“It was even better than what I expected,” said Smith. “The whole experience was just amazing. I think all the kids enjoyed it. Everybody stepped up and pitched in.”

The Huskies also picked up a key win in the event’s nightcap, defeating Charlotte Catholic 2-1. Nathaniel Goodwin and Tanner Roberts scored the Hough goals, on assists from Santiago Patino and Tim Carpenter.

Goodwin (11) and Roberts (9) have combined for 20 goals.

Hopewell was to play rival Hopewell Wednesday after this edition’s press time.

Hopewell entered that contest 2-3-1 after a 7-2 win over West Charlotte. Cole Tesar and Eli Greear each scored two goals for the Titans, while Ryan Vue, Mark Hoogendoorn and Lucas Fisher added one each.