East Lincoln Completes Series Sweep with 3-0 Win Over Hickory

East Lincoln HS | Denver, NC | March 14, 2025

The East Lincoln Mustangs capped off a conference series sweep with a 3-0 victory over Hickory, riding dominant pitching and a timely home run to secure the win.

Brotherton’s Blast Breaks the Deadlock

With both teams locked in a scoreless duel through the first two innings, the Mustangs broke through in the third. Matthew Phuntek sparked the rally with an infield single before Braden Brotherton delivered the decisive blow—crushing a two-strike fastball over the left-field wall for a two-run homer. The early lead proved to be all East Lincoln needed as their pitching staff took over from there.

Pitching Trio Shuts Down Hickory

Ty Davis set the tone for East Lincoln, working four scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out four. Left-hander Tayden Dockens followed with 1.2 innings of shutout relief, striking out three and bridging the game to closer Cooper Royster. Royster was flawless in the final 1.1 innings, retiring every batter he faced to earn the save. The Mustangs' pitching staff combined to allow just two hits and one walk while striking out eight.

Hickory’s Solid Effort Falls Short

Hickory’s Maddox McRee turned in a strong start despite being on a pitch count after transitioning from basketball season. The right-hander went four innings, allowing just three hits and two runs while striking out six. Wyatt Everman pitched in relief, working two innings and surrendering an unearned run without allowing a hit.

However, Hickory’s offense struggled to find momentum against East Lincoln’s pitching, with Everman providing the team’s only two hits on the night.

Key Performers

Hickory:

• Wyatt Everman: 2-for-3
• Maddox McRee: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
• Wyatt Everman: 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R (0 ER), 2 BB, 2 K

East Lincoln:

• Matthew Phuntek: 1-for-3, 1 R
• Braden Brotherton: 1-for-2, HR, 1 R, 2 RBI
• Brandon Washington: 1-for-2, 2B
• Ty Davis: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (Win)
• Tayden Dockens: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
• Cooper Royster: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (Save)

SCOUT BLOG

Maddox McRee, RHP, Hickory HS, 2026
NC State commit. Second outing out of basketball and still building pitch count. Long, lean, straight line build. Listed at 6-foot-3, 180 pounds. Fastball sat