Legacy Coaches and Officials

John Blalock, Sr.

Coach John Lewis Blalock dedicated his life to education and athletics throughout Cleveland County, North Carolina, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he served.
After attending Davidson School in Kings Mountain, Blalock pursued his education at Livingstone College in Salisbury in the early 1950s, majoring in Biology. At Livingstone, he excelled as a student-athlete, earning All-Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors in both basketball and football during his junior and senior years. As a four-year starter and captain of a men's basketball team that upset legendary Coach “Big House” Gaines’s teams, John was named Most Athletic and Best Dancer of his class. He became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and spent summers teaching basketball and baseball to children.
Following graduation, Coach Blalock coached two seasons in South Carolina before becoming head basketball and six-man football coach at John Chavis High School in Cherryville. He later moved to Compact High School as head basketball coach and founded their football program, eventually leading Compact to a state basketball championship appearance.
Coach John Blalock was later named head basketball coach at Kings Mountain High School, where he also served as a biology teacher. Coach Blalock won over 400 games as a head coach. During his 1981 and 1982 seasons his team compiled a 51-5 record while winning consecutive Southwestern Conference championships. He was named Gazette Coach of the Year in both 1981 and 1982. In 1981, his team ended R-S Central's 43-game winning streak. The 1982 team, ranked number one in the state, played in the state championship game.
Coach Blalock was married to the late Emma Beard Blalock and had two sons, Butch and Terrence, both of whom he coached. He has coached and mentored many notable Cleveland County basketball players throughout his career.
His legacy continues through a scholarship established by former players and coaches for Kings Mountain High School student-athletes. Coach John Blalock was inducted into the Kings Mountain Hall of Fame in 1998, cementing his place among North Carolina's coaching greats.

Ed Peeler

When Crest High School opened its doors in 1967, it needed more than just a basketball coach—it needed a visionary who could build an entire athletic program from the ground up. Ed Peeler was that architect, and over the next three decades, he would construct one of the most successful high school athletic programs in North Carolina history.
Born and raised in Cleveland County, Peeler graduated from Shelby High School in 1955 before continuing his education at Gardner-Webb Junior College (1957) and Appalachian State University (1959). Fresh out of college in the fall of 1959, he began what would become a remarkable 39-year career as a Cleveland County teacher and coach at old Mooresboro High School.
After two years at Mooresboro, Peeler moved to the original Crest High School—which stood for Cleveland Rural Education Stands Together. In 1965, he achieved his first great coaching success, guiding the old Crest Falcons baseball team to a North Carolina Class 1A state championship at Durham's Paul Sykes Gymnasium. That championship team launched an area-record 34-game winning streak that would become legendary in Cleveland County lore.
But Peeler's greatest work was yet to come. In 1967, he became the founding athletic director and first boys' basketball coach at the newly opened Crest High School. The timing couldn't have been more challenging—he was tasked with leading the school through integration during one of the most turbulent periods in American education. Yet from these challenges emerged something extraordinary.
In 1968, just one year after the school opened, Peeler's Chargers upset rival Shelby in the Southwestern Conference tournament semifinals, earning the new school its first-ever playoff appearance. But that was merely the beginning. In 1971, with a young phenom named David Thompson leading the way, Crest advanced to the state title game and launched a seven-year streak of appearances in the WNCHSAA's eight-team championship tournament.
The pinnacle came in 1973 and 1974 when Peeler guided Crest to back-to-back WNCHSAA state championships—both victories coming against rival Shelby. The program had become so prominent that in November 1973, Crest hosted an NC State Red-White scrimmage featuring Thompson and other members of the Wolfpack's eventual 1974 NCAA championship team—a testament to the national attention Peeler's program had garnered.
As Crest transitioned from the Western N.C. High School Activities Association to the NCHSAA Class 3A in 1977 and then to Class 4A in 1985, Peeler navigated each change with characteristic skill. In the school's first year as an NCHSAA member in 1977-78, Crest reached the state championship tournament in Durham, facing a Washington High team that featured future Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins.
Over 29 seasons at Crest, Peeler's teams made 17 playoff appearances, won 14 regular season titles, captured 10 conference tournament championships, and advanced to the Elite Eight 11 times. His basketball teams compiled a 562-362 record, while his baseball squads went 108-61. Combined with his 13-7 record coaching Shelby Post 82 American Legion baseball in 1967, Peeler finished his coaching career with an overall record of 683-430.
Peeler had an extraordinary eye for talent and ability to develop players. He coached seven of Crest's 13 all-time 1,000-point scorers, including Thompson (1971), Louis Crosby (1974), Jimmy Huskey (1977), Bobby Huskey (1979), Oundray Petty (1984), Tee Burton (1987), and Alex Leary (1991). Thompson also became the school's all-time single-season scorer, and both Thompson and Harvey Petty scored 51 points in single games under Peeler's guidance.
But perhaps Peeler's most important legacy was the coaches he hired during his tenure as athletic director. These men and women would guide Crest to success in virtually every sport, establishing a culture of excellence that extended far beyond the basketball court.
The accolades followed. In 1989, Peeler was inducted into the Cleveland County Sports Hall of Fame. In 2000, Crest named its gymnasium after him—a fitting tribute to the man who had devoted his career to building the school's athletic program. He was later inducted into the N.C. Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame (2001) and the N.C. High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame (2004). In 2013, during the NCHSAA's 100th anniversary celebration, Peeler was recognized as one of the "100 to remember coaches."
Following his retirement, Peeler remained deeply committed to his community. He volunteered and served as a board member for the Cleveland County Boys and Girls Club, the Earl Scruggs Center, and the Cleveland County Fellowship of Christian Athletes Sports Hall of Fame Committee. He also worked at the Shelby City Park Golf Course, continuing to give back to the county that had given him so much.
Ed Peeler's impact on Crest High School and Cleveland County athletics cannot be overstated. As the school's first athletic director and first boys' basketball coach, he didn't just build a program—he created a legacy. The gymnasium that bears his name stands as a permanent reminder of the man who transformed Crest High School into an athletic powerhouse and helped shape generations of young athletes in Cleveland County.

