JV Girls’ Basketball
The Mountain Heritage Lady Cougars JV basketball team capped a great season on February 22 with not only the regular season conference championship but also the Western Highlands Conference Tournament championship. This team, made up of sophomores Breona Honeycutt, Hollie Hughes, Holly Robinson, Dayton Silver, and Taylor Wyatt; and freshmen Callie Bennett, Madison Holt, Gracie Huskins, and Kyla Phillips, came together last summer to begin the work needed to improve their skills and chemistry, and they were relentless in their efforts to be successful. While learning more each day, this team had to gain experience on the road, with few home games in the non-conference portion of their schedule. They also had fewer games this season overall since most schools in the area did not field JV girls’ basketball teams. However, by the latter part of the season, the team had come together and earned an undefeated conference record. In the championship game of the WHC Tournament, the JV Lady Cougars faced a greatly improved Avery County High School team for the third time. In a rivalry that has become a defensive struggle regardless of the year, this game proved no different. The JV Lady Cougars scored first though and managed to hold the lead throughout the game, leading at halftime 13-9 and closing out the game with a final score of 27-17. Head Coach Franklin Cox said after the game, “These girls have worked so hard throughout the year and had to overcome not getting all the games that the other teams did. We really started playing well together as we got into mid-January, and winning conference and the tournament for two years in a row is a testament to the dedication these young ladies have. I am very proud of this team.”
JV Boys’ Basketball
The Cougars JV boys basketball team had a successful season as well. They too had to overcome several challenges to start the season, including injuries and lacking a full roster due to the extended football season. The team, consisting of sophomores Tommy Allen, Carson Anglin, Foster Calloway, Keiland Hollifield, Jace Schilling, Adam Silvers, Cooper Robison; and freshmen Maddox Weaver, Jackson Banks, Kendrick Edwards, Josh Fernandez, Shooter Fox, Garrett Hill, Ashtyn Mathis, and Jentsen Williams, worked hard throughout the season and made a strong run at the conference championship, finishing in third place. Head Coach Bobby Anglin said of his team, “I am very proud of these young men. They have come together to show great progress and began playing better as a team by the end of the season. While I will miss these sophomores a lot, I am looking forward to next year and continuing to build on the skills these younger players have developed this year.”
Varsity Girls’ Basketball
The Lady Cougars varsity basketball team continued their reign at the top of the Western Highlands Conference this season, going undefeated in conference play. After graduating a dominant lineup last year, the Lady Cougars looked to seniors Grace Brooks, Cloey Morrow, and Lilly Neill to lead this year’s team. Juniors Callie Capps, Chayan Capellupo, Addison Turner, and Layla Worley; along with sophomore Maggie Neill and freshmen Mallie Buchanan, Peyton McKinney, and Dayton Silver comprised the Lady Cougars’ roster. The team began the conference tournament with wins against NC School of Science and Mathematics – Morganton and Draughn High School, setting up the tournament title showdown against Avery County High School. In the early minutes the Lady Cougars fell behind but dug in defensively and were only down 30-28 at the half. The Lady Cougars came out after the half and jumped ahead of the Lady Vikings, sealing the win by a final score of 64-59. Head Coach Susie Shelton said, “The championship game against Avery was a good test for us. We saw looks that we haven’t seen much of this year, and we were able to adjust our game to get the win. This team has had to step up this year and work to secure the conference tournament crown, and I really am proud of these girls.” The Lady Cougars continued NCHSAA playoff rounds on February 25 and 28, with wins against Bethany Community School and Union Academy Charter School. The Lady Cougars march on to the next round on Tuesday, March 4, against Avery County High School. Game time is 6:00 P.M. at Mountain Heritage.
Varsity Boys’ Basketball
The Cougars varsity basketball team also continued to show their dominance in the WHC tournament after claiming the regular season crown. The Cougars were led by seniors Dylan Dahlberg, Max Gilley, Lawson Higgins, Jace Loven, Robbie McCurry, Riley Robinson, and Caleb Roy. Juniors Connor Macias, B Tyner, and Slayden Raines; and sophomores Isaiah Adams and Brayden Deyton all added meaningful contributions to the wins throughout the year. In the WHC tournament, the Cougars took care of Rosman High School and Avery County High School in the early rounds and then squared off against a talented and competitive Owen High School team. The Cougars jumped to the early lead and maintained control of the game throughout the second half, capturing another conference tournament championship. Head Coach Barry Johnson said after the win, “This team has been physical all season, and we have learned to use our strength and shot selection as some of our best weapons. This team has great chemistry and leadership, and I am very proud of what these young men accomplished and who they are on and off the court.” The varsity Cougars went into the NCHSAA playoffs against Piedmont Classical Academy on Tuesday, February 25, and came out victorious but came up short against a talented Carolina International School, with a final score of 61-56, in the second round of the NCHSAA playoffs on Friday, February 28. The Cougars finished their season with an overall record of 23-3.
