Asheville High School Athletic Hall of Fame

During Black History Month, The Urban News is proud to introduce members of the inaugural Asheville High School Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring trailblazing athletes and coaches whose excellence, leadership, and perseverance helped shape Asheville High’s proud athletic tradition and opened doors for future generations.

This historic first class is intentionally expansive, recognizing legendary figures whose impact was so profound that some of their jerseys have been retired or school facilities bear their names. In honoring the legacy of Asheville High School, the Hall of Fame also acknowledges its deeper roots by celebrating individuals from Stephens-Lee and Lee Edwards high schools, ensuring their achievements and stories remain central to the community’s history.

Crezdon Butler – Football

Rushed for over 5,000 yards, breaking Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice’s record

From a do-it-all standout at Asheville High School to a professional defensive back, Crezdon Butler’s journey has been defined by persistence, versatility, and adaptability.

As the quarterback of the Cougars, he led Asheville to an undefeated NC State Championship in 2005 and was named MVP of the title game. A dominant multi-position athlete, Butler rushed for a school-record 5,030 yards—surpassing the mark once held by Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice—while scoring 60 rushing touchdowns and recording 12 career interceptions.

During his senior season alone, he totaled 1,435 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, added 750 passing yards and five passing touchdowns, and on defense posted 62 tackles, seven interceptions, eight pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. His remarkable high school career earned him First-Team All-State honors, Shrine Bowl selection, and recognition as a four-star recruit and a top-15 cornerback nationally.

Butler carried that success into college, becoming a cornerstone of Clemson’s secondary as a four-year starter and one of the Clemson Tigers’ most reliable defenders. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers and went on to play professional football from 2010 to 2022, suiting up for eight NFL teams.

Among his memorable moments was breaking up an Aaron Rodgers-to-Davante Adams pass on a critical PAT while with the Detroit Lions to seal a win over the Green Bay Packers. Butler also extended his professional career in the Canadian Football League, playing for three teams and continuing to showcase the adaptability and resilience that defined his football journey.

Charles “Buster” Ray – Football

Nicknamed “Lightning,” he changed the momentum of the game

Charles “Buster” Ray was a record-setting running back at Asheville High School who was known for his speed and quickness. He was selected for the North-South Carolina Shrine Bowl and the NCCA East-West All Star game. Ray was the MVP in both games. At North Carolina State University, he played in four bowl games with NFL players Johnny Evans and Ted Brown. Buster is still in the NC State University’s record book.

Buster had an outstanding high school and college career, highlighted by numerous honors and achievements. At Asheville High School, he was a dominant force in the Southwestern 4-A Conference, rushing for 1,109 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns during the 1973 season. That same year, he was named Buncombe County Back of the Year, Western North Carolina Back of the Year, and earned MVP honors in the 1973 NC–SC Shrine Bowl. He continued to collect accolades in 1974, being named MVP of the NC East-West All-Star Game and qualifying for the NC State High School Track Finals in the 100-yard dash.

Ray went on to play at NC State University from 1974 to 1978, where the team appeared in four bowl games and ranked in the Top 20 nationally all four years. During Ray’s collegiate career, he also tied for the sixth-longest touchdown run in school history with an 85-yard score.

Charles Wesley Thomas – Baseball

A disciplined hitter who turned hometown roots into a Major League dream

Charles Wesley Thomas first stood out at Asheville High School, developing into one of western North Carolina’s top hitters. He compiled a .420 career batting average with more than 120 hits, 20 home runs, and over 90 RBIs, using his speed and consistency to become a key part of Asheville’s lineup and one of the region’s most reliable offensive players.

Thomas carried that success to Western Carolina University, where he became one of the Southern Conference’s most dangerous hitters. In 1999 he led the conference with a .406 batting average and earned All-Southern Conference honors, finishing his college career as one of the program’s top offensive performers and a proven run producer.

Selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 19th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft, Thomas later reached the majors and made his debut with Atlanta on June 23, 2004.

During the 2004 season he hit .288 with seven home runs and 31 RBIs in 83 games, and he finished his Major League career with a .259 batting average, seven home runs, and 32 RBIs in 113 games, adding a .266 minor league average with 37 home runs, 279 RBIs, and 83 stolen bases.

