Later, RS Central head football coach Jim Ryan joins the show to discuss the Hilltoppers' offseason program, summer workouts, team development, and expectations for the upcoming football season. Coach Ryan shares insight into building a winning culture, preparing players for the challenges ahead, and why his junior-heavy roster could be poised for a strong campaign this fall.

Plus, longtime coach and football analyst Bruce Ollis stops by to talk summer conditioning, seven-on-seven competition, the importance of offseason preparation, and what fans can expect as high school football season continues to draw closer.

Later, Jay Alverson welcomes Joe Evans, head football coach at South Mecklenburg High School, for an in-depth conversation about summer workouts, college recruiting, football camps, player development, and what families should know as student-athletes navigate the recruiting process. Coach Evans shares valuable insight into building a successful program, preparing players for the next level, and the importance of development both on and off the field.

Plus, local sports updates, high school football talk, Braves coverage, and everything happening across the Carolinas as another exciting season draws closer.

Later, Owen High School head football coach John Faircloth joins the show to discuss the Warhorses' offseason preparation, scheduling philosophy, player development, building a winning culture, and expectations for the upcoming season. Faircloth provides an inside look at the challenges and rewards of leading a high school football program and preparing young athletes for success on and off the field.

Plus, ticket giveaways, local sports coverage, and another full evening of sports talk from Western North Carolina and beyond.

Later, Jay Alverson is joined by former West Charlotte standout and University at Buffalo football player Chance Morrow for a fascinating discussion on college athletics, recruiting, NIL opportunities, the transfer portal, and what life is really like as a modern-day college athlete. The show also covers Braves baseball, NBA playoffs, local sports headlines, and the latest news from around the Carolinas.

Later, Jay Alverson checks in from Charlotte with special guest Justin Sprouls, South Mecklenburg High School running backs coach and former University of Kentucky standout. The conversation covers high school football, player development, recruiting, the impact of the transfer portal, and the future stars to watch in North Carolina football.

Plus, updates on local athletics, the search for McDowell High School's next boys basketball coach, upcoming baseball action across the region, community sports events, and much more from around Western North Carolina.

The conversation also touches on recruiting, player development, leadership, and what it takes to succeed in one of the most demanding roles in sports. Plus, more discussion on prep sports, coaching philosophies, and the ever-changing landscape of high school athletics.

The crew also dives into the NCAA Tournament and Final Four storylines with Brian Franklin, breaks down the latest college basketball news, and looks ahead to championship weekend.

Plus, Braves baseball, high school sports updates from around Western North Carolina, recruiting news, local athletics coverage, ticket giveaways, and much more. It's another packed edition of sports talk from the mountains to the national stage.

Later, Brian Franklin joins the studio to break down the NCAA Tournament, analyze the dramatic road to the Final Four, discuss UConn, Arizona, Illinois, and Michigan, and make championship predictions. The crew also previews the Women's Final Four, talks Atlanta Braves baseball, local sports headlines, and gives away tickets to upcoming events.

From college hoops and football to MLB and local sports, it's another action-packed edition of The Sports Huddle.

In this episode:

🏀 College Basketball Headlines

• The surprising departure of Hubert Davis at North Carolina and what it means for the Tar Heels moving forward.
• NCAA Tournament analysis, Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchups, bracket busters, and championship contenders.
• Insights from North Buncombe head basketball coach Chuck Robinson and the Sports Huddle crew on the changing landscape of college basketball.

⚾ Baseball Season Arrives

• Atlanta Braves spring training updates and expectations for the upcoming season.
• Health concerns, key players to watch, and whether Atlanta has what it takes to make another postseason run.
• Major League Baseball opening storylines and what fans can expect this season.

🏈 Football Talk

• NFL offseason moves, quarterback changes, and free agency reactions.
• Analysis of key signings around the league and how they could impact the upcoming season.

🏃 Local & Regional Sports

• Coverage of Western North Carolina athletics, upcoming track and field discussions, and continued spotlight on area programs and athletes.

Featuring contributions and analysis from Stan Pamfilis, Jay Alverson, Chuck Robinson, Bruce Ollis, Brian Franklin, and the Sports Huddle team.

Whether you're a fan of college hoops, Braves baseball, NFL football, or local sports across the Carolinas, there's plenty to huddle up about in this week's show.

Subscribe, follow, and join the conversation as the Sports Huddle delivers weekly sports news, interviews, analysis, and coverage from Western North Carolina and beyond.

#SportsHuddle #MarchMadness #CollegeBasketball #NorthCarolina #AtlantaBraves #NFL #HighSchoolSports #WesternNorthCarolina #SportsPodcast #BigfootCountry #ChrisKelly #Podbean

Host Chris Kelly kicks off the very first edition of the Sports Huddle as the show expands across Western North Carolina and beyond. In this packed premiere episode, Chris is joined by longtime sports insider Stan Pamfilis, legendary football coach Bruce Ollis, and McDowell basketball coach Brian Franklin for a wide-ranging discussion on the biggest stories in sports.

Topics include:

• NCAA Tournament predictions, sleepers, and Final Four contenders
• Duke, North Carolina, Clemson, Furman, and other regional teams heading into March Madness
• Atlanta Braves spring training and expectations for the upcoming MLB season
• NFL offseason moves and quarterback storylines
• High school athletics, transfers, NIL, and the changing landscape of sports
• Coach Bruce Ollis shares memorable stories from his coaching career and his experiences with the beloved "Radio" from the hit movie Radio
• Coach Brian Franklin breaks down tournament matchups, bracket busters, and players to watch

Whether you're a fan of college basketball, football, baseball, or local sports across the Carolinas, this inaugural episode has something for everyone.

Subscribe, follow, and join the conversation as Sports Huddle brings you the latest sports news, analysis, interviews, and local coverage every week.

🎙️ Sports Huddle Podcast – Episode 1: March Madness, Braves Baseball & Stories from the Sidelines Hosted by Chris Kelly | Produced by Cameron Crisp and the Sports Huddle Team

#SportsHuddle #MarchMadness #CollegeBasketball #AtlantaBraves #HighSchoolSports #NCAA #Podcast #WesternNorthCarolinaSports