22-23 Year in Review

Conference Champions

Draughn Girls Golf (W Highlands 1A/2A 2022) Back to Back

Draughn Girls Tennis (W Highlands 1A/2A 2022)

Draughn Volleyball (W Highlands 1A/2A 2022)

Draughn Football (W Highlands 1A/2A 2022)

Draughn Baseball (W Highlands 1A/2A 2023) Back to Back

Draughn Softball (W Highlands 1A/2A 2023)

East Burke Girls Cross Country (Catawba Valley Athletic 2A 2022)

East Burke Girls Swimming (Catawba Valley Athletic 2A 2022-23)

East Burke Girls Basketball (Catawba Valley Athletic 2A 2022-23)

Heritage Middle Volleyball (Foothills Athletic Conference 2022 regular season/tournament)

Heritage Middle Girls Soccer (Foothills Athletic Conference 2022 regular season)

East Burke Middle Baseball (Foothills Athletic Conference 2023 regular season/tournament)

Postseason Success

Draughn Volleyball: 1A Third Round

Draughn Football: 1A Regional Finals

Draughn Girls Basketball: 1A Regional Semifinals

Draughn Baseball: 1A Regional Semifinals

East Burke Boys Indoor Track: 1A/2A State Champions

East Burke Girls Basketball: 2A Regional Finals

East Burke Boys Outdoor Track: 2A regional 2nd, 2A state 5th

Top Viewed Stories

Collegiate Cats/Cavs #9 (280 views, 10/24/22)

2022 Draughn Football: Clawing & Climbing up the 1A ranks (280 views, 8/17/22)

Collegiate Cats/Cavs #10 (275 views, 3/18/23)

2022 East Burke Football: Cavs walking through the Fire (267 views, 8/18/22)

Cavs open with shutout win at home (football, 151 views, 8/20/22)

East Burke 28, Draughn 27 The Summary (football, 142 views, 9/3/22)

Lady Wildcats on top, downs defending champs Rosman (volleyball, 134 views, 9/16/22)

Eagles hang on to win over Raiders 28-20 (football, 126 views, 10/27/22)

East Burke swimming wins CVAC Championships (109 views, 1/27/23)

Lady Wildcats season ends in third round (volleyball, 107 views, 10/28/22)

Lady Eagles win home finale (basketball, 105 views, 1/27/23)

Draughn 66, Union Academy 13 The Summary (football, 104 views, 11/5/22)

HMS Volleyball completes undefeated season (100 views, 11/11/22)

Awards

Athletes of Year

Adam Manns Award (Draughn): Katie Cozort, Maddison Powell

Black & Gold Award (Draughn): Ella Abernathy, Aubrie Snyder, GiGi Smith, John Robert Abernathy, Thomas Lambert, Emma Lewis

Tyler Shatley Award (East Burke): Aubree Grigg, Meah Walsh

Adam Benson Cavalier Pride Award (East Burke): Colton Boyette, Ben Mast, Taylor Bostain, Chloe Cook, Marabeth Huffman, Piper Strong

Teams of Year

Draughn Football (15 athlete of week selections) (Head Coach: Chris Powell)

Justice Cunningham, Donnell Wilkins, Eli Tillery, Zach Pinkerton, Hampton Blackwell, Nigel Dula, Connor Pinkerton, Eli Pritchard, Luke Rector, Rudy Mendoza, Will Price, Trevor Houston, Thomas Lambert, Shaydon Pino, Jacob Mull

Draughn Baseball (11 athlete of week selections) (Head Coach: Mason Biddix)

Blake McElyea, John Robert Abernathy, Jacob Mull, Tate Jensen, Trey Jensen, Nick McGee, Griffin Stephens, Thomas Lambert, Logan Carswell, Hunter Cody, Logan McGee

East Burke Football (12 athlete of week selections) (Head Coach: Derrick Minor)

Ben Mast, Luke Wilson, Levi Coble, Jacob Dellinger, Caden Buff, KJ Byrd, Cannon Morrison, Asher Gebhard, Mason Robison, Brady Bostain, Darren Hammons, Gavon Franklin

East Burke Track & Field (9 athlete of week selections) (Head Coach: Joshua Martin, Heather Ramsey)

KJ Byrd, Avery Fraley, Brady Bostain, Kolby Byrd, Calvin Curtis, Taylor Bostain, Jaccob Fair, Michael Hathcock, Luke Wilson

Football

MVP: Eli Tillery/Nigel Dula (Draughn)

