Kinston girls surge to 10-0, eye deeper postseason run
Kinston girls surge to 10-0, eye deeper postseason run
Kinston’s girls basketball team is unbeaten through its first 10 games for the second straight season, but the early signs suggest this group is doing more than matching last year’s pace — it is setting a higher standard.
After finishing 21-4 a year ago and seeing the season end earlier than hoped in the playoffs, the Vikings have come out with a sharper edge. They improved to 10-0 on the season with a 77-18 win over South Lenoir on Tuesday night, continuing a run of dominant performances that has placed them firmly in the state title conversation.
Last season’s foundation remains intact. Then-sophomores Aleah Hill and Nashayla Mason led the team in scoring at 13.8 and 11.0 points per game, while America Lloyd and J’ryiana Edwards controlled the glass with 6.9 and 6.2 rebounds per contest. Ariyona Willis handled point guard duties as a junior, setting the tone offensively.
This year, even without full stat tracking available on MaxPreps yet, the balance and depth are unmistakable. Senior Willow Gardner brings a gritty presence in the paint, while junior K’niya Whitfield has taken noticeable steps forward, contributing as a reliable backup guard or point guard who can knock down shots and defend at a high level. Madison Green has continued to stand out defensively, and two newcomers have added another layer: senior Kiarah Pearson, a Spring Creek transfer, has provided instant offense as a shooter off the bench, and freshman Kelazya Ingram has carved out meaningful minutes on a team with championship aspirations.
Those aspirations are backed by the numbers. Kinston currently sits No. 1 in the state rankings and RPI in 3A. Across all classifications from 1A to 8A, MaxPreps lists the Vikings 39th overall.
The résumé so far has been emphatic. Kinston opened the season with a 63-39 win over Jacksonville, then dismantled South Lenoir 69-13. Wins over J.H. Rose (55-25) and North Lenoir (61-25) followed, before the Vikings handled North Duplin 62-45 and overwhelmed Farmville Central 54-18. A second win over North Lenoir (64-28) and victories against Northern Nash (58-30) and Ayden-Grifton (54-34) set the stage for Tuesday night’s rematch with South Lenoir.
Against the Blue Devils, Kinston blew the game open with a 28-point second quarter. Hill led the way with 19 points, and the Vikings showcased their depth with 14 different players scoring.
Through 10 games, Kinston has won by an average margin of 34.2 points, a figure that reflects both offensive firepower and defensive consistency night after night.
The challenge level rises next. Kinston hosts conference opponent Greene Central (7-5) before a marquee matchup Saturday morning against Goldsboro, the No. 2 team in the 3A state rankings and RPI, which enters at 9-2. For a Vikings team intent on turning last season’s lessons into a longer March run, the next few days offer a measuring stick — and an opportunity to keep making a statement.
