Sports

STANHOPE -- For the first time in more than 20 years, Southern Nash will be under the direction of a new boys basketball coach this winter.
Ten-year assistant and longtime member of the Southern Nash family Sterling Leonard will be taking the reins as the Firebirds' head coach on the hardwood, taking over the position from Robbie Kennedy, a role he held since the 2002-03 season.

TUSKEGEE, ALA. -- One of the top tennis players in Nash County's recent history is heading into her final year of college this fall and is primed for a strong senior campaign on the tennis court.
Northern Nash graduate Chloe Harrington has made a huge impact on the Tuskegee University Golden Tiger tennis team over her first three years, highlighted by back-to-back NCAA Division II Regional appearances by Harrington and her teammates in 2024 and 2025.

STANHOPE -- Building a successful high school sports program comes in phases, some of which can be excruciatingly long and frustrating -- but the euphoria at the end of the journey somehow makes all of those struggles seem rewarding.
Such is the case for Melanie Mercer's tenure in charge of the spike squad at Southern Nash High School.
Mercer preached patience and commitment as she slowly built the Ladybirds into a playoff contender without cutting any logistical corners.

RED OAK -- One of the top basketball players in the area's history is making a big change this offseason, one that not only is taking him outside of Nash County but outside of North Carolina as a whole.
Formerly of Northern Nash High School's Boys Basketball roster, one of the class of 2027's top players in C.J. Rosser announced on Sunday via social media that he would be leaving Northern this year, opting to attend Southeastern Preparatory Academy in Orlando, Florida this academic year.