Local sports roundup: East Gaston's McConnell throws complete-game shutout

Varsity softball
East Gaston 8, South Point 0 — Shannie McConnell threw a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits with seven strikeouts for the Lady Warriors (1-0), while Megan Soots, Mindy Roberts and Shelby Winchester had two hits each.

Burns 22, Ashbrook 1 — Andreya O’Brien (one run, one hit, one stolen base, walk) and Kelsey Carithers  (hit, RBI) stood out in the win Monday.  

Bessemer City 7, Hunter Huss 4 — Brittany Johnson had a two-out, two RBI triple in the seventh for Bessemer City (1-0).  Briana Stevens got the win for the Yellow Jackets. Taylor Jordan hit a homer for Hunter Huss.

Varsity baseball
Forestview 6, Bessemer City 5 — Reilly Hovis got the win in relief for the Jaguars (1-0), pitching 3.2 innings with five strikeouts and one run allowed. Hovis also hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning, while Zack Daly and John White had two hits each. Forestview is set to play at East Lincoln at 4:30 p.m.

East Gaston 3, Hunter Huss 0 — Jay Puckett gave up four hits while striking out 11 batters in Monday’s win. Dylan Abernathy (2-3) led the Warrior offense. Justin Blair (2-3) led the Huss offense while Brett Cullen got the loss. East Gaston (1-0) plays at South Point on Friday.

North Gaston 15, Lincolnton 4 — Winning pitcher Henry Rundio (1-0) struck out six batters in four innings and also tallied two hits and drove in four runs for North Gaston (1-0) in the season opener for both teams. Micah Smith had three hits and two RBIs, Justin Parker recorded two doubles and five RBIs and Zade Denton added two hits and two RBIs for the Wildcats, who play host to Lincolnton on Friday. Drew Kirksey took the loss and Michael Dellinger slugged a home run for Lincolnton (0-1).

Middle school girls basketball
Mount Holly 42, Belmont 24 — Ladazia Burris (29 points) and Erika Noblitt added nine points in the Mount Holly (7-3) win. Morgan Coker led Belmont with six points. Mount Holly will play Thursday at Stanley in the first round of the playoffs.

Cramerton 39, W.C. Friday 36 — Kendall Craig (14 points) and Lauren McLamb (eight points) led Cramerton. Logan Carter led the Cavs with 20 points.  The Eagles (9-1) will host W.C. Friday on Thursday in the first round of the county playoffs.

York Chester 26, Southwest 23 — Kyla Walker scored 13 points and Brooklyn Bradley five for YC, while Sallie Brice and Brianna Adams had eight each for Southwest.

Holbrook 30, Bessemer City 22 — Danielle Connor (nine points) and Ashlyn Abernathy (8 points) led Holbrook to a win. Bessemer City was led by scorers Daniyia Mackins and Jada McGill both contributing six points.

Grier 22,  Chavis 20 —  Jaquana Pauling  and Aliyah Woods led Grier (2-8) with eight points.  Emily Blackburn led Chavis with eight points.

Middle school boys basketball
W.C. Friday 38, Cramerton 29 — Don’Ya Haney (14 points) and Nick Haskin (13 points) led the 6-4 Cavs on Monday.  Dan Johnson scored 14 points to lead the Eagles.

Southwest 56, York Chester 37 — Kerrion Moore scored a game-high 16 points with eight rebounds and six assists as Southwest capped a 10-0 regular season. Keyshawn Woods added 11 points and four rebounds and Demerous Kurkt had nine points for YC. Southwest will start the playoffs at home Thursday.

Belmont 48, Mount Holly 44 — Dionte Gaston scored 18 and John Williamson 12 for Belmont, while Deion Jones had a game-high 25 for MH. Belmont (9-1) hosts a first-round playoff game Thursday.

Grier 44, Chavis 22 — Daishon Davis had 16 points and five assists, Bronson Short had 10 rebounds and six points, and Desmoine Adams tallied six steals and four points for Grier (6-4). Alec Hudson scored 14 points for Chavis.