Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly March 1, 2019 by Charlotte Media Group

Inside: Green Jeans sale returning to Levine Senior Center • Page 6A

Friday, March 1, 2019 • Vol. 12 • No. 9

ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261

justin@cmgweekly.com matthewsminthillweekly.com

Future park could make room for school 'Relief school' could help with student placement, overcrowding at CMS sites by Paul Nielsen

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paul@cmgweekly.com

MATTHEWS – The Matthews Board of Commissioners is considering the possibility of using a portion of 28 acres previously designated for a park at McKee and Pleasant Plains roads for a new school. Commissioners discussed plans for the property during their planning conference Feb. 22 and 23 at town hall. Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Department Director Corey King presented

three design proposals for the potential new park, ranging in price from $3.1 million to $3.8 million. But several commissioners inquired about setting aside part or all of the area for future school construction. “I’ll be honest, I would like to see a concept D for a set area where there is a small school on this property for relief for elementary school children,” Commissioner Chris Melton said. see PARK, Page 2A

This option shows how basketball courts, a dog park, an inclusive play area and open space would be oriented at the 28-acre site. Photo courtesy of Town of Matthews

Business on display ART CLASSES Rebecca Herbert, community engagement and strategy manager with Livable Meck, conducted a workshop at the Greater Matthews Business Expo on Feb. 19. Paul Nielsen/MMHW photo

Making Meck more livable Group combines future interests of stakeholders throughout county

WHAT'S INSIDE:

by Paul Nielsen

Catching up Mayor wants to see more roads repaved, 5A

paul@cmgweekly.com

ATTHEWS – Dozens of companies showcased products and services at the Greater Matthews Business Expo on Feb. 19 at Central Piedmont Community College's Levine Campus. The community could get massages, try food samples and engage with companies all under one roof. The event included seminars and speed networking. Flip to page 3A for more photos from the expo.

MATTHEWS – Back in 2012, Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and the Foundation for the Carolinas got together and started the Mecklenburg Livable Communities Plan to meet the demands of projected growth in the metropolitan area. When the MLCP started, it was projected that the area would add one million more residents by 2050. That projection has been adjusted in recent years to one million new residents by 2030. The group changed its name to Livable Meck several years ago. The partnership now includes the other six municipalities in the county, as well as 130 private businesses, nonprofits, neighborhood associations and other groups that will work to leverage resources to meet growth demand while avoiding duplication. “Other communities have plans and initiatives. There were over 200 community plans, growth plans,” said Rebecca Herbert, community

Asian fusion New restaurant blends four cuisines, 2A Dante Miller/MMHW photos

see LIVABLE, Page 3A

Matthews leaders discuss downtown parking by Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com

Champs, again Cougars win second state hoops title, 1B

INDEX Crime................................................................................ 4A Classifieds..............................................................5B Calendar....................................................................4B Sports.............................................................................. 1B Puzzles.........................................................................4B

MATTHEWS – Downtown parking was a top topic on the first day the Matthews Board of Commissioners planning conference Feb. 22 and 23 at town hall. The conference covered a wide range of topics, including crafting a Comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan that would identify project priorities. The plan will act as a road map to determine which projects fit into the town’s goals and desires. Mayor Paul Bailey and the six

Basket

town commissioners were asked to rank 34 potential projects heading into the conference. A parking lot with 50 spaces next to the U.S. Post Office along Charles Street was the top ranked project. One commissioner ranked it as the top priority. Five of the seven board members had the project in their top five. The project is estimated to cost $480,000. A 250-space parking deck in the downtown area would cost approximately $4 million plus the cost of land acquisition. It ranked seventh after one commissioner labeled it as the top project and four commis-

sioners had it in their top five. Two other commissioners had it ranked in the bottom 10, while Mayor Paul Bailey put it last at No. 34. Bailey asked the other board members why the project ranked so high. “As long as I have been a commissioner for 12 years, every citizen and survey we take states that we have a parking problem,” Commissioner Jeff Miller said. “We need to show the citizens that we listened to them and we are reacting.” Commissioner John Higdon ranked a potential parking deck as his top priority.

“Our biggest opportunity to bring an economic driver to the town is to have a large structure that people can park in,” Higdon said. “We should do this. A parking deck would be a huge boon if people knew they could come here and find a place to park. I think it would help us all the way around. I would love for us to initiate some action to build a parking deck.” Commissioner Chris Melton said he ranked the parking lot at No. 2 and a potential parking deck at No. 29. see PARKING, Page 5A

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Page 2A • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • March 1, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS

IN THE KNOW PHOTO OF THE WEEK

• Fair Election & Fair Redistricting Maps. • Child Sex Abuse/Extend Statute of Limitations. • Smart Start Funds. Hunt promises these are the first of many to come. “Some of the issues I campaigned on were education, health care, public safety and reform,” Hunt said. “These bills touch on those matters and are just the beginning of great things we are working on. I am committed to working with my colleagues to advance these bills into law.”

STAY CONNECTED • Instagram: @mmhweekly • Twitter: @mmhweekly • Like us on Facebook • Web: matthewsminthill weekly.com • E-edition: issuu.com/car olinaweeklynewspapers

More than 300 people are expected to walk at the second annual Common Heart Hunger Walk. The fundraiser takes place 2 p.m. March 3 at Crooked Creek Park, 5900 Oakwood Lane in Indian Trail. An after-party will including live music, inflatable obstacle course and bounce house. Visit www.CommonHeartHungerWalk. org for details. Photo courtesy of Common Heart

MOST POPULAR STORIES • Sun Valley grad has worked 43 years at Ridgecrest • 15 influential African-American leaders in the region • Simmons plans to run for Mint Hill mayor • Fine-casual restaurant serves Asian fusion • Happy Times Club celebrates birthdays of longtime leaders

TWEET OF THE WEEK • “Property owners, please be aware. There is NO COST to request a review or to file an appeal for your new assessed value. You do not need an attorney or a tax representative to file an appeal. If you have Qs, contact the Assessor's Office directly: https://meck.co/2EvZsNM” – Mecklenburg County ‫@( ‏‬MeckCounty)

UPCOMING EDITIONS

HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND The 2019 North Carolina Private School All-Star Game is March 2 at Providence Day. The girls game will tip at 1 p.m., followed by the boys game at 2:30. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $5 for students. Children under 8 are free. Flip to page 1B to learn more.

(continued from page 1A)

Commissioner John Urban said the land could be used for a charter school if Matthews decides to go that route. The North Carolina General Assembly passed a law last year that allows Matthews, Mint Hill, Huntersville and Cornelius to operate their own charter schools. The four communities have long had concerns with CMS regarding student placement, overcrowding and the construction of new schools in their communities. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education responded by approving the Municipal Concerns Act, which instructs Superintendent Clayton Wilcox to prioritize future capital funding to Charlotte, Davidson and Pineville. “I think we have to have a conversation about land for potential schools, whether it is charter or otherwise,” Urban said. “It is not something to dismiss readily in light of where we are at. If we do move forward toward diversity of educational choices, here is an opportunity. We do have the land at this point in time.” Commissioner Jeff Miller also said the property should be explored as a site for a possible school. If the property is used for a park, the three concepts presented to the board could include walking trails, signature playground

BUSINESS MANAGER Rebecca Jensen MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com NEWS EDITOR Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

Police: Couple used stolen card at store MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department is looking for a couple suspected of using a stolen debit card at 12:41 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Academy Sports + Outdoors on Matthews Township Parkway. The suspects are described as a white male with a large build and a white female with brown hair. They drove a dark green over tan Ford Expedition (Eddie Bauer Edition) 2003 to 2006 model. Contact Detective Danielle Helms at dhelms@matthewsnc.gov or 704-847-5555 with any information regarding the case.

Dante Miller dmiller@cmgweekly.com

ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway Kate Kutzleb adsales@cmgweekly.com PRESS RELEASES justin@cmgweekly.com

equipment, fitness clusters, pickleball and badminton courts, a dog park, basketball courts, picnic shelters and an open play area among other options. Commissioner Barbara Dement praised King for presenting ideas that had recreational opportunities for all age groups. Dement said she would like to see a volleyball court added to the park if it is built. “You have things for most in here,” Dement said. “You truly hit every demographic in our town. I love that idea.” Commissioner John Higdon suggested moving the parking lot to an area underneath the power lines. Currently that area is designated for walking trails that would meander under the power poles in that section. If the park was built, the town would handle the maintenance of the land, which is owned by Duke Energy, under the electric power towers. “I think it should be considered that parking be underneath the power lines and use that prime space (where parking is now proposed) for other amenities,” Higdon said. Commissioner Kress Query asked King to bring to the board cost estimates of operating and maintaining the park if it is built. “I’m seeing a big park and I am thinking three or four people continually to do upkeep,” Query said.

For All Your Fine Jewelry Needs

The Matthews Police Department is looking for these two guys. Photo courtesy of MPD

Police look for suspected shoplifters MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department is asking the public to help identify two men believed to have stolen a generator at 11 a.m. Feb. 18 from the Lowe's Improvement Store on Matthews Township Parkway. They are described as white men with goatees. One has a slight build and dark hair. The other has a medium build. Contact Officer Julius Robertson at jrobert son@matthewsnc.gov or 704-841-6794 with any information regarding this case.

