Sports

Highlands varsity boys golf finished fourth overall at Mountain Harbor Country Club on March 24. Pictured from left: Weston Sellars, Rowen Carnes, Bryan Jarquin, Sam Conner and Chase Kenter. | Photo courtesy of Highlands Booster Club

Highlands girls soccer begins season, Summit stays hot

News Staff

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Highlands School’s girls soccer team kicked off its season against Andrews High School on March 19 following several postponements due to inclement weather and postseason basketball.

BREC Head Coach Nickalus Pressler discusses tactics with his team at halftime during their match against MEC. The Lady Bobcats drew 1-1. | Photo courtesy of BREC

Highlands golf places second, BREC girls soccer kicks off season

News Staff

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Following the conclusion of basketball season, the Plateau saw the start of schools’ respective girls soccer and golf seasons, with Blue Ridge Early College girls soccer finishing the week 1-1-1 and Highlands and BREC’s boys golf teams competing at Sequoyah National.

Senior Isiah Villardo pulls up for a jumper amid four Summit defenders during a Plateau matchup this season. All three Plateau teams are participating in the NCHSAA basketball playoffs this week. | Photo courtesy of Todd Sumner

PLAYOFF ACTION TIPS OFF

News Staff

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

The first round of NCHSAA 1A basketball playoffs tipped off Tuesday, Feb. 24, with Highlands, Summit and Blue Ridge’s boys and girls varsity teams competing for spots in the second round.

Highlands secured the Little Smoky Mountain Conference JV championship with a 41-34 win over Hiwassee Dam on Feb. 16. | Photo courtesy of Highlands School Booster Club

Highlands Boys, Summit Girls advance to LSMC tournament championship games

News Staff

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Varsity Boys On Friday, Feb. 13, Blue Ridge Early College battled Summit Charter to earn a place in the conference tournament semi-finals. The Bobcats secured a closely-contested 40-38 victory on the back of a 15-point performance from Evan Pressley.

(From left to right) Head Coach Steve Hott, Ian Batista, Aniah McKim, Team Manager Justin Powell and Assistant Coach Jackie Powell attended the NCHSAA Swimming State Championships on Saturday, Feb. 14. | Photo courtesy of Jackie Powell

Highlands School varsity swim finishes 34th in state championships

News Staff

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Freshman Ian Batista and senior Aniah McKim represented Highlands School at the NCHSAA Swimming State Championships in Cary on Feb. 14, competing against the state’s best swimmers from 1A, 2A and 3A.

Sports on the Plateau

News Staff

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Highlands, Summit Charter and Blue Ridge Early College all celebrated seniors night to close their seasons. Each school honored members of the Class of 2026 in ceremonies celebrating their accomplishments and dedication to their teams.

The 2025-26 Summit archers will compete in the NC Bullseye Tournament on Feb. 13. | Photo courtesy of Summit Charter School

Summit archery heads to state tournament for fourth consecutive year

News Staff

Monday, February 16, 2026

The Summit Archery Team is once again headed to the North Carolina State Bullseye Tournament, set for Feb. 13 in Winston-Salem. This marks the team’s fourth year as a competition team and fourth consecutive year earning a spot in the state tournament.

Peyton Sawyer takes a step back in front of Highlands defenders Todd Vilardo and Knox Holbrooks in Rabun Gap’s semi-final victory in the Tri-State Tournament. | Photo courtesy of Teresa Holbrooks

Middle school basketball wraps at Tri-State Tournament

News Staff

Monday, February 16, 2026

Highlands School hosted the Middle School Basketball Tri-State Tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 5. On the girls’ side, No. 2 Rabun Gap faced No. 3 Summit, while No. 2 Highlands took on No. 3 Rabun Gap in the boys’ bracket. No. 2 Rabun Gap vs. No.

(LEFT) Summit Charter’s Olivia Reeves attempts to dribble past a defender against Plateau-rival Highlands School on Wednesday, Feb. 4. (RIGHT) Paolo McRae catches his breath in Highlands’ 59-53 victory over Summit.

Highlands, Summit split Plateau matchup

News Staff

Monday, February 16, 2026

Highlands Summit Charter hit a 3-pointer with 4 seconds left to score a 41-40 win over Highlands in varsity girls action on Feb. 4, splitting the season series. Hunter Conner recorded a team-best 12 points, along with five rebounds and three assists. Borino added 12 points with 4 assists.

Highlands High School Athletes of the Month

News Staff

Friday, February 6, 2026

Highlands High School is honoring student-athletes whose commitment, leadership and school spirit have made this season one for the record books. Athlete of the Month recipients exemplify outstanding achievement and dedication.