Herring, Washington lead Kinston past Martin County 73-62, Vikings advance to state championship
Herring, Washington lead Kinston past Martin County 73-62, Vikings advance to state championship
GREENVILLE — When the moment called for experience, Kinston leaned on a backcourt that has grown together for years.
Behind a combined 42 points from Keyshawn Herring and Jamarion Washington, the Kinston Vikings pulled away in the second half to defeat the Martin County Gators, 73-62, in the NCHSAA 3A East Regional final at Minges Coliseum.
The victory pushes Kinston to 21-3 on the season and sends the Vikings to the 3A state championship, where they will face Walkertown at Wake Forest University. The date and time for the championship game have not yet been announced.
The win keeps alive another title pursuit for one of North Carolina’s most decorated programs. Kinston entered the postseason with 11 state championships and a team determined to add another banner.
Martin County entered the game as the No. 4 seed and came out aggressive early. The Gators grabbed momentum in the opening quarter and built a 21-17 lead after the first period, forcing the Vikings to respond.
Kinston settled in during the second quarter, tightening its defense and finding rhythm offensively. By halftime, the Vikings had taken a 35-33 lead, setting up a pivotal second half.
From there, the longtime chemistry between Herring and Washington began to show.
Herring finished with a game-high 22 points, knocking down three 3-pointers while attacking the basket throughout the night. Washington added 20 points, providing steady scoring and leadership during the Vikings’ third-quarter surge.
The duo’s connection runs deep. Herring and Washington have played together since their Rochelle days, and both have been starters for Kinston since their freshman seasons, bringing years of familiarity to the Vikings’ offense.
Kinston seized control in the third quarter, outscoring Martin County 18-8 to take a double-digit lead into the final period. The Vikings continued to pressure the Gators defensively while scoring consistently in transition and inside the paint.
Kinston finished with 40 points in the paint and used its defensive pressure to generate opportunities throughout the second half.
Herring and Washington led the way, but the Vikings also received contributions across the lineup.
Genesis Wiggins finished with nine points, continuing a strong postseason stretch. The senior has now scored 83 points over Kinston’s last four playoff games, providing a consistent scoring presence during the Vikings’ run.
Brennan Chambers added 10 points, while Jhayeir Koonce scored six. Justin Gooding and Jaylen Hawkins each chipped in three points for Kinston.
Martin County was led by Jordan Matthewson with 17 points, while Kamarion Larry added 12 and TarQuavious Robertson finished with 11 for the Gators.
Despite the loss, Martin County battled throughout the night and kept the game competitive until Kinston’s third-quarter push created separation.
Kinston’s only losses this season have come against Farmville Central, which entered the playoffs undefeated before facing Martin County, and Northern Nash, a team currently playing for the 6A state championship.
Now sitting at 21-3, the Vikings are headed to Winston-Salem with a chance to add another chapter to their championship legacy when they face Walkertown for the 3A state title.