Richard McCleney

Born June 20, 1929, on a small farm near Chadbourn, North Carolina, Richard "Dick" McCleney learned life's fundamental lessons early—lessons that would later shape his coaching philosophy. Farm life taught him that jumping from a 15-foot barn loft resulted in painful landings, that mules were stubborn animals, that disobeying one's father meant consequences, and that the tractor was indeed a great invention.
After graduating from Wake Forest University, McCleney signed with the Philadelphia Phillies organization and was optioned to the Wilson Tobs of the Coastal Plains League. His two seasons there were successful—15-6 and 16-8 records that earned him All-Star team honors both years. During the winter after his first season, he attended East Carolina University in Greenville, earning a Master's Degree in Math and Physical Education.
In 1961, McCleney arrived in Shelby, North Carolina, beginning what would become a legendary coaching career. For six years, he taught at Shelby Junior High School while serving as head football, basketball, and golf coach at Shelby Senior High. He then spent two years continuing his coaching duties while also serving as assistant principal.
Moving to Shelby High School as head basketball and golf coach and math teacher, McCleney found his calling. As a member of the Western North Carolina Athletic Association—consisting of 32 3-A schools—he achieved remarkable success through a combination of talented players and exceptional community support.
His basketball teams won seven Conference Championships and finished as runner-up four times for the WNNCAA Championship before finally capturing the title on their fifth attempt. He was voted Coach of the Year multiple times, but his proudest moment came when he was selected as head coach of the West squad for the North Carolina East-West Coaches' All-Star Game in Greensboro.
McCleney sent numerous players to college programs including Western Carolina University, Appalachian State University, Mars Hill College, Limestone College, North Carolina State University, and Wake Forest University—the latter being John Toms, who followed in McCleney's footsteps to his alma mater.
His basketball record at Shelby—223 wins against 90 losses—tells only part of the story of a man who combined athletic excellence with academic rigor, and who taught young men that discipline, hard work, and team play were the foundations not just of winning basketball, but of successful lives.