Police: Women used stolen debit card at CVS MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department is looking for two females suspected of using a stolen debit card at 1:43 p.m. Feb. 16 at the CVS on Matthews Township Parkway. The suspects are described as black females with large builds. One has long dreadlocks or braids. The other has short hair with highlights. Contact Detective Danielle Helms at dhelms@matthewsnc.gov or 704-847-5555 with any information regarding the case.

Police: Man used a cloned debit card to make purchases MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department is looking for a man suspected of using a cloned debit card to make a fraudulent purchase at 6:21 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Bed, Bath & Beyond located at 10530 Northeast Pkwy. He is described as a black male with a medium build in his late 20s to mid-30s and standing 6-foot to 6-foot-2. Contact Detective Dan Townsend at dtownsend@matthewsnc.gov or 704-8475555 with any information regarding the case.

New fine-casual restaurant features Asian fusion CHARLOTTE – Asian fusion restaurant BéEm celebrated its grand opening Feb. 12, showcasing tastes from Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines. Bé-Em boasts many exclusive dishes such as Hibachi Plates, Poke Bowls and Vietnamese Pho, all made from scratch with high quality ingredients. It offers vegetarian, gluten-free and other health-conscious items, including fresh coconut, “We’ve brought the freshest, tastiest dishes to the table to create a truly unforgettable dining experience for our guests,” said Dee T, owner of Bé-Em. The family-owned restaurant was founded on making classic, made-to-order dishes with unique twists using fresh, never frozen, local and organic ingredients, including non-GMO, hormone-free, all-natural meats and scratchmade sauces. Bé-Em, located at 1848 Galleria Blvd., uses bio-degradable to-go packaging and donates to charities like Urban Ministries and Second Harvest Food Bank. Visit www.be-em.com for details.

Hunt co-sponsors first few bills in N.C. House

www.thekingsjewelry.com Open: Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm • Closed Sundays 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy., Suite 400 Matthews, NC 28105

704.841.2013

located in Matthews Festival Place (across from Harris Teeter)

Mint Hill Police has found property MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Police Department is sending a notice out of found property in its possession. State law allows police departments to sell or dispose of unclaimed property after 30 days notice. The following items listed are found property: backpacks, cellphones, debit/credit cards, firearms, identifying documents, iPads/ tablets, landscaping equipment and wallets. Anyone who believes the property is theirs must have proof of that item by providing serial number verification and photo ID. All inquiries are by appointment only (no walk-ins). Call MHPD at 704-545-1085 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Jersey Mike's helps Isabella Santos Foundation

CONTENT PRODUCERS Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com

ART DIRECTOR Kylie Sark art@cmgweekly.com

• March 8: Summer Camps No. 3 • March 15: Arts & Entertainment • March 22: Summer Camps No. 4

PARK

PUBLISHER Adrian Garson

The Matthews Police Department is looking for this couple. Photo courtesy of MPD

RALEIGH – N.C. Rep. Rachel Hunt has sponsored her first five bills in the N.C. House of Representatives. Hunt co-sponsored the following pieces of legislation: • Close the Medicaid Coverage Gap. • Standing Up for Rape Victims Act of 2019.

CHARLOTTE – The Isabella Santos Foundation is joining forces with 39 Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants throughout the greater Charlotte area for the ninth annual Month of Giving campaign. During March, customers can make a donation to the Isabella Santos Foundation. Proceeds from cookie sales will also go to the foundation, which supports pediatric cancer research. The campaign culminates with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on March 27, when restaurants give 100 percent of the day’s sales to the foundation. Last year’s campaign raised more than $6 million for 170 charities nationwide, including more than $135,000 in the greater Charlotte area. Participating restaurants are located in Charlotte (7309 E. Independence Blvd.), Indian Trail (6580 Old Monroe Road), Matthews (3116 Weddington Road & 2332 Matthews Township Pkwy.) and Mint Hill (7028 Brighton Park Drive). Visit www.jerseymikes.com/mog for details.

CMS sees drop in teacher vacancies CHARLOTTE – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reduced the total number of teacher vacancies in the district by 83 percent over the last year following new human resources initiatives that focus on teacher recruitment and retention. CMS has a total of 17 teacher vacancies, compared with a total of 100.5 teacher vacancies in February 2018. Vacancies dropped across categories, from 27 to five for elementary school teachers; from 18.5 to two for middle school teachers; from 42.5 to nine for high school teachers; and from 12.5 to one for multi-level teachers. “Over the past nine months we have challenged the HR function to truly focus on customer experience, which includes some of our most critical customers – our prospective candidates,” said Gerri Parker, interim chief human resource officer.

Mint Hill Police joining Ring's Neighbors app MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Police Department is joining Ring's Neighbors app to provide real-time crime and safety information. Residents can download the free Neighbors app (https://download.ring.com/minthill) to monitor neighborhood activity; share crime and safety-related posts; receive safety alerts from their neighbors, law enforcement and the Ring team. “Over the past few years we have learned that, when neighbors, the Ring team and law enforcement all work together, we can create safer communities,” Ring founder Jamie Siminoff said. “Neighbors is meant to facilitate real-time communication between these groups, while maintaining neighbor privacy first and foremost.”

AAA: Passengers less likely to wear a seat belt in backseat CHARLOTTE – AAA Carolinas is warning passengers that failing to buckle up in the back can have devastating consequences. This comes after a recent IIHS study found many adults don't feel the need to strap on seat belts while riding in the backseat. The survey found 72 percent of the 1,172 respondents said they always use a belt in the back seat, compared to 91 percent who said they always use one when seated in front. “You should always buckle up no matter where you are riding in a vehicle,” said Tiffany Wright, AAA Carolinas spokesperson. “Failure to do so not only puts you at risk, but can be dangerous to the rest of the passengers in the car as you could hit them with a force strong enough to cause serious injury or even death.”

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • March 1, 2019 • Page 3A

SNAPSHOTS

Greater Matthews Business Expo >> continued from page 1A

LIVABLE (continued from page 1A)

engagement and strategy manager for Livable Meck. “Hospitals had plans, towns had plans but there was not one unified plan. That is the goal of Livable Meck, a community-wide plan that will protect and enrich the quality of life. Where are we growing and where are we going?” Livable Meck led an hour-long workshop Feb. 19 at the Matthews Chamber of Commerce's Greater Matthews Business Expo to engage with chamber members and residents. A progress report released in early 2018 established seven guiding principles — Welcoming, Innovative, Connected, Inclusive, Prepared, Healthy and Resilient — and 21 strategies to achieve those principles that will serve as a collective road map to the future. The full report can be found at www.livablemeck.com. “We are going to have more folks on the road, more folks at Harris Teeter, more folks looking for jobs, more folks looking to buy houses,” Herbert said. “There is a need for a community-wide plan, and that is what we are trying to fulfill. That plan guides our work. We are aspiring to be an engagement infrastructure. Livable Meck connects all of our partners to do good things.” Herbert said Livable Meck is revisiting its plan with a Voice of the Community pro-

gram that asks residents what is important to them. The program started late last summer and will run through April. It includes a series of focus groups, online surveys and other engagement opportunities like the expo workshop. Herbert said they have engaged more than 1,400 people since August, and hope to engage at least 3,000 people. “At the end of this process, it won’t be statistically significant but it will be representative,” she said. Herbert engaged workshop participants on what is important to “you?” One participant said having “affordable” communities to live in was important. Another said the area’s quality of life would be enhanced by having a Major League Baseball team call Charlotte home. Another said the area needs better roads and more public transit. Having good medical facilities and living in safe communities were also mentioned among the many responses. “There is a lot of energy around affordable,” Herbert said. “That is also what we are hearing, and not in order, affordability, transportation and mental health are the three highest. And that is all around, in Matthews, Pineville, Uptown, across Mecklenburg County.” Herbert said Livable Meck will continue to host forums to get more input and present the feedback to community partners in September.

