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Finalists announced for 64th WNC Sports Awards Banquet held May 3
TL;DR
The finalists for the 64th Western North Carolina Sports Awards Banquet have been announced, set for May 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Omni Grove Park Inn. The event will honor over 100 high school athletes with 24 awards and scholarships.
Finalists announced for 64th WNC Sports Awards Banquet held May 3
The Mountain Amateur Athletic Club has announced the finalists for the 64th Western North Carolina Sports Awards Banquet, honoring WNC's best high school athletes.
The banquet will be held at 5:30 p.m. on May 3 at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Tickets can be purchased for $65 per person at wncsportsawards.org.
More than 100 WNC athletes will be invited to attend, and the top athletes will be honored with 24 awards, 20 scholarships, the Riley Howell Courage Award and a Special Olympics Scholarship. Finalists for the awards and scholarships recipients were selected from nominations from WNC coaches and athletic directors, who received their nomination forms in March.
Below is a list of the finalists for each award that will be presented on May 3.
Brevard junior Liam McCrary delivers a pitch during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Aidan Foxworth of Smoky Mountain rounds second base during a game against Brevard on April 7, 2026, at Smoky Mountain High School. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard senior Kellan Rodgers makes contact at the plate during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Luke Rogers of Smoky Mountain throws to first base during a game against Brevard on April 7, 2026, at Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard junior Liam McCrary delivers a pitch during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth delivers a pitch during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard junior Helms Hogsed makes contact at the plate during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Luke Rogers of Smoky Mountain throws to first base during a game against Brevard on April 7, 2026, at Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard freshman infielder Nolan Elmore makes the throw to first base during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth delivers a pitch during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard junior Liam McCrary delivers a pitch during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Smoky Mountain freshman Eli Gribble makes a catch in foul territory during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard sophomore infielder Hunter Mason fields a ground ball during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth celebrates after a strikeout during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard sophomore infielder Hunter Mason makes the throw to first base during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth celebrates after a strikeout during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard senior Braylon Thompson bats against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Smoky Mountain junior Will Clonch connects for a hit during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Smoky Mountain’s Eli Gribble (24) slides into second base as Brevard’s Nolan Elmore applies a tag during a game in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Smoky Mountain freshman Eli Gribble connects for a hit during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard junior Andrew Gorman runs to third base against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Smoky Mountain freshman Eli Gribble tosses his bat after a walk during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard junior Andrew Gorman runs home against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth delivers a pitch during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard junior Andrew Gorman slides into home against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard junior Andrew Gorman (right) celebrates with Hunter Mason (7) after scoring against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth delivers a pitch during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard senior Braylon Thompson (right) walks back to the dugout after flying out as teammate Hunter Mason (left) looks on during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth delivers a pitch during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
Brevard senior Braylon Thompson (left) walks back to the dugout after flying out as teammate Hunter Mason (right) looks on during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
1 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard junior Liam McCrary delivers a pitch during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
1 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard junior Liam McCrary delivers a pitch during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
2 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Aidan Foxworth of Smoky Mountain rounds second base during a game against Brevard on April 7, 2026, at Smoky Mountain High School. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
3 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard senior Kellan Rodgers makes contact at the plate during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
4 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Luke Rogers of Smoky Mountain throws to first base during a game against Brevard on April 7, 2026, at Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
5 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard junior Liam McCrary delivers a pitch during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
6 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth delivers a pitch during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
7 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard junior Helms Hogsed makes contact at the plate during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
8 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Luke Rogers of Smoky Mountain throws to first base during a game against Brevard on April 7, 2026, at Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
9 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard freshman infielder Nolan Elmore makes the throw to first base during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
10 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth delivers a pitch during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
11 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard junior Liam McCrary delivers a pitch during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
12 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Smoky Mountain freshman Eli Gribble makes a catch in foul territory during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
13 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard sophomore infielder Hunter Mason fields a ground ball during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
14 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth celebrates after a strikeout during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
15 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard sophomore infielder Hunter Mason makes the throw to first base during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
16 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth celebrates after a strikeout during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
17 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard senior Braylon Thompson bats against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
18 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Smoky Mountain junior Will Clonch connects for a hit during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
19 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Smoky Mountain’s Eli Gribble (24) slides into second base as Brevard’s Nolan Elmore applies a tag during a game in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
20 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Smoky Mountain freshman Eli Gribble connects for a hit during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
21 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard junior Andrew Gorman runs to third base against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
22 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Smoky Mountain freshman Eli Gribble tosses his bat after a walk during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
23 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard junior Andrew Gorman runs home against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
24 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth delivers a pitch during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
25 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard junior Andrew Gorman slides into home against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
26 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard junior Andrew Gorman (right) celebrates with Hunter Mason (7) after scoring against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
27 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth delivers a pitch during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
28 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard senior Braylon Thompson (right) walks back to the dugout after flying out as teammate Hunter Mason (left) looks on during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
29 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Smoky Mountain freshman pitcher Sawyer Foxworth delivers a pitch during a game against Brevard in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
30 / 30
Smoky Mountain tops Brevard 5-4 in Tuesday baseball
Brevard senior Braylon Thompson (left) walks back to the dugout after flying out as teammate Hunter Mason (right) looks on during a game against Smoky Mountain in Sylva on April 7, 2026. Smoky Mountain won 5-4.