Greg Jones

Greg Jones is one of the most beloved figures in Cleveland County's sports community—a coach, game official, equipment manager, and above all, a mentor who has touched thousands of young lives over four decades.
Greg's coaching career began in 1990 when he joined Head Coach Cal Pass and the Shelby High School Varsity Girls Basketball Program, a partnership that lasted until 2008. Together, they were instrumental in shaping the career of NCAA National Champion and professional player Charlotte Smith, along with many of the women being honored among the 50 Greatest Women Basketball Players in Cleveland County history.
Currently, Greg is a licensed official for youth sports in basketball, baseball, and softball, having begun his officiating career in 1990. He has also volunteered with the American Legion World Series since 2002, demonstrating his commitment to baseball at its highest amateur level.
But perhaps Greg's most remarkable contribution has been as equipment manager for Shelby High Football since 1981. Beginning this role while still a student at Shelby, Greg continued even after graduation, serving under four head coaches: Jim Taylor (1981-1997), Chris Norman (1998-2010), Lance Ware (2011-2018), and current coach Mike Wilbanks.
During Greg's tenure, Shelby football has been a dynasty. Under Coach Taylor, the Golden Lions won 11 conference championships, two 3A State Championships, and appeared in multiple state finals. Under Coach Norman, they captured 10 conference championships, 12 appearances in 2AA State Championships, winning three titles. Coach Ware's teams won three 2AA State Championships, while Coach Wilbanks has led Shelby to two 3A State Championships and three conference championships.
In 1985, Greg received the NCHSAA Unsung Hero Award, and in 2008 he was awarded the NCHSAA Region 6 Award. In 2023, a lifelong dream came true when Greg was selected as equipment manager for the West Shrine Bowl—a fitting tribute to a man who has cared for the equipment of thousands of young men over more than four decades.
Beyond the statistics and awards, Greg Jones is influential in the Cleveland County School system, where he has worked for 25 years. He spends personal time mentoring, building, and grooming young people to achieve their personal greatness, serving as a father figure to thousands in his community.
Greg has an impeccable reputation because he naturally loves people. He consciously builds relationships and creates friendships everywhere he goes, intending them to last a lifetime. His diligence, fairness, and longstanding personal relationships with coaches and officials across North Carolina have made him openly welcome wherever sports are played.
A graduate of Shelby High School, Greg currently serves as statistician for the Shelby High Football team and has been nominated for induction into the Cleveland County Sports Hall of Fame. It would be difficult to find a better friend, family man, and God-fearing soul than Greg Jones—a man whose love for young people and dedication to their success defines what it means to be a servant leader in athletics.

George Hall

Born on June 22, 1944, George P. Hall would become one of the most respected figures in Cleveland County high school basketball history. His journey began at East Carolina College, where he played from 1962 to 1966, laying the foundation for what would become a distinguished 47-year coaching career.
Fresh out of college, Hall wasted no time making his mark on North Carolina basketball. He began his head coaching career at Murfreesboro High School in 1966, compiling a 50-37 record over four seasons. From 1970 to 1974, he continued building his reputation at Jamesville High, posting a 56-45 record and capturing the Roanoke Conference Tournament Championship in 1968.
In 1974, Hall returned to his roots in Cleveland County, taking the helm at Burns High School. Over the next eight years, he transformed the Bulldogs into a powerhouse, finishing with an 82-66 record. His tenure at Burns was marked by championship success—capturing the District 7 title in 1978-79 and earning Southwest Conference Coach of the Year honors that same season. The team also reached the District 7 finals in consecutive years (1979-80 and 1980-81), establishing Burns as a force in the region.
In 1982, Hall made the move to Shelby High School, where he would spend the next 18 years cementing his legacy as one of the county's all-time great coaches. His Shelby tenure was nothing short of remarkable. Between 1982 and 2000, Hall's Golden Lions won multiple Southwest Conference regular season and tournament championships, including an incredible run from 1987 to 1993 that saw them dominate conference play.
The 1988-89 season stands out as perhaps Hall's finest hour. The Golden Lions captured the Southwest Conference regular season and tournament titles, advanced to the sectional championship, and Hall was named SWC Coach of the Year for the second time. Four years later, in 1992-93, Hall led Shelby to another conference championship and sectional title, ultimately reaching the Western Regional Finals—the deepest playoff run of his career.
Throughout his time at Shelby, Hall also demonstrated his ability to develop talent at the junior varsity level, posting a remarkable 67-18 record (.788) with the JV squad. His Christmas tournament victories in 1983, 1985, and 1987 became traditions that the community looked forward to each holiday season.
After retiring from Shelby in 2000, Hall's passion for the game brought him back to the sidelines at Gaffney High School in South Carolina, where he served as a JV coach and later assistant coach. His expertise and leadership helped guide the Indians to three state basketball championships in 2004, 2005, and 2010—a testament to his enduring basketball acumen.
In 2012, at age 68, Hall returned to Cleveland County one more time, taking the head coaching position at Crest High School. In his single season, he led the Chargers to a 15-10 record and a runner-up finish in the sectional finals, proving he had lost none of his competitive fire.
When the final numbers were tallied, Coach George P. Hall's career statistics told the story of consistency and excellence: 378 wins against 318 losses as a head coach, a .543 winning percentage across five different schools. As a JV coach, his record was even more impressive—173-74 (.700)—demonstrating his gift for teaching fundamentals and developing young talent.
More than the wins and championships, Hall's true legacy lies in the countless players he mentored, the lessons in discipline and teamwork he imparted, and the standard of excellence he established across Cleveland County. For nearly five decades, George P. Hall was synonymous with basketball in the region—a teacher, mentor, and champion who devoted his life to the game he loved and the community he served.

