Cabarrus Sports Blast: Cabarrus athletes earn prestigious honors
The N.C. Basketball Coaches Association has released its all-district teams for the 2025-26 season.
All-district teams are voted on by coaches who are members of the NCBCA. Players from N.C. High School Athletic Association member schools are eligible for selection, regardless of class.
Four boys and two girls from Cabarrus County were selected to the all-district team this year for District 9.
Here are the selections:
Boys basketball
Travien William (Hickory Ridge) – 2nd Team, District 9
Janelle Reid (Jay M. Robinson) – 3rd Team, District 9
Cooper Perkins (Mount Pleasant) – 3rd Team, District 9
Noah Speller (Jay M. Robinson) – 3rd Team, District 9
Girls basketball
Ma-Kaela Gidney (Hickory Ridge) – 1st Team, District 9
Mackenzie Ortscheid (Northwest Cabarrus) – 3rd Team, District 9
All-American wrestlers
Two Mount Pleasant wrestlers became the school's first All-Americans in the sport during the National High School Coaches Association national championships March 27-29 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Bailey Nimer became Mount Pleasant's first All-American wrestler.
Bailey Nimer became Mount Pleasant's first All-American. She placed 6th at the NHSCA's at the 126-pound weight class.
Jacob Reigel became Mount Pleasant's second All-American. He placed 8th at the NHSCA's championships in the 182-pound weight class.
Jacob Reigel became Mount Pleasant's second All-American wrestler.
Barber-Scotia players make All-Academic team
Three Barber-Scotia College men’s basketball players have been recognized for their work in the classroom as well as on the court, earning spots on the 2026 New South Conference Men’s Basketball All-Academic Team.
Jakobie Abram, Channing Beadles and Christian Nickerson received the honor, which highlights student-athletes who maintain strong academic performance while competing at the collegiate level.
College officials praised the trio for embodying the institution’s emphasis on excellence beyond athletics.
“These young men are proving what we say every day at Barber-Scotia College — excellence is not confined to the court,” the college said in a statement. “It’s demonstrated in the classroom, in discipline, and in commitment to growth.”
The All-Academic Team recognizes the balance required of student-athletes, who must manage rigorous practice and competition schedules alongside their academic responsibilities. Barber-Scotia noted that such achievements require “focus, sacrifice and character.”
Abram, Beadles and Nickerson were also commended for representing the college’s “Saber Pride,” a term often used to describe the school’s culture of perseverance and achievement.
“We are proud of you for raising the standard and showing that our student-athletes are built differently,” the statement said. “You are champions in competition and scholars in the classroom.”
Got something for the Sports Blast? Email mplemmons@independenttribune.com. National Amateur Sports contributed to today's Blast.
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