The Hickory High boys and girls basketball teams continued their winning ways on Saturday at the Catawba Christmas Classic as each team claimed another championship. The HHS boys (9-2) defeated Newton Conover 61-50 to win the

Catawba Valley Classic boys’ basketball title for the fifth time in six years and 17th time in the tournament’s 26-year history. Zach Jarrett finished with 21 points and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player as Hickory ran its Classic all-time record to 64-12.
The HHS girls (11-0) knocked off Alexander Central 73-43 in a battle of unbeaten teams. The teams traded the lead four times and forged five ties in the opening quarter. But HHS scored 19 straight points in the first and second quarters combined to pull away. HHS won the Classic for the seventh time in eight years and 14th time in its 26-season history.
The Red Tornadoes finished with 23 steals among the 34 forced turnovers they had. Yazman Hannah, the tournament's Most Valuable Player, just missed a double-double with 17 points and nine steals. Erika Troutman had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Danasia Witherspoon added 15 points.
Matz Setzer and Marie Ritchtie led the Cougars with 13 points apiece.

CATAWBA VALLEY CLASSIC

GIRLS

Saturday’s results at CVCC

Fifth place: No. 7 S. Caldwell 50, No. 5 Maiden 33

Third place: No. 4 Newton-Conover 50, No. 3 Fred T. Foard 48

Championship: No. 2 Hickory 74, No. 1 Alexander Central 43

BOYS

Saturday’s results

Fifth place: No. 4 Alexander Central 50, No. 6 S. Caldwell 43

Third place: No. 1 Fred T. Foard 66, No. 2 St. Stephens 63

Championship: No. 3 Hickory 61, No. 5 Newton-Conover 50

BURKE COUNTY INVITATIONAL

BOYS

Saturday'S Games

Fifth place: West Caldwell 66, Asheville-Roberson 53