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Articles by Derrick Battle
Daily Legal News
Common Pleas Other Date Filed July 9, 2020 Case Number 934712 Amount $8,867.87 Case Type Other Judge Judge T. McCormick Plaintiff Filed by. Smartland, LLC 67 Alpha Park Highland Heights, OH 44143 Plaintiff's Attorney Weltman Weinberg & Reis, Co LPA 323 W. Lakeside Avenue Cleveland OH 44113 Defendant Derrick Battle, et al. 13702 Thornhurst Ave. Garfield Heights, OH 44105 About your information and the public record.
Hickory moves up to third in Northwestern 3A-4A with shutout victory
HICKORY – Dominate pitching and solid hitting contributed in the Hickory Red Tornadoes 3-0 victory against the South Caldwell Spartans in Northwestern 3A-4A action Saturday afternoon.This is the first time since the 2014 season the Red Tornadoes (8-4, 5-3) beat the Spartans (9-2, 6-2).“This was a huge victory for our guys,” Hickory head coach David Craft said.
HELMS CLOSING IN
By DERRICK BATTLEdbattle@hickoryrecord.comHICKORY -- In a rubber match basketball game between the Hickory High and South Caldwell girls on Friday night, the Red Tornadoes pounced on the Spartans from the opening tip, playing suffocating defense and transitioning that into points in a 44-28 victory at Craft Gym.The victory pushed Hickory head coach Barbara Helms to her 397th career victory and left Spartans (14-5, 7-3) sharing second place with Watauga (12-6, 7-3) after league-leading...
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Witherspoon scores 25 in return home, sparks Wingate women past Bears
HICKORY -- The focus for Wingate University’s women on Wednesday night was to attack the paint, which they did successfully as they upended Lenoir-Rhyne 68-52 in South Atlantic Conference (SAC) basketball at Shuford Gym.By winning, Wingate (14-4, 10-3) moved into a three-way tie for second place, while LRU (12-7, 8-5) fell to fourth place.The Bears’ 16-point loss snapped their four-game win streak – and a 15-game home win streak.
BACK ON THE COURSE
HICKORY -- Many people have goals and aspirations and many can achieve them without enduring a huge obstacle or strife. But there are few who must make this decision -- continue pursuing a lifelong dream or place it on hold when a loved one is in need.Meet Tyler Lowman, a 23-year old golfer from Hickory who competed in the Silicon Valley Presented by Callaway golf tournament in Morgan Hill, Calif., in mid-January.
Bandys community shares love and memories of Trevor Lail
Classmates, friends and family got a chance to share one last goodbye and some heartfelt memories of Trevor Pierce Lail, 18, who lost his battle with cancer on Dec. 31. Bandys High hosted a celebration of his life on Thursday. It was a moment when a school became more than just a community.
Poston's PGA start going smoothly so far
It has been a fast start on the PGA Tour for Hickory native J.T. Poston.After receiving his tour card in August, he’s competed in five events.It’s been two months since Poston, 23, started his trek on the PGA Tour, and he will next compete in the Sony Open at the Waiale Country Club in Hawaii, which begins Monday.In his first five events, Poston’s made the cut and finished three times.“The first five events I had some flashes of good golf, but I did not put four rounds together for a good...
Lenoir-Rhyne outlast Tusculum
By: Derrick BattleRecord SportswriterHICKORY – Exactly one week after the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears were defeated by Belmont-Abbey in overtime, they rebounded by conquering the Tusculum Pioneers 84-71 in South Atlantic Conference (SAC) action Wednesday night.Five LRU (4-5, 3-2 SAC) players were in double-figures led by senior guard Jalen Variste who had a game high 19 points and four rebounds.The Bears never trailed in the game; during the first half LRU went on a 15-6 run to take a 26-12 lead with...
NOT LOOKING AHEAD
dbattle@hickoryrecord.comLENOIR -- The euphoria within a perfect football season is something Hibriten High’s Panthers have displayed throughout the year.Sitting 14-0 and as the West 3A top seed, the Panthers are at home on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. to face Midwest No. 1 seed South Point (10-4) for a West title and berth in next weekend’s state 3A champion game.But Hibriten head coach Chip Lewis says the focus is not on a state championship – it’s squarely on Friday night’s game.“I don’t...
Unity turned South Point’s year around
dbattle@hickoryrecord.comBELMONT -- It’s been a tale of two seasons for South Point High’s Red Raiders (10-4), who are the top seed in the Midwest in the state 3A football playoffs.A surge during the second half of the year has helped South Point as it now heads to West 3A top seed Hibriten (14-0) to play for the West 3A championship and a bid into the state 3A championship game.Kick off at Hibriten will be 7:30 p.m. on Friday night.Last season, South Point came four points shy of securing...
