LINCOLNTON - Just a week ago, Lincolnton head coach Bob Cowie got career win number 199 in a 62-30 win over Southern Piedmont Conference member and cross-county rival West Lincoln. Lake Norman Charter (9-6, 4-3) came into tonight's match-up looking to avenge the 27 point loss the Wolves dealt them last Wednesday on the Knights' home court and prevent the Wolves from picking up career win number 200 for their coach. Unfortunately for the Knights an upset win just wouldn't be in the cards, losing to the Wolves 72-54.

Lincolnton point guard Lorenzo Carter would start off the scoring with a 3 point basket and the Wolves (13-2, 8-0) would never look back. Coupled with stingy defense and an aggressive offensive style of play, the Wolves would jump out to a big lead, outscoring the Knights 26-9 in the first quarter. The Knights would have a hard time scoring in the quarter with their scoring leader, C. Williams, coming in off the bench to add 4 for the Knights.

In a game where the Wolves were more dominant than the scoreboard indicated, speed and intensity were deciding factors early on in the game. However, the Knights used a ball control offense and were able to limit the Wolves to only 10 second quarter points, going in at halftime with the score 36-18.

Senior guard Jalen Littlejohn came into the game averaging 18.3 points per game and would not be denied another double-digit effort. Littlejohn would lead his team in scoring with 21 points, one of 4 Lincolnton scorers to finish the night in double-digits. Jonathan Gidney added 12 points, Jonathan Sherrill added 11 points, and Michael Cunningham would round out the Wolves' double-digit scorers with 10 points.

Fouls and turnovers would ultimately hamper the Knights chances at a second half comeback. Lake Norman Charter guard D. Elkins would lead his team in scoring with 25 points, but with only one other scorer in double figures for the Knights, an 18 point halftime deficit would end up sticking as a final margin.

The Knights wouldn't give up and back down from their opponents, though, coming out of the half with a game high scoring effort of 20 points in the 3rd quarter, but the Wolves would hang right there with them besting the Knights by five points.

Down the stretch the game would remain in the Wolves hands. Although the Knights would outscore the Wolves 16-11 in the 4th and final stanza, the Wolves were able to hang on to their comfortable lead and secure the win for their coach.

On a special night where former Lincolnton basketball players were in attendance to honor Lincoln County's current leader in career wins, Cowie's Wolves were determined to not be victims of an upset on their home court. The Wolves continue their undefeated record in conference play and will work to maintain their lead and shot at an SPC conference championship in the coming week.

Following the game, an awards presentation took place in which members of the Lincolnton coaching staff, and both current and past players honored Coach Cowie with an autographed basketball, a commemorative pen, and a framed jersey donning the number 200. Cowie spoke briefly thanking his players, coaches, administration, and family. "I appreciate my current coaches, my players, my administrators," Cowie said. "It's been a great time in my life." Tonight's win put Cowie in the top 3 of Lincolnton coaches with 200 or more victories. Coach Jack Kiser garnered 287 wins in men's basketball at Lincolnton, and former women's coach Shelia Barker ended her stint as a coach at Lincolnton with 216 career victories.

Among those past players in attendance was former guard Darren Wilson, Brandon Finger, Phil Robinson, and Dr. Matt Cline. Following the game, Finger, who played under Cowie 3 years and coached alongside Cowie for a year at Lincolnton said, "He stayed on my case and made me a better player and person." Lincolnton principle Tony Worley added, "We just appreciate his time and dedication to the players." Applause rang out following the presentation and many stuck around to personally congratulate the coach on his accomplishment. "Some of the things he did and taught us," added Dr. Matt Cline, "laid the foundation for where we are today. He's a great coach and an even better guy."