellis, Tyler Powers and Brandon Lemmon — will get on the mats this afternoon.
Leading team scoring after the first round were Pinecrest (4A), Orange (3A) and North Surry (2A).
Wrestling continues through Saturday night at Greensboro Coliseum. Finals are scheduled to start at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
RoCo wrestling
Twenty-six middle school and elementary school RoCo wrestlers competed in the NCWAY State Championships in Raleigh.
The RoCo squad finished fourth out of 48 teams.
First-place winners were Oren Bost (8-Under, 90 pounds), Cameron Rayfield (12U, 105) and Branson Knabbe (12U, 130).
Finishing second were Michael Sloop (12U, 130), Bailey Rayfield (12U, 120) and Spencer Bowler (12U, heavyweight).
Third-place finishers were Blake Earley (6U, 40), Josh Teeter (8U, heavyweight), Seth Simmerson (8U, 70), Mitchell Juchno (10U, 103), Anthony Fox (12U, heavyweight) and Cody Kepley (15U, 180).
Finishing fourth were Matthew Sloop (10U, 85), Matthew Moore (15U, 150), Jaron McMasters (15U, 150) and A.J. Troutman (8U, 70).
RoCo also competed in the NCWAY Elementary State Duals in Raleigh recently and finished third.
Members of the team were Sammy Kincaid (45), Gabe Kincaid (50), Michael Lowry (55), Nate Burrage (60), Logan Lambert (65), Michael Molenda (70), Timmy Boyd (75), Braxton Woods (80), Matthew Sloop (85), Bost (90), Juchno (105), Michael Sloop (115), Hunter Hall (125) and Fox (heavyweight).
Local golf
After two rounds of the eGolf Tour’s Oldfield Open held in Okatie, S.C., Salisbury’s Frank Adams III is tied for fourth at 5-under 137.
Adams shot a second-round 65 to leap into contention. He’s just one shot back of the three leaders.
Will Collins (Salisbury) is tied for 10th at 139 after a second-round 67.
Elliot Gealy (Salisbury) missed the cut at 145.
Catawba lacrosse
Catawba jumped out early and beat Saint Leo 14-11 in Deep South men’s lacrosse on Thursday at Shuford Stadium.
The 12th-ranked Indians (3-0) got four goals from Braden Artem and three from John Scheich. Michael Pecchia made 14 saves.
7th-grade hoops
West Rowan’s boys beat Southeast 41-25. The Bulldogs (7-2) rebounded well from a tough loss on Tuesday. They committed only five turnovers and shot 45 percent.
Kortez Weeks scored 11 points and had nine steals. Armoni Hogue had nine points, and Nick Warren scored eight. Rodney Howell and Jovon Quarles combined for 16 rebounds.
Malon Herron scored 10 for the Patriots, and Lawrence Robinson added eight.
Mooresville’s girls upset previously unbeaten Erwin 30-28.
Erwin (8-1) is now tied with Knox.
Carlee Brooks scored 10 points for third-place Mooresville (7-2).
Breya Philpot had 10 points, a whopping 24 rebounds and seven blocked shots for Erwin. Destiny Jackson had 10 points and five steals. Micah Furr added six points and six rebounds. Ashlyn Mills and Bree Medlin both grabbed six boards.
Mooresville’s unbeaten boys topped the Eagles 37-23. Jay Davis and Noah Hall scored 14 each for the Red Imps,.
Garvin Stewart added eight.
Erwin (2-7) was paced by Lucas Morton with eight points.
Pfeiffer athletics
Pfeiffer’s women’s basketball players Brittany Cox and Sam Craven were named to the Conference Carolinas all-academic squad.
Parks and Recreation
Salisbury Parks and Recreation is currently taking registrations for its men’s open softball league, coed kickball league and men’s flag football league. Contact Lakai Brice lbric@salisburync.gov or Steve Clark sclar@salisburync.gov or call Hall Gym at 704-638-5289.
P.A.L. football
Registration for Salisbury 49ers P.A.L. football and cheerleading will be held at Salon Envy (1117 Long St.) on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9-1.
The 49ers will have teams ages 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12. Cost is $75 for new players and $60 for returning players. Bring birth certificate, report cards, physicals.
Salisbury Stingz
Salisbury Stingz tryouts for girls basketball players in grades 4-6 will be held Sunday at Hall Gym from 4-5:30 p.m. A meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Contact Tom McDaniel at 704-637-1261.