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While the Matthews Lofts apartment complex gives downtown an upscale feel, there’s a growing concern for the town to attract more affordable housing. MMHW file photo

10550 Independence Pointe Pkwy, Ste. 301 Matthews, NC 28105

Page 4A • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • March 1, 2019

CRIME SCENE The Matthews Police Department reported these incidents Feb. 11-17: Break-Ins • 4900 block of Morningwood Drive: Theft from storage building and lock bins. Feb. 12 • 9300 block of East Independence Boulevard: Vehicle break-in. Feb. 13 • 10400 block of East Independence Boulevard: TV,s and video game console stolen. Feb. 17 Break-Ins, Vehicles • 1400 block of Crescent Lane: Speaker subwoofer system and stereo amp stolen. Feb. 13 • 1500 block of Crescent Lane: Theft from vehicle. Feb. 12 • 1500 block of Crescent Lane: Money and bicycle stolen. Feb. 12 • 1700 block of Windsor Crossing Drive: Theft from vehicle. Feb. 12 • 1800 block of Gander Cover Lane: Nothing taken in vehicle break-in. Feb. 13 • 4900 block of Morningwood Drive: Theft from vehicle. Feb. 12 • 9600 block of Independence Pointe Parkway: Break-in and possession of stolen goods. Feb. 13 • 9900 block of East Independence Boulevard: Purse, wallet, cash and cards stolen. Feb. 13 • 9900 block of East Independence Boulevard: Wallet stolen. Feb. 13 • 10000 block of East Independence Boulevard: Handgun stolen. Feb. 13 • 10400 block of East Independence Boulevard: Money stolen. Feb. 14 Drugs • 9400 block of East Independence Boulevard: Possession of marijuana. Feb. 16 • 11000 block of East Independence Boulevard: Possession of marijuana. Feb. 17 Fraud/Forgery • Azteca Family Mexican Restaurant, 9709 E. Independence Blvd.: Defrauding innkeeper. Feb. 11 • 700 block of Matthews Township Parkway: Obtain gift cards by false pretenses. Feb. 11 • 1000 block of Reverdy Lane: Forgery-checks. Feb. 12 • 1200 block of Crews Road: Credit card fraud. Feb. 16 • 1800 block of Matthews Township Pkwy.: Counterfeiting/forgery involving $796.54. Feb. 13 • 2300 block of Matthews Township Parkway: Fraud involving $94. Feb. 13 • 3400 block of Matthews-Mint Hill

Road: Counterfeit $10 bill. Feb. 17 • 9900 block of East Independence Boulevard: Credit card/ATM fraud. Feb. 15 • 10500 block of Northeast Parkway: Credit card/ATM fraud. Feb. 14 • 11100 block of East Independence Boulevard: Counterfeiting coin. Feb. 11 Property Damage • 9300 block of East Independence Boulevard: Destruction/damage/vandalism to property. Feb. 16 Thefts • Home Depot, 1837 Matthews Township Pkwy.: Shoplifting. Feb. 12 • JC Penny, 10101 E. Independence Blvd.: Bracelet and purse stolen. Feb. 15 • Lowe's, 2115 Matthews Township Pkwy.: Shoplifting. Feb. 12 • Lowe's, 2115 Matthews Township Pkwy. DVD-R and chainsaw stolen. Feb. 15 • 1300 block of Crescent Lane: Theft of vehicle parts/accessories. Feb. 13 • 1900 block of Windsor Hill Drive: Larceny. Feb. 17 • 9100 block of East Independence Boulevard: Theft of vehicle parts/accessories. Feb. 15 Warrants • 1100 block of Matthews Township Parkway: Warrant for arrest. Feb. 14 • 1500 block of Crescent Lane: Warrant for arrest. Feb. 13 • 9400 block of East Independent Boulevard: Resist/obstruct/delay and warrant for arrest. Feb. 14 Other • 100 block of West John Street: Malicious conduct by prisoner. Feb. 17 • 900 block of Park Center Drive: Bad checks. Feb. 13 • 9200 block of East Independence Boulevard: Possession of stolen goods and consume on street/ sidewalk. Feb. 13 • 9400 block of East Independence Boulevard: Fictitious tag and false information to law enforcement officer. Feb. 11 • 9500 block of East Independence Boulevard: Possession of stolen vehicle, schedule I and VI controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Feb. 15 The Mint Hill Police Department reported these incidents Feb. 11-17: Assaults/Harassment • 10500 block of Arlington Church Road: Assault on a female. Feb. 15 • 10800 block of Lawyers Glen

Drive: Simple assault. Feb. 13 • 11900 block of Shady Oak Court: Harassing phone calls. Feb. 13 Break-Ins • 4600 block of Stoney Trace Drive: Second-degree burglary and larceny after breaking and entering. Feb. 14 • 5900 block of Oak Drive; Breakins and destruction/damage/vandalism of property. Feb. 12 • 6600 block of Paul Schadt Lane: Second-degree burglary. Feb. 14 • 10000 block of Albemarle Road: Burglary and property damage. Feb. 11 Break-Ins, Vehicles • 3600 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Theft from vehicle. Feb. 12 • 8000 block of Hollybrook Lane: Theft from vehicle and found property. Feb. 12 • 10200 block of Invershield Court: Theft from vehicle. Feb. 16 Drugs • 9100 block of Lawyers Road: Possession of schedule II and VI controlled substances and paraphernalia. Feb. 15 Fraud/Forgery • Dollar General (Mint Hill): Bank card fraud. Feb. 12 • 3600 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Credit card/ATM fraud. Feb. 15 • 5000 block of Sela Court: Fraud. Feb. 12 • 7400 block of Wilson Grove Road: Counterfeiting/forgery. Feb. 11 • 7400 block of Forrest Rader Drive: Credit card/ATM fraud. Feb. 17 Property Damage • 7000 block of Brighton Park Drive: Hit and run. Feb. 15 Robberies • 6500 block of Lake Road: Attempted robbery with dangerous weapon. Feb. 14 Thefts • 4300 block of Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road: Larceny. Feb. 13 • 4400 block of Stoney Trace Drive: Theft of registration plate. Feb. 12 • 4800 block of Stoney Trace Drive: Theft of vehicle parts/accessories. Feb. 16 • 9200 block of Lawyers Road: Larceny. Feb. 13 • 95000 block of Central Drive: Larceny. Feb. 12 Other • 6200 block of Wilson Grove Road: Trespassing. Feb. 15 • 7000 block of Gates Drive: Discharging firearm in town limits. Feb. 17

Mike Cochrane lets public works staff knows how much town leadership values their work. The group was especially busy during winter storms. Paul Nielsen/MMHW photo

Cochrane ensures public works feels appreciated by Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com

MINT HILL – At nearly every Mint Hill Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Mike Cochrane heaps praise on the town’s first-responders. Cochrane praises the work of the town’s police and fire departments but he also includes members of the public works department as first-responders in town. Cochrane put his money where his mouth is Feb. 19 as he treated the members of the public works department to breakfast at the facility behind the Mint Hill Police Department building. The 10 public works employees munched on breakfast sandwiches as Cochrane again praised the group for their work for residents. Cochrane said the department did great work during last year’s hurricanes and during other weather events that helped keep the town safe. “I just want to thank you again for all you do,” Cochrane told the em-

ployees. “The town needs you very, very much. I appreciate what you do. You do a great job for the town.” Mint Hill Town Engineer and Public Works Director Steve Frey said the department completes many different tasks for the town. Two of the employees are dedicated to work at the town’s parks. “We do everything but water, sewer and electric,” Frey said. “So, it’s roads, sidewalks, parks, right-of-way maintenance, asphalt repair, trees. They are unsung heroes.’’ Mint Hill has 111 miles of town roads under its jurisdiction, and that number is expected to grow by 15 miles in the next several years. There are approximately 60 miles of roads that NCDOT is responsible for but the town often services those roads following inclement weather. “They do a great job with the roads, even the gravel roads,” Cochrane said. “They also do a lot of work on the ditches. I think that is one thing people don’t realize. You have to keep the ditches clear or we will get flooding if they are blocked.’’

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • March 1, 2019 • Page 5A

Matthews trying to catch up on road repairs by Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com

MATTHEWS – The Matthews Board of Commissioners voted to spend $42,000 on a pavement condition survey of the town’s roads at its board meeting on Feb. 25. But Mayor Paul Bailey indicated to the board more may have to be done to maintain roads than what is currently budgeted. The current budget has $1.4 million available for resurfacing, and $1.2 million will be spent this year on a resurfacing program that covers 34 streets. The cost of the individual street projects range from a high of approximately $115,000 for Kimway Drive to a low of $5,100 for one of four projects in Crestdale. The board also discussed pavement conditions at the town’s annual planning conference Feb. 22 and 23. Bailey again said at the Feb. 25 meeting that the town has “got behind on road repairs.” “We need to examine what is going to be required,” Bailey said Feb. 25. “We need to start being more aggressive with the roads and get the streets repaired.’’ At the planning conference meeting on Feb. 23, Bailey said he feels like many of town’s roads are deteriorating faster than the money that is being reinvested in the streets. He told the board he wondered “if this was something we need to focus on.’’ “It’s almost feels like the school system. We have invested money but not quite enough, and you reach a point where it is out of control,” Bailey said. “You can’t get up to the standard that you want to have.” Bailey than asked Public Works Director C.J. O’Neill if he agreed with that sentiment. “Yeah, unfortunately I do,” O’Neill responded. Bailey said he would like to see the town develop a 10-year plan for road maintenance. “What do we have to spend to get all the roads up to standard?” Bailey asked. “What kind of price tag? I am not saying that we will do that.” The town last conducted a condition survey in 2014. O’Neill said a survey should be done every two to three years because the rate on how much streets degrade var-

Matthews commissioners ranked downtown parking among chief concerns when discussing potential capital improvement projects. MMHW file photo

PARKING (continued from page 1A)

Mayor Paul Bailey urged his colleagues to be more aggressive when it comes to repaving roads. Metro Creative photo

ies from road to road based on variability of asphalt, different construction methods, weather conditions, traffic, traffic loads and other variables. “You just can’t use that same survey year after year to figure out what we want to do the following year,” O’Neill said. “They can compare to see how the roads fared to last time. It will help us direct our activities for the next several years.’’ Commissioner John Higdon, who stated he was “stingy” when it comes to funding studies, said the town needs to do a better job communicating to it’s residents why a new survey needs to be conducted every several years. “I do think that this one is worthwhile,” Higdon said. “We haven’t done a good job of informing the public of why it is required. I don’t think they understand all the nuances of this.’’ Higdon said at the planning conference that the town needs to spend more money maintaining roads. “Clearly, we need to be spending more,” Higdon said. “We just keep kicking this can down the road. Some future board is going to have to spend millions and millions of dollars to fix our roads if we don’t get ahold of them.”

