Providing high school and middle school sports coverage in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. Periodic tweets about the Phillies and Michigan
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Articles by Tim Hower
Daily Roundup: October 24, 2026
***The rankings by each team are their seed for the playoffs*** No. 5 Cape Fear Academy 3, No. 4 Asheville Christian Academy 1 (OT) Quarterfinals NCISAA 3A playoffs A pair of goals in the first 10-minute overtime period kept the Hurricanes’ season alive and made the 329-mile trip back to Wilmington a joyful one. The match was scoreless at halftime. CFA (15-6) struck first in the 50th minute when Vance Mino scored off a long throw-in from Ethan Gatt.
Hoggard claims NCHSAA 8A singles, doubles state titles
The Hoggard girls tennis program pulled off a rare feat Saturday morning at Millbrook Exchange Park in Raleigh by winning NCHSAA 8A state titles in both singles and doubles. Sophomore Braelyn Roberson improved to 16-0 on the season with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Myers Park’s Lila Cheatwood to become just the second Viking to lift the singles trophy. Roberson joined two-time champion Kaitlin Burns (2006 and 2007), who later went on to play at LSU.
Daily Roundup: October 23, 2026
***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** No. 3 Laney 34, No. 8 New Hanover 7 Four touchdown passes in the first half from Joseph Stough helped the Buccaneers earn their first victory at Legion Stadium since 2008. In that game, Oliver Klokman made a 22-yard field goal with 44.7 seconds remaining to put Laney on top 10-7. Stough had his best performance of the season by going 19 of 27 for 287 yards.
Daily Roundup: October 22, 2026
***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** No. 2 Laney 1, No. 3 New Hanover 0 Junior Tristan Mouney scored the lone goal in the opening half off an assist from Owen Nunn. Laney (19-1-2, 8-1-2 Carolina Coast) goalkeeper Carson Mattox had a strong performance with seven saves. Both teams conclude the regular season on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The Buccaneers host North Brunswick, while New Hanover (13-5-1, 6-4-1) travels to Topsail.
Daily Roundup: October 21, 2026
***The rankings by each team are their seed for the conference tournament or playoffs*** No. 1 Ashley 14, No. 2 Hoggard 13 Carolina Coast Conference Tournament Championship ***Click here to view a gallery of 30 photos from the action*** The Screaming Eagles finished off an unbeaten regular season by rallying late to capture the first-ever conference tournament title. Sophomore quarterback Caroline Smist scored on an 11-yard run with four minutes to play to tie the score.
PHOTOS: New Hanover at Ashley boys soccer
Photo Galleries are sponsored by: Winter Park Optimist Ashley hosted New Hanover on October 15, 2026 ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
Daily Roundup: October 14, 2026
COASTAL PREPS THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT ***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** Hoggard 32, New Hanover 0 ***Click here to view a gallery of 30 photos from the action*** The Vikings clinched the No. 2 seed and an opening-round bye in next week’s Carolina Coast Conference Tournament with a shutout win. Ellie Gillespie threw for 184 yards and three touchdowns, all to Bethany Bowen.
Daily Roundup: October 13, 2026
COASTAL PREPS THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT ***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** No. 5 Coastal Christian 3, No. 6 Cape Fear Academy 1 ***Click here to view a gallery of 30 photos from the action*** The Centurions came up with an impressive 10 blocks, including seven from junior middle Randal Bork, to prevail on the road and clinch the CPIC regular-season title.
PHOTOS: Coastal Christian at Cape Fear Academy volleyball
Photo Galleries are sponsored by: Winter Park Optimist Cape Fear Academy hosted Coastal Christian on October 13, 2026 ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
PHOTOS: Coastal Christian at Cape Fear Academy boys soccer
PHOTOS: Coastal Christian at Cape Fear Academy boys soccer Photo Galleries are sponsored by: Winter Park Optimist Cape Fear Academy hosted Coastal Christian on October 13, 2026 ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
Boys Soccer Leaders: October 13, 2026
Boys soccer leaders will be updated every other Tuesday throughout the season. Stats were compiled from MaxPreps or provided by area coaches.
