University City Sports

Knotts leaving Independence

Early in the 2009 football season, Tom Knotts thought it might be time to leave Independence High School – and North Carolina, for that matter.

He had conversations with his financial advisor. And since Knotts would be eligible for retirement from Charlotte-­Mecklenburg Schools at the end of the school year, his advisor thought it would be a good time for him, financially, to make a move.

Midway through the Patriots’ season, Knotts already had decided he would go. This week, he made it official.

Sports shorts 12/04/09

49er men off to best start in nine seasons
Behind 10 different scorers, the Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball team defeated former Conference USA rival East Carolina, 80-68, on Dec. 2 to start the season with a 5-1 record.

Senior point guard DiJuan Harris led Charlotte with 17 points and recorded six assists to push the 49ers to their best start since the 2000-01 season, when they began 6-1.

High School Basketball Notes

Vance boys enjoying strong start
Some people might be surprised that the Vance High School boys basketball team has jumped out to a 3-0 record with wins over Southwestern 4A contenders Butler and East Mecklenburg – especially since standout Cougar guards Jacoby Davis and Daryl Traynham transferred from the program before the season began.

But don’t count Cougars coach Will Robinson among the surprised.

“I think most people focused on who left, but we realized the cupboard wasn’t left bare,” Robinson said.




High School Basketball Schedule

FRIDAY, DEC. 4
Myers Park at North Mecklenburg
Providence at Hopewell
Garinger at Mallard Creek
West Charlotte at Independence
Augusta (Ga.) Christian at Northside Christian
Charlotte Country Day (boys) at Charlotte Catholic
East Mecklenburg at West Mecklenburg
South Mecklenburg at Harding
Weddington at Ardrey Kell
Charlotte Christian (boys) at Forsyth Country Day
Charlotte Christian (girls) at Raleigh St.

Memorable Mavericks

sports@universitycityweekly.com

Players, coaches put 2008 debacle behind them to excel this season
In 2008 the Mallard Creek football team had taken great strides.

Unfortunately an eligibility scandal cut short the success of last season, taking away nine of the Mavericks’ victories and dashing their postseason dreams.

This season however, Mallard Creek coach Mike Palmieri and his Mavericks moved beyond the past to look toward their