EAGLES MAKE HIRE: East Henderson football hires Asheville High assistant Kobey Rudisill
Aiken, Meyer, Whatley/Wells Fargo Advisors Division II Female Athlete Major Sport: Madison Rogers, Cherokee; Joscelyn Stamper, Cherokee; Dvdaya Swimmer, Cherokee; Mia Roland, Owen; Naomi Taylor, Robbinsville.
Northwestern Mutual/Carole Martin Division II Female Athlete Olympic Sport: Anna Barrett, Asheville Christian; Eloise Durham, Asheville School; Joscelyn Stamper, Cherokee; Dvdaya Swimmer, Cherokee; Kimberly Talton, Madison; Varvara Yumagulova, Mountain Heritage.
Homewood Suites Division II Female Team Major Sport: Cherokee basketball, Hendersonville soccer, Robbinsville basketball.
Mills Manufacturing Division II Female Team Olympic Sport: Avery County golf, Carolina Day tennis, Hendersonville tennis.
Prescription Pad Pharmacies Division II Male Athlete Major Sport: Ian Bailey, Asheville Christian; JaRon Ward, Hendersonville; Cason Jones, Mountain Heritage; Brody Orton, Murphy; Camden Breazeale, Murphy; Luke Lovin, Robbinsville.
Tara and Frank Burdette Division II Male Athlete Olympic Sport: Ezekiel Herzog, Asheville Christian; Gavin Gault, Madison; Craig Webb, Owen; Isiac Collins, Robbinsville; Adair Panama, Robbinsville.
Fields Auto Group Division II Male Team Major Sport: Christ School soccer; Mountain Heritage football; Murphy football; Polk County soccer; Robbinsville football.
Blue Ridge Division of EmergeOrtho Division II Male Team Olympic Sport: Christ School cross country; Robbinsville wrestling; Robbinsville indoor track and field.
Ann Brandis Division I Female Athlete Major Sport: Averi Coggins, Enka; Kendall Rummans, Franklin; Khloe Joyner, McDowell; Kate Pratt, Roberson; Holland Corbin, West Henderson
First Citizens Bank Division I Female Athlete Olympic Sport: Sydney Marks, Asheville High; Riley Spencer, Enka; Michelle Ortega, Franklin; Lilly Shelly, North Buncombe; Lelia Meadows, North Henderson; Jasmit Kindel, Roberson.
HomeTrust Bank Division I Female Team Major Sport: Asheville High volleyball; McDowell basketball; Pisgah basketball; Reynolds basketball; Reynolds soccer.
Twisted Laurel Restaurant Group Division I Female Team Olympic Sport: Enka wrestling; Franklin track and field; North Henderson golf; West Henderson cross country.
Goforth Builders Inc. Division I Male Athlete Major Sport: Garrett Young, Franklin; Trent Clark, North Buncombe; Landon Pope, Pisgah; Dean Lowe, Roberson; Micah Simpson, Roberson; Caden Davidson, Roberson.
