Larson, Avent brothers lead local contingent to states at 3A East Regional
Larson, Avent brothers lead local contingent to states at 3A East Regional
SNOW HILL — Goldsboro’s Caleb Larson and Greene Central’s doubles teams headline a strong showing from the area after the 2026 NCHSAA 3A East Regional, with five players advancing to the state championships.
Larson captured the singles title in commanding fashion, defeating Greene Central’s Bryson Warrick 6-0, 6-3 in the championship match. The Goldsboro standout rolled through the bracket, dropping just six total games across three matches.
Warrick earned his spot in the state championships after battling through one of the tournament’s most competitive matches in the semifinals. The Greene Central senior defeated Goldsboro’s Teddy Acorn 6-7 (6-8), 6-1, 7-6 (7-5) in a dramatic three-set battle.
“Bryson had to claw his way to the States with a tough three-setter in the semifinal,” Greene Central coach Tim Medlin said.
In doubles play, Greene Central once again dominated the regional field as Sam Avent and Nick Avent defeated teammates Ben Ramsey and Eli Dawson 6-2, 6-1 in the finals.
The championship marked a historic accomplishment for the Avent brothers, who became the first doubles duo in Greene Central history to win four consecutive regional championships.
“The Avent boys have been historic talents for us, so it's perfect for them to make history as the only duo to win four straight regional titles,” Medlin said.
Ramsey and Dawson also qualified for the state championships by advancing to the regional finals.
“I’m glad to see that five of our players made it to States, including all three seniors,” Medlin said. “We didn't want to leave anybody behind.”
Other notable performances included Spring Creek’s Peyton Summerlin and Alex Hemenway reaching the doubles semifinals, while Ayden-Grifton’s Sunny Harrington earned a play-in victory before falling to Warrick in the quarterfinals.
The NCHSAA 3A State Championships will be held May 8-9 at Burlington Park in Burlington.