Football Preview Capsules and Leaders: October 9, 2026
***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** Capsules No. 5 Ashley (3-3, 1-1) at No. 3 North Brunswick (5-2, 2-1) Kickoff time: 7 p.m. Series history: North Brunswick leads 8-3 Last meeting: Ashley won 20-6 in 2026 Tim’s Take: I’m not expecting many points in this game between teams that have leaned heavily on their defenses. Ashley is coming off a bye week, but should still be on a high after a huge 20-17 overtime victory over Laney on Sept. 25.
Cross Country Leaders: October 8, 2026
Cross country leaders will be updated every other Thursday throughout the season. All times were taken from results posted on NCMileSplit. 1. Sr. Grayson Dill, Topsail: 15:27.30 at WakeMed Soccer Complex (Oct. 3) 2. Sr. Grayson Dill, Topsail: 15:32.17 at Wilmington Municipal (Sept. 12) 3. Sr. Michael Enriquez, New Hanover: 15:50.10 at WakeMed Soccer Complex (Sept. 19) 4. Sr. Grayson Dill, Topsail: 15:55.40 at WakeMed Soccer Complex (Sept. 19) 5.
Coastal Preps Fall 2026 Midseason Awards Results
Thank you to everyone who voted for the Coastal Preps Midseason Awards. A total of 913 votes were cast. Here are the final results.
Daily Roundup: October 2, 2026
COASTAL PREPS THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT ***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** No. 1 Hoggard 42, No. 2 New Hanover 0 ***Click here to view a gallery of 30 photos from the action*** The Vikings scored touchdowns on all five first-half drives and also got a 47-yard interception return from junior linebacker Graham McNeely to build a 42-0 halftime lead.
Daily Roundup: September 30, 2026
COASTAL PREPS THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT ***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** Ashley 26, Laney 12 The Screaming Eagles rallied from a 12-0 deficit by scoring 26 unanswered points to remain unbeaten. Sophomore quarterback Caroline Smist went 19 of 23 for 153 yards and three touchdowns. She also carried the ball 11 times for 63 yards and another score. Chloe Laverty hauled in a pair of TD passes. She finished with eight catches for 61 yards.
Daily Roundup: September 29, 2026
COASTAL PREPS THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT ***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** No. 4 Laney 3, No. 2 Ashley 0 (26-24, 25-21, 25-20) The Buccaneers completed the season sweep with a great defensive effort that featured 67 digs. Four players reached double figures, led by 17 digs from libero Kaitlyn Dreimann. Kara Williams had 13, while Libby Harrington and Abbey Hendren both finished with 11. Laney’s (12-3, 6-2 Carolina Coast) offensive attack was balanced.
Coastal Preps Fall 2026 Midseason Award Nominees
We’ve reached the midway point of the season in boys soccer, football, and volleyball, and numerous area players and coaches are off to a fantastic start. It’s now up to you to decide the best of the best in several categories. A link to vote for the honors is at the bottom of the post. Voting will remain open until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, and results will be posted the following day.
PHOTOS: Trask at Roland-Grise middle school football
PHOTOS: Trask at Roland-Grise middle school football Photo Galleries are sponsored by: Winter Park Optimist Roland-Grise hosted Trask on September 23, 2026 ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
Daily Roundup: September 23, 2026
***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** Ashley 27, Hoggard 6 ***Click here to view a gallery of 21 photos from the action*** Sophomore quarterback Caroline Smist finished with 225 total yards and three touchdowns in another dominant victory for the Screaming Eagles (6-0, 5-0 Carolina Coast). Smist finished 18 of 22 for 153 yards and a pair of TDs. She carried the ball 10 times for 72 yards and another score.
