Best of Hoggard: Boys No. 6, 5 and 4

In an effort to determine the best 10 male and female athletes at each Wilmington school (Ashley, Cape Fear Academy, Coastal Christian, Hoggard, Laney, New Hanover and Wilmington Christian Academy), I selected a panel of qualified individuals to vote. The participants included: former and current coaches, administrators and ADs, media members and even fans. Each individual voted anonymously with their No. 1 athlete receiving 10 points, No. 2 athlete receiving 9 points and so on. 

The next school to have their 10 top athletes revealed is Hoggard. A total of 16 people voted and the results will be released throughout the week.

Monday, June 29: Boys and Girls 10, 9, 8 and 7 as well as honorable mention (anyone else who received votes)

Tuesday: June 30: Girls 6, 5 and 4

Wednesday, July 1: Boys 6, 5 and 4

Thursday, July 2: Girls 3, 2 and 1

Friday, July 3: Boys 3, 2 and 1

Boys Honorable Mention

  • Scott Senatore (26 points)
  • William Wright (23 points)
  • Bryan Sammons (21 points)
  • Christian Poveromo (19 points)
  • Stephen Lewis (18 points)
  • Shawn Sidbury and Rob Varno (14 points)
  • Sharod Wallace and Brandon Miley (13 points)
  • John Whitehead (10 points)
  • Joey Stukes (9 points)
  • Tristan Harris and Keevin Thompson (8 points)
  • Oliver Holmes (7 points)
  • Billy Vaughn (6 points)
  • Travis Hunicutt (5 points)
  • Bradley Pennington (4 points)
  • Luke Caldwell (3 points)
  • Sean Grzeck (1 point)

Boys No. 10

Josh Jones (28 points)

Class of 2018

Photo courtesy of John Crouch

Click here to read more about Josh

Boys No. 9

Chris Toudle (34 points and 1 first-place vote)

Class of 2019

Photo by Tim Hower

Click here to read more about Chris

Boys No. 8

Scott Coleman (37 points)

Class of 2010

Photo courtesy of Gardner-Webb

Click here to read more about Scott

Boys No. 7

Terry Caldwell (39 points)

Class of 2012

Photo courtesy of John Crouch

Click here to read more about Terry

Boys No. 6

Stilman White (40 points)

Class of 2011

Photo courtesy of John Crouch

White is one of Hoggard’s greatest basketball players, finishing his illustrious career with 1,078 points (third all-time in program history) and a school record 280 made free throws. He’s also second in steals (124), third in assists (231) and third in career 3-point field goal percentage (38.1). White scored 36 points in a single game twice during a senior season in which he averaged 20.5 points and shot 48.8 percent from 3-point range. He went on to continue his career at UNC, where he saw action in 88 games and was a member of the 2017 national championship team.

“Stilman had an incredible work ethic that allowed him to develop into one of the best basketball players this area has ever seen. To then watch him go on and excel when he was called on in tough opportunities, and win a National Championship at Carolina was an incredible joy.” – Anonymous voter

Boys No. 5

Tommy Bowker (69 points and 1 first-place vote)

Class of 2000

Photo courtesy of Tommy Bowker

The current baseball coach of the Vikings was also a two-sport standout during his career at the school. As a football player, Bowker was a member of the all-conference team three times and came away with three interceptions during his senior year. On the baseball field, Bowker had a career batting average of .362 and also won 25 games as a pitcher with 201 strikeouts and a 2.43 ERA. He hit .390 with eight home runs and 24 RBI, while also going 10-2 with a 2.14 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 72 innings as a senior.

“As a former baseball coach at several levels, including high school and American Legion, I would dream of getting players like Tommy. The talent was there, of course, not only the natural talent but the desire and dedication it took to take those talents to the next level. He played the game the right way, hard and with a focus and passion that showed no bounds.” – Anonymous voter

Boys No. 4

Derek Brunson (73 points and 1 first-place vote)

Class of 2002

Photo courtesy of Dan Willis

Brunson did it all during his career as a Viking. He played football, wrestled and ran track his senior year and was also a four-year member of the cheerleading squad. In his only year on the mat, Brunson went 50-11 and finished third at the 4A State Championship at 215 pounds. A few months later, he was seventh in the state in the 400-meter dash. Brunson continued his wrestling career at UNC Pembroke, where he was a three time All-American. He currently fights in the UFC and is ranked No. 8 in the middleweight division.

“An athlete like Derek comes around once in a lifetime. Unbelievable athleticism, but also a very solid mental game. He also does a great job of keeping things in perspective and the adversity he has faced has never slowed him down.” – Anonymous voter