ASHEVILLE
Swimmers excel at meet
Local swimmers came home with plenty of best times and fast finishes at a meet at A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville on Dec. 10. Murphy and Tri-County girls placed fourth and fifth out of six teams, respectively, while Tri-County’s boys team finished sixth.
Lady Jaguars sophomore Ariana Rivas took first in the 100-yard freestyle (one minute, 2.03 seconds), hitting the automatic regional qualifying time in the process. Tri-County freshman Fern Crayton (1:05.03) hit the regional consideration
in the same event, and both the Jaguars (2:37.53) and Lady Jaguars (2:39.83) 200-yard medley relay teams also hit the consideration standard.
At the halfway point of the season, three swimmers have qualified for regionals while another five have hit the consideration time standard, as well as eight total relays between the two schools.
RALEIGH
Rule changes still coming
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has announced proposed changes for 2023-24 for inland fishing, hunting, trapping, game land and other regulated activities and has scheduled three hearings in January to receive public comments.
The first will be Monday, Jan. 10, at the Craven County Courthouse in New Bern, the second will be Wednesday, Jan. 12, at the Old Asheboro Courthouse in Asheboro and the last be in the Cedar Building at the McDowell Technical Community College in Marion.
A virtual hearing will be held Wednesday, Jan. 19, and you can register at https://ncwildlife-org.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_S8FEIxE8TFaqY4FkC0bmYg. Participants can also join by phone toll free at 888-788-0099 or 877-853-5247 using Webinar ID 160 229 5222.
Public comment will be accepted through Jan. 31 and by email at regulations@ncwildife.org.
RALEIGH
McCoy top performer
Nantahala freshman Cole McCoy was the N.C. High School Athletic Association Performer of the Week after two incredible games the week of Dec. 12-16.
McCoy scored 43 points in an 89-56 loss against Highlands, then poured in 54 in a 79-72 loss against Blue Ridge. McCoy has scored at least 12 points in each of the Hawks’ eight games, with at least 23 points in six of them.
PREP SCHEDULE
Today
Basketball: Andrews, Hiwassee Dam-Swain County Christmas Tournament at Swain County High School
Andrews vs. Tuscola (girls 10 a.m., boys 11:30 a.m.)
Hiwassee Dam vs. Mitchell (girls 1 p.m., boys 2:30 p.m.)
Murphy-Battle of the States Tournament at Towns County, Ga.
Murphy vs. Franklin (girls 10 a.m., boys 11:30 a.m.)
Thursday and Friday: TBA
Friday
Wrestling: Carolina Clash, Tyron
Tuesday
Basketball: Andrews at Murphy, 6 p.m.
Note: This is the start time for the first varsity game, and the boys varsity game will follow.
PREP RESULTS
Dec. 20
Boys basketball: Murphy 46, Swain County 43
Robbinsville 52, Andrews 43
Girls basketball: Murphy 61, Swain County 54
Robbinsville 69, Andrews 38
Compiled by Sports Writer Justin Fitzgerald.