Offensive Player of Year: Zach Pinkerton (Draughn), Jacob Dellinger (East Burke)

Defensive Player of Year: Hampton Blackwell (Draughn), Luke Wilson (East Burke)

Specialist of Year: Rudy Mendoza (Draughn)

Lineman of Year: Josh "Juice" Elkins (Draughn), Jacob Hodges (East Burke)

12th Man of Year: Justice Cunningham (Draughn), Tanner Ivey (East Burke)

Rising Star: Shaydon Pino (Draughn), Levi Coble (East Burke)

Moments of Year:

Draughn- Nigel Dula/Zach Pinkerton (winning TD pass vs. Thomasville, 1A state playoffs), Will Seagle (INT vs. Andrews, 1A state playoffs)

East Burke- Ben Mast/Darren Hammons/Eli Carico (part of winning play in OT vs Draughn)

Basketball

Boys Scoring Champion: Ian Cox (East Burke)

Girls Scoring Champion: Braelyn Stilwell (East Burke)

Boys Rookie of Year: D'Andre Moore (Draughn), Barger Shook (East Burke)

Girls Rookie of Year: Zoe Rector (Draughn), Kara Brinkley (East Burke)

Girls 6th Man: Rylee Woody (Draughn), Kamiah Lawing (East Burke)

Matthew 20:16 award: Taylor Holder/Malachi Silver (Draughn), Macy McNeil/Connor Smith (East Burke)

Moments of Year:

Draughn- Ella Abernathy (winning 3 pointer vs. Union Academy, 1A state playoffs)

East Burke- Owen Hartmann (winning 3 pointer @ Newton-Conover)

Baker's Dozen Baseball/Softball

Baseball MVP: Tate Jensen (Draughn)

Draughn: Trey Jensen, Nick McGee, Blake McElyea, Jacob Mull, John Robert Abernathy, Thomas Lambert, Logan McGee, Griffin Stephens (HM), Jackson Kirkley (HM)

East Burke: Colin Eckard, Mason Mosteller, Hollan Cline, Will Weidner, Barger Shook, Cannon Morrison (HM), Caden Buff (HM), Corbin McNeil (HM)

Softball MVPs: Katie Cozort (Draughn), Addy Fortenberry (East Burke)

Draughn: Maddie Crouch, Laney Winebarger, Maddison Powell, Katie Hamm, Aubrie Snyder, Cydnee Deal, Avie Helton (HM), Finlee Young (HM), Kadence Clontz (HM)

East Burke: Kaylee Paige, Grace Hammack, Kyndal Morrison, Madyson Johnson, Raegan Carter, Taylor Bostain (HM), Katherine Greene (HM), Hayden Lowman (HM)

Lastly...

A special thank you to these sponsors that helped financially to give out awards this year to many of these athletes

TireMaxx

Chad & April Biddix-EXP Realty

James Ashe-Osborne Real Estate Group

Granny's Country Kitchen

Cox Family Medicine

Alray Tire of Valdese

Barn at Wildwood Acres

Mears Insurance Group

East End Barbershop

Community Baptist Church of Drexel

Brittain's Tree & Crane Service

Kincaid Septic & Drainfield Repair

Billy James

High Peak Baptist Church children's group

Burke County Post 21 Lady Fastpitch

And these companies creating awards

DaMark Graphics

Crown Awards

MakeABall

And contributing photographers

Wayne Baker

David Harmon

Joshua Dula/Big Red Sports Network

James Lynch 

Bradley Richards

Raegan Carter

22-23 Co-East Burke Athlete of Year (Tyler Shatley Award): Aubree Grigg

•  Athlete of Week

#31: Volleyball

#40: Girls Basketball

#59: Volleyball

#62: Volleyball

#73: Girls Basketball

#76: Girls Basketball

#92: Volleyball

#96: Volleyball

#104: Girls Basketball

#106: Girls Basketball

• Volleyball

CVAC All-Conference

Team Spirit Award

186 kills, 131 blocks, 57 digs, 11 aces, 3 assists

• Basketball

CVAC All-Conference

9.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 2.8 blocks

Career High 24 points vs East Surry (2A state playoffs)

• EBHS Basketball Records

Single Season Blocks: 83

Career Blocks: 166

• Favorite Memory

"My favorite memories would have to be the ones I made with my teammates not only on the court but off of it"