THE TERRACE AT BRIGHTMORE ASSISTED LIVING

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“We own the land where the parking lot would be,” Melton said. “We don’t own land – we don’t have $4 million (for a parking deck).” Higdon responded by saying a parking deck could be financed over 20 years to make it affordable.

“It’s going to cost $6 million if we wait five years to build it,” Higdon said. “It will cost $8 million if we wait 10 years to build it.” Commissioners also discussed possible partnerships with potential developers that would provide public parking in vertical buildings. “There are definitely some creative options in all of this,” Commissioner John Urban said.

Town leaders rank priorities MATTHEWS – As part of the planning conference, each Matthews commissioner was asked to rank priorities for future projects for the town’s Capital Improvement Plan. Here are the top 11 of the 34 potential projects listed. 1. Parking lot: A parking lot with 50 spaces on town-owned property next to the U.S. Post Office. 2. North Ames Street improvements: This project will widen North Ames Street from West Matthews Street to West Charles Street. 3. Andrew Caroline Drive extension: Novant will construct a portion of the drive but the remaining connection to Matthews-Mint Hill Road will be the responsibility of the town. 4. Sidewalk gaps: This effort improves connectivity throughout town. 5. McKee Road segment A betterments: This NCDOT project will extend the road 4,000 feet beyond its current terminus at Pleasant Plains Road to John Street. The town has committed money to speed up construction. The project is funded in the current TIP. 6. N.C. 51 multi-use path: In partnership with NCDOT, a multi-use trail along N.C. 51 from Trade Street to Independence Point Parkway 7. Parking Deck: Centralized parking deck with 250 parking spaces. 8. Crestdale Heritage Trail: Completion of the 1.5-mile long gravel trail. 9. Fire Station: Construction of a third fire station on Matthews-Mint Hill Road near Purser-Hulsey Park 10. Matthews Downtown Loop multi-use trail: The vision for this project is to create a multi-use path that connects and loops the entire downtown core of Matthews. 11. West Charles Street and Lois Street improvements: This project will widen and improve West Charles Street with curb, gutter and sidewalk from existing widening to Matthews Township Parkway, as well as adding curb, gutter and sidewalk to Lois Street.

Matthews leaders are fine with 2-year terms by Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com

MATTHEWS – The possibility of switching to four-year staggered terms for the mayor and board of commissioners in Matthews got no traction after the matter was discussed Feb. 23 at the board’s annual planning conference. The presentation to the board of commissioners said four-year terms would allow commissioners to become more accustomed to their new roles and have time to settle in in a town with a $22 million budget that also has capital and operational projects underway at any given time. Pineville has gone to four-year staggered terms while a similar proposal was shot down by the Charlotte

City Council recently. “Staggered terms, we talk about this periodically,” Matthews Town Manager Hazen Blodgett told the board. “These things (town issues) take time to learn. We don’t have a lot of turnover but four-year staggered terms helps with that. There is a benefit that new folks can learn from veterans.’’ Mayor Paul Bailey said the current system of having elections every two years for mayor and board members is one that needs to be kept. “I am absolutely against four-year terms,” Bailey said. “I do not believe it is necessary to be concerned about changing boards.” After discussing the matter, commissioners decided no action would be taken on switching to four-year terms.

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Page 6A • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • March 1, 2019

Independence theater students take on 'Nunsense' by Paul Nielsen paul@cmgweekly.com

MINT HILL – Independence High will present the hit musical comedy “Nunsense: The Mega Musical” over four shows next week. “Nunsense” is a hilarious spoof about the misadventures of five nuns trying to raise money by doing a variety show after several of their colleagues died after an outbreak of food poisoning. Four of the deceased nuns are still in a freezer awaiting burial. The production features more than 20 songs in the two-act play. The musical comedy will be held March 7 to 10 at Independence High. Show times the first three nights start at 7 p.m. while the final performance will be at 2:30 p.m. March 10. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $5 for students. They can be purchased at the door. The cast has been rehearsing almost daily since the first of the year. “We are now at the point where we are starting to put all the pieces together,” theater teacher Paula Baldwin said. Baldwin is the director. This is

Independence High students will perform in the musical comedy “Nunsense: The Mega Musical” March 7 to 10 at the school. Paul Nielsen/MMHW photo

her 23rd consecutive spring musical in Mint Hill. Prior to teaching at Independence, Baldwin also taught at Northeast and Mint Hill middle schools. Baldwin said she has always

wanted to do “Nunsense: The Mega Musical.” “I saw the original production some 30 years ago in New York,” Baldwin said. “I loved it. The original – and there are several sequels

Green Jeans returns to Levine Senior Center MATTHEWS – Sisters Cindy Williams and Dana Degan are excited to kickstart the fifth year their Green Jeans Consignment Sale has been in Matthews. They've been running the area's largest women's consignment sale in the Lake Norman and south Charlotte areas since 2010. "We absolutely love this business model,” Williams said. “It allows us to be work-fromhome moms who get to attend four 'family' reunions per year.” Every six-day sale hosts Pay it Forward pre-sale events, where women can shop the deals before the public. Instead of charging

to enter their pre-sales, the sisters are asking women to pay it forward through random acts of kindness. Random acts serve as admission into their "shop before the public" pre-sales held March 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. and the half price pre-sale on March 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. Online registration is required at www. greenjeanssale.com. In addition, Williams and Degan recognize the importance of self care and taking time for yourself. They invite teachers, first-responders and medical personnel to shop their pre-sales March 15 from 5 to 9

– was only five nuns, and it is hard to do a musical in a school this size with only five characters. But, a few years back, they expanded the show and added an ensemble, which made it more user-friendly

p.m. Online registration is required. “Women, many times, put themselves last, especially those in a position of service, like teachers, nurses, military, fire and police,” Williams said. “We want them to set aside time to shop for themselves and get the best deals around. Every woman deserves to feel beautiful on budget.” To encourage young women to value the importance of reusing and purchasing high quality, gently used fashion, the sisters have also created a Teen Pre-sale March 11 at 6 p.m. Teens are invited to shop the sales floor without the crowd. “We really want to show women from an early age, how valuable it is to purchase "slow" fashion,” Degan said. “Forget the Target 'fast fashion' wardrobe that lasts one season and spend the same amount on high quality fashion that will last a lot longer. This practice saves our landfills and ultimately the

for community theaters and high schools. It’s very funny, it’s just a fun show to do.’’ Independence junior Grace Deseve plays Sister Amnesia. Grace said she enjoys her role in the production. She is also on the swimming and tennis teams at Independence. “She forgets everything and she doesn’t know much about her past,” Grace said. “Throughout the show, you see glimpses of her past, and the show eventually unravels it all. I like the role because she is super funny.’’ Danielle Vanasse plays Sister Mary Leo and the senior had to learn ballet for her role. “She is the youngest, a novice, and she wants to be a ballerina,” Danielle said. “She is really funny and she dances a lot and gets into a lot of mischief. I love the dancing. I had never done ballet before, so that was a little challenging.” Rick Dills is the production’s technical director, while Kristine Neale is the musical director. Both are faculty members at Independence. On the web: www.bigipatriot playmakers.weebly.com.

planet while supporting a small business.” Shoppers will have seven days to shop in Matthews, including the pre-sales. The sisters anticipate about 225 consignors, 25,000 pieces of inventory and about 2,000 shoppers over sale week. The sale will dedicate a full day March 13 to “Restock Wednesday,” restocking items from a fresh set of consignors. Green Jeans donates unsold clothing from the sale to the Zab's Place and Common Heart. Want to go? Regular shopping hours open to the public March 12 to 14 from 9 a.m. to 7p.m.; March 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; March 16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; March 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. The sale is accepting consignors until March 12. Register at www.greenjeanssale.com/sell.