LRU snaps three-game skid
The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears snapped a three-game losing streak due to a 25-point performance from junior guard Reed Lucas defeating South Atlantic Conference (SAC) opponent Brevard 69-58 Saturday evening.“It was huge,” Lenoir-Rhyne Head Coach Everick Sullivan said on ending the losing streak. “I’m proud of my guys because they could’ve faltered, but I know I got a resilient bunch.
Ex-HHS coach: Resignation was requested
dbattle@hickoryrecord.comHICKORY – Allen Wittenberg, out as head football coach at Hickory High after two seasons, said Tuesday he was asked to resign.“I was caught off-guard when they (Hickory Public Schools) asked for my resignation,” Wittenberg said. “It was most likely due to the team’s performance. … I want what is best for Hickory High. I understand if they want to go in another direction. I hold no ill will.“It was a great experience.
Tigers top Maiden, set up rematch with Monroe
MAIDEN, N.C. – Mount Pleasant High used its power and muscle on Friday night to knock off Maiden 35-21 in the first round of the state 2AA football playoffs at Maiden.The Tigers (7-5, Midwest No. 5 seed) won their way to another road game next Friday.
Tonight's Games | Sport | hickoryrecord.com
By DERRICK BATTLEdbattle@hickoryrecord2ATHOMASVILLE (5-6)at LINCOLNTON (10-1)Potential stars: T: WR-QB-RB Cirl Byrd (12-28-1, 243 yards passing, 2 TDs; 140-746 yards rushing, 7 TDs; 9-47 yards receiving, 1 TD this season); L: WR Sage Surratt (92-1,486 yards receiving, 18 TDs this season).Game outlook: The Wolves, a West No. 1 seed, allowed 65 points -- the most they gave up all season -- against Maiden two weeks ago.
EXPERIENCED CREW
dbattle@hickoryrecord.comHICKORY-- After playing preseason exhibitions against High Point and Appalachian State, the Lenoir-Rhyne University women’s basketball team is ready to open the season.The Bears will be at home Wednesday night at 5:30 p.m. to face Warren Wilson as Katie Pate begins her third season as the LRU head coach.Appalachian State beat LRU 56-40 and High Point beat the Bears 74-57 in games that do not count against LRU’s record.The Bears return a dozen players from last year’s...
Sullivan ready for debut at LRU
HICKORY – New Lenoir-Rhyne University head men’s basketball coach Everick Sullivan is repeating a message to his team as the season approaches – one game a time.The Bears open their schedule on Friday night at 8 p.m., playing UNC Pembroke at Shuford Gym in the second game of the South Atlantic Conference (SAC)/Peach Belt Conference Challenge.Catawba plays Francis Marion in the opener at 6 p.m. on Friday, and on Saturday the schedule is Catawba versus UNC Pembroke at 6 p.m., followed by LRU...
Trust an issue on offense
HICKORY — It’s been a while since Lenoir-Rhyne University has won consecutive football games.The last time the Bears had an extended win streak was from Sept. 19 to Oct.
Cuthbertson upsets Hickory
HICKORY – The No. 6 seed of the West region the Hickory Red Tornadoes were eliminated from the NCHSAA 3A State Championship as the visiting No. 11 seed Cuthbertson Cavaliers won 2-0 Saturday night.The Cavaliers (11-8, 6-4) played aggressively in the first half, physically out matching the Red Tornadoes (16-7, 11-3).“We didn’t know much about Hickory, and we didn’t want to change how we normally play,” Cuthbertson head coach Kevin Flynn said.
A Nice Finish | Sports | hickoryrecord.com
NEWTON -- It was an emotional night for Fred T.
Tonight's games | Sports | hickoryrecord.com
SOUTHERN DISTRICT ATHLETIC 2Aat NEWTON-CONOVER (5-5, 1-5)- Last year: Newton-Conover 54, Bandys 30 at Bandys.- Potential stars: B: QB Jatay Culliver (4-5-0, 57 yards passing, 1 TD; 5-30 yards rushing, 2 TDs against West Lincoln last week); N-C: QB-RB-WR Shamar Baker (4-13-0, 73 yards passing, 1 TD; 23-132 yards rushing, 2 TDs against Bunker Hill last week).- Game outlook: Baker performed well in his first start at QB for the Red Devils.
