Featured
Kinston used explosive plays from Genesis Wiggins, Tyreek Copper and Tyler Jones, plus a dominant defensive effort, to roll past No. 3 Midway 34–13 and advance to the third round of the NCHSAA 3A playoffs.
Greene Central’s inaugural flag football team delivered a historic debut, going 2–1 on the day behind first-ever touchdowns, clutch defensive plays, and rapid growth across all three games.
Kinston’s senior duo of quarterback Tyler Jones and wide receiver Tyreek Copper are rewriting the record books. Jones has thrown for 3,196 yards and 42 touchdowns, while Copper has racked up 1,677 receiving yards and 24 scores. Together, they’ve shattered school records and climbed into North Carolina’s all-time lists as they lead the Vikings into the second round of the playoffs, still chasing history — and a state championship.
The Brandon Ingram family donated a new scoreboard to Rochelle Middle School, reflecting their long-standing promise to support Kinston, as Donald Ingram said, “When we give back we try to touch quantity as well as quality, meaning a large amount of people with everlasting impressions,”
Greene Central’s playoff run ended in heartbreaking fashion Friday as the No. 17 Rams fell 37–36 to No. 16 Wallace-Rose Hill. Quarterback Josh Cetnar threw for 239 yards and three touchdowns, and Dejuan Cobb added 98 yards rushing, but a missed call late in the fourth quarter proved costly in a game that went down to the wire.
Kinston erased an early deficit and unleashed a record-setting offensive performance to crush North Moore 53–7 in the first round of the 3A state playoffs. Tyreek Copper hauled in three touchdowns to move into the top five all-time in North Carolina receiving yards, while quarterback Tyler Jones tied a school record with seven touchdown passes as the Vikings advanced to face Midway in Round 2.
South Lenoir alum Vance Wade returns to his alma mater as head boys basketball coach, aiming to rebuild the program’s culture and excitement after years of struggle and frequent coaching changes
The Cougars capped an undefeated 4–0 season with a 44–14 win over Rochelle to claim the conference championship and complete a dominant county sweep.
North Lenoir rallied late to defeat North Johnston 2–1 in overtime to advance to the 4A second round, while Greene Central, Jones Senior, and Spring Creek also moved forward in playoff action.
#14 North Lenoir (11-12) hosts #19 North Johnston (7-15-2) in a 4A first-round rematch of conference rivals, while #10 Spring Creek (11-12-1) welcomes #23 South Lenoir (6-13-2) in 3A action, with the Gators holding a 7-0 all-time edge in Tuesday’s playoff openers.
Jones Senior, Greene Central, South Lenoir, and North Lenoir have all qualified for the NCHSAA soccer playoffs, with Jones Senior and Greene Central earning first-round byes, while South Lenoir and North Lenoir open postseason play on the road and at home, respectively.