Save the Date

2019

Thrive Over 55 Senior Expo March 29, 2019 • 9am-12:30pm

Christ Covenant Church 800 Fullwood Lane • Matthews, NC 28105 FREE Breakfast and FREE Lunch Free Admission Door prizes and giveaways! Food, Fun and Fellowship

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SPORTS Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • March 1, 2019 • Page 1B

Quick study Asaboro among nation's best prospects by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

MATTHEWS – The first time Covenant Day football coach Chris James saw Nigerian native Wisdom Asaboro, he probably thought he was on an episode of the old TV show “Punk'd.” Here is a kid, who stands 6-foot-7 inches tall and weighs 280 pounds. He’s has the natural body for a defensive end, but when you see the way he moves and the motor he possesses, the potential is unlimited. Asaboro played defensive end with his hand in the dirt and was quick and agile enough to line up at linebacker. At times, he lined up in the back-

field to carry the ball because, why not? Who’s gonna tackle a 6-7 kid who runs like a safety? “He’s obviously a really big kid,” James said. “But it’s also an incredible opportunity for our school and for Wisdom. One, we get to know who he is as a person, what’s important to him and the Nigerian culture, which has been really neat to learn about all of that. Obviously on the football side, too, he’s a pretty big and talented kid. It’s been a neat experience for me because he’s a great kid and so eager to learn.” Asaboro, who has seven siblings, came to Arden, N.C. two years ago and stayed a year a Christ School,

which is more of a boarding school than Covenant Day. After the year at Christ School, Asaboro returned to Nigeria before getting word that Jonathan and Erica Crumpler would host him for his senior season. It’s been an adjustment, although Asaboro has a great mindset for attacking life every day in a different country and totally new world where the culture is nothing like back home. “It wasn’t really hard,” he said. “The reason I say that is before I came here I already had the mindset that life is not always a bed of roses and there see ASABORO, Page 3B

Covenant Day defensive lineman Wisdom Asaboro recently committed to North Carolina despite just starting football. Andrew Stark/MMHW photo

Kings of the court, again

Andrew Stark Sports Editor

We’re gonna formally honor our athletes

ons on Feb. 23 that he could finally feel redemption. The win last season led to the Cougars upsetting Gaston Day in double overtime to win their first state title in dramatic fashion. But it still didn’t erase the pain from

ince the high school sports season began last fall, Charlotte Media Group has run an Athlete of the Week ad in each of our three papers. Thanks to the good folks at Stacks Restaurant, since August we’ve had three weekly winners with a different athlete running in each of our papers: Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, South Charlotte Weekly and Union County Weekly. It’s been both boys and girls and by now we’ve included an athlete from all of our major coverage area schools. This week, for example, we are recognizing Carmel Christian’s Myles Hunter for his performance over the weekend that led the Cougars to their second straight title. Hunter isn’t a household name – at least not yet – but the 6-foot-6 junior can play. Providence Day’s Andi Levitz led the Chargers in scoring in their Final Four loss to eventual state champ North Raleigh Christian. Levitz also was just named to the NCISAA all-state team. In Union County, Cuthbertson sophomore Maddie Dellinger had 10 points and seven boards, leading the Cavs past rival Charlotte Catholic. Dellinger has been one of the Cavs best players all season, leading them to a 24-3 record. These athletes deserve to be recognized for what they’ve done, and that got our creative juices flowing in an office meeting one day. And at our office, we think big.

see KINGS, Page 2B

see STARK, Page 3B

Junior Myles Hunter leaps into the air for a jump shot during the state title game against Village Christian on Feb. 23. The Cougars came out on top by just one point to clinch their second-straight title. Andrew Stark/MMHW photos

Cougars win state title for second year in a row by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

MATTHEWS – Donovan Gregory had sort of gotten over the hump last season when Carmel Christian blew out Village Christian in the semifinals, but it wasn’t until his team pulled off a thrilling 65-64 win to repeat as champi-

This weekend: Private School All-Star Game coming to Providence Day by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – The 2019 North Carolina Private School All-Star Game will feature the best of the best hoop stars from around the state battling it out on the court in an East vs. West format March 2 at Providence Day. Head coaches and athletic directors from around the state nominated more than 100 players, which were narrowed down into two teams to represent the best of all classifications in North Carolina. “For most high school players, their high school careers end in a loss,” said event host and Providence Day boys bas-

ketball coach Brian Field. “We started this All-Star game six years ago to bring together some of the most talented players in the state and to give them a memorable way to end their career by playing and doing service alongside many of their peers.” The boys game 15 players who have already signed to play college basketball, and several more who will sign in the coming weeks now that their seasons are complete. Kurtis Darden, who guided his Village Christian team to the 3A championship game, will coach the East. Darden won back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017. Metrolina Christian’s Michael Wilson will coach the West side.

The girls game features six players who have already signed to play college ball. Bill Middlebrooks, who has coached at Concord First Assembly for 17 seasons, will lead the East. Charisse Map, who has been atop Charlotte Latin’s program for several seasons after starring at North Carolina, will lead the West. In all, at least 21 next-level players will take the court one final time in their high school careers and try to end it with a win. “The rosters this season are once again loaded with talent,” Field said. “It is always fun to have them on our campus for two days and see players from rival teams see ALL-STAR, Page 6B

Covenant Day star guard Maddie Crumpler will represent the West in the Private School All-Star Game, which will take place March 2 at Providence Day. Andrew Stark/MMHW photo

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Waxhaw 1315 N. Broome St. 704-243-2024

Matthews 11100 Monroe Rd. 704-841-2025

MYLES HUNTER CARMEL CHRISTIAN

The 6-foot-6 junior scored seven points in the Cougars semifinal win, but poured in 13 on 5-of-6 shooting to help Carmel Christian repeat as state champs. Hunter helped lead the Cougars to a 31-3.

Page 2B • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • March 1, 2019

KINGS (continued from page 1B)

Gregory’s mind. He talked about it, although then sophomores Marten Maide and Myles Pierre probably have the same memory stored somewhere. As a freshman at Northside Christian, Gregory had lost to Village Christian in the finals. Gregory, Maide and Pierre were on the 2016-17 Carmel Christian team that had lost to Village Christian in the finals that season. This year, with the two postseason rivals hooking up once again, the game was set to be a classic. And it was, truly becoming the showcase game it was supposed to and the perfect end to the Cougars season, where so much was expected of them. “It’s different to do it like this because it’s harder to repeat,” said coach Joe Badgett. “Last year there wasn’t any pressure on us because everyone thought we’d lose to Gaston Day. This year, from Day 1 they expected us to win this game. But the kids battled, they hung in there and they pulled it out.” Village Christian took the game’s biggest lead to end the first quarter when star point guard Travion McCray hit a three-quarter court shot that put the Knights up 20-13. It was the worst-case scenario for the Cougars, as the crowd erupted. McCray was sensational all game, and led all scorers with 28 points, many coming on spectacular drives to the hoop. But the veteran Cougar team that has played in multiple title games didn’t panic. They sprinted out to a 10-2 spurt to start the second quarter. When junior Myles Hunter splashed a 3-pointer, they had taken the lead 23-22. From there, it was on. The game never shifted more than five points either way, but there were 15 lead changes including seven in the fourth quarter alone. But in the end it came down to Gregory, and he delivered on the biggest stage. The Cougars trailed 64-63 with just over 20 seconds to go when they inbounded the ball. Gregory had a shot, but it missed and the ball – and the Cougar season – hung in the balance. “I knew it was going to come down to who wanted it more,”Gregory said. “We were the better team, but we struggled at some points. Our defense translated into offense, and the best man was going to win the game. “I got the ball and saw an opportunity to score. I picked it, up and we won the game.” Gregory emerged from a scrum under the basket, rose and scored. McCray, the Village Christian hero had already made one long heave, had one final halfcourt shot that

Above: Carmel Christian coach Joe Badgett is congratulated by NCISAA president Chapel Carter while DeAngelo Epps embraces a teammate in the background. Below: The Cougars celebrate after becoming the 2018-19 NCISAA 3A champs. Andrew Stark/MMHW photos Find us @mmhweekly on Facebook and Twitter for more photos from the game.

clanked off the backboard, giving the Cougars the perfect end, especially with the ball landing in Gregory's hands. “Personally, I feel like we deserve this,” he said. “I lost my first two state championships in ninth and 10th grade. I lost to Village Christian here, and I remember the pain I went through as a freshman with the seniors on that team. It’s been biting me apart ever since, so I was thinking about them today.” Gregory led the Cougars with 22 points and six rebounds, and he connected on all 10 of his free throw attempts. DeAngelo Epps, the Country Day transfer who fit into an already title-seeking team perfectly, scored 14 points and added six rebounds and three steals. “It’s very special,” Epps said. “It was an emotional rollercoaster with the highs and the lows of the game. To come down for one shot to win you can’t ask for anything better.” Hunter, the junior star to be, scored 14 points. He hit huge shots in the Cougars ‘semifinal win, as well and will be one of the centerpieces to next year’s team. “Myles Hunter is probably one of the best scorers in the city,” Badgett said. “When he goes in, we tell him he has to shoot the ball because he can score at all three levels. I was talking to some college coaches today about

him, and he’s very good. (Junior guard) Kenny (Gwynn) went in and played some minutes for us. He’s undersized, but he goes in the post and bangs and beats up but he never complains. He just wants to play.” Badgett shared some hugs and tears with his guys, who had been through a lot this season. They had sky high expectations with the talented roster loaded with five Division 1 recruits and at least three more guys who will play sign in the coming years. They dealt with a daunting national schedule, all of the expectations and came out 31-3

and state champions for the second straight season. “I think it’s a fitting end for our season,” Badgett said. “These are great kids and great high school basketball players. You can’t write it up any better as a player and in the last one I got the ball and made the shot the won the game. You can’t write it up like that. It’s great stuff. “But, you know, I’m excited about the group we have coming back. We have some young guys, and they can flat play. I’m excited for getting them rolling.”