Goins always gets it done for Spartans
By DERRICK BATTLEdbattle@hickoryrecord.comHUDSON – South Caldwell High has seen plenty of football success in the last decade.But this season — in Sean McMenomy’s first season as head coach — the Spartans encountered a slew of injuries that played a role in a 0-8 start.One thing that has remained constant, though, has been senior running back Tyler Goins, who closes his South Caldwell career on Friday night when the Spartans (2-8, 2-4) play at Watauga (7-3, 5-1) in a Northwestern 3A-4A game.
LRU FOOTBALL: Bears want to close with 2 more wins
HICKORY -- The last four weeks have been dismal on the football field for Lenoir-Rhyne University.During a four-game losing streak, the Bears have allowed 40 or more points three times, given up 727 yards in a 53-14 loss against No. 20 Newberry, S.C., last Saturday, and they’ve also been hampered with injuries.Sitting at 2-7 overall and 2-3 in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC), LRU has been rocked.
Watauga wallops Red Tornadoes
dbattle@hickoryrecord.comHICKORY – Watauga High rolled to 508 yards of total offense on Friday night, overwhelming host Hickory 49-13 and wrapping up at least a share of second place in Northwestern 3A-4A football.Watauga senior quarterback Hamilton Castle led the way, completing eight of nine passes for 160 yards and three scores.
Tonight's games | Sports | hickoryrecord.com
SOUTHERN DISTRICT 2A- Last year: Lincolnton 41, West Caldwell 7 at West Caldwell.- Potential stars: WC: RB Jeremy Boyce (36-171 yards rushing, 2 TDs against East Lincoln last week); L: WR Sage Surratt (5-130 yards receiving, 2 TDs against Newton-Conover last week).- Game outlook: West Caldwell goes to Lincolnton for a showdown for the Southern District 7 Athletic 2A lead.The Warriors’ chances of success hinges on the health of QB Titus Tucker, who left last week’s game against East Lincoln –...
5 Things to Watch
Five things to watch in Friday night’s games as selected by Record Sportswriter Derrick Battle, who will also get insight from some of the Fearless Forecasters each week this season.- Lead up for grabs: West Caldwell (8-1, 5-0) has proved it’s for real this season.
Castle's 5 TDs lead Watauga to victory
HICKORY — Watauga scored its first four touchdowns on plays of 40 yards or more as it dismantled Hickory 49-13 on Friday.Hamilton Castle completed 8-of-9 passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns and had 150 yards rushing on seven carries for two more touchdowns.The Pioneers (7-3, 5-1) finished with 508 yards of offense. They also had just one penalty, a holding call in the first quarter.“(Discipline) is something we practice every day,” Watauga head coach Ryan Habich said.
Injuries making it tough for Lenoir-Rhyne
HICKORY -- There are pros and cons to freshmen getting playing time.The pros are they gain experience, and in most situations faced on the football field leaders emerge.The cons are those players will also go through growing pains and success will not come instantly.Due to injuries, Lenoir-Rhyne University head coach Mike Kellar has witnessed both the positives and negatives this season.Although the Bears are 2-6 overall, 2-2 in the South Atlantic Conference and have lost three straight...
Top-seeded Blue Devils cruise into second round
MAIDEN – Maiden High’s girls, seeded No. 1 in the West for the state 2A dual-team tennis playoffs that began on Tuesday, ran their win streak to 17 by beating visiting West Davidson 6-0.The Blue Devils (17-0) also used the playoff opener to recognize their three seniors -- Danielle Donovan, Abby Setzer, Morgan Butler.Maiden will next play on Tuesday, at home, against the winner of West Brevard (West No. 5) versus Salisbury (Midwest No. 4)in the second round.“I’ve loved it,” Donovan said of...
Bears' Beam loves playing close to home
dbattle@hickoryrecord.comHICKORY -- Some players decide to leave home to continue their education, athletic careers or both.Lenoir-Rhyne University senior tight end Ray Beam chose to stay home – he played at Freedom High in Morganton -- and continue playing football, a sport he loves.“It reminds me of football on Friday nights, having the opportunity for them (family) to come see me instead of them traveling so many hours away if I went to a different school,” Beam said of playing for LRU.
TIGERS POUNCE ON HHS
NEWTON – Fred T. Foard High ended a four-game losing streak, defeating Northwestern 3A-4A rival Hickory 32-14 on Homecoming Night at Foard on Friday.The Tigers’ swift pass rush and blistering winds hindered the Red Tornadoes’ offense as the Tigers sacked junior quarterback Derrien Phillips five times.Foard improved to 3-6 overall by winning and is 1-4 in the conference, while Hickory is 2-7, 2-3 after having won two straight games coming in.
