From staff reports

Catawba baseball coach Jim Gantt announced three early signers, including West Rowan shortstop Jeremy Simpson.

Also signing with the Indians in November were Lake Norman Charter catcher  Zach Queen and Charlotte Providence’s Trevor Rhyne.

Rhyne has played a lot of first base for Providence but is expected to play outfield for Catawba.

Gantt got to see quite a bit of Simpson as the Rowan County American Legion shortstop last summer and said Simpson has made more strides in fall competition.

Simpson’s glove and arm are impressive, and his bat is coming along. He could be the Indians’ starting shortstop by his sophomore year.

“He loves the game and works at it all the time,” Gantt said. “He’s got a lot of the things you can’t teach. He throws well and runs well. His glove is definitely going to play in college.”

Queen is a big catcher.

“He’s 6-2 with a good frame, he throws well, and he’s intelligent,” Gantt said. “He’ll be a good leader.”

Gantt always likes to get players from Providence, and  the 6-2 Rhyne is the latest. Greg Lawson caught for the Indians’ team that went to the World Series, Chris Ahearn was an outstanding shortstop and a draft pick, and Ryan McClintock  became a standout reliever.

“They learn the game  of baseball at Providence in practice — they’re not just taking BP,” Gantt said. “Rhyne understands how to play, he’s got a good arm and he’s a good hitter.”

Rhyne and Queen are products of the Charlotte Megastars showcase program.

•Gantt is excited that Newman Park will be the scene of this summer’s American Legion state tournament.

College football

Virginia’s Kevin Parks (West Rowan) was third team on the All-ACC squad that was announced on Monday.

See Scoreboard for the All-ACC teams.

College hoops 

Mars Hill’s Isaiah Cuthbertson (West Rowan)  had 13 points and eight rebounds in Monday’s 86-81 win against Warren Wilson.

 

Pass, Punt & Kick

Sari Lewin, 7, a second-grader at Sacred Heart, has won local and sectional PP&K competitions for girls, ages 6-7.

Lewin will compete again on Dec. 13 at the  PP&K Team Championships held at the Carolina Panthers’ facilities.

Lewin is the daughter of Army SPC  Quodolphius and Krystal Stukes and Sheldon Lewin.

Prep hoops

Davie County’s boys lost at Alexander Central 79-64 on Monday.

Freshman Cooper Wall scored 21 for the War Eagles, and veteran Nic Starnes added 20. Heath Slabach scored nine for Davie. Tre Redmond  scored eight.

Logan Gant scored 20 for Alexander Central (2-1).

Davie trailed 40-32 at halftime.

• Davie opened with an 80-68 home win against Forbush. Wall  also scored 21 in that game.

• Robinson is off to a 3-0 start after pounding Central Cabarrus 90-47 on Monday.

Levar Batts Jr. led the Bulldogs with 16 points. Jackson Raper hit five 3-pointers.

Lavon Hightower scored 22 for the Vikings.

• West Davidson’s boys rolled 49-31 against Ledford on Monday. Tyler Grooms sparked the Green Dragons with 15 points.