The Tri-W area has produced many intense matchups this winter sports season. With several individual state champions already decided, and team championships to come, Tri-W area schools are turning in powerful performances, and making waves across Union County. Here is a look at the week in Tri-W sports.
Parkwood
The Rebels have had an exciting week, producing three state champions in a single night. Aurora Efird won the women’s 126-pound wrestling state championship, with a first period pinfall, over Richland’s Shelyn Williams. Parkwood’s Savannah Bramhall won the 152-pound championship, with a 9-8 decision, over Jamira Jackson of Montgomery Central. Parkwood swimmer Kaylee Hamblin earned the school’s third state title of the day, and her third consecutive title, in the 100-yard breaststroke. Hamblin earned the championship title with a time of 1:02.33, beating out second place by nearly two seconds.
Cuthbertson
The 200-yard medley relay team at Cuthbertson earned a state championship win on Saturday with a time of 1:45.30. The team, featuring Jordan Browning, Avery Murray, Leah Sandock and Alison Thome, set a new 3A state record with their relay performance. Thome continued on to earn a second gold medal for the Cavaliers, winning first place in the 200-yard individual medley, with a time of 2:02.64. Cuthbertson has qualified multiple runners in nearly every event for the winter track and field state championship.
Sun Valley
The Spartans have qualified several athletes for this year’s winter track and field state championship. The list of athletes from Sun Valley competing in the championship meet includes Kolbi Anderson, Zachary Moore, Jalen Bethune, Gavin Blackwell, and Craig Derick. Events featuring Sun Valley athletes include the 4×200 relay, 500-meter run, seated shot put, 55-meter dash, adaptive 55-meter dash, and 300-meter dash.
Marvin Ridge
As a team, the Mavericks made a big impact at the 3A swim and dive championship, taking second overall and earning medals in several events. Marvin Ridge swimmer Boyd Poelke won gold for the Mavericks in the 50-yard freestyle, with a time of 20.80. Poelke took home his second state title of the night with a 48.14 second 100-yard butterfly. 
Weddington
Men’s basketball is 16-6 at Weddington after winning 73-45 over conference rival Marvin Ridge. The loss brings the Mavericks to 7-14 on the year, with a 4-8 conference record. Weddington will continue conference play against the Piedmont Panthers on Tuesday, followed by their final regular season conference game against Cuthbertson on Friday. 