Regardless of position he plays, Seth Miller provides Bears a spark
CLAREMONT -- When football season began, Bunker Hill High senior Seth Miller was listed on the Bears’ roster as a tight end and linebacker.But as the year has progressed, he’s found himself in a unique role -- playing various positions on offense and defense as in quarterback, running back and different linebacker roles.Where Miller will start on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. when the Bears (0-8, 0-4) play host to rival Bandys (2-6, 0-4) in a Southern District 7 Athletic 2A game is unknown.
Prep football: 5 things to watch
Five things to watch in Friday night’s games as selected by Record Sportswriter Derrick Battle, who will also get insight from some of the Fearless Forecasters each week this season:- Staying composed: St. Stephens (2-6, 1-3) has had a full week to digest its five-point loss to Hickory last Friday night on the road.Can the Indians focus their frustration from a last-second loss to defeat South Caldwell (0-8, 0-4) in a Northwestern 3A-4A game at St. Stephens?- Three in a row: Hickory (2-6,...
Mars Hill better than record shows
HICKORY -- Mars Hill is 2-5 overall, has lost four straight games and is 0-3 in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC), but Lenoir-Rhyne University head football coach Mike Kellar isn’t going to be fooled heading into Saturday’s game.The Bears (2-5, 2-1) and Lions play a conference game at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Moretz Stadium.“This is a very skilled offense, defense, quarterback, running back group that we will see,” Kellar said of Mars Hill on Tuesday at the Bears’ weekly press conference.
Phillips scores go-ahead TD, makes late pick as HHS defeats St. Stephens
HICKORY – Hickory High junior quarterback Derrien Phillips stepped up in a big way in a seesaw affair against rival St. Stephens on Friday night at Barger Stadium.With 27 seconds to play, Phillips scrambled 8 yards for a touchdown.
Hard work, cool outlook benefits HHS’ Phillips
HICKORY -- Leading a varsity high school football team as a sophomore quarterback is strenuous.Having to learn plays and reads might overwhelm a few.But Hickory starter Derrien Phillips is successful in that role, relying on the two things his parent taught him about how to overcome pressure – work hard and staying cool.Phillips will be doing that again on Friday night (7:30 p.m.) in a big rivalry game at Barger Stadium.St. Stephens (2-5, 1-2) visits Hickory (1-6, 1-2) in a Northwestern...
PREP FOOTBALL: 5 things to watch
Five things to watch in Friday night’s games as selected by Record Sportswriter Derrick Battle, who will also get insight from some of the Fearless Forecasters each week this season.» Big night at Barger: In addition to having archrival St. Stephens (2-5, 1-2) make the short trip over to Barger Stadium for a Northwestern 3A-4A battle, Hickory (1-6, 1-2) will honor its 1996 unbeaten (16-0) 3A championship team.The Red Tornadoes will have a reception in the school’s media center at 6:30 p.m.,...
LRU QB receives pot citation
HICKORY – Jarrod Kellar, a redshirt freshman starting at quarterback this season for Lenoir-Rhyne University’s football team and son of the head coach, was given a citation on Oct. 2 for misdemeanor possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana and possessing marijuana paraphernalia.The citation was issued by the Hickory Police Department, and Kellar’s first court date was listed on the NC Court System’s online records as Nov.
LRU Bears still in contention for SAC title
HICKORY – Lenoir-Rhyne University had a tough start this football season in nonconference games, going 0-4 against opponents with a combined record of 17-7.But the Bears, 2-4 overall, are 2-0 in the South Atlantic Conference – defeating Tusculum and Carson-Newman – as they prepare to travel for another league game on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against Wingate (5-1, 2-1).As it preps for Wingate, LRU is going through some injury issues offensively — junior receiver T.J. Smith and junior running...
LRU QB receives pot citation
HICKORY – Jarrod Kellar, a redshirt freshman starting at quarterback this season for Lenoir-Rhyne University’s football team and son of the head coach, was given a citation on Oct. 2 for misdemeanor possession of a half-ounce of marijuana and possessing marijuana paraphernalia.The citation was issued by the Hickory Police Department, and Kellar’s first court date is scheduled Nov.
Hibriten hammers Foard
By DERRICK BATTLEdbattle@hickoryrecord.comNEWTON – Hibriten High held Fred T.
Braves belt Bears
HICKORY – Down three touchdowns with six minutes to go in the third quarter on Saturday afternoon, Lenoir-Rhyne University attempted to claw its way back in front of a homecoming crowd.The Bears eventually came within nine points with three minutes, 49 seconds to play, but UNC Pembroke proved too much to handle and won 36-20 at Moretz Stadium.After being held to 17 yards on five carries in the first half senior running back Rontonio Stanley rushed for 174 yards on five carries and three...