Danny McDowell

Danny McDowell's coaching legacy at Kings Mountain High School is defined by unprecedented success and consistency. His teams won three consecutive Conference Championships—the most in school history—while also playing in three straight Sectional Championships and winning two consecutive Sectional Championships, another school record.
McDowell's ability to develop elite talent is evident in his impressive track record: he coached eight 1,000-point career scorers, two 2,000-point career scorers, and one player who surpassed the 1,000-rebound milestone. Under his guidance, eight players earned Conference Player of the Year honors, while seven were named All-District Players.
His excellence hasn't gone unnoticed. McDowell has been recognized as Gaston Gazette area Basketball Coach of the Year, Gaston Observer area Basketball Coach of the Year, The Carolina weekly News Basketball Coach of the Year, and Charlotte News Basketball Coach of the Year. He's also earned three selections as 1A/2A Southern Piedmont Basketball Coach of the Year and served as Head Coach for the West vs Mid-West All-Star Basketball game, with an additional stint as Assistant Coach for the same prestigious event.
McDowell was also honored as National Champion AAU Basketball Coach of the Year and inducted into the Kings Mountain Sports Hall of Fame. Throughout his career, he guided teams to five Conference Championships and an remarkable 14 Sectional championships, cementing his status as one of Cleveland County's most accomplished coaches.

Cal Pass, Sr.

A 1976 graduate of Livingstone College, Cal Pass Sr. dedicated 23 years to building one of North Carolina's premier women's basketball programs at Shelby High School, compiling an impressive 392-192 record that speaks to consistent excellence.
Pass's coaching acumen earned him six Conference Coach of the Year honors: Southwest Conference 3A in 1990-91 and 1996-97, Southwestern 2A/3A from 2006-2009, and South Mountain 2A/3A in 2010-11. In 2012, he was selected as Assistant Coach for the NCCA East-West All-Star Game, a prestigious recognition of his statewide reputation.
Perhaps most impressively, Pass coached 11 players who scored over 1,000 points during their careers—a testament to both his recruiting and development abilities. Among his most notable pupils was Charlotte Smith, who went on to become an NCAA National Champion and professional player. Many of the women he coached are now being honored among the 50 Greatest Women Basketball Players in Cleveland County history.
Pass's legacy extends beyond win-loss records and individual accolades. He helped transform women's basketball in Cleveland County from an afterthought to a marquee sport, proving that with the right coaching, support, and dedication, female athletes could achieve the same level of excellence as their male counterparts. His 23-year tenure established a standard of sustained success that continues to inspire the next generation of players and coaches.

