Basketball - Kings Mountain High School vs. Crest High School

Capturing High School Basketball Action in Kings Mountain, NC

This year, I’ve been doing contract work for TPS Photography, a local photography company based in Morganton, NC, that specializes in yearbook contracts for various high schools. As part of my work with them, I’m covering sports action photography, documenting high school athletes in action.

On the evening of January 26, 2021, I traveled to Kings Mountain, NC, to photograph an exciting basketball matchup between Kings Mountain High School and Crest High School from Shelby, NC. This was my first time covering high school basketball during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I have to say, it was a unique experience seeing players compete while wearing face masks.

The Importance of Sports Photography

Sports photography is more than just capturing the action—it's about preserving the energy, determination, and teamwork that make each game special. High-quality sports images provide schools, athletes, and families with lasting memories while also being an essential part of yearbook and athletic program coverage. Whether it’s the intensity of a game-winning shot or the emotion of a hard-fought match, every photo tells a story.

Here are a few of my favorite images from the night’s game.

Book a Professional Sports Photographer

If you're looking for professional sports photography in North Carolina or Southwest Virginia, I’d love to capture the action. Whether it’s high school athletics, college sports, or local events, my goal is to deliver dynamic images that showcase the heart of the game. Contact me at BenEarpPhotography@gmail.com to schedule sports coverage for your team or organization.

Kings Mountain vs. Crest Volleyball - 12-8-2020

High School Volleyball Action: Kings Mountain vs. Crest

I had the opportunity to capture some exciting high school volleyball action after being contracted by TPS Photography in Morganton, North Carolina. This match featured Kings Mountain High School (Kings Mountain, NC) taking on Crest High School (Shelby, NC) at Kings Mountain’s home court. Both the JV and Varsity teams were packed with talent, so it was set to be a night of competitive and high-energy matches.

Capturing Volleyball in the Era of Covid-19

With Covid-19 restrictions still in place, everyone inside the gym—players, coaches, and spectators—was required to wear masks. Photographing athletes mid-game while wearing masks created a unique visual element that will serve as a reminder of how different life was during this time. Years from now, looking back at these images will be a testament to the resilience of student-athletes who played through unprecedented challenges.

A Night of Intensity and Energy

From the first serve to the final point, both teams played their hearts out, making for some incredible moments to capture through my lens. The fast-paced action, powerful spikes, and intense rallies kept the energy high throughout the night. These photos will be featured in both schools’ yearbooks, preserving the memories of an unforgettable season for the players, coaches, and fans.

A huge thank you to TPS Photography for bringing me on board to photograph this match. It’s always a privilege to document student-athletes giving their all on the court.