MINT HILL, NC – This week with CMS holding mid-term exams at Independence and other schools, many games were scheduled for next week. However, Friday night there was plenty of action in our area between public, private and charter high schools.

We covered and focused on an important 4A Conference 59 contest between East Mecklenburg and Rocky River. Our reason behind selecting this game, it featured three area top players, Jordon Neville, Jonah Lawrence and Jayden Lyles.

Featured Athlete:

Natalie Goodfellow – The senior PG/SG for the Lady Stallions had herself an outstanding week on the hardcourt. She scored 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double, added 6 assists and 1 steal while earning “Player of the Game” honors against the Comets from Carolina International. Also, she scored 15 points, with 11 assists and a steal against North Point Christian Academy. The Charter school standout is averaging 13.1 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.2 steals this season. A team leader on the court, she has earned recognition for her efforts and hard work.

Honorable Mention: 

Nasya Allen – The senior QGHS Lady Stallion scored 22 points, hauled down 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals against the Nighthawks from North Point Christian while being named “Player of the Game.” She contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds against Carolina International for a second double-double of the week. Allen is averaging 12.0 points per game this season and 9.1 rebounds. Allen was our runner-up for the top spot this week.

Jayden Ross – The sophomore PG had a huge game against the Eagles scoring 22 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block.

Shamari Johnson – The junior PF scored 13 points along with 9 rebounds against the Eagles from East Mecklenburg for the Ravens. He is averaging 12.5 points per game, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 block per game.

Jayden Lyles – The senior PG/SG scored 19 points against the Eagles. He is averaging 19.0 points per game, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals for the Ravens this season to date.

Emanuel Torres – The senior SG scored 13 points, hauled in 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block against East Mecklenburg.

Jaxson Neely – The upcoming QGHS Stallions freshman is averaging 14.6 points per game, 3.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 3.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks.

Kareem Weaver – The senior is having a solid final season for the Stallions 12.8 points per game, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 4.2 steals.

The upcoming key matchup contests we will be covering this week includes Independence Patriots basketball vs. Charlotte Catholic in an important 4A Conference 59 boys and girls high school games at the “Big I.”