Willie Hayes Tobe – Football, Basketball, Track

“Thunder,” Commander of the Gridiron

Willie Hayes Tobe, nicknamed “Thunder,” established himself at Asheville High School as one of the most dynamic athletes of his era, lettering in football, basketball, and track. On the gridiron, he earned All-Conference honors in 1972 and was named All-Western North Carolina in 1971 and 1972. His remarkable senior season brought a long list of accolades, including Citizen-Times Buncombe County Back of the Year, First Team All-WNC, All-Buncombe County, All-Conference, All-WNC Scholastic Football, Asheville High School MVP, and Team Captain. He also became the school’s first 1,000-yard rusher, gaining 1,020 yards in just seven games—an average of 146 yards per game.

Over four varsity seasons from 1969–72, including his ninth-grade year, Tobe rushed for 2,202 career yards and produced one of the most memorable plays in school history with a 95-yard touchdown run in 1971—still the second longest on record. He was named Asheville Jaycees Back of the Week three times and earned All Buncombe County and All-Conference recognition in both 1971 and 1972, while also contributing in basketball (1970–72) and track (1971), highlighting his all-around athletic excellence.

Tobe continued his football career at Shaw University, where he added two collegiate touchdowns before returning home to Asheville and dedicating more than 23 years of service to Asheville City Schools, leaving a legacy of excellence, leadership, and community pride.

Johnny White – Football

From Record-Breaking Tailback to the NFL

Johnny White emerged as one of the greatest players in Asheville High School history, rewriting the record books with 5,133 career rushing yards—breaking a 63-year-old mark set by Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice. A powerful and explosive tailback, White rushed for 1,855 yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior, leading the Cougars to the 2005 NCHSAA 3A State Championship. He was named All-Western North Carolina Player of the Year and recognized as one of the state’s top all-purpose backs.

At the University of North Carolina, White’s versatility made him a key contributor in multiple roles, including running back, receiver, defensive back, and special teams. He developed into a dependable offensive weapon and, during his senior season in 2010, led the Tar Heels in rushing with 720 yards and seven touchdowns while surpassing 1,000 all-purpose yards, earning an honorable mention All-ACC honors.

White reached the professional level when he was selected in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He later spent time with both the Bills and Green Bay Packers, contributing on offense and special teams, and fulfilled his dream of playing in the NFL while proudly representing Asheville and western North Carolina.

Retired Jersey/Facility Name Inductees

John Avery – Football

Blazing Speed, Record-Breaking Legacy

John Avery was one of the most explosive players ever to wear the Asheville High uniform, rushing for 1,871 yards and 32 touchdowns as a senior while tying a North Carolina state record with seven touchdowns in a single game. His speed and big-play ability carried him to Ole Miss, where he became one of the SEC’s top running backs. Avery rushed for 788 yards and 5 touchdowns in 1996 and followed with 862 yards and 7 touchdowns in 1997, finishing his college career with 1,650 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns while earning All-SEC honors and becoming a finalist for the Conerly Trophy, awarded to Mississippi’s top college player.

Avery was selected in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft (29th overall) by the Miami Dolphins. As a rookie he rushed for 503 yards and two touchdowns, and over his NFL career with the Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings he totaled 524 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns while contributing as a receiver and return specialist.

He later continued his professional career in the Canadian Football League with the Edmonton Eskimos and Toronto Argonauts, reaching the Grey Cup championship in 2004 and earning a reputation as a dangerous return threat. In recognition of his outstanding career and lasting impact, Asheville High School retired Avery’s No. 20 jersey in 2010, honoring one of the greatest athletes in school history.

Larry E. “Go-Go” Grant – Basketball

Leaves a Lasting Legacy on Regional and National Basketball

Larry E. “Go-Go” Grant built one of the most memorable careers in local basketball history, leading the final Lee Edwards High School team to the North Carolina 4A State Championship Game and earning All-Tournament honors. A dynamic scorer and floor leader, Grant averaged over 20 points per game during his standout high school career, was twice named Buncombe County Player of the Year, and earned All-State and All-American recognition. His exceptional play also led to his selection for the prestigious East-West All-Star Game, confirming his place among the region’s elite players.

