Justin Epley

1 month ago | morganton.com | Justin Epley

With high school football schedules trickling out, local folks are getting an idea of what things will look like under the new NCHSAA alignment — including the return of a previously dormant county matchup in Burke. Draughn released its 2025 schedule on Tuesday, confirming that in Week 2 — the NCHSAA’s 2025-26 calendar is not out yet, so specific dates are not yet known — the nonconference series between the Wildcats and Freedom will return to the slate for the first time since 2019.

1 month ago | mcdowellnews.com | Justin Epley

An inaugural alumni basketball game for East McDowell Middle School and West McDowell Middle School has been planned. According to a press release, the contest for former Trojans and Spartans students, particularly including basketball players and cheerleaders, has been scheduled for April 4 at McDowell High School in Marion. The girls game will start at 6 p.m., followed by the boys game. The event will serve as a fundraiser for current students at the middle schools.

1 month ago | morganton.com | Justin Epley

High school spring sports are in full swing in North Carolina now, meaning that Burke County’s four baseball squads have taken the diamond to begin their seasons. That includes Draughn, East Burke, Freedom and Patton high schools, which all started with different outlooks following last year’s outings. A season ago, the Draughn Wildcats finished 19-5 overall, going 11-1 in the Western Highlands 1A/2A Conference to win the league before advancing to the third round of the NCHSAA 1A state playoffs.

1 month ago | morganton.com | Justin Epley

The East Burke girls basketball team reached the NCHSAA 2A West Regional final for the third straight season, but a state championship must wait for now. The No. 2 West seed Lady Cavaliers (30-2) couldn’t keep pace with No. 1 West seed North Wilkes (30-1) in Thursday’s contest, falling 60-36 at Wake Forest University’s Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

1 month ago | morganton.com | Justin Epley

The East Burke girls basketball team couldn't overcome a cold shooting night in Thursday’s 2A West Regional final, falling to North Wilkes 60-36 at Wake Forest University's Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem. The Lady Cavaliers trailed 15-14 after an Addison Sisk basket early in the second quarter. East Burke didn't score again in the first half and trailed 33-14 at halftime. North Wilkes held the lead the rest of the game.