Year of growth leads Epps to perfect career ending by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

MATTHEWS – When the 2017-18 season ended with Carmel Christian holding the NCISAA 2A title and with almost their entire roster coming back to defend it, the Cougars were already thinking repeat. Carmel Christian would have four Division I players in their starting lineup with Jake Boggs, Myles Pierre, Marten Maide and Appalachian State commit Donovan Gregory, their superstar wing and one of the state’s top talents. Then, over the summer, there began to be some rumblings that the Cougars could potentially add another star. DeAngelo Epps had run out of eligibility under the rule book of the NCISAA 4A division that houses schools including Country Day, where he had averaged nearly 19 points and over seven rebounds per game as a junior. Epps has been friends with Gregory and Pierre for years through circuit ball. Carmel Christian first-year head coach Joe Badgett had heard of Epps, but wanted to see him play for himself. The worst thing he could do, Badgett thought, was bring in a player who wouldn’t buy into what the Cougars do and potentially could mess up the chemistry of a team fresh off a title. “I went to a circuit game to see him, and the kid drew four charges in an AAU game,” Badgett said with a chuckle. “I said, ‘Man, he can come play with me any day,’ because nobody does that in those circuit games. Nobody does that.” Off the bat, Epps came in as an above-average defender who fit perfectly with the Cougars’ fast-paced, trapping style of defense. The offense, though, would take a little time.

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Carmel Christian’s DeAngelo Epps scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds in the Cougars’ state title win over Village Christian. This season was an adjustment for Epps, but something that has made him an even better all-around player. Andrew Stark/MMHW photo

At Country Day, Epps was the man. He took 13.5 shots per game and made 49 percent of those chances. While Badgett loved the shooting percentage and Epps’ game in general (many of his points come at or around the basket as he continuously attacks the rim), he knew Epps would have to become more economical in his scoring approach. “I tried to take smarter shots,” Epps said. “Coach Badgett talks a lot about it not being the shot that you take, but where you are on the floor when you take it and knowing your strengths and weaknesses. I think a lot about that.” Epps averaged 14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and two steals per game this season despite averaging just 10.3 shots per game. He also shot 54 percent from the floor and

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took 70 less shots despite playing four more games. “It was a little struggle at first,” Badgett said. “Our emphasis is we give you a lot of freedom offensively because we don’t coach offense. We coach defense. He’s a defensive player, so he automatically fits. There was some, ‘Oh, coach didn’t say nothing when I took that crazy shot,’ moments early on, but we got him doing some different things. Plus, he’s a smart kid. He got what we wanted him to early on.” In the title game, as he’d been all season, Epps was fantastic as he scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds to go with three steals. Epps came into the game with a bruised and injured shoulder. He was fouled on one play, and his wrist and thumb clanked as they

hit the backboard. Epps was so shaken up, the Cougars had to sub him out in the fourth quarter of one of the best high school basketball games I’ve ever seen and have teammate Myles Hunter shoot his ensuing free throws. When Epps returned several minutes later, his shoulder, thumb and wrist were so injured he labored at the charity stripe and airballed a free throw. The next attempt looked so uncomfortable I thought he’d have to sit out, but Epps remained in as he willed the ball in the basket. “I’ll put some ice on it,” Epps promised the trainer as he exited the locker room looking equal parts relieved and jubilant. This had been a long journey, but one that made Epps a better player and teammate. “At the beginning, it was an adjustment,” Epps said. “Donovan and Marten were used to playing together a certain way and I’m coming from Country Day where I had the ball in my hands most of the game. I knew coming over here it was going to be a big change, but I didn’t have a problem conforming because I wanted to get better and be ready for college.” Epps has a bright future ahead of him at the College of Charleston, where he’ll play next season. But for now, Epps is glowing in the luster of a state championship run. While the title is great, he said going through the process is what he’ll always remember. “I’m grateful for the transition and I think I made the best of it,” he said. “Coming in, I would have never expected this. It is so special for me. I’ve been playing with Marten, Donovan, Myles Pierre and all of these guys for a long time and numerous years in circuit ball. Just to be here right now and be with them is so special for me. “I love it, and I’ll always remember this.”

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • March 1, 2019 • Page 3B

ASABORO (continued from page 1B)

were going to be tough times and good times, but it will never be just good or just bad times. When it was tough times, I had coach, my host parents, the head of school, principal and counselors to help me. I had a lot of people who have hands in the transition, “I was open-minded and knew it was a different place. It’s not going to be home, and everything is going to be different. This place taught me how to plan and to do a lot of things.” Asaboro, who is a devout Christian and the son of a preacher back home, said he internalizes everything, which made his adjustment to school life and to football a lot easier. “I try to take everything and put it in me,” he said. “I’m going to have my brain wherever I go. If I store it in my brain, whenever I’m called upon, I’m going to know it and not have to search around for the piece of paper. That’s helped me when I look at the plays. I try to assimilate the plays. I get it once and I don’t need to look at coach’s playbook. I know what I’m doing. I try to apply that to my life and to football.” That’s helped Asaboro become a very quick study. Covenant Day was the first place he’d ever really played football, although he does have a background in basketball. But he’s quickly rocketed up the recruiting boards with his size, speed and untapped potential that had college coaches dreaming of what he could be. “One of my first impressions is that he wants to be really good,” James said. “Especially for a one-and-a-half year player, he was really good, but really raw. He had to learn all of the terminology all at once. He had

STARK (continued from page 1B)

When our brains finally came together, we came up with a brilliant idea: If we’re going to have all of these athletes from all of these schools for all of these weeks, why don’t we hold a celebration? So, this year, we’re hosting the inaugural Charlotte Media Group’s Athlete of the Year. And it’s going to be huge. Each paper is going to honor six athletes – one boy and one girl. They’ll be recog-

to learn the different roles at each position he was going to be playing, but he got a lot better as the year went on. It started to slow down a little bit, and that’s difficult because it takes so much time and experience to be able to think clearly in the game.” Today, he’s ranked as a 4-star prospect and considered the No. 14 player in North Carolina and the No. 22 defensive tackle in the country by 247sports.com. And he played hurt. Not wanting to waste the opportunity he had to make a name for himself, Asaboro played through an injury that would have sidelined most players. “The most important thing that helped me grow was being humble,” he said. “I come from somewhere where I was underprivileged and now I have privilege. There are days when I wake up when I’m down, but I have to keep pushing. Mid-season, I tore my meniscus, but I played the whole season because it was do or die. To me, it was if you have it you better not waste it and make every day count and not look back and have regrets.” Recently, Asaboro signed with North Carolina, where he will enter their Class of 2019 recruits. It’s a place he believes God has sent him to help the Tar Heels win a national title, and the preparation for that starts now. And, judging from what he’s done in a very short time, don’t count Asaboro out. “I try to do what’s good by the Lord and do what’s humane in society. If you’re doing something in the sight of God, that’s going to do good things,” he said. “I don’t go out every day and try to be a role model, but I do go out to walk in the footsteps of Christ and do stuff I know I’d want people to do for me if I was in need. “I’m able to go to bed at night knowing I was able to achieve all I was able to do during that day and I didn’t leave anything on the table and that’s good enough for me.” nized for their athletic prowess and incredible accomplishments throughout this 2018-19 sports year. There will be wonderful speakers, refreshments and so much more. We hope you’ll join us in what will undoubtedly be a special night and certainly one to remember for our great athletes. Want to help sponsor the event? Companies or organizations interested in sponsoring the event should contact Adrian Garson at 704-849-2261 or adri an@cmgweekly.com.

Latin boys, girls top area NCISAA swimming by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – For the first time in seven seasons the Charlotte Latin boys swim team ended its year anything but NCISAA champs. A second-place finish for the boys and a third-place performance for the girls was a more than successful season for the Hawks, who paced area teams at the private school championships held earlier this month. The Latin boys snapped their streak of six consecutive state titles after scoring 353 points, just 7.5 behind state champion Cary Academy. But the Hawks had plenty of standout performances to make the day memorable. Charlotte Latin’s 200 freestyle relay team of sophomores Kwame Thornhill and Stephen Kim, junior Jackson Davis and senior Evan Dorsel combined to swim 1:37.40, breaking the state record in that event. That foursome would strike again in the 400 freestyle relay with a time of 3:14.66, which was more than six seconds ahead of the field. Davis would go on to win the 50 freestyle with a time of 21.45 seconds, which won the meet by 0.35 seconds ahead of a stacked field of competitors. The star junior would add another individual title, taking the 100 freestyle crown with a time of 46.69, nearly two full seconds ahead of the field. Kim put together an impressive swim in the 100 breaststroke, holding off teammate Andy Dorsel with a time of 57.53, which was just 0.02 seconds from beating former Latin all-American Michael Chadwick’s 2013 mark. Evan Dorsel would later win the 100 butterfly in dominating. His 50.90 beat the field by 2.30 seconds. Sophomore Andy Dorsel won the 200 individual medley with a time of 1:51.77, which missed Matt McGinnis’ long-standing record by just 0.60. McGuinnis has owned the meet record since 2003. The Latin girls had their own record-setting relays as sophomore Lindsay Flynn, junior Evelyn Peters and seniors Amy Dragellin and Jessica Flynn beat the NCISAA mark with a swim of 1:36.76, which was more than two seconds ahead of the 200 freestyle relay field. The four would partner again to win the 400 freestyle relay with a time of 3:29.75, which led the field by over nine full seconds and set another state record.