Grant carried that success to Western Carolina University, where he became one of the Catamounts’ most productive guards from 1969-73. He scored more than 1,100 career points and recorded 557 assists, ranking among the program’s all-time leaders while establishing himself as both a scoring threat and one of the top playmakers in school history.

In recognition of his achievements, Asheville High School retired Grant’s No. 23 jersey in 2015—the first Lee Edwards player to receive the honor—cementing his legacy as a fierce competitor, respected leader, and lasting inspiration in western North Carolina basketball.

Eugene “Gene” Hammonds

Building a Strong Reputation for Discipline, Leadership, and Excellence

Eugene “Gene” Hammonds stands among Asheville’s most respected athletes, coaches, and mentors. A standout multi-sport athlete at Stephens-Lee High School and later at Shaw University, he built a reputation for discipline, leadership, and excellence that would shape his lifelong commitment to education and athletics. His accomplishments as a player laid the groundwork for a career devoted to guiding young people through sports and personal development.

Following school integration, Coach Hammonds became a cornerstone of Asheville High School athletics. He served 35 years as head baseball coach, leading generations of student-athletes, and spent decades as an assistant football coach. In 1984, he made history as western North Carolina’s first African American head football coach, serving in an interim role during a pivotal time for both the program and the community.

For more than 50 years, Coach Hammonds has impacted hundreds of Asheville students as a mentor, teacher, and leader, helping young athletes grow in character, confidence, and purpose. In February 2020, Asheville High School honored his legacy by naming its baseball and football fields after him, ensuring his influence will be remembered for generations.

Leonard Little – Football

Dominant Defender from Asheville to the Super Bowl

Leonard Little emerged at Asheville High School as a standout linebacker and wide receiver, earning All-Conference honors for three consecutive years. As a senior he was named All-State and All-American and was selected to play in the 1991 Shrine Bowl, establishing himself as one of the top defensive prospects in North Carolina. His strength, speed, and relentless play made him one of the most dominant two-way athletes in school history, later honored when Asheville High retired his No. 30 jersey in 2005.

At the University of Tennessee, Little developed into one of college football’s premier defensive players. He was a two-time All-SEC selection and earned All-American honors in 1997, finishing his Volunteers career with 28.5 sacks and more than 180 total tackles while helping anchor one of the nation’s top defenses.

Little was selected in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams and went on to build an outstanding professional career. A Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selection, he recorded 87.5 career sacks and became a cornerstone of the Rams’ famed “Greatest Show on Turf” era. He started in Super Bowl XXXIV, helping secure the championship victory, and remained one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers during his career.

Henry Logan – Basketball

Trailblazer, Champion, and Scoring Legend

Henry Logan was one of the greatest all-around athletes in western North Carolina and Stephens-Lee High School history, excelling in basketball. He played football (quarterback) and baseball, while leading the Bears to the 1962 state basketball championship and a runner-up finish in 1964. A dominant scorer and leader, Logan earned All-State and All-American honors and built a reputation as one of the most electrifying players of his era, finishing his high school career at Stephens-Lee High School as one of the region’s most accomplished athletic competitors.

Logan became a pioneer at Western Carolina University as the first African American to play at a predominantly white college in the South. He went on to earn four-time All-American honors, averaged more than 30 points per game, and scored over 40 points in a game twenty times during his remarkable college career. His outstanding play helped the United States capture the gold medal at the 1967 Pan American Games, further cementing his national reputation as an elite scorer and leader.

Logan later played professionally with the Oakland Oaks, continuing his basketball career at the highest level. In recognition of his extraordinary achievements and lasting impact, Asheville High School retired his No. 24 jersey in 2006, honoring a true trailblazer whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

Rhonda Mapp – Basketball

Dominance, Championships, and a Legacy of Strength

Rhonda Mapp was a winner at every level, beginning at Asheville High School where she led the Cougars to the 1987 state championship. A dominant force in the paint, Mapp became the school’s all-time leading rebounder with 1,032 career rebounds (1985–87), set the record for average rebounds per season (514), and averaged an extraordinary 34 rebounds per game in 1987. Her strength, determination, and leadership made her one of the most dominant players in Asheville High girls’ basketball history.