Larry Sipe

Larry Sipe's basketball journey began long before he took the helm at Kings Mountain High School in 1983. For 11 years, he served as JV and Varsity Assistant at Washington (NC) High School under NCHSAA Hall of Famer Dave Smith. During that apprenticeship, Sipe learned from the best, as the Pam Pack played for four State Championships in a five-year period (1975-1979), winning back-to-back titles in 1978 and 1979.
When Sipe arrived at Kings Mountain, he brought that championship pedigree with him. Over 17 seasons, he built the Mountaineers into a perennial powerhouse, earning Southwestern Conference Coach of the Year honors in 1985 and 1990, and Charlotte Observer Piedmont Coach of the Year recognition in 1990.
His teams dominated conference play, winning SWC Championships in 1990, 1993, 1997, and 1998. They also captured Sectional Championships in 1987, 1990, 1993, and 1995. The pinnacle came in 1990 when Sipe's Mountaineers won the Western Regional Championship and advanced to the AAA State finals, finishing as runner-up in a season that showcased his program's elite status.
In 1994, Sipe was selected as head coach for the prestigious East-West All-Star Game, a recognition of his standing among North Carolina's coaching elite. His excellence was further acknowledged with inductions into the Cherryville High School Sports Hall of Fame (2000) and the Kings Mountain Sports Hall of Fame (2006).
Upon retiring in 2000, Sipe's connection to basketball continued. He worked for 15 years with Bob Gibbons of All-Star Sports, traveling the East Coast evaluating high school talent and coordinating The Bob Gibbons AAU Tournament each Memorial Day weekend in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh. Additionally, Sipe served as instructor at UNC Chapel Hill Basketball Camps from 1978 through the present, sharing his knowledge with the next generation.
From 2001 to 2014, Sipe served as clock operator for the UNC Men's Basketball Team—a front-row seat to excellence as the Tar Heels won two National Championships in 2005 and 2009 under Roy Williams.
Coach Sipe and his wife Brenda still reside in Kings Mountain, near their daughter Cari (Cary, NC) and son Casey (Charlotte, NC). His legacy lives on not just in championships won, but in the countless players he mentored, the coaches he influenced, and the standard of excellence he established for Kings Mountain basketball.

James Byrd, Jr.

Born to the late James Byrd Sr. and Ida Byrd, James N. Byrd Jr. was a trailblazer who broke barriers and opened doors for those who would follow.
At Cleveland High School, Byrd was a four-year member of both the football and basketball teams. As quarterback and captain of the basketball team during his senior year, he combined athletic prowess with leadership ability. He also excelled academically, graduating in 1967 before heading to North Carolina Central University in Durham, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. At NCCU, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Byrd's 30-year teaching and coaching career began in 1971 as a health/physical education teacher and basketball coach at South Cleveland, Crest Middle, and Crest Junior High. His teams at the middle school and junior high levels were known for a remarkable number of undefeated seasons—a testament to his ability to teach fundamentals and instill winning habits in young players.
In 1988, Byrd continued as junior varsity coach at Crest High School, coaching many successful years before achieving the highlight of his career: being named head basketball coach at Crest High School. He became the first Black head coach of any sport in Crest High School history—a groundbreaking achievement that opened doors for others to follow.
Byrd believed in discipline, hard work, and being a team player to bring out the best in his teams. But his impact extended far beyond the basketball court. His community presence was strong as he supported many students desiring to attend college, providing encouragement, educational advice, financial assistance, and recommendation letters. For countless young people, Coach Byrd was more than a coach—he was a mentor, role model, and father figure.
He was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where he served as trustee and Sunday School teacher. In 2004, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community service, he co-founded and successfully managed Central Transport Services of Cleveland County for 16 years.
James married his wife Linda, and together they built a life centered on faith and family. They had one son, Julian (married to Laura), and a beloved grandson, Miles, who brought immense joy to his life.
Those who knew James remember a man who loved people and loved God. His faith never wavered, even in his final days. Coach Byrd died peacefully on February 22, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of broken barriers, developed talent, and transformed lives.
As a pioneer, educator, and coach, James N. Byrd Jr. showed that leadership means more than winning games—it means opening doors, lifting others up, and living with integrity and faith. His life reminds us that true greatness is measured not by personal achievement, but by the positive impact we have on others.