Flynn also won the 100 freestyle with a swim of 50.64, which edged Country Day star Sophie Francis by 0.25 seconds. The boys standings behind Cary Academy’s 360.5 points included area teams Charlotte Latin (353, second), Providence Day (248, third), Country Day (116, seventh) and Charlotte Christian (57, 12th). Cary Academy pulled off the sweep by winning the girls meet with 403 points, well clear of runner-up Saint Mary’s (290). Charlotte Latin was third (253) and followed by Country Day (196, fourth), Covenant Day (105, T-eighth), Providence Day (95, 11th), Metrolina Christian (78, 12th) and Charlotte Christian (33, 13th). When applicable, the top 16 placers score points for their team. Below is a list of all performers who finished within the top eight of their respective events. Girls • 200 freestyle relay: Country Day, 2nd; Covenant Day • 200 freestyle: Amy Dragelin, Charlotte Latin - 2nd; Jessica Flynn, Charlotte Latin - 3rd; Hannah Baumgartner, Country Day - 5th; Sarah Fleury, Metrolina Christina, 7th • 200 individual medley: Lawson Brantley, Covenant Day - 4th; Evelyn Peters, Charlotte Latin - 5th; Emma Hatlem, Country Day - 8th • 50 freestyle: Lindsay Flynn, Charlotte Latin - 2nd; Sophie Francis, Country Day - 3rd; Sarah Fleury, Metrolina Christian - 4th; Hannah Baumgartner, Country Day - 7th • 100 butterfly: Evelyn Peters, Charlotte Latin - 5th; Lucy Elliott, Country Day - 7th • 100 freestyle: Lindsay Flynn, Charlotte Latin - 1st; Sophie Francis, Country Day - 2nd; Amy Dragelin, Charlotte Latin - 3rd • 500 freestyle: Maria Llerenas Soto, Charlotte Latin - 3rd; Isa Makhuli, Providence Day - 4th; Emma Hatlem, Country Day - 5th; Kathryn Harding, Covenant Day - 7th • 200 freestyle relay: Charlotte Latin, 1st; Metrolina Christian, T-4th; Covenant Day, T-4th; Country Day, 7th • 100 backstroke: Jessica Flynn, Charlotte Latin - 3rd; Lawson Brantley, Covenant Day - 5th; Lucy Elliott, Country Day - 7th • 200 freestyle relay: Charlotte Latin, 1st; Country Day, 3rd; Providence Day, 8th Boys • 200 freestyle relay: Charlotte Latin, 1st; Providence Day, 2nd; Country Day, 6th; Covenant Day, 7th • 200 freestyle: Kwame Thornhill, Charlotte Latin - 2nd; Colter Nichols, Providence Day - 5th; Zachary Brown, Charlotte Christian - 6th; Thomas Redvanly, Country Day - 7th • 200 individual medley: Andy Dorsel, Charlotte Latin - 1st • 50 freestyle: Jackson Davis, Charlotte Latin - 1st; Tyler Sherrill, Providence Day - 4th; John Howard, Providence Day - 6th • 100 butterfly: Evan Dorsel, Charlotte Latin - 1st; Landon McLaurin, Providence Day - 2nd; Connor Neely, Charlotte Latin - 4th; Will Cooper, Country Day - 5th; John Howard, Providence Day - 7th; Zachary Brown, Charlotte Christian - 8th • 100 freestyle: Jackson Davis, Charlotte Latin - 1st; Tyler Sherrill, Providence Day - 2nd; Kwame Thornhill, Charlotte Latin - 4th; • 500 freestyle: Evan Dorsel, Charlotte Latin - 3rd; Ben Bednar, Covenant Day - 5th; Thomas Redvanly, Country Day - 6th; Landon McLaurin, Providence Day - 8th • 200 freestyle relay: Charlotte Latin, 3rd; Providence Day, 4th; Covenant Day, 7th; Charlotte Christian, 8th • 100 backstroke: Ethan Bershad, Charlotte Latin - 6th; Colter Nichols, Providence Day - 6th • 100 breaststroke: Stephen Kim, Charlotte Latin - 1st; Andy Dorsel, Charlotte Latin - 2nd; Will Cooper, Country Day - 6th; Axel Rokhar, Providence Day - 7th • 200 freestyle relay: Charlotte Latin, 1st; Providence Day, 2nd; Country Day, 6th

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Page 4B • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • March 1, 2019

THINGS TO DO March 1-3 Home & Garden The Southern Spring Home & Garden Show returns with the latest trends and products in home improvement, remodeling, outdoor living and gardening The show will be held 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 1 and 2 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 3 at the Park Expo and Conference Center. Tickets at the door cost $12 for adults, $9 for seniors ages 55 and older and free for children younger than 12. www.charlottespringhome andgardenshow.com Various times; 800 Briar Creek Road, Charlotte

March 1 Family Storytime Families enjoy stories, songs and movement during Family Storytime at the Matthews Library. Call 704-4165000 for details. 10:15 & 11 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews Food Trucks Wraps Around the World rides into town for Temple Mojo's Food Truck Friday series. 704-246-8196 5 to 9 p.m.; 195 N. Trade St., Matthews Family Night The Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Department presents Crews Family Fun Night at the Crews

Recreation Center. The event includes entertainment and food. The highlight for this program is indoor laser tag night. 704-708-1289 6-9 p.m.; 1201 Crews Road, Matthews Card Gaming Your Local Game Store hosts a Magic The Gathering: Booster Draft on Fridays. Players build their decks through booster packs. Entry costs $10. 704-729-4547 7-11 p.m.; 6908 Matthews-Mint Hill Road

March 2 Meet the Mayor Meet Matthews Mayor Paul Bailey at Miki's Restaurant. 704-708-1278 8-9 a.m.; 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy., Matthews Family Storytime Families enjoy stories, songs and movement during Family Storytime at the Matthews Library. Call 704-4165000 for details. 9:30-10 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St,. Matthews

ACROSS

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AT&T Park team Who’s doing this crossword Appropriate rhyme for “cram” Leaves Prankster Rome’s ___ Fountain Marathon marking Words of tribute His last words were “The rest is silence” Circus animals enjoying some chocolate? Fig. in annual reports Lead-in to long Whose conversation might be about shaggy hair and Himalayan peaks? Novelist George

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE C R U S T

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Run Club Mark Kauffman leads a weekly run club at the The Pizza Peel. Runs include three, five or six miles through downtown. The club includes restaurant promotions. 704814-0231 6:30-8 p.m.; 110 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Vinyl Night Mint Hill Roasting Company invites coffee-drinkers to bring their favorite vinyl record for the group to listen to or listen to the best that Hardy Boys Records has to offer. 980-875-9584 8-10 p.m.; 7201 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Pajama Storytime Families enjoy stories, songs and movement … in their pajamas … during Family Storytime at the Matthews Library. 704-416-5000 7-7:45 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St,. Matthews

CIAA Party The Belle Grille hosts a CIAA party featuring Jackie O with All of Us Band. Admission costs $20, which includes a cocktail and appetizer. 704846-0126 8 p.m.; 3022 Weddington Road, Matthews

Watch Party Mint Hill Roasting Company hosts a watch party for “The Bachelor” with discounts on beer and wine. 980-875-9584 8-10 p.m.; 7201 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

March 2-3

March 5

Community Theater The Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents “The Jungle Book” at the Matthews Community Center. Tickets cost $14 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. 2 p.m.; 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews

Cop Coffee The Mint Hill Police Department invites the community for coffee and conversation at McDonalds in a series designed to connect MHPD to the community. 704-5451085 8 a.m.; 9150 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill

Puppy Adoption Rover's Rescue & Retreat holds a puppy adoption event at Woof 'n Hoof. Email March 4 roversrescuenretreat@gmail. Family Storytime com get anYork adoption appliFamilies stories, ThetoNew Times Syndication Sales enjoy Corporation Eighth Avenue, New York, 10018 during cation. 620 704-545-7387 songs andN.Y. movement Forp.m.; Information Call:Family 1-800-972-3550 11 a.m.-2 7710 MatStorytime at the MatForHill Release Wednesday, 25, 704-416-5000 2018 thews-Mint Road, Mint Hill thewsApril Library.