"My funniest and most embarrassing memory would have to be last summer when I went to jump over a coaches bag thinking I could clear it but my foot got caught on one of the straps and I face-planted in front of a full gym"

• Favorite Sport

"I could never choose one over the other, the love I have for both volleyball and basketball is equal both gave me different friendships and lessons"

• Favorite Coach

"I've had many coaches over the years (and) they all left me with something to keep forever lessons learned that will take me farther than just the court"

"I'm thankful for each and every coach I have had over the many years"

• What you've learned in four years at EBHS

"High school literally flys by so don't get caught up in worrying about the future, just live in the moment'

"Give all you can give from one game to another"

"Build the friendships and what's gonna be is gonna be"

"Like a coach of mine always said 'control the controllable"

• Future Plans

"I will be attending a community college in Elizabeth City, College of the Albemarle, and I will be getting associates in business in hopes of one day owning my own business"

"I would love to have a business that is welcoming to anyone and everyone, a place you can find and do a little bit of everything"

• Coach's Quote

"Aubree's success on the basketball court has not only been on the court but off the court through her leadership and dedication to our program"

"Aubree loves her teammates and was always there when they needed her"

"On the court, Aubree was arguably the best defensive weapon we have ever had. A great rim protector and communicator on the defensive side. Offensively, she couldn't be stopped by anyone with her combined footwork and abilities"

"Aubree will be missed and I have enjoyed coaching her the past four years"

-Crystal Bartlett

22-23 Co-Draughn Athlete of Year (Adam Manns Award): Maddison Powell

• Athlete of Week

#56: Girls Tennis

#67: Girls Tennis

#83: Softball

#89: Softball

#96: Girls Tennis

#99: Girls Tennis

#101: Powder Puff MVP 

#110: Girls Basketball

#113: Softball

• Girls Tennis

W Highlands All-Conference

1A W Highlands singles champion

9-2 singles

7-3 doubles (w/Katie Cozort)

• Girls Basketball

2.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals

• Softball

W Highlands All-Conference

.369 batting average, 8 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HRs, 30 runs 

• Favorite Memory

"I have made so many memories at Draughn, I couldn't just pick one"

"All of the success we had this year with sports: tennis conference champions, basketball making it to the fourth round of state playoffs, and softball conference champions"

"It was a fun year filled with lots of success and I couldn't have asked for a better way to finish out my senior year of high school"

• Favorite Sport

Softball ("although I loved all the sports I played at Draughn")

• Favorite Coach

Doug Webb at Heritage Middle School

• What you've learned in four years at DHS

"I have learned what it means to truly be a Wildcat"

"I have learned to be a competitor, whether in the classroom, on the court, or on the field. I have challenged myself to give 110% in everything I do"

"I have learned to overcome obstacles and take any challenge as one to simply become a better student, better athlete, and most importantly a better person"

"I have learned to be part of a team, stay committed to my teammates, and be a leader"

"I have learned to win with humility, lose with grace, and do both with dignity"

"Draughn has taught me many lessons and I will be forever grateful for all of them as I'll continue to carry them with me for the rest of my life in all that I do" 

• Future Plans

"I plan to attend Caldwell Community College to play softball and obtain an associates degree in nursing then work towards obtaining a master's degree in nursing to become a nurse anesthetist"

22-23 Co-Draughn Athlete of Year (Adam Manns Award): Katie Cozort

• Athlete of Week

#47: Softball

#51: Softball

#58: Girls Tennis

#67: Girls Tennis

#80: Girls Basketball

#82: Softball

#89: Softball

#96: Girls Tennis

#99: Girls Tennis

#101: Powder Puff MVP

#105: Girls Basketball

#112: Softball

#119: Softball

• Girls Tennis

W Highlands All-Conference

W Highlands Player of Year

8-3 singles

7-3 doubles (w/ Maddison Powell)

• Girls Basketball

3.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals

Career-High 18 pts vs Charlotte Country Day (Freedom Christmas Inv)

• Softball

W Highlands All-Conference

VSN Co-MVP

.559 batting average, 8 doubles, 6 triples, 7 HRs, 52 RBI, 31 runs

• DHS Softball Records

Single Season RBI: 52

Career RBI: 115

Single Season HRs: 8

Career HRs: 19

• Favorite Memory

"The playoff run in basketball was amazing, winning the first-ever conference championship in softball, and being champions in tennis. I have been a part of some great programs my senior year"

• Favorite Sport

Softball

• Favorite Coach

Chris Cozort (my dad)