Mapp carried her success to NC State University, where she helped lead the Wolfpack to an ACC Championship and earned All-ACC honors twice. She led the conference in both scoring and rebounding, establishing herself as one of the premier post players in college basketball and one of the most physically dominant competitors of her era.

Her excellence continued at the professional level when she was selected third overall in the 1997 WNBA Draft. Mapp went on to help lead the Los Angeles Sparks to the 2001 WNBA Championship, cementing her legacy as a champion at every level of the game. In recognition of her remarkable career and lasting impact, Asheville High School retired her No. 51 jersey in 2001.

Rashanda McCants-Johnson – Basketball

Championship Leader, Record Breaker, Tar Heel Great

Rashanda McCants built one of the most decorated careers in Asheville High School history, leading the Cougars to three state championships while becoming one of the most dominant players ever to wear the uniform. Rashanda scored a school-record 2,285 career points (2002–05) and grabbed 1,011 rebounds, ranking third all-time, while earning two All-State selections, two North Carolina Miss Basketball honors, McDonald’s All-American recognition, and North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year. Her remarkable scoring ability, leadership, and winning tradition defined an era of excellence for Asheville High, which retired her No. 32 jersey in 2009. McCants continued her success at the UNC-Chapel Hill, where she became a College All-American and one of the Tar Heels’ top basketball performers.

Known for her versatility, rebounding strength, and scoring touch, she developed into a player competing at the highest level of collegiate basketball and helped keep North Carolina among the nation’s top programs during her career.

Her achievements carried into professional basketball when she was selected 15th overall in the 2009 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx. McCants competed at the game’s highest level, completing a championship-filled journey from high school star to college standout to professional athlete, securing her legacy as one of Asheville’s greatest basketball players.

Ray Roberts – Football

Dominant Tackle from Asheville High to the NFL

Ray Roberts began his football journey at Asheville High School, graduating in 1987 before heading to the University of Virginia on a scholarship. Roberts’ impact as a dominant offensive lineman earned him All‑Conference honors and made him one of the most highly recruited linemen in western North Carolina history, setting the stage for his decorated collegiate career.

At Virginia, Roberts was a four‑time letterman (1988-1991) and one of the most respected tackles in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He earned First‑Team All‑ACC honors in both 1990 and 1991 and was named First‑Team All‑American in 1991, culminating his college career by winning the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC’s top blocker in consecutive seasons. His leadership helped the Cavaliers to multiple bowl appearances and the 1989 ACC Championship, and his jersey was retired by the University of Virginia in 2009 in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments.

Roberts was selected 10th overall in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks and played nine seasons in the league with the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions. Over his NFL career he appeared in 127 games and made 116 starts, anchoring offensive lines with his size and consistency, and serving as a team leader throughout his professional tenure. Asheville High honored his legacy by retiring his No. 56 jersey in 1992.

Sonita Warren-Dixon – Basketball Coach

Trailblazer, Champion, and Leader on and off the Court

Sonita Warren-Dixon has spent over 30 years shaping Asheville High School athletics, leaving an indelible mark as a coach and mentor. As head coach of the girls’ basketball program, she led her teams to three consecutive 3A State Championships and an extraordinary 54-game winning streak, building one of the most dominant programs in North Carolina history. Her leadership and commitment to excellence helped develop countless student-athletes.

Warren-Dixon also broke barriers as she transitioned to coach the boys’ basketball team, becoming the first African American woman in North Carolina to coach a boys’ team. Over her combined coaching career, she amassed hundreds of career wins, cementing her reputation as one of western North Carolina’s most successful and respected coaches. Her teams were consistently competitive, known for disciplined play, strong fundamentals, and a culture of accountability and teamwork.

In 2019, she made history again by becoming Asheville High School’s Athletic Director, the first African American woman in western North Carolina to hold the role. In recognition of her groundbreaking career and lasting impact on the school and community, Asheville High officially named its gym floor after her in 2024, honoring a legacy defined by leadership, excellence, and trailblazing achievement.