Band competition features drum lines, dance teams in Tri-City I Throwdown BY TEVIN STINSON ? THE CHRONICLE Hundreds of parents and other family members filed into Carver High School gymnasium Saturday afternoon to watch some of the most talented drum lines and dance teams compete for bragging rights during the Tri-City Throwdown. The band and dance competition which featured bands and dance teams from the Triad and Triangle areas was sponsored by band boosters from Carver and Aycock Middle School, located in Greensboro. Executive director of the Aycock Marching Pride of Excellence said when Carver band booster club approached her with the idea, she and other supporters of the band jumped at the chance. "We have been looking to be a part of something like this for a long time," she said. "This entire day has jusjt been amazing." For more than three hours the booming sound of bass drums and clash of symbols echoed from inside the Alfred Poe gym. Drum lines that performed included T.W. Andrews High School, Dudley High School, and Warren County. A number of community drum lines that are not affiliated with a school competed as well. The dance competition featured the Twirling Divas from Greensboro, Starlight Dancers from High Point and the Lady of Lordz Dancers from Winston Salem. Other featured guest performers included the Educate Dancerz, Winston Salem State University's drum line and dancers, and of course Carver and Aycock, who did not com pete because they are the host schools. Carver band director I Juan Eckard said the part- 'i nership with Aycock is just ' the heainnina AeenrHino tn c ?? ' .?v???? Eckard the school will host a similar competition in the fall. "This is just the beginning," said Eckard. "We hope to continue this year after year." Money raised from ticket sales and concessions will go to the band programs at Aycock and Carver. Following the event a number of parents told The Chronicle that they enjoyed the event because it gave the young performers a .chance to showcase all the hard work they put into learn ing their craft. "These kids spend a lot of time practicing and trying to get better at what they do," Ashley Johnson from High Point said. "It's nice to see them get chance to put on a show for their family and friends. This was a wonderful idea and I look forward to coming back in the future." Photo by Tevia S tin son Members of the Mo Lucas Boss Drummers (MLBD) perform during the Tri-City Throwdown on Saturday, March 19 at Carver High School. MLBD is a commu nity drum line from Winston-Salem. McLemore Ritsche WSSU Rams trio earns CIAA weekly honors Norris SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE CHARLOTTE - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has released this run, with 11 strikeouts. His best game came against Chowan, where he pitched a complete game shutout, allowing five hits and striking out 10. He finished the week with a 1 OR PR A week's Players of the Week, and WSSU's Devin McLemore, Randy Norris and head coach Kevin Ritsche, have earned con ference honors, as voted on by the conference's head coaches and sports infor mation directors, t Devin McLemore has Randy Norris was named the CIAA Defensive Player of the Week. Norris had a solid week for the WSSU defensively, as he had 15 putouts, 13 assists and was a part of two double plays with only one error. Kevin Ritsche was nfirr?p>H PI A A PaqpK nf thp IIUIIIVU U & V^V/UVll VI IIIV Week for the second time this season. Ritsche led the WSSU Rams to a 4-2 week, with wins over Lock Haven, California (Pa.) and two conference wins over Chowan. Submitted photo The Tar Heels show off their championship trophy. In the front row (L-R) are: Antwon Mitchell, Brylen Williams, Christian Moss and Elijha Williams. In the second row (L-R) are: Elijah Smith, Kegin Southerland, Joshiah Mabry and Zikhi Mitchell. In the back row (L-R) are: Coach Jalen Peoples, Coach K. J. O'Neal and Coach/Director Art Blevins. Tar Heels top Deacons, 32 to 29, in championship game SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE In a thrilling game before a packed gym, the Tar Heels nipped the Deacons 32-29. This was played in the Hanes Hosiery 6 to 10- year-old's winter basket ball championship game. Behind the win was the outstanding play and hustle of the "Mitchell twins" (Zakhi and Antwon) and sharp shooting by guard Kegin Southerland, who ripped the nets for 15 points on "5 treys." The "Mitchell brothers," whose father, Antwan (Sr.) used to play basketball at the old Hanes Hosiery for director/coach Art Blevins in the late '90s, were all over the court and sparked the Tar Heels, combin ing for 13 points, 8 steals and 12 rebounds. Isiah Smith added 4 points for the "Heels" in their big win. The Deacons were led by the league's leading scorer, rebounder Evan Dunlap with 17 points; Tira Sims had 7 and Mitrend Curry and Imoni Moore com bined for 5 more. Hanes Hosiery Director/Coach Art Blevins was again pleased with this year's turnout, in which over 100 children were involved. been selected as the CIAA Pitcher of the Week. McLemore had an outstanding week for the WSSU Rams on the mound, appearing in two games and pitching 8.1 innings allowing seven hits, and only one A.G. Hall resigns as WSSU head women's basketball coach SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE The Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletics has announced women's basketball coach, A.G. Hall, his submitted his let ter of resignation as head of the program. Winston-Salem State finished fifth in the CIAA's Southern Division, finished with a record of 12-16 overall, and 6-10 in the -'CIA A this past season. "Coach Hall has been a class act since day one and had many positive accom plishments during his tenure," said Winston Salem State University Director of Athletics, Tonia Walker. "Winston-Salem State University appreci ates the hard work and effort that he gave to our program. These decisions are very difficult and we wish A.G. Hall nothing but the best in his future endeavors." A.G. Hall compiled a 53-58 record at WSSU, and produced back-to-back 15 win seasons from 2012-14, but the Rams have gone just 23-33 (12-20 in the CIAA) in the last two sea sons. The search for a new basketball coach will begin Hall iiiiuicuimciy. /\nniira ^.oic will serve as interim coach until a replacement is hired. I ww.wschronicle.com I M| i ?//( >i74V/rky&f f/vi(i//f .I J/JJikifl'Mfi'MI,!^ x Wmmmm I