It was a close game and came down to the final minutes when Highlands hosted Swain last month on Senior Night but couldn’t take the win with a final 46-43.
From left are Highlands Seniors Gig Chalker, Collin Stoltzfus, Ethan Tate, Hadley Templeton, Lane Tingen, and Jordan Carrier on Senior Night, Feb. 16. Carrier could not play this season due to injury, which is why she is not in uniform.
The night may have ended in a loss, but the achievements of two female athletes were recognized in celebration of four years of hard work and commitment.
Highlands Jordan Carrier couldn’t play basketball this season due to a knee injury, but that didn’t stop her from supporting her team.
Jordan Carrier playing against Blue Ridge Early College on the road in Jan. 2020 before her knee injury.
“She was a huge asset for us as coaches and the girls on the team,” said Highlands Coach Brett Lamb. “She helped motivate the girls and give them strategies to go against our opponents. She was there in games and practices. As a coach, she was able to help us understand match ups versus our opponents and what the other team would try to do against us.”
Lamb added that Carrier is a leader on and off the court and he thinks the day she was injured sums up her commitment and dedication to the team.
“She went down and after she was checked by our athletic trainer, she came out and sat in a chair with an ice bag on her knee,” said Lamb. “She was cheering and encouraging her teammates to push hard and get better. That dedication never wavered through the entire season. She has inspired us all with her rehab of her knee to get it back to being healthy.”
Highlands High School Cheerleaders give Senior Hadley Templeton (front and center) a proper cheerleader’s sendoff on Senior Night.
Another major source of support for the Lady Highlanders who will be leaving is Senior Cheerleader Hadley Templeton, who was also recognized for her four years of supporting Highlands athletes through cheers and stunts, and also competing her and there.
Lamb said Templeton will be sorely missed from the Cheer Squad.
“She has been a big leader for Coach (Kristin) Huneycutt,” said Lamb. “She helped lead the team through just being able to do bench cheers and unfortunately no competition or stunting (due to the pandemic). Her spirit and dedication have made a mark on the younger girls and will be missed in the future.”
Highlands Hadley Templeton cheering back in Feb. 2020 with Jordan Powell and Brianna Norris in the background.
Highlands has 15 players returning next year and some rising 9th graders who may join the roster. Lamb said if they can get in a summer of workouts, hit the weight room, and play some scrimmages before the season begins they’ll be in a good position with a lot of potential.
Highlands Jordan Carrier sinks a free throw on the road against Franklin in Feb. 2020 before her knee injury.
“We showed some great strides this year and had some tough lessons learned,” said Lamb. “So, with the good and the bad we learn from it and get ourselves better. We have always set our goal to win the conference. And with all 15 players coming back and with hard work we should be in the fight for another conference championship. We will remind them we were just a few points away from winning it this year and with hard work and dedication we will not be in that spot next year. We will be on top!”
Highlands Seniors:
Jordan Carrier
Highlands Jordan Carrier is given an honorary 1,000 point ball by Coach Brett Lamb. Carrier was injured throughout her senior year ending her high school career with 979 points.
Favorite memory: Last season when we were going to our third round of state game and we stopped at Applebees and me and Julia told the waitress that it was Ezra’s birthday, which it really wasn’t. They brough out the dessert and everyone was clapping and singing, including Ezra, until the waitress stopped at her table and sat the dessert in front of her face. Ezra was not happy anymore but me and Julia thought it was hilarious.
Special Thanks: To my parents and grandma, for loving me and always being there for me and doing no matter what to help me succeed. Also to my brother who has always been a huge inspiration to me. To Coach Page for everything he taught me both for basketball and life.. To Coach Lamb for everything he has done for me this year and all throughout high school. Lastly, to Janice, Ryan, and KB for their endless support and love.
Highlands Jordan Carrier brings the ball down the court at home against Hayesville in Feb. 2020.
Advice to teammates: Try and enjoy every single moment you are given the ability to do what you love. Good, bad, and everything in between, enjoy the time you have. Be grateful for the opportunities you have and regret nothing. You all mean the world to me and I wouldn’t have wanted a senior year with any other team.
Honorary 1,000 point ball: Jordan became an honorary member of the 1,000 point club and was presented with a ball by Coach Brett Lamb. Jordan was not able to hi the 1,000 point mark due to a knee injury. She ends her career with 979 points, 138 of those were three pointers.
After high school: Attend a four-year university and study sports management , and possibly walk on to the basketball of volleyball team.
Highlands Jordan Carrier snapshots over the years:
Hadley Templeton
Highlands Senior Cheerleader Hadley Templeton (Lady Highlander in the middle) and family on Senior Night.
What will you miss most: Stunting (being thrown in the air) and competitions.
Favorite memory: Bus rides to Nantahala, they were long but we had fun.
After high school: Attend UNC Charlotte for Graphic Design or Business.
Comments: Despite this year not going as planned, I would like to thank my teammates who made my senior year special.
One of the things Highlands Hadley Templeton will miss the most from being part of the Cheer Squad is ‘stunting,’ or being thrown into the air and caught by your fellow cheerleaders.
Snapshots of Hadley Templeton over the years:
Highlands Riley Connor makes a break for the hoop against Swain.
Highlands Bella Branham drives to the hoop against Swain.
Highlands B Bryson brings the ball down the court under pressure by Swain.
Highlands Julia May Schmitt brings the ball down the court and goes straight to the basket.
Highlands Bella Wilson drains a free throw.
Highlands Reese Schmitt checks out her options against Swain on Senior Night.
Highlands Ava Schmitt passes the ball to the inside and the Lady Highlanders end up with 2 on the board.
Highlands Hayley Borino on a fast break against Swain
Several photos in the article courtesy of Kristin Huneycutt and Margie Potts.
Article and photos by Brian O’Shea
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