Hampton three-sport star Chance Point enters senior season with high hopes

*STORY BY ALLEN LAMOUNTAIN AND FILE PHOTOS/LARRY N. SOUDERS & BOB LILES*

Called a “smart, tough competitor” by his various coaches Chance Point enters his senior season at Hampton High School hoping to recreate the success his teams have enjoyed in his years there.

“I saw his competitive nature at an early age,” said Point’s grandmother Kathy Liles. “Probably around five years old. He played tee ball and youth league basketball but I held him out of football because I was a little leery. But eventually he got to play and has been very good at whatever sport he plays.”

Point was all-conference in football for a team that is a year removed from the Blue Cross Bowl and last year fell in the rain and mud to Monterey. There was no downfall in basketball however as the Bulldogs took home the Gold Ball as state champions.

“I still have a hard time believing what happened sometimes,” Point said. “We are reclassifying in basketball this year so I don’t know if a repeat will be possible, but I know that will be our goal. We will be playing tougher competition but that never worries us.

In baseball we have a really young team and I hope to be a field leader for them.” His on field accomplishments in baseball are many taking home the Tennessee Baseball Report Second team All-State and also All-Region, the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association All-State team, the Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State team.

The Johnson City Press named him to their Super 22 team and Point was named to the All-Watauga Valley Conference team and was Offensive Player of the Year in the conference. Point was named the Bulldogs MVP as well.

Point has stolen more than 100 bases thus far in his career and had a .494 batting average along with a .631 on base percentage this past season. His career batting average now stands at .423.

“Chance Point is a dynamic, game-changing, competitive playmaker, and has been since his 2021 freshman season,” said Bulldogs head coach Nicholas Perkins. “He is having one of the most decorated careers of any high school baseball player who has played in Northeast Tennessee. I am blessed to be his coach.”

Point has been raised by his grandparents Kathy and Robert Liles, who attend as many of his games as they can and he has an 89-year-old great-grandmother Ann Richenberg who also frequently attends his games.

“My grandparents rescued me and they have been a huge part of my life,” Point said. “I also have a sister Haylie Point and a half sister Noe who is in her 20’s.”

Point went on to talk about each sport and how the season ended, “In football I think we peaked against Boone, but basketball we took home the Gold Ball. In baseball we didn’t do as well as we hoped but we have a young team that will be a lot better this year.”

Point has taken some AP classes to go along with his senior curriculum and he hopes to pursue his career in baseball as far as he can take it saying, “I love baseball and my job is to get on base be it a walk or a hit. And if I can play at the next level I would love to do that.”

Mrs. Liles wants to give a big “thank you” to all of Chance’s coaches through the years who helped him grow and become the player and the young man he is today.

CY Peters

Carter County, the place I call home. I was born here, lived and worked here, and plan on dying here. I graduated from Unaka High school, had about 30 different jobs over my lifetime. I was a TSSAA official for 30 years working four sports, baseball, basketball, football and softball. I was in professional Wrestling for 25-years. I enjoy traveling and sports. I coached football, basketball and baseball in many different divisions. I am now with my high school sweetheart, together we have 7 children, 11 grandchildren and one on the way. I have written seven books about Carter County people with my newest book “Our Home Town” coming out in August. In 1985 I talked my dad into coming to Myrtle Beach and we started Peters Fudge, which my daughter still runs today. In 2012, I was one of the founders of the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame..

1. What do you think makes Carter County unique by comparison to other places?

Like Dorothy said “There’s No place like Home.” I have traveled to 48 states and been in two other countries, lived in a couple big cities for work, but there is truly No place like Carter County. One thing that’s unique is the cost of liv ing. Our groceries, gas and restaurant food cost is cheaper here than almost anywhere I have been. The quality of food is just as good here as it is in New York City. Everyone is friendly here, but in other places, especially the big cites, no one wants to talk to you or be bothered by your presence.

2. What is your favorite place to visit in Carter County?

In times past it was the theaters. Really loved the Bonnie Kate and the Stateline Drive-in. Watauga Lake is probably our biggest at traction, the history of the fort at Sycamore Shoals is as good as any early American history. As for my favorite places to visit, I love to eat, so I would have to say Dino’s, City Market, J’s Corner, Nancy’s, Kimbo’s and Nannies Restaurants.

3. Do you think

Why Do You Love Carter County?

living in Carter County has changed you in any way?

The history here is awesome. I love sports; I attend the Little League World Series every year, I’ve coached on every level of sports and Carter County has a rich sports program. We have five high schools and almost every year, we have kids in the state tournaments in several sports. Living in Carter County has changed the way I look at many things, especially how people live in their communities. When I travel, I really pay attention to the way other people live, and once you have been gone from Carter County for a while, it makes you respect living here. We have the greatest county in the state to live in.

4. What is your favorite time of year?

I would have to say Tennessee football time is my favorite time or the year. When the band begins playing Rocky Top, the blood begins to boil, the pride of the Southland Band fires me up, I’m ready for the game. I guess most people would say Christmas, but as I grow older the summertime would be

5. If you were to meet someone planning a visit to the Carter County area for the first time, what places would you tell him or her Many times through camping I have talk to people about Carter County and our great fishing at the Lakes and rivers. The relaxation of the Meredith Cabins if you just want some down time. The Ridgewood, may not be in Carter County but we have always claimed it as ours.

Before the recent fire, Lakeshore was a great place to visit for a meal, and to watch the boats go up and down the lake, the scenery is un-matched. The Breathtaking views from the top of the Roan, and you always have to visit “The Blue

Is it the wonderful natural resources? How about the historic downtown district? Perhaps it’s the people who make up our community? Whatever the reason, we want to know why you love it here. Tell us why you love Carter County and you could be featured in an upcoming edition of Carter County Living. Just send us a message telling us why you love Carter County. You can reach us by email at news@elizabethton.com or you can mail it to 300 N. Sycamore Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.