Photos: 2026 Flag Football Week 3
Ashley, Hoggard, and North Brunswick competed in flag football games on September 23, 2026 Photos were taken by Coastal Preps photographer Ron Hower ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark*** ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
PHOTOS: North Brunswick at New Hanover football
Photo Galleries are sponsored by: Winter Park Optimist New Hanover hosted North Brunswick on September 21, 2026 ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
PHOTOS: Holly Shelter at Murray middle school football
Photos were taken by Coastal Preps photographer Ron Hower ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
New Hanover County Middle School Roundup: September 7-11, 2026
The New Hanover County Middle School Roundup will be published each Sunday. Results and stats are compiled through emails from coaches and athletic directors. If you don’t see a result from your team, please encourage your coach or AD to start emailing them to [email protected].
PHOTOS: Holly Shelter at Myrtle Grove middle school softball
Photos were taken by Coastal Preps photographer Ron Hower ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
PHOTOS: Panther Creek at Hoggard football
Photo Galleries are sponsored by: Winter Park Optimist Hoggard hosted Panther Creek on September 11, 2026 ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
Daily Roundup: September 10, 2026
COASTAL PREPS THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT ***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** No. 2 Hoggard 4, No. 3 New Hanover 2 ***Click here to view a gallery of 30 photos from the action*** A pair of second-half goals from James McLean helped the Vikings pick up a road victory in a battle between two of the top teams in the state. Hoggard (7-0-1, 1-0 Carolina Coast) scored first on a rebound from Harry Dyer in the 25th minute.
Photos: 2026 Flag Football Week 1
Photo Galleries are sponsored by: Winter Park Optimist The opening night of flag football took place at Ashley on September 9, 2026 Photos were taken by Coastal Preps photographers Tim Hower and Kate Mull ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark*** ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark*** ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
New Hanover County Middle School Roundup: August 31-September 4, 2026
The New Hanover County Middle School Roundup will be published each Sunday. Results and stats are compiled through emails from coaches and athletic directors. If you don’t see a result from your team, please encourage your coach or AD to start emailing them to [email protected].
PHOTOS: Holly Shelter at Myrtle Grove middle school football
Photos were taken by Coastal Preps photographer Ron Hower ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
PHOTOS: Noble at Roland-Grise middle school football
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PHOTOS: Noble at Murray middle school softball
Photos were taken by Coastal Preps photographer Ron Hower ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
PHOTOS: Greenville Rose at Laney football
Photo Galleries are sponsored by: Winter Park Optimist Laney hosted Greenville Rose on September 4, 2026 ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
Daily Roundup: September 3, 2026
***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** No. 2 Laney 3, No. 4 Ashley 2 (20-25, 25-15, 23-25, 25-18, 15-9) ***Click here to view a gallery of 45 photos from the action*** Another balanced offensive attack, which saw 10 players combine for 40 kills, allowed the Buccaneers to keep their perfect record intact. Jenna Powe made her presence known in the fourth and fifth sets by finishing with three kills and one block in each.
PHOTOS: Ashley at Laney volleyball
Photo Galleries are sponsored by: Winter Park Optimist Laney hosted Ashley on September 3, 2026 ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
2026 Cross Country Preview
Carolina Coast Conference Outlook It’s been a dominant run for Hoggard, which has swept the conference championship for eight consecutive seasons. The boys have won the past 12 league titles. Topsail’s boys closed the gap a season ago, falling by just 29 points. Expect another tight battle this fall. The Vikings went on to finish second at the NCHSAA 8A State Championship by placing three runners in the top five, but none of them return.
Daily Roundup: September 1, 2026
COASTAL PREPS THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT ***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** No. 10 North Brunswick 3, No. 8 New Hanover 2 (22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-18, 15-10) Makenzie Almond and Adrianna Gomez tied for a team high with eight kills in an exciting home win. North Brunswick (5-2, 1-0) libero Avia Dlouhy came up with 21 digs and added five aces.
2026 Girls Golf Preview
Carolina Coast Conference Outlook Hoggard has won six consecutive conference championships, but increasing that streak won’t be easy. Last fall was another dominant one for the Vikings, who won every CCC match and held a 199-stroke lead over Topsail at the end of the season. Longtime boys golf coach Curt Budd takes over for Allison Jones, who left to become the girls basketball coach at Laney. Budd has a pair of talented players to lean on in sophomore Elliott Walters and junior Guerlain Gilbert.