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11-11:30 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St,. Matthews

Photography Seminar Claire Rodahaver leads a program, “Empowering Your Vision With Photography,” at the Matthews Library. Register in advance. 704-416-5000 2-3:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

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Spoiled The end Big Swiss chocolatier Stadium cheer Become one Annual math celebration Checked off Forest moon of the Ewoks

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Wildlife Rescues Emilie Nelson, of the NC Wildlife Rescue, talks about wildlife rehabilitation at the

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“Black-ish” 42 43 44 network 45 46 2 Home turf 3 Wedding dress 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 shade 55 56 57 58 4 “Highway to Hell” band 59 60 61 5 Combo office accessories 62 63 64 6 “___ Blues” (Neil Simon PUZZLE BY LAURA BRAUNSTEIN play) 48 Et ___ (and 7 Baseball family 27 “Experience 38 Not-soothers) what’s inside” intimidating name sort of test sloganeer 8 Traveler’s 49 Tenderhearted convenience 40 Wilson of 28 N.L.’er wearing 50 Common mixer “The Royal blue and orange 9 Confound Tenenbaums” 51 In good shape 10 Tel ___ 29 Physicist Enrico 41 Relative of a 52 Unsettling 11 Sitarist Shankar zither dream, maybe 30 Skating leaps 12 Word with high 43 Who was 53 Put-down that 31 Places for or hole instructed to nowadays may Neanderthals “Beam me up” be worn as a 13 Put away on old TV badge of honor 32 Give off 21 Reason for 44 Obeyed 54 Frozen waffle a parental 33 Crown inlays brand reprimand 47 Crowdsourced review site 37 Boob tube 58 ___ Lingus 22 Setting for 19-Across Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past 25 Many a singlepuzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). gear bicycle Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. 26 “The Greatest” daughter? 1

next Habitat & Wildlife Keepers event at the Matthews Community Center. Guests learn what to do if they find an injured or orphaned animal. The group has posted a wish list of needs people can bring to the event at www. HAWKncwf.org. 7 p.m.; 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews Family Storytime Families enjoy stories, songs and movement during Family Storytime at the Matthews Library. 704-416-5000 10:15 & 11 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews Book Club The American Girl Book Club discusses Marie Grace and Cecile at the Mint Hill Library. 704-416-5200 4-5 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill Mardi Gras Vintner's Hill holds a Mardi Gras Party, featuring La Catrina wines. Admission costs $15, which includes five wine tastings. 980-237-0457 5-8 p.m.; 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

March 6 Car Seats The Matthews Police Department offers free seat safety checks. 704-847-4411 8 a.m.; 1201 Crews Road, Matthews Baby Storytime The Matthews Library stim-

ulates baby brains during a storytime. Call 704-416-5000 for details. 9:30 & 11 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St,. Matthews

March 7 Ribbon Cutting NewsToGo Computer Service holds a ribbon cutting event with the Matthews Chamber of Commerce. 704709-1806 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 3521 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews Yarn Crafters The Matthews Yarn Crafters convene on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Matthews Library. The group is not a teaching class, so a basic knowledge of knitting or crocheting, as well as supplies, are required. 704416-5000 2:15-3:45 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews First Thursday The First Thursday crawl returns to downtown Matthews with food, music and vendors. www.redbrickpart nership.org 5 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews Concert Band The Matthews Concert Band presents a winter concert at the Matthews Community Center. Visit www. matthewsconcertband.org/ for details. 7:30 p.m.; 100 McDowell St., Matthews

LOUD&LIVE March 1

March 6

• Beantown Tavern: Shannon Lee; Cloud 9 • Evening Muse: A Fragile Tomorrow & Mitch Easter; Sweet Lizzy Project & Sub-Radio • Grapes Wine Bar: Mike Ramsey • Grumpy Monk: Analog Crash • Hinson’s Drive In: Ali Rose • Mac’s Speed Shop: Lucky Dogs • Moochies Tavern: Delta Fire • Neighborhood Theatre: Kodie Shane, Baby Goth, Killumantii, Young Bull & Lor Choc • Queens South: Blind Driver • Steady Eddy’s: Jason Brigner • Stooges Pub: Mostley Crue w/Billion Dollar Babies • Temple Mojo: Nate Randall • Treehouse Vineyards: DJ Curt • Vintner’s Hill: Jaxx and Jacks • Visulite: Interstellar Overdrive

• Beantown Tavern: Chuck Johnson Duo • Trail House: FireByrd

March 2 • Beantown Tavern: Jody and Joanna & Co.; Apple Brothers Band • Belle Grille: Jackie O w/ All of Us Band • Evening Muse: Amigo & Temperance League • Mary’s O’Neill’s: The Stark Reality Acoustic Trio • Trail House: Lipstick on a Pig • Moochies Tavern: Underground Owls • Neighborhood Theatre: Justin Hayward • Roasted Bone: Chubby Knuckles • Southern Range: Bradley Steele • Stooges Pub: U-Phonik • Sweet Union: Mr. Vague Trio • Treehouse Vineyards: DJ Mex • Visulite: All Them Witches w/ Plague Vendor

March 3 • Beantown Tavern: Downtown Abbey • Evening Muse: Richard Shindell

March 4 • Moochies Tavern: Mike Huffman • Neighborhood Theatre: Dr. Dog

March 5 • Neighborhood Theatre: The Last Bison • Queens South: Joe McCourt

March 7 • Beantown Tavern: Russell & Friends • Evening Muse: Wild Moccasins & Lxs Ortiz • Neighborhood Theatre: The Motet & The BS! Brass Band

Venues Charlotte • Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St. • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Visulite: 1615 Elizabeth Ave. Indian Trail • Grapes Wine Bar: 6461 Old Monroe Road • Sweet Union: 13717 E. Independence Blvd. • Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road Matthews • Beantown Tavern: 130 Matthews Station St. • Belle Grille: 3022 Weddington Road • CharBar: 3118 Fincher Farm Road • Hinson’s Drive In: 2761 CPCC Lane • Mac’s Speed Shop: 142 E. John St. • Moochies Tavern: 15060 Idlewild Road • Pizza Peel: 110 Matthews Station St. • Small Bar: 4320 Potters Road • Steady Eddy’s: 2216 E. John St. • Temple Mojo: 195 N. Trade St. Mint Hill • Stooges Pub: 13230 Albemarle Road • Vintner’s Hill: 7427 Matthews-Mint Road Monroe • Grumpy Monk: 2841 W. U.S. 74 • Roasted Bone: 350 E. Franklin St. • Southern Range: 151 S. Stewart St. • Treehouse Vineyards: 301 Bay St. Waxhaw • Mary’s O’Neill’s: 116 W. North Main St. • Queens South: 1201 N. Broome St.

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SERVICES General Painting Company—Affordable painting services! $80.00 per room. Our services include painting, sheet rock, installation, popcorn removal and repair, wall paper removal, pressure washing, handyman, light plumbing and electrical. We appreciate our cli ents. FREE ESTIMATES: (980)214-6048

HELP WANTED

US Foods is hiring Order Selectors! Charlotte, NC location Sun – Thurs, 3:30pm – close Great pay and full benefits start on first day of hire! Apply on-line at www.usfoods.com/jobs

Great Fortune Inc is looking for an operation manager to lead daily operating activities. Job Req: Minimum 2-year working experience. Contact: Mengjiang Wang. Please mail your resume to 9925 E Independence Blvd, Matthews, NC 28105.

EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING – Get FAA Technician certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)724-5403

HEALTH & MEDICAL

FINANCIAL

With Medicare, shopping around is key. Compare FREE Quotes from A-Rated Carriers to Save on a Medigap Plan Today! Get Covered and Save!! Call 855-399-9915 Have a CPAP machine for sleep apnea? Get replacement FDA approved CPAP machine parts and supplies at little or no cost! Free sleep guide included! 855-808-0483!

Beware of loan fraud. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

Page 6B • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • March 1, 2019

ALL-STAR (continued from page 1B)

play together and have a great time.” In addition to the game, players will take part in a community service project on the afternoon of March 1. The girls game will tip at 1 p.m., followed by the boys game at 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $5 for students. Children under 8 get in free. Boys, East Nick Brown, Westchester Country Day (Navy commit) Michael Fowler, Greensboro Day (James Madison) Greg Gantt, Trinity Christian (Providence) DJ Horne, Trinity Christian (Illinois State) Austin Inge, Greensboro Day

Emmanuel Izunabor, Fayetteville Academy KJ Marshall, Trinity Christian Michael Wade, The Buringlington School Williams Onyeodi, Fayetteville Academy Bryant Randleman, Durham Academy Jake Vanderheijden, Ravenscroft (Bucknell) John Michael Wright, Fayetteville Academy Boys, West Demiade Adelkun, Gaston Day Seth Bennett, Charlotte Christian Jake Boggs, Carmel Christian (UNC Wilmington) Stephen Clark, Metrolina Christian (The Citadel) D’Angelo Elliott, Carolina Day D’Angelo Epps, Carmel Christian (College of Charleston) Donovan Gregory, Carmel Christian (Appalachian State) Paul Hudson, Charlotte Christian (Dart-

mouth) Marten Maide, Carmel Christian (Liberty) Myles Pierre, Carmel Christian (Houston Baptist) Alex Tabor, Country Day (Southern Methodist) JC Tharrington, Charlotte Christian (Appalachian State) East, Girls Imani Spence, Durham Academy Emma Stout, Wake Christian (Washington) Izabel Verejoa, Neuse Christian (Michigan) Ralayah McRae, O’Neil School Madison Head, Greensboro Day Jada McMillan, Concord First Assembly Makayla Kimble, Village Christian Evan Waters, Lee Christian Jala Holloman, Wayne Country Day Lola Olagbegi, St. Mary’s Georgia Smith, St. Mary’s

Girls, West Kathryn Vandiver, Charlotte Latin (Washington & Lee) Ruthie Jones, Charlotte Latin (Duke, soccer) Dione Sampson, Burlington School Elizabeth Rice, Burlington School Imani Riddick-Cherry, Hickory Grove Anaia Hoard, Wesleyan Christian (Wake Forest) Madeline Crumpler, Covenant Day Josie Wiles, Davidson Day (Barry) Brantley Compton, Asheville Christian Kyla Kincy, Trinity Christian Gloria Smith, Trinity Christian

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See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2019 David Weekley Homes - All Rights Reserved. Charlotte, NC (CHAA103221)