Paul Ingram

Born on July 26, 1962, in Cleveland County, Paul Ingram grew up in the basketball-rich community of Kings Mountain, where the sport was more than just a game—it was a way of life. A product of Kings Mountain High School, Ingram developed not just a love for basketball, but a deep appreciation for the integrity and fairness that made the game work.
In 1982, at just 20 years old, Ingram made a decision that would shape the next four decades of his life: he became a basketball official. Under the mentorship of respected officials Terry Moore and Frank Pullen, Ingram learned the craft of officiating from the ground up, absorbing not just the rules and mechanics, but the philosophy of what it means to be a guardian of the game.
What began as a passion for staying connected to basketball evolved into something far more significant. Over the past 40 years, Ingram has officiated approximately 2,500 games, progressing from high school gyms to college courts, ultimately reaching the Division I level—a testament to his skill, consistency, and unwavering professionalism.
Ingram's approach to officiating has always been rooted in three core principles: fairness, consistency, and professionalism. Whether working an intense rivalry matchup in a packed high school gymnasium or a high-stakes college game, he has maintained the same standard of excellence. His deep understanding of the rules, mechanics, and nuances of officiating has earned him the respect of coaches, players, and fellow officials throughout his career.
But for Ingram, officiating has never been merely about making calls. It's been about mentoring the next generation of officials, sharing best practices, and maintaining the integrity of the game. Throughout his career, he has taken pride in creating a positive and respectful atmosphere on the court, understanding that his role extends beyond enforcing rules—it's about supporting the growth of young athletes and promoting sportsmanship.
From developmental youth games to intense rivalry matchups, Ingram has approached every whistle blown and every game officiated with the same level of dedication. His long-standing commitment reflects a genuine love for basketball and a belief in the value of community-based sports. Whether in a packed high school gym or a quiet recreational center, he has taken pride in every game he's officiated.
Having worked hundreds of games across multiple levels of competition, Paul Ingram represents the often-unsung heroes of basketball—the officials who ensure fair play, maintain order, and allow the game to shine. His 40-year journey from a young Kings Mountain High School graduate to a respected Division I official stands as a testament to dedication, professionalism, and an enduring love for the game.
In Cleveland County's rich basketball history, Paul Ingram has earned his place not with points scored or championships won, but with 2,500 games officiated with fairness, consistency, and integrity—the true measures of excellence in the stripes.

Eddie Holbrook

When Eddie Holbrook was hired to coach Gardner-Webb University at just 24 years old in 1964, few could have predicted the dynasty he would build over the next 14 years. His remarkable 344-67 record (.837 winning percentage) stands as a testament to sustained excellence rarely seen in college basketball.
Holbrook's impact was immediate and profound. In his first five years, his teams won four conference titles and earned two regional titles, including a 1968-69 appearance in the National Junior College Athletic Association championship tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas—a first for any Gardner-Webb team. Eight of his players became All-Americans, while five went on to careers in the National Basketball Association.
The 1973-74 season showcased Holbrook's peak achievement when the Runnin' Bulldogs won 23 straight games before losing in the NAIA post-season tournament to West Georgia 116-101. By the time he left Gardner-Webb, he had led the program to seven 20-win seasons and four additional 30-win seasons.
Of his 14 teams, 12 finished with national top-10 rankings. The 1971-72 team, with senior college status, averaged 104.3 points per game, while the 1976-77 squad scored over 100 points eighteen times. In February 2015, Gardner-Webb renamed their home basketball court the "Eddie Holbrook Court" in recognition of his transformative impact.
After Gardner-Webb, Holbrook coached Furman University's men's basketball team from 1978 to 1982, leading the Paladins to conference regular season and tournament championships in his second season, earning a berth in the 1980 NCAA tournament.
In 1993, Holbrook returned to Gardner-Webb, serving as special assistant to the president and Vice President for Development and Community Relations before taking on a similar role at Cleveland Community College. His legacy endures as one of the most successful coaches in small college basketball history.

James Martin, Sr.