"He pushes us to be the best we can be at all times, but while he's always hard on us and pushing us he always finds a way to bring good energy and more fun to the game"

"While I might be a little biased, I wouldn't trade not playing for him for the world"

"Anyone who knows him knows how much effort and time he puts into whatever he's coaching whether it be softball, tennis, basketball, and now even football"

"He's not just a great dad and coach but he's a great person. He always gives everything he has into making the team better"

"He's definitely left a huge mark on me and shaped me into the player and person I am, and I know many others who could say the same thing. I love you, Dad"

• What you've learned in four years at DHS

"I've learned so much over these past few years but the one thing that's stood out the most to me is how important a team is"

"There are so many great athletes I get to play with. The support of everyone and trying to make each other better is what makes good teams great"

"The sport only lasts so long but the friendships last so much longer"

• Future Plans

"I will be attending Lenoir-Rhyne University where I will play softball and major in exercise science and eventually go into physical therapy"

22-23 East Burke Co-Athlete of Year (Tyler Shatley Award): Meah Walsh

•  Athlete of Week

#9: Cross Country

#29: Cross Country

#47: Girls Soccer

#50: Girls Soccer

#55: Track & Field

#66: Cross Country

#68: Cross Country

#84: Track & Field

#90; Track & Field

#94: Cross Country

#98: Cross Country

#101: Indoor Track

• Cross Country

CVAC All-Conference

Team Most Valuable Runner

2A State Qualifier (2021, 22)

2021 2A State Meet: 9th (20:06.90) All-State

2022 2A State Meet: 7th (20:50.72) All-State

Personal Record: 20:06.90 (8th all-time at EBHS)

• Track & Field

CVAC All-Conference

NHSCA Academic All American 

Team MVP

2A Outdoor State Qualifier (2022: 3200 run) (2023: 4x800 relay, 3200 run)

2A Outdoor Regional Champion (2023: 4x800 relay, 3200 run)

2022 Indoor State 3200 run: 8th (12:25.07)

2022 Outdoor 2A State 3200 run: 5th (12:40.18)

2023 Indoor State 3200 run: 4th (12:04.15)

2023 Indoor State 1600 run: 6th (5:35.74)

2023 Outdoor 2A State 3200 run: 2nd (11:31.98)

2023 Outdoor 2A State 4x800 relay: 8th (10:47.82)

• EBHS Track Records

Indoor 4x800 Relay: 12:11.00

Indoor 1000 Meter Run: 3:24.04

Indoor 1600 Meter Run: 5:32.93

Indoor 3200 Meter Run: 11:46.43

Indoor 4x400 Relay: 5:10.98

• Favorite Memory

"winning the 4x800 relay at our last home meet (2A regionals) and qualifying for states"

• Favorite Sport

Track & Field

• Favorite Coach

"All of my coaches from the past few years have been super supportive and all played essential roles in everything I've accomplished"

• What you've learned in four years at EBHS

"I think one of the most important things I've learned is how important it is to have fun. It's really important to work hard but it's even more important to enjoy what you're doing, especially if you're doing it every day"

• Future Plans

"This fall, I will be going to UNC-Wilmington for marketing and real estate. I also hope to compete for their cross country and track teams"

• Coach's Quote

"She's a hard worker and very encouraging to her teammates"

"She is a great example to her teammates of what a student-athlete should be"

-Heather Ramsey

• Teammate's Quote

"I have run with Meah since freshman year and she has always given 110%"

"I've watched her work hard in the off-season and she truly deserves every medal she's ever gotten"

"She has improved every year and I'm excited to watch her continue her running journey"

-Piper Strong

Foothills Power 5 (2023 1A/2A Baseball/Softball)

BASEBALL

#1 Burns (28-4) 2A State Champions 

SW Randolph 10-8 W

East Gaston 2-1 W

Lincoln Charter 4-3 W

West Stokes 4-3 W

Morehead 7-0 W, 13-6 W

South Granville 6-1 W, 9-5 W

#2 Draughn (22-5) 1A Fourth Round

#3 Cherryville (23-5) 1A Third Round

#4 Maiden (18-8) 2A First Round

#5 Bandys (17-10) 2A First Round

SOFTBALL

#1 Maiden (20-4) 2A Third Round

#2 Draughn (20-5) 1A Second Round

#3 Bandys (20-5) 2A Second Round

#4 Burns (19-7) 2A Second Round

#5 West Caldwell (21-7) 2A First Round