In this column, Trey Scott reflects on his journey from rivalry to respect, and how Kinston head coach Ryan Gieselman’s long-term vision and relentless work have led the Vikings to the doorstep of a state championship.
After a 3–3 start, Kinston made key offensive line changes that fueled an 8–1 surge to the state championship game — a reminder that superheroes don’t wear capes, they line up in the trenches.
Kinston’s journey to the state championship is the story of a relentless, blue-collar defense that crushed five straight playoff offenses, held every contender far below its season averages, and forged an identity ready to challenge 12-time champion Shelby.
GCMS improved to 4-1 (4-0 conference) with a 45-27 win over Chicod, pulling away late after a tight game behind strong performances from Kam Jones and Josiah Joyner.
A packed week of local sports features NNS live shows, key basketball and wrestling matchups across the county, and Kinston’s 3A State Championship showdown with Shelby on Saturday.
Tyreek Copper isn’t just breaking records — he has became one of the greatest receivers in North Carolina history, and now he enters the 3A State Championship with a chance to finish a legendary 50-game career in unforgettable fashion.
Brennan Chambers, a former basketball-first athlete turned standout 6'5 receiver, has emerged as a Marshall signee and one-half of one of North Carolina’s top receiving duos while leading Kinston to the state championship in just his second year ever playing football.
Check out our NNS guy’s five takes from a night where Kinston outmuscled James Kenan, controlled the trenches, and delivered a statement playoff upset.
Kinston football shocks the state by dominating James Kenan 30-7 on the road, ending decades of heartbreak, snapping the Tigers’ 14-game home win streak, and punching the program’s first state championship ticket since 2015.
Greene Central surged past North Lenoir 52–36 behind Azaria Mumford’s 15 points, An’Nysha Wooten’s 10-point double-double, and Janiyah Sutton’s nine-steal defensive performance to move to 2–0 on the season.
Greene Central dominated the boards, leaned on a balanced attack led by DJ Williams and Josh Cetnar, and completed a season sweep of North Lenoir with a 65–49 road win to improve to 2–0.
GCMS rolled past Bethel 53–21 as all 15 players scored, improving to 3–1 and 3–0 in conference play with Coach Steven Christie praising the team’s growth, depth, and upcoming boost from soon-to-return Nathan Ross.