Massasoit of North Carolina, Inc. Division I Male Athlete Olympic Sport: Maddox Crooke, Enka; Garrett Young, Franklin; Ken Modlin, Franklin; Michael Ferguson, North Buncombe; Landon Pope, Pisgah; Gus Simmons, Reynolds; Kavan Wilson, Smoky Mountain.
McKinney Insurance Services Division I Male Team Major Sport: East Henderson basketball; Reynolds soccer; Roberson baseball.
Kimmel & Associates Division I Male Team Olympic Sport: Enka wrestling; Pisgah wrestling; Reynolds cross country.
The Joint Chiropractic Division II Female Academic Award: Molly Goforth, Asheville Christian; Eloise Durham, Asheville School; Hannah Fendler, Asheville School; Ellie Dukowicz, Carolina Day; Delaney Kinter, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy.
Blue Ridge Imaging Technologies Division I Female Academic Award: Isabella Shope, Franklin; Sharlotte Lyda, North Henderson; Katie Ruminski, North Henderson; Audrey Goins, Roberson; Emma Roberts, Roberson.
Heath & Nikol Shuler Division II Male Academic Award: Ezekiel Herzog, Asheville Christian; Kevin Fernandez, Mountain Heritage; Elijah Twiggs, Murphy; Asante Martin, Owen; Jackson Warnock, Owen; Isiac Collins, Robbinsville.
Howard Hannah Beverly-Hanks Realtors Division I Male Academic Award: Michael Ferguson, North Buncombe; Mason Putnam, Pisgah; Gus Simmons, Reynolds; Dean Lowe, Roberson; Kavan Wilson, Smoky Mountain.
'OBLIVIOUS TO PRESSURE': Why superstar would be no exaggeration for Robbinsville softball's Ella Nelms
Apollo Flame Division II Female Athlete of the Year: Eloise Durham, Asheville School; Joscelyn Stamper, Cherokee; Dvdaya Swimmer, Cherokee; Kimberly Talton, Madison; Mia Roland, Owen.
Young Transportation Division II Male Athlete of the Year: Ian Bailey, Asheville Christian; Cason Jones, Mountain Heritage; Brody Orton, Murphy; Craig Webb, Owen; Adair Panama, Robbinsville.
Lary & Jan Schulhof Division I Female Athlete of the Year: Sydney Marks, Asheville High; Averi Coggins, Enka; Bristol Brooks, Franklin; Sadie Jo Hunter, North Buncombe; Chandler Lowery, Pisgah.
Henry Logan Division I Male Athlete of the Year: Garrett Young, Franklin; Michael Ferguson, North Buncombe; Landon Pope, Pisgah; Mason Putnam, Pisgah; Gus Simmons, Reynolds.
Scholarship Winners: Anna Barrett, Asheville Christian; Hallie Johnson, Avery County; Marlee Hicks, Cherokee; Dvdaya Swimmer, Cherokee; Amy Mendoza Lopez, Franklin; Abigail Pope, Franklin; Alex Chacon, Hendersonville; Mia Nitsche, Hendersonville; Roby Franklin, McDowell; Braxton Bachelor, Mountain Heritage; Samuel Carter Bennett, Mountain Heritage; Malachai Huskins, Mountain Heritage; Emma Laney, Murphy; Trent Clark, North Buncombe; Elizabeth Wright, North Buncombe; Peyton Maybin, North Henderson; Shelby Simpson, North Henderson; Faith Renee Brown, Pisgah; Mason Putnam, Pisgah; Kayla Doughty, Reynolds.
Evan Gerike is the high school sports reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times. Email him at egerike@citizentimes.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @EvanGerike.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Finalists announced for 64th WNC Sports Awards Banquet
Q&A
What date and time is the 64th WNC Sports Awards Banquet?
The banquet is scheduled for May 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Where will the WNC Sports Awards Banquet take place?
The event will be held at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
How much do tickets cost for the WNC Sports Awards Banquet?
Tickets are priced at $65 per person.
What awards will be presented at the WNC Sports Awards Banquet?
The banquet will present 24 awards, 20 scholarships, the Riley Howell Courage Award, and a Special Olympics Scholarship.