YOUNG BUT ABLE | Sports | hickoryrecord.com
dbattle@hickoryrecord.comHICKORY — It’s rare for a defense to start as many freshmen as Lenoir-Rhyne University does.When the Bears (2-3) play host to No. 24 UNC Pembroke (4-1) for a nonconference homecoming football game on Saturday at 2 p.m., they will start five freshmen. Two of them play in the secondary.Although LRU is young, it doesn’t mean the young players can’t produce impact performances in critical times.Red-shirt freshman safety Sherrod Williams is yet another example that.
Prep Football Preview: Friday's games
SOUTHERN DISTRICT 2A» Last year: Lincolnton 49, Bandys 13 at Lincolnton.» Potential stars: L: WR Sage Surratt (20-173 yards receiving, 3 TDs against East Lincoln last week); B: QB Hunter Burkett (3-11-2, 20 yards passing; 6-66 yards rushing against West Caldwell last week).» Game outlook: Lincolnton averages 450 yards of total offense per game.Bandys has struggled in its first two conference matchup, being outscored 79-6.NEWTON-CONOVER (4-2, 0-2)at WEST LINCOLN (4-2, 1-1)» Last year:...
Junior RB returns from injury, plays vital role for Tigers
NEWTON — Two years ago, after quarterback Matt Williams’ last season leading Fred T.
Prep Football Preview: Oct. 5-6
SOUTHERN DISTRICT 2A»Last year: Maiden 46, West Caldwell 21 at West Caldwell.»Potential stars: WC: QB Titus Tucker (16-20-0, 286 yards passing, 2 TDs; 8-58 yards rushing, 2 TDs against Bandys last week); M: QB Caleb Farley (16-24-1, 202 yards passing, 2 TDs; 28-120 yards rushing, 2 TDs against Newton-Conover last week).»Game outlook: The Warriors and Blue Devils battle to stay atop the league standings with Lincolnton.West Caldwell looks to have the same success stopping a high-powered...
Bears will continue to play 2 QBs
HICKORY -- After defeating South Athletic Conference (SAC) rival Carson-Newman 20-17 last Saturday on the road, Lenoir-Rhyne University is one of only two league football teams still unbeaten in conference play.The Bears (2-3, 2-0) share first place with Newberry but take a break from their SAC schedule this weekend for homecoming and will play 24th-ranked UNC Pembroke (4-1) at 2 p.m. Saturday in Moretz Stadium.LRU will make some changes on Saturday, including continuing to use both of its...
Maiden holds of archrival’s rally, wins big game
NEWTON – Trailing by 11 points with one minute, nine seconds left to play, Newton-Conover High senior quarterback Jake Hayman connected with junior receiver Ernie Squarles for a 48-yard touchdown pass to cut Maiden’s lead to five on Friday night.But when the Red Devils failed to recover an onside kick, Maiden escaped Gurley Stadium with a 33-28 victory in a key Southern District 7 Athletic 2A game in Newton.“It’s always a big win,” Maiden head coach Will Byrne said.
Steady Leader | Sports | hickoryrecord.com
MAIDEN – Many athletes have overcome an injury, coming back stronger than they once were, but it takes mental strength and toughness to battle back from both a devastating personal loss and an injury.Brian Barnett, a 6-foot-1, 245-pound offensive tackle and defensive tackle for Maiden High’s football team, has experienced both challenges in the last four years.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Friday Night's Games
By: Derrick Battle dbattle@hickoryrecord.comTONIGHT'S GAMES (7:30 p.m. kickoff)SOUTHERN DISTRICT 2AMAIDEN (4-1, 1-0)At NEWTON-CONOVER (4-1, 0-1)(bullet) Last year: Maiden 42, Newton-Conover 12 at Maiden.(bullet) Potential stars: M: QB Caleb Farley (16-23-1, 316 yards passing, 5 TDs, 17-203 yards rushing, 3 TDs against Bunker Hill last week); N-C: RB Tylor Stinson (19-119 yards rushing, 1 TD, against West Caldwell last week).(bullet) Game outlook: The key in this hotly contested battle is how...
Bears will be tested at Carson-Newman
HICKORY -- After a 1-3 start, there’s one thing Lenoir-Rhyne University can hang its hat on – the Bears are 1-0 in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC).Limestone defeated LRU 31-13 last Saturday in Hickory in a nonconference football game the Bears feel they let slip away because of missed opportunities on big plays.“It was a tough night, and a tough start to the season,” LRU head coach Mike Kellar said Tuesday as the Bears’ weekly press conference.
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