SWVA NOTES: Ervin steps down at Rye Cove; McClung reaches G-League milestone

One season and done. Luke Ervin has stepped down as head boys basketball coach at Rye Cove after one season. Ervin, the son of former Gate City head coach Greg Ervin, led the Eagles to a 14-11 record and the school's first region tournament victory since 1992. "I was honored to have the opportunity to coach at Rye Cove this year and I wish them all the best in the coming season," said Ervin, in a statement. "I look forward to filling whatever role God has planned next." While Carter Roach-Hodge will graduate, rising sophomore Ty Hood will return for the Eagles, having scored 589 points (22.7 points per game) in his freshman season for Rye Cove. Ervin was one of four Southwest Virginia boys basketball coaches to step down in the past week, joining Julius Gallishaw (Virginia High), Aaron Lowe (Honaker) and Fred Selfe (Patrick Henry). McClung record falls in Richmond On the same week that Gate City legend Mac McClung scored 54 points in a G League game, his record mark for a VHSL state championship game was broken. Fort Chiswell sophomore Owen Jackson scored 53 points, including a 3-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime, for the Pioneers in their 84-82 Class 1 state championship double-overtime loss to Luray on Friday in Richmond. McClung scored 47 points during Gate City's state championship game victory over R.E. Staunton in 2018. McClung reaches G League milestone In addition to scoring 54 points last Tuesday for the Windy City Bulls, the former Georgetown and Texas Tech guard became only the third player in G League history to eclipse 5,000 career points the night. McClung, whose previous high G League scoring output was 46, fell short of the all-time mark of 58 set in 2021 by Moses Brown of the Oklahoma City Blue. McClung currently has 5,101 G League points combining the Tip-Off Tournament, regular season and postseason, and trails only Renaldo Major (5,299) and Vander Blue (5,160) among the all-time scorers in G League history. Union hires Harless as football coach Union High School has hired Abingdon native and Emory & Henry University All-American Jamie Harless as its next head football coach. He replaces Travis Turner, who has been missing since disappearing on Nov. 20, and was officially fired by the Wise County School Board on Feb. 9. Harless spent 14 years as head coach at Lord Botetourt in Daleville, posting 134 wins, leading the Cavaliers to four regional title games and three appearances in the Class 3A state championship game. Bears fall in VHSL finals Despite 27 points by all-time leading scorer Katelynn Witt, Union dropped a 67-55 decision to Clarke County in the Class 2 state championship game on Friday in Richmond. Abingdon claims Class 3A state title North Carolina State signee Annsley (A.J.) Trivette provided 25 points and 14 rebounds to lead Abingdon to a 58-38 Class 3A state championship victory over Skyline on Saturday in Richmond. It was Abingdon's first girls basketball title, which came after the Falcons won the Class 3A volleyball crown in the fall. Graham finishes on top Ty Martin scored 25 points to pace three Graham scorers in double figures to lead the G-Men to a 65-58 Class 2 state championship game victory over Central-Woodstock on Friday in Richmond. It was Graham's first state championship since VHSL football coaching legend Lawrence "Burrhead" Bradley led the G-Men to the title in 1956. Mitchell inks with Panthers Former Union standout James Mitchell has signed a one-year contract extension with the Carolina Panthers. Mitchell, a tight end, who played at Virginia Tech and two seasons with the Detroit Lions, spent last season with the Panthers. He has 16 receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown in his career. Honaker's Stout gets paid ... well Former Honaker standout Jordan Stout has signed a 3-year, $12.3 million contract with the New York Giants, making him the highest paid punter in the NFL. A first team All-Pro selection last season, Stout will be reunited with head coach John Harbaugh, who left the Ravens and is now with the Giants. Muncy pitching well at ETSU Former Rye Cove softball standout Eden Muncy is having success at East Tennessee State. Muncy, who pitched the Eagles to the 2024 Class 1 state championship, is in her second season at ETSU, having posted a 2.78 ERA in eight appearances, striking out 22 in 22.2 innings for the Buccaneers, who are 12-8 on the season. McAmis solid in freshman season for Bucs Former Wise Central standout Emmah McAmis, who led the Warriors to three Class 2A state championships, recently completed her freshman campaign at East Tennessee State. She tallied 3.6 points and 3.0 rebounds in 30 games for the Buccaneers, which won the Southern Conference regular season title, but fell to Samford in the tournament semifinals. Virginia spring sports begin Monday The Virginia High School League officially begins the spring sports season on Monday for baseball, softball, along with boys and girls soccer, outdoor track and tennis. Among those looking to defend titles is Rye Cove senior Jalynn Rogers, who captured the Class 1 state high jump title last season. The Eastside softball team followed up Rye Cove's 2024 state crown by claiming the same title last season. Also, Abingdon's Trivette will look to defend her state titles in the shot put and discus.