PHOTOS: South Brunswick at North Brunswick football
Photos were taken by Coastal Preps photographer Ron Hower ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
List of area cross country runners in college in 2026
Cover photo of Camryn Oates courtesy of UNC Greensboro Athletics New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties produce a large number of athletes that continue their careers at the next level. Here is a list of cross country runners from the area that are currently on a collegiate roster. Click the player’s name to go to their biography page. If you see an omission from this list, email [email protected]. MEN Soph. Connor Andrews (2025 Hoggard grad) Soph.
PHOTOS: Cape Fear Academy at Hoggard girls tennis
Photos were taken by Coastal Preps photographer Rodney Williams ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
List of area women’s soccer players in college in 2026
Cover photo of Cassidy Oldham courtesy of Presbyterian Athletics New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties produce a large number of athletes who continue their careers at the next level. Here is a list of women’s soccer players from the area who are currently on a collegiate roster. Click the player’s name to go to their biography page. If you see an omission from this list, email [email protected].
Daily Roundup: August 25, 2026
COASTAL PREPS THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT ***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** No. 13 Trask 3, No. 11 North Brunswick 2 (25-21, 19-25, 25-16, 16-25, 16-14) The third time certainly was the charm for the Titans, who finally picked up a five-set victory after dropping their first two of the young season. Trask (2-6) trailed 10-6 in the final set before a service error followed by three consecutive aces from libero Lacey Patterson evened the score.
List of area men’s soccer players in college in 2026
Cover photo of Caden Pierce courtesy of Lees-McRae Athletics New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties produce a large number of athletes who continue their careers at the next level. Here is a list of men’s soccer players from the area who are currently on a collegiate roster. Click the player’s name to go to their biography page. If you see an omission from this list, email [email protected]. Soph.
Ashley football opens 2026 with road victory
For just the eighth time in 25 years, the Ashley football team opened its season with a victory. An interception from sophomore cornerback RJ Tindall in the fourth quarter helped seal a 16-12 comeback win at Sanderson in the debut of first-year coach Adam Purzitza. “The thing that excited me the most was seeing the guys celebrate after the game,” Purzitza said.
List of area volleyball players in college in 2026
Cover photo of Addie Norman courtesy of James Madison Athletics New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties produce a large number of athletes that continue their careers at the next level. Here is a list of volleyball players from the area that are currently on a collegiate roster. Click the player’s name to go to their biography page. If you see an omission from this list, email [email protected]. Jr. right side Mia Elder (2024 Hoggard grad) Soph.
Daily Roundup: August 22, 2026
COASTAL PREPS THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT ***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** No. 8 Coastal Christian 4, Southwest Guilford 0 NCSCA Kickoff Classic at WakeMed Soccer Park The Centurions secured their first victory behind a strong performance from Ben Morgan. He recorded a hat trick and assisted on the other goal, which was scored by freshman Lincoln Adkins. Ruan Wilson and Cooper Gerow each handed out one assist.
Daily Roundup: August 19, 2026
COASTAL PREPS THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT ***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** No. 11 Trask 4, Whiteville 3 Edgar Jesus Montiel Valerio recorded a hat trick and assisted on the other goal to help the Titans prevail on the road. Fellow junior Jafet Bailon also found the back of the net. Trask (3-1) returns to action Monday at 6 p.m. with a road match against Union.
Daily Roundup: August 14-15, 2026
COASTAL PREPS THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT ***The rankings by each area team come from the Coastal Preps Power Rankings*** No. 1 Hoggard 2, Cardinal Gibbons 0 Bash at the Beach at nCino Park The Vikings earned their second shutout in as many days. Wake Forest commit Harrison Dyer scored his first goal of the season. The other goal came on a header from Trey Ragan off an assist from Jace Tucker.
PHOTOS: 2026 Port City Football Jamboree
The Port City Football Jamboree was held at Legion Stadium on August 14, 2026 ***Click here to buy digital files or photo prints of any of the photos without the watermark***
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