Welcome to the weekly sports roundup in the greater Charlotte area presented by The Sports Chief. Every Sunday, let The Chief be the one to catch you up on all the latest sports happenings in and around the Charlotte, NC area. We take a look at professional sports, as well as semi-professional, college, and high school. If you like what we’re doing, make sure you give us a follow on Twitter at @thesportschief where you’ll be notified of all our latest postings, and visit our website at www.thesportschief.com.

Professional

Carolina Panthers

After what head coach Matt Rhule considered the team’s worst practice early in the week, he admitted Wednesday’s practice saw a completely different team. Turnovers were way down and discipline on both sides of the ball was actually present. New quarterback Sam Darnold looked especially impressive, beginning the day 4-4 with three touchdown passes. It was nice to see for Panthers fans, as everyone has no clue what to expect from the former third overall pick by the Jets.

New tight end Dan Arnold has been very impressive as well, and has emerged as a favorite target for Darnold. With the tight end position being a glaring weakness last season, if Arnold can step up and fill that gap the way he’s done so far in training camp, it will improve the offense drastically. Perhaps it’s the Darnold and Arnold name similarities that make the pass-catch connection inevitable. With pre-season limited to three games this year, the first one will be against the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets added some new faces this week with a couple of signings and a trade. The trade was a 3-team deal that involved the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies. In it, guard Devonte Graham was sent to New Orleans in exchange for a protected 2022 1st round pick (lotter protection), Wes Iwundu, and cash considerations. From the Grizzlies, the Hornets received the draft rights to Tyler Harvey.

The first free agent signing was small forward Kelly Oubre Jr to a 2-year, $26 million deal. The 25-year old averaged 15 points and 6 rebounds with Golden State last year. The other signing was Charlotte-area native Ish Smith, who has played 11 seasons in the NBA after playing his collegiate career at Wake Forest. The veteran guard signed a one-year deal with the Hornets and should be a good mentor to young guards Lamelo Ball and 1st round draft pick James Bouknight.

Semi-Professional

Charlotte Knights

With a double-header today to make up for the rain-out last night, the Knights and the Stripers wrap up a six game series in the suburb just outside of Atlanta. Charlotte is 1-3 in that series so far and have only won three of their last ten games. It has not been a season to remember for first year manager Wes Helms, as the Knights are 29-52 on the season and sit in last place (7th) in the Southeast Division. After their double-header today, the Knights will receive a day off tomorrow before continuing their road trip in Jacksonville on Tuesday against the Jumbo Shrimp.

Charlotte Checkers

Countdown to the first game of the season: 69 days

College Football

Charlotte 49ers

First Game of the Season: September 3rd, vs. Duke

Toughest Game of the Season: October 2nd, @Illinois

Most Interesting Game of the Season: September 3rd, vs. Duke

Davidson Wildcats

First Game of the Season: September 4th, @VMI

Toughest Game of the Season: September 4th, @VMI

Most Interesting Game of the Season: October 23rd, @Butler

Appalachian State Mountaineers

First Game of the Season: September 2nd, vs. East Carolina

Toughest Game of the Season: September 11th, @Miami

Most Interesting Game of the Season: September 2nd, vs. East Carolina

High School

Football

High school football season begins in just two weeks! Between those two weeks, we will be taking a closer look at predictions for the upcoming season and some of the area’s top players to watch. Remember with the new conference alignments beginning this year, it will make things especially interesting as well. Stay tuned!

Garett

Queen City Sports Report