Shining at the Next Level: December 9-15, 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): The former walk-on was named named first team all-Conference USA for the second straight season on Tuesday. On Monday afternoon, Highsmith was selected to the Associated Press All-America third team after finishing the regular season second in sacks with 14 and fourth in tackles for loss with 21.5 The 49ers take on Buffalo in the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl on Friday at 2 p.m.
Former Ashley standout Alex Highsmith now plays football at Charlotte. [Sam Roberts/Freeze Frame)
MEN’S BASKETBALL
***Full list of area men’s basketball players in college***
Sr. C AJ Frye, N.C. Wesleyan (2016 Hoggard grad): In Saturday’s 90-61 exhibition loss at Elon, Frye went 6 of 12 from the field for 15 points.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
***Full list of area women’s basketball players in college***
R-Sr. G Jada Bacchus, Mount Olive (2015 Ashley grad): Had a huge performance of 20 points, 21 rebounds and three steals to lead the Trojans to a 65-54 home win over Limestone on Tuesday.
Jr. G Ayonna Cotten, Mississippi Valley St. (2017 New Hanover grad): Finished with eight points and four rebounds on Saturday in a loss at Colorado State.
Soph. G Azariah Fields, Mount Olive (2018 New Hanover grad): After missing back-to-back games, Fields made her return Saturday and scored six points in a lopsided loss to Emmanuel (Ga.).
New Hanover graduate Jacklyn Ingram now plays basketball at Brunswick CC. [Tim Hower/Coastal Preps]
Fr. G Ratavia Merritt, Brunswick CC (2019 Pender grad): Helped the Dolphins secure a 25-point victory on Wednesday by finishing with seven rebounds, six points and five assists.
Soph. F Kapria Pressley, Brunswick CC (2014 New Hanover grad): Scored a game-high 17 points on 8 of 11 shooting and also added four steals, three rebounds and three assists in Thursday’s 65-40 home victory over Lenoir CC.
WRESTLING
***Full list of area wrestlers in college***
Jr. Jonathan Miller, UNC Pembroke (2015 Laney grad): Went 4-2 to earn a fourth-place finish at 141 pounds at the 41st Annual Midwest Classic in Indianapolis. Miller had three decisions and a major decision.
Laney graduate Kevin Saravia now wrestles at Life University. [Life University Athletics]
