Sports

Highlands’ Aislynn Wyatt-Luck looks for a teammate during a game against Mount Airy.

Highlands’ Aislynn Wyatt-Luck looks for a teammate during a game against Mount Airy.

Soccer season ends in Mount Airy

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Highlands nearly pulled off a stunning upset. Only a literal last-minute goal ended the rally and sent Mount Airy into the third round of the NC High School Athletic Association 1-A state playoffs on Thursday night.
Highlands’ Aislynn Wyatt-Luck chases down Elkins midfielder Jade Bravo (5) during their NC High School Athletic Association 1-A State Playoff game on Monday night.

Highlands’ Aislynn Wyatt-Luck chases down Elkins midfielder Jade Bravo (5) during their NC High School Athletic Association 1-A State Playoff game on Monday night.

Highlands drops Elkins 7-0 in state playoffs

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Highlands opened the NC High School Athletic Association 1-A state playoffs with a flourish on Monday night. The Highlanders scored three goals in the first 18 minutes of action and cruised to a 7-0 win over Elkins.
Highlands defenders smother Swain County forwards during their game on Friday night. Highlands won the game 4-1.

Highlands defenders smother Swain County forwards during their game on Friday night. Highlands won the game 4-1.

Highlanders victory sets up rubber match

News Staff
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Highlands got off to a hot start and never slowed down in a 4-1 win over Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference rival Swain County on Thursday night. The Highlanders victory means the two teams finished tied for first place in the league with identical 11-1 records in league play.
Highlands’ Caroline Woods (15) and Addie Westendorf celebrate after they connected on a corner kick for Highlands third goal of the first half against Murphy on Tuesday night. Highlands went on to win the game 6-2.

Highlands’ Caroline Woods (15) and Addie Westendorf celebrate after they connected on a corner kick for Highlands third goal of the first half against Murphy on Tuesday night. Highlands went on to win the game 6-2.

Highlanders knock off rival Bulldogs

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Highlands got off to its best start of the season and cruised past Smoky Mountain 1-A Conference rival Murphy 6-2 on Tuesday night. The win was pivotal in the conference standings, as it put Highlands alone in second place behind Swain – the league’s only unbeaten team.
Highlands held on for a 2-1 victory over Blue Ridge on Wednesday. The Highlanders reached the Spring Break with a 5-3 record, 4-1 in conference.

Highlands held on for a 2-1 victory over Blue Ridge on Wednesday. The Highlanders reached the Spring Break with a 5-3 record, 4-1 in conference.

Highlanders score in each half, top Blue Ridge 2-1

News Staff
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Strong defense on both sides of the field and offsetting late goals propelled the Highlands girls soccer team to a 2-1 victory over the Blue Ridge Bobcats Wednesday night. Coming off a Monday night win over Hayesville, the Bobcats hosted the Highlanders for the first time this season.
Highlands’ Ezra Branham (32) and Blue Ridge’s Mahala Stewart (21) defend during the 1-A West/Midwest All-Star game in Bessemer City.

Highlands’ Ezra Branham (32) and Blue Ridge’s Mahala Stewart (21) defend during the 1-A West/Midwest All-Star game in Bessemer City.

1-A All-Stars shine bright

News Staff
Thursday, March 30, 2023
Five Highlands girls basketball players took part in the West vs Mid-West 1A All-Star Basketball Games at Bessemer City High School on March 18. They helped propel the West girls’ basketball team to a 91-76 win, the highest number of points scored in the history of the All-Star game.
Highlands’ Addie Westendorf (3) controls the ball while being pressured by the Franklin defense during their game at Macon Middle School.

Highlands’ Addie Westendorf (3) controls the ball while being pressured by the Franklin defense during their game at Macon Middle School.

Highlands takes down Franklin

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Highlands controlled the pace, capitalized on a pair of breakaway scoring chances, and held on in the final minutes for a 2-1 win over Franklin on Thursday night. Both teams started slowly as the first 20 minutes served as a feeling-out period.
Five Highlands girls basketball players and head coach Brett Lamb will take part in the West-Midwest 1A All-star game on Saturday in Bessemer City.

Five Highlands girls basketball players and head coach Brett Lamb will take part in the West-Midwest 1A All-star game on Saturday in Bessemer City.

All-conference basketball players recognized

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Several Highlands basketball players will be showcasing their skills in Bessemer City on Saturday as part of the West-Midwest 1A All-Star Game. The game times are 5 p.m. for the women’s all-star game and 6:30 p.m. for the men’s all-star game.
Highlands head coach Brett Lamb draws up a play during a playoff game against Hiwassee Dam.

Highlands head coach Brett Lamb draws up a play during a playoff game against Hiwassee Dam.

Lady Highlanders fall in second round

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Early foul trouble got Highlands off on the wrong foot in a 47-38 defeat at North Rowan in the second round of the NC High School Athletic Association 1-A state playoffs. Highlands used multiple players to try to slow down the Cavaliers ultra-quick guards in the opening moments of the game.
Bella Wilson (34) surveys the Hiwassee Dam defense during their game on Tuesday night.

Bella Wilson (34) surveys the Hiwassee Dam defense during their game on Tuesday night.

Highlanders advance in state playoffs

Ryan Hanchett
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Timing was everything for Highlands in Tuesday night’s playoff victory over archrival Hiwassee Dam. Playing for the fourth time this season, the Lady Highlanders knew there would be no secrets on the hardwood.