Shining at the Next Level: December 16-22, 2019

New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties produce a large number of athletes that continue their careers at the next level.  Each week, this list will feature a number of area athletes who are finding success in the college ranks.

Check back for weekly updates each Monday.

FOOTBALL

***Full list of area football players in college***

R-Sr. DE Alex Highsmith, Charlotte (2015 Ashley grad): In his final collegiate game, Highsmith finished with seven tackles in a loss to Buffalo at the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl on Friday.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

***Full list of area men’s basketball players in college***

Soph. G/F Josh Aldrich, USC Upstat (2018 New Hanover grad): In Saturday’s 92-74 victory over Bob Jones, Aldrich went 4 of 6 from the field for nine points. He also grabbed seven rebounds in his 23 minutes of action.

New Hanover graduate Josh Aldrich now plays basketball at USC Upstate. [USC Upstate Athletics]

Sr. C AJ Frye, N.C. Wesleyan (2016 Hoggard grad): Helped the Battling Bishops pick up a home win over Maryville on Tuesday by scoring 12 points and adding five rebounds and two assists.

Sr. F/C Mitch Layton, N.C. Wesleyan (2016 North Brunswick grad): Had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four assists in an 89-73 victory over Maryville on Tuesday. 

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

***Full list of area women’s basketball players in college***

Fr. G Blair Barefoot, Lenoir-Rhyne (2019 Hoggard grad): In 17 minutes of action, Barefoot scored 10 points and grabbed a pair of rebounds to help the Bears beat Lincoln Memorial by 10 on Wednesday.

Hoggard graduate Blair Barefoot now plays basketball at Lenoir-Rhyne. [Photo courtesy of John Crouch]

Jr. G Ayonna Cotten, Mississippi Valley St. (2017 New Hanover grad): Scored eight points in a lopsided loss at Memphis on Friday.

WRESTLING

***Full list of area wrestlers in college***

Jr. Jonathan Miller, UNC Pembroke (2015 Laney grad): Finished 3-1 with a major decision (20-8) and two decisions (9-5 and 6-5) against tough competition at the Desert Duals in Las Vegas on Sunday. The Braves finished 2-2 as a team.