James Avrose Martin Sr.'s life embodied the values of service, education, and integrity. Born near Highway 74 and Sandy Run Creek in Mooresboro, North Carolina, to Marion M. Martin and Maggie Wray Martin, he was a proud graduate of Green Bethel High School in Boiling Springs—one of the Black segregated schools of the era—completing his studies in 1953.
Shortly after graduation, Martin answered his country's call, enlisting in the United States Army. He served honorably for 2 years, 10 months, and 28 days in the Infantry Corps, specializing in the mortar section. His military service included deployment to Germany, after which he returned home a disabled veteran with pride and purpose intact.
With strong encouragement from his cousin, Ms. Iris Koonce, and lifelong friend, Mr. Daniel Jolly, James enrolled at historic Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina—a proud HBCU and home of the Blue Bears. As a walk-on for the college football team, Martin exemplified determination and grit. He participated in intramural basketball, was inducted into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and consistently achieved academic excellence, earning a place on the Dean's List nearly every semester. He graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.
Committed to lifelong learning, Martin earned a Master's Degree in School Administration from North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, in 1979.
On February 1, 1964, James married Patsy Ruth Jackson Martin of Gastonia. Their enduring 60-year marriage was a testament to love and partnership. Together, they raised two children: James Avrose Martin, Jr. (wife Hope Burnell Smith Martin) and the late Lori Jeannine Martin. His legacy continues through his grandchildren—Jeremiah Avrose Martin and Jeannine Alelia Martin Johnson (husband Dikal Shykem Johnson)—and great-grandchildren, Micah and Josiah Johnson.
Professionally, Martin was a pillar in the Cleveland County School District, teaching for over 30 years at Green Bethel, Lattimore, West Cleveland, and Burns Middle School. His educational philosophy was simple yet powerful: "All students can learn if taught."
Beyond the classroom, Martin's contributions to sports spanned more than 30 years as he officiated both football and basketball beginning in the 1960s. His officiating career encompassed youth leagues, high school competitions, and community industrial leagues—most notably the industrial league basketball games held at Holly Oak Park in Shelby. His integrity, fairness, and love for the game earned him respect from players, coaches, and fellow officials alike.
In recognition of his impact, Martin was inducted into the Livingstone College Athletic Hall of Fame on October 16, 2008, as a member of the celebrated Football Class of 1961.
A passionate outdoorsman and community member, James loved bass fishing, hunting, and socializing with friends at the Holly Oak Park recreational center. He supported his home church, Young's Chapel AME Zion Church in Mooresboro, by maintaining the graveyard, served as a dedicated steward at Wardell Chapel AME Zion Church in Shelby, and sat on several advisory boards, including the State Employee's Credit Union Advisory Board.
Those who knew James recall his gentle humor, unshakable optimism, and boundless generosity. Whether mentoring students, guiding young athletes, or tending to the quiet needs of his church and community, James led by example, instilling confidence and hope in everyone he encountered. His unwavering belief in human potential, the joy found in fellowship, and the value of hard, honest work remain touchstones for generations to come.
James Avrose Martin Sr. will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to education, service, and community. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the values he upheld—with pride, purpose, and principle.

Eric Brewton

Eric Brewton's journey in basketball began on the football field. A defensive back at Gardner-Webb University, he was a three-time NAIA All-American (1985, 1987, 1988) and four-time All-South Atlantic Conference player, graduating in 1988. His 25 career interceptions remain a school record, and in 1998, he was inducted into the Gardner-Webb University Sports Hall of Fame.
After his playing days ended, Brewton discovered a new passion: basketball officiating. Under the tutelage of Larry Wray, Donald Roseboro, and NBA trainers, he developed the skills and judgment necessary to excel in the stripes. His dedication led him through various levels—from recreational leagues to high school to college—eventually reaching Division I and, ultimately, the WNBA.
Over nearly three decades, Brewton has officiated more than 3,000 games, establishing himself as one of the nation's premier basketball officials. In 2001, he was named ACC Basketball Official of the Year. He has worked numerous Final Fours and has been ranked the #1 WNBA Referee for several years—a testament to his consistency, fairness, and command of the game.
His résumé includes over 25 WNBA Finals and 20 ACC Women's Basketball Finals, placing him among an elite group of officials who have worked at the highest levels of women's basketball for extended periods.
What sets Brewton apart is his understanding that officiating is about more than making calls—it's about game management, player safety, and maintaining the integrity of competition. His athletic background gives him unique insight into the speed and physicality of elite basketball, while his professional demeanor has earned him respect from players, coaches, and fellow officials across multiple leagues.
From Cleveland County to the bright lights of professional basketball, Eric Brewton's journey demonstrates that excellence knows no boundaries. Whether making a game-saving interception or making a crucial call in a championship game, Brewton has always performed with distinction, representing his hometown and his profession